B20736:305
The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches…The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches…
The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches walking in brotherly equality, or co-ordination, without subjection of one church to another measured and examined bight golden reed of the sanctuary, containing a full declaration of the church-way in all particulars / by Mr. J. Cotton ...The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches walking in brotherly equalitie, or co-ordination, without subjection of one church to another measured and examined bythe golden reed of the sanctuary, containing a full declaration of the church-way in all particulars / by Mr. J. Cotton ...
London: printed by Matthew Simmons, 1645
THE Way of the Churches of Christ in NEW-ENGLAND, Measured by the G… › Chapter 4 › Section 6
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.
Answ. We willingly put a difference between the Excommunicate persons and Apostates, and Turks; to wit, in such things wherein they differ. Excommunicate persons are nearer to help and means of conversion then Turks; For Excommunication it self is a means of salvation, 1 Cor. 5.5. and Turks are nearer then Apostates; For better it were never to have known the way of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn away from the holy Commandment given unto them, 2 Pet. 2.21. But yet in this they all agree, they are all of them as Heathens, Mat. 18.17. And therefore neither the Parents to be admitted to the Lords Table, nor their children to Baptism.
Answ. Wee willingly put a difference between the Excommunicate persons and Apostates, and Turkes; to wit, in such things wherein they differ. Excommunicate persons are neerer to helpe and meanes of conversion then Turkes; For Excommunication it selfe is a means of salvation, 1 Cor. 5.5. and Turkes are nearer then Apostates; For better it were never to have knowne the way of righteousnesse, then after they have knowne it, to turne away from the holy Commandement given unto them, 2 Pet. 2.21. But yet in this they all agree, they are all of them as Heathens, Mat. 18.17. And therefore neither the Parents to be admitted to the Lords Table, nor their children to Baptisme.
Object. Moreover, it is still further objected in behalf of Infants, Command. 2 If the mercy of God enlarge it self to thousands, why should men question whether such Infants belong to the Covenant, and so keep them from the Sacrament of Baptism, which is due to them by the right of their Ancestors?