A26892:6316
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.
1. I grant it unlawful to suppose another to be the Parent or proprietor that is not: Or to suppose him to have that power and interest in your child which he hath not: O• to desire him to undertake what he cannot perform, and which neither he nor you intend he shall perform: I grant that you are not bound to alienate the propriety of your children, nor to take in another to be joint-proprietors; nor to put out your children to the God-fathers education. So that if you will misunderstand the Use of Sponsors, then indeed you will make them unlawful to be so used.
But if you take them but as the ancient Churches did, for such as do attest the Parents fidelity (in their persuasion,) and do promise first to mind you of your duty, and next to take care of the children's pious education if you dye, I know no reason you have to scruple this much.
But if you take them but as the antient Churches did, for such as do attest the Parents fidelity (in their perswasion,) and do promise first to mind you of your duty, and next to take care of the childrens pious education if you dye, I know no reason you have to scruple this much.
Yea more, it is in your own power to agree with the God-fathers, that they shall represent your own persons, and speak and promise what they do, as your deputies only, in your names? And what have you against this? Suppose you were sick, lame, imprisoned or banished, would you not have your child baptized? And how should that be done, but by your deputing another to represent you in entering him into Covenant with God?
Yea more, it is in your own power to agree with the God-fathers, that they shall represent your own persons, and speak and promise what they do, as your deputies only, in your names? And what have you against this? Suppose you were sick, lame, imprisoned or banished, would you not have your child baptized? And how should that be done, but by your deputing another to represent you in entring him into Covenant with God?