A26892:8350
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.
Prop. 3. A Brother as a Brother, is not to be so forgiven, as to be restored to our estimation, and affection, and usage of him as a Brother, either in spiritual account, or intimate special Love and familiarity, as long as he is Impenitent in his gross offences; and that is, till he turn again and say, I repent. A Natural Brother is still to be Loved as a Natural Brother. For that kind of Love dependeth not on his honesty or repentance. But,
1. A Brother in a Religious sense. 2. Or a bosom familiar friend, are both unfit for to be received in these capacities, till they are penitent for gross offences: Therefore the Church is not to pardon the Impenitent, in point of Communion, nor particular Christians to pardon them in their esteem and carriage: Nor am I bound to take an unfit person to be my bosom friend to know my secrets: Therefore if either of these offend, I must not forgive them, that is, by forgiveness continue them in the respect and usage of this brotherhood, till they Repent: And this (first especially) is the Brother mentioned in the Text.
1. A Brother in a Religious sense. 2. Or a bosome familiar friend, are both unfit for to be received in these capacities, till they are penitent for gross offences: Therefore the Church is not to pardon the Impenitent, in point of Communion, nor particular Christians to pardon them in their esteem and carriage: Nor am I bound to take an unfit person to be my bosome friend to know my secrets: Therefore if either of these offend, I must not forgive them, that is, by forgiveness continue them in the respect and usuage of this brotherhood, till they Repent: And this (first especially) is the Brother mentioned in the Text.
§. 26. Quest. 4. Is it lawful to sue a Brother at Law? The reason of the question is, from the1