440 The Birth- Priviledge and Covenant- holinef Ch.47 comfort of the godly, the cenfure of the wicked, and the edification . all, But I wonder how this difference of pure and impure is feen between childe and childe, that is tendered to Eaptifine. As to Covenant-holineffe they are both equal , otherwife thefe mens undertakings would very hardly give them adiniffion; and as to reall-holineffe , neither have it, by communication from their Parents; otherWafe (fay they) the Ordinances of God cannot be kept without blot and pollution. I wonder what pollution thefe mean; I know none in children but Original fin and the childe of the belt Parents is tainted with it ; and let us take heed of bu- oying our felves with more care for prefervation of Ordinances, then ever God himfelf took about them. If thefe, thus borne, have no right at all, ; I fuppofe) they fhould not be admitted with any cautionwhatfoever. Mailer Cardry obferves (and feemes to be of that judgement,) that fome think this provifo to be too hard : I confeffe, I am of that minde ; If (notwithffanding fo fad difcomforts in fuai Parents) Infants hand veiled in any fuch Birthright- priviledge; why fhould it be fufpended on the courte- fie of fuch undertakers ? being by birth- intereft Chriftrans they muff not on this account paffe for Heathens. And how hard is it to impofe fuch a burden upon any that is not ready to adopt the iffue as his owne ? and in fuch cafe , his undertaking upon that ground brings the charge of a father upon him. This will foon grow into the bare formality of former Sufceptors, God - fathers, and God - mothers without any reali advantage to the childe. If by education be meant, fuch as a godly Parent ought to give, none will be found to do it. If only education in the way of a Chriffian , as in oppofition to Judaifine, Heathenifine it needs not to be doubted, and that implies a Covenant. What farther is defired, muff be left to the bleffing of God, by providence on Or- dinances. The want of piety in the Parent is fupplied by the piety of the Church into which the Infant is re- ceived. 7. Seventhly, faith he. If the Predece _Four may by thi. Promifegive right to Baptifme, without the immediate Parent ; then I pray you tellua hoW farce we go for this Predeceffour ? how many generations ? Where hath GíJs word limited Minifiers , you may go to this Prede- ceffour, and no farther? pag. 8. I know few that fay the Prede ceffour gives right, without the immediate Parent , but all con - curre
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