A27054:481
The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness…
The true and only way of concord of all the Christian churches the desirableness of it, and the detection of false dividing terms / opened by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
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.
And ch. 2. 1, 2, 3. he most vehemently importuneth them to be like minded, of the same Love, of one accord, and of one mind: But how can that be, and on what terms? [Let nothing be done through strife and vain glory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Not say [say as I say or be silent.] Look not every man on his own things, but every man on the things of others (And not tread down others that you may be great; nor think of your own case and reasons only.) Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus—who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, &c. This is the Pastors pattern. Let him that is Greater than Christ refuse to stoop so low.
And his Canon for the Concord is ch. 3. 13, 14, 15, 16. To confess our selves imperfect, seekers of perfection, pressing forward for the prize. [Let as many as be perfect be thus minded (This is your measure here) and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you: Nevertheless whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.] As if he said, while you agree in true Christianity, take it for granted that you will all have imperfection, for I have so my self, and therefore there will be different judgements in tolerable cases; but let this be your Canon; notwithstanding such difference, while you press towards perfection, walk by the Rule of Christian Love, in searching after the will of God, and mind with Concord the great things which you are all agreed to pursue; And bear lovingly with each other in lesser differences, and God in this way will teach you more.
§. 19. The same doctrine he delivereth to the Colossians, reprehending those that would lay Christian faith or Concord on their will-worship, worldly rudiments and ordinances, Touch not, taste not, handle not, after the Commandments and doctrine of men, in things which have a show of wisdom, in voluntary humility and neglecting the body; in worshipping Angels and intruding into unseen things, vainly puffed up by fleshly minds: And instead of this he exhorteth them to hold the Head Christ, who is the true wisdom and bond of unity, and believe that in him they are complete; and to take heed lest any spoil them (of their faith love and concord) by Philosophy (pretending greater subtlety) and vain deceit, after the traditions of men, and after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, in whom we are complete.] And he instances in some such snares, [Let no man judge you in meat or drink, or in respect of an holy day, or new Moon, or of the Sabbath, which are a shadow of things to come, &c.] that is, Let no man bring you under such Laws, and lay salvation or unity and Concord on them.