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Richard Baxter
A Christian Directory
Part 3
Question 1
p. 772

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,I. CHRISTIAN ETHICS (or private Duties.)II. CHRISTIAN OECONOMICKS (or Family Duties.)III. CHRISTIAN ECCLESIASTICS (or Church Duties.)IV. CHRISTIAN POLITICS (or Duties to our Rulers and Neighbours.)By RICHARD BAXTER.Mal. 2. 7▪ 8.The Priests lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way: Ye have Caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi—Matth. 13. 52.Every SCRIBE which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an Householder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New and Old.Heb. 5. 13, 14.For every one that useth Milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a Babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age: Those who by reason of USE, have their senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil.2 Tim. 2. 14, 15, 16.Of these things put them in remembrance; charging them before God, that they STRIVE not about WORDS, to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers: Study to show thy self approved UNTO GOD, a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of Truth. But shun profane and vain Babblings; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness, and their Word will eat as doth a Canker.2 Pet. 3. 16.In which (Pauls Epistles) are some things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction.LONDON, Printed, by Robert White, for Nevill Simmons, at the Sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1673.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,I. CHRISTIAN ETHICKS (or private Duties.)II. CHRISTIAN OECONOMICKS (or Family Duties.)III. CHRISTIAN ECCLESIASTICKS (or Church Duties.)IV. CHRISTIAN POLITICKS (or Duties to our Rulers and Neighbours.)By RICHARD BAXTER.Mal. 2. 7▪ 8.The Priests lips should keep Knowledge, and they should seek the Law at his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of Hosts. But ye are departed out of the way: Ye have Caused many to stumble at the Law; ye have corrupted the Covenant of Levi—Matth. 13. 52.Every SCRIBE which is instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, is like unto a man that is an Housholder, which bringeth forth out of his Treasure things New and Old.Heb. 5. 13, 14.For every one that useth Milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a Babe: But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age: Those who by reason of USE, have their senses exercised to discern both Good and Evil.2 Tim. 2. 14, 15, 16.Of these things put them in remembrance; charging them before God, that they STRIVE not aboutTitle page of A Christian Directory, London, 1673

A26892:5798

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.

Richard Baxter 1615–1691London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673

[35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port. · 1.2M words · Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Part 3 › Question 1: CASES OF CONSCIENCE ABOUT Matters Ecclesiastical.

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.

[ Earlier:5795–5810 of 9,947

:5795p. 772

Prop. 5. That the Baptismal Covenant might be rightly understood and professed, the Churches have still used the Creed as the explication of the Covenant, in point of faith; and taken it for¹ the Symbol of the Christian Belief. And no further profession of faith was or is to be required, as² necessary to the Being of Christianity.

11 Cor. 15 1, 2, &c.
2Matth. 28. 19, 20.

:5796p. 772

Prop. 6. If proud Usurpers or Censurers take on them to excommunicate, or unchristian, or unchurch others, without authority and cause, this maketh them not to be no Christians, or no Churches, ¹that are so used.

1Rom. 14. 3, 4. John.

:5797p. 772

Prop. 7. Therefore to know which is the true Catholic or Universal Church is but to know who¹ are Baptized-Professing-Christians.

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On this page: :5795–5810
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Whole work: 9,947 passages

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Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory (London, 1673), pt. 3, q. 1, p. 772. EEBO-TCP A26892.

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The book

Title as printed: 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.
Author: Richard Baxter 1615–1691
Place: London
Printer: Robert White
Bookseller: Nevill Simmons
Year: 1673
Size: [35], 929, [5], 214 p., [1] leaf of plates : port.
Words: 1,175,050
Catalogue: Wing B1219 · ESTC R21847
Text: EEBO-TCP A26892

Passages: 9,947
Sections: 502

The author

Richard Baxter 1615–1691

The Reformers and Puritans in their own words, with every quotation checked against the page.

Texts transcribed from the original printings by the Text Creation Partnership (EEBO-TCP and Evans-TCP) and dedicated to the public domain (CC0).

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WORDS,

to no profit, but to the subverting of the Hearers: Study to shew thy self approved

UNTO GOD,

a Workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

RIGHTLY DIVIDING

the word of Truth. But shun profane and vain Bablings; for they will increase unto more Ungodliness, and their Word will eat as doth a Canker.

2 Pet. 3. 16.In which (Pauls Epistles) are some things hard to be understood: which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures to their own destruction.

LONDON, Printed, by Robert White, for Nevill Simmons, at the Sign of the Princes Arms in St. Pauls Church-yard. 1673.

Prop. 7. Therefore to know which is the true Catholick or Universal Church is but to know who¹ are Baptized-Professing-Christians.

1Rom. 6▪ 1, 2, &c.

:5798p. 772

Prop. 8. The Reformed Churches, the Lutherans, the Abassines, the Copts, the Syrians, the Armenians,¹ the Jacobites, the Georgians, the Maronites, the Greeks, the Muscovites, and the Romanists, do all receive Baptism in all its visible Essentials, and profess all the Essentials of the Christian Religion, though not with the same Integrity.

Prop. 8. The Reformed Churches, the Lutherans, the Abassines, the Copties, the Syrians, the Armenians,¹ the Jacobites, the Georgians, the Maronites, the Greeks, the Moscovites, and the Romanists, do all receive Baptism in all its visible Essentials, and profess all the Essentials of the Christian Religion, though not with the same Integrity.

1Ephes. 4. 4. 5.

:5799p. 772

Prop. 9. He that denieth any one essential part, in it self, is so a Heretic as to be no Christian, nor true member of the Church, if it be justly proved, or notorious; that is, none ought to take him¹ for a Visible Christian, who know the proof of his denying that essential part of Christianity, or to whom it is notorious.

Prop. 9. He that denyeth any one essential part, in it self, is so a Heretick as to be no Christian, nor true member of the Church, if it be justly proved, or notorious; that is, none ought to take him¹ for a Visible Christian, who know the proof of his denying that essential part of Christianity, or to whom it is notorious.

1Tit. 3. ••. 3 John.

:5800p. 772

Prop. 10. He that holdeth the Essentials primarily, and with them holdeth some error which by¹ unseen consequence subverteth some Essential point, but holdeth the Essentials so much faster, that he would forsake his error, if he saw the inconsistence, is a Christian notwithstanding? And if the name Heretic be applicable to him, it is but in such a sense, as is consistent with Christianity.

Prop. 10. He that holdeth the Essentials primarily, and with them holdeth some error which by¹ unseen consequence subverteth some Essential point, but holdeth the Essentials so much faster, that he would forsake his error, if he saw the inconsistence, is a Christian notwithstanding? And if the name Heretick be applicable to him, it is but in such a sense, as is consistent with Christianity.

1James 3 •. Phi. 3. 15, 16. Heb. 5. 1, 2.

:5801p. 772

Prop. 11. He that is judged a Heretic and no Christian justly by others, must be lawfully¹ cited, and heard plead his Cause, and be judged upon sufficient proof, and not unheard, or upon rash presumption.

Prop. 11. He that is judged a Heretick and no Christian justly by others, must be lawfully¹ cited, and heard plead his Cause, and be judged upon sufficient proof, and not unheard, or upon rash presumption.

1Tit 3. 10. Matth. 18. 15.

:5802p. 772

Prop. 12. Christianity and Heresy being personal qualities, and no where found but in individuals,¹ nor one man guilty of another's error, it followeth that it is single persons upon personal guilt that must be judged.

Prop. 12. Christianity and Heresie being personal qualities, and no where found but in individuals,¹ nor one man guilty of anothers error, it followeth that it is single persons upon personal guilt that must be judged.

1Ezek. 18 17. Gen. 18 3, 24, •5.

:5803p. 772

Prop. 13. Any man may judge another to be a Christian or Heretic, by a private judgement of¹ discerning, or the reason which guideth all humane actions: But only Church Rulers may judge him by that public Judgement, which giveth or denieth him his public privileges and Communion.

Prop. 13. Any man may judge another to be a Christian or Heretick, by a private judgement of¹ discerning, or the reason which guideth all humane actions: But only Church Rulers may judge him by that publick Judgement, which giveth or denyeth him his publick priviledges and Communion.

11 Cor. •0. 1•. Acts 1. 19. 1 Cor. •. 3▪ 4▪ 5. 1 Cor. 11. 3. Mat. 5. 11 12. John 16. 2.

:5804p. 772

Prop. 14. If by notorious injustice Church Rulers condemn Christians as no Christians, though they may thereby deny them communion with those public Assemblies, which they govern, yet do they not oblige the people to take such injured persons for no Christians. Else they might oblige all to believe a lye, to consent to malicious injuries, and might disoblige the people from Truth, Righteousness and Charity.

Prop. 14. If by notorious injustice Church Rulers condemn Christians as no Christians, though they may thereby deny them communion with those publick Assemblies, which they govern, yet do they not oblige the people to take such injured persons for no Christians. Else they might oblige all to believe a lye, to consent to malicious injuries, and might disoblige the people from Truth, Righteousness and Charity.

:5805p. 772

Prop. 15. There is no one Natural or Collective Head and Governor of all the Churches in the¹ world (the Universal Church) but Jesus Christ; And therefore there is none that by such Governing power, can excommunicate any man out of the Universal Church: And such Usurpation would² be Treason against Christ, whose Prerogative it is.

Prop. 15. There is no one Natural or Collective Head and Governour of all the Churches in the¹ world (the Universal Church) but Jesus Christ; And therefore there is none that by such Governing power, can excommunicate any man out of the Universal Church: And such Usurpation would² be Treason against Christ, whose Prerogative it is.

11 Cor. 12. 27, 28, 29.
2Eph. 4. 5, 6, 7. 1 Cor. 1. 12, 13 & 3. 22, 23.

:5806p. 772

Prop. 16. Yet he that deserveth to be excommunicated from one Church, deserveth to be¹ excommunicated by and from all, if it be upon a Cause common to all; or that nullifieth his Christianity.²

1Ephes. 5. 23. & 4 15.
2Col. 1. 18 . & 2. 19.

:5807p. 772

Prop. 17. And where neighbour Churches are Consociate and live in Order and Concord, he that¹ is orderly excommunicate from one Church, and it be notified to the rest, should not be taken into the communion of any of the rest, till he be cleared, or become fit for their communion. But² this obligation ariseth but from the Concord of Consociate Churches, and not from the Power of one over the rest: And it cannot reach all the world, where the person cometh not, nor was ever known; but only to those who through neighbourhood are capable of just notice, and of giving or denying communion to that person.

13 John.
2Ephes. 5. 11. 1 Cor. 5. 1•.

:5808p. 772

Prop. 18. From all this it is clear, that it is not either Papists alone, or Greeks alone, or Protestants alone, or any party of Christians, who are the Universal Church, seeing that Church containeth All ¹Christians. And that reviling others (yea, whole Nations) as Heretics, Schismatics, and no Christians, or Churches, will no more prove the Revilers to be the only Church or Christians, than Want of Love will prove a man to be one of Christs Disciples, who by Love are known to all men to be his.

Prop. 18. From all this it is clear, that it is not either Papists alone, or Greeks alone, or Protestants alone, or any party of Christians, who are the Universal Church, seeing that Church containeth All ¹Christians. And that reviling others (yea, whole Nations) as Hereticks, Schismaticks, and no Christians, or Churches, will no more prove the Revilers to be the only Church or Christians, than Want of Love will prove a man to be one of Christs Disciples, who by Love are known to all men to be his.

11 Cor. 1•. 12. John 13. 3•. 1 Cor. 13 1, 2, &c.

:5809p. 772

Prop. 19. It is therefore the shameful language of distracted men, to cry out against other Christian Nations, It is not you, but we that are the Catholic or Universal Church. And our shameful Controversy, which of them is the Catholic, is no wiser than to question, Whether it be this house or that which is the Street? Or this Street or that which is the City? Or whether it be the¹ Kitchen, or the Hall, or the Parlour which is the House? Or the Hand, or Foot, or Eye which is the Man? O when will God bring distracting Teachers to Repentance, and distracted people to their wits!²

Prop. 19. It is therefore the shameful language of distracted men, to cry out against other Christian Nations, It is not you, but we that are the Catholick or Universal Church. And our shameful Controversie, which of them is the Catholick, is no wiser than to question, Whether it be this house or that which is the Street? Or this Street or that which is the City? Or whether it be the¹ Kitchin, or the Hall, or the Parlour which is the House? Or the Hand, or Foot, or Eye which is the Man? O when will God bring distracting Teachers to Repentance, and distracted people to their wits!²

11 Cor. 12. 12. 1 Cor. 6. 17 . & 10. 17.
2Ephes. 4. 3, &c.

:5810p. 773

Prop. 20. There is great difference in the Purity or soundness, of the several parts of the Universal Church; some being more Orthodox and holy, and some de••led with so many Errors and sins,¹ as to make it difficult to discern whether they do not deny the very essentials.

Prop. 20. There is great difference in the Purity or soundness, of the several parts of the Universal Church; some being more Orthodox and holy, and some de••led with so many Errours and sins,¹ as to make it difficult to discern whether they do not deny the very essentials.

1Gal. 4. 11, 12.

Puritans

England

Pastor at Kidderminster and prolific nonconformist author.

Transcription key

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