Philadelphia: or, XL. queries peaceably and inoffensively propounded for the discovery of truth in this question, or case of conscience; whether persons baptized (as themselves call baptism) after a profession of faith, may, or may not, lawfully, and with good conscience, hold communion with such churches, who judg themselves truly baptized, though in infancy, and before such a profession? Together with some few brief touches about infant, and after-baptism. By J.G. a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

XXII.

Whether is there any precept, or example in the Scriptures, of any person Baptized after many years profession of the Gospel, or after any considerable measure of assurance of the pardon of sin obtained, or at any other time, save at, or about, their first entrance upon a profession of Christ? Or is there any competent ground, either in Reason, or Religion, why either such a thing should have been practised by Christians in the Apostles days, or why it ought

to be practised by any in these days; considering, 1. That it is uncomely, and contrary to the Law, which God hath established, both in Nature, and in Grace, to return or fall back from per∣fection to imperfection, from that which is more spiritual, to that which is more carnal; And, 2. That types and figures, which are not rememorative (as the Passover was, and the Lords Table now is) but either only significative, or obsignative (as Baptism is) should be used, after the substance of the things typified and figu∣red by them, have been of a long time exhibited unto, received, and enjoyed by those, who use them; 3. That a profession of the Name and Faith of Christ by an holy and blameless conversa∣tion for many years together in the world, by a long continued course of mortification, self-denyal, fruitfulness in well doing, &c. is the truth and substance, the heart, life, and soul of that profes∣sion, which is made by being externally Baptized; 4. (And lastly) That that which is a duty at one time, in respect of such and such circumstances, may cease to be, or may not be, a duty at another time, when circumstances are changed, many instances whereof might be readily given?