A26892:6156
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.
11. To judge who for Heresy or Scandal, shall be punished by the Sword, belongeth to none but the Magistrate in his own dominions: As to judge who shall have Communion or be excommunicated from the Church, belongeth, as aforesaid, to the Pastors. And the said Magistrate hath first as a man his own Judgement of discerning what is Heresy, and who of his subjects are guilty of it, in order to his public Governing Judgement.
11. To judge who for Heresie or Seandal, shall be punished by the Sword, belongeth to none but the Magistrate in his own dominions: As to judge who shall have Communion or be excommunicated from the Church, belongeth, as aforesaid, to the Pastors. And the said Magistrate hath first as a man his own Iudgement of discerning what is Heresie, and who of his subjects are guilty of it, in order to his publick Governing Judgement.
12. The Civil Supreme Ruler may Antecedently exercise this Judgement of Discerning (by the Teaching of their proper Teachers) in order to his consequent sentences on offenders: And so in his Laws may tell the subjects, what Doctrines and practices he will either Tolerate or punish. And thus may the Church Pastors do in their Canons to their several flocks, in relation to Communion or non-communion.
12. The Civil Supream Ruler may Antecedently exercise this Judgement of Discerning (by the Teaching of their proper Teachers) in order to his consequent sentences on offenders: And so in his Laws may tell the subjects, what Doctrines and practices he will either Tolerate or punish. And thus may the Church Pastors do in their Canons to their several flocks, in relation to Communion or non-communion.
13. He that will condemn particular persons as Heretics or offenders, must allow them to speak for themselves, and hear the proofs, and give them that which justice requireth, &c. And if the Pope can do so at the Antipodes, and in all the world either per se, or per alium without giving that other his essential claimed power, let him prove it by better experience than we have had.