A26886:252
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.
5. It is confessed to be essential to the Sacrament, that the Receiving of the washing by Water, doth signify the receiving of the souls washing by the Blood of Christ. Now suppose I can prove it of abundance of Parents, that when they presented their Children to Baptism, they did not understand that the water signified the blood of Christ, or the washing our cleansing by it from sin, and therefore had no such Intention in Baptism; would the Opponents baptize all these again? Let them answer this for themselves, and they shall answer for us? Or if the Case of Infant-baptism be quarrelled at, let them suppose that it were the Person himself that had been so baptized; though I am satisfied, that its all one.
5. It is confessed to be essential to the Sacrament, that the Receiving of the washing by Water, doth signifie the receiving of the souls washing by the Blood of Christ. Now suppose I can prove it of abundance of Parents, that when they presented their Children to Baptism, they did not understand that the water signified the blood of Christ, or the washing our cleansing by it from sin, and therefore had no such Intention in Baptism; would the Opponents baptize all these again? Let them answer this for themselves, and they shall answer for us? Or if the Case of Infant-baptism be quarrelled at, let them suppose that it were the Person himself that had been so baptized; though I am satisfied, that its all one.
Argum. 4. If we must baptize none that profess not their Consent to enter themselves presently into the Covenant of Grace, with God in Christ, then we must baptize none that profess not saving faith. But the former is true; therefore &c.
Also, if the very Reception of Baptism be a Profession of present entering into the Gospel-covenant with Christ, then is it a Profession of saving faith. But so it is; therefore, &c.