Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 61. All this is expressed in the very words of Ministerial application, in the common Prayer-book: which are these [we receive this Child into the Congregation of Christs flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the Devil, and to continue Christs faithful soldier and servant unto his lives end, Amen.] So that you see here it is used as a listing, investing, Covenant sign, engaging us to be Christs soldiers, and not to be ashamed of his Cross, or to confess his faith, and manfully to fight, &c. and to persevere. What's wanting here to make a Sacrament?

§. 61. All this is expressed in the very words of Ministerial application, in the common Prayer-book: which are these [we receive this Child into the Congregation of Christs flock, and do sign him with the sign of the cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight under his banner, against sin, the world, and the Devil, and to continue Christs faithfull soldier and servant unto his lives end, Amen.] So that you see here it is used as a listing, investing, Covenant sign, engaging us to be Christs soldiers, and not to be ashamed of his Cross, or to confess his faith, and manfully to fight, &c. and to persevere. What's wanting here to make a Sacrament?

§. 62. Yet had it been but a bare Professing sign, like writing or lifting up the hand, to signify consent, instead of words, I durst not have concluded so hardly of it: And thus it seems in ancient times it began to be brought into use: and the voluntary use of the cross on several occasions, in many countries at this day, doth seem to be no other. But, for my own part, I dare not be guilty by consent, of making a humane Sacrament, or stating such an engaging Sacramental sign, to all these uses, in the public worship of God. I had rather suffer or leave my Ministry, them venture on this, while I see so much to make me fear that it is a sin. But again I say, as I reverence the ancients that used the cross (I think amiss, and yet more warrantably then we,) so I presume not to censure them that judge it lawful; but only give the reasons that make me doubt, and rather think it to be unlawful, though still with a suspicion of my own understanding, and a love and honour to dissenters.