A26892:5909
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.
2. Every one that professeth to stand to his Baptismal Covenant professeth faith and Godliness.
3. He that by a vicious life or bad application of doctrine contradicteth his profession, is to be lawfully accused of it, and heard speak for himself, and to be cast out by true Church-justice, and not by the private censure of a private person.
4. Till this be done, though a particular private member of the Church be not bound to think that the Minister is Worthy, nor that the Church which suffereth him and receiveth him doth well, yet they are bound to judge him one who by the Churches reception is in possession; and therefore a visible Pastor, and to submit to his public Administrations: Because it is not in a private mans power, but the Churches, to determine who shall be the Pastor.
4. Till this be done, though a particular private member of the Church be not bound to think that the Minister is Worthy, nor that the Church which suffereth him and receiveth him doth well, yet they are bound to judge him one who by the Churches reception is in possession; and therefore a visible Pastor, and to submit to his publick Administrations: Because it is not in a private mans power, but the Churches, to determine who shall be the Pastor.