A41334:65
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
A SOBER REPLY TO A SOBER ANSWER, &c.A SOBER REPLY TO A SOBER ANSVVER, &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.
Whence I observe. First, this ordinance may be abused. Secondly, de Facto it is abused in this administration to such vile persons; only say you his saves all, you have no power to reform this Abuse, and for that I much grieve; but this I deny, I have power, and so have you and many more, but by you I cannot conceive the Ordinance is abused, for if the word binds me to give such a person the Ordinance; I know not how I abuse it in following of the command of the word, so that I have no such cause to grieve in respect of the administering of the Ordinance, for that is well enough, while such a one is tolerated; I am bound to do it [that is our Question] say you, the grief must be in regard of the Mans toleration in the Church. But Sir, remember one thing more, you tell us though such a person be Excommunicated, yet because be is a Christian, and retains his Baptism; 1Therefore the Minister must Baptize his Child: what cause of grieving is there now, for what power is there beyond Excommunication? so that you do but deceive us in talking of Reformation.
Whence I observe. First, this ordinance may be abused. Secondly, de Facto it is abused in this administration to such vile persons; only say you his saves all, you have no power to reform this Abuse, and for that I much grieve; but this I deny, I have power, and so have you and many more, but by you I cannot conceive the Ordinance is abused, for if the word bindes me to give such a person the Ordinance; I know not how I abuse it in following of the command of the word, so that I have no such cause to grieve in respect of the administring of the Ordinance, for that is well enough, while such a one is tolerated; I am bound to do it [that is our Question] say you, the griefe must be in regard of the Mans toleration in the Church. But Sir, remember one thing more, you tell us though such a person be Excommunicated, yet because be is a Christian, and retaines his Baptisme; 1Therefore the Minister must Baptize his Child: what cause of grieving is there now, for what power is there beyond Excommunication? so that you do but deceive us in talking of Reformation.
- 1Page 12.