A26886:1079
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.
Argu. 10. Whoever ought in Duty to dedicate his Child to God, in the holy Covenant, ought also to Baptize him. But all notorious ungodly men ought so to dedicate their children to God Ergo, &c.
Answ. I grant the Conclusion: It is every mans duty on earth that hears the Gospel, to be baptized, and give up his children (if he have any) to Christ in Baptism: that is to believe and consent to the Covenant of Grace, and so to be baptized. But it followeth not that it is their Duty to be Externally Baptized without Faith and such Consent.
2. Note also that this Argument as well proves that all the Children of persecuting Heathens should be baptized, as ungodly pretended Christians: For it is their Duty too.
Object. But when they present their Children, they do their Duty, though but part of their Duty; and we ought not to refuse any part of a mans Duty.