N05035:330
An humble inquiry into the rules of the Word of God, concerning the qualifications…
An humble inquiry into the rules of the Word of God, concerning the qualifications requisite to a complete standing and full communion in the visible Christian church. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; With an appendix by Mr. Foxcroft. ; [Ten lines of quotations]An humble inquiry into the rules of the Word of God, concerning the qualifications requisite to a compleat standing and full communion in the visible Christian church. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; With an appendix by Mr. Foxcroft. ; [Ten lines of quotations]
Boston: : Printed & sold by S. Kneeland in Queenstreet, 1749
Title page typeset from the transcription.
An Inquiry into the Qualifications for full Communion in the visibl… › Part 3
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.
ANSW. 1. As to Children's being destitute of that which is spoken of in Scripture as one Thing ordinarily requisite to Salvation; I would observe, that Baptism can do their Souls no Good any otherwise than through' God's Blessing attending it: But we have no Reason to expect his Blessing with Baptism, if administered to those that it does not belong to by his Institution.
ANSW. 1. As to Children's being destitute of that which is spoken of in Scripture as one Thing ordinarily requisite to Salvation; I would observe, that Baptism can do their Souls no Good any otherwise than thro' God's Blessing attending it: But we have no Reason to expect his Blessing with Baptism, if administred to those that it does not belong to by his Institution.
ANSW. 2. As to the Reproach, which will be brought on Parents and Children, by Children's going without Baptism, through' the Parents neglecting a Profession of Godliness, and so visibly remaining among the Unconverted; if any insist on this Objection, I think it will favour of much Unreasonableness and even Stupidity.
ANSW. 2. As to the Reproach, which will be brought on Parents and Children, by Children's going without Baptism, thro' the Parents neglecting a Profession of Godliness, and so visibly remaining among the Unconverted; if any insist on this Objection, I think it will favour of much Unreasonableness and even Stupidity.
It will favour of an unreasonable Spirit. Is it not enough, if God freely offers Men to own their Children and to give them the Honour of Baptism, in Case the Parents will turn from Sin and relinquish their Enmity against him, heartily give up themselves and their Children to him, and take upon them the Profession of Godliness?—If Men are truly excusable, in not turning to God through' Christ, in not believing with the Heart, and in not confessing with the Mouth, why don't we openly plead that they are so? And why don't we teach Sinners, that they are not to blame for continuing among the Enemies of Christ, and neglecting and despising his great Salvation? If they are not at all excusable in this, and it be wholly owing to their own indulged Lusts, that they refuse sincerely to give up themselves and their Children to God, then how unreasonable is it for them to complain that their Children are denied the Honour of having God's Mark set upon them as some of his? If Parents are angry at this, such a Temper shows 'em to be very senseless of their own vile