A41334:14
A sober reply to the sober answer of Reverend Mr. Cawdrey, to A serious…
A sober reply to the sober answer of Reverend Mr. Cawdrey, to A serious question propounded viz. whether the ministers of England are bound by the word of God to baptise the children of all such parents, which say they believe in Jesus Christ, but are grossly ignorant, scandalous in their conversations, scoffers at godliness, and refuse to submit to church discipline ... : also, the question of Reverend Mr. Hooker concerning the baptism of infants : with a post-script to Reverend Mr. Blake / by G.I. Firmin ...A sober reply to the sober answer of Reverend Mr. Cawdrey, to A serious question propounded viz. whether the ministers of England are bound by the word of God to baptise the children of all such parents, which say they believe in Jesus Christ, but are grosly ignorant, scandalous in their conversations, scoffers at godliness, and refuse to submit to church dicipline ... : also, the question of Reverend Mr. Hooker concerning the baptisme of infants : with a post-script to Reverend Mr. Blake / by G.I. Firmin ...
London: printed by J.G., 1653
To the reader: TO THE COURTEOUS READER.To the reader: TO THE COƲRTEOƲS READER.
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.
As for Mr. Cawdrey who hath pleased to undertake the answer [for which I really thank him] I saw not his piece against Mr. Hooker till I had printed; but now I have read over that Diatribe and his answer to me, I confess I am still unsatisfied: yet small matters would carry me to that which my own will chooseth most readily (God is my mitnesse I have no sinister respect in my practise) and which would be to my advantage in several respects if I might baptise all.
As for Mr. Cawdrey who hath pleased to undertake the answer [for which I really thank him] I saw not his piece against Mr. Hooker till I had printed; but now I have read over that Diatribe and his answer to me, I confesse I am still unsatisfied: yet small matters would carry me to that which my owne will chooseth most readily (God is my mitnesse I have no sinister respect in my practise) and which would be to my advantage in severall respects if I might baptise all.
I was somewhat ashamed to see so holy and able a mans as Mr. Hooker, to be joined with me by Mr. Cawdrey: if the nearness of a holy man will shame one, what will the nearness of a holy God do? But since Providence hath done it, I did a little more seriously consider of Mr. Hookers question, though different from mine, and I hope […] have so cleared Mr. Hooker out of himself, that it will give content to the Reader. If I write against the Truth, Christ will, and I desire he would blast it.
I was somewhat ashamed to see so holy and able a mans as Mr. Hooker, to be joyned with me by Mr. Cawdrey: if the neereness of a holy man will shame one, what will the neerenesse of a holy God doe? But since Providence hath done it, I did a little more seriously consider of Mr. Hookers question, though different from mine, and I hope 〈…〉 have so cleared Mr. Hooker out of himselfe, that it will give content to the Reader. If I write against the Truth, Christ will, and I desire he would blast it.