A26924:241
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated…
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated and argued by Richard Baxter ; who earnestly beseecheth rulers and clergy not to divide and destroy the land and cast their own souls on the dreadful guilt and punishment of national perjury ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1689
Chapter 10: Point VII. Of the English sort of Godfathers at Baptism.
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.
L. I confess it sounds to me as unnatural. But what is your other reason against our sort of Godfathers?
M. I•. My second Reason is, that it is a profanation of this great and sacred Ordinance, to invest those in the visible state Christianity (and Salvation pretendedly) that have no right to such investiture, so they have but Godfathers they are to baptize the children of any Jews, or Heathens, or open enemies to Christ, as well as of Christians; which is a manifest profanation.
M. I•. My second Reason is, that it is a prophanation of this great and sacred Ordinance, to invest those in the visible state Christianity (and Salvation pretendedly) that have no right to such investiture, so they have but Godfathers they are to baptize the children of any Jews, or Heathens, or open enemies to Christ, as well as of Christians; which is a manifest prophanation.
L. What is the fault of it.
M. 1. It supposeth a false Doctrine, that Infidel Children are within the Covenant, and may be baptized as well as Christians which in the Books aforecited, I have fully disproved. 2. It is a dangerous adding to God's word and worship. 3. It is a deceiving of mens Souls as to children's state, to make them believe that their children dying when baptized are all saved, how bad soever the Parents be 4. It is a dreadful belying of God, and profanation of his name, if men shall in the name of God pronounce pardon and salvation to those whom he never gave them to.