A26886:1062
Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…
Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending them against several sorts of opponents, especially against the second assault of that pious, reverend and dear brother Mr. Thomas Blake / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
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.
2. If it hold not, let the Objectors answer themselves, who say that a Dogmatical faith gives right to Baptism: We have abundance of people that have not so much as a Dogmatical Faith; that know not who Christ is, nor what he hath done; nor are they in most places (since the Directory was in use) called to profess their faith when they offer their children to Baptism; Are the children of these persons to be re-baptized? or themselves, if it were their case? or is the Administration of the Lords Supper to such a Nullity, or only unprofitable? I have had the aged here, that have said, Christ the Son of God was the Sun in the Firmament: yet they have had both Sacraments. Answer this for your selves.
3. But suppose the persons covenanting be essential to Baptism, let us so far advantage the Objectors as to deal with them on that ground.
Answ. 1. I distinguish between [the Nullity of the external part, commonly called, Baptism, containing the Ministerial Administration, and the persons Reception of the Water and Washing, with his profession, or external covenant to God;] And [the Nullity of Gods Engagement or Covenant to the sinner actually; and so of the sinners Reception of the Benefits of Baptism] Among which Benefits I distinguish, [the special and spiritual, as pardon, Adoption, &c.] from the more common and external, such as are [the external Privileges of the Visible Church.] Whereupon I answer first to the Matter in these following Propositions: and then to the Argument, as in form.
Answ. 1. I distinguish between [the Nullity of the external part, commonly called, Baptism, containing the Ministerial Administration, and the persons Reception of the Water and Washing, with his profession, or external covenant to God;] And [the Nullity of Gods Engagement or Covenant to the sinner actually; and so of the sinners Reception of the Benefits of Baptism] Among which Benefits I distinguish, [the special and spiritual, as pardon, Adoption, &c.] from the more common and external, such as are [the external Priviledges of the Visible Church.] Whereupon I answer first to the Matter in these following Propositions: and then to the Argument, as in form.