A26885:208
Catholic unity, or, The only way to bring us all to be of one…Catholick vnity, or, The only way to bring us all to be of one…
Catholic unity, or, The only way to bring us all to be of one religion by Rich. Baxter.Catholick vnity, or, The only way to bring us all to be of one religion by Rich. Baxter.
London: printed by R. W. for Thomas Underhill and Francis Tyton, 1660
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.
7. And I desire every one singly to consider, that it is the unspeakable mercy of God, that he calleth you to this holy Union with Christ, and Communion of Saints; and that he doth not thrust you away, and forbid you coming near, but will give you leave to be of the holy Society, fellow-Citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God. God hath made his promise and offer so large, that you may have part in it as well as others, if you will not wilfully shut out your ⟨p. 172⟩selves. The feast is prepared; all things are ready, and you are every man and woman invited! Christ hath opened to you a door of admittance and access to God. And will you now refuse and undo your selves. The sanctified are Gods Jewels, Mal. 3.17 his treasure and peculiar people: the beloved of his soul, and his delight: and the only people in the world that shall be saved. This is true; for God hath spoken it: And you may be of this blessed number if you will. God hath not separated you from them or shut you out by forbidding you to come among them. O do not you separate and shut out your selves. You see your godly neighbours in possession of this privilege: And may not you have it if you will? May not you study the W•rd of God, and call upon him in prayer, and se• your selves for heaven as well as they? Where ⟨p. 173⟩doth the scripture command them to it, any mor• then you? or forb•d y•u any more then them? The door •s open, you may come in if you will. You have the same means, and call, and offer, and […] ▪ •nd leave to […] life as th•y. And w•ll you […] much of thediff•ren•• yourselves, as to be the only rusers? God hath done so much for you by the deh of Christ, and so ordered the matter in the promises and offers of the Gospel, that none of you shall be able to say at st, [I would uin have ben […] the blssed […], an ain hv livd in the Union and Communi of Saints, but I […] nt give […]; and Christ nd his Church wul nt rceiv e and entertain me.] Not a man r woman of you shall have this excuse. And therefore come in and join with the Saints; & thank God that you may.