A26886:306
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.
Argum. 7. We must Baptize none but those that are first professed Disciples of Christ (and their children, who are also Disciples) but none are professed Disciples of Christ that profess not saving faith in Christ; therefore we may not Baptize any that profess not saving faith in Christ.
The Major is proved from Matth 38.19. Go Disciple me all Nations, baptizing them.] As for those that say, they are Discipled by baptizing, and not before baptizing. 1. They speak not the sense of that Text. 2. Nor that which is true or rational, if they mean it absolutely as so spoken; else why should one be baptized more then another. 3. But if they mean that by heart-covenant, or Gods Acceptance and promise they are Disciples before, but not so completely till the covenant be sealed and solemnized, as a soldier is not so signally a soldier till he be listed, nor a King till he be crowned so fully a King, or a man or woman so fully married till it be solemnized in the Congregation; in this sense they say the same that I am proving: Men must be first Disciples by the professed consent, before they are declared such by the Seals or public sacramental solemnization.
The Major is proved from Matth 38.19. Go Disciple me all Nations, batizing them.] As for those that say, they are Discipled by baptizing, and not before baptizing. 1. They speak not the sense of that Text. 2. Nor that which is true or rational, if they mean it absolutely as so spoken; else why should one be baptized more then another. 3. But if they mean that by heart-covenant, or Gods Accep•ance and promise they are Disciples before, but not so compleatly till the covenant be sealed and solemnized, as a souldier is not so signally a souldier till he be listed, nor a King till he be crowned so fully a King, or a man or woman so fully married till it be solemnized in the Congregation; in this sense they say the same that I am proving: Men must be first Disciples by the professed consent, before they are declared such by the Seals or publike sacramental solemnization.