A26892:8443
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.
§. 35. Direct. 15. Let Church Union and Communion be laid upon none but Catholic terms, which 1are possible and fit for all to be agreed in. Common Reason will tell any impartial man, that there2 can be no more effectual engine to divide the Churches, and raise contentions and persecutions, than to make Laws for Church-communion requiring such conditions, as it is certain the members cannot consent to. If any man knew that my opinion is against the doctrine of Transubstantiation, or of the Dominicans Predetermination, and he would make a Law that no man shall have Communion with that Church who subscribeth not to these, he unavoidably excludeth me (Unless I be such a Beast, as to Believe nothing soundly, and therefore to say any thing.) If ever the Churches agree, and Christians be reconciled, it must be by leaving out all dividing impositions, and requiring nothing ⟨p. 74⟩as necessary to Communion, which all may not rationally be expected to consent in. Now these Catholic principles of Communion must be such as these:
§. 35. Direct. 15. Let Church Union and Communion be laid upon none but Catholick terms, which 1are possible and fit for all to be agreed in. Common Reason will tell any impartial man, that there2 can be no more effectual engine to divide the Churches, and raise contentions and persecutions, than to make Laws for Church-communion requiring such conditions, as it is certain the members cannot consent to. If any man knew that my opinion is against the doctrine of Transubstantiation, or of the Dominicans Predetermination, and he would make a Law that no man shall have Communion with that Church who subscribeth not to these, he unavoidably excludeth me (Unless I be such a Beast, as to Believe nothing soundly, and therefore to say any thing.) If ever the Churches agree, and Christians be reconciled, it must be by leaving out all dividing impositions, and requiring nothing ⟨p. 74⟩