Testimonis freti, recte nobis videmur Colegere, quadringentis prope annis a Christo nato, Patres haec sola tria crimina Penitenta Cassigasse.
Trusting to so many Testimonies, we think we may truly conclude, that for almost Four Hundred Years after our Saviour, no Penance was Imposed, but only for these Three Crimes.
Now if Mr. Blount's Negative Argument, with relation to the Practice of the Church be valid; how many Men have lived in the World without Actual Sin? So that his Argument proves too much, a most certain sign of its Weakness.
As for the Second part of his Argument; That no Church ever required Repentance for Origi∣nal Sin, is a mistake, and proceeds from not knowing the Churches Practice.
In the Primitive Church, Repentance was required of all adult Persons, who desired Baptism; which must relate to Original as well as Actual Sin.
Tertullian in his Book de Baptismo, says, In∣gressuras Baptismum, orationibus crebris, jejuniis, & geniculationibus crebris & pervigiliis orare apor∣tet, & confessione omnium retro delectorum. Such as intend to be Baptized, must prepare them∣selves by frequent Prayers, Fastings, frequent Humiliations, Watchings, with Confession of all their Sins.
Agreeable to this ancient Practice; our Church begins its Office of Baptism with the Confession of Original Sin; in these Words, Dearly beloved, for as much as all Men are concei∣ved