A26906:884
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.
II. On the other side if any withdraw from our Communion, let us not too hastily accuse them of schism: And when we do, let us well distinguish of schism, and not go further from them than they have gone from us, and to be our selves the Schismatics while we oppose it.
II. On the other side if any withdraw from our Communion, let us not too hastily accuse them of schism: And when we do, let us well distinguish of schism, and not go further from them than they have gone from us, and to be our selves the Schismaticks while we oppose it.
There are many cases in which local separation may be lawful. First, As if our callings justly remove us to another place or Country. Secondly, If our spiritual advantage bind us to remove to a better Minister and more suitable society ⟨p. 239⟩when we are free. Thirdly, if our lawful Pastors be turned out of the place, and we follow them, and turn away but from Usurpers. Fourthly, If the Pastors turn Heretics or Wolves. Fifthly, If the public good of the Churches require my removal. Sixthly, If any sin be imposed on me, and I be refused by the Church unless I will commit it. In these and some other such cases a remove is lawful.
There are many cases in which local separation may be lawful. First, As if our callings justly remove us to another place or Country. Secondly, If our spiritual advantage bind us to remove to a better Minister and more suitable society ⟨p. 239⟩when we are free. Thirdly, if our lawful Pastors be turned out of the place, and we follow them, and turn away but from Usurpers. Fourthly, If the Pastors turn Hereticks or Wolves. Fifthly, If the publick good of the Churches require my removal. Sixthly, If any sin be imposed on me, and I be refused by the Church unless I will commit it. In these and some other such cases a remove is lawful.