A26965:157
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.
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.
IV. 2. To make Factions, Parties, Contentions, and Mutinies in a true Church of Christ, or in any Community of Christians, yea or but in families, ⟨p. 40⟩in the Universal Church is a great sin, in all that are the true culpable Causes of it, and are not only the involuntary occasions by unavoidable accidents.