The grand debate between the most reverend bishops and the Presbyterian divines appointed by…

PRIVATE BAPTISM.

[We desire that Baptism may not be administered in a private place]. And so ¹do we, where it may be brought into the public Congregation. But since our Lord hath said, S. Joh 3. Unless one be born of Water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We think it fit that they should be Baptized in private, rather than not at all; It is appointed now to be done by the lawful Minister.

[We desire that Baptism may not be administred in a private place]. And so ¹do we, where it may be brought into the publick Congregation. But since our Lord hath said, S. Joh 3. Unlesse one be born of Water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We think it fit that they should be Baptized in private, rather than not at all; It is appointed now to be done by the lawful Minister.

1. 1Sect 8.

Repl. We must needs suppose you are disputing with Protestants, who ordinarily show the Papists that that Text, Joh. 3. asserteth no absolute necessity of Baptism to salvation. But we believe as well as you, that it is the regular way of solemn Initiation into the Covenant and Church of Christ, which none that indeed are the Children of the promise should neglect. As Coronation solemnizeth his entrance upon the Kingdom, that had before the title; And as Marriage solemnizeth that which before was done by consent; So Baptism solemnizeth the mutual Covenant, which before had a mutual consent, and none is authorised to consent for Infants but those that by nature, and Gods Law, have the power of disposing of them, and whose will is in sensu-forensi, the Children's will: It solemnly investeth us in what we had an Antecedent right to, and therefore belongs to none but those that have that right; And this we are ready to make good by any fair Debate that you will allow us.