[The axe laid to the root, or, One blow more at the foundation of…[The ax laid to the root, or, One blow more at the foundation of…

For, as it is without Scripture-Evidence, nay contrary to it; for God's Word, that tells us, Baptism washes not away the Filth of the Flesh, that is, the Corruption of depraved Nature; so 'tis contrary to Reason, and without any rational Demonstration, as Reverend Stephen Charnock, (tho' a Paedo-Baptist,) shows, Many Men (saith he) take Baptism for Regeneration: The Ancients usually give it this Term; one calls our Saviour's Baptism, his Regeneration. This confers not Grace, but engageth to it; outward Water cannot convey inward Life. How can Water, an external Thing, work upon the Soul, in a Physical manner? neither can it be proved, That ever the Spirit of God, is tied by any Promise, to apply himself to the Soul, in gracious Operations, when Water is applied to the Body. If it were so, that all that were Baptised, were Regenerated, then all that were Baptised, should be saved, or e•se the Doctrine of Perseverance falls •o the Ground — And again he says, That some indeed say, That Regeneration is conferred in Baptism, upon the Elect; but how so active a principle, as a spiritual Life should lye d•a•, and sleep to lo•g, even many ⟨p. 31⟩Years, which intervene between Baptism and Conversion, is not easily conceivable. Charnock on Regen. p. 75. Sir, Do but prove what you here affirm, and I will write no more against Infant-Baptism; and till that's done, all you say is nothing, in my Judgment.

For, as it is without Scripture-Evidence, nay contrary to it; for God's Word, that tells us, Baptism washes not away the Filth of the Flesh, that is, the Corruption of depraved Nature; so 'tis contrary to Reason, and without any rational Demonstration, as Reverend Stephen Charnock, (tho' a Paedo-Baptist,) shews, Many Men (saith he) take Baptism for Regeneration: The Ancients usually give it this Term; one calls our Saviour's Baptism, his Regeneration. This conferrs not Grace, but engageth to it; outward Water cannot convey inward Life. How can Water, an external Thing, work upon the Soul, in a Physical manner? neither can it be proved, That ever the Spirit of God, is tyed by any Promise, to apply himself to the Soul, in gracious Opperations, when Water is applyed to the Body. If it were so, that all that were Baptised, were Regenerated, then all that were Baptised, should be saved, or ese the Doctrine of Perseverance falls o the Ground — And again he says, That some indeed say, That Regeneration is conferred in Baptim, upon the Elect; but how so active a principle, as a spiritual Life should lye da, and sleep to log, even many