Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I.…

Reply. 1. It's an unwarrantable charity that makes such an interpretation; for it is without warrant of any Rule in Scripture, or in good Reason. 2. If that which is mentioned to be done in the fifth Proposition expressly, is here done interpretatively, both being put together, will not avail to put the Parent regularly into Church-fellowship, in any sense, and to give his Infant a right to Baptism thereby. For, by Christs Ordinance, only adult persons, who have true Faith in Him, and Holiness, are adult Members of the invisible Church, and the same persons, making holy Profession thereof outwardly in the order of him appointed, ⟨p. 50⟩may be Members of the visible Church; and they only can give their Infant-seed a right unto Baptism. For, seeing without faith it is impossible to please God, in matters of his public Worship and Service, whereof Baptism is one; and seeing God hath appointed us to Worship him, both in it, and in all other public Duties and Services, so as we may please him therein: It followeth necessarily, that he requireth true visible Faith in all whom he privilegeth to baptize their Infants, which yet is not expressly required in the fifth Proposition, nor interpretatively in this.

Reply. 1. It's an unwarrantable charity that makes such an interpretation; for it is without warrant of any Rule in Scripture, or in good Reason. 2. If that which is mentioned to be done in the fifth Proposition expresly, is here done interpretatively, both being put together, will not avail to put the Parent regularly into Church-fellowship, in any sense, and to give his Infant a right to Baptism thereby. For, by Christs Ordinance, onely adult persons, who have true Faith in Him, and Holiness, are adult Members of the invisible Church, and the same persons, making holy Profession thereof outwardly in the order of him appointed, ⟨p. 50⟩may be Members of the visible Church; and they onely can give their Infant-seed a right unto Baptism. For, seeing without faith it is impossible to please God, in matters of his publick Worship and Service, whereof Baptism is one; and seeing God hath appointed us to Worship him, both in it, and in all other publick Duties and Services, so as we may please him therein: It followeth necessarily, that he requireth true visible Faith in all whom he priviledgeth to baptize their Infants, which yet is not expresly required in the fifth Proposition, nor interpretatively in this.