A26923:875
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
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.
§. 28. Historical Tradition of the Words, Books, and Matters of Fact, are subordinate necessary means of transmitting the Objects to our sense of Hearing, who live at such a distance from the Time, Place and Facts.
§. 29. But though all these things aforesaid are in true Faith, yet a distinct Perception or Description of them all is not necessary in him that hath them. But a more general Conception of it, which will but consist with the true Reception of the Things signified by the Words (God, Christ, Grace &c.) may be certainly saving to a plain and simple-hearted Christian; when one that can describe it accurately, may be graceless: For it is Believing, and not Defining Faith, which God hath made necessary to Salvation.
§. 30. Therefore we do ordinarily well use shorter Descriptions to the People, and sometime we say, That Faith in Christ, is our Christianity; that is, our Assent and Consent to the Baptismal Covenant, and our Self-dedition to God therein. For in Scripture it is all one to be a Believer, a Disciple of Christ, and a Christian.
§. 31. Sometimes we say, That saving Faith is a fiducial-practical Assent to the Truth of the Gospel, and Consent to the Covenant of Grace; or an Accepting of all the Benefits of the Covenant, as they are, and on the terms offered; or an Accepting of Christ and Life in, and with him there offered us.