A26895:165
The Christian religion expressed I, briefly in the ancient creeds, the Ten commandments, and…
The Christian religion expressed I, briefly in the ancient creeds, the Ten commandments, and the Lords prayer, and, II, more largely in a profession taken out of the Holy Scriptures, containing 1, the articles of the Christian belief, 2, our consent to the gospel covenant, 3, the sum of Christian duty, according to the primitive simplicity, purity, and practice, fitted to the right instruction of the ignorant, the promoting of holiness, and the charitable concord of all true believers ... / by Richard Baxter.
London : s.n., 1660
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.
56. When great afflictions lie upon the Church, or any useful members of it; or when any great sins have been committed among them, it is meet that in public by fasting and prayer we humble our selves before the Lord, for the averting of his displeasure. And on such occasions it is the Pastors duty to confess his own and the peoples sins, with penitence and tenderness of heart, and by his doctrine and exhortation to endeavour effectually to bring the people to the sight and sense of their sin, and the deserts of it, and to a firm resolution of better obedience for the time to come; being importunate with God in Prayer for pardon and renewed Grace.
56. When great afflictions lie upon the Church, or any useful members of it; or when any great sins have been committed among them, it is meet that in publike by fasting and prayer we humble our selves before the Lord, for the averting of his displeasure. And on such occasions it is the Pastors duty to confess his own and the peoples sins, with penitence and tenderness of heart, and by his doctrine and exhortation to endeavour effectually to bring the people to the sight and sense of their sin, and the deserts of it, and to a firm resolution of better obedience for the time to come; being importunate with God in Prayer for pardon and renewed Grace.
57. Upon the receipt of any notable extraordinary mercies, the Church having opportunity, should Assemble for public Thanksgiving unto God: wherein the Pastors should stir them up to the livelyest sense of the greatness of their mercies, and lead them in a joyful celebration of the praises of their bountiful benefactor. And it is lawful on these days to express our joy in feasting and outward signs of mirth; provided that they be moderately and spiritually used, and not to gratify our sensual desires; and that we relieve the poor in their necessities (which also on days of Humiliation and other seasons we must not forget.)
57. Upon the receipt of any notable extraordinary mercies, the Church having opportunity, should Assemble for publike Thanksgiving unto God: wherein the Pastors should stir them up to the livelyest sense of the greatness of their mercies, and lead them in a joyful celebration of the praises of their bountiful benefactor. And it is lawful on these daies to express our joy in feasting and outward signs of mirth; provided that they be moderately and spiritually used, and not to gratifie our sensual desires; and that we relieve the poor in their necessities (which also on daies of Humiliation and other seasons we must not forget.)