A26886:366
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.
But it is the Church of Sardis that Mr. Blake takes special notice of. And it is said of her indeed, that she had a Name to live and was dead. But, 1. in that they had a name to live, it seems it was a living faith which they Professed, and not only one short of it. 2. Their death was not a death in reigning sin, such as is the death of the unsanctified: But a declining condition, comparatively called death, as the children of God do oft complain of deadness. And therefore its next said, [Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to dye.] And its expressed, that their deadness was in that their works were not found perfect before God; that is, that many or most of them had defiled their garments, (with some Heresy or vice) which the rest had not done. 3. How far this was notorious to others, is of further enquiry. 4. If they had gone on so far, as by obstinate impenitency after admonition to show themselves void of saving faith, they had been unchurched, as appeareth by the threatening.
But it is the Church of Sardis that Mr. Blake takes special notice of. And it is said of her indeed, that she had a Name to live and was dead. But, 1. in that they had a name to live, it seems it was a living faith which they Professed, and not only one short of it. 2. Their death was not a death in reigning sin, such as is the death of the unsanctified: But a declining condition, comparatively called death, as the children of God do oft complain of deadness. And therefore its next said, [Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to dye.] And its exprest, that their deadness was in that their works were not found perfect before God; that is, that many or most of them had defiled their garments, (with some Heresie or vice) which the rest had not done. 3. How far this was notorious to others, is of further enquiry. 4. If they had gone on so far, as by obstinate impenitency after admonition to shew themselves void of saving faith, they had been unchurched, as appeareth by the threatning.
The Church of Philadelphia is so far commended, as that the case is put out of doubt. And the Church of Laodicea, though ⟨p. 111⟩