A26892:7957
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.
§. 14. Memorand. 14. Side not with any faction of contentious Pastors, to the oppression of the1 rest, when the difference is in tolerable things: But rather drive them on to unity upon condescending2 and forbearing terms: For there will else be no end; but the faction which you side with, will break into more factions, and the Church will receive damage by the loss of the oppressed party; and by the Division much more. What lamentable work the contentions of the Bishops have made in the Churches in all Ages since the primitive times, all History doth too openly declare! And how much a holy prudent peaceable Magistrate can do to keep peace among them, more than will be done if their own impetuosity be left unrestrained, it is easy to observe: Especially if he keep the Sword in his own hand, and trust it not in the hands of Church-men, especially of one faction to the oppression of the rest.
§. 14. Memorand. 14. Side not with any faction of contentious Pastors, to the oppression of the1 rest, when the difference is in tolerable things: But rather drive them on to unity upon condescending2 and forbearing terms: For there will else be no end; but the faction which you side with, will break into more factions, and the Church will receive damage by the loss of the oppressed party; and by the Division much more. What lamentable work the contentions of the Bishops have made in the Churches in all Ages since the primitive times, all History doth too openly declare! And how much a holy prudent peaceable Magistrate can do to keep peace among them, more than will be done if their own impetuosity be left unrestrained, it is easie to observe: Especially if he keep the Sword in his own hand, and trust it not in the hands of Church-men, especially of one faction to the oppression of the rest.
- 1Memor. 14.
- 2Lamprid. Numbers it with Alexand. Mam. Sever'es good works [Judaeis privilegia reservavit: Christianos esse passus est.] Nam illo tempore crudelius Arrianorum Episcopi, Presbyteri, Clerici, quam Rex & Vandali saeviebant. Id. p. 468