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…

That the blessed Sacraments of the New Testament, which are in their own Nature Signs & Seals of the greatest Union have been an occasion of much Dispute in the world, is known to all men. Yea such is our darkness who know but in part, as that these uniting Mysteries of the Gospel, have accidentally sent a fire not only between the Church & the world, [which we need not to wonder at) but even amongst Christians themselves, & tha• •too of a more Pure & Reforme• profession. To say nothing what happened soon after Apostles & Apostolical men fell asleep in the Lord; the last Century hath sadly evidenced the truth hereof in those controversies about the Eucharist; which have been agitated not only between Pro••stan•• and Papists, but also Lutherans and […], as they are called formerly, indeed the dispute hath been […], upon other Accounts; But in this last Age the great Question is about right to Sacraments, or the Subjects unto whom they are regularly applied▪ Concerning a right to partake at the Lord Table, there hath not been so great a Controversy in these New-[…], as there hath been touching right to Baptism, it being upon […], […] ⟨p. 2⟩(too many) unquestionable grounds, […] concluded, that none may claim right to that Ordinance of the Supper, except they do manifest their ability to discern the Lords body, and to examine themselves. But as to Baptism there are some who are for an extreme strictness, even so as to deny a baptismal Interest to belong to any Children (and consequently all such Parents if unbaptized might not claim right to that holy Institution) whose Parents are not Immediately admirable to the Lords Table. Others […] for an universal latitude as to the Subject of Baptism, even so as to comprehend all that are nomine tenus Christians. Now inasmuch as the farther clearing of these Questions may tend unto peace, and Edification of the Churches; and that thereby Service will be done for Christ, & for his holy Truth, yea, and fo• not only present, but succeeding Generations in this Country, we shall therefore (by the help of Christ) inquire into them, and avoiding all harsh reflections upon any mans person or notion, endeavour to keep close to Scripture and Reason in the following Disquisition.