A26886:524
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. 2. If according to the Institution the Answer of a good Conscience must be joined with Baptism for the attaining of its end, then must we admit none that profess not that answer of a good conscience. But the former is certain from the Text: For Baptism is said to save; that's its appointed use: yet not the external washing, but the answer of a good conscience doth it therefore this is of necessary conjunction; and without it Baptism cannot attain its end: But it is to be administered & received only in order to the attainment of its end, and therefore never in a way by which the end is apparently not attainable.
Argum. 2. If according to the Institution the Answer of a good Conscience must be joyned with Baptism for the attaining of its end, then must we admit none that profess not that answer of a good conscience. But the former is certain from the Text: For Baptism is said to save; that's its appointed use: yet not the external washing, but the answer of a good conscience doth it therefore this is of necessary conjunction; and without it Baptism cannot attain its end: But it is to be administred & received only in order to the attainment of its end, and therefore never in a way by which the end is apparently not attainable.
What this answer of a good conscience is, we shall further enquire anon. Both the common expositions fully confirm the point which I maintain. The Assemblies Annot. recite both thus; [Hence by the answer of a good conscience we may understand that unfeigned faith, whereof they made confession at their Baptism, and whereby their consciences were purified, and whereby they received the remission of their sins &c. Some understand by the Answer of a good Conscience, that Covenant whereinto they entered at their Baptism, the embracing whereof they testified by their unfeigned confession of their Faith] viz. such a Faith as is aforesaid: ⟨p. 160⟩so that I conclude that this Text doth plainly show that Baptism is for the saving of the Baptized as to the instituted use, and may not be used merely to any lower ends then to put them into a present state of Salvation.