N00041:92
Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I.…
Another essay for investigation of the truth, in answer to two questions, concerning I. The subject of baptism. II. The consociation of churches. / By John Davenport B. of D. and Pastor of the Church of Christ, at New-Haven, in New-England. ; [Twenty-four lines of quotations]
printed by Samuel Green and Marmaduke Johnson, 1663
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.
Reply. 1. Church-membership infers such Church-communion, as is suitable to that Membership. The Membership of the children of Confederates, in minority, infers Church-communion, so far as they are capable of it, in and by their Parents covenanting for them being not capable of covenanting for themselves: Hence they have communion with the Church by being baptized 1 Cor. 12. 13. So the Church-membership of adult persons, infers Church-communion in all Ordinances, particularly in the Lords Supper, 1 Cor 12. 13. and in Voting and Censures 1 Cor. 5. 12. Therefore no adult person may be received into mere Membership, regularly, until he be qualified fitly for other Ordinances, and for Voting and judging in Church-affairs, 1 Cor. 5. 12. So much for the fourth Proposition.
Reply. 1. Church-membership infers such Church-communion, as is suitable to that Membership. The Membership of the children of Confederates, in minority, infers Church-communion, so far as they are capable of it, in and by their Parents covenanting for them being not capable of covenanting for themselves: Hence they have communion with the Church by being baptized 1 Cor. 12. 13. So the Church-membership of adult persons, infers Church-communion in all Ordinances, particularly in the Lords Supper, 1 Cor 12. 13. and in Voting and Censures 1 Cor. 5. 12. Therefore no adult person may be received into meer Membership, regularly, untill he be qualified fitly for other Ordinances, and for Voting and judging in Church-affairs, 1 Cor. 5. 12. So much for the fourth Proposition.
Propos. 5. Their fifth Proposition is: Church-members, who were admitted in minority, understanding the Doctrine of Faith, and publicly professing their assent hereunto, note scandalous in life, and solemnly owning he Covenant before the Church, wherein they give up themselves and their children to the Lord, and subject themselves to the Government of Christ […], their children are to be baptized.