A26964:91
The nonconformists advocate
The nonconformists advocate, or, A farther account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written principally in vindication of A letter from a minister to a person of quality, showing some reasons for his nonconformity, modesty answering the exceptions of two violent opposers of the said reasons.The nonconformists advocate, or, A farther account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written principally in vindication of A letter from a minister to a person of quality, shewing some reasons for his nonconformity, modesty answering the exceptions of two violent opposers of the said reasons.
London: printed for Thomas Simmons, 1680
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.
It was indeed for remission of sins unto the Eleven, but not unto Judas, though he drank of that Cup as well as his Colleagues, yea and had a worthiness for it, that is an outward worthiness, and was rightly admitted unto it, but wanted the inward: To the inwardly worthy the blessing is communicated, but from all others the blessing is suspended.
Among other things you say,1 Children by Baptism are actually brought into the Covenant of Grace. Here again I might fasten upon you the opus operatum conferring grace, as well as you upon me from a lesser cause: but I pass it by to tell you of another error; for children of believers were actually, i.e. really and truly in the Covenant of Grace before their Baptism, because it is by virtue of their interest in that Covenant, that they are admitted to that Ordinance: Baptism is but an open Declaration of that which before was more latent and implicit; it strengthens our Claim to the Covenant, but our Title was good and sure before. In a word, Baptism is as the mutual sealing, when both sides are agreed; the Articles are drawn up, all things are concluded, and now only to be consummated, by setting their Hands and Seals.
Among other things you say,1 Children by Baptism are actually brought into the Covenant of Grace. Here again I might fasten upon you the opus operatum conferring grace, as well as you upon me from a lesser cause: but I pass it by to tell you of another errour; for children of believers were actually, i.e. really and truly in the Covenant of Grace before their Baptism, because it is by vertue of their interest in that Covenant, that they are admitted to that Ordinance: Baptism is but an open Declaration of that which before was more latent and implicit; it strengthens our Claim to the Covenant, but our Title was good and sure before. In a word, Baptism is as the mutual sealing, when both sides are agreed; the Articles are drawn up, all things are concluded, and now only to be consummated, by setting their Hands and Seals.