N00045:276
The church-membership of children, and their right to baptism, according to that holy and…The church-membership of children, and their right to baptisme, according to that holy and…
The church-membership of children, and their right to baptism, according to that holy and everlasting covenant of God, established between himself, and the faithful and their seed after them, in their generations: cleared up in a letter, sent unto a worthy friend of the author, and many years ago written touching that subject; / by Thomas Shepard, sometimes Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridge in New-England. ; Published at the earnest request of many: for the consolidation and encouragement [sic], both of parents and children in the Lord. ; [Twelve lines of Scripture texts]The church-membership of children, and their right to baptisme, according to that holy and everlasting covenant of God, established between himself, and the faithfull and their seed after them, in their generations: cleared up in a letter, sent unto a worthy friend of the author, and many yeares agoe written touching that subject; / by Thomas Shepard, sometimes Pastor of the Church of Christ at Cambridg in New-England. ; Published at the earnest request of many: for the consolidation and encouragemenr [sic], both of parents and children in the Lord. ; [Twelve lines of Scripture texts]
printed by Samuel Green, 1663
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
4. […] respect of others their good is very great; for, 1. now they may enjoy t•e special watch and care of the whole Church, which otherwise they must want. 2. They hereby have the more fervent Prayers of others for then […]: and hence Rom. 9. 1, 2, 3. we see how Paul upon this ground had great zeal in his prayers for the Jews, not only because his countrymen, but especially because to them did belong the Adoption, and Covenants, & they had gracious Fathers &c. so Psal. 89. 49. Lord remember thy former loving kindnesses, which are sworn to David in truth. And hence we see Moses oft pleads and prevails with God in prayer, for the sinning Israelites, viz. oh Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
4. 〈…〉 respect of others their good is very great; for, 1. now they may enjoy t•e special watch and care of the whole Church, which otherwise they must want. 2. They hereby have the more fervent Prayers of others for then 〈…〉: and hence Rom. 9. 1, 2, 3. we see how Paul upon this ground had great zeal in his prayers for the Jews, not only because his countrymen, but especially because to them did belong the Adoption, and Covenants, & they had gracious Fathers &c. so Psal. 89. 49. Lord remember thy former loving kindnesses, which are sworn to David in truth. And hence we see Moses oft pleads and prevailes with God in prayer, for the sinning Israelites, viz. oh Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Iacob.
Now I pray you, lay all these things together, and then see whether you have any cause to say; What profit is there by Covenant and Church-membership of persons not yet able to profess the faith of Jesus Christ?