A26859:110
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 will readily Answer your Queries, though you refuse to Answer mine.
To your first, Those who rightfully give Orders, must give such Orders as God hath instituted, and may not limit or suspend contrary to his Institution or Laws. As he that marrieth Persons may not except the Husbands Power of Government, nor may unmarry them again, save for Adultery. None may silence Ministers that forfeit not their Office. On just cause to pull down Churches, and alienate the Church Goods, (as some Bishops of old did for the Poor) is no Sacrilege: nor to silence an intolerable Teacher: But to silence Ministers unjustly, is another matter.
To your first, Those who rightfully give Orders, must give such Orders as God hath instituted, and may not limit or suspend contrary to his Institution or Laws. As he that marrieth Persons may not except the Husbands Power of Government, nor may unmarry them againe, save for Adultery. None may silence Ministers that forfeit not their Office. On just cause to pull down Churches, and alienate the Church Goods, (as some Bishops of old did for the Poor) is no Sacriledge: nor to silence an intollerable Teacher: But to silence Ministers unjustly, is another matter.
If men will cant over still, Who shall be Judge? We still repeat, 1. Whoever is Judge, he hath no Power to cast out faithful Ministers: and if he mis-judge them, it justifieth not his act. And every man is the discerning Judge of his own Duty.