A26932:285
Gildas Salvianus: The Reformed Pastor
Gildas Salvianus, the reformed pastor showing the nature of the pastoral work, especially in private instruction and catechizing : with an open confession of our too open sins : prepared for a day of humiliation kept at Worcester, Decemb. 4, 1655 by the ministers of that county, who subscribed the agreement for catechizing and personal instruction at their entrance upon that work / by their unworthy fellow-servant, Richard Baxter ...Gildas Salvianus, the reformed pastor shewing the nature of the pastoral work, especially in private instruction and catechizing : with an open confession of our too open sins : prepared for a day of humiliation kept at Worcester, Decemb. 4, 1655 by the ministers of that county, who subscribed the agreement for catechizing and personal instruction at their entrance upon that work / by their unworthy fellow-servant, Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by Robert White for Nevil Simmons, 1656
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.
10. The next part of our Oversight consisteth in the use of Church-Discipline: and this consisteth after the foresaid private Reproofs. 1. In more public Reproof. 2. And persuading the person to meet expressions of Repentance. 3. And Praying for them. 4. In restoring the Penitent. 5. And excluding and avoiding the impenitent.
10. The next part of our Oversight consisteth in the use of Church-Discipline: and this consisteth after the foresaid private Reproofs. 1. In more publike Reproof. 2. And perswading the person to meet expressions of Repentance. 3. And Praying for them. 4. In restoring the Penitent. 5. And excluding and avoiding the impenitent.
1. And for Reproof, these things must be observed. 1. That the Accusations of none (no not the best in the Church) be taken without proof, nor rashly entertained, nor that a Minister should make himself a party, before he have a sufficient evidence of the case. It is better let many vicious persons go unpunished, or uncensured when we want full evidence, then to censure one unjustly; which we may easily do if we will go upon too bold presumptions: and then it will bring upon the Pastors the scandal of partiality, and unrighteous and injurious dealing, and make all their reproofs and censures become contemptible.
2. Let there be therefore a less public meeting of chosen persons (the Officers and some Delegates of the Church on their behalf) to have the hearing of all such cases before they be made more public: that once a month at a set place, they may come together, to receive what charge shall be brought against any member of the Church, that it may be considered whether it be just and the offender may be dealt with then first: And if the fault be either less public, or less heinous, so that a less public profession of Repentance may satisfy, then if the