A26859:515
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.
It is therefore fitter to be answered with Compassionate Tears than Words, when you say pag. 56. that [every one of them would practise the same were it in their Power, and think it very justifiable so to do] Ans. O whither may he roll that is tumbling down the Hill! I was never in Power: The Independents once were: They used it not as I would have had them: But did they or the Presbyterians Eject or Silence one another? Is it a good Consequence [you would silence a Quaker that denieth the Essentials of Christianity: Ergo, every one of you, were it in ⟨p. 98⟩your power, would Silence, Imprison, and Ruin them, that differ from you in Ceremony, Form, or Subscription like ours?] O how incredible are the words of some applauded men!
It is therefore fitter to be answered with Compassionate Tears than Words, when you say pag. 56. that [every one of them would practise the same were it in their Power, and think it very justifiable so to do] Ans. O whither may he rowl that is tumbling down the Hill! I was never in Power: The Independents once were: They used it not as I would have had them: But did they or the Presbyterians Eject or Silence one another? Is it a good Consequence [you would silence a Quaker that denieth the Essentials of Christianity: Ergo, every one of you, were it in ⟨p. 98⟩your power, would Silence, Imprison, and Ruine them, that differ from you in Ceremony, Form, or Subscription like ours?] O how incredible are the words of some applauded men!
I remember that at the Savoy when it was said how some had used the Episcopal, Bishop Walton excused and reproved me, and said, that [indeed I had then written against Ejecting or Troubling any honest worthy man for being Episcopal or against the Parliament, but that the incompetent and vicious of all sorts equally should be Ejected But (saith he) did not you write that if the Sword interposed not, but mere liberty to Volunteers were granted to all parties, the Prelatical Liturgic Church would be like a Tavern or Inn where many sober Persons come, but so many others also, as would make it a place of no very great inviting Fame?] I confessed the truth, and still confess it.