A76157:362
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. If this foredescribed Confirmation be practised, it will more powerfully oblige our people to Christ, then a secret sliding into the number of Adult-Christians will do. ⟨p. 202⟩And doubtless solemn engagements and obligations, have some force upon Conscience, to hold men to Christ, and restrain them from sin: or else Baptism it self would be much frustrate; and the Jews should not have been so often called by Moses, Joshua, Asa, and other Princes, to renew their Covenant with God. But with us, men feel no such bonds upon them. And many question whether they are bound at all, by their Parents promises for them in Baptism.
4. If this foredescribed Confirmation be practised, it will more powerfully oblige our people to Christ, then a secret sliding into the number of Adult-Christians will do. ⟨p. 202⟩And doubtless solemn engagements and obligations, have some force upon Conscience, to hold men to Christ, and restraine them from sinne: or else Baptism it self would be much frustrate; and the Jews should not have been so often called by Moses, Joshua, Asa, and other Princes, to renew their Covenant with God. But with us, men feel no such bonds upon them. And many question whether they are bound at all, by their Parents promises for them in Baptism.
5. The profiting of our people will be much greater in their own place: when those that are not yet fit for Adult-membership, and Privileges, are kept in the place of Catechumens or Expectants. Every thing doth thrive and prosper best in its own place: If you tear them not out of the Churches womb, till they are ready for the birth, they will prosper there, that else may perish. Your Corn will best prosper in the cold earth, where it seems to be dead and buried, till the Springing time shall come. And you should not violently unhose the ears, till Nature put them forth. The first digestion must be wrought, before the second, and Nature must have time allowed it, and the stomach must not too hastily let go the food, if you would have good sanguification