The British Delegation at the Synod of Dordt on the Baptism of Slave Children
Translated from Early Sessions of the Synod of Dordt (V&R, 2018), pgs. 132-33.
Authors: Bishop George Carleton; John Davenant; Samuel Ward; Joseph Hall; Walter Balcanquhall
On the Question of the Amsterdamers Concerning the Baptism of Pagan Children
First of all, we suppose that these children have come legitimately into the power of Christians. This being supposed, we respond that there is one approach for infants who have not yet reached the use of reason, and another for those who are already capable of Christian discipline and instruction. If we speak of infants, we think it is the duty of the head of the household to offer them for baptism, and the duty of the minister to baptize those offered, just as if they had been born from Christian parents. Since they have already become members of the family into which they have been received, unless the master of the family wishes to be worse than an unbeliever, he is bound to look after their good, both spiritual and physical. This same thing was enjoined on Abraham in the former sacrament of circumcision, Genesis 17:12–13 and vs. 23, where one born in the house and bought with money from any foreigners is ordered to be circumcised. Moreover, since such infants have been called out of paganism by a special divine providence and mercy, and received within the bounds of the church, the minister ought not to judge otherwise than that this is God’s will, that they should become partakers of the spiritual goods which are had in the church. Furthermore, they appear to be entitled to almost the same privileges as those born within the church. For to be taken in this way into Christian families and thereby into the church is akin to a profession of faith, just as being born in the church is, and hence they are judged to have the rights of those in covenant. Additionally, the reasoning for these seems to be the same as for foundlings, whom (as Augustine remembers in Letter 23[1]) consecrated virgins used to collect and present for baptism. Finally, the children of heretics, since they are under the authority of the church, are baptized even against their parents’ wishes. Therefore, much more should the little children of pagans, justly brought under the power of Christians, be baptized.
As for those who are fit to learn the principles of the Christian faith, we think they should first be taught the knowledge of these principles, which being known, if they assent and earnestly desire the sacrament of baptism, they should be washed in the font of regeneration without any scruple. But if, on the contrary, they resist the doctrine handed down to them and oppose baptism, we judge that such should neither be offered to the church by their masters, nor baptized by the church if they are offered.
The Theologians of Great Britain
[1] Augustine, Letters, 98.6.
Do you have a source on this?