A26892:6681
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.
Quest. 65. May one be a Pastor or a member of a particular Church who liveth so far from it, as to be uncapable of personal Communion with them?
Answ. The Name is taken from the Relation; and the Relation is founded in Capacity, Right, and Obligation to actual Communion, duties and privileges; 1. He that is so statedly distant is uncapable statedly of Communion, and therefore uncapable of the Relation and Name.
Answ. THe Name is taken from the Relation; and the Relation is founded in Capacity, Right, and Obligation to actual Communion, duties and priviledges; 1. He that is so statedly distant is uncapable statedly of Communion, and therefore uncapable of the Relation and Name.
2. He that is but for a Time accidentally so distant, is but for that time uncapable of Communion with them: And therefore retaineth, Capacity, Right and obligation statedly for the future, but not for the present exercise. Therefore he retaineth the Relation and name; in respect to his future intended exercise; but not in so plenary a sense, as he that is capable of present Communion.
3. It is not the length or shortness of the Time of absence that wholly cutteth off or continueth the Relation and Name, but the probability or improbability of a seasonable accession. For if a man be removed but a day, with a purpose to return no more, his relation ceaseth. And if a man be long purposing and probably like to return, and by sickness or otherwise be hindered, it doth not wholly end his relation.