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…

Argument 4. They that are either Formally or ipsojure excommunicated ^[e]have no right to Baptism. It cannot be denied but that some great Divines have written for the Baptism of the Children of Excommunicates, but then they are wont to put in this Caution, viz. that there must be some other person to undertake for the Child's Education in the true Religion, so did Beza ^[f]express his Judgement when the Ministers of Neocomun refused to baptize such Children. Let this one Argument instead of many be Considered, viz. that they that are not members of the visible Church have not right to Baptism, for it was before proved and is indeed a granted Principle with those that defend the Truth against Antipaedo-Baptists, that a Regular standing in the visible Church is that which doth entitle to Baptism, ⟨p. 69⟩But justly Excommunicate ones are not of the visible Church: Hence such are said in Scripture to be cast forth, and to be cast cut, viz. out of Gods House or Church in this World, Job. 15. 6. Gal. 4. 30. and to be cut off, Gal. 5. 12. Gen. 17. 14. Surely a Member that is cut off from the Body is not Still belonging thereunto. And to be put away from amongst those that are of the Church, 1 Cor. 5. 2, 13. One that is for breaking the Marriage Covenant put away doth not remain under Conjugal Relation. No more doth one that is Excommunicate remain a Member of the visible Church, Yea, such are said to be Delivered in the Name of Christ up to Satan, 1 Cor. 5. 5. i. e. ^[f]they are Authoritatively o•clarea to be no longer of the visible Church, but of the World and so under Satan's Regiment, who is the God of this World,