A26859:383
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.
Ans. Anglice, [It is impossible to preserve Peace and unity among Christians if men will not suppose that Christ never instituted his own Church forms, or will not forsake his Institutions, but fancy that they must be conformable thereto, and will not prefer the wills and commands of Bishops to whom they never consented, and take it to be a breaking of all orders in pieces, not to do all that they enjoin us, though we take it to be heinous sin, and will not give over Gods worship and our Ministry when they forbid us. Dan. 6. We shall find no fault against this Daniel, except it be concerning the Law of his God, but if he pray openly when forbidden, away with him to the Lyons for the Laws of the Medes and Persians are more inflexible than Gods.
Ans. Anglice, [It is impossible to preserve Peace and unity among Christians if men will not suppose that Christ never instituted his own Church formes, or will not forsake his Institutions, but fancy that they must be conformable thereto, and will not preferre the wills and commands of Bishops to whom they never consented, and take it to be a breaking of all orders in pieces, not to do all that they enjoyn us, though we take it to be heynous sin, and will not give over Gods worship and our Ministry when they forbid us. Dan. 6. We shall find no fault against this Daniel, except it be concerning the Law of his God, but if he pray openly when forbidden, away with him to the Lyons for the Laws of the Medes and Persians are more inflexible than Gods.
§ 53. As to what you say of preferring Morals and the ends, it is more truly than prudently mentioned as to your cause: For the very naming of it will make the Readers think, whether your subscription and declaration and oaths and imposed practices, which the Nonconformists judge unlawful, be greater matters than their preaching the Gospel, avoiding great sins, the concord and strength of the Protestant Churches, and the avoiding temptations to wrath, and persecution and divisions which will be bitter in the latter end. Go learn what this meaneth I will have mercy and not Sacrifice; (or needless Ceremony)