A26880:798
Catholic communion defended against both extremes, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…Catholick communion defended against both extreams, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…
Catholic communion defended against both extremes, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ... / by Richard Baxter ...Catholick communion defended against both extreams, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ... / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1684
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.
8. And that the Excommunicate, as such, should be laid up in Prison, and undone, to force them again to be Willing to be Christians, or to Communicate, hath the same Reasons against it, as against doing it at the first; and to take them for Willing and Capable of Absolution, and Salvation, who had rather say, they Repent and Consent, than lye in Gaol, is to pervert Christ's Gospel and Sacraments, and confound the Church: And the ancient Churches would have abhorred the motion of such a thing.
9. But it is just and meet, that Princes make a difference between Christian and Infidel Subjects; and between those that live Willingly in Communion of the Church, and those that refuse it: And that a Christian Kingdom should give those Powers and Immunities to willing Christians, which they give not to Infidels, and the justly Excommunicate; especially in matters relating to Government, Legislative and Judiciary, and especially about Religion, and the Church. And if any to obtain such Immunities or Powers, do Hypocritically profess Christianity and consent, themselves only are guilty of the Profanation, no wrong means was used, and the Church is no searcher of the Heart.
9. But it is just and meet, that Princes make a difference between Christian and Infidel Subjects; and between those that live Willingly in Communion of the Church, and those that refuse it: And that a Christian Kingdom should give those Powers and Immunities to willing Christians, which they give not to Infidels, and the justly Excommunicate; especially in matters relating to Government, Legislative and Judiciary, and especially about Re•igion, and the Church. And if any to obtain such Immunities or Powers, do Hypocritically profess Christianity and consent, themselves only are guilty of the Prophanation, no wrong means was used, and the Church is no searcher of the Heart.