A26924:296
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
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.
M. True, no more doth washing in water, and yet this is used for the benefit of the Parents at present, and of Infants when they are at the use of reason. Indeed Christ by his own Sacrament giveth Right and Relative grace, which he will not do by mens inventions. III. But man plainly appointeth the Cross to work this grace by way of exciting signification. IV. And it is expressly made man's covenanting sign, by which he bindeth himself to covenant fidelity; that he will not be ashamed to confess the Faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight, &c. The whole duty of the covenant on man's part is promised hereby. V. And the Canon tells you it is a dedicating Sign and Badge of our profession. So that I see not what is wanting to a Sacrament, as far as man can make one, by presumption, which we cannot consent to.
M. True, no more doth washing in water, and yet this is used for the benefit of the Parents at present, and of Infants when they are at the use of reason. Indeed Christ by his own Sacrament giveth Right and Relative grace, which he will not do by mens inventions. III. But man plainly appointeth the Cross to work this grace by way of exciting signification. IV. And it is expresly made man's covenanting sign, by which he bindeth himself to covenant fidelity; that he will not be ashamed to confess the Faith of Christ crucified, and manfully to fight, &c. The whole duty of the covenant on man's part is promised hereby. V. And the Canon tells you it is a dedicating Sign and Badge of our profession. So that I see not what is wanting to a Sacrament, as far as man can make one, by presumption, which we cannot consent to.
L. But it's said that Baptism is perfect without it.
M. So it is without the Lord's Supper; and yet that is justly added: It saith not that mans covenanting with God is perfect without it: For it seemeth a Sacrament of man's added to that of Christ, to tie men faster to him.