A26864:533
Rich. Baxters apology against the modest exceptions of Mr. T. Blake and the digression…
Rich. Baxters apology against the modest exceptions of Mr. T. Blake and the digression of Mr. G. Kendall whereunto is added animadversions on a late dissertation of Ludiomæus Colvinus, aliaà Ludovicus Molinæs̳, M. Dr. Oxon, and an admonition of Mr. W. Eyre of Salisbury : with Mr. Crandon's Anatomy for satisfaction of Mr. Caryl.
London: printed by A.M. for Thomas Underhill, 1654
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.
§. 53.
When I had Replied thus far to Mr. Blake, I was much moved in my mind to have Replied to his answer to Mr. Firmin on the like subject: and also ⟨p. 107⟩to have then proved that the children have no Right to baptism, except the immediate Parent be a believer, for the sake of any of his Ancestors: and that the children of Apostates and wilful obstinate wicked livers, should not be baptized, (as theirs): and to have answered what Mr. Bl. hath said to the contrary: and this merely in love to the Truth, lest the reputation of man should cloud it: and in love to the Church and the lustre of the Christian name, lest this fearful gap should let in that pollution that may make Christianity seem no better then the other Religions of the world. For I fear this loose Doctrine of Baptism will do more […] the pollution of the Church, then others loose Doctrine of the Lords Supper; or as much. But I am very loth to go any further in Controversy, then I shall be necessitated: And if Mr. Firmin be living, I conjecture by his writings, that he is able easily to vindicate his own words: Not that I have low thoughts of the abilities and worth of my dear and Reverend friend Mr. Blake, but that I take his answers on those subjects to be very dilute, si pace tanti viri ita dicam: so great a disadvantage is an ill cause to the most learned man. Mr. Firmin I know not any further then by his Book against Separation. But in that Book I see so much Candour, Ingenuity, Moderation, Love to Peace, and some convenient terms for Peace discovered, that I am heartily sorry that there are no more to second him, and that his incitements to accommodation are no more laid to heart. But the Peace-makers shall be blessed in the Kingdom of Peace, how little soever they may succeed in this tumultuous world. For as where envy and strife is (contentious zeal) there is confusion and every evil work; so the fruit of Righteousness is sown in Peace of them that make Peace.