A27045:747
The successive visibility of the church of which the Protestants are the soundest members…
The successive visibility of the church of which the Protestants are the soundest members I. defended against the opposition of Mr. William Johnson, II. proved by many arguments / by Richard Baxter ; whereunto is added 1. an account of my judgement to Mr. J. how far heretics are or are not in the church, 2. Mr. Js. explication of the most used terms, with my queries thereupon, and his answer and my reply, 3. an appendix about successive ordination, 4. letters between me and T.S., a papist, with a narrative of the success.The successive visibility of the church of which the Protestants are the soundest members I. defended against the opposition of Mr. William Johnson, II. proved by many arguments / by Richard Baxter ; whereunto is added 1. an account of my judgement to Mr. J. how far hereticks are or are not in the church, 2. Mr. Js. explication of the most used terms, with my queries thereupon, and his answer and my reply, 3. an appendix about successive ordination, 4. letters between me and T.S., a papist, with a narrative of the success.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1660
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.
Sir, Though the business in agitation betwixt your self and me, be the one thing necessary, and so to be preferred to all obligations, and businesses of what concernment soever; yet a resolution formerly taken up, hath diverted ⟨p. 380⟩me somewhat from the present earnest prosecution thereof as it deserves. Temporal credit, though it should give way to things of eternal moment, yet it often sways the minds even of good men to neglect very important opportunities; which though I cannot excuse my self of, yet I desire it may be candidly interpreted, and that this may be accepted as a pledge to an answer of what you have inserted. And I desire your next may be directed to me to London, to one Mr. T. S. who is a kinsman of mine, and no small admirer of your self. My thanks in the interim I return for the pains you have taken, which I hope through the mercy of God will not prove successeless for the future one way or other: the truth is, I have not divulged my self, or intentions as yet to any of my own way, which I know will be very troublesome; and I know I shall be beset with enemies from the ignorant, that way affected, as I doubt not of help from the learned. Yet as I told you in my former, without any carnal interest respecting, or outward troubles regarding, or inbred enemies combating, I resolve by the grace and assistance of God to be guided by truth impartially where I shall find it lye clearest: and shalt make it my work to implore the throne of mercy, that my understanding may be so enlightened, ⟨p. 381⟩as to discern truth from heresy. I desire Sir, if it may be no prejudice to your more earnest occasions, that I may have two or three lines from you by way of advice to meet me at London at the place aforesaid, and assure your self, however God shall direct the success, I shall rest, Sir, A thirsty desirer of truth, and yours unfeignedly, Tho. Smith. Feb. 16. 1656. If what you write to me be first sent to Mr. John Smiths of Worcester as before, it will be safely sent to me. Good Sir, think not I slight a business of so eternal consequence by my neglect for the present; for none shall for the future be found more earnest to find out the mind of God, and he assisting, I hope, as cheerfully to close therewith.
Sir, THough the business in agitation betwixt your self and me, be the one thing necessary, and so to be preferred to all obligations, and businesses of what concernment soever; yet a resolution formerly taken up, hath diverted