A26892:6257
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.
Obj. Yes: Baptism and the Covenant of special promises are for all the Elect, though we know not who they are.
Answ. 1. I deny not Gods Eternal antecedent Election; But I deny that the Scripture ever mentioneth his pardoning or Glorifying any, upon the account of Election only, without certain spiritual conditions, which may be given as the reason of the difference in judgement. God may freely give the Gospel to whom he will, and also faith or the first grace by the Gospel, without any previous condition in man, but according to his free Election only: But he giveth pardon and Heaven as a Rector by his equal Laws and judgement; and always rendereth a reason of the difference, from the qualifications of man.
Answ. 1. I deny not Gods Eternal antecedent Election; But I deny that the Scripture ever mentioneth his pardoning or Glorifying any, upon the account of Election only, without certain spiritual conditions, which may be given as the reason of the difference in judgement. God may freely give the Gospel to whom he will, and also faith or the first grace by the Gospel, without any previous condition in man, but according to his free Election only: But he giveth pardon and Heaven as a Rector by his equal Laws and judgement; and alwayes rendereth a reason of the difference, from the qualifications of man.
2. And if this were as you say, it would still overthrow Infant baptism. For either we must baptize all indifferently, or none, or else know how to make a difference. All must not be baptized indifferently: And Election is a secret thing to us, and by it no Minister in the World can tell whom to baptize; Therefore he must baptize none, if there be no other differencing note to know them by.