A27054:516
The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness…
The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness of it, and the detection of false dividing terms / opened by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 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.
§. 11. 3. It is true that there are some humane ceremonies which some Churches adjoin to Baptism, and by others are rejected or omitted. The most of the ancient Churches used the tasting of milk and honey, the wearing of a white garment, and Chrism: and now some use the transient Image of the Cross as a symbol of our engagement to a Crucified Christ; which others omit as taking it to be so far participant of the nature of a Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace, as that it is an usurpation of Christs prerogative, for any men without his institution to appoint: But yet all these Churches that differ in these Ceremonies agree that the validity of Baptism dependeth not on them. Whether they be used or omitted, the person is nevertheless baptized.
§. 11. 3. It is true that there are some humane ceremonies which some Churches adjoin to Baptism, and by others are rejected or omitted. The most of the ancient Churches used the tasting of milk and honey, the wearing of a white garment, and Chrisme: and now some use the transient Image of the Cross as a symbol of our engagement to a Crucified Christ; which others omit as taking it to be so far participant of the nature of a Sacrament of the Covenant of Grace, as that it is an usurpation of Christs prerogative, for any men without his institution to appoint: But yet all these Churches that differ in these Ceremonies agree that the validity of Baptism dependeth not on them. Whether they be used or omitted, the person is nevertheless baptized.
§. 12. Qu. But what is it that is necessary to the being and validity of baptism?
Answ. This was partly answered before. 1. It is necessary to the validity of it in foro Ecclesiae, that both the baptizer and the adult baptized (or the person that is authorized to Covenant for the infant) do Profess to intend real Baptism, and not to do it in jest or to other ends: And it is necessary to its efficacy