A41329:36
The plea of the children of believing-parents for their interest in Abraham's covenant, their…
The plea of the children of believing-parents for their interest in Abraham's covenant, their right to church-member-ship with their parents, and consequently their title to baptism. The cause of publishing this discourse after so many learned men have laboured in this province, is declared in the preface to the reader. By Giles Firmin.
London: printed for Tho. Simons, 1683
THE PLEA OF THE CHILDREN OF Believing-Parents, &c.THE PLEA OF THE CHILDREN OF Beleiving-Parents, &c.
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.
If Christians be at this Point, we expect so much from Promises, so much from Ordinances, or we have nothing, then we may do as she did, throw off all Ordinances, and Promises too. Tho' I am far from attaining ⟨p. 9⟩what I have sought and desired, yet I bless God, so much I have attained from my understanding, and improving of Abraham's Covenant, and my Infant-Baptism, that I have but a light esteem of all the Anabaptists Books against them, they signify nothing with me: but of this, more hereafter.
If Christians be at this Point, we expect so much from Promises, so much from Ordinances, or we have nothing, then we may do as she did, throw off all Ordinances, and Promises too. Tho' I am far from attaining ⟨p. 9⟩what I have sought and desired, yet I bless God, so much I have attained from my understanding, and improving of Abrahams Covenant, and my Infant-Baptism, that I have but a light esteem of all the Anabaptists Books against them, they signifie nothing with me: but of this, more hereafter.
Disputing without experiencing, signifies little in Divinity to a tempted Soul. But this I doubt not to affirm, Did Christians set in earnest to their work, and labour to improve Abraham's Covenant, and their Infant-Baptism, they should find as much profit, advantage, and support to their Souls, as any Anabaptists do by their Dipping when Adult. But if Ordinances be not improved, how can Men expect any good by them?
Disputing without experiencing, signifies little in Divinity to a tempted Soul. But this I doubt not to affirm, Did Christians set in earnest to their work, and labour to improve Abrahams Covenant, and their Infant-Baptism, they should find as much profit, advantage, and support to their Souls, as any Anabaptists do by their Dipping when Adult. But if Ordinances be not improved, how can Men expect any good by them?