AN ACCOUNT OF THE HOLY BAPTISM IN THE SEVENTH CENTURY

SUMMARY OF BAPTISM IN THE SEVENTH CENTURY

[Adrian is mentioned as the first one who, in this century, declared himself, not so much in words as in deed, against infant baptism; as to the manner, however, in which the Romanists proceeded against him, shall be more fully spoken of elsewhere.

The Bracerensian papists, to prevent the decline of infant baptism, confirm it in a certain council.

The pious adhere to the true ordinance of the baptism of Christ, notwithstanding the power of the pope and the decree of the afore-mentioned council.

In the meantime there were baptized (that is, in adult age), Anastasius, the Persian; Theodorus or Theodus; many hundred Jews; some in Upper and Lower Saxony; some in England.

Probation or examination in the faith, was at his time practiced by the orthodox, as did, among other's, Amandus, Birinus, another teacher.

Those of the Jewish nation now became members of the Christian church; some of whom, after confessing the faith, asked for baptism.

How Zeno of Verona was wont to address the candidates; explanation of his address.

The example of the Egyptian divines, who preached the doctrine of faith, before baptism, to the candidates, is followed by others at this time.

The time for baptism, which was fixed on Easter and Whitsuntide, is ordained to everyday, on account of infant baptism. The pope also decrees that during the mass the kiss of peace be offered to the people, in order that the mass, which, it appears, was esteemed but little by many, might be regarded the more highly.

The believers were not turned away from their faith, by said papal decree; nay, it appears that even some of the Roman church declared themselves against the papal superstitions; as, 1. Isidorus, 2. Cesarius, 3. Adelheymius, 4. Agatho, 5. Julian Pomorius. In the meantime, mention is also made of Isidorus of Spain, and what he has written on baptism, namely of the applicants for baptism, and fellow prayers.