A26886:161
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.
Besides those Objections, many particular Texts are urged by some to prove that it is only the Regenerate and such as shall be saved, that are to be added to the Church; which I shall not now stand to answer particularly; but only give this general answer to them all: If they mean only such as are Really sanctified and sincere, or elect, then we must admit none, because we know not one man to be such; but if they mean only those that seem to be such I have proved already, that their own Profession of what is in their hearts, out of our sight, is to be taken for such a seeming, and doth qualify them to be visible ⟨p. 36⟩members of the Church For as the Matter of the Church as Invisible, is true Believers and Saints; so the Matter of the Church as visible, is the Professors of that faith and holiness and their seed.
Besides those Objections, many particular Texts are urged by some to prove that it is only the Regenerate and such as shall be saved, that are to be added to the Church; which I shall not now stand to answer particularly; but only give this general answer to them all: If they mean only such as are Really sanctified and sincere, or elect, then we must admit none, because we know not one man to be such; but if they mean only those that seem to be such I have proved already, that their own Profession of what is in their hearts, out of our sight, is to be taken for such a seeming, and doth qualifie them to be visible ⟨p. 36⟩members of the Church For as the Matter of the Church as Invisible, is true Beleivers and Saints; so the Matter of the Church as visible, is the Professors of that faith and holiness and their seed.
Besides what hath been said in general Arguments to prove the Proposition, I had thought to have gone over many particular Arguments from several Texts of Scripture, partly giving us examples of such as by Gods approbation have taken Professions as credible Evidences of the things Professed; and partly in precepts requiring a charitable credulity towards our brethren; but because I conceive the last so plan as to need no more, I wll forbear this till I hear that it seemeth necessary.