A26924:751
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated…
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated and argued by Richard Baxter ; who earnestly beseecheth rulers and clergy not to divide and destroy the land and cast their own souls on the dreadful guilt and punishment of national perjury ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1689
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.
L. This calling Men to Repentance personally will but disturb and distract the Parishes: Men will never endure it: And that's no Duty that will do harm.
M. They are not fit to be Communicants or Members of a Christian Church that will not endure it. It is the Crime of the Church-Governors that they receive, yea, drive such into the Church, as will not endure the Laws of Christ, and Church-Duties, and then cast by such Duties, because Men will not endure them. As if you took Scholars into a School that will not endure Government and Correction, or Soldiers into an Army that will not ⟨p. 178⟩endure Command and Discipline; and then omit it, and leave them to their wills, because they will not endure it. Or, as if you would take Servants that will not be commanded, nor endure Labour, and then let them be masterless and idle, because they will not endure service. Who allowed you to take and keep such in Christ's Church, that will not endure either to live obediently, or be called to Repentance? I confess that to let all Men alone in their sin, is the way to some kind of Peace in the Parish: But it is not Christ's Peace, but the Devils, by which he keeps possession of Souls and Countries, till Christ break his peace, and cast him out; such peace will end in endless sorrow.
M. They are not fit to be Communicants or Members of a Christian Church that will not endure it. It is the Crime of the Church-Governours that they receive, yea, drive such into the Church, as will not endure the Laws of Christ, and Church-Duties, and then cast by such Duties, because Men will not endure them. As if you took Scholars into a School that will not endure Government and Correction, or Soldiers into an Army that will not ⟨p. 178⟩endure Command and Discipline; and then omit it, and leave them to their wills, because they will not endure it. Or, as if you would take Servants that will not be commanded, nor endure Labour, and then let them be masterless and idle, because they will not endure service. Who allow'd you to take and keep such in Christ's Church, that will not endure either to live obediently, or be called to Repentance? I confess that to let all Men alone in their sin, is the way to some kind of Peace in the Parish: But it is not Christ's Peace, but the Devils, by which he keeps possession of Souls and Countries, till Christ break his peace, and cast him out; such peace will end in endless sorrow.