N00149:90
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.
Thus I would say here, that which is a means appointed by Christ, for the Salvation of the Souls of our Children, and to prevent their Eternal ruin. Let us not say that it belongs not to them, but so is Church Censure, 1 Cor. 5. 5. It is an Ordinance, yea, a Privilege, which in its own nature is not only penal but medicinal. Therefore they are injurious to the Souls of the Children concerning whom our present dispute is, that will not suffer them to have the benefit of so great and healing an Ordinance.
Thus I would say here, that which is a means appointed by Christ, for the Salvation of the Souls of our Children, and to prevent their Eternal ruine. Let us not say that it belongs not to them, but so is Church Censure, 1 Cor. 5. 5. It is an Ordinance, yea, a Priviledge, which in its own nature is not only panal but medecinal. Therefore they are injurious to the Souls of the Children concerning whom our present dispute is, that will not suffer them to have the benefit of so great and healing an Ordinance.
6. They that are of those whom the Scripture Stileth [Greek or Hebrew] Those within, are under Church discipline, 1 Cor. 5. 12. What have I to do to judge them that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? which plainly showeth that discipline doth or should run parallel with the visible Church. Who ever an Apostle hath power to Censure, is a Subject of Church discipline, But it was true con•rning every member of the visible Church that an Apostle had power to Censure them. And surely there ought to be a difference acknowledged between Children and Strangers, Mat. 17. 25, 26. Nor are they worthy to be accounted members of Christs Kingdom, who are not willing to Subject themselves to the Laws and Government therein appointed;