A76157:121
Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of…
Confirmation and restoration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the sovereign powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and welfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches.Confirmation and restauration the necessary means of reformation, and reconciliation; for the healing of the corruptions and divisions of the churches: submissively, but earnestly tendered to the consideration of the soveraigne powers, magistrates, ministers, and people, that they may awake, and be up and doing in the execution of so much, as appeareth to be necessary as they are true to Christ, his Church and Gospel, and to their own and others souls, and to the peace and wellfare of the nations; and as they will answer the neglect to Christ, at their peril. / By Richard Baxter, an unworthy minister of Christ, that longeth to see the healing of the churches.
London: printed by A.M. for Nevil Simmons book-seller, 1658
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.
1. It must be, or seem to be Understanding. Ignorant is non est Consensus. If a Parrot could say the Creed, it were not a Credible Profession of Faith. Therefore the Ancient Church was wont by Catechists, to prepare them to understand, the Doctrine which they were to believe, and profess. This is past Controversy. I think no Minister would take that mans Profession, that seemeth not to Understand what he saith.
1. It must be, or seem to be Ʋnderstanding. Ignorant is non est Consensus. If a Parrat could say the Creed, it were not a Credible Profession of Faith. Therefore the Ancient Church was wont by Catechists, to prepare them to understand, the Doctrine which they were to believe, and profess. This is past Controversie. I think no Minister would take that mans Profession, that seemeth not to Understand what he saith.
2. No Profession is Credible, but that which is, or seems to be serious. He that speaks in scorn, or jest, is not to be believed, as one that speaks his mind; nor is it to pass for a Profession.
3. No Profession is credible or sufficient, but that which is, or seems to be Free and Voluntary. Though some force, or outward ⟨p. 45⟩urgencies in some cases may help to incline the will, yet willing it must be; or it is not a Credible Profession. He that Professeth himself a Christian, when a sword or Pistol is at his breast, is not to be Credited, if he continue it not when he is free. And also that which is done in a mere Passion without Deliberation, is not to be taken as the act of the Man, and a true expression of the bent of his mind; unless he afterwards stand to it upon Deliberation.