A27054:560
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.
§. 7. 6. Yea the time and means of admonition for bringing the sinner to repentance must be competent, and such as are suitable to a rational hope of his repenting, and not as some Lay Chancellors do, if a few rough words make them not repent, presently excommunicate him; nor pro forma to say thrice I admonish you, I admonish you, I admonish you] ⟨p. 180⟩and then [I excommunicate you.] It is not a jesting matter, nor to be past as hastily as angry word. The sinner must be gravely and seriously told of the evil of his sin, and if it be something which he taketh for no sin, he must be convinced by Scripture proof, and must be heard speak for himself with patience; and if he hear not a more private admonition, he must be reproved before the Church, that many may consent for the more authoritative conviction, and for the warning of others, and that the Church may thereby clear themselves as not consenting to the sin, 1 Cor. 5. And the excommunication is only to pass at last, when repentance justly seemeth hopeless.
§. 7. 6. Yea the time and means of admonition for bringing the sinner to repentance must be competent, and such as are suitable to a rational hope of his repenting, and not as some Lay Chancellors do, if a few rough words make them not repent, presently excommunicate him; nor pro forma to say thrice I admonish you, I admonish you, I admonish you] ⟨p. 180⟩and then [I excommunicate you.] It is not a jeasting matter, nor to be past as hastily as angry word. The sinner must be gravely and seriously told of the evil of his sin, and if it be something which he taketh for no sin, he must be convinced by Scripture proof, and must be heard speak for himself with patience; and if he hear not a more private admonition, he must be reproved before the Church, that many may consent for the more authoritative conviction, and for the warning of others, and that the Church may thereby clear themselves as not consenting to the sin, 1 Cor. 5. And the excommunication is only to pass at last, when repentance justly seemeth hopeless.