A26859:292
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.
XVI. Is it Separation for men to Refuse▪ Pastors that are Usurpers, and have no true Power over them? Sure it is not to Refuse an usurper of the Kingly Power? and, Why then of the Church-Power? Which of the Bishops thought it any Sin, in the Days of Usurpation, to forsake their Parish-Churches? And in my Abridgement of Church-History, I have cited many Canons, which prove it the Common Judgment of the Church for One Thousand Years, or near; That he was no Bishop, ⟨p. 52⟩that was not Chosen by the Clergy, and the people; or came in▪ without the Peoples Consent. And if you will Read a late Treatise of Father Paul Servita of Venice, (a very Venerable Author) you will see this at large Confirmed. And, If this be true, Is it Schism to take such for none of our Pastors? And Patrons choose Pastors for the peoples Souls, who too often care not for their own: Yea, though they believe not that Man hath an Immortal Soul, their Power of Electing those that Man must take for the Guides of their Souls, is nevertheless for their Infidelity. What Law of God bindeth all Men to stand to their Choice? How many Hundred Congregations have Incumbents, whom the People never consented to; but take them for their Hinderers and Burden?
XVI. Is it Separation for men to Refuse▪ Pastors that are Usurpers, and have no true Power over them? Sure it is not to Refuse an usurper of the Kingly Power? and, Why then of the Church-Power? Which of the Bishops thought it any Sin, in the Dayes of Usurpation, to forsake their Parish-Churches? And in my Abridgment of Church-History, I have cited many Canons, which prove it the Common Judgment of the Church for One Thousand Years, or near; That he was no Bishop, ⟨p. 52⟩that was not Chosen by the Clergy, and the people; or came in▪ without the Peoples Consent. And if you will Read a late Treatise of Father Paul Servita of Venice, (a very Venerable Author) you will see this at large Confirmed. And, If this be true, Is it Schism to take such for none of our Pastors? And Patrons choose Pastors for the peoples Souls, who too often care not for their own: Yea, though they believe not that Man hath an Immortal Soul, their Power of Electing those that Man must take for the Guides of their Souls, is nevertheless for their Infidelity. What Law of God bindeth all Men to stand to their Choice? How many Hundred Congregations have Incumbents, whom the People never consented to; but take them for their Hinderers and Burden?