Obj. BY your expressions, I perceive you would not have Infants admitted to the Sacrament of Baptisme?
Ans. We ought not to admit any as Members, of the Church* 1.1 of Christ, until they be capable of the profession of a Christian, would you not think it a meere madnesse to binde an Infant to a Trade, before it can either goe or speake?
Obj. Yes certainly it were a madnesse indeed, but what of that?
Ans. It is as great a folly in Parents to desire, or the Church to* 1.2 admit of such Infants, as Members of the Church of Christ, and so consequently professors of his Name (for the Apostle saith, that as many as are baptized into Christ, have put 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ Gal. 3. 27.) before they know either the Church, or Christ.
Obj. By these expressions you shew your selfe contrary to the judgements both of the Presbiterians, Independants, &c.
Ans. By them words, I shew my selfe such an one, as would be guided and directed by the precepts and examples of Christ, and his Apostles.
Obj. Did not Christ and his Apostles allow of Infants, as Mem∣bers of his Church?
Ans. The elect of them he did, and doth admit, as Members of his Church triumphant, but not of his Church Militant.
Obj. Did not the Apostles of Christ baptize Infants?
Ans. Where doe you read of any that they baptized?
Obj. True, we doe not read nominally that they did baptize in∣fants, but we read that they did baptize whole families (amongst which infants might be included) as the family of Lidia, the Jaylor, &c.
Ans. That is but a meere supposition, without any ground