A26859:250
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
Letter: To the Reverend Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of St. Pauls, &c.
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.
3. Do you think there is no other Species of a Church, besides that which is Constituted by the Christian Magistrate as Head?
1. All the Christian World, as far as I can learn by History (no considerable part excepted) have been in all Ages, and to this Day are of another mind. And who then is the great Nonconformist and Separatist, You or I; if this be your mind?
2. The Magistracy, and Pastoral Office are of different Species: Therefore the Churches Constituted by their Regency are of different Species.
3. Constantine's words have hitherto been commonly received, That He (and so Christian Kings) was Bishop without the Church, and the proper Bishop within: that is, That he was the Governor of the Church, by the Sword, as the King is of all Scholars, Physicians, Families, &c. but not the Governor by the Word and Keys; as the King is not a School-Master, Physician, or the formal Specifying Governor of School, College, Family, as such. Bishop Bilson, of Subjection, most clearly openeth the difference, and I think Christians commonly agree to it; between the Office of Governing by the Sword; and by the Word; even about the Church it self.