A26911:670
The defence of the nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of the matter…
The defence of the nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of the matter of their nonconformity against Mr. J. Cheney's answer called The conforming nonconformist, and The nonconforming conformist : to which is added the second part in answer to Mr. Cheney's Five undertakings / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Benjamin Alsop, 1680
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.
Ans. Had you published and proved to us a better way, I hope we should have been thankful; and so will I, if you will truly show me the Errors of the way that I commended. 1. He that hath read my Books which plead for no Oaths, nor for any Covenanting, but expressed consent to the Relations and Offices, will perhaps think that here you were tempted to Injustice at the least.
Ans. Had you published and proved to us a better way, I hope we should have been thankful; and so will I, if you will truly shew me the Errors of the way that I commended. 1. He that hath read my Books which plead for no Oaths, nor for any Covenanting, but exprest consent to the Relations and Offices, will perhaps think that here you were tempted to Injustice at the least.
2. Is not the Church Universal Christ's Kingdom? I rather liken it to a Kingdom, than to the World, because (whatever you think) I think it is not by Christ subdivided into many particular Kingdoms as the World is, but only into many particular Churches, keeping necessary Concord, (and Obedience to Magistrates.) It is not one sort only that militate against the Cure of Divisions, by true Concord; but I am sorry that you are become one. Let him that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.
§ 12. He saith, [It is Qualification that maketh Christians.] Ans. No Qualifications without Consent and Covenanting with Christ.