AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM OF THE MARTYRS IN THE SIXTH CENTURY
SUMMARY OF BAPTISM IN THE SIXTH CENTURY [Shortly after the beginning of this account, Alcimus is introduced who declares that baptism was prefigured in the suffering of Christ; his testimony, however, in regard to this, is reserved for another place. Cassiodorus follows Alcimus, saying that in baptism believers are regenerated to new creatures. He is followed by Fortunatus, who speaks of the virtue and benefit of baptism, saying that those who are regenerated by baptism, become children of God. People who indicate that infant baptism is not in accordance with the holy Scriptures. The council of Ilerda, in Spain, establishes various canons or rules against the Anabaptists and those baptized by them; forbidding to eat with them. The council of Agathe decrees that all Jews who desire baptism must first be instructed for eight Page 202 Months, with the catechumens. Confession of faith preached to those desiring baptism (see margin as well as column). In the first council of Constantinople it is decreed that the Eunomians and Montanists must first walk for a considerable length of time with the church (brotherhood), hear the holy Scriptures, and shall then, if found faithful, be baptized. Of certain persons termed fanatics, who prevailed upon the imperial councilors, to abolish infant baptism.
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