A65285:2805
A Body of Practical Divinity
A body of practical divinity consisting of above one hundred seventy six sermons on the lesser catechism composed by the reverend assembly of divines at Westminster : with a supplement of some sermons on several texts of Scripture / by Thomas Watson ...
London: printed for Thomas Parkurst, 1692
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. Whereas it is said, Infants cannot understand the Mystery of Baptism, neither could the Child that was to be Circumcised understand Circumcision; yet the Ordinance of Circumcision was not to be omitted or deferred. An Infant, tho it understand not the meaning of Baptism, yet it may partake of the Blessing of Baptism. The little Children that Christ took in his Arms understood not Christ's meaning, but they had Christ's Blessing. Mark 10.16. He put his Hands upon them and blessed them.
Quest. But what Benefit can the Child have of Baptism, if it understands not the Nature of Baptism?
Answ. It may have a Right to the Promise sealed up, which it shall have an actual Interest in when it comes to have Faith. A Legacy may be of use to the Child in the Cradle; tho' now it understand not the Legacy, yet when it is grown up to Years, it is fully possessed of it. But it may be further Objected,
Obj. The Party to be Baptized is to be engaged to God; but how can the Child engage?
Obj. The Party to be Baptiz'd is to be engag'd to God; but how can the Child engage?