A97353:620
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their principles about civil and ecclesiastical authority and obedience ... : mostly written many years past, and now published to save our lives and the kingdoms peace, from the false and bloody plotters ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
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.
1. The CHURCH is a word of many significations, of which the principal is The UNIVERSALITY OF CHRISTIANS HEADED BY CHRIST.
2. In a narrower sense it signifieth these Christians as Christs Body or Kingdom contradistinct from Christ the Head; As the word [Kingdom] sometimes includeth the King, and sometimes signifieth the people as contradistinct from him.
2. In a narrower sense it signifyeth these Christians as Christs Body or Kingdom contradistinct from Christ the Head; As the word [Kingdom] sometimes includeth the King, and sometimes signifieth the people as contradistinct from him.
3. The bond of Union between Christ the Head and his Subjects or members is, 1. Faith and the Holy Spirit internally, 2. The Covenant of Baptism externally; or Heart Covenanting and Outward Covenanting.
4. Accordingly those that Covenant sincerely with the Heart and are true Believers, are Justified and Adopted heirs of Heaven: and as they Covenant with the mouth or the Outward reception of Baptism, they are outwardly or by Sacramental Profession, members or Christians. With respect to each, the Church is usually called invisible, and visible, or the sincere Regenerate Church, and the Professing Church. But Heart consent and Outward Profession conjoined make one Church, as Soul and Body make one man: And the Hypocrites that Covenant with the Lips alone are but members secundum quid, and only of the Outward Society. 5. It is by the Outward Covenanting and Profession, that we must judge of the Heart covenanting and Sincerity: and all are to be taken for visible Christians or members of the Universal Church, who are Baptized professors of Christianity, and have not by contrary Profession or practice Apostatized.