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

3. And that those that are further Orthodox in those Particulars, which Rulers think fit to impose upon their Subjects, have their public Maintenance and greater Encouragement. Yea, and this much is become necessary, but upon supposition that Men will still be so self-conceited and uncharitable, as not to forbear their unnecessary Impositions. Otherwise there would be found but very few who are Tolerable, that are not also in their measure to be approved, maintained and encouraged. And if the Primitive Simplicity in Doctrine, Government and Worship, might serve turn, for the Terms of the Churches Union and Communion, all would be well without any more ado; supposing that where Christian Magistrates are, they keep the Peace, and repress the Offenders, and exercise all the Coercive Government: And heretics, who will subscribe to the Christian Faith, must not be punished! because they will subscribe to no more, but because they are proved to preach or promote Heresy, contrary to the Faith which they profess.

3. And that those that are further Orthodox in those Particulars, which Rulers think fit to impose upon their Subjects, have their publick Maintenance and greater Encouragement. Yea, and this much is become neccessary, but upon supposition that Men will still be so self-conceited and uncharitable, as not to forbear their unnecessary Impositions. Otherwise there would be found but very few who are Tolerable, that are not also in their measure to be approved, maintained and encouraged. And if the Primitive Simplicity in Doctrine, Government and Worship, might serve turn, for the Terms of the Churches Union and Communion, all would be well without any more ado; supposing that where Christian Magistrates are, they keep the Peace, and repress the Offenders, and exercise all the Coercive Government: And hereticks, who will subscribe to the Christian Faith, must not be punished! because they will subscribe to no more, but because they are proved to preach or promote Heresie, contrary to the Faith which they profess.

28. I am farther than ever I was from expecting great matters of Unity, Splendour or Prosperity to the Church on Earth, or that Saints should dream of a Kingdom of this World, or flatter themselves with the Hopes of a Golden Age, or reigning over the Ungodly, (till there be a new Heaven and a new Earth wherein dwelleth Righteousness). And on the contrary I am more apprehensive that Sufferings must be the Churches most ordinary Lot, and Christians indeed must be self-denying Cross-bearers, even where there are none but formal nominal Christians to be the Cross-makers: And though ordinarily God would have Vicissitudes of Summer and Winter, Day and Night, that the Church may grow extensively in the Summer of Prosperity,