[M2.146L]                                                             [M2.146]								146
                                                                      
                                                                      		propriety of performance in the Minister performing the
                                                                      		Rite:  For that Minister being no more than an appointed
                                                                      		instrument for its performance, his Ministry is sufficient
                                                                      		if in due form:  as if Judas among the apostles had
                                                                      		taken by the hand one of the children point to our
                                                                      		Lord and brought it to him;  Christ would not have regarded
                                                                      		the unfitness of Judas, but the faith of the
                                                                      		Parent or other person whatsoever, who brought the child
In respect of the moment of conversion there is doubless              		to be presented to him.
one instance when a soul is under wrath and one instant               		The manner in which this grace is manifested will doubtless
subsequent when it is pardoned and under grace:   A soul              		be various - in some it will appear in earliest youth;
cannot be semi-pardoned:  But, before it is brought to                		in others its effect will not be visible for years, while
the point of pardon a long process of gracious dealing may            		yet God’s grace is working, (baptismal grace) so as to
have - must have - taken place upon it.                               		bring about this effect of conversion;  from the moment
                                                                      		of baptism.  These children who are not baptised - or who
                                                                      		are baptised by unbelieving parents are to be considered
                                                                      		as standing towards God in the light of heathens;  of whom
                                                                      		we dare not assert either the personal safety or condemnation;
                                                                      		but who living in a Christian land, and afterward
                                                                      		receiving knowledge, may doubtless afterwards receive
                                                                      		saving grace:  although the difficulties which such will
                                                                      		have to go through will doubtless be greater than if
                                                                      		they had had believing parents   But God will then
                                                                      		doubtless accept the passed rite as a sufficient obedience to
                                                                      		His Will and vouchsafe the Baptismal Grace in answer to
                                                                      		the Baptised persons own prayer.

[Version 0.05: May 2008]