Acts 8. 12. Wilt thou not walk according to this rule?

16. Consider, whether those who do so much depend on their own Inferences without a plain Text, will allow Papists and others to draw similar Inferences in defence of their Innovations. They use the same Inferences to bring in their Altars, Copes, Incense, &c. They quote the Apostle's saying, that everything is to be done decently. Therefore they say their gaudy Vestments are decent; Kneeling before pictures of glorified Saints is decent, and so on. He that feareth the Lord will not be content with such carnal reasoning.

17. Consider, that the Scripture is very exact, in setting down the several Circumstances of Persons baptized. Read Acts 16. 13, 14, and note how there is mention of the time, the Sabbath; the place, by a Riverside; the Custom, Prayer was wont to be made; the Company, Women; the Person's Name, Lydia; her Trade, a Seller of Purple; her place of abode, of the City of Thyatira; her Religion, a Worshipper of God; her Action, she heard God's Word; the Lord opened her Heart; the Instrument, Words spoken by Paul. So also in Acts 16. 27, 28, 29, 30, mark the many

circumstances. And yet not one word is in any place expressed that ever any Infant was baptized why should it be left out, were it God's Will that it should be done? Where Scripture is silent, it will be well for us to be quiet.

18. Consider, There is but one Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy, James 4. 12. The Lord is our Fudge, The Lord is our Lawgiver, Isa. 33. 22. Now,where hath the Lord given a Law for baptizing Infants? This one Law-giver hath not given one Law for the baptizing Infants; wilt thou go about it without his Orders?

19. Consider, whether baptizing infants, God-fathers and God-mothers, the Cross in Baptism, the Promises and Vows made for Children, were not all brought in by Human Invention, at the same time or for the same Reasons? If one be admitted without Scriptural Warrant, why not the rest?

20. Consider, whether it be safe to admit of Inferences against the express Rule, Matt. 28. 19, Teach and Baptize. Once run into this line of things, and whither may you not go? Some have gone far astray.

21. Consider, whether those who Baptize Infants, will not have it said to them by the

Lord one day, as in Isa. 1. 12, Who hath required this at your hand?

22. Consider, whether any of the Gospel Ordinances hath so many plain words as Believers' Baptism? Hath the Lord said as much about The Supper? Why so much said, if it be of small consequence?

23. Consider, whether being baptized be not a justifying of God? An honouring him by Obedience? Consider also whether, by not being baptized, thou dost not reject the Counsel of God? Luke 7. 29, 30.

24. Consider, whether such as hold InfantBaptism do not Preach Baptism to be a Sign of Regeneration, and consider whether all or any Infants baptized are Regenerated?

25. Consider, whether those who have not respect to all God's Commands will not one day be ashamed? Ps. 119. 6. Dost thou wish to be covered with Confusion at the last concerning this matter?

26. Consider, whether Abraham durst Circumcise his Child without a Word of Command, then how darest thou Baptize a Child without a word from the Lord?

27. Consider, whether we are not to press after the purity of Ordinances, and whether those Ordinances which have the express Rule of Scripture, are not the most Pure?

28. Consider, whether they and only they shall not have the Well-done at Christ's coming, who have done what he hath commanded, and as he hath commanded. Will Christ say Well-done concerning Acts which he never Commanded? Or will he call it Well-done to have neglected his Command altogether?

Now I beseech thee to consider what hath been said in this matter; and the glorious God of Truth give thee the Spirit of Truth, which may lead thee into all Truth, and may build thee up, and give thee an Inheritance among them that are sanctified. And as in sincerity, with unfeigned love to God and thy Soul these things have been written, so the very God and Father of our Lord Jesus sanctify thee throughout, in Body, Soul and Spirit, and give thee a heart to search the Scriptures whether these things be so.

FINIS.

Friends who wish for a fuller discussion on the subject should read "Lectures on Baptism." By the late WM. SHIRREFF. Prefaced by C. H. SPURGEON, and published by Messrs. PASSMORE & ALABASTER, 4, Paternoster Buildings. Sixpence.

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