A26886:108
Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending…
Certain disputations of right to sacraments, and the true nature of visible Christianity defending them against several sorts of opponents, especially against the second assault of that pious, reverend and dear brother Mr. Thomas Blake / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
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.
Object. In those times Profession did hazard mens Lives; and therefore it was then a greater Evidence of sincerity, then it is in prosperous times. — Answ. It's true, that often it was hazardous: yet 1. When 3000 were converted at a time and when the Rulers durst not persecute for fear of the people, and when the Churches had rest and were so edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, Act. 9.31. then it was not so dangerous. 2. This Difference is but gradual and altereth not the case: For as still they that will Live Godly, shall suffer persecution, so Profession is taken in Scripture for a satisfactory Evidence.
Object. In those times Profession did hazard mens Lives; and therefore it was then a greater Evidence of sincerity, then it is in prosperous times. — Answ. It's true, that often it was hazardous: yet 1. When 3000 were converted at a time and when the Rulers durst not persecute for fear of the people, and when the Churches had rest and were so ed•fied, walking in the fear of the Lord, Act. 9.31. then it was not so dangerous. 2. This Difference is but gradual and altereth not the case: For as still they that will Live Godly, shall suffer persecution, so Profession is taken in Scripture for a satisfactory Evidence.
Arg. 2. The Law of Nature, which is the ground of humane converse, requireth that we believe men, till they have apparently forfeited their Credit; therefore so we must do here: and therefore must take their Profession as a sign of the thing Professed; and consequently valid.
Deny the Antecedent, and you must overthrow all Communities and Societies, which is contrary to Gods Will revealed in Scripture, and in Nature: They that will not believe others, must not expect that others should believe them; and so humane Converse will be overthrown, and all men must live by themselves, or live as enemies, in constant diffidence of each other.