A76157:282
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.
4. And indeed it would be very hard measure, if at the corrupt administration of a carnal, or careless, or erroneous Pastor, all the Church must be under an Obligation to give their estates by way of relief to every one, that he will put the name of a Christian and Church member upon unworthily: Then may he force them to maintain ⟨p. 141⟩all the beggars and rogues about them, though they were Infidels and impious men. I speak not of the common relief of the needy; for that I know they owe to an Infidel: but of the special Community, which Charity must make among the Disciples of Christ. It's against all Reason, that an erring or careless Pastor, shall thus Command all the Peoples estates, by introducing such without their consent, whom they are bound thus to maintain.
4. And indeed it would be very hard measure, if at the corrupt administration of a carnal, or carless, or erroneous Pastour, all the Church must be under an Obligation to give their estates by way of relief to every one, that he will put the name of a Christian and Church member upon unworthily: Then may he force them to maintaine ⟨p. 141⟩all the beggars and rogues about them, though they were Infidels and impious men. I speak not of the common relief of the needy; for that I know they owe to an Infidel: but of the special Community, which Charity must make among the Disciples of Christ. It's against all Reason, that an erring or careless Pastour, shall thus Command all the Peoples estates, by introducing such without their consent, whom they are bound thus to maintaine.
5. Yea indeed, the Spirit of God, is in the Saints, a Spirit of discerning; so that it is not Possible that all the Church should in their Affections obey such a corrupt Administrator, by Loving all the notorious, ungodly men, as Saints, with the special Love of brethren, whom he will carelessly, or erroneously put in the place of Saints. I cannot possibly Love that man as a Saint, or Disciple of Christ, that I am certain is his enemy, and none such.