A26906:676
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.
DIRECT. XLV.
Desire the highest degree of Holiness, and to be free from the corruptions of the times: But affect not to be odd and singular, from ordinary Christians in lawful things.
AN affectation of singularity in indifferent things, doth either come from such ignorance as those were guilty of in Rom. 14. or most commonly from Pride, though you perceive it not your selves. If it be to go in a meaner garb than others, and as the Quakers, not to put off the hat; or with the Friars, to go barefoot, or in a distinguishing habit, that all men may see and say, This is a singular person in Religion, it is easy to see how this gratifieth pride. Humility desireth not to be specially taken notice of: And therefore in all things lawful, to do as others do, doth gratify humility very much. It's strange to observe how much stress some persons lay upon their singular habits, gestures, expressions and actions, when they have once taken them up? and how sharp they are against all that are contrary? For as the Masters of every Sect of Monks among the Papists had their several Rules of singularity ⟨p. 223⟩in things indifferent; and yet presently desired to get disciples to take their names, and follow their rules; so is it with most that begin in singularity: They would have all follow them, that it might grow common.
AN affectation of singularity in indifferent things, doth either come from such ignonorance as those were guilty of in