A second admonition to Mr. Edward Bagshaw written to call him to repentance for many false doctrines, crimes, and specially fourscore palpable untruths in matter of fact ... : with a confutation of his reasons for separation ... / by Richard Baxter ...

Sect. 47. E. B. By two Arguments you la∣bour to defend your irregular way of Com∣munion: 1. That in the Primitive Churches there were many corruptions, which the Apostle writes against, but doth not advise any because of them to separate. But I answer—It is not

corruption or error barely considered as such, that we account to be a sufficient ground of sepa∣ration: But the Imposing of that error with on high hand, and making a submission to it (at least in our practice and outward obser∣vance) the very condition of Communion: This we say, is a thing which necessitates us to make a separation.

R. B. Mark that you distinguish not of Corruption or Error, nor except any, but what is Imposed. And when I had answered all this so fully, why will you deign to confute a Book, while you disdain to take notice what it saith?

1. Who would have thought that you are so much looser in your communion than we are? I will separate from that Church which in the essential matter (Pastor, or all the flock) after admonition retaineth such Cor∣ruption and Error, as is directly contrary to any essential point of Christianity, though they impose it not on others: But by these words it seems, as scrupulous as you are, you would not separate from Hereticks or Un∣godly ones, if they do not Impose their He∣resie and Impiety!

2. How oft have I urged you to prove, that our publick Parish Ministers whom I advise men to hear, do Impose any more than you your self do? By choosing what Chapter to read, you impose on the people to hear that Chapter then or none? By choosing what Place, Hour, Method, Words, ye••, Matter, and Metre, Tune, &c. you im∣pose

upon the people to joyn in all these, or not to have communion with you therein. And so our Teacher doth by reading Com∣mon-Prayer and wearing the Surplice, im∣pose on us to hear him so reading, or to stay away. But he maketh no Laws: he commandeth us no Ceremony: They are com∣manded by others, and not by him: And it is not in your own practice of any thing for∣bidden of God, that I advise men to have communion with such; but only in Gods true Worship, though in the circumstances or manner the Minister himself, say or do some∣thing that is forbidden; as every Teacher in the world doth, though not in the same de∣gree. It is one thing to submit to be pre∣sent at the Worship, which the Pastor per∣formeth in some faulty manner: And ano∣ther thing wilfully to do evil your self, or to approve of his failings or your own.

Notes

• Mr. Bag∣shaw's too loose com∣munion with all Hereticks that im∣pose not.
• His own Imposing.