A26886:508
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.
I asked whether Preachers be not bound to endeavour the saving conversion of whole Nations? He answereth [I think they are to bring them, if Heathen, to a visible Profession, and as many as they can to through-conversion.] Repl. 1. This is no answer to my question; unless it import a concession of what was denied. Must men endeavour to convert a whole Nation, or not? 2. If we must endeavour to convert no more than we can convert, then we must know the success before we endeavour which cannot be; and must endeavour to convert no more then will be converted, which is worse then false 3. I will not endeavour to persuade any man to Profess to be what he is not, or to have what he hath not, or to do what he doth not.
I ask't whether Preachers be not bound to endeavour the saving conversion of whole Nations? He answereth [I think they are to bring them, if Heathen, to a visible Profession, and as many as they can to thorow-conversion.] Repl. 1. This is no answer to my question; unless it import a concession of what was denyed. Must men endeavour to convert a whole Nation, or not? 2. If we must endeavour to convert no more than we can convert, then we must know the success before we endeavour which cannot be; and must endeavour to convert no more then will be converted, which is worse then false 3. I will not endeavour to perswade any man to Profess to be what he is not, or to have what he hath not, or to do what he doth not.
He next noteth it as a remarkable contradiction in adjecto, that I say, (Vocation uneffectual is common to Pagans) saying, that [Calling in Scripture Phrase is not a bar• tender, but accompanied with a professed answer.] Repl. This is like much of the rest. Let these Texts be judge, Prov. 1.24. (Because I have called and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand and no man regarded, but ye have set at nought all my counsel, &c.) so Isa. 65.12 When I called ye did not answer, when I spake ye did not hear, &c. so