A26892:7538
A Christian Directory
A Christian directory, or, A sum of practical theology and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortify every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.A Christian directory, or, A summ of practical theologie and cases of conscience directing Christians how to use their knowledge and faith, how to improve all helps and means, and to perform all duties, how to overcome temptations, and to escape or mortifie every sin : in four parts ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons, 1673
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Quest. 153. May we lawfully swear Obedience in all things Lawful and honest, either to Usurpers, or to our lawful Pastors?
Answ. 1. IF the question were of Imposing such Oaths, I would say, that it was many a hundred years before the Churches of Christ (either under persecution, or in their prosperity and glory) did ever know of any such practice, as the people or the Presbyters swearing obedience to the Bishops. And when it came up, the Magistracy, Princes and Emperors, fell under the feet of the Pope; and the Clergy grew to what we see it in the Roman Kingdom, called a Church. And far should I be from desiring such Oaths to be imposed.
Answ. 1. IF the question were of Imposing such Oaths, I would say, that it was many a hundred years before the Churches of Christ (either under persecution, or in their prosperity and glory) did ever know of any such practice, as the people or the Presbyters swearing obedience to the Bishops. And when it came up, the Magistracy, Princes and Emperours, fell under the feet of the Pope; and the Clergy grew to what we see it in the Roman Kingdom, called a Church. And far should I be from desiring such Oaths to be imposed.
2. But the question being only of the Taking such Oaths, and not the Imposing of them, I say, ⟨p. 903⟩that 1. It is not lawful to swear obedience to an Usurper Civil or Ecclesiastical, in licitis & honestis, Because it is a subjecting our selves to him, and an acknowledging that authority which he hath not▪ For we can swear no further to obey the King himself but in things lawful and honest: And to do so by an Usurper is an injury to the King, and unto Christ.