by Richard Baxter
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
edited by Travis Fentiman & Brought to you by Reformed Books Online. Posted with permission
On Worship & Catholicity Against Separatism & John Owen by Richard Baxter is a detailed refutation of separatistic views in Christian worship, particularly in response to twelve arguments attributed to John Owen. Baxter contends that the tendency to separate from established churches due to impurities in worship—especially the use of liturgies not explicitly commanded in Scripture—is both misguided and harmful to the unity of Christ’s body. He argues against the idea that one must entirely avoid the Church of England’s liturgical services, emphasizing that mere human imperfections in worship are not sufficient grounds for division. Baxter is especially concerned with how separatism often masquerades as piety but is, in reality, a form of schism that undermines Christian love and public edification.
Baxter engages Owen’s presumed arguments, many of which claim that any worship not instituted directly by Christ is false and thus must be avoided. He counters that the essential elements of worship—prayer, Scripture reading, preaching, sacraments—are divinely instituted, and that modes or forms surrounding these elements can vary. He warns that insisting on separation over these secondary matters leads to unnecessary divisions and spiritual pride. Baxter carefully distinguishes between essential and circumstantial aspects of worship, arguing for flexibility and charity where Scripture does not bind the conscience.
The book also explores the historical context of the “occasional conformity controversy” following the 1662 Act of Uniformity in England. Baxter critiques Owen for inconsistently applying his own standards and highlights how such principles, if universally adopted, would condemn even Christ and the Old Testament saints who remained within corrupt ecclesiastical structures. Ultimately, Baxter urges believers to remain in communion with broader expressions of the visible church, calling for humility, forbearance, and a spirit of peace in matters where Scripture allows liberty. His pastoral aim is clear: to protect the church from needless fragmentation and to uphold the centrality of Christ’s love and truth in worship.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Editor’s Introduction.
Preface: An Account of the Reasons why the Twelve Arguments said to be Dr. John Owen’s change not my Judgment about Communion with Parish-Churches.
1. Positions: The Twelve Arguments said to be Dr. Owen's, Impartially Considered.
2. Argument 1. Worship not divinely instituted is false and not accepted.
3. Argument 2. Inventions rendering the Spirit useless for worship are not to be complied with.
4. Argument 3. Christ is the sole lawgiver for worship.
5. Argument 4. What arises from a supposed defect in Christ’s faithfulness is not to be yielded.
6. Argument 5. A humanly invented means exclusive of Christ’s is not to be complied with.
7. Argument 6. It is unlawful to participate in obstructions to edification in worship.
8. Argument 7. Practices whereby we condemn suffering saints unnecessarily are unlawful.
9. Argument 8. That which, apart from necessity, entails unavoidable scandal is unlawful.
10. Argument 9. That which is inconsistent with the Spirit in prayer is unlawful.
11. Argument 10. That which overthrows the principal ends of a church-covenant is unlawful.
12. Argument 11. That which contains a virtual renunciation of our church-state is not allowed.
13. Argument 12. What deprives of the principal plea for separation from the Church of England in its present state ought not to be admitted.
14. Conclusion.