[We have begun this century with the fifth chapter of the _Centuriæ Magdeburgenses_, the contents of which may be examined.
Vincent Victor opposes Augustine in the matter of infant baptism.
Synesius Syrenus, baptized on his faith, by Theophilus.
The fourth council of Carthage establishes, that those who desire to be baptized, must first be examined, and sounded relative to their faith.
Sedulius maintains that baptism is a regeneration, and, moreover, exhorts the young to baptism.
Hilarius of Syracuse asserts the salvation of children that die unbaptized.
The edict of Honorius and Theodosius against the Anabaptists.
The council held at Carthage, under Aurelius, against those who denied original sin, infant baptism, and predestination, adopts resolutions entirely different from the decree of the aforementioned fourth council of Carthage.
The edicts of Honorius and Theodosius, in support of said council.
Maximus teaches the baptism of Christ; Cresconius and his adherents are pronounced Anabaptists; Cyril of Alexandria speaks soundly on baptism, and opposes the errors of the Nastorians and Valentinians.
An account, from Socrates, of many persons at Alexandria, who hastened to baptism, and were baptized on confession of their sins; as also, of a sick Jew, who was baptized, and of one who received baptism after much fasting.
Faustus Regiensis teaches that for baptism the will [consent] of him that is baptized is necessary.
Evragius makes mention of the baptism of the candidates, that is, of those who had previously been instructed.
Eucherius maintains that that believer who dies unto sin is rightly baptized.
Carthaginian women who waited for baptism.
In the Council of Arausica rules are made respecting the baptism of the dumb, the weak, and catechumens.
Nazarius, the son of Perpetua, a Christian woman, is baptized after previous instruction.
In the margin mention is made of one Montluck, who adduces the resolutions of various councils, against the killing of heretics; as also, the views of Gelasius concerning the holy Supper.
Salvian of Marseilles, on renouncing Satan, confessing the faith in God, which it was customary to do at baptism.
Authymius, Sisinnius, and Sociorus, baptized after having been instructed for seven days.
Nolanus mentions the hymns which it was customary to sing at baptism.
Anabaptism condemned in the fourth council of Rome.
An account of many who separated from the church of Rome, and, though baptized in their infancy, were baptized upon faith; as also, what the Pope (or Bishop of Rome) decreed against this.
Primasius’ explanation of 1 Tim. 6:12; its application to adult candidates for baptism.
Fulgentius calls baptism a sacrament of faith and repentance.
In the margin it is stated how vehemently Leo inveighed against the bishops of Campania, etc., who, according to his judgment, did not administer baptism aright.
The conclusion is from P. J. Twisck, who says that ancient church history, other writers excepted, makes no mention of infant baptism before A. D. 500.]
We shall begin the fifth century, concerning baptism, with the fifth chapter of _Jacob Mehrn_. _History of Baptism_, who commences his account of baptism at that time thus: “Henceforth we shall not dwell upon quite so many testimonies taken from the ancient fathers and church historians, as had necessarily to be the case in the preceding centuries, in order to prove that during the first four centuries after the birth of Christ, infant baptism had neither in the holy Scriptures nor in the authentic books of the teachers of the church, a firm foundation; that is, that it had been ordained by Christ, or that it was an apostolic institution or tradition. But we shall in future content ourselves with such testimonies and historical records as best agree with the truth of the ordinance of the baptism of Jesus Christ, in order that we may thereby strengthen ourselves in that truth and in the true faith.” _Bapt. Hist., page 394._
_A. D. 401._--About the beginning of this century, opposition was made against infant baptism and its advocates, among which advocates in favor of infant baptism Augustine showed himself none of the least, although he himself had been baptized upon faith, as has previously been mentioned. He was opposed by a certain bishop, by the name of Vincent Victor, who, notwithstanding Augustine’s authority, attacked infant baptism, and, as it appears, withstood it with conclusive arguments from holy Scripture. But how it finally ended between the two parties, of this I find no account; mention is made, however, of the matter itself, by Vicecomes (_lib. 2, cap. 1_), who says that Augustine (_lib. 3, de anima, et ijus orig., cap. 14_), mentions a bishop called Vincent Victor, who contended with him about infant baptism. _Bapt. Hist., page 448._