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HAving laid downe such conclusions as make way: let us now addresse our selves to some further considera∣tions of Pedobaptisme it self, according as other Scrip∣ture grounds hold it forth.
And first because, Matth. 28. is much controverted, let us try whether it make more for us then against us therein, and withall take in the consideration of Marke 16. 16. which our op∣posites
pleno & uno ore cry up as quite overthrowing our do∣ctrine of Pedobaptisme. And herein I am content that they should speake. First, Mr. Blackwood maketh the commission to be even for the very order of the words so exact, that Ministers, as com∣missioners must stick to them: and giveth reasons to prove the very order of the words to bee morall in both places: and brings Mark. 16. for his proofe, that without all distinction of Churches gathe∣ring, or gathered, thus it must bee: beleeving in Christ must pro∣ceed baptisme; this hee maketh his second argument, and the same also his fourth, onely varying the words a little, but the proofe is, Mark 16. 16. to which, Acts 8. 12. 37. is added for proofe: from which proofes also of Act. 8. 12, &c. he rayseth his sixth argument, so that all those three arguments together, also with his eighth and last they all turne upon one hinge, and have all one bottome. A. R. hee also explaineth the same, in the same way applying Marke 16. as an explication of Matth. 28. the Scriptures, saith he, hold forth that Disciples, that is, beleevers onely should bee bapti∣zed: so Mr. B. upon Marke 16. onely beleevers are to bee baptized, and unbeleevers by that affirmation are forbidden.
And further to prove the same, the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Matth. 28. is ur∣ged by Hen. Den, A. R. and Mr. B. as in reference to Disciples, not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in reference to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the nations. Besides, in that Christ ad∣ded [teaching] them; as if the persons to bee baptized are present∣ly to bee taught, and so not Infants. And that also preaching is to goe before baptisme upon the same ground. And as by that plaine and well grounded treatise is added: that baptizing into the name of the Father, &c. that is, invocating the name of the Father, Sonne and Spirit, bringing Acts 22. for their proofe, Paul is bid to bee baptized, calling upon the name of the Lord: now Infants cannot call upon the Lord when to bee baptized.
Now let us consider the weight of what hath been said.
1. For the order of the words as morall, in Matthew, because al∣so in Marke, and so morall in both; for saith Mr. B. it reacheth to the worlds end, it was Christs last commission, and it were absurd to thinke a man baptized before preached to, and so baptized in∣to hee knowes not what. And indeed this is urged as an argument distinctly against Pedobaptisme; because children understand not the mysteries of Baptisme: and what hath God to doe with such as know him not, nor what hee offers them, or doth for them, &c? Whence I. S. urgeth it as an absurditie that wee will have
children baptized which know nothing of it, and so must build their faith upon humane testimony. We shall now answer to these particularly.