A26892:6519
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.
Part 3 › Question 56: Quest. 56. Is any Form of Church Government of Divine Institution
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.
Object. But particular Congregations are not de primaria intentione divina: For if the whole world could join together in the public Worship of God, no doubt that would be properly a Church: But particular Congregations are only accidental, in reference to Gods intention of having a Church, because of the Impossibility of all mens joining together for Ordinances, &c.
Object. But particular Congregations are not de primaria intentione divina: For if the whole world could joyn together in the publick Worship of God, no doubt that would be properly a Church: But particular Congregations are only accidental, in reference to Gods intention of having a Church, because of the Impossibility of all mens joyning together for Ordinances, &c.
Answ. 1. The question with me is not whether they be of primary Intention, but whether stated Churches headed with their proper Bishops or Pastors be not of Gods institution in the Scripture?
2. This Objection confirmeth it, and not denieth it. For 1. It confesseth that there is a necessity of joining for Gods Worship: 2. And an Impossibility that all the world should so join: 3. But if the whole world could so join, it would be properly a Church: So that it confesseth that [to be a society joined for Gods public Worship,] is [to be properly a Church.] And we confess all this: If all the world could be one family, they might have one Master, or one Kingdom, they might have one King. But when it is confessed, that 1. A Natural Impossibility of an Universal Assembly necessitateth more particular assemblies: 2. And that Christ hath instituted such actually in his Word, what more can a considerate man require?
2. This Objection confirmeth it, and not denyeth it. For 1. It confesseth that there is a necessity of joyning for Gods Worship: 2. And an Impossibility that all the world should so joyn: 3. But if the whole world could so joyn, it would be properly a Church: So that it confesseth that [to be a society joyned for Gods publick Worship,] is [to be properly a Church.] And we confess all this: If all the world could be one family, they might have one Master, or one Kingdom, they might have one King. But when it is confessed, that 1. A Natural Impossibility of an Universal Assembly necessitateth more particular assemblies: 2. And that Christ hath instituted such actually in his Word, what more can a considerate man require?