A26865:811
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… › Postscript › Section
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 he saith it is Schism in us to preach as we do, because the passive obedience of silence is our duty. His reasons are, 1. Because a Presbyters calling is dependent on the bishop, and not otherwise to be exercised. 2. Because by preaching we become Church▪Rulers, and take the Bishops Office on us; as if a man should depose the King, and take his place, because he governeth not aright, (as he conceiveth.) 3. Because without such passive obedience, no peace can be kept by any Government. 4. Because the Bishops and not we are Judges who should preach or not. 5. And Presbyterians are for silencing some. 6. And the hurt that followeth our silence, must be charged on the Bishops, and not on us.
So that the great crime of the Nonconformists is preaching Christs Gospel when the Bishops forbid them.
Here he granteth all the following matter of fact and right.
1. That the Preachers in question (e. g. my self, &c.) are consecrated to God in the Sacred Ministerial Office.