A26906:728
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. LII.
Make conscience of heart-revenge, and tongue-revenge, as well as of hand-revenge.
IT is so notorious that Revenge is a usurpation of Gods prerogative, & a heinour sin, that Professors could not so frequently & easily commit it, if they did not first deceive themselves, and take that to be no revenge which is. To do any open hurt to another, they take notice of as sinful revenge. But is there no secret wish in your heart, that some evil may befall another? Nor no secret gladness that some evil hath befallen him? You will say, It is not in revenge, but in hope he may repent: But take heed what is in your heart. Its one thing to Repent of his injury to you as such, and to make you amends and repair your honour: And its another thing to repent of it as a sin against God, to the saving of his own soul. Is it not the former that you more desire than the later?
IT is so notorious that Revenge is a usurpation of Gods prerogative, & a heinour sin, that Professors could not so frequently & easily commit it, if they did not first deceive themselves, and take that to be no revenge which is. To do any open hurt to another, they take notice of as sinful revenge. But is there no secret wish in your heart, that some evil may befal another? Nor no secret gladness that some evil hath befaln him? You will say, It is not in revenge, but in hope he may repent: But take heed what is in your heart. Its one thing to Repent of his injury to you as such, and to make you amends and repair your honour: And its another thing to repent of it as a sin against God, to the saving of his own soul. Is it not the former that you more desire than the later?