Welchman on Article XXVII: Of Baptism

The Greek Words Banligu and Barlow (from whence the Englisb Word Baptism is taken) among the sacred Wri- ters, denote any Wasbing, whether it be by Dipping, or Sprinkling. See Mark vii. 4. And when they come from the

larket, iù wn Banliowila, except they WASH, they eat not: And many other Things there be, which they have received to Hold, such as the Banlope;, the W ASHINGS of Cups and Pots, brazen Vessels, and of Tables, And Luke xi. 38. And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled as 2 apuror canio0, that be had not first WASHED, before Dinner.

But whether the Sacrament of Baptism be administered by Dipping, or by Sprink/ing, it significantly points out to us the Grace which is conferred by this Sacrament. For as the Filth of the Body is washed away by Water, fo are the Stains of the Soul by Remiffion of Sins: and as in Inmer- sion, or Dipping, it is intimated that we are buried and rife again with Christ ; fo in Asper/zon, or Sprinkling, tis like- wise signified that we die, and are born again; since it was the Custom to roh the Dead, as well as those who were newly born. See As ix. 37. It came to pass in thase Days 3 that she (Tabitha) was sich, and died; whom when they had «washed, they laid her in an upper Chamber,

A Sign of Regeneration] dee Tit. iii. 5. He saved us by the Washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Hy Gho/t.

Epi. c.11. — See also Barnabas, © We descend into the Water full

&« of Sins and Pollutions, and ascend out of it full of good

„ Fruits, having Fear in our Hearts, and Hope towards Apel. I. the Lord in our Spirit.” —And Fastin Martyr, © As 3 many as are persuaded and believe that those Things which are taught and declared by us are true, and un- dertake to lead Lives agreeable thereto, are brought by & us to a Place where there is Water, and are regenerated* dc after the same Manner of Regeneration, in which we qurselves were regenerated.”

They that receive Baptism rightly] That is, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, toge- ther with a serious Profession of Faith and Repentance.

Are

ME, 22 we Com CHEE IT. „ | one odors SEA ro oo, « — l l Py _— - |

\ . =

of the Church of EncLand.

Are grafted into the Church] See 1 Cor. xii. 13. By one Spirit we are all beptizcd into one Body. The Promises of the Forgiveness, &c.] See Hebr. x. 22. Let us draw near with a true Heart, in full assurance of Faith, having our Hearts 8 an evil Conscience, and our Bodies washed with pure Water. And As xxii. 16. And now why tarrigsi thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy Sins, calling on the Name of the Lord,— See also Fu/tin Martyr. ** That in the Water we may ob- Il. << tain the Remission of all our palt fins,” — And Theophi- lusgpf Antioch. The Creatures also which sprung from „the Waters were blessed of God, that this might be a Sign, that Men were to receive Repentance and Re- « mission of Sins by Water, and the Laver of Regene- ration, even as many as come to the TI ruth, and are & born again, and receive the Blessing from God.”

And of our Adoption] See Gal. iii. 26, 27. Ve are all the Children of God by Faith in Corgft Jes For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.

Faith is confirmet, &c.] At least in adult Persons : And even as to Infants, does any one imagine, that God is in vain called upon by the Church for them? See As ii. 41, 42. Then they that gladly received his Word, were baptized : And they continued fledfastly in the Apssiles Doctrine and Hel- lowship, and in breaking of Bread, and in Prayers. See also Fustin Martyr. © This Laver is called I lumination, be- Apcl. I. © cause the Minds of those who learn these Things are < 8s. * enlightened.” |

The Baptism of young Children, &c.] For of such, as Christ affirms, is the Kingdom of God, Mark x. 14. And he com- mands his Apostles to go and Baptize all Nations, Matth. xxviii. 19. Now Nations consist of young Children, as well as of adult Persons. See also 1 Gr. vii. 14. For the unbelicy- ing Husband is san#tified by the Mie, and the unbelicving Wife is sanctisied by the Husband else were your Children unclean : But now they are holy. —See also Irenæus. Chrilt came to Adu. Her. &« save us all by himself, all, I say, who are born again to . 2. c. 39. « God through him, infants, and young Children, and « Boys, and young Men, and old Men.” — And St. Cyprian, EPI. 64+ If Remission. of Sins be granted to the greatest Sinners,” &c, See this Quotation at Length under Article X.

See also Notoelli Cat. p. 141. Hammend’s Pract. Cat. B. VI. Sect. 2, 3. Walls Hitt. of Infant-Bapt. and his Con- fer. Walters Modest Plea. Fewe/‘s Def. Apol. Part II.

C. 11. Divis. 3. Prideaux’s Fase. Contr. C. 6. Q. 4.

Ad Autelyc. J. 2. p. 109.

NorkEs en the XXXIX Articles