A26859:372
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.
And it concerneth us to enquire (much more then about ceremonies) how far this power of man extendeth. May they make as many new Church Species as they please. Why then may they not make as many forms as there are Kingdoms, if not an universal Pope by the consent of most?
And it concerneth us to enquire (much more then about ceremonies) how far this power of man extendeth. May they make as many new Church Species as they please. Why then may they not make as many forms as there are Kingdomes, if not an universal Pope by the consent of most?
5. But that which the Papists take for the Churches growth from Infancy, the Protestants take for its gradual depravation; And have written many treatises to show when and how such corruptions were introduced: And the forementioned book of Paulus Sarpi Servita lately translated, tells us by what degrees much of that evil did spring up, which some take to be the Churches Man-hood, and the amending of the defects of Christs institutions.
5. But that which the Papists take for the Churches growth from Infancy, the Protestants take for its gradual depravation; And have written many treatises to shew when and how such corruptions were introduced: And the forementioned book of Paulus Sarpi Servita lately translated, tells us by what degrees much of that evil did spring up, which some take to be the Churches Man-hood, and the amending of the defects of Christs institutions.
6. And you that wonder that I know not what you mean by [the Church of England] may next wonder that I know not what it is that you call [the Protestant Religion] In my [full satisfaction] I have told you that I mean by it, simple Christianity expressed in the sacred Scriptures as the Recorded rule, with the rejection of all humane additions which suppose the Scriptures imperfect as to their regulating use: But if you suppose that men may, without any Scripture proof of authority, take down and change the Church Species, which Christ by his Apostles made, and make new ones instead, and thus add to Christs Laws, equal, yea superior and derogating Laws of their own, this is not that Protestant Religion which I am of, and therefore I entreat you to define what it is you so call.