A26912:206
A defence of the principles of love, which are necessary to the unity and…
A defence of the principles of love, which are necessary to the unity and concord of Christians and are delivered in a book called The cure of church-divisions ... / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 1671
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.
Answ. 1. We must not make such carnal policies our guides, as to forbear that which God doth make our duty, for fear of encouraging other men. If we take this to be uncharitable factiousness in others, to desire rather all these distractions in the Church, than that the Non-conformists should be encouraged and strengthened by seeming to have justly desired a Reformation, let us not be guilty of what we blame.
Answ. 1. We must not make such carnal policies our guides, as to forbear that which God doth make our duty, for fear of encouraging other men. If we take this to be uncharitable factiousness in others, to desire rather all these distractions in the Church, than that the Non-conformists should be encouraged and strengthned by seeming to have justly desired a Reformation, let us not be guilty of what we blame.
2. If you will believe themselves, it is the unwilling Conformists that they are most in danger of, who profess that they conform of necessity, and desire a Reformation; As Dr. William Smith hath showed in a book written to that end. The Assembly of Westminster that set up the Presbytery were such Conformists.
2. If you will believe themselves, it is the unwilling Conformists that they are most in danger of, who profess that they conform of necessity, and desire a Reformation; As Dr. William Smith hath shewed in a book written to that end. The Assembly of Westminster that set up the Presbytery were such Conformists.
3. It is sinful pride and tenderness of their own honour, which maketh some men avoid their duty, and wrathfully grudge at them that speak for it, because those that are against them thence take occasion to insult over them or reproach them. If men do but say, you are now turncoats and time servers, and where is your reformation now, and you are now glad to do as we do, they think this reason enough why they should forbear that Communion and worship which is their duty. Are these beseeming self denying humble persons? Could they suffer death for their duty sake, that cannot bear a little reproach for it.