A26892:6085
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.
1. There is Ordo officialis primarius, and ordo ordinis, vel exercitii, vel secundarius; An Order of Office primary, and an Order of Exercise secondary, in the Church. As to the first, the Order of office, God hath determined, that the Ordaining officers, and no others, shall ordain officers, or give Orders. And having not determined whether one or more, it followeth that the ordination of one sole lawful ordainer is no nullity on that account because it is but one, unless somewhat else nullify it.
1. There is Ordo officialis primarius, and ordo ordinis, vel exercitii, vel secundarius; An Order of Office primary, and an Order of Exercise secundary, in the Church. As to the first, the Order of office, God hath determined, that the Ordaining officers, and no others, shall ordain officers, or give Orders. And having not determined whether one or more, it followeth that the ordination of one sole lawful ordainer is no nullity on that account because it is but one, unless somewhat else nullifie it.
2. God hath given General Rules to the ordainers for the due exercise of their office, though he have not determined of any set number. Such as are these: That all things be done in Judgement, Truth, Love, Concord, to the Churches Edification, Unity and peace, &c.
3. According to these General Laws, sometimes the ordination of one sole ordainer, may not only be valid but regular: As when there are no other to concur, or none whose concurrence is needful to any of the aforesaid Ends. And sometimes the concurrence of Many is needful, 1. To the Receivers satisfaction: 2. To the Churches or peoples satisfaction. 3. To the Concord of Pastors, and of Neighbour Churches, &c. And in such cases such Consem or Concourse is the Regular way.