A76157:169
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.
2. It is only the Ministers, who being separated to the Gospel and Work of God, do lay by all other business, and give themselves wholly to these things. Gentlemen, (much less all the people of the Church,) cannot lay by their callings to attend this business of trying, and judging of mens Professions as Ministers must do, if they will be faithful. Should private members have so mu•h Church governing work as some cut ⟨p. 67⟩out for them, and should they bear such a burden, as some would lay upon them, under the name of Power and Privileges, it would undo them soul or body, or both: they would find time little enough for it in some places, if they all cast off their outward callings.
2. It is only the Ministers, who being separated to the Gospel and Work of God, do lay by all other business, and give themselves wholly to these things. Gentlemen, (much less all the people of the Church,) cannot lay by their callings to attend this business of trying, and judging of mens Professions as Ministers must do, if they will be faithfull. Should private members have so mu•h Church governing work as some cut ⟨p. 67⟩out for them, and should they bear such a burden, as some would lay upon them, under the name of Power and Priviledges, it would undo them soul or body, or both: they would find time little enough for it in some places, if they all cast off their outward callings.
And 3. The Pastors only are capable, because of Unity. For should the People have this work, as some would have it, the multitude would hinder execution, and they would turn all to wrangling. 1. Such bodies move slowly. 2. Multitude with that diversity of parts and minds that is among them, would set them by the ears; and the Church would be almost alway in a flame. If every man that is to make Profession of his Faith, on this or the like occasion, must be tried and judged by all; some would approve, and others would disapprove and reject, in most or very many cases. Whereas the Pastors being single, or not many, and more experienced, and able, and vacant for a full enquiry, have less reason to be partial injurious, or disagreed.