A26859:117
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.
§. 15. And whereas you say, This I am certain is contrary to the Doctrine of all the Nonconformists of former times; your Assertion is so rash and false in matters of notorious Fact, that it weakneth my reverence of your Judgment.
change his dwelling: And in London, Lodgers may change frequently. If I know those called Puritans better than you, I must profess that I believe of the two it is more the Preacher and his Preaching which maketh the difference with them than the Liturgy. For my part I seldom hear any but very good well studied Sermons in the Parish Churches in London where I have been: But most of them are more fitted to well bred Scholars, or judicious hearers, than to such as need more Practical Subjects, and a more plain familiar easy mode: And it is not your Reasoning that will bring all Appetites to the same Food; nor make the same Books serve every form. I have always found that such conformable Preachers, as were Mr. Bolton, Mr. Fenner, Mr. Whately, Bishop Usher, &c. Were flocked after by those called Puritans, as much as the Non-conformists. But when they find all together, 1. That the worship and the preaching is more suitable to their good, 2. And that their Souls have need of much other Pastoral help than public. 3. And doubt of the calling of obtruded men, no wonder if they prefer the other.
change his dwelling: And in London, Lodgers may change frequently. If I know those called Puritans better than you, I must profess that I believe of the two it is more the Preacher and his Preaching which maketh the difference with them than the Liturgie. For my part I seldom hear any but very good well studied Sermons in the Parish Churches in London where I have been: But most of them are more sitted to well bred Schollars, or judicious hearers, than to such as need more Practical Subjects, and a more plain familiar easie mode: And it is not your Reasoning that will bring all Appetites to the same Food; nor make the same Books serve every form. I have always found that such conformable Preachers, as were Mr. Bolton, Mr. Fenner, Mr. Whately, Bishop Vsher, &c. Were flockt after by those called Puritans, as much as the Non-conformists. But when they find all together, 1. That the worship and the preaching is more suitable to their good, 2. And that their Souls have need of much other Pastoral help than publick. 3. And doubt of the calling of obtruded men, no wonder if they prefer the other.