A26965:547
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.
5. There are many among us who are conscious of Infidelity, Atheism, Sadduceism and Heresy, and some of many secret heinous sins: some of these in their hearts deride Christianity and the sacrament; And the other are afraid of increasing their damnation: But yet do not make known their sin: But it is notorious that abundance of such there be: And the doubt is whether these should be compelled to the sacrament thrice a year.
5. There are many among us who are conscious of Infidelity, Atheism, Sadduceism and Heresie, and some of many secret heinous sins: some of these in their hearts deride Christianity and the sacrament; And the other are afraid of increasing their damnation: But yet do not make known their sin: But it is notorious that abundance of such there be: And the doubt is whether these should be compelled to the sacrament thrice a year.
6. The Nonconformists hold, that to deliver a man, that sacrament, is to deliver him the body and blood of Christ, and therewith a sealed pardon of sin, and gift of life eternal; And they think that the terms on which these are to be received, are [wholly devoting our selves to Christ, denying all, and taking up our Cross and following him. And therefore that to say [Receive the sacrament, or he in a Gaol] seemeth much to alter the terms of the Gospel, which saith [If thou canst not suffer a Gaol for Christ, thou art unworthy of him. It is he that can forsake all for Christ, that is fit for the sacrament, and not he that would not Communicate without the fear of a ⟨p. 186⟩prison or other punishment. To give the sacrament, is to give more than all the riches of the world, which none but volunteers and desirers are fit for.
6. The Nonconformists hold, that to deliver a man, that sacrament, is to deliver him the body and blood of Christ, and therewith a sealed pardon of sin, and guift of life eternal; And they think that the terms on which these are to be received, are [wholly devoting our selves to Christ, denying all, and taking up our Cross and following him. And therefore that to say [Receive the sacrament, or he in a Gaol] seemeth much to alter the terms of the Gospel, which saith [If thou canst not suffer a Gaol for Christ, thou art unworthy of him. It is he that can forsake all for Christ, that is fit for the sacrament, and not he that would not Communicate without the fear of a