A26923:1127
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches
An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches by reconciling explication without much disputing. Written by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1691
Chapter 25: Of good Works and Merit, and trusting to any thing of our own.
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.
§. 50. 7. The ancient Christians (as the Writings of all the Ancients commonly show) did use the word Merit without any scruple; and I remember not that any Christians did ever gainsay it or take the use of it for a fault: Yet did they contradict mens carnal erroneous Conceits of Man's Merit, as well as we: Yet now our opposition to Popery hath brought the word into so great distaste with many good Protestants, as that they take it to signify some dangerous self-arrogating Doctrine: So great is the power of Prejudice and Contest.
§. 50. 7. The ancient Christians (as the Writings of all the Ancients commonly shew) did use the word Merit without any scruple; and I remember not that any Christians did ever gainsay it or take the use of it for a fault: Yet did they contradict mens carnal erroneous Conceits of Man's Merit, as well as we: Yet now our opposition to Popery hath brought the word into so great distate with many good Protestants, as that they take it to signifie some dangerous self-arrogating Doctrine: So great is the power of Prejudice and Contest.
§. 51. It is true, That when Heretics have put an ill sense upon a good word, we must use it more cantelously than at other times and places: But if thence we absolutely reject and accuse it, we shall harden our Adversaries, and strengthen the Error which we oppose, by running into the contrary extreme, which will soon disgrace it self.
§. 51. It is true, That when Hereticks have put an ill sence upon a good word, we must use it more cantelously than at other times and places: But if thence we absolutely reject and •ccuse it, we shall harden our Adversaries, and strengthen the Error which we oppose, by running into the contrary extream, which will soon disgrace it self.