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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. XIII.
The second Question propounded, viz. whether all that profess Christianity have right to Baptism, the Negative asserted and proved, many that outwardly profess Christianity, are not visibly in Covenant with the Lord, nor have a visible Interest in the thing sealed in Baptism. Nor submit themselves to Christs Government in his Church, but are de jure excommunicate, and worse then Infidels, and therefore not to be baptized. In Primitive and Apostolical Times, practice as well as Profession was looked after. It is a dishonour to the Name of Christ, that every body should be counted a Servant in his Family. Holy things must not be given to Dogs.
THe second Question propounded, viz. whether all that profess Christianity have right to Baptisme, the Negative asserted and proved, many that outwardly profess Christianity, are not visibly in Covenant with the Lord, nor have a visible Interest in the thing sealed in Baptisme. Nor submit themselves to Christs Government in his Church, but are de jure excommunicate, and worse then Infidels, and therefore not to be baptized. In Primitive and Apostolical Times, practice as well as Profession was looked after. It is a dishonour to the Name of Christ, that every body should be counted a Servant in his Family. Holy things must not be given to Dogs.
The things which have been spoken may suffice for the clearing of the first Question, we proceed now (as in the Lords holy fear) to Consider of the second. Question, viz. Whether all that profess Christianity have right to Baptism? The Answer whereunto is Negative. In most places in Christendom (as 'tis called) there is much more need to Insist on the demonstrative, evincing of the Negative to this Question then on the Affirmative of the former. But amongst us that which we have already Asserted and proved, is the Controversy of the Time and place, where in the Lord hath Cast our Lot to be, and Consequently the present Truth, in which respect we have been the more large in discussing that, but shall be brief in this which followeth. Nevertheless, perceiving that some do already plead for Baptism, upon the mere Account of a Practically Contradicted, and everted Profession of Christianity, and not knowing but that in process of Time (for one extreme begets another, and it may be feared that our