A26906:563
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.
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 ⟨p. 186⟩disordered or defective form, I shall take it for my duty then to use it. Because it is more to the Churches edification.
Answ. First, That may be below one mans own invention, which is above-anothers. 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 physick, which is most agreeable to the stomack and disease. But especially if I am restrained from the publick preaching of the Gospel, or exercise of any of my Ministry, unless I will use a more ⟨p. 186⟩