A26859:123
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.
Reader, you see here that it must be somewhat better than the confidence of Teachers, that must guide and secure the peoples Faith. This Reverend Man you see is most confident of the strength of his Reasons and the slightness of mine: And I am so far past doubt on the other side, as that I think he overthroweth all Religion, and seteth up Man in open Rebellion against God: He may as well wonder that I take any thing to be of Divine command: If all Public Worship is sinful, when forbidden, all Private may be so too. Daniel may go to the Lyons: The Martyrs, Fathers, Councils, the Universal Church are all foolisher than the meanest of his Auditors. It's strange that he can be sure Gods Word is true; and yet be so sure that Mens Laws are above it, and may suspend it; when yet Mens Laws have no more strength than Gods Laws give them.
Reader, you see here that it must be somewhat better than the confidence of Teachers, that must guide and secure the peoples Faith. This Reverend Man you see is most confident of the strength of his Reasons and the slightness of mine: And I am so far past doubt on the other side, as that I think he overthroweth all Religion, and seteth up Man in open Rebellion against God: He may as well wonder that I take any thing to be of Divine command: If all Publick Worship is sinful, when forbidden, all Private may be so too. Daniel may go to the Lyons: The Martyrs, Fathers, Councils, the Universal Church are all foolisher than the meanest of his Auditors. It's strange that he can be sure Gods Word is true; and yet be so sure that Mens Laws are above it, and may suspend it; when yet Mens Laws have no more strength than Gods Laws give them.
1. I believe that the spirit of God hath said, Forsake not the assembling of your selves together; know them that labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and esteem them very highly in Love for their work sake, 1 Thess. 5. 12. 13. That have spoken to you the word of God, that watch for your Souls, Heb. 13. 17, 24. How shall they hear without a Preacher, &c.