1688 MATTHEW HENRY. Unpublished Sermon on Baptism Delivered at Baptism on May 3, 1688

A superb four-page, as usual, miniscule handwritten sermon delivered at the occasion of the baptism of one David Brothers [?], May 3, 1688, sone of Nathaniel Brothers [?].  The sermon, here complete, has never been published and is worthy of academic exploration. A fine example demonstrating Henry's life-long emphasis on family, church, and the covenanted means of grace, i.e. baptism and the Lord's Supper, as stabilizing and foundational Christian structures. We also hear his commitment to a very Westminsterian view of worship via the opening paragraph's commitment to regulative principles of worship and ecclesiology, against "popish" or "cultural" intrusions into the worship of the Church, etc., A fascinating and research-worthy manuscript. The document begins: David ye son of Nath. Brothers [?], baptized publicly May 3 [16]88 Brethren, The Ordinance of Baptism which now lies before us receives its Dignity from the Institution & Appointment of ye Lord Jesus, by warrant from whom i