A76157:238
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.
IV. But the last Point remaineth, Whether this were not Temporary and now ceased: (whether I shall take in the fifth particular, before named, about the Aptitude of the means now.) And 1. When I have proved it once Appointed, it lieth on the contrary minded, to prove it changed, or ceased: That's the task of them that affirm it ceased, ⟨p. 120⟩If I show them an obligation once laid, they must prove it taken off. Their only Argument is, that the persons and occasion were only extraordinary, and are ceased, and therefore so is the sign or means. To which I Answer, 1. By denying the Antecedent; both as to persons and occasion: They were not Only extraordinary. 2. By the denying the Consequence, as it is inferred from the persons: For extraordinary persons were our patterns for ordinary, durable works.
IV. But the last Point remaineth, Whether this were not Temporary and now ceased: (whether I shall take in the fifth particular, before named, about the Aptitude of the means now.) And 1. When I have proved it once Appointed, it lyeth on the contrary minded, to prove it changed, or ceased: That's the task of them that affirm it ceased, ⟨p. 120⟩If I shew them an obligation once laid, they must prove it taken off. Their only Argument is, that the persons and occasion were only extraordinary, and are ceased, and therefore so is the signe or means. To which I Answer, 1. By denying the Antecedent; both as to persons and occasion: They were not Only extraordinary. 2. By the denying the Consequence, as it is inferred from the persons: For extraordinary persons were our patterns for ordinary, durable works.
But I prove the Negative: 1. The Use and Ends of the Ancient Imposition of hands do still continue: Therefore we are to judge that the sign and means is not to cease. For the proof of the Antecedent, remember that I have before proved, that it was not only (though very eminently) the gift of Tongues and Miracles, that was then meant by the Holy Ghost that was given, but also Corroborating Grace. And the necessity and actual collation, and use of this doth still continue.