A26924:1019
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated…
The English nonconformity as under King Charles II and King James II truly stated and argued by Richard Baxter ; who earnestly beseecheth rulers and clergy not to divide and destroy the land and cast their own souls on the dreadful guilt and punishment of national perjury ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1689
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.
L. But for ought I see you will let in Papists if they will but take the Oath of Supremacy, and renounce all in general that is contrary to the Scripture and their Profession.
M. And all Churches will let in Heart-Papists that renounce Popery: Who knows the heart? But, 1. The Oath of Supremacy is a most express abjuring of the Essence of Popery; especially as extended against the Ecclesiastical as well as Civil Power of the Pope. 2. And is not God's Word a sufficient Rule of Religion? Deny this and you will turn Papists to keep out Papists. 3. If it be, if Popery be against Scripture, it's here renounced: If not, why should we be against it?
L. But should they not distinctly renounce Transubstantiation, Purgatory, Image-Worship, Merit, and the rest of their Errors?
L. But should they not distinctly renounce Transubstantiation, P•rgatory, Image-Worship, Merit, and the rest of their Errours?
M. There is no end of enumerating Errors: They are numerous like Maggots in a Carcass. A thousand will be unnamed when you have done your best at it. But the Rule must not name every Error against it: The contrariety will be discernible. It is enough that men profess a perfect Rule, and renounce all contrary, and be responsible to the Church and their Rulers when they corrupt Religion contrary to the Rule and their own Profession. An Error not manifested hurts not others, and none is punishable till proved. If Heresy be kept secret, the Church must not make new Laws and Tests to make men confess it; but punish it when it is vented.