A26892:6660
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.
3. He that must be the ordinary Judge in Church-admissions, is supposed to have both Ability and Leisure to make him fit; and Authority and Obligation to do the work.
4. The ordinary body of the Laity have none of all these four qualifications; much less all. 1. They are not ordinarily Able; so to examine a mans faith and resolution with judgement and skill, as may neither tend to the wrong of himself nor of the Church. For it is great skill that is required thereunto. 2. They have not ordinarily Leisure from their proper callings and labours, to wait on such a work as it must be waited on; especially in populous places. 3. They are not therefore obliged to do that which they cannot be supposed to have Ability or Leisure for. 4. And where they have not the other three, they can have no Authority to do it.
5. It is therefore as great a crime for the Laity to usurp the Pastors office in this matter, as in preaching, baptizing or other parts of it.
6. And though Pride often blind men (both people and Pastors) so as to make them overlook the burden and look only at the Authority and honour; yet is it indeed an intolerable injury to the Laity, if any would lay such a burden on them which they cannot bear, and consequently would make them responsible for the omissions or misdoing of it, to Christ their Judge.