A69533:869
Five disputations of church-government and worship
Five disputations of church-government and worship by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1659
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.
Sect. 36. 30. And if all this were but accomplished, in the Conclusion I may be bold to ask, what would the Devil himself have more, except our damnation it self? If he were to plead his own cause, and to speak for himself, would he not say the very same as these Learned, Reverend Disputers do? would he not say to all our graceless people, Hear n•t these Ministers: they are no true Ministers: Join not in Communion with their Churches, they are no true Churches? I doubt not but he would say many of the same words, if he had leave to speak. And should not a man of any fear be afraid, and a man of any piety be unwilling to plead the very cause of Satan, and say as he would have them say, by accusing so many famous Churches and Ministers, as being none indeed, and drawing the people so to censure them and forsake them; This is no work for a Minister of Christ.
Sect. 36. 30. And if all this were but accomplished, in the Conclusion I may be bold to ask, what would the Devil himself have more, except our damnation it self? If he were to plead his own cause, and to speak for himself, would he not say the very same as these Learned, Reverend Disputers do? would he not say to all our graceless people, Hear n•t these Ministers: they are no true Ministers: Ioyn not in Communion with their Churches, they are no true Churches? I doubt not but he would say many of the same words, if he had leave to speak. And should not a man of any fear be afraid, and a man of any piety be unwilling to plead the very cause of Satan, and say as he would have them say, by accusing so many famous Churches and Ministers, as being none indeed, and drawing the people so to censure them and forsake them; This is no work for a Minister of Christ.
Sect. 37. Besides what is here said, I desire those whom it doth concern, that are afraid of plunging themselves into the depth of guilt and horror, that they will impartially read over my first sheet for the Ministry, which further shows the aggravations of their sin that are now the opposers and reproachers of them. Consider them, and take heed.