A26897:274
Church concord
Church concord containing I. a dissuasive from unnecessary division and separation, and the real concord of the moderate independents with the Presbyterians, instanced in ten seeming differences, II. by Richard Baxter.Church concord containing I. a disswasive from unnecessary division and separation, and the real concord of the moderate independents with the Presbyterians, instanced in ten seeming differences, II. by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1691
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.
Confusion and Schism are the Scylla and Charybdis: Peace and Truth are the Jachin and Boaz of the Christian Cause: the obtaining of which must be endeavoured under him, and implored and expected from him, who is Peace, Way, and Truth, alone able; among so many and (alas) too hot Contentions, and differing opinions of the Learned and Godly, to reach us the mete-wand, and direct his Servants into Concord, and into the perfect measure of the Temple, Altar and Worshippers: Preserving us Men, Brethren, searching after truth in Love, both from the left hand of Confusion, and the right hand of Separation.] So far Mr. Norton, and so ends his Book.
And thus I have showed the Nearness of both Parties; and easiness of Reconciliation, as to their Principles, and that there is nothing among them, owned by either Party, that should hinder a loving Consociation, Correspondency and Communion of the Churches, for their mutual strengthening, and the healing of the Mischiefs that Divisions, Emulations, and Contentions have long caused among us.
And thus I have shewed the Nearness of both Parties; and easiness of Reconciliation, as to their Principles, and that there is nothing among them, owned by either Party, that should hinder a loving Consociation, Correspondency and Communion of the Churches, for their mutual strengthening, and the healing of the Mischiefs that Divisions, Emulations, and Contentions have long caused among us.
Nothing remains then to be feared, but lest mens Minds are further distant than their Principles, and that Charity doth not effectually dispose them to Agree in Communion as far as their professed Principles will permit them. But, though Experience make this undeniable, yet their Piety and their Professions do put us in hope, that there are such Habitual Principles of Charity, as better Encouragements and Opportunities will undoubtedly revive, to our Reconciliation.