ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at five different divines who write in different genres and thus developed different theologies of confirmation. The most popular form of theological discussion was that of the sermon, including sermons on confirmation. The underlying theological theme for the understanding of both baptism and confirmation in the eighteenth century is that of covenant. In baptism the candidate has entered into a covenant, and in confirmation the covenant is reaffirmed. There are however various theological contours within the general covenant theme. Perhaps more centrally the emphasis is on a covenant of grace with the forgiveness of sins and the work of the Spirit being central. The setting of confirmation in a wider context is one of Herbert Thorndike's contributions, but also the rich theological approach to sacraments that is of lasting significance, even if somewhat neglected. Porter says that he seems to overstress the Spirit in confirmation to the detriment of baptism in this work.
