All which proves, that Christian
society is founded upon the profession of Christ; and not only
scripture, but the laws of right reason, dictate this, that some
rules and orders must be observed for the founding all society,
which must be consented to by all that will be of it. Hence it
comes to pass, that to own Christ as the Lord and head of Christians
is essential to the founding of Christian society.
(2.) The Scriptures have declared, that this faith gives the
professors of it a right to baptism, as in the case of the eunuch,
Acts viii. When he demanded why he might not be baptized, Philip
answered, that if he believed with all his heart, he might. The
eunuch thereupon confessing Christ, was baptized.
Now, that baptism is essential to church-communion, I prove from 1
Cor. xii., where we shall find the apostle labouring to prevent an
evil use that might be made of spiritual gifts, as thereby to be
puffed up, and to think that such as wanted them were not of the
body, or to be esteemed members: he thereupon resolves, that
whoever did confess Christ, and own him for his head, did it by the
Spirit, ver. 3, though they might not have such a visible
manifestation of it as others had, and therefore they ought to be
owned as members, as appears, ver. 23. And not only because they
have called him Lord by the Spirit, but because they have, by the
guidance and direction of the same Spirit, been baptized, ver.
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