A26892:7533
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 an Assembly as hath no Pastor, or Minister of Christ, is not a Church, in a political sense as the word signifieth a Society consisting of Pastor and flock: But it may be a Church in a larger sense, as the word signifieth only a Community or Association of private Christians for mutual help in holy things.
Answ. 1. SUch an Assembly as hath no Pastor, or Minister of Christ, is not a Church, in a political sense as the word signifieth a Society consisting of Pastor and flock: But it may be a Church in a larger sense, as the word signifieth only a Community or Association of private Christians for mutual help in holy things.
2. Such an Assembly ought on the Lords days, and at other fit times to meet together for mutual help, and the public worshipping of God, as they may, rather than not to meet at all.
2. Such an Assembly ought on the Lords dayes, and at other fit times to meet together for mutual help, and the publick worshipping of God, as they may, rather than not to meet at all.
3. In those meetings they may do all that followeth. 1. They may pray together; a Lay-man being1 the Speaker. 2. They may sing Psalms. 3. They may Read the Scriptures. 4. They may read some holy edifying Writings of Divines, or repeat some Ministers Sermons. 4. Some that are ablest may speak to the instruction and exhortation of the rest, as a Master may do in his family, or neighbours to stir up Gods graces in each other, as was opened before. 5. And some such may Catechize the younger and more ignorant. 6. They may by mutual Conference open their cases to each other, and communicate what knowledge or experience they have, to the praise of God and each others edification. 7. They may make a solemn profession of their Faith, Covenant, and Subjection to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost: And all this is better than nothing at all.