Gilbert Tennent sermons 9, "De Baptismo, sermon 2," 1743 or 1744

Gilbert Tennent sermons 9, "De Baptismo, sermon 2," 1743 or 1744

1743/1744

PHS.TennentSermons009

Gilbert Tennent (1703-1764) was an Irish-American Presbyterian clergyman, and one of the leaders of the Great Awakening.

This sermon, which Tennent preached in 1743 or 1744, is an expansion upon his previous sermon "De Baptismo" (On baptism). First he addresses some objections against baptism, then he goes on to discuss the "mode or maner [manner]" of baptism.

Pennsylvania--Philadelphia

Second Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA

Presbyterian Historical Society

30 pages

tiff

http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

eng

Text

De subjectis baptismi (On the subjects of baptism), one of four sermons on baptism in the collection of Tennent manuscripts held by the Presbyterian Historical Society, reviews the mode and matter of baptism  from Jewish practice, along with circumcision and baptism, also known to be a sign of membership) to the practices developed by Christians over time-- whether allowed for infants or deferred to adulthood or even close to death;  what instruction was needed to precede it; who could then receive baptism, how to administer it, whether by sprinkling, pouring or immersing in water); and what spiritual expectations were held for Christians-- freeing from Original Sin, awakening the need for repentance.  

Rev. Tennent cites, along with constant reference to the Bible, quite a few commentators from earliest times:  Maimonides from Judaism and theologians of the early Church,  Renaissance and Reformation, down to the Puritans and Nonconformists of the 17th century,  50 to 100 years before his own time.  Christian baptism not according to the Law, but a sacrament with enormous symbolism, according to personal faith and the hope of eternal life, fused with the Holy Spirit.   Includes advice to parents.

https://www.philageohistory.org/rdic-images/iiif.cfm/PHS.TennentSermons009/manifest