A26886:966
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.
Arg. 16. Those whom we may justly Baptize (supposing them of age and natural capacity) we may justly admit to the Lords Supper while they are no worse than they were at Baptism. But we may not admit a notorious ungodly person to the Lords Supper: Therefore we may not justly Baptize such: And consequently, not their children upon their account.
The Major is plain: No Church-member ought to be kept from Church-communion in the Lords Supper, but upon some just Accusation of a crime which he is since guilty of, more than he was at his Admittance. But the Baptized are Church members. Ergo, &c.
It is by one objected, that this is the Anabaptists Argument (or one to this purpose) to keep out Infants, because they are not to be admitted to the Lords Supper. Answ. That is for want of natural capacity to use the Ordinance; and not for want of a Right, if they had such capacity. But for men at age, I suppose it past doubt that you may admit them to the Supper on the same qualifications as to state worthiness, on which you may admit them to Baptism. Object. The Baptized are Incipientes; the Communicants Proficients; Therefore there must be more in all Communicants ⟨p. 295⟩then is requisite in the Baptized. Answ. There ought to be more, because they ought to grow in grace. But 1. it is not requisite that they be in any other state then the Baptized: Nor 2. Is it absolutely necessary that they have any further degree of grace. For 1. the Lords Supper is the means of increasing grace, and doth not ever suppose it increased. 2. The Apostles admitted the new baptized into their communion, to breaking of bread and prayer presently, Act. 3. and 4. Indeed there is requisite in the Receiving, and before, thoughts suitable to that Ordinance, according to its difference from other Ordinances; and so there is in each Ordinance according to its nature: And in that sense, as to some acts, its as true that there is somewhat more required also in Baptism, then in receiving the Lord Supper. But that's nothing to the case.