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truth_n christian_a church_n faith_n 4,160 5 5.1937 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A76157 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. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1658 (1658) Wing B1232; Thomason E2111_1; ESTC R209487 172,368 411

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and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n no_o man_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o know_v not_o who_o to_o love_v as_o christian_n infallible_o discern_v but_o the_o profession_n of_o save_v faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v then_o and_o ever_o the_o test_n of_o adult-member_n they_o take_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o credible_o of_o the_o invisible_a though_o with_o different_a degree_n of_o credibility_n and_o according_o they_o love_v they_o all_o with_o a_o christian_a special_a love_n of_o the_o same_o species_n though_o with_o different_a degree_n of_o that_o love_n whereas_o this_o popish_a new_a find_v trick_n of_o make_v a_o new_a common_a sort_n of_o faith_n and_o visible_a membership_n that_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o save_a faith_n do_v teach_v all_o christian_n to_o love_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n but_o with_o a_o common_a love_n and_o relieve_v and_o help_v they_o but_o with_o a_o common_a 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accept_v what_o be_v the_o tongue_n make_v for_o but_o to_o express_v the_o mind_n indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v dumb_a and_o can_v neither_o speak_v not_o write_v it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a to_o take_v a_o uncertain_a sign_n from_o such_o a_o man_n then_o from_o another_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o tongue_n or_o pen._n 5._o it_o be_v a_o very_a implicit_a deny_v of_o christ_n which_o many_o call_v a_o implicit_a profession_n if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o tongue_n in_o his_o mouth_n shall_v refuse_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o quarrel_n with_o the_o minister_n that_o call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o say_v we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o profession_n from_o he_o then_o to_o come_v to_o church_n and_o put_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o his_o mouth_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v christ_n express_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o a_o implicit_a deny_v christ_n in_o this_o refuse_v to_o confess_v he_o when_o 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weight_n as_o this_o 7._o shall_v we_o thus_o teach_v our_o people_n to_o esteem_n christianity_n as_o a_o unobservable_a thing_n by_o no_o more_o observe_v it_o the_o solemnity_n of_o man_n transition_n into_o the_o adult-state_n of_o actual_a believer_n do_v make_v it_o more_o observable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o they_o will_v see_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o common_o be_v now_o esteem_v i_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o our_o people_n hate_v no_o preach_v more_o then_o difference_v preach_v which_o leave_v or_o shut_v they_o out_o from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sanctify_a and_o set_v they_o as_o one_o the_o left-hand_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o judge_v they_o before_o the_o time_n but_o fain_o they_o will_v have_v ministry_n confound_v and_o jumble_v all_o together_o and_o then_o you_o may_v make_v they_o as_o great_a sinner_n as_o you_o will_v so_o you_o will_v make_v they_o no_o worse_o than_o the_o justify_v that_o be_v forgive_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o in_o practice_n they_o love_v no_o difference_v way_n but_o shall_v we_o so_o far_o gratify_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh_n no_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n between_o christ_n servant_n and_o the_o world_n as_o conspicuous_a as_o we_o can_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o poor_a sinner_n may_v rather_o be_v waken_v then_o cheat_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v choose_v the_o most_o solemn_a transition_n and_o record_v the_o name_n of_o the_o confirm_a and_o let_v the_o people_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o public_a observation_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n while_o the_o covenant_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v make_v so_o necessary_a 8._o that_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n the_o end_n of_o a_o covenant_n be_v to_o oblige_v and_o the_o end_n of_o a_o profession_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n and_o i_o pray_v you_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o 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mind_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v implicit_a and_o not_o express_v be_v so_o far_o to_o be_v against_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o profession_n in_o that_o measure_n as_o your_o profession_n be_v implicit_a as_o it_o be_v call_v and_o not_o express_v in_o that_o measure_n it_o be_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o object_n 7._o but_o when_o you_o have_v the_o most_o express_a covenant_n or_o profession_n you_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o believer_n at_o the_o heart_n answ_n 1._o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v true_o a_o profession_n that_o be_v a_o pretend_a sign_n of_o the_o mind_n tho●gh_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v true_a profession_n that_o be_v a_o true_a infallible_a sign_n of_o the_o mind_n i_o can_v know_v the_o metaphysical_a though_o not_o the_o moral_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o then_o i_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o i_o do_v my_o duty_n and_o take_v up_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o judge_v the_o heart_n immediate_o as_o be_v his_o prerogative_n to_o know_v it_o but_o it_o be_v my_o work_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o profession_n 2._o and_o what_o if_o i_o have_v no_o infallible_a certainty_n must_v i_o therefore_o throw_v up_o all_o and_o make_v the_o pastoral_a church-government_n to_o be_v void_a and_o cast_v open_v the_o vineyard_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o wilderness_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o require_v a_o credibility_n because_o we_o can_v have_v a_o infallibility_n this_o may_v not_o be_v object_n 8._o but_o this_o will_v encourage_v tbe_n anabaptist_n and_o congregational_a in_o their_o express_a covenanting_n by_o our_o come_n so_o near_o they_o answ_n 1._o i_o may_v better_o say_v you_o will_v make_v man_n anabaptist_n and_o drive_v they_o too_o far_o by_o your_o looseness_n and_o wilful_o shun_v plain_a duty_n how_o can_v weak_a professor_n be_v draw_v to_o think_v well_o of_o that_o party_n which_o they_o see_v do_v shun_v so_o needful_a a_o work_n of_o god_n 2._o love_n and_o peace_n will_v teach_v all_o christian_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a for_o unity_n and_o heal_n of_o our_o breach_n to_o come_v as_o near_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o we_o may_v and_o no●_n to_o fly_v the_o further_a from_o they_o at_o least_o we_o may_v not_o run_v from_o truth_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v be_v unlike_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n 3._o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o tell_v this_o aloud_o to_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o after_o long_o contest_v with_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o way_n i_o be_o grow_v as_o i_o confident_o think_v to_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o suffer_v they_o among_o we_o that_o he_o have_v this_o great_a truth_n and_o duty_n to_o which_o he_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o awake_v we_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o lamentable_o defile_v discipline_n make_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o man_n salvation_n grievous_o hinder_v by_o the_o common_a secret_n unobserved_a transition_n of_o all_o people_n into_o the_o name_n and_o number_n and_o privilege_n of_o adult-christians_a therefore_o do_v god_n permit_v these_o man_n to_o step_v too_o far_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o the_o noise_n may_v be_v the_o great_a and_o his_o call_n the_o more_o observable_a so_o that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n call_v aloud_o to_o england_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n in_o europe_n to_o keep_v the_o door_n and_o repair_v the_o hedge_n and_o no_o more_o to_o take_v a_o infant-baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o parent_n as_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o adult_n to_o the_o name_n or_o place_n or_o privilege_n of_o
profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o believer_n which_o can_v be_v without_o knowledge_n this_o must_v satisfy_v they_o till_o he_o nullify_v this_o evidence_n by_o a_o clean_a betray_n of_o his_o infidelity_n object_n but_o the_o scripture_n say_v not_o that_o ignorant_a person_n can_v be_v church-member_n or_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o ought_v mere_o for_o their_o ignorance_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a answ_n do_v not_o the_o scripture_n exclude_v visible_a unbeliever_n and_o take_v in_o only_o visible_a believer_n of_o the_o adult_n and_o make_v the_o church_n a_o society_n of_o believer_n separate_v from_o unbeliever_n such_o ignorance_n therefore_o as_o be_v essential_a to_o or_o inseparable_a from_o infidelity_n be_v in_o scripture_n make_v the_o very_a brand_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o exclude_v from_o the_o church_n if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o that_o preach_v which_o disciple_v man_n mat._n 28._o 19_o do_v give_v they_o knowledge_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o give_v they_o faith_n for_o it_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n etc._n etc._n act._n 26._o 18._o and_o sure_o we_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n col._n 1._o 14._o those_o that_o in_o time_n past_o be_v not_o a_o people_n but_o now_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o 10._o and_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n christ_n with_o beliall_a the_o believer_n with_o the_o infidel_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 15_o 16._o object_n if_o knowledge_n as_o such_o be_v necessary_a to_o membership_n than_o none_o can_v be_v a_o member_n without_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o answ_n 1._o knowledge_n as_o such_o be_v necessary_a no_o otherwise_o than_o faith_n as_o such_o and_o all_o one_o you_o may_v therefore_o as_o well_o plead_v thus_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n 2._o and_o we_o grant_v that_o neither_o knowledge_n nor_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o uncapable_a subject_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o you_o know_v faith_n in_o infant_n such_o as_o we_o call_v faith_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o their_o justification_n and_o yet_o will_v you_o say_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o adult_n the_o promise_n have_v make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o capable_a 3._o and_o we_o grant_v that_o neither_o knowledge_n nor_o faith_n justify_v or_o dogmatic_a be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o visible_a member_n that_o be_v mere_o such_o god_n only_o see_v the_o heart_n but_o yet_o the_o appearance_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n be_v of_o necessity_n 4._o but_o though_o a_o personal_a faith_n or_o knowledge_n in_o truth_n or_o in_o profession_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o a_o infant_n either_o for_o membership_n or_o justification_n yet_o their_o parent_n faith_n or_o profession_n be_v necessary_a or_o else_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o more_o than_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n quod_fw-la restat_fw-la probandum_fw-la object_n but_o a_o negative_a consent_n be_v sufficient_a to_o continue_v such_o in_o covenant_n as_o before_o be_v admit_v in_o infancy_n or_o at_o age_n and_o this_o negative_a consent_n be_v but_o non-actuall_a dissent_n or_o a_o non-renouncing_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o as_o positive_a consent_n so_o actual_a faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o necessary_a answ_n a_o dangerous_a doctrine_n a_o negative_a consent_n be_v no_o consent_n christ_n why_o then_o shall_v the_o ear_n of_o man_n be_v abuse_v by_o the_o ●ame_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o answer_v it_o a_o negative_a faith_n in_o english_a be_v infidelity_n or_o not_o believe_v be_v not_o this_o a_o delusory_a teach_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v unbelief_n by_o the_o name_n of_o negative_a faith_n or_o negative_a consent_n if_o a_o block_n a_o bruit_n or_o a_o subject_a otherwise_o natural_o uncapable_a be_v the_o subject_a then_o indeed_o it_o be_v inculpable_a and_o your_o negative_a consent_n or_o faith_n be_v proper_o but_o a_o negative_a dissent_n or_o unbelief_n but_o if_o a_o capable_a obliged_a person_n be_v the_o subject_a which_o be_v our_o case_n than_o your_o negative_a consent_n be_v in_o english_a privative_a not_o consent_v and_o privative_a unbelief_n or_o reject_v christ_n what_o a_o meanness_n be_v here_o to_o convey_v flat_a infidel_n into_o the_o church_n or_o continue_v they_o there_o under_o the_o cloak_n of_o a_o abusive_a name_n even_o by_o call_v a_o non-dissenting_a conjunct_a with_o their_o infidelity_n or_o not_o consent_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o name_n of_o negative_a consent_n be_v it_o a_o person_n that_o have_v enter_v at_o age_n yet_o if_o he_o have_v afterward_o but_o your_o negative_a consent_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o consent_v or_o dissent_n he_o be_v a_o apostate_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v consent_n when_o call_v to_o it_o by_o his_o lawful_a governor_n he_o give_v occasion_n to_o be_v suspect_v of_o apostasy_n much_o more_o when_o he_o continue_v to_o refuse_v consent_n when_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o it_o and_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o but_o especial_o when_o person_n be_v baptise_a in_o infancy_n and_o never_o yet_o profess_v a_o faith_n or_o consent_n of_o their_o own_o if_o that_o man_n that_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o his_o parent_n and_o his_o be_v a_o believer_n seed_n which_o you_o call_v faederall_a faith_n shall_v be_v continue_v at_o age_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o not-actuall_a dissent_v or_o renounce_v christ_n by_o express_a word_n then_o le_fw-fr we_o talk_v no_o more_o of_o a_o church_n nor_o abuse_v poor_a heathen_n and_o infidel_n so_o much_o as_o to_o question_v their_o salvation_n or_o let_v they_o below_o we_o but_o again_o i_o answer_v you_o that_o not_o consent_v be_v dissent_v in_o the_o inward_a act_n it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o he_o that_o for_o one_o year_n or_o month_n do_v not_o consent_n do_v certain_o dissent_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a state_n between_o believer_n and_o infidel_n consenter_n and_o refuser_n how_o shall_v they_o escape_v that_o neglect_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n neglect_v and_o not_o consent_v in_o a_o capable_a invite_a subject_n be_v certain_a infidelity_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o external_a profession_n we_o must_v judge_v according_o he_o that_o will_v not_o confess_v christ_n even_o in_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o peaceable_a age_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a he_o that_o be_v not_o for_o he_o be_v against_o he_o object_n but_o god_n covenant-people_n under_o the_o law_n be_v not_o only_o admit_v without_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n or_o knowledge_n but_o command_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o that_o be_v absent_a and_o not_o in_o place_n to_o express_v consent_n be_v include_v in_o those_o that_o be_v present_a answ_n 1._o none_o but_o infant_n be_v admit_v without_o consent_n nor_o they_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o parent_n natural_a or_o civil_a that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o they_o 2._o those_o that_o be_v admit_v upon_o other_o consent_n be_v not_o continue_v at_o age_n without_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 11_o 12_o 15._o be_v no_o mutual_a covenant_n to_o the_o absent_a or_o unborn_a there_o mention_v but_o only_o a_o covenant_n offer_v to_o the_o nation_n and_o conditional_o make_v on_o god_n part_n as_o a_o promise_n to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n even_o to_o many_o generation_n but_o those_o unborn_a generation_n be_v not_o in_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n as_o promiser_n in_o the_o stipulation_n object_n wickedness_n itself_o do_v not_o put_v a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la meritorious_o or_o effectual_o the_o former_a be_v improper_o call_v cut_v off_o be_v but_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o therefore_o if_o those_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n prove_v afterward_o wicked_a they_o be_v not_o thereby_o cut_v off_o answ_n 1._o such_o person_n as_o we_o have_v in_o question_n lose_v their_o right_n and_o title_n by_o a_o cessation_n for_o want_v of_o that_o personal_a condition_n which_o the_o covenant_n make_v necessary_a to_o its_o continuance_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o prove_v any_o other_o cut_v off_o 2._o if_o he_o