A26914:108
The difference between the power of magistrates and church-pastors and the Roman kingdom &…
The difference between the power of magistrates and church-pastors and the Roman kingdom & magistracy under the name of a church & church-government usurped by the Pope, or liberally given him by popish princes opened by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 1671
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.
29. Most of these should be left to every Pastors judgement; some may be determined by the Magistrate; but yet some are fittest for the Concordant determination of Consociated Churches, in a Synod, or by consent. But none of them by any neighbour Pastor (that like the Pope) usurpeth ⟨p. 33⟩authority over other Churches. Nor should any standing Laws at all, be made of such things where there is no need; especially where the case is mutable, and it belongeth to the Pastors function to determine it, as occasion serveth. 2 Tim. 2. 15. Mat. 24. 45.
30. Whether these Antecedent Determinations of Concordant Pastors in a Synod, shall be called Laws, or Canons, or Decrees, is but lis de nomine: And also whether this power be called Legislative, or Jurisdiction. And who will trouble the Church unnecessarily about words and names? But yet I think they may be best called Canons or Agreements: And I wish that high Titles be laid aside, lest it encourage the usurping Spirit, that aspireth after too high things.
31. Grotius de Imperi• summarum potestatum circa sacra hath said so much and so well of all this Controversy, that it is a shame to us all that we need any more, and a shame to me to trouble the world after him, with Writings on that subject, so far less useful; and to any one, to cloud that which he hath clearly and judiciously stated; were it not that renewed occasions require it.