A26892:6038
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.
Therefore we must conclude, 1. That Imposition of hands in Ordination is a decent, apt, significant sign, not to be scrupled by any, nor to be omitted without necessity, as being of Scripture, ancient, and common use.
2. But yet that it is not essential to Ordination; which may be valid by any fit designation and separation of the person. And therefore if it be omitted, it nullifieth not the action. And if the Ordainers did it by Letters to a man a thousand miles off, it would be valid: And some persons of old were ordained when they were absent.
V. I add as to the need of Ordination, 1. That without this Key, the office and Church doors would be cast open, and every Heretic or Self-conceited person intrude.
V. I add as to the need of Ordination, 1. That without this Key, the office and Church doors would be cast open, and every Heretick or Self-conceited person intrude.
2. It is a sign of a proud unworthy person, that will judge himself fit for so great a work, and1 intrude upon such a conceit, when he may have the Judgement of the Pastors, and avoideth it.