A26906:561
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.
And among us there is no man forbidden in the Pulpit to use his own gifts to the utmost, and pray without any set form of his own or other mens.
And among us there is no man forbidden in the Pulptt to use his own gifts to the utmost, and pray without any set form of his own or other mens.
And I would at last desire any of the Objectors but to name that text of Scripture which directly or indirectly commandeth every Minister, to use his gift of inventing words and method, or his gift of extemporary prayer, every time that he prayeth to God: Or which forbiddeth to use the gifts of others, though better than his own.
Obj. But what if the forms imposed be worse than the exercise of our own gifts?
Answ. First, That may be below one mans own invention, which is above-another's. Secondly, And that may be more defective than your own invention could reach to, which yet may be more desirable for other advantages. As if all the Churches for some good ends, should agree to to use one mode or method or form, (as now we do in singing Psalms) the benefit of that concord might do more to the Churches service than my singular better form or words could do. And if the lawful Rulers commanded me that which perhaps I could somewhat exceed my self, I should do much in obedience to their command: Or if the people had a greater averseness or unfitness for my more congruous words than for others more fective, I should take that for the best food or physic, which is most agreeable to the stomach and disease. But especially if I am restrained from the public preaching of the Gospel, or exercise of any of my Ministry, unless I will use a more