A26892:6208
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
3. A mans apprehension may be True, when it is but a wavering opinion, with the greatest doubtfulness. Therefore we do not usually by a Certain apprehension, mean only a True apprehension, but a clear and quieting one.
4. It is possible to baptize Infants unlawfully, or without any Right, so that their Reception and baptizing shall be a great sin, as is the misapplying of other Ordinances. For instance; one in America where there is neither Church to receive them, nor Christian Parents nor Sponsors, may take up the Indians Children and Baptize them against the Parents wills; Or if the Parents consent to have their Children outwardly Baptized, and not themselves, as not knowing what Baptizing meaneth, or desire it only for outward advantages to their Children. Or if they offer them to be Baptized only in open derision and scorn of Christ; such Children have no Right to be received. And many other instances nearer may be given.
4. It is possible to baptize Infants unlawfully, or without any Right, so that their Reception and baptizing shall be a great sin, as is the misapplying of other Ordinances. For instance; one in America where there is neither Church to receive them, nor Christian Parents nor Sponsors, may take up the Indians Children and Baptize them against the Parents wills; Or if the Parents consent to have their Children outwardly Baptized, and not themselves, as not knowing what Baptizing meaneth, or desire it only for outward advantages to their Children. Or if they offer them to be Baptized only in open derision and scorn of Christ; such Children have no Right to be received. And many other instances neerer may be given.
5. It's possible the person may have no Authority at all from Christ who doth Baptize them. And Christs part in Reception of the person, and Collation and Investiture in his benefits, must be done by his Commission, or else how can we say that Christ doth it? But open Infidels, Women, Children, madmen, scorners, may do it that have none of his Commission.