A26886:545
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.
But for a further search of Mr. Blake's mind, observe his words, pag. 175. Where he answers to what I now object. And first he citeth these words of mine [Where you say that an acknowledgement of the Necessity of such faith, with engagement to it, is sufficient for a Title to the state. I reply. Then those that at present renounce Christ, so it be against their knowledge and Conscience, and will engage to own him sincerely for the future have a Title to Baptism] To which he replieth [How comes I pray you that [future in? you manifest much reading in the Law: and I have heard this as a Maxim, In obligationibus ubi nullus certus statuitur dies, quovis die debetur; There is no day overtaken, but engagement is for present, &c.]
But for a further search of Mr. Blakes mind, observe his words, pag. 175. Where he answers to what I now object. And first he citeth these words of mine [Where you say that an acknowledgement of the Necessity of such faith, with engagement to it, is sufficient for a Title to the state. I reply. Then those that at present renounce Christ, so it be against their knowledge and Conscience, and will engage to own him sincerely for the future have a Title to Baptism] To which he replyeth [How comes I pray you that [future in? you manifest much reading in the Law: and I have heard this as a Maxim, In obligationibus ubi nullus certus statuitur dies, quovis die debetur; There is no day overtaken, but engagement is for present, &c.]
To this I rejoin; 1. It is the first time that ever I heard of an engagement that was not de futuro as to the performance. We are agreed that the Engagement is present; but the question is whether it be to a present or future performance. And it is by Covenant or Promise that Mr. Blake supposeth this engagement made. And is there any which is not de futuro? If the Church cannot hit the Right way of Baptizing till such elucidations as these direct them to it — If you Promise to believe de praesenti, either you do at that present believe, or you do not. If you do, your Promise as to that present act which you already perform, is vain: as if I Promise to give you that which I have given you already, or in that instant give you; ⟨p. 197⟩