A26859:143
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.
I. Will other men believe that he doth well to deny me the definition of that National Church which he writeth of, or to tell me whether he speak of a Lay or a Clergy Government, who writes his wonder that I should say, I know not what they mean by the National Church? How can I know whom to obey, or when I separate from the Form of Government, if I know not what it is? Is this nothing to our Case? I take my self to be more bound to obey the King, than some Bishops. You knew that you are here divided as for two Church-Forms among your selves.
I. Will other men believe that he doth well to deny me the definition of that National Church which he writeth of, or to tell me whether he speak of a Lay or a Clergie Government, who writes his wonder that I should say, I know not what they mean by the National Church? How can I know whom to obey, or when I separate from the Form of Government, if I know not what it is? Is this nothing to our Case? I take my self to be more bound to obey the King, than some Bishops. You knew that you are here divided as for two Church-Forms among your selves.
II. Would any man that ever knew you have believed that ever you, even you, should have so preached and written for walking by the same Rule, and accused the Nonconformists as worthy of silencing, and as intolerable for swerving from that Rule; and when you have done, will by no entreaty be prevailed with so much as to tell me what that Rule is, Divine or Humane, the Statutes or the Canons, or what? yea, and think this impertinent to the business?
II. Would any man that ever knew you have believed that ever you, even you, should have so preached and written for walking by the same Rule, and accused the Nonconformists as worthy of silencing, and as intollerable for swarving from that Rule; and when you have done, will by no intreaty be prevailed with so much as to tell me what that Rule is, Divine or Humane, the Statutes or the Canons, or what? yea, and think this impertinent to the business?