Catholic communion doubly defended by Dr. Owens, vindicator, and Richard Baxter and the state…Catholick communion doubly defended by Dr. Owens, vindicator, and Richard Baxter and the state…

Ans. I first premise that this is little or nothing to the Cause I pleaded for: For whereas you say [None that I know of say it is a duty simply, or without any dependence or human Sanction.] I have largely told you that taking public Communion to be but do facto, what it is, and the Liturgy as commonly used, I take it to be a duty to hold such Communion (where no better at least is) though there were no human Sanction, but voluntary Concord; and this by virtue of Gods great Commands of glorifying him with one mind and mouth in Unity, Love, and Peace; not an immutable duty, but a duty rebus sic stantibus. It is in obedience to Gods Commands more than Mens, that I have gone to the Parish Churches; and would have gone as much, if the Law had not commanded it, but only had deprived me of better.

Ans. I first premise that this is little or nothing to the Cause I pleaded for: For whereas you say [None that I know of say it is a duty simply, or without any dependence or human Sanction.] I have largely told you that taking publick Communion to be but do facto, what it is, and the Lyturgy as commonly used, I take it to be a duty to hold such Communion (where no better at least is) though there were no human Sanction, but voluntary Concord; and this by vertue of Gods great Commands of glorifying him with one mind and mouth in Unity, Love, and Peace; not an immutable duty, but a duty rebus sic stantibus. It is in obedience to Gods Commands more than Mens, that I have gone to the Parish Churches; and would have gone as much, if the Law had not commanded it, but only had deprived me of better.

But as to your undoubted affirmation, I am as much past doubt that it is not true as you unlimitedly express it. The intention may be moved by a Law for the effects. or consequents sake, and not justify the Law, but only justify the Act of the Subject: Yea, it may be moved by the formal Authority of the Law-giver, expressed by his Law, and yet not justify the Law.

But as to your undoubted affirmation, I am as much past doubt that it is not true as you unlimitedly express it. The intention may be moved by a Law for the effects. or consequents sake, and not justify the Law, but only justify the Act of the Subject: Yea, it may be moved by the formal Authority of the Law-giver, exprest by his Law, and yet not justify the Law.