A26886:130
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.
Moreover he saith, that [To ground a positive Act of Judgement, that a man is Regenerate, in foro exteriori, there is requisite some seemingness of spiritual sincerity that is, that he doth it from a spiritual principle, motives, &c.] To which I say, that a serious Profession of Faith and Repentance, is a Credible seemingness of Faith and Repentance. And he that professeth true Faith and Repentance, must needs profess them as from a spiritual Principle, and Motives, and to a spiritual End: for they cannot be from any other principle or motives (principally) nor to any other ultimate End.
I am therefore forced to dissent from the main reason of this Reverend Brothers judgement herein, viz. [That there cannot be had a positive probable Evidence of this, ordinarily, without observation of a m•ns way after Profession, for a time, &c.] For though confess, this is fuller Evidence which he pleadeth for▪ yet still I judge, that a sober▪ s•rious Profession is a credible Evidence of the thing professed, till the person have quite forfeited the Credit of his word. And outward Reformation may be forced or counterfeit, as well (though not easily) a• words. […] it was a saving faith and Repentance which Peter invited the I•ws to, Act. 2 and Paul the Jailer, Act 16. &c. So doubt not, but they took the following profession of these men as a credible Evidence of the same saving Faith which they profest.
I am therefore forced to dissent from the main reason of this Reverend Brothers judgement herein, viz. [That there cannot be had a p•sit•ve p•ob•ble Evidence of this, ordinarily, without observation of a mns way after Profession, for a time, &c.] For though cnfss, this is fuller Evidence which he pleadeth for yet still I judge, that a sober srious Profession is a credible Evidence of the thing professed, till the person have quite forfeited the Credit of his word. And ouward Reformation may be forced or counterfeit, as well (though not easily) a words. it was a saving faith and Repentance which Peter invited the Iws to,