A discourse concerning the subject of baptism wherein the present controversies, that are agitated…A discourse concerning the subject of baptisme wherein the present controversies, that are agitated…

Now all these washings, which the Gentiles used in their Sacra, Justin Mar•vr saith that by a Diabolical [Greek or Hebrew] (Diabolus est dei sinia) they derived from the Scriptures and Customs which were originally of divine Institution. But as ⟨p. 43⟩for the Lords Supper, it is a Sacrament not of Initiation but of Confirmation, or growth in grace. There is then in this respect a great difference to be observed in these two Sacraments. Hence it is that baptism is but once to be administered, and the Lords Supper often, because a man is but once Regenerate, whereas he is always growing up in Christ. Now to Argue that is persons have right to a Sacrament of Initiation, that then they have so to the Sacrament of Confirmation is no cogent Reasoning. Mr. Mede ^[y]hath truly observed, (though he stretch that Principle to another purpose) that the Eucharist is a Sacrament of a different nature from baptism, this is the Rite only of our new birth, wherein God accepts us to be his Servants, but the Lords Supper is the Sacrament whereby we exercise the Functions of this new life, worshipping and glorifying God through Jesus Christ, offering up spiritual Sacrifice and service to him. Furthermore, we have seen by Experience that Infants of seven (nay of three) years old have clearly evidenced that Faith and other graces were wrought in their hearts, so godly Josiah, Timothy and others mentioned in the Scriptures had grace wrought in their hearts before they were come to Adult Age. Have not Children been Martyrs for the Truth, that Child which suffered Martyrdom ^[z]with Romanus was but seven years old, were not some of the Martyred Children ^[a]of Felicitas, who suffered under the fourth Persecution then in minority? I omit here the old story of the Pueri Ephesmi which Ancient Records speak of but I would not wholly pretermit the true affecting stories which to this purpose have of late been published ^[b]by a faithful Minister of Christ, who hath to the great Comfort and benefit both of Parents and Children cleared that matter to the world by exemplifying in thirteen Children, who were effectually wrought upon in their minority, or in-Adult Age. Now Certainly, these Children had right to baptism. Mr.