A09365:922
The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience
The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three books: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundry places, and the other two annexed. Taught and delivered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his own briefs, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelor of Divinity. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolved; another of the principal texts of Scripture which are either explained, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.The whole treatise of the cases of conscience distinguished into three bookes: the first whereof is revised and corrected in sundrie places, and the other two annexed. Taught and deliuered by M. W. Perkins in his holy-day lectures, carefully examined by his owne briefes, and now published together for the common good, by T. Pickering Bachelour of Diuinitie. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one of the heads and number of the questions propounded and resolued; another of the principall texts of Scripture vvhich are either explaned, or vindicated from corrupt interpretation.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1606Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1606
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
From this that hath been said, ariseth the Answer to the Question propounded; namely, that the children of such persons, as are excommunicated, are (notwithstanding their excommunication) to be baptised, because they are indeed, and in the judgement of charity, true members of the body of Christ, though in some other regards, they are not in present holden so to be.
From this that hath beene said, ariseth the Answer to the Question propounded; namely, that the children of such persons, as are excommunicated, are (notwithstāding their excommunication) to be baptised, because they are indeede, and in the iudgement of charitie, true members of the bodie of Christ, though in some other regards, they are not in present holden so to be.
Yet further besides the former grounds, consider these reasons.
First, children of parents, that are professed members of the church, (though cut off for a time, upon some offence committed) have right to baptism, because it is not in the power of man, to cut them off from Christ, though they be excommunicated. Secondly, the personal sin of the parent, ⟨p. 329⟩may not keep the blessing from the child: and therefore not deprive him, of participation of the ordinance of God. Thirdly, we must alway put a difference between them, which do not make separation from the church, and yet are grievous offenders: and open Apostates, that join themselves with the enemies of the Church, to the ruin and overthrow of the truth of the Gospel. Fourthly, we must put a difference between those, that have given up their names to Christ, though fallen grievously; and Turks, and Infidels, that are forth of the Covenant, and never belonged to the Church. Lastly, if the mercy of God enlarge it self to thousands, yea to infinite generations: why should man be so hard hearted, as to make question, whether such Infants belong to the Covenant? and consequently keep them from the Sacrament of Baptism.