A26912:378
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. The Divinity which I think true and sound, doth teach Enthusiasts, whether Fryers or Nuns, or any such Fanatic, not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirits whether they be of God; And to believe that Satan can transform himself into an Angel of Light; And to doubt whether their suggestions, revelations or prophecies be of God, till it be true and sure: For instance, I would have had your fellow prisoner have doubted of his three after mentioned prophecies uttered in the Pulpit, as from the spirit of God (That we should have no more King, Tithes, or Taxes:) Be not angry with me for giving you such instances; It is only to save others from wronging the Holy Ghost, and exposing Religion to profane mens scorn. And I would not have one turn Anabaptist, if in their sorrow or musing that Text should be set upon their mind, Act. 22. 16. Why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins.] Nor ⟨p. 61⟩would I have another turn Papist, if that Text be set upon his heart, Act. 9. 6. Arise and go into the City, and it shall be told thee what thou must do: And if it be a Popish Priest that he first me•teth with, and think••• […] […] […] th• m•n that must inform •im.
Answ. The Divinity which I think true and sound, doth teach Enthusiasts, whether Fryers or Nuns, or any such Phanatick, not to believe every spirit, but to try the spirits whether they be of God; And to believe that Satan can transform himself into an Angel of Light; And to doubt whether their suggestions, revelations or prophecies be of God, till it be true and sure: For instance, I would have had your fellow prisoner have doubted of his three after mentioned prophecies uttered in the Pulpit, as from the spirit of God (That we should have no more King, Tythes, or Taxes:) Be not angry with me for giving you such instances; It is only to save others from wronging the Holy Ghost, and exposing Religion to profane mens scorn. And I would not have one turn Anabaptist, if in their sorrow or musing that Text should be set upon their mind,