A26906:282
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.
Thirdly, Remember also that our Union is necessary to our Communion, with Christ and with his Church: and to all the blessings and benefits of such communion. Joh. 15. 4. Abide in me, and I in you: As the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it abide in the Vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me: for without me, ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. And Col. 2. 19. From the Head all the body by joints and bonds having nourishment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. The member that is cut off from the body, hath no life or nourishment from the head or from the body, but is dead: He that is out of the Church is without the Teaching, the holy worship, the prayers, and the discipline of the Church, and is out of the ⟨p. 69⟩way where the spirit doth come; and out of the Society which Christ is specially related to: For he is the Saviour of his body; And if we leave his hospital, we cannot expect the presence and help of the Physician: Nor will he be a Pilot to them who forsake his Ship: Nor a Captain to them who separate from his Army: Out of this Ark, there is nothing but a deluge; and no place of rest or safety for a soul.
Thirdly, Remember also that our Vnion is necessary to our Communion, with Christ and with his Church: and to all the blessings and benefits of such communion. Ioh. 15. 4. Abide in me, and I in you: As the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it abide in the Vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me: for without me, ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. And Col. 2. 19. From the Head all the body by joynts and bonds having nourishment ministred and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. The member that is cut off from the body, hath no life or nourishment from the head or from the body, but is dead: He that is out of the Church is without the Teaching, the holy worship, the prayers, and the discipline of the Church, and is out of the