N00149:142
A discourse concerning the subject of baptism wherein the present controversies, that are agitated…A discourse concerning the subject of baptisme wherein the present controversies, that are agitated…
A discourse concerning the subject of baptism wherein the present controversies, that are agitated in the New English churches are from Scripture and reason modestly enquired into / by Increase Mather, teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Sixteen lines of quotations]A discourse concerning the subject of baptisme wherein the present controversies, that are agitated in the New English churches are from Scripture and reason modestly enquired into / by Increase Mather, teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Sixteen lines of quotations]
printed by Samuel Green, 1675
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.
CHAP. XII.
The sixth Objection, viz. that the persons in Question never had any other but an Infant membership, which cannot continue in Adult age, Answered. Persons thus Qualified are members, though in Infancy, they had not been so, In Infant membership may continue. Proved; because that part or Interest which a man had in the Lord, when an Infant may continue all his days, such Children when Adult may be Cast off. They are the Lords Subjects and bond Servants. This objection Contradicts the great design of Infant Baptism, and Crosseth the Covenant of grace, Children regenerated in Infancy retain their membership, God hath received them into his Church and never put them out, therefore they are members […]. The Jews retained their membership, when Adult, ⟨p. 56⟩this notion of non-Continuance is uncomfortable doctrine for Godly parents and Children. The Principles which it is founded upon, are weak, there is not a Specific difference between the membership of Infants, and of persons Adult, a real and not a mere Imputed holiness is to be affirmed of some Infants, Children of the faithful heirs. A new sort of membership will Infer Rebaptization, Concluding distinctions to be minded throughout this whole discourse.
THe sixth Objection, viz. that the persons in Question never had any other but an Infant membership, which cannot continue in Adult age, Answered. Persons thus Qualified are members, though in Infancy, they had not been so, InInfant membership may continue. Proved; because that part or Interest which a man had in the Lord, when an Infant may continue all his dayes, such Children when Adult may be Cast off. They are the Lords Subjects and bond Servants. This objection Contradicts the great designe of Infant Baptisme, and Crosseth the Covenant of grace, Children regenerated in Infancy retain their membership, God hath received them into his Church and never put them out, therefore they are members 〈…〉. The Jews retained their membership, when Adult, ⟨p. 56⟩