A26859:107
Richard Baxters answer to Dr. Edward Stillingfleet's charge of separation containing, I. some queries…
Richard Baxters answer to Dr. Edward Stillingfleet's charge of separation containing, I. some queries necessary for the understanding of his accusation, II. a reply to his letter which denieth a solution, III. an answer to his printed sermon : humbly tendered, I. to himself, II. to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and the court of aldermen, III. to the readers of his accusation, the forum where we are accused.Richard Baxters answer to Dr. Edward Stillingfleet's charge of separation containing, I. some queries necessary for the understanding of his accusation, II. a reply to his letter which denyeth a solution, III. an answer to his printed sermon : humbly tendred, I. to himself, II. to the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor and the court of aldermen, III. to the readers of his accusation, the forum where we are accused.
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 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.
12. I conjecture, that the multitude of Casuists, Politic Writers, and Lawyers, who say that Because the Common Good is the End of Government, and all Power is for Edification, no Law obligeth which is against the Common Good, or at least that is destructive of it,] are like to be near as knowing in such matter, as the meanest of the Doctors Hearers and Readers.
12. I conjecture, that the multitude of Casuists, Politick Writers, and Lawyers, who say that Because the Common Good is the End of Government, and all Power is for Edification, no Law obligeth which is against the Common Good, or at least that is destructive of it,] are like to be near as knowing in such matter, as the meanest of the Doctors Hearers and Readers.
13. And I am past doubt, that he that denieth these Principles, will shortly have no cause to glory of his Wisdom.
And O what cause have we that are Teachers, in stead of proving those intolerable that differ from us in such matters as our Conformity, to consider that an Error in us, especially so Practical and momentous, is far more dangerous than in the People. If all my Neighbours mistake my Disease and the Remedy, it may not hurt me; but if my Physician mistake it, it may be my death. Bishop Usher and many Protestants do except a Learned Papist much more than the unlearned from the hopes of Salvation.
And O what cause have we that are Teachers, in stead of proving those intollerable that differ from us in such matters as our Conformity, to consider that an Errour in us, especially so Practical and momentous, is far more dangerous than in the People. If all my Neighbours mistake my Disease and the Remedy, it may not hurt me; but if my Physician mistake it, it may be my death. Bishop Vsher and many Protestants do except a Learned Papist much more than the unlearned from the hopes of Salvation.