A76157:42
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.
Quest. Whether those that were Baptized in Infancy, should be admitted to the Privileges proper to Adult Church-members, without Confirmation, or Restoration, by an Approved Profession of Personal Faith and Repentance? Neg.
Quest. Whether those that were Baptized in Infancy, should be admitted to the Priviledges proper to Adult Church-members, without Confirmation, or Restauration, by an Approved Profession of Personal Faith and Repentance? Neg.
Though the distempers of the Churches of Christ in England, are not so great as the Popish adversaries, or some discontented Brethren do pretend, nor as some inconsiderate lamenters of our condition ⟨p. 2⟩do imagine, who observe less our enjoyments then our wants, and that have not the faculty of discerning our true Agreements, where there is any difference, but think that many things are wanting that are not, because they cannot find them: Yet is our discomposure such as the wisest have cause to mourn for, and all of us should contribute our endeavours to redress. And for the accomplishment of this blessed Work, two things must be done: The first is, to Discover the Principles that must Reform and heal us, if ever we be healed; and to acquaint the world with the necessary means. The second is, to concur for the execution, in the application and use of the Remedy, when it is discovered. The first is a work, that is usually done best by a few at first: Though the more Receive and Approve of the discovery, the better it will be brought into use. But it's here, saith Pemble, as in discerning a thing a far off, where one clear eye will see further then many that are dim, and the greatest conjunction of unfurnished intellects affords not so much assistance for the Discovery, as the greater sight of a few may do. But in the executive, part, there must be many hands to the work. If the Pastors and people do not consent, it cannot ⟨p. 3⟩be accomplished; and if they barely consent, and be not up and doing, Discoveries will lie dead, and nothing will go on: And if the Christian Magistrate afford not his assistance, his Guilt will be great, and the work will go the more heavily on. Though all the body be not an Eye, and therefore be not as good at Discovering as the Eye is; yet must each member perform its own office, and none be idle, or withdraw its help, because it is not an Eye; but all must execute by the Guidance of the Eye.