Reliquiæ Baxterianæ, or, Mr. Richard Baxters narrative of the most memorable passages of his…

In good sadness can you believe that [the Universality of Christians] which is the true Catholic Church, is not more conspicuous than the Papal Faction, or any one particular Part? Should your Sect be judged more visible than the whole Christian World? 5. That the Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth, the Possessors, Keepers and Teachers of God's Oracles, and that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it, is most sure and comfortable Truth. But what is this to Rome, any more than to Jerusalem or Alexandria? The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Body of Christ, the Universality of Christians, the true Catholic Church: But it may prevail against Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, or any particular part: As it prevailed against Pope John XXII. alias XXIII. to make him deny the Resurrection, and against Pope Eugenius to make him a Heretic, if General Councils are to be believed. 6. As to what you say of [Apostles still placed in the Church]: When any show us an immediate Mission by their Commission; and by Miracles, Tongues, and a Spirit of Revelation and infallibility prove themselves Apostles, we shall believe them. Till then we remember that Church that was commended for trying them that said they were Apostles, and were not, and finding them Liars, Rev. 23. Peter and the Twelve Apostles with him we acknowledge, and Paul we acknowledge, but know none properly called Apostles, living now: But if it be only the Name and not the Office that you differ about; and by Apostles you mean not [Men immediately sent by Christ to preach the Gospel with a Spirit of Miracles and Infallibility] (which is our Sense of that Word) but some other sort of Men, then if they be ordinary Pastors or Bishops its no matter of Difference; if not, you must describe them before we can know them: They are to blame whoever they be, that they call not themselves Apostles, and tell us where, who, and how many they are, if they are so indeed. 7. They were to be accounted Heathens and Publicans that heard not the Church admonishing them: But sure other Pastors besides Apostles must admonish and be heard: And other Churches besides the Roman, must hold or refuse Communion, as is there signified; either you will (erroneously) have that Text understood of the Universal Church, or else (truly) of a Particular Church.

In good sadness can you believe that [the Universality of Christians] which is the true Catholick Church, is not more conspicuous than the Papal Faction, or any one particular Part? Should your Sect be judged more visible than the whole Christian World? 5. That the Church is the Pillar and Ground of Truth, the Possessors, Keepers and Teachers of God's Oracles, and that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it, is most sure and comfortable Truth. But what is this to Rome, any more than to Ierusalem or Alexandria? The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Body of Christ, the Universality of Christians, the true Catholick Church: But it may prevail against Corinthians, Gallateans, Romans, or any particular part: As it prevailed against Pope Iohn XXII. alias XXIII. to make him deny the Resurrection, and against Pope Eugenius to make him a Heretick, if General Councils are to be believed. 6. As to what you say of [Apostles still placed in the Church]: When any shew us an immediate Mission by their Commission; and by Miracles, Tongues, and a Spirit of Revelation and infallability prove themselves Apostles, we shall believe them. Till then we remember that Church that was commended for trying them that said they were Apostles, and were not, and finding them Lyers, Rev. 23. Peter and the Twelve Apostles with him we acknowledge, and Paul we acknowledge, but know none properly called Apostles, living now: But if it be only the Name and not the Office that you differ about; and by Apostles you mean not [Men immediately sent by Christ to preach the Gospel with a Spirit of Miracles and Infallability] (which is our Sense of that Word) but some other sort of Men, then if they be ordinory Pastors or Bishops its no matter of Difference; if not, you must describe them before we can know them: They are to blame whoever they be, that they call not themselves Apostles, and tell us where, who, and how many they are, if they are so indeed. 7. They were to be accounted Heathens and Publicans that heard not the Church admonishing them: But sure other Pastors besides Apostles must admonish and be heard: And other Churches besides the Roman, must hold or refuse Communion, as is there signified; either you will (erroneously) have that Text understood of the Universal Church, or else (truly) of a Particular Church.