A26892:6628
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.
Answ. 1. Such Extrinsical, or Circumstantial, or Accidental actions as are afore-mentioned may be done by deputies or others (As calling the Church together, summoning offenders, recording actions, &c.)
Answ. 1. SUch Extrinsical, or Circumstantial, or Accidental actions as are afore-mentioned may be done by deputies or others (As calling the Church together, summoning offenders, recording actions, &c.)
2. The proper Episcopal or Pastoral work or office cannot be deputed, in whole or part, any other way than by Communication, which is, by Ordination, or making another to be of the same office. For if it may be done by a Lay man, or one that is not of the same order and office, then it is not to be called any proper part of the Pastoral or Episcopal office: If a Lay man, may Baptize, or administer the Sacrament of Christs Body and Blood, or may ordain, or excommunicate (ecclesiastically) or Absolve, merely because a Bishop authorizeth or biddeth him, Then 1. What need Christ have made an office work of it, and persons be Devoted and Consecrated to it?
2. The proper Episcopal or Pastoral work or office cannot be deputed, in whole or part, any other way than by Communication, which is, by Ordination, or making another to be of the same office. For if it may be done by a Lay man, or one that is not of the same order and office, then it is not to be called any proper part of the Pastoral or Episcopal office: If a Lay man, may Baptize, or administer the Sacrament of Christs Body and Blood, or may ordain, or excommunicate (ecclesiastically) or Absolve, meerly because a Bishop authorizeth or biddeth him, Then 1. What need Christ have made an office work of it, and persons be Devoted and Consecrated to it?
2. And why may not the peoples election and the Kings Commission serve to enable a Lay man to do it? For if Commanding only be proper to the Bishop or Pastor, and executing be common to Lay men, it's certain that the King may Command all Bishops and Pastors to do their office work; And therefore he may command a Lay man to do that which a Bishop may command him to do.