The grounds and ends of the baptism of the children of the faithful. Opened…The grounds and ends of the baptisme of the children of the faithfull. Opened…

Furthermore, when you exclude Infants from being true passive subjects to receive Baptism, because they are not brought to a free voluntary subjection to receive Baptism: Do but consider a while, what kind of passive subjection is found in m•n in their regeneration, whereof Baptism is the sign. The subjects of regeneration, are neither active subjects to receive grace, as the Moon is to receive light from the Sun a (being a lightsome body of it self) or as a beggar is to receive an Al••es, that stretcheth out his hand for it: nor passively subject, as the air i• to receive light, which though it be dark maketh no opposition against it: but they are forcibly subject, as being neither able nor willing to come to Christ, except they be drawn, and drawn by the same Almighty power, as whereby a dead man is raised to life. Now if men be forcibly subject to receive converting grace in their regeneration, there is in it nothing repugnant to the nature of Baptism in it self (which is a sign of regeneration) to admit Infant• to it, though they shall be forcibly subject to i•. This forcible opposition to Baptism is of simple Ignorance, not knowing what •he Ordinance is: and their opposition is easily overcome by human power. Whereas our opposition in receiving regenerating grace is far more perverse and untractable, not to be overruled but ⟨p. 172⟩by a divine Almighty power. It is true, such i• the nature of Baptism by Gods Ordinance, that it requireth in men of years regeneration and voluntary subjection to it, before they can be admitted to it, because to them it is a sign and seal of regeneration wrought, and of the righteousness of faith imputed to them. But in Infants the Voluntary subjection of Parents in offering them to Christ is a sufficient recommendation of them to him for his acceptance of them unto Baptism, because he accepteth the offer of their parents, as the gift of their children; and because baptism is as well a sign and seal of regeneration, and righteousness promised; as wrought and bestowed. For it is a sign and seal of the Covenant, and so of all the blessings promised in it, amongst which are regeneration, faith, and forgiveness of sins,