A26892:6527
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.
3. These Apostles where ever the success of the Gospel prepared them materials, did settle Christian stated societies, consisting of Pastors or Elders with their flocks, associated for personal communion in public worship, and holy living. These settled Churches they gave orders to for their direction and preservation, and reformation: These they took the chief care of themselves, and exhorted their Elders to fidelity in their work. They gave command that none should forsake such assemblies, and they so fully describe them, as that they cannot easily be misunderstood. All this is proved, Acts 14. 23. Titus 1. 5. Rom. 16. 1. 1 Cor. 11. 18, 20. 22, 26. 1 Cor. 14. 4, 5, 12, 19, 23, 28, 33, 34. Col. 4. 16. Acts 11. 26. & 13. 1. 1 Cor. 16. 1, 2. Acts 14. 27. & 15. 3. to omit many more. Here are proofs enow that such particular Churches were de facto setled by the Apostles, Heb. 10. 25. Forsake not the assembling of your selves together. So James 2. 2. they are called Synagogues.
3. These Apostles where ever the success of the Gospel prepared them materials, did settle Christian stated societies, consisting of Pastors or Elders with their flocks, associated for personal communion in publick worship, and holy living. These setled Churches they gave orders to for their direction and preservation, and reformation: These they took the chief care of themselves, and exhorted their Elders to fidelity in their work. They gave command that none should forsake such assemblies, and they so fully describe them, as that they cannot easily be misunderstood. All this is proved,