Separatism is often heralded as the height of Christian virtue, that one must separate from nearly every church or worship error.  Many Christians who would not go that far, may yet have latent separatistic tendencies.  Richard Baxter, in this newly cleaned up piece, demolishes the principles of Separatism.

His opponent?  John Owen.  Owen had written a tract arguing for separation, at least for those who had “engaged unto reformation,” from ever attending the Anglican liturgy.  In it Owen uses principles that may sound like the height of righteousness, but are separatist.  Baxter (rightly) convicts him of 42 errors.

The article has an editor’s Introduction.  If you have interest in worship issues, you will learn a lot.  May it humble us and cause us to more greatly love the Lord, his worship and his people.

Baxter, Richard – Richard Baxter on Worship & Catholicity against Separatism & John Owen  (RBO, 2024)  87 pp.