A26923:835
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches by reconciling explication without much disputing. Written by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1691
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.
§. 15. 11. Others say, That the Children of all Christians (Sinners, or Hypocrites) if baptized, are in a state of Pardon and Salvation; and that God will not punish the Child for the Hypocrite or profane Parents Sin. But by that rule Heathens Children should be in as safe a case, because God will not punish them for their Parents sin. Either something on the Parents part is a Condition of the Child's Right, or nothing. If nothing, Heathens and Christians Children are equal: If something, it must be true Faith (as to God's acceptance): For whatever the Church must do, (that knoweth not the Heart) it is incredible that God should have such a Covenant [Thy Child shall be saved if thou wilt, (though lyingly) offer him to me, tho▪ thou shalt be damned for that Lye.]
§. 15. 11. Others say, That the Children of all Christians (Sinners, or Hypocri•es) if baptized, are in a state of Pardon and Salvation; and that God will not punish the Child for the Hypocrite or prophane Parents Sin. But by that rule Heathens Children should be in as safe a case, because God will not punish them for their Parents sin. Either something on the Parents part is a Condition of the Child's Right, or nothing. If nothing, Heathens and Christians Children are equal: If something, it must be true Faith (as to God's acceptance): For whatever the Church must do, (that knoweth not the Heart) it is incredible that God should have such a Covenant [Thy Child shall be saved if thou wilt, (though lyingly) offer him to me, tho▪ thou shalt be damned for that Lye.]
§. 16. 12. That which I acquiesce in is this: That God who visited Adam's Sin on all his Posterity, hath in the Covenant of Grace also so joined Infants to the Parents,1 that till they have a Will to choose for themselves, their Parents may choose for them, and dispose of them for their good, and God taketh them as Members of the Parents so far: And so he hath made many express Promises of mercy to the Faithful and their Seed, (and Threatenings to the Wicked and their Seed): And that this Mercy cannot be consistent with their Damnation; for it is to be their God, and to love and bless them, which cannot stand with damning them. And God having but one Covenant, seeing they are in the same