A26892:6249
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.
7. I think therefore that all the Children of true Christians, do by Baptism receive a public Investiture by Gods appointment into a state of Remission, Adoption and right to salvation at the present: Though I dare not say that I am undoubtedly certain of it, as knowing how much is said against it. But I say as the Synod of Dort, Art. 1. that Believing Parents have no cause to doubt of the salvation of their Children that dye in infancy, before they commit actual sin; that is, not to trouble themselves with fears about it.
7. I think therefore that all the Children of true Christians, do by Baptism receive a publick Investiture by Gods appointment into a state of Remission, Adoption and right to salvation at the present: Though I dare not say that I am undoubtedly certain of it, as knowing how much is said against it. But I say as the Synod of Dort, Art. 1. that Believing Parents have no cause to doubt of the salvation of their Children that dye in infancy, before they commit actual sin; that is, not to trouble themselves with fears about it.
The Reasons that move me to be of this judgement (though not without doubting and hesitancy) are these, 1. Because whoever hath right to the present Investiture, delivery and possession of the first and great benefits of Gods Covenant made with man in Baptism, hath right to Pardon and Adoption and everlasting life: But the Infants of true Christians have right to the present investiture, delivery and possession of the first and great benefits of Gods Covenant made with man in Baptism. Therefore they have right to pardon and everlasting life.
Either Infants are in the same Covenant (that is, are subjects of the same promise of God) with their believing Parents, or in some other Covenant, or in no Covenant: If they be under no Covenant (or promise) or under some other promise or Covenant only, and not the same; they are not to be Baptized. For Baptism is a mutual Covenanting; where the Minister by Christs Commission in his name acteth his part, and the believer his own and his Infants part: And God hath but one Covenant, which is to be made, sealed and delivered in baptism. Baptism is not an equivocal word, so as to signify divers Covenants of God.