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…

There is one Objection more to be subjected to Examination, which because there are that lay the weight of their whole Cause upon it, we shall (by the help of Christ) endeavour a full Answer to it. It is then objected that the persons in Question are no members of the visible Church, because they never had any membership, but what they received in Infancy, which membership neither doth nor can continue, when persons are adult, and consequently they have no right to Baptism?

There is one Objection more to be subjected to Examination, which because there are that lay the weight of their whole Cause upon it, we shall (by the help of Christ) endeavour a full Answer to it. It is then objected that the persons in Question are no members of the visible Church, because they never had any membership, but what they received in Infancy, which membership neither doth nor can continue, when persons are adult, and consequently they have no right to Baptisme?

Answ. 1. In case the persons concerning whom the Question is had never been admitted into the Church in their Infancies, yet being qualified as in the Proposition is expressed, they would become Members of the visible Church. Should an Indian or any other Infidel make a solemn Profession that he doth believe according to the Christian Faith, and this Profession not be contradicted by his life, and withal desire Baptism; yea, and submit himself to the Government of Christ in his Church, and Promise to be the Lords Servant; for ought we know such an one may be of the Invisible, but we are therefore sure that he is of the visible Church. Now all this is found in those Children whose interest we are pleading for.

Answ. 1. In case the persons concerning whom the Question is had never been admitted into the Church in their Infancies, yet being qualified as in the Proposition is expressed, they would become Members of the visible Church. Should an Indian or any other Infidel make a solemn Profession that he doth believe acaccording to the Christian Faith, and this Profession not be contradicted by his life, and withal desire Baptisme; yea, and submit himself to the Government of Christ in his Church, and Promise to be the Lords Servant; for ought we know such an one may be of the Invisible, but we are therefore sure that he is of the visible Church. Now all this is found in those Children whose interest we are pleading for.