The order of the Gospel, professed and practised by the churches of Christ in…

2. There are many professors of the Protestant which is the true Christian Religion, whose Children have not by the appointment of Christ any right to Baptism. For we may not Baptise the Children of profane Parents. A national Synod in Holland, Anno. 1619. Permits none to be Susceptors in Baptism, but such as are Orthodox in Religion, and of a blameless Life. The Ecclesiastical Discipline of the Reformed Churches in France, permits not them who are suspended from the Lords Supper, to present their Children to Baptism as long as their Suspension shall endure. Every body knows that Nil did quod non hab•t. No man that has not a right to Baptism himself, can convey a right to his Children. The Primitive right must be as ⟨p. 57⟩^(f)good as the Derivative. But a Known wicked man has no right to the Seals of Gods Covenant. Psal. 50.16, 17. It is a dishonour to the Name of Christ that such should be owned as his Servants, or wear the Livery that belongs to such. 2 Tim. 2.19. When the Church is made an Inn to receive all Comers by a Promiscuous Baptism, the Name of the Lord is profaned, as sayeth our great ^(g)Cartwright but now mentioned. The Ancient Doctors, particularly ^(h)Tertullian ⁽ⁱ⁾Chrysostom, and Especially Austin, ^(k)(who has largely disputed against the Baptising of Ungodly men though Professed Christians) are wont to allege that Scripture. Matth. 7.6. Give ye not that which is Holy to Dogs, against the Baptising of such persons: which words notwithstanding they have another sense are fitly applied here. For Baptism is an Holy thing. And the Scripture compares wicked men (though Professors of the true Religion) unto Dogs.