Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 3.

THe like may also be said concerning God-fathers, and God∣mothers,* 1.1 for which some pretend antient custome, begun by a Bishop in the dayes of Antonius Pius, who first ordai∣ned that such choyce witnesses should present children to the Congregation, in case their Parents were dead, or fled for perse∣cution; but all this is to no purpose, unlesse they can produce such a custome from Christ or his Apostles, which I am confident they cannot; for though we read of divers that were Baptised by the Apostles, yet that the Parties so Baptised had such Sureties, is not any where spoken of; and there is a good reason for it, for they admitted of none that stood in need of such like to promise for them, accepting only of such as members, who were able to expresse their owne faith and repentance, as I shall (in its due place) make appeare at large. And it is much to be admired, that learned knowing men should yet remaine so ignorant, or rather stupid in that particular of Baptisme, as either to admit of such subjects to it as are not capable of it, or for such people to pro∣mise that for the Infant, (viz. That it shall forsake the Devill, and all his workes, and constantly beleeve all Gods holy Lawes, and Commandements, and walke in the same all the dayes of its life;) which to performe (either for themselves or others) I appeale to the judgement of any rationall man, who knoweth what we are by nature; yea, when as they know not of what disposition the Childe will be of when it is of capacity. Again, if that promise and vow were kept by all such Covenanteers, (which must be or they are perjured,) then were there no need of Christ, to have fulfilled them for the Infants or themselves, which to conceive will surely make them blush for shame.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of God fa∣thers and God mothers