A Confession of Faith , put forth by the Elders and Brethren of many Congregations of Christians , ( Baptized upon Profession of their Faith ) in London and the Country . With an Appendix concerning Baptism . Printed for John Harris , at the Harrow against the Church in the Poultrey , 1690. Price Bound 1 s.

A Solemn Call Unto all that would be owned as Christ's Faithful Witnesses , speedily , and seriously , to attend unto the Primitive Purity of the Gospel Doctrine and Worship : Or , a Discourse concerning BAPTISM : WHEREIN That of Infants is Disproved , as having no Footing , nor Foundation at all in the Word of GOD. By way of Answer to the Arguments made use of by Mr. William Allen , Mr. Sidenham , Mr. Baxter , Dr. Burthogge , and others , for the Support of that Practice .

Wherein the Covenant made with Israel at Mount Sinai , Exod. 20. That in the Land of Moab , Deut. 29. As also the Covenant of Circumcision made with Abraham Gen. 17. 7 , 8 , 9. Whereon so much stress is laid for the Support of Infants Baptism , are plainly proved to be no other than three several Editions of the Covenant of Works ; And consequently , that no just Argument can thence be deduced for the Justification of that Practice .

Together with a Description of that truly Evangelical Covenant ▪ GOD was pleased to make with Believing Abraham ; containing the Sum of the Everlasting Gospel then Preached unto him ; since Proclaimed by the Apostles ; and which now remains to be yet further Published unto every Nation , Kindred , Tongue , and People , for the Obedience of Faith .

By Philip Cary , a Lover of Truth and Peace .

LONDON : Printed for John Harris , at the Sign of the Harrow in the Poultrey over against the Church . M.DCXC .

WE are doubtless brought forth in a Day to which many Glorious Prophecies contained in the Holy Scriptures have a special reference ; amongst others , that which is recorded Dan. 12. 4. Many shall run to and fro , and Knowledg shall be increased . Antichristian Darkness hath so covered the European Nations for many Hundreds of Years , that the Truths and Ordinances of Christ were generally Corrupted and Obscured ; till our Blessed Reformers , Luther , Calvin , &c. were raised up in some good measure , to detect the corruptions of Antichrist , and to bring to Light that blessed Doctrine of Justification by Faith , in the Blood of Christ , with several other Truths of great Importance .

And since that , God has been pleased to raise up many Learned Men , namely Dr. Ames , Mr. Ainsworth , and Dr. Owen , with others , who have Learnedly , and with much clearness and strength of Argument made it appear , that a true Gospel visible Church , is to consist only of such as are Saints by Profession , and who give up themselves to the Lord , and one to onother by Solemn Agreement , to practise the Ordinances of Christ .

And now of latter Years the Lord hath been pleased to raise up some worthy and learned Men to detect the vanity of Infant Baptism , who by solid Arguments have made the unlawfulness thereof appear .

The main Arguments that are made use of by Paedobaptists for the support of their Practice herein , are taken from the Covenant with Abraham , Gen. 17. 2 , 3 , 4 , &c. Some of themselves confessing , That Arguments taken from the Baptizing of whole Families , from Christ's blessing little Children , and from 1 Cor. 7 , 14. have no weight in them . And as for those Arguments which are taken from the Covenant made with Abraham above-mentioned , several of our Learned Authors have thorowly examined , and sufficiently answered . Notwithstanding we cannot without Injury to Truth omit to reccommend the Labours of this our worthy Brother , who having had the advantage of other Men's Writings , that have gone before him , and so standing on their Shoulders , may see further than they did . Yet he hath some Nations of so rare a Nature , that he is not beholding to any other for them ▪ but only to his own studiousness and dexterity , and the Blessing of God upon his Labours .

We freely acknowledge , that many Learned and Holy Men , whom we much Honour , do differ from us in the point of Baptism , yet we must not let go any Truth of God for their sakes : And we doubt not , but the time is drawing nigh , when God will cause the Light of His Holy Word so to shine forth , that all remaining Darkness on the Minds of the Lord's People shall vanish away ; and then Sion's Builders shall no more take a Stone for a Corner , nor a Stone for a Foundation of Babylons Rubbish .

And now ( Ch●i●tian Reader ) seeing the Author hath taken so great pains in Writing this Treatise for the Information of thee and ohters , in a great Gospel Ordinance ; be thou perswaded to lay by prejudice , and read diligently , examine it by the Holy Scriptures ; and if thou meet with any thing of Truth , wherein thou wast not before Inlightened , subject to it , l●ast thou be found rejecting the authority of Christ . Quod Dei e●t , agnosce , & quod hominis est , ignosce . If any Glory may come to Christ , or comfort to his Members hereby , it is enough , and as much as is aimed at by the Author , and thy Soul Friends ,

HAving had a sight of this Piece ( without the Privity of the Author ) before it went to the Press , I Read it with much Delight ( though in great haste ) and thought good without his Knowledge , or being Desired , to give thee ( if thou beest a Stranger to him ) this assurance by the way , that thou wilt find his Lines altogether free from Lightness , as also from Reflections or Reproaches towards those of the Perswasion he contends with ; which is a thing so rare , that it deserves a Remark , and savours much of a right serious Christian Spirit . I have had Knowledge of him many Years , but never knew ( or heard ) him otherwise represented , then of a very sober Character , suitable to his Writings ; a Man every way free from any of those Temptations that might incline him to espouse any Interest , or fall in with any Perswasion , otherwise than what he did freely out of pure Choice , and as satisfi ▪ d with its Purity , upon a diligent and conscionable Perusal of the Holy Scriptures , in which he has been a very laborious Searcher these many Years , and in whom that Text is verified , 2 Tim. 3. 15 , 16. That they make the Man of God wise unto Salvation , &c. I am assured that his Papers were intended only for private Use , and for satisfaction of some that desired to know what he had to say to the Arguments here reply'd to . He has all the appearances of a Man low in his own Eyes , yet willing in his capacity to serve the Lord Jesus freely , without seeking in the least any advantage to himself in the service of the Gospel ; boing much above those low Ends that too too many are sway'd by , of making a Gain by his Preaching ; and though his Labours be constant , yet he seeks no other reward , then Christ's Well done , &c. being very well contented with that Income for his Subsistence , which the Lord affords in the use of his honest and honourable Calling ; in which also he has been beneficial to many , and a great Blessing to the Poor ; so that by his Faithfulnoss and Usefulness in his Spirituals and Temporals he is well reported of amongst all . It would be a great Happiness both to the Church of Christ and Common-Wealth , if the number of such Worthys were every where increased : And yet I fear that this good Man in these his Faithful endeavours to reduce Christian Practice to Primitive Institution ( though done with all Mildness and much Demonstration ) will meet with hard Usage from that sort of Men , which in every Age have chiefly sought what would please Man , and have still quarrelled at all endeavours towards Reformation : Witness those hardships which the Faithful met with from the Papists for many Generations , for their Nonconformity to their Inventions , and those difficulties that obstructed the Reception of the great Doctrine of Justification by Faith alone in the Mediator . How dear did it cost many of the Ancients before it could be obtained that the People should receive the Lord's Supper in both Kinds , which the Papists still deny to them ? How long was it before the Disciples of Augustine and Innocent the First , would give over that Practice of giving the Lord's Supper in a Spoon to Children assoon as they were Baptized ; which held ( as Maldonate affirms ) about 600 Years ? And to this Day , How many are contending for the Cross in Baptism ? For which thing ( though very Un-scriptural , yet ) some of the deep Wits of that Way do form a Plea , but by mistaken and very invalid Consequences . And many of the Wise and Learned of the Church of England are of Opinion , That unless it be granted that the Church has a Liberty from Christ to alter or add Ceremonies at her discretion , they know no Authority for the Baptizing of Infants , or the Sprinkling of Water upon their Faces to be accounted Baptism ; for few deny but that the ancient way was by going into the Water , and Plunging under Water . Nay , our Disciplinarians that have made strong Pleas for Reformation in many things , must , and do confess , that their strongest Plea for Infant Baptism is drawn from a very remote Consequence , even as far off from the Command of Christ , or the Practice of the Apostles ; as that they ground it on the First Jewish Ordinance , Commanded unto Abraham and his Posterity , viz. Circumcision , which was never intended to be of any value after the time of Christ's Reformation . Heb. 9. 10. And is it not to be lamented that after so many Years search , no better Footing should be found for the Practising a New Testament Sacrament , than an Old Testament Jewish Institution ? May not such men as will infer , that Holy Orders should be Hereditary , and that the Work of the Ministry should be Intailed upon their Posterity , because it was anciently settled upon the Children of Levi , besides whom none might Minister in the Sanctuary ? And why may not Infants by a clearer Consequence partake of the Table of the Lord , assoon as they are able to Eat and Drink it ; it being taken for granted by Paedobaptists that the Supper comes ●n the room of the Passover , and that all in the Family that were capable to Eat Flesh might Eat it . Exod. 12. 4. Nay , any Strangers in their Families were not excluded that we Read of , that might be present at the Passover . And thus we might Instance in many things .

It is not the business of this Author to prove the Baptism of Believers , for that is a thing that was never yet denied or oppos'd , by any that Plead for Infants right to it : For they confess , That to Baptize Believers is a clear and unquestionable Truth , agreeing most plainly with the precept of the Lord Jesus , and Practice of the Apostles . But the Controversie is , whether Infants ( of Believers , or others ) have a Scriptural right to it , or not ? And here thou shalt find every Point from whence any Plea is deduced , to prove the right of Infants to that Ordinance answered , with such Evidence of Scripture Demonstration , and with so much Faithfulness , that ( unless thou hast no Conscience towards these things ) it must beget in thee at least some new Considerations about the Point , if not a better Opinion of that despised People , that make Conscience not to admit any to Baptism , but Professed Believers .

The Circumcision of Children was not left doubtful to the Jews , but they had full Direction in the Case , both for the Subject and the Part to be Circumcised , the time and manner also . Was there such care in that time , and in such a Point , about a thing that was to end with the Jewish Church , Law and Priest-hood ; and yet no care taken by the Lord Jesus to give future Ages Light in Infant Baptism , in case it were His Mind it should be Practised ? I could never yet meet with the Man that could pretend to know at what time Children should or ought to be Baptized , supposing they had a right to it . In Ancient time it was Administred but twice in the Year ; and since that appointed to be upon some Festival . But I find now , all do act at Pleasure , none among us regarding the Day of Circumcision , viz. the eighth Day ; though some in Cyprian's time would limit it to that Day , when the practice began first to be Introduced by some few Persons , out of a conceit of its Absolute Necessity to Salvation , from a mistake of John 3. 5. But some now hasten it sooner ; some defer it to a Fortnight , some three Weeks , a Month , and more . And several of the Eastern Churches to this very day , Baptize not , until the 40th . day after they are born ; and then give them the Supper also , as some approved Authors report . So that all , for the most part , order the time , as may best suit with their other Aim , of managing it with State , Pomp and Honour , and the presence of such Friends as may be absent , to make it the more gainful and splendid . Now if no time can be set exactly , why should they be censured , who out of Conscience , defer to communicate so Holy an Ordinance to their Children , till they are taught in the Faith of Christ , and profess to believe it with their Heart ? Must it not seem strange , I say , to any Man that reads , with what care the Lord gave charge , concerning the Circumcising of Children as well as Men ; giving them the very Circumstance of time as aforesaid , on which it should be performed , and which Moses injoyned to Israel , which was part of his Faithfulness in his House , that yet we should think it is the Mind of the Lord Jesus , ( who was most faithful in his own House ) that little Children should be Baptized , and not so much as once express it by Himself , or Apostles ? We find Women and Children particularly mentioned by the Apostle , upon very small Occasions , as in Acts 21. 5. where the taking notice of Children is of very little moment ; and yet , where we have an Account who should be Baptized , ( as in Christ's Commission ) and of those Multitudes , that in many places were Baptized ; Is it not strange that no Child should be mentioned , if such had been , or were to have been Baptized ? The Apostle took care in Acts 8. 12. to Record , that the Multitude then Baptized , were both [ Men and Women . ] If Cbildren had been then Baptized , surely the Holy Spirit , would not have omitted that one Word [ Children . ] And so Acts 5. 14. We have mention of Multitudes added to the Church , and express'd particularly , [ both Women 〈…〉 ] Now if their Children had been taken in with them , would not the Holy Spirit have mentioned it , whilst he foresaw of what need it would be in future Ages , to warrant his People to do the like ? The Holy Scriptures therefore being wholly silent , in the point of little Childrens Admittance , and nothing found for it in either Precept or President , what may more clearly be inferred . But to conclude , that the Baptism of little Children , is more of Man than of God , or wholly of Man , and not of God .

I could never yet learn what material Benefit an Infant received by Baptism . It cannot be a bringing them into Covenant with God , because it is upon Supposition , that they are in Covenant , by vertue of their believing Parents , one or both , that a Plea is made for their Baptism . The most that can be said or pretended to , is , that it . brings them into Christ's visible Flock . But alas , what Priviledge is this , whilst the Child is there , but as one asleep ? Nay , when this Child comes to Understanding , it must not partake of any other Benefits in that Church , more than one Unbaptized may do , until it comes to Confession of Faith and Repentance , and receive Confirmation ; and this Child after Baptism , as it grows up , is Preach'd to ( as much as any other ) as in a state of Nature , and consequently the Child of Wrath , and never like to come into the presence of God with comfort , without Regeneration , or actual Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ; by all which it appears , That the Priviledges pretended to , are but Nominal , and without any substance of Reallity . What then is this noise of Priviledges made with Rhetorical Flourishes , but a meer Shadow and Pretence , to keep up an Opinion , for an Unscriptural Practice in the Favour of the People , who are ready to be led to any thing by their Guides ? As for Infants being the Subjects of Christian Baptism , it deserves to be well considered , who gave command for it , either God or Man ? And for the manner of Baptizing by sprinkling Water on the Face only , by whose Direction was it ? And where is the Scripture from whence any Probability may be found , that that part should be sprinkled more than any other ? Why not the Breast , as a sign of the Hearts being sprinkled from an evil Conscience ? Or the Arms that should manage the Shield ? Or the Feet , in token of being shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace ? Or rather that part , that of old was appointed to be circumcised , in token of Regeneration ? I know 't is frequently urged by the Poedobaptists , to those of the contrary Perswasion : Where do you find that Children are at any time , or in any place forbidden Christian Baptism ? Which is a strange kind of Plea . The very Jews were never in their greatest Apostacy , so corrupt in their reasoning , that ever I heard of : It was enough that they practiced what they were commanded . Is the Text of no force , or quite forgotten , which tells us , That secret things belong to God , but revealed things to us ? Would he have Infants Baptized before Faith , and not Reveal it ?

I could wish therefore , that all empty Pleas on either side , were put away , and careful Attendance given to things weighty and material . The changes that have been seen in the Opinions of men , as times have varied in these late years , may justly put every considerate man , upon the conscionable search , after what is the very Mind of Christ in the Holy Scriptures , and not to take any thing upon anothers credit , whilst that Word is made intelligible , and unto which we may have all free Recourse .

I know there are some prophane ones , that will take a Liberty to question the Truth of the Holy Scriptures , but yet that should not afright good men , from searching after the very mind of the Spirit in them ; if our Fathers had not done so , we had abode in the depth of Antichristian Darkness . I wonder that those that plead for the Right of the Seed of Believers , to Christian Baptism , from Circumcision , do not as earnestly plead for a right for the Unbelieving Wife , from the right of the Husband , and for the Servants also , whatever they be , since such were not only admitted , but commanded to be Circumcised ? Why are not our American Planters , that buy multitudes of Negro's , required to baptize them as fast as they buy them , and their Children born in their Plantations ? Methinks it should clearly follow , from the same way of arguing .

But to conclude , What is Abraham to us ? We must make our claim to Holy Things by a right to Christ , as being begotten by him , who is the great and only Head of the New Covenant , and prove Infants Right to him , or Descent from him , or else all will be found as Dung and Dross . I shall not detain thee longer ( being not to dispute , but to glance at things ) from beholding at large in this Treatise , this great Point particularly handled ; and if thou art but as serious and Impartial , in reading it , as the Author , ( whose Pardon I crave , for adding this without his Knowledge ) I verily believe was in writing it , thou wilt not think thy money nor labour lost . Now the God of Truth and Peace , that hath made his very mind communicable to us , through his dear Son , give us all Light therein , and willing minds to obey him . So Prays

I Do now Present Thee with a New Treatise of Baptism , wherein that of Believers , is Asserted to be the only true Christian Baptism , by way of Opposition to that of Infants : Which I hope thou wilt find in the Ensuing Discourse to be Demonstrated , and with Scripture Evidence to be cleared up , notwithstanding the many plausible Arguments or Objections which are usually urged for the support of the contrary Practice . In the Compiling of which , after having Humbly and Earnestly Implored the Divine Assistance . I do confess that I have been much beholding to the pious Industry , and laborious Travels of others that have trodden the same Path , and have gone before me treating upon the same Subject , from whom I have been supplied with many of the Materials in point of Argument , which this present Discourse is furnish'd with .

I know it will be objected , that the present Work is needless , unless any thing further be produced than hath been by others already Urged , and argued in this present Controversie . By way of Answer unto which , I have two things to offer .

First ; That though very much hath been already said by others , that have Laboured in the same Province , and that with that clearness of Evidence , and Scripture Demonstration , by way of Opposition unto Infant Sprinkling , as cannot be refuted , unless another Canon or Scripture Oracle can be produced for the Justification thereof , than we have yet met with ; yet those several Works of their having their several Excellencies , and some of them being Voluminous , I judged it no needless or unprofitable Labour , to Collect the Sum or Substance of what hath been already said in this Respect , and to present it to thy View in one Intire Piece ; and that with as much Succinctness and Brevity as the Matter would well require .

The Second is this ; That peradventure thou may'st find , upon a due Perusal of the ensuing Discourse , an Improvement of several Considerable Scriptures and Arguments to this purpose , in the present Essay , that hath not yet been made publick , that I know of , by any other hand ; and in particular , among diverse others , as to what concerns the true Nature and Difference betwixt the two Covenants , that of Works , and that of Grace : Wherein I think I have plainly proved , that the Covenant which God made with Israel at Mount Sinai . Exod. 20. That made with the same People in the Land of Moab . Deut. 29. As also the Covenant of Circumcision made with Abraham . Gen. 17. 7. 8. 9. Whereon so much stress is laid for the support of Infants Baptism , were all of them no other than three several Repetitions of the Covenant of Works ; and that as contra-distinct , or essentially different from the Covenant of Grace , and consequently now Repealed . Which I have the rather taken the pains distinctly to prove , because upon this Hypothesis , or Supposition , that these were Gospel Covenants , differing from the New Covenant only in the manner of Administration , the greatest part of the most plausible Arguments for the support of Infants Baptism , are founded . But if I have substantially proved that neither of these forementioned Covenants were Gospel Covenants , reaching Gentile Believers and their Seed , but Essentially different therefrom , and consequently now repealed ; no wonder if I have made an answerable Improvement thereof , by way of Opposition to the forementioned Practice .

The Design therefore , and Scope of the following Treatise , ( Beside what concerns the Nature and Difference betwixt the two Covenants , the true Knowledge and Understanding whereof , is indeed of highest Importance to us ) is , with all Humility , to endeavour the Rectification of that which I cannot but apprehend to have been amiss , and the promoting of that which I cannot but Judge to have been greatly defective among many that are right dear and precious in the sight of GOD ; And that is ( among other things ) in respect of the Purity of that Divine Worship , which as the Servants of Christ we are obliged to offer up to Him , in a due Susception and Administration of that Sacred and Solemn Ordinance of Baptism , we are now contending about . My Reasons why I so think , I have now given you in this present Discourse . And certainly the Purity of Divine Appointments , is worthy pleading for ; it hath been the subject matter of many Prayers , and should be of our joynt Endeavours .

We Read in the Prophecy of Zechary , of a Candlestick all of Gold . Zec. 4. 2. 3. And he said unto me , What seest thou ? And I said , I have looked , and behold a Candlestick all of Gold , with a Bowl upon the top of it , and the Seven Lamps thereon , and Seven Pipes to the Seven Lamps , which were upon the top thereof ; and two Olive Trees by it , one upon the right side of the Bowl , and the other upon the left side thereof . And Verse 12. I answered again and said unto him ; What be these two Olive Branches , which through the two Golden Pipes , empty the Golden Oyl out of themselves ? By the concurring consent of all Interpreters , I suppose by this Candlestick all of Godl here spoken of , we are to understand that pure Church State which God hath promised to erect unto Himself in Gospel Times . And certainly that must be a blessed Day , and a glorious Priviledge , when we shall come to have a Candlestick all of Gold . A Candlestick that hath a Golden Bowl , Golden Lamps , and Golden Pipes , for the reception and conveyance of the Golden Oyl . Will it not be a singular Favour to be the Children of that Church : All whose Members are Golden Members ; whose Ministers and Ordinances also are All of Gold , for the conveyance of the Golden Oyl of the Heavenly Blessing to the Comfort , Enlightning and Satisfastion of the whole ? But alas ! So it is , that for the most part of those that call themselves , or that pretend to be the true Churches of Christ at this day in the World , they are far from being a Candlestick all of Gold , whether in respect of their Constitution and Ministry , or in respect of that Purity of Ordinances which God requires . For whilst men do content themselves rather , as it were with Leaden Pipes , that is , with Ordinances of an Humane Invention , the Golden Pipes , or Ordinances of God's Appointment , are thereby neglected and made void . And then no wonder if such a Church have also many Leaden Members , or such as are unsuitable unto the Gospel Characters All of Gold , being rather ignorant , prophane and scandalous ; who coming in , or being admitted at the wrong Door , are there suffered also to continue , to the hardning , and Soul ▪ ruine of themselves : which is the case of Millions , who without Christ's Appointment , having been Sprinkled , or as they call it , Christned in their Infancy , as having by vertue of their Natural Birth , an Interest in the Covenant of Grace , are Induced thereby to reckon themselves good Christians , and in a State of Salvation , without looking after the New Birth , or being acquainted with the Mystery of the Spirit of Regeneration .

It is no way to be doubted , but that where there is a pure Church , there are pure Ordinances . The Pipes are all of Gold , as well as the Church or Candlestick it self ; that is , it hath only such Ordinances , as have the stamp of Heaven upon them ; even the things which Christ hath commanded , and those observed as he hath commanded , and not otherwise . And it is equally as clear , that where those Golden Pipes are wanting , or where the purity of Gospel Ordinances is neglected , and Pipes of a baser Alloy , are substituted in the Room of those of Christ's Appointment ; and those also mis-applied about wrong Subjects , there can be no true Church ; much less can it pretend to that Purity that Christ expects . There can be no true Church , but what hath a Golden Constitution , Golden Lamps , and Golden Pipes for the Conveyance of the Golden Oyl . And if you say that you have not been without sufficient Experience of the Gracious Presence and Blessing of Christ , with and upon you in your present way ; I will not deny , but take it for granted that so it is : Yet this I will say , that we are under no Promise of having thc Golden Oyl conveyed unto us , but through the Golden Pipes . Teach them ( says Christ ) to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you ; and lo , I am with you alway , even unto the end of the World . If therefore we step out of Christ's way , we cannot rationally suppose our selves , to be , at least , so immediately , under the Influence of Christ's Blessing . What Christ may graciously afford unto his People that sincerely seek unto him , according to the best light they have , though the Sanctuary Preparation may in some Points be Defective , is one thing ; and what we may justly expect by vertue of a standing Promise , is another . Certainly , the nearer we come to him , and the more Exact and Punctual we are in the Expressions of our Love and Friendship to him , the more groundedly may we Expect the Answerable Discoveries of his Loving Favour unto us ; and we can no otherwise demonstrate our Friendship , than by being obedient to him , in the Observation of all those things which he hath commanded us ; and that both whatsoever they are , and howsoever he hath injoyned the Performance of them . That the Baptism of Believers is appointed by Christ as a Golden Pipe , among the rest of the Golden Pipes of the New Testament Church , for the Conveyance of the Golden Oyl , or the Heavenly Unction , from himself to his Members , is an undeniable Truth , and cannot with any Justness of Pretence be contradicted . That the Baptism of Infants deserves that Character , is more than what the Scriptures do declare unto us ; and peradventure at long run , you also may see Cause to say the same .

Indeed , if a thorow Reformation in this Point might once be obtained ; that is , if Ministers Teach First , and then Baptize such only as Profess Faith in the Lord Jesus , and newness of Life , evidenced by a Holy Conversation ( that being the only Practice warrantable by , and Exemplified in the Word of God . ) We might then justly hope to see the Accomplishment of the forementioned Divine Prediction : A Candlestick all of Gold : A Candlestick that hath a Golden Bowl , Golden Lamps , and Golden Pipes ; that is , a Pure Church-State , wholly Constituted and Regulated according to the Divine Prescription and Pattern . And then also it would inevitably follow , that the Papal Antichristian Church must of Necessity Vanish and Expire : Since the Matter of that Synagogue , is the Collective Body of the Nations , who having been sprinkled in their Infant State , are thence beguiled into a Blind and Soul-cheating Delusion , that they are good Christians , and true Members of the Catholick Church ; whom yet , because of their Unbelief and Prophaneness ; the Word of God Excludes from the Gospel Church , and consequently from Baptism till Converted . And I make no question but it will be at last found , that to uphold the present Practice of Infant Sprinkling , is no other than to uphold and support the main Pillar of that Apostate and Adulterous Church ; that is , by bringing the Church into the World , and the World into the Church . And when the World is once brought into the Church ; let us shew any difference if we can , betwixt that and the World ; which yet our Saviour tells us are distinct , having chosen his Church out of the World . John 15. 19. 'T is true , the time will be when the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord , and of his Christ : But that cannot be pretended unto , in the present Administration of things , in the Heavens , and Earth that now are ; wherein , we cannot say that one of a Thousand , much less , that the whole World , is subject unto Christ's Scepter ; and consequently , far from the true Characters of Church-Membership , according to the Gospel Rule , All of Gold . Indeed 't is great pity , but that every Plant which our Heavenly Father hath not planted should be Rooted up , and the present Corrupt Practice of Infant sprinkling among the rest ; since there is nothing that can be more evident than this , that were but this corner Stone , that supports the Antichristian Fabrick , quite removed , the whole Building must of necessity totter ; and then we might justly hope for a pure Church-State : Till which , as we cannot groundedly expect true Peace or Settlement in the World ; so neither can we justly expect that the Name of the City should be called Jehovah Shammah , the Lord is there .

The Occasion of the present Discourse , was from a late Treatise of Mr. William Allen ; Entituled , A Serious and Friendly Address to the Nonconformists . Beginning with the Anabaptists : Or an Addition to a former Treatise of his ; Entituled , a Perswasive to Peace and Unity . Wherein he doth Labour with utmost Strength , and force of Argument , to induce those of a contrary Perswasion from himself to a Conformity , and Compliance with the Church Discipline , and Government then Established in these Nations ; and particularly , in Respect of the present Practice of Infants Baptism . An Answer to which you will find in the Ensuing Sheets ; together , with Answers to all other the most considerable Arguments , which are urged by others also to the same purpose As for Mr. Allen , he is a Person , altogether unknown to me : But though his Apprehensions and mine , are different in the present point : And though he hath endeavoured to whet up his Arguments with utmost keeness , and lays them on with greatest force ; condemning us as guilty of the greatest Schism , and of all those Direful Evils that are the Natural Consequents of a Schismatical Separation from a true Church ; yet to give him his due , his Language is fair , and his Discourse free from those Fiery and Passionate Heats , that usually attend Discourses of this Nature from other Pens . I suppose he will have no Cause to complain of being otherwise dealt with in the present Answer . Sure it is , That the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God . I pray God that the present Reply may be made Instrumental to the opening his Eyes , that he may see from whence he is fallen , and Repent , and do his first Works . Since the Writing of this , I am informed of Mr. Allen's Decease . I make no question but that he and others also , will sooner or latter be convinc'd , that the horrible guilt of Schism , and the consequent Evils attendant thereon , were so far from being justly Chargeable on us , because of our present Practice ; that these things do rather lie at the Doors of those that thus condemn us . I have endeavoured indeed to speak with as much Advantage as I could , to the Conviction of him , and others , that I cannot but apprehend , to walk in a corrupt Path in this Respect : And having so done , I know no Reason any have to be offended , if they be in Love exhorted also to their Duty . Exhort one another dayly ( saith the Holy Spirit ) lest any of you be hardned through the Deceitfulness of Sin . And in like manner , we are bid to provoke one another to Love , and to good Works . Whereof , this is none of the least , and Wherein , peradventure , upon a due and further Consideration , you may find your selves to have been as yet Deficient .

I Would by no means be understood in all this Discourse , as if I intended to lay more than the proper stress , upon the Ordinance we are Contending about . For most true it is , that though the Golden Oyl of the Heavenly Blessing , according to the standing Promises of the Gospel , is only , or for the most part , to be Conveyed to us , through the Golden Pipes of Gospel Ordinances , which should Engage us to the faithful Owning and Practice of them , and not to Indulge our selves in any Negligence , Deviation , or Regardlessness about them ; yet nevertheless , as great would the Errour be on the other hand , and it may be greater , to take up our Rest here : For let the Pipes be never so pure and clean ; Or let the Ordinances we plead for , be never so punctually Observed , according to the Divine Institution , and the Pattern received in the Holy Mount ; yet 't is the Fountain must supply the Pipe , else it will yield nothing . The best Ordinances are dry and barren things in themselves , unless by them , the Golden Oyl from 〈◊〉 himself be derived unto us . It is an undoubted Truth , that these he is pleased to make use of ; and therefore we are bound Conscionably to attend upon the Ministration of them : But if our Faith ascend no higher , than to fix upon the means ; no wonder ▪ if the best means , or the clearest Popes do not yield forth unto us , that Spiritual Relief we are seeking after .

▪ To Conclude ; I hope therefore , it will be our Joynt Prayer and Endeavour , to be more than Outward Court-Worshippers : Even that we may be such , as are got into that ; that is , within the Vail , having the Father's Name Written in our Fore-Heads , Redeemed from the Earth , and being without Fault before the Throne of God . The Purity of Divine Institutions , we must not forget , or be Regardless concerning ; Otherwise , we cannot please our Great Lord and Master : But let us be sure to press through all External Mediums , whatsoever , that we may not fail of being admitted into the Innermost Recesses of the Divine Glory , even in that Secret of God's Presence , wbich is the proper Receptacle , and Habitation of the Blessed . Thus prayeth ,