Baptism renounced, by the leudnesse of life and conversation. [ 1187]
THe Spanish Converts in Mexico,* 1.1 remember not any thing of the promise and profession, they made in Baptism, save onely their name, which many times also they forget.* 1.2 And in the Kingdom of Congo in Affrica, the Portugalls at their first arrivall, finding the People to be Heathens, and without God in the world, did induce them to a profession of Christ, and to be baptized in great abun∣dance, allowing of the principles of Christian Religion, till such time as the Priests prest them, lead their lives according to their profession, which the most part of them in no case enduring, returned again to their Gentilism. Such Renegadoes are to be found in the midst of us at this day, such as give themselves up to Christ, quoad Sacramenti perceptionem, by externall profession; but when it comes once advitae sanctificationem, to holinesse of life, there they leave him in the open field, forsaking their colours, renouncing their baptism, and running away to the ene∣my; so that Baptism is not unto them the mark of Gods child,* 1.3 but the brand of a sool, that makes a vow, and then breaks it. And better had it been, that Font-water had never been sprinkled on such a face, that should afterward be hatch'd with such im∣pudent impiety, Ier. 3. 4, 5.