A26859:133
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.
2. The Apostles had greater obligations then we, by more immediate Call, and special gift of the Spirit, and special Commission and Command; when ours are lower, but firmly binding us.
3. The Apostles were obliged by Christs immediate mission, and Commission, and we but by his ordinary instituted means. But we are as truly bound to our Duty, as they to theirs.
2. And our Duty is to preach the Gospel to those without, and those within, according to our Power and opportunity, and to do the rest of our Office when we can. And though we are called to this without supernatural Inspiration, Vision, or Miracle, being called, we are as truly obliged, as Parents, Husbands, Princes are to their Duties. It is not lawful to look back when we have put our hands to Christs Plough, nor perfidiously to break our Ordination Vow, nor to be negligent or treacherous Non-residents, Pluralists, or slothful, nor to obey men more than God, though we were not called immediately, or by Miracle.
2. And our Duty is to preach the Gospel to those without, and those within, according to our Power and opportunity, and to do the rest of our Office when we can. And though we are called to this without supernatural Inspiration, Vision, or Miracle, being called, we are as truly obliged, as Parents, Husbands, Princes are to their Duties. It is not lawful to look back when we have put our hands to Christs Plow, nor perfidiously to break our Ordination Vow, nor to be negligent or treacherous Non-residents, Pluralists, or slothful, nor to obey men more than God, though we were not called immediately, or by Miracle.