A76157:87
Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…
Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the sovereign powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and welfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches.Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the soveraigne powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and wellfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches.
London: printed by A.M. for Nevil Simmons book-seller, 1658
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.
Moreover, it's said of all that were Baptized (being then at Age) that they first Believed: And how could the Baptizers know that they believed, but by their Profession: Yea, it's said of Simon Magus, that he Believed and was Baptized; which (though he might really have some historical Faith, yet) implieth, that he openly Professed more then he indeed had, or else he had scarce been Baptized. Which hath caused Interpreters to judge, that by Faith is meant a Profession of Faith. And if so, then sure a Profession was still Necessary.
Moreover, it's said of all that were Baptized (being then at Age) that they first Believed: And how could the Baptizers know that they believed, but by their Profession: Yea, it's said of Simon Magus, that he Believed and was Baptized; which (though he might really have some historical Faith, yet) implyeth, that he openly Professed more then he indeed had, or else he had scarce been Baptized. Which hath caused Interpreters to judge, that by Faith is meant a Profession of Faith. And if so, then sure a Profession was still Necessary.
Yea, Christ in his Commission directeth his Apostles to make Disciples, and then Baptize them; promising, that he that believeth and is Baptized shall be saved. And who can tell whether a man be a Disciple, a Believer, or an Infidel, but by his Profession.
How was it known but by their Profession, that the Samaritans Believed Philip, preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus Christ, before they were Baptized both men and women? Act. 8. 12.