A76157:509
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.
Therefore the chief Governors of the Nation ought to make Laws, and cause them to be executed, for the constraining of the grossly Ignorant and ungodly, to hear the Word preached publicly, and to submit to be privately Catechised, and Instructed by the Ministers: and to command them patiently to wait, as learners in this Condition, till they are fit to be Approved members of the Church. These carnal people look more at the sword, and will of the Magistrate, in matters of Religion, then others do; because ⟨p. 294⟩they understand no other argument, and can favour nothing but the things of the flesh. Did but the Rulers of the Nation hear how they daily enquire what Religion shall be owned and settled by them, they would sure think it their duty, to lend them a little more of their help. We desire you not to drive them to Christianity, nor to Sacraments, or Church-Communion: only drive them to hear, and learn, and be instructed, that the Light of Truth may do the rest. Surely none can reasonably suspect, that this is against the Liberty of their Consciences, unless the slavery of Satan be their Liberty: and it be their Liberty to be free from Christ, and Righteousness, and Heaven. It's hard to believe that Governor to be a Christian, that will not do this much to help his Subjects to be Christians.
Therefore the chief Governours of the Nation ought to make Laws, and cause them to be executed, for the constraining of the grosly Ignorant and ungodly, to heare the Word preached publikly, and to submit to be privately Catechised, and Instructed by the Ministers: and to command them patiently to waite, as learners in this Condition, till they are fit to be Approved members of the Church. These carnal people look more at the sword, and will of the Magistrate, in matters of Religion, then others do; because ⟨p. 294⟩they understand no other argument, and can favour nothing but the things of the flesh. Did but the Rulers of the Nation heare how they daily enquire what Religion shall be owned and setled by them, they would sure think it their duty, to lend them a little more of their help. We desire you not to drive them to Christianity, nor to Sacraments, or Church-Communion: only drive them to heare, and learne, and be instructed, that the Light of Truth may do the rest. Surely none can reasonably suspect, that this is against the Liberty of their Consciences, unless the slavery of Satan be their Liberty: and it be their Liberty to be free from Christ, and Righteousness, and Heaven. It's hard to believe that Governour to be a Christian, that will not do this much to help his Subjects to be Christians.