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…

2. The persons in Question have an Historical Faith, for the Proposition expressly requireth that they must understand and assent to the Doctrine of Faith. Now this is a special (though not an only or the main) Qualification entitling persons Adult to Baptism, Act 8. 36, 37.

2. The persons in Question have an Historical Faith, for the Proposition expressly requireth that they must understand and assent to the Doctrine of Faith. Now this is a special (though not an only or the main) Qualification entituling persons Adult to Baptisme, Act 8. 36, 37.

3. They make an open, credible, or uncontradicted profession of the Name of the true God, and of the true Religion before the world, for it is also inserted in the Proposition, that they must publicly profess their assent to the Doctrine of Faith, and solemnly own the Covenant before the Church, giving themselves and theirs up to the Lord, and subjecting themselves to the Government of Christ. These things mentioned were the main grounds of Circumcision, and are the Qualifications requisite in order to Baptism; and therefore being found in the persons concerning whom the Question is, can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized? But before we pass off from this Argument it seemeth necessary to remove a ponderous Objection, for it may be said, if those Qualifications which entitled to Circumcision do give right to Baptism, will it not then follow, That as in the Jewish Church persons though never so profane, and wicked in their Conversations yet had their Children Circumcised So in Christian Churches Parents no better qualified then such Jews were, may claim right to Baptism for their Children? I Answer, this will not follow ⟨p. 25⟩from the Argument insisted on. [1.] because if the Rule had been duly observed, all profane Impenitent persons had been cut off from the Church of Israel by the Censure of Excommunication. It would be besides the Question here to enter upon a large discussion of that Controversy, whether there were not Censures appointed in the Jewish Church upon the account of moral transgressions. That persons were suspended from partaking in holy things by Reason of Ceremonial uncleanness is not doubted, But whether it were so in the Church of Israel on the account of moral uncleanness hath been a Question amongst some, Mr.