A26965:156
The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things…
The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written to reconcile and pacify such as by mistaking them hinder love and concord / by Richard Baxter.The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written to reconcile and pacifie such as by mistaking them hinder love and concord / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Benj. Alsop, 1679
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.
It is easy for a confounded head to pass over all such distinctions, and with unjust and confounding censures to reproach others as Schismatics in the dark, before he knoweth what schism is, being guilty of Schism in his very accusations. But sober Christians must be discerners, and know that confusion is an Enemy to truth and love and justice.
It is easy for a confounded head to pass over all such distinctions, and with unjust and confounding censures to reproach others as Schismaticks in the dark, before he knoweth what schism is, being guilty of Schism in his very accusations. But sober Christians must be discerners, and know that confusion is an Enemy to truth and love and justice.
III. I The Union of the Church Universal is in the seven things mentioned by Paul Eph. 4. 3. 4, 5. 6. viz. One Body, One Spirit (of faith and Love) One Hope (of Glory) One Lord, One faith (or Creed,) One Baptismal Covenant, One God and Father of all. He that separateth from this Church directly, is an Apostate; Visibly, if from its Essential profession, and invisibly if only from the inward sincerity of faith, consent and Love. This is damning separation. And if he separate but from some one Essential article of faith or duty, it is that which is most usually and strictly called Heresy; of which we are now to speak no further.
III. I The Union of the Church Universal is in the seven things mentioned by Paul Eph. 4. 3. 4, 5. 6. viz. One Body, One Spirit (of faith and Love) One Hope (of Glory) One Lord, One faith (or Creed,) One Baptismal Covenant, One God and Father of all. He that separateth from this Church directly, is an Apostate; Uisibly, if from its Essential profession, and invisibly if only from the inward sincerity of faith, consent and Love. This is damning separation. And if he separate but from some one Essentiall article of faith or duty, it is that which is most usually and strictly called Heresie; of which we are now to speak no further.