Anti-Paedobaptism Part 2, Title page – Dedication
Anti-paedobaptism, OR THE SECOND PART Of the full Review of the Dispute Concerning INFANT-BAPTISM: In which the invalidity of Arguments inferring a Duty from a positive Rite of the Old Testament concerning a positive Rite of the New, by reason of Analogy between them, is shewed; and the Argument against Infant-baptism, from Christs institution, Matth. 28. 19. the sayings and practice in the New Testament is made good against the Writings of Mr. Stephen Marshall, Mr. Richard Baxter, Mr. Thomas Blake, Mr. Thomas Cobbet, Mr. John Cotton, Dr. Nathaniel Homes, Mr. Robert Bailee, Dr. Daniel Featley, Mr. John Brinsley, Mr. Cuthbert Sydenham, Dr. Henry Hammond, Mr. Thomas Fuller, and others.
By John Tombs, B. D.
But speaking the truth in love, we may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ.
Ephes. 4. 15.
LONDON, Printed by Henry Hills, and are to be sold at his House at the Sign of Sir John Oldcastle in Py-corner. MDCLIV.
To the Right Honorable the Lord PRESIDENT and COUNCIL to his Highness the Lord PROTECTOR.
I Presume to present to your Honors a Continuation of the full Review of a Dispute of which the first part was presented to his Highness more than a year ago. To which Writing I take my self many ways obliged, not onelyonly because of my own engagements, but also, and that chiefly, by reason of the important concernment that the truth be preserved. I am sensible that the increase of Books is thought a grievance by many, and that none are more unwelcome, than such as are about Controversies, specially when they tend to unsettle men in what they have received, and in no point more than in this. Few have abilitie to discern in Disputes which part preponderates: Few are willing to bestow pains in such unpleasant studies: Few can digest a truth which exposeth to reproach and loss. These and other considerations had kept me from this adventure, if my allegiance to Christ had not bound me to vindicate his truth, and charity to men tied me to endeavour their undeceiving. Wisdom must be justified by her children: nor can he give a good account to Christ at his appearing, who shall, out of undue respects, leave to spoil the truth with which he is intrusted. Polemick Writing are to few delightfull, yet necessary; it being unlikely that practice of piey should flourish when Doctrines of Faith and Worship are corrupted. They that decline studying and meddling with Controversies, if they be not sluggish, yet are likely unwary, not heeding that thereby the wall is unrepaired, which should keep out Seducers from perverting the Churches. Peace is indeed very desirable, but Truth is put first, Zech. 8. 19. Were men better temper'd than commonly they are, dissenters might ventilate things in question with less offence; I mention it with rejoycing, as a sign of Gods presence with us, in hope that the same Spirit of unanimity will diffuse it self among our Christian brethren throughout the Nation. That Dissenters and Contenders in writing, and otherwise, in this and other points, for their several judgments, have acted hitherto in the business of approving publick Preachers with much harmony of minde, and agreement of votes; Surely the work of Christ would be much advanced by a firm consociation in order to the work of Christ so far as we agree, though there should remain, as no doubt there will, diversities of opinions in things disputable. Nor do I despair that Disputes will be mannaged with more sweetness of spirit, candour, and tenderness towards dissenters than formerly they have been.
In this hope my intention is (with Gods assistence) to prosecute the Dispute begun, a part whereof I now tender to your Honours, being desirous that my self, and the cause I mannage should stand right in your eys, who are the eys of the Common-wealth. For whom I beg light from Heaven toguide you in your way, and help from him, who hath been hitherto your strength, and who will be with you, while you be with him, and remain,
London, June 1. 1654. Your Honours humble and devoted Servant in the Lord, John Tombes.