A26865:610
An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II.…
An apology for the nonconformists ministry containing I. the reasons of their preaching, II. an answer to the accusations urged as reasons for the silencing of about 2000 by Bishop Morley ..., III. reasons proving it the duty and interest of the bishops and conformists to endeavour earnestly their restoration : with a postscript upon oral debates with Mr. H. Dodwell, against his reasons for their silence ... : written in 1668 and 1669, for the most of it, and now published as an addition to the defence against Dr. Stillingfleet, and as an account to the silencers of the reasons of our practice / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for T. Parkhurst and D. Newman, 1681
AN APOLOGY FOR THE SILENCED MINISTERS, Especially for their not cea… › Part › Accusation 31
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. But because this Doctor hath told the world that Baxter full well understands the intrigues of his party (as he calls them). Let the world judge whether his testimony then of that party be not more credible than his that so little knoweth them? And he solemnly professeth to the world, that though he hath reason to call the best of men to be very jealous of their hearts, lest pride and self-interest should pervert them; yet he verily believeth, that there is not this day on earth (that he heareth of) a more conscionable, godly, faithful party of Ministers of the Gospel, than those that are now ejected, silenced Nonconformists in England (though they are not all equal in judgment, or Ministerial ability, or self-denial). As far as his credit will go, let posterity believe this: And his testimony shall be believed, when the Defamers and Calumniators shall not.
3. But because this Doctor hath told the world that Baxter fullwell understands the intrigues of his party (as he calls them). Let the world judge whether his testimony then of that party be not more credible than his that so little knoweth them? And he solemnly professeth to the world, that though he hath reason to call the best of men to be very jealous of their hearts, lest pride and self-interest should pervert them; yet he verily believeth, that there is not this day on earth (that he heareth of) a more conscionable, godly, faithful party of Ministers of the Gospel, than those that are now ejected, silenced Nonconformists in England (though they are not all equal in judgment, or Ministerial ability, or self-denyal). As far as his credit will go, let posterity believe this: And his testimony shall be believed, when the Defamers and Calumniators shall not.
2. He thus proceedeth, [A second reason why they conform not, is their Interest]. If this be thought a Paradox (it being a strange method to consult their interest, by losing their Livings), the dissatisfied person is desired to consider, that the Ringleaders of the faction having possessed themselves of other mens preferments, and foreseeing that they should be restored to the right owners, thence made a virtue of necessity, by assuring their Proselytes, that they were resolved to stick to them; and as they had defended the Cause with their Tongues and Pens, they were now ready if Providence call them to it, to seal it with their blood. (And is it a sign of covetousness, to dye for what they hold?) But by this he tells us, that [the people were melted into such kindness, as that the Preachers are no losers by their silence (Here's the wonder: Hear the proof.) 1. Many of them gain more at present from their party, than they could from the Church, if they conformed.]