A26886:992
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 admire that grave men among us, and Godly, who will stretch their wits to the uttermost to defend that which is the more common opinion of Divines of best repute among whom they live, before they will differ from them, can yet make so small a matter of differing from the Fathers, and universal consent of the Primitive Churches, (as far as we have any means to disprove it.) That it was their Judgement and practice to refuse to baptize any Notorious ungodly person, while such, appears past all doubt. 1. By their requiring a profession of Repentance. 2. And a profession of Believing in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and renouncing the world, the flesh and the Devil, and promising a new life. 3. By their Judging the Baptized to be in a state of salvation, which was on supposition of their true sanctification. 4. By their too much care in delaying the Catechumeni (in later times) lest they should be unmeet.
Let me recite the testimonies of one or two of our own, and one of those Ancients, each of the highest Authority in the present case.
Let me recite the testimonies of one or two of our own, and one of those Antients, each of the highest Authority in the present case.
1. Mr. Gilespie, Aaron's Rod. l. 3. ch. 15 pag. 544. saith, [It were a Profanation of the Sacrament of Baptism, to Baptize a Catechumen, a Jew, or a Pagan, professing a Resolution to turn Christian, he being manifestly under the power of abominable Reigning sins, and being still a profane and wicked liver, although he were able to give a sound and orthodox Confession of Faith.] From whence he argueth, that therefore the same men are not to be admitted to the Lords Supper.
1. Mr. Gilespie, Aarons Rod. l. 3. ch. 15 pag. 544. saith, [It were a Profanation of the Sacrament of Baptism, to Baptize a Catechumene, a Jew, or a Pagan, professing a Resolution to turn Christian, he being manifestly under the power of abominable Reigning sins, and being still a prophane and wicked liver, although he were able to give a sound and orthodox Confession of Faith.] From whence he argueth, that therefore the same men are not to be admitted to the Lords Supper.