A26906:661
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.
First, Suppose it were a Controversy whether Christ be God, or whether there be a life to come, or a resurrection, &c. Here no man must be Judge, because if you are Christians indeed, it is past controversy with you: And you believe this upon the evidences of truth, which have convinced you: And herein the universal Church are your associates.
First, Suppose it were a Controversie whether Christ be God, or whether there be a life to come, or a resurrection, &c. Here no man must be Judge, because if you are Christians indeed, it is past controversie with you: And you believe this upon the evidences of truth, which have convinced you: And herein the universal Church are your associates.
Secondly, Suppose it be made a Controversy whether you shall use this Translation or version in public, or another, or whether you shall meet at this hour or that; at this place or that; what words of prayer shall be used in public; what persons you shall communicate with in public, and what not, &c. In all such, your lawful Pastors and Rulers are the Judges, and their judgments must be preferred before more learned men that are not related to you.
Secondly, Suppose it be made a Controversie whether you shall use this Translation or version in publick, or another, or whether you shall meet at this hour or that; at this place or that; what words of prayer shall be used in publick; what persons you shall communicate with in publick, and what not, &c. In all such, your lawful Pastors and Rulers are the Judges, and their judgments must be preferred before more learned men that are not related to you.
Thirdly, Suppose the question be among many associated Churches, whether this Church or Pastor be to be disowned as Heretical, or owned by the rest as orthodox Christians. Here the judgement of the Pastors of those associated Churches in Councils, is to be preferred as of the proper Judges.