A26906:143
The cure of church-divisions, or, Directions for weak Christians to keep them from being…
The cure of church-divisions, or, Directions for weak Christians to keep them from being dividers or troublers of the church with some directions to the pastors how to deal with such Christians / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Nevil Symmons, 1670
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.
I know those that I have now to do with will say, that Divinity is not learnt by labour and mens teaching, as other Sciences and Arts are; but by the teaching of the spirit of God: and therefore the youngest may have as much of it as the eldest.
Answ. There is some truth and some falsehood, and much confusion, in this objection. It is true that the saving knowledge of Divinity, must be taught by the Spirit of God: But it is false that labour and humane teaching are not the means which must be used by them, who will have the teaching of the spirit. And the objection confoundeth, 1. The spirits teaching us by inditing the Scripture, with the spirits teaching us the meaning of the Scripture. 2 And it confoundeth the common knowledge of Divinity, with the saving knowledge of it. No man cometh to a common knowledge, fit for a Teacher of others, without the spirits teaching us by the Scripture: For that was the first part of the spirits teaching us, to inspire the Prophets and Apostles to deliver a teaching, Word to the Church, by which we might all be taught of God through all generations. But many men have excellent common knowledge, by this word, and by the common help of the spirit, without that special help which begetteth saving knowledge. Many prophesied and worked miracles in Christs name, who had no saving knowledge of him, Mat. 7. 22, 23. And Paul rejoiced that Christ was preached, even by them that did it of strife and envy, to add affliction to his bonds: Phil. 1. 15, 16, 17, 18. saving knowledge must have a special help of grace; And they which had but Solomons knowledge, may by the spirit have saving knowledge in a little time, by bringing it to the heart, and making it clear, and lively and effectual. But that may be a means of saving others, which saveth not the man that hath it. And all knowledge requireth time and labour, to obtain it, though the Spirit giveth it, and though ⟨p. 7⟩it may be sanctified to us in a little time.