Some remarks upon the Anabaptist answer (sold by John Harris) to the Athenian mercuries: and some upon his answer, who styles himself Philalethes Pasiphilus.

SOME REMARKS UPON THE Anabaptist Answer [ Sold by John Harris ] TO THE Athenian Mercuries , &c.

THE Covenant of God with our Father Abraham , 17 Gen. 7 , 8 , &c. being the first Ground upon which Children were admitted with their Parents into the Church , and had a Church-Ordinance administred to them ; if God hath repealed this Covenant , and nulled our Fathers Charter , the Controversie between us and the Anabaptist and Antipaedobaptist is at an end .

The first of these Answerers tells us , p. 19. That it is plainly repealed . Whether it be so , we shall see presently .

Before I proceed , this I lay down for Truth , viz. God did never make a Covenant with his People expresly ; but if he did repeal it , he did repeal it expresly .

For Instance , Moses 29 Deut. 1. tells the People , beside the Covenant God made with Israel at Horeb , he made another Covenant with them in the Land of Moab . This we read , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 v. of the same Chapter . So that here are two Covenanrs .

But there is another Covenant above Four Hundred Years before either of these , with our Father Abraham ; so that there are three Covenants : But Moses does not mention our Father Abraham's Covenant .

But as for these two Covenants , God expresly repealed them . That in Horeb which was long before this in Moab , he declares the repealing of it in Mercy and Love , before they went into Captivity , 31 Jer . 31 , 32 , &c. 8 Heb . 8. But that in Moab he declares the repealing of it in Wrath , after their return from Babylon , for their great Sin , in rejecting of Christ , 11 Zech . 10. That I might break the Covenant which I had made with all the People . You may read the People , in 29 Deut. 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. with whom this Covenant was made .

But here he does not break the Covenant with the Children firstly and only : But with the Parents firstly , for rejecting Christ , as the 12 & 13 v. declare . Yet here again he had a respect to the poor of the Flock that waited upon him , and whom he fed , 7 & 11 v. But not one Word of Abraham's Covenant , the Father of Believers , being repealed .

I prove it further , no Repealing . In 2 Ephes . 11 , 12. the Apostle declares the miserable Estate of us Gentiles , before Christ came , and the Gospel was Preached amongst us . I will name but Three of the things whereby our miserable state is set forth .

1st . Aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel . {αβγδ} , the Dutch render Citizen-ship , i.e. The Church of God contained in the Commonwealth , say they , and so others ; and that must be the meaning : For in 19 v. shewing what a Change is made by our embracing the Gospel , Now ye are no more Strangers , but {αβγδ} , Fellow-Citizens , which cannot be meant of the Civil Commonwealth More I could say , but this is sufficient . , impossible for all Gentile Churches to be Fellow-Citizens in that Sence : But their Children were Fellow-Citizens with their Parents , that is , Church-Members , and the greatest part of the Church too . How many Children might one Father have ? They are Fellow-Citizens with the Saints , that clears it more . And yet more , They are of the Houshold of God . But Children are part of the House , they build up the House , 25 Deut. 5.9 . When therefore we read the Apostles Baptized Housholds , I do not question at all but they Baptized the Children too , if any were in the House : It does not concern us to prove there were Children in those Houses , 't is enough for us , Children are a part , and a great part too of the Houshold .

2ly . The Second thing in which our Misery consisted , We and our Children were without Covenant of Promise . No share , neither in Abraham's Covenant , nor Horeb , nor Moab .

3ly . As we were without the Covenant , so without the Seal of the Covenant , we were not Circumcised , v. 11. But Circumcision came in with Abraham's Covenant . Circumcision is not of Moses , but of the Fathers , saith our Lord , 7 John 22.

So then to be without Church-membership , without Covenant , without the Seal of the Covenant , [ of which all the Jews Children were Partakers ] is a miserable state : Such was our state once .

But now , saith the Apostle , v. 13. in Christ Jesus ye who are far off , &c. The Apostle tells us what we Gentiles get by believing in Christ , viz. We partake of as high Spiritual Blessings , and all Church-Priviledges , both we and our Children , as ever Jews did or do ; which is the Scope of all the Apostles Discourse from the 13 v. to the end of the Chapter : If our Children be not taken in , the Apostles Discourse , in the 19 v. is not true ; nor are the Gentiles Miseries , as to the three Heads I mentioned in the 11 and 12 v. taken away , but remain still . To the same purpose doth that Verse , 11 Rom. 17. speak ; and that 1 Cor . 7 14. Your Children are Saints . Had Paul told all the Citizens in Corinth , Unless you be Believers in Christ , all your Children are Bastards , I believe Paul had not come out of Corinth alive . The Apostle speaks in the Verse but of one Husband and one Wife , and the Children of such Parents were as Legitimate before Faith , as any of the Anabaptists are . They were a Godly Seed , according to 2 Mal . 15. For here was but one Man and one Wife , according to that Verse , before Faith . What is meant by the Word Godly in that Text is another Question , the Word is not so in the Hebrew . If it be meant the Image of God , in which Man was created , that surely did not rise , because he made but one Woman ; but from the State wherein he created them . Had he made Adam Three Wives , and they had continued in their pure Estate , their Children had been a Godly Seed in that Sense .

It was from this Covenant the Great God made with Abraham and his Seed , and not with other Nations , that they were separated from other Nations , and so were called the Holy Seed , 9 Ezra 2. 7 Deut . 6. and 14.2 . But now to this Anabaptist .

That the old or first Covenant , for their incovenanting is repealed , is plain , saith he , Pag . 9. proved . He took away the First , that he might establist the Second , 10 Heb . 9.

I answer , These Terms Old and First are given to the Covenant God made with Ifrael , after he brought them out of the Land of Egypt , 8 Heb . 9 , 13. But Abraham's Covenant , which was made about 400 Years before this Covenant , when Isaac and his Seed were not yet born , to go into Egypt [ which is the Covenant in question ] is not so called . So that you begin with your Sophistry already . Ignoratio Elenchi .

As to the Text , Did you observe the Coherence ? It seems you did not . See then 10 Heb . 4. the Apostle Asserted , That it was impossible for the Blood of Bulls and Goats to take away Sin . He proves it , v. 5. from Christ's bespeaking his Father when he came into the World , 40 Psal . 6. where he enumerates all the Sacrifices for the Expiation of Sin , v. 5 , 6. Lo I come , saith Christ , v. 7. The Apostle repeats the whole Testimony , v. 8. Then God shewing his Acceptance of this Sacrifice of Christ , v. 9. he concludes , He took away the First , that is , all the Levitical Sacrifices , and stablished the Second , that is , the Sacrifice of Christ . What is this to the repealing our Father Abraham's Covenant ? Are Sacrifices things visible , palpable , the same things with a Covenant , To be the God of Abraham , and his Seed for ever ?

Let me try your 2d . 't is said that Hagar and her Son are cast out , viz. The Legal Covenant , [ I say so too : But Sophister , you are still beside the Question ; speak ad idem , if you will dispute ; 't is Abraham's , not Sinai's Covenant , that is the Question ] and fleshly Seed , and no new Law is added to bring them into the Gospel-Church by Baptism , i.e. the fleshly or natural Seed as such . [ I say so too , no fleshly Seed that cleave to Hagar's Covenant shall be Baptized . ] Then you add , Now is the Ax laid to the root of the tree , 3 Matth . 10.

Wherefore is this Text quoted ? The Question was , Whether God hath nulled our Father Abraham's Charter , does this Ax cut it down ?

I pray give us the Sense of this Text . I suppose this Ax will cut down an Anabaptist tho he be Dipt , if he does not bring forth good Fruit .

2. But what must the poor Children [ for so is our question about Children ] be cut down because they bear not Fruit ? You will not allow them any Seeds of Faith or Grace ; and what , must we look to reap Wheat , where no Seed is sown ? To bear Fruit , and have no Root ?

3. If it respects the whole Church of the Jews , if the Parents be cut down , the Children are too , I yield ; but that still is beside the Question : For our Question is , the Parents standing , are the Children cut off ?

This is all this Author brings to prove the repealing of our Father Abraham's Covenant .

One thing I observe in several of your Pages , because you would be sure to exclude Children from Baptism , you describe the Subjects of Baptism , by the Acts of such Graces , and Spiritual Works in their Hearts , which Children cannot perform .

And I say , if such only be the Subjects of Baptism , and Ministers bound to baptize only such , I would never baptize Child nor Adult Person while I live . You Anabaptist may , who can see into Mens Hearts , which we poor things cannot do .

I pray , Sir , let a Visible Believer be the Subject of Baptism .

1. I am sure 't is a Visible Ordinance given to a Visible Church .

2. Simon Magus believed , and was baptized , 8 Acts 13. Was Philip blamed for baptizing him ?

3. Whence is it , that some of your Dipt Members walked pretty soberly before Dipping , but after Dipping grew very vitious ; and others not only fell off from their Dipt Societies , but [ which with you I believe is an hainous Sin ] joyned with the Church of England , zealous for the Common-Prayer-Book , and the Appurtenances , [ which your Mr. Tombes the Antisignanus of the Anabaptists , improved his Learning to defend ] grew meer Formalists . Surely those were but Visible Believers when you dipt them . I could speak much to this , and that with trembling , how far Men have gone , and lived for 10 , 20 Years , so as none of your Dipt Members did exceed them , that might well be baptized , yet how they ended , is sad to speak .

As to Acts of Grace , I pray tell us , Are not infused Habits before Acts ? Are not Principles before Operations ? Are not Seeds before Fruits ? I pray give us a Reason , why if God giveth or infuseth a Principle of Love , Fear of his Name , or any other Grace in the Heart of a Child , why not as well the Principle , the Habit , the Seed of Faith ? I regard not Dr. Taylor's Authority , whom you and your other Anabaptists so cry up ; what he was , the pious , Orthodox and learned Mr. Anthony Burgess , hath described him to be an Hotch Potch Errors in the Doctrin of Original Sin , as in other Points . , &c. I believe our Lord Jesus before Ten Dr. Taylors , That every Child which goes to Heaven must be regenerated ; the Filth they bring with them must be cleansed , Without Holiness , they shall not see Heaven . Whoever is born a Child of Wrath by nature , must first be reconciled and justified , else must not stand at the Barr of God ; and if this can be without a Principle of Faith , and all other Graces , let him give us but the Word of our Lord for it , then I believe him . Can you Anabaptist or Dr. Taylor tell us infallibly , how God works , and what God works in Childrens Souls , when you cannot tell us how he frames the Body 11 Eccles . 5. ? Hath God tied up himself to the Ears , to Preaching , because Faith comes by Hearing to the Adult ?

What if the Child [ suppose Isaac ] cannot Act , cannot God Act ? Does the Ordinance depend only upon the Child , or Baptized Person ? Hath God nothing to do in it ? Did God institute Circumcision , which had its Spiritual Significations as well as Baptism , adding such a Threatning to them that dare omit it ? The Circumcised Child could not Act , did not God Act , I know no such difference between Circumcision and Baptism , that Children may not be as capable of this , as of that . Children have need of the things signified in Baptism . when and where he pleased , as to the inducing these Spiritual things signified in the Ordinance ; while Man Circumcised the Flesh , did not God Circumcise the Heart where he pleased ? Did God Institute the Ordinance in vain ? The most Saints that we read of in the Old Testament , were such from their Childhood ; you rarely read of Converts after a wicked Life .

As to what you say , p. 19. They who were baptized , did experience the Death of Sin in their Souls before they were baptized , but Children cannot . Therefore , &c.

Say you so ? Did all that John baptized experience ; nay , did the Converts in 2 Acts , the Jaylour in the 16 Acts , experience the Death of Sin in their Souls before they were baptized ? What , in three or four hours space to come to experience the Death of Sin , when many Christians who walk with God as well as Anabaptists , after Ten , after Twenty Years Spiritual Warfare , if you put the Question to them , Do you experience the Death of Sin ? With sadness of Heart will tell you , They experience the Life of Sin , and fear very much their own Condition , because they cannot experience the Death of Sin more . What , because of the Conviction of some vile Sin , and Terrors upon that Conviction , Sin under this Conviction and Terror doth not act as before , is this an Experience of the Death of Sin ? What Divinity do these Anabaptists broach ?

But now to Baptizing . May the Children of Visible Believers be baptized ? I say Yea . Both these Authors say No There is no express Command given by Christ to his Apostles to baptize Children , Ergo . I deny the Consequence .

I. Because there was no need why the Lord should give an express Command to baptize Children . II . Because tho there be no Command {αβγδ} declared , yet there is a Command included in the Command given by Christ to his Apostles , To teach and baptize all Nations .

For the First , There was no need . For all the Apostles were Jews , bred up in the Jewish Church , and they knew the way of God there with Parents and with Children ; they were Members with their Parents , in Covenant , and under the Seal of the Covenant . Now had it been the Lords Pleasure to change this his way towards the Gentiles , I am assured that Christ , who was faithful in his House as a Son , would have declared and made this known to his Apostles , that Jews and Gentiles should know it , as I am sure he gave them a Command , To teach and baptize all Nations . The Apostles would have declared this ●ounsel of God . Let us suppose [ as we may well suppose such a thing ] those Three Thousand who were admitted into the Gospel Church in the 2 Acts , to be all Married Men , their Wives all with Child , and all to be delivered on that Day of Pentecost , when their Husbands were admitted : Had these Women been all delivered by Six in the Morning , their Children had been all born Church-Members , under Covenant , and a right to the Seal of the Covenant ; but had they been delivered at Six at Night , when their Husbands were admitted into the Gospel-Church , now their Children , are no Members of this Church , under no Covenant , nor Seal of a Covenant . You that call thus for express Scripture to baptize them into the Church , do you bring us express Scripture for casting their Children out of the Church , and bringing their Children as to these their Priviledges , into the state of the Heathen ; [ the thing is so evil , and lay such a Block in the way of the Gospel's Reception ] else all your Scribling signifies nothing .

As to that Question , about the Jews admitting Proselytes into the Jewish Church , with Circumcision , Baptism , and a Sacrifice , if the Question be stated thus , Whether this be true or no ? I Answer , So far as I may believe any thing with a Humane Faith , I believe it to be true . Observe how I state the Question , If Rabbi Joshua saith , they were Baptized , and not Circumcised , this is plainly against the Text . If Eliezer say they were Circumcised , and not Baptized . There are divers others whom Dr. Buxtorf , Selden , Ainsworth , Lightfoot , Men versed in the Jewish Writings as much as Sir N. Knatchbull , affirm this . Lightfoot quotes , affirming they were Circumcised and Baptized . And one thing is observable , whereas it is objected , Why should Children be baptized , since they have no Understanding ? They Answer , It is a Tradition : They priviledge a Person , tho he know it not ; but they do not dispriviledge a Person without his knowledg . This is good ; a Priviledg may be put upon a Person [ a Child Baptized as well as Circumcised ] tho he himself knows not of it . Thus the Jews .

Both of you cry out , Superstition , God commanded only Circumcision .

Stay a little , not too fast . While the Church was in Families , the Fathers were the Priests , the Lord commanded only Circumcision to the Jews ; but when he gathered all these Families into one Church , set up his Polity in it , and made his Covenant with them as a National Church at Sinai , he required more than Circumcision , they must wash their Cloaths , 19 Exod . 10. I do not think there was Water enough to dip all the Congregation in the Wilderness . The Command is given to the People , not only to the Adult : Their Children were part of the People I hope . So Jacob , 35 Gen. 2. All his Houshold must be clean , and change their Garments . There was the Sacrifice , 24 Exod 5.

Upon these Texts of Scripture , the Jews say , they ground the Admission of Proselytes into their Church : As Israel was taken into Covenant , so shall the Heathen Proselytes , by Circumcision , Baptism , and a Sacrifice . Why they should be admitted otherwise than the Jews , I know no reason . After they were incorporated , their after-Children were not Baptized , so far as I understand . I wish there were no Superstition worse than this in Churches .

According to this , there was no need for Christ to give Command to baptize Children , for it was in Practice Hundreds of Years before John baptized .

If it was Superstitious , as you say , then there was more need of a Command from Christ to forbid it , which he would have done be sure .

The Ground of this Practice of the Jews with Proselytes , was as old as Sinai's Covenant .

The Baptism of John was to another end , not to admit into the Jewish Church ; for here Adult Jews in great Numbers , were in a solemn , publick , unusual manner baptized : The Pharisees did not question what his Baptism was , nor what it meant ; but they questioned his Person , his Authority , being that he denied , that he was either the Messiah , or Elias , or that Prophet ; which does not deny , but Baptism in Admission of Proselytes was in Practice before .

2ly . I say there was a Command included , in that Command our Lord gave to his Apostles , To Teach and Baptize all Nations . Teach the Parents First , and if they embrace the Gospel , then baptize their Children , tho as yet not capable of teaching , no more than Isaac was ; but I doubt not by reason of the Covenant Isaac was reputed as his Father was . I look on all the Children I baptize , as Believers with their Parents , who do Educate them in the Faith of Christ , else I would baptize none . 11 Rom. 16. If the Root be Holy , so are the Branches . If the Parent be a Believer in Christ , so are the Children If a Parent be a Disciple of Moses , so is the Child . . If the Parent be a Mabumetan , the Children are so too ; they go with the Parent . In all Nations , Cities , Houses , the Children are a part of them all .

But we must have express Scripture ; away then with Consequences . No , I will not . There is no Adult Person baptized , but 't is by consequence : Deny it if you can : Then we will trie if we cannot prove Children of Visible Believers to be baptized by consequence .

No less than Seven Syllogisms , Philalethes brings against it . His last is , 't is substantially , and severely forbidden by the Word of God , to baptize Children . I wonder where ? If it be Substantially , must it be Severely too ? Name the Texts .

But for all your high Words , and your provoking Language , loading the Athenian Authors Surely they were bred Scholars not Taylors . , [ unknown to me by Name ] with as much Contempt and Scorn , as I have read a Piece a good while . Before you shall take us off from performing our Duty to God , by Dedicating our Children to God in Baptism , He having a double Right to them ; 1. By Nature . 2. By Covenant ; we prizing , not contemning his Grace , manifested in his Covenant , you must do these things .

First , You must name the Text , where the Lord hath expresly repealed our Father Abraham's Covenant , and cut off the Entail from his Seed , as he hath done other Covenants .

Secondly , You must prove that God makes Covenants without Seals ; That our Father Abraham's Covenant standing , there must be no Seal annexed to it , as it was before . Tho Circumcision being a bloody Seal , must of necessity be removed [ Christ having shed his Blood ] yet there must be another .

Thirdly , You must prove , that our Lord , when he took away the Partition-Wall between the Jew and Gentile , Ephes . 14. set up the Partition-Wall between the Believing Jew , and his Children ; and now brought the Children of Believing Jews , as to Church-Membership , Covenant , and Seal of the Covenant , into that Condition Heathens and Children were in before their Faith in Christ .

Fourthly , You must prove that it was Christ's intent and purpose by his coming , to make the state of the Church under the Gospel , to be far worse , as to Parents and Children , than it was under the Law : It is so be sure by your Doctrine : Then , Parents and Children had a Covenant to plead and lay hold upon God by , but now none ; then they had a Seal of a Covenant to strengthen their Faith and improve , but now there is none . Such Parents , and such Children as have improved [ as there are such ] their Father Abraham's , and their Baptismal Covenants , and have found the benefit of them , they would not be without them , let the Anabaptists make as light of them as they please . It is de facto , a worse state , Reason it self being Judge . Do you prove that Christ intended it . I believe our Lord , who when he was upon Earth , shewed himself so indulgent and kind to poor Children , will hardly give you Thanks for this Dishonour you have cast upon him .

Fifthly , You must prove that the Apostles Discourse in 2 Ephes . from the 13 v. to the end of the Chapter , is in great part false : For it is evident that the end of his Discourse is to shew , That however our Estate as Gentiles before Christ , was in it self , and comparatively with the Jews , v. 11 , 12. very miserable , yet now by Faith in Christ , both as to Saving , and as to Church-Priviledges , [ for He expresly mentions Church-Priviledges ] our state is as good as the Jews ever was , or is : That the Apostle in 2 Col. 11 , 12. intends that Baptism [ the initiating Ordinance into the Gospel-Church ] doth succeed in the room of Circumcision , [ the initiating Ordinance into the Jewish Church ] Zanchy , and the most Learned Expositors that I see , agree . And that it is so , the Apostles Discourse in this 2 Ephes . 11. will clear it . The Jews were Circumcised , but we Gentiles Uncircumcised : Now how is this part of our Misery as it was a Church-Priviledge taken off , I know very well how it is taken off , 2 Col. 11. but I speak as to a Church-State . but by Baptism , another Church-Priviledge ? And who were the Subjects of Circumcision we all know . I know the Anabaptists do not like it , no more than that young Scholar in Oxford , whom that Learned Reynolds in his Lectures on the Apocrypha twice mentions , who in his Disputation , would ever deny the Conclusion . He did nor like that , because it was ever against him .

Sixthly , You must prove that we Believing Gentiles are not grafted into that Olive-Tree , 11 Rom. 17. from which the Branches were broken off ; and that to have our Children with our selves , under a Blessed Covenant , and the Seal of the Covenant , as those Branches were , to help our Faith , to lay hold upon God for our God , is no part of the Fatness of the Olive-tree . We take it to be so , and have many times blessed God for it .

Seventhly and Lastly , You must prove , that when we poor Gentiles have embraced our dear Jesus by Faith , taken him for our Prince and Saviour , that now our Children are as unclean , as they were while we were Heathen and Unbelievers in him , contrary to 1 Cor . 7.14 .

Here are Seven things to answer your Seven Syllogisms . If you can expresly prove the first , [ I stand upon the Word Expresly here , because God hath expresly repealed ; and you call for express Scripture for Infant-Baptism , and I hope you will be honest Men , buy and sell by the same Measure ] and if you will Substantially and Severely prove the other ; then , Sir , whereas you have made Seven Syllogisms , one might have served the turn : But if you cannot do thus , then if you add Ten Syllogisms more , which make Seventeen in our County , you must give us leave to go on to Baptize the Children of Believing Parents . I call him or her a Believer in Christ , who 1. Is convinced and sensible of his own Sin and Guilt , and the dreadful Danger of it . 2. Who feels himself helpless and hopeless in himself . 3. Willing to accept of Christ upon his own Terms . 4. His Conversation doth not give the plain Lie to this his Profession . 5. Gives up himself to All the Institutions of Christ with Church-Discipline . This Man I call a Visible Believer , tho there may be much Hypocrisie under this , but De secretis non judicat Ecclesia . And this Man's Children I shall not fear to baptize .

That you are all baptized by consequence , you must yield it .

He that beleiveth may be baytized . But I beleive . Ergo . Is not this baptizing by consequence , and can you baptize any other way ?

I will take your Medium , which you stand much upon .

The Children of Visible Believers are Believers . Therefore they ought to be Baptized . They are reputed so by God .

For the Antecedent . They are Believers , or Infidels ; but they are not Infidels . Therefore they are Believers .

Believers and Unbelievers are Adversa {αβγδ} , one of them they must be .

They are not Infidels I prove .

They that have a Jus , a Right to Promises , and may , if they were able to speak , claim a Promise of God , are not Infidels .

But the Children of some believing Parents have a right to Promises , and might plead them the first Day they are born , if they could speak . Therefore they are no Infidels .

The Major I think cannot be denied . Tell us where there is any Promises made to Infidels , which they remaining such , may plead .

The Minor I prove . 112 Psal . 2. The Generation of the Upright shall be blessed . 20 Exod . 6. Shewing Mercy unto thousands of them that love me , &c. 20 Prov. 7. The just Man walks in his Integrity , and his Children are blessed after him . 44 Isa . 3. I will pour my Spirit upon thy Seeed , and my Blessing upon thy Offspring , &c.

Children of such Parents have a Right to these Promises , and may plead with God for Blessing [ choose what Blessing they will , Christ himself in whom All Abraham's Seed are blessed ] Mercy , his Spirit ; and that by vertue of his Free Promise to them , as Children of such Parents , whom he is freely pleased thus to Honour , that their Children shall fare better for them , have they but Hearts to improve them .

2ly . They with whom God is in Covenant are no Infidels . But God is in Covenant with the Seed of Believers . Therefore they are no Infidels . Tell us where God is in Covenant with Infidels ?

The Child of a Believing Parent , is a Subjectum Capax of Faith , as it is of Regeneration . Faith is a Gift of God to the Adult . He can give it as well to the Child as to another ; and if God will repute them for Believers , having taken them into Covenant , what is that to you , shall you oppose it ?

His Pleasure was to give to Abraham first [ to Isaac and Jacob after ] the Promise of the Blessed Seed , and he Believing , to make him be called , the Father of them that believe , tho they be not Circumcised , 4 Rom. 11. The Father of us all , 16 v. Of many Nations , v. 18. which is , By vertue of his Covenant with him and his Seed . Circumcision , The Seal of the Righteousness of Faith , which he calls His Covenant , must be administred not only to Isaac his own Seed , at eight Days old , but also to the Child of a Gentile-Proselyte of the same Age , 17 Gen. 12. All that bore his Seal , were his Seed : This concerns us Gentiles , and shall they who are his Seed be called Infidels ? Does God repute and call them so , when he calls them his Chiidren ? 16 Ezek . 20 , 21. and 23 chap. 37. Why then do you make them so ?

I have heard a grave Disputation in N. E. between those Worthies , Mr. Cotton , Mr. Tho . Hooker , Mr. Shepherd , &c. Q. Whether we are justified by the Act , or Habit of Faith ? Mr. Cotton was for the Habit of Faith . Mr. Hooker he owns the Habit of Faith , and doth not doubt but God gives it to Children . Calovius a Learned Lutheran , he gives several Reasons to prove that little Children may have Faith . Why the Faculties of the Rational Soul in Children should not be capable to receive a Divine Impression from God , as well as of the Adult , when both are Passive in that Work of Regeneration , I cannot understand .

3ly . They who are Saints are not Infidels . But the Children of Believing Parents are Saints , 1 Cor . 7.14 . They that will have their Saintship there to be only Legitimacy , I question whether their Brains be Legitimate . Then the Apostle , 1 Cor . 1.2 . and 2 Cor . 1.1 . by the Saints , understand those that are Legitimate . Where are Infidels called Saints ?

4ly . They who are Members of the Church are not Infidels . But the Children of Believing Parents are Members of the Church with their Parents . Therefore they are not Infidels .

The Minor I proved from 2 Ephes . 19. We will take Christ's Word for it , 19 Mat . 14 : Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven . The Kingdom of God , saith Luke , 18 Luke 16. That the Church on Earth is here meant , I doubt not ; unless there be some other Word joyned , which will force it to be meant of the Church Triumphant . 8 Matth . 12. The Children of the Kingdom shall be cast out . Out of what Kingdom ? Not Heaven above , I hope . You will have it , the Kingdom of Glory , because it makes against you . But what do you get by it , if it should be meant so ? Shall they be Members of the Church Triumphant , and not Militant first ? Of the Kingdom of Glory , and not the Kingdom of Grace first ? What strange Doctrins have we here ?

Hence being Members of the Church , they must be baptized ; the Initiating Ordinance of the Church belongs to them .

And it is further proved from 5 Ephes . 25 , 26. Christ loved the Church , and gave himself for it , that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water ; that Baptism is meant here by washing with Water .

5ly . They that are Christian Disciples are Believers . But the Children of Believing Parents are such , 15 Acts 1.10 . compared with 21 Acts 21. Had Circumcision been in force , the Children of these Believing Gentiles had been Circumcised : But the Ground of it was , because they were Disciples first . 't is enough for me they were reckoned among Disciples .

Water , all agree in it , that I see ; nor do I know any shadow of Reason why any should deny it . The Invisible Church is contained in the Visible Church ; and washing it with Water , is a Visible Ordinance belonging to the Visible Church , and some Children of Godly Parents do belong to the Invisible Church . Christ gave himself a Ransom for his Church , 25 v. If they be not of the Church , Christ did not die for the Children . Mr. Grantham tells you he died for all .

5ly . As for the Mark in the Flesh , which you mention , p. 12. which was made by Circumcision , from whence they might learn Spiritual things ,

1. I Answer , Let these Circumcised Children be let alone with their Mark , and neither Parent , not any other instruct them , what the meaning and signification of it is , and see what they will learn from their Mark . So that it depends wholly upon the Teacher to learn them how to make use of it . And thus Parents having instructed their Children in the Nature of their Baptism , and taught them to pray for the Benefits of their Baptism , have come to understand their Baptism , as much as they their Circumcision . I have known it , when the Parent Catechising his Children , and turning the Substance of their Catechism into a Form of Prayer , and their Baptism with it , they have understood it , and improved it , as much as many , if not most , of your Adult Dipt Persons .

2. What if the Circumcised Jew die before he be a Year or two old , what does he learn from his Mark ?

3. I said before , God hath something to do in the Ordinance , and not the Child only .

4. As to what they object against Children , because they cannot put forth any Acts of Grace , this strikes as much against God's Wisdom in appointing Circumcision : They had best teach him how he should appoint his Ordinances .

Tho Children were Circumcised on the Eighth Day , yet they were not to eat of the Passover till they were about 10 or 12 Years old , when by their Parents Catechising of them , while the Lamb was taken up on the Tenth Day , they were instructed in the meaning of the Passover . But to understand the meaning of the Lord's Supper , is much harder , being wholly Spiritual .

Then we come to another Q. p. 11. Why Sprinkling , not Dipping ? Section 3. I have taken peculiar notice of the words of our Liturgy here , so that your Author is mistaken , the thing is very well .

I wonder the Athenian Gentlemen would admit this Question These Anabaptists keep such a Prating and Scribling about Sprinkling , when I know no Sprinkler , no such thing in Practice that I know or hear of . I suppose they are Gentlemen of the Church of England , by the Answer they give to the Question : But they have wronged their Church and Common-Prayer-Book , which command no such thing . The Book speaks only thus , The Minister shall dip the Child in the water , so it be discreetly and warily done ; and if the Child be weak , it shall suffice to pour water upon it . But not one Word of Sprinkling . With what Face then do these Anabaptists make such a Clamour about such a Word and Thing , which is not . Both of your Books have given us a Specimen of your Critical Learning , in teaching us what every body knew before , forsooth . What Baptizo signifies , viz. To Dip , or plunge under Water : But still both of you write as Deceivers ; Why did you not put the Word Only in , that it signifies only to Dip ; which of your Cloud of Witnesses say it does so ? We should soon confute them out of Scripture , 9 Heb . 10. {αβγδ} . He does not say , there were divers things Baptized , whicih is true ; but Divers Baptisms . But if there be only one way to Baptize , viz. By Dipping , then the Word Divers must be left out . So that we may baptize some other way beside Dipping .

I cannot but observe the 7 Mark 3. In this Verse the Pen-man uses {αβγδ} , For washing , in the 4 v. he changes the Word , and uses the Word {αβγδ} , and {αβγδ} . Do the Anabaptists Wives , when their Tables are foul , carry them to the Ponds or Rivers to baptize them ? Do they not pour Water , and so baptize them ? The Word is {αβγδ} . Did the Pharisees baptize their Beds , by plunging them under Water ? What , to spoil them ? How often of late have I seen a Person baptizing of Vessels , by pouring Water into them , but not by Dipping ?

How were they baptized in the Cloud and in the Sea , 1 Cor . 10.2 . By Dipping ? Were there no Children baptized at that time ? What a strain of Wit does Mr. Danvers shew to make it serve his turn ? But in vain .

I doubt not when Elijah baptized his Hands , by Elisha's pouring Water upon them , his Hands were as clean as any Anabaptists are by Dipping , 11 Luke 38. with 2 Kings 3 11 v.

I have met with no Lexicographer as yet , but render the Word by Abluo , Lavo , [ so Castelio , tho he were now a better Critick than any Anabaptist ] as well as Immergo . And that 's the reason why all the Translations I see , use the greater , Baptize ; because if they Translate it Dipping , they do not give the full signification of the Word . He that translates the Dutch into English , translates it Baptize every where .

How do both these Authors insult over the Athenian Gentlemen , charging them with strange and prodigious Ignorance , for requiring a Proof of Female Baptism , by Dipping , they meant , if they did not express it , and the Printer omitted it . But how I should prove invincibly Paul baptized Lydia ; yea , and the Jaylour , and others , by Dipping , I cannot tell ; if they can , let them .

My Thoughts are these , Christ was manifested to take away Sin , 1 John 3.5 . This taking away of Sin , is set forth several ways . As First , By Sprinkling , 36 Ezek . 25. 12 Heb . 24. 1 Pet . 1.2 . Secondly , By Burial , in two places only , 6 Rom. 4. 2 Colos . 12. 3ly . By Washing , Cleansing ; and this more than any other way , 5 Ephes . 26. 3 Tit . 5. 1 Revelat . 5. 1 John 1.7 , 9. 9 Heb . 14. 1 Cor . 6.11 . 22 Acts 16. Paul being in a City , and in a House , whether he went out of the City to a River to be dipped , I cannot prove it .

But however , washing is the thing I aim at . The Word {αβγδ} not signifying to sprinkle , I never use that , nor any Man else that I know ; but signifying washing , a Word more frequently used : I pour such a sufficient quantity of Water [ some time I fear too much ] as shall lively shew forth washing . Man is known by his Face , not by his Heels : The Rational Soul having its Seat in the Brain , [ tho I might pour the Water all over , and so set forth Burial after our way more lively than your way ] I think it may be sufficient : For I understand you Dip but part . Now he that is washed from his Sin , hath Sin taken away , as well as he that hath it taken away by Burial : 't is Death , not Washing , is signified in Burial .

Yet further , I have in the Heat of Summer offered my People to Baptize their Children by Dipping , if they will venture it ; not because I do not judge the Baptizing by Washing to be as regular , but because the Word signifying both , Washing , and Dipping . And to let the Anabaptists know I am not against Dipping , provided there be no Dipping of them who were Baptized before ; as is the Practice of these Men : Whence it is no Nick-Name to call them Anabaptists , as this Author Philalethes tells us , but very proper ; their Act being Will-worship , never instituted by Christ to Baptize Men in his Name twice , I weigh their Dipping no more than a Rush , being a meer Cheat .

Besides , As they questioned John's Authority , we may well question yours . Prove your Call according to Scripture . Where were the Dipt Churches that called you , and the Dipt Presbytery [ or Dipt Bishops if you would have it ] that Ordained you regularly ? There were Two Apostles at least to Ordain . Trace you to the beginning . The Anabaptists have not yet proved that the Three Thousand Baptized in the 2 Acts , were Baptized by Dipping . Nor can they prove it : They were the same Day added to the Church , 41 v. There were not Waters to dip them in ; they need not have gone from Jerusalem to Jordan to be Baptized , 3 Matth . 5 , 6. had there been Waters at Jerusalem to Dip in . John Baptized in Jordan , in Bethabara , and Aenon , because of much Water . He being a Prophet highly esteemed of the People , could as well have gone to Jerusalem , and Baptized there , had there been such Waters at Jerusalem , to dip Three Thousand in one Day . What if he cried in the Wilderness , 3 Matth . 3. at his first beginning to Preach ? He could Cry and Preach in Herod's Court afterwards . Nor can they prove that they who were Baptized in Houses were Baptized by Dipping . Dr. Lightfoot saith , there was an express Maxim among the Jews against Dipping in any Vessel ; that they went out to Rivers or Ponds , there is no Word that speaks it : The Apostles were all Jews .

We read , 24 Matth . 20. and 13 Mark 18. in the Destruction of Jerusalem , Christ directs his Discidles to pray their Flight may not be in the Winter . But they might be well cloathed , tho' it were Winter . Hence I considered as to Circumcision , it might be Administred in any Country , at any time of the Year , it was the same to all . But for Baptism , it is not so . In some Countries the Season so hot , that to refresh themselves , tho' there were no Sacred Baptism , they would Baptize themselves : But in other Countries , Baptizing may well hazard their Health , if not their Lives . Tho some from a Zeal to an Opinion , can endure Dipping , being strong Bodies , as the Moscovites , bred up hardly , [ but alas ! pitiful Churches , ] what is this to weaker Bodies and to Children . Christ it seems had a care of the Winter ; they have the Advantage that dwell in Hot Countries as to Baptism ; it was not so in Circumcision . It was said of one of the Roman Emperors , That he would not wish to be Caesar , to be obliged to walk through Britain , and to endure the Northern Frosts . It seems Italy and England are not alike .

Nor yet have I done about this Dipping . If Christ hath put so much in Dipping as you have done , [ to tie Salvation to it , as that silly Woman , Had I died before I had been Baptized by Dipping , I had perished . And a Teacher forsooth , told a good plain-hearted Woman , Repentance , Faith and Good Works are not sufficient without this . What are they not sufficient for ? Whether to a sound Christian to Salvation ? You are a Liar and Deceiver , take which you will . ] Then would Christ have left it plain how it should be administred .

Both these Mens Books seem to give an Answer to what I never heard questioned , Other , p. 41 one page 11. Is it to put the whole Body forward or backward , sideway , & c ? This is not the thing . But the Question is , Are you so strong to take up their whole Bodies , and plunge them under Water ; 〈◇〉 so you bury them , and not they themselves in any part ? Or do they go into the Water first , whether to the Knees , Middle , or Arm-pits ; [ bury themselves so far ; among the Jews Women were set up to the Neck , ] Then you dip the rest . I pray direct us from the Holy Page , how it should be done , how John did it , that we may know how to Administer this Ordinance to Adult Persons not Baptized before according to Scripture , that our Consciences may be satisfied in our Administration . I do seriously seek Light from Scripture .

Again , I suppose John did stand in the River Jordan , and a good while too , when he Baptized so many ; must we also stand in the Water when we Baptize ? Jordan was warmer than our Rivers . Whether they were Baptized in their Cloaths , we cannot tell . We can gather nothing from the Apostles , how they Baptized . I can tell how to Baptize a Child , as I said , and would , if Parents would venture it , and satisfie my self , but not an Adult Person .

One thing I have heard from a Learned Professor of Divinity in a Foreign University , yet living as I think : He saith , That the Baptizing of Children by pouring of Water , and not Dipping , came in thus : In old time , when the Conversion was from Heathenism to Christianity , Persons of Quality being tender over their Little Children , were not willing to expose them to Danger by Dipping of them , and so not so forward for Baptizing them ; therefore they did pour Water upon them in Baptism . Dipping is Essential , I grant , to Burial , but not to Baptism . Water is the Essential Material Cause . Dip a Man over Head and Ears in Milk and Wine , and 't is no Baptism ; it wants the Material Cause . And still I say , If this be applied , by Pouring or Dipping , its Baptism , one as true as the other .

One thing I observe in Philalethes , he regards not the Practice of the Church , Section 5. from the Apostles time , as Origen , and also Angustin saith Infant Baptism is ; whereas this Author makes nothing of it . Verily then the Promise of Christ to be with his Ministry and Church to the end of the World , and of his Spirit likewise , have some , yea , much Dishonour cast upon it ; to let his Church , the great Body of it in all Ages , the Eminent Saints for Holiness and Learning , to err so , in such a Practice as this is ; and that a pitiful few , and the Ring-leaders of them Erroneous , yea , Heretical , should be the first Bringers of a Truth to Light in one of our latter Centuries . If Infant-Baptism be an Error , tell us who was the first Author of it ? If you ask , If the Denial of Infant-Baptism be an Error , tell us who was the first Author ? I answer , Before Auxentius and Pelagius , two notorious Hereticks , that denied Infant-Baptism , tell us who ever denied the Baptism of the Children of Visible Believers ? Tertullian does not speak of the Children of Believing Parents : Besides there is another Spot upon Tertullian's Name .

Both these Authors are very angry with the Athenian Gentlemen , for mentioning the German Anabaptists ; and tell them in all Societies or Professions there will be some vile and corrupt Persons .

It 's very true : But 1st . It is very observable who were the First , the Ringleaders in any Sect or Doctrin ; and they were Hereticks , and in Germany very corrupt Persons . Do you prove the History of the German Anabaptists to be false if you can ; when so many worthy , both Godly and Learned Men , have given us an account of them .

2ly . Why do you in your Writings tell us what kind of Persons they must be that are the Subiects of Baptism ? As. That the glorious internal Work of the Spirit must appear i●●●em , p 11. In another place , Their Faith must be the Faith of the Operation of God ? Again , They must experience the Death of Sin , before baptized , p. 19 , 〈◇〉 . When we come to observe your Dipt Persons , many of them we find nothing like to what you talk of .

The Author , sold by John Harris , p. 13. tells us , They differ not from Orthodox Christians in any Essentials — no , nor in Fundamentals of Church-Constitutions , save in the Point of Baptism , &c.

For the first Part , I leave you to your Orthodox Grantham , a Messenger ( forsooth ) of the Churches . A very wise Interpreter of the Angels of the Seven Churches .

For the latter part , you differ but so much from others , as to Null all Churches but your selves ; and that is a Difference with a witness . This is proved .

1. By your Principle .

2. By your Practice .

For your Principle . Baptism is the Form of a Church . Thus one of your Teachers affirmed to me and others .

Forma , est causa per quem res est id quod est , saith our Logick . What any thing is , it is by it 's Form . Baptism is only by Dipping say you ; this is your Doctrin .

Lay then the Argument thus :

They that have not the Form of a Church , are no Church . [ Very true , where there is not the Forma , there cannot be the Formatum . ]

But they that are not Baptized by Dipping , have not the Form of a Church . Ergo . They who are not baptized by Dipping , are no Church .

2ly . It is proved by your Practice , you will hold Communion with no other Churches but your selves , and this you justifie by your wretched abusing of the Text , 2 Thess. 3.6 . to which I have answered elsewhere , and add this only to it now , You are the Disorderly Walkers , who slight and cast off our Father Abraham's Covenant , cut off the Entail to his Seed , when God hath not , and shut them out of the Church , laying them in that miserable Estate we were in before Christ , 2 Ephes . 11 , 12.

Let those that impose upon Churches look to themselves , that they be not guilty of Schism . I impose nothing [ but what I am sure Christ hath ] upon Anabaptist , Independent , Presbyterian , Church of England Members , provided they walk as become Christians , I give Communion to them all , bearing with the other Differences .

I hear of a very worthy Brother , who hath an Anabaptist joyned with him in Office , and such Adult as will be Dipt , [ rejecting their sormer Baptism ] he Dips them ; but at the Lord's Table they sit down all together .

This latter I like very well : But for the former , If our Brother do baptize Children by Dipping , then there may be something in it ; else , he hath one joyned with him , that condemns and nulls his Act ; which I think is absurd to admit ; for he will baptize them , whom he hath baptized before . This is but Confusion . As that is our Misery in England , either Persecution , or Confusion ; both which the Bishops might have prevented , had they pleased .

I thought to have spoken to him who makes the Covenant with our Father Abraham , 17 Gen. 7. to be a Covenant of Works ; but I saw it would take up more Paper than I intended . He hath his Answer by that worthy and now blessed Saint of God , Mr. Flavel . I only say this , 't is but righteous with the Lord to infatuate them , who slight his Grace .

I have but one Word to the Anabaptists . Many of you had Godly Parents , one or both , who in Obedience to God , blessing of God for their Father Abraham's Covenant , gave you up to God in Baptism . Now I desire you to Answer in the Presence of God ,

1st . Did you , when you came to Years of Understanding , seriously and solemnly before the Lord , own your Parents Act , and give up your selves to God , as they did ?

2ly . Have you blessed God since for your Father Abraham , and your Baptismal Covenant ?

3ly . Have you improved these Covenants , to lay hold upon God by them , to be your God for ever ?

4ly . Have you begged of God to perform his part of his Covenant , [ God must begin first ] that you may in the strength thereof perform your part in the Covenant to them .

5ly . Have you experienced what an Advantage it is to a Soul , under Darkness , Temptation , yet to lay hold upon God by these Covenants ? I pray do not tell God you were but sprinkled [ which is but to tell him a Lie , we have not known , nor do know any such Practice ] not Baptized . And will you prate and write against that in Religion , which you never experienced , nor ever went about to experience ? What is Religion without experiencing the Power of it ? Others have experienced what I say , their Experience grounded upon the Scriptures I have mentioned , and blessed God for these Covenants . To some he hath eminently appeared in their Baptismal-Covenant , tho not Dipt . You that have not done thus , you have dealt unworthily by God , and God hath justly given you up to this Error .

FINIS .