A26892:8788
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.
As the Parents are both Owners (secundum quid) and Rulers and Benefactors to their child, in all three respects conjunct, they may oblige him to a third person who is willing to be his Benefactor, by a conditional obligation to perform such conditions that he may possess such or such benefits: And thus a Guardian or any friend who is fit to interpose for him may oblige him. As to take a lease in his name, in which he shall be bound to pay such a rent, or do such a service, that he may receive such a commodity which is greater. Thus Parents oblige their children under Civil Governments to the Laws of the Society or Kingdom, that they may have the protection and benefits of subjects. In these cases the child can complain of no injury; for it is for his benefit that he is obliged: And the Parent (in this respect) cannot oblige him to his hurt: For if he will quit the benefit, he may be freed when he will from his obligation, and may refuse to stand to the Covenant if he dislike it. If he will give up his lease, he may be disobliged from the Rent and service.
§. 3. In all this you may perceive that no man can oblige another against God or his salvation: And therefore a Parent cannot oblige a child to sin, nor to forbear hearing or reading the Word of God, or praying, or any thing necessary to his salvation: Nor can he oblige him to hear a Heretical Pastor, nor to marry an Infidel or wicked Wife, &c.
§. 4. And here also you may perceive on what grounds it is that God hath appointed Parents to oblige their children in the Covenant of Baptism, to be the servants of God, and to live in holiness all their days.
§. 4. And here also you may perceive on what grounds it is that God hath appointed Parents to oblige their children in the Covenant of Baptism, to be the servants of God, and to live in holiness all their dayes.