A80622:642
The grounds and ends of the baptism of the children of the faithful. Opened…The grounds and ends of the baptisme of the children of the faithfull. Opened…
The grounds and ends of the baptism of the children of the faithful. Opened in a familiar discourse by way of a dialogue, or brotherly conference. / By the learned and faithful minister of Christ, John Cotton, teacher of the Church of Boston in New-England.The grounds and ends of the baptisme of the children of the faithfull. Opened in a familiar discourse by way of a dialogue, or brotherly conference. / By the learned and faithfull minister of Christ, John Cotton, teacher of the Church of Boston in New-England.
London: printed by R.C. for Andrew Crooke, 1646
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.
1If they cannot preach, the greater is their sin to baptize, or to enter into such a calling whereto the administration of Baptism pertaineth. But nevertheless, though God delighteth not to make use of such instruments for the conversion of souls: yet their administrations of the seals (which are given not for conversion, but for confirmation of grace, either formerly wrought or to be wrought) they are not nullities. Circumcision of the ten Tribes after the Apostasy of Jeroboam, and after the casting out of the Priest• and Levites (2 Chron. 11.14, 15.) was generally administered by unclean hands. For though Circumcision at first might have been administered by the father of the family (as might also the Passover be killed by them) yet after the Priests & Levites were set apart for the public service of God and his people, then look as their Passovers were to be killed only by the Priests and Levites: ⟨p. 185⟩So the Analogy of the seals requireth, that Circumcision also should only be administered by the Priests and Levites. Now when the Priests and Levites were cast out of office in the ten Tribes, Jeroboam's Priests that came in their room, were as Ignorant and unskilful to expound the Law, as any (whom you in the Prophets phrase call) dumb dogs, are unskilful to preach the Gospel, 1 Kings 13.33. 2 Chron. 15.3. But if Circumcision were then dispensed by the Fathers of the families, they were also an Ignorant and rebellious people, a people Apostate from God, and such as lived either without Law, (2 Chron. 15 3.) or in open transgression of the Law (1 Kings 19.10) In which case the Apostle saith in some sense (that is, in respect of the spiritual benefit of it) their Circumcision is made uncircumcision, Rom. 2.25. Notwithstanding let it be remembered, that in Israel, though none were allowed to partake in the Passover, but such as are circumcised, (they and their families)