A26892:5540
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
CHAP. VIII. Directions for the Union and Communion of Saints, and the avoiding unpeaceableness and Schism.
THE PEACE and CONCORD of Believers is a thing that almost all those plead1 for, who call themselves Believers; and yet a thing that almost all men hinder and resist while they commend it. The Discord and DIVISIONS of believers, are as commonly spoken against, and by the same men, as commonly fomented. The few that are sincere (both Rulers and private men) desire Concord and hate Divisions in Love to Holiness which is promoted by it, and in Love to the Church, and good of souls, and the honour of Religion and the Glory of God: And the few of those few that are experienced, wise, judicious persons, do choose the means that is fittest to attain these ends, and do prudently and constantly prosecute them accordingly: But these being in the World as a spoonful of fresh water cast into the Sea, or a spoonful of water cast into the flames of a house on fire, no wonder if the brinish Sea be not sweetened by them, nor the consuming raging fire quenched by them. The other Rulers of the world and of the Churches, are for Concord and against Division, because this tendeth to the quieting of the people under them,2 and the making of men submissive and obedient to their wills, and so to confirm their dignities, dominions and interests: And all men that are not H•ly, being predominantly SELFISH, they would all be themselves the Centre of that Union, and bond of that concord which they desire: And they would have it accomplished upon such terms, ••d by such means as are most agreeable to their principles and Ends: In which there are almost a many minds as Men: so that among all the Commenders of UNITY and concord, there are none that take the way to attain it, but those that would centre it all in GOD, and seek it upon his terms, and in his way. The rest are all tearing Unity and Peace in pieces, while they commend it; and they fight against it while they seek it: every man seeking it for Himself, and upon his own terms and in his own way: which are so various and inconsistent, that East and West may sooner meet than they.