A26924:1124
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
Chapter 61: Whether the Extirpation of the Non-Conformists, be not rather to be attempted, than an…
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 you run upon the Error that all must have so great knowledge according to our rules, as to know the Lawfulness of all Lawful things: We know no Church-men reach so high: But the way to Concord must be by obeying the Church in all cases that are doubtful to the Subjects.
L. But you run upon the Errour that all must have so great knowledge according to our rules, as to know the Lawfulness of all Lawful things: We know no Church-men reach so high: But the way to Concord must be by obeying the Church in all cases that are doubtful to the Subjects.
M. 1. It's well that you limit it to doubtful cases: But what if I am past all doubt (e. g.) that it is a sin to make our sort of God-fathers the vowing Covenanters in Baptism, excluding the Parents, to cast out all from Christian Communion that scruple kneeling in the reception, to deny Christendom to all that refuse our God-fathers and Crossings, to pronounce all in England at Burial saved, except the unbaptized, excommunicate and self-murderers, to profess that [It is certain by the word of God that Infants (excepting none) baptized and dying before actual sin, are undoubtedly saved; To assent to a false rule to know Easter day] with many such: What must I do in such undoubted cases? 2. Tell us plainly, Is it all doubted cases or some only, in which you say we must obey? If not all, till you tell us which, and how to know them, you talk in vain. If all, what if men doubt whether Polygamy, Lying, Fornication, &c. be lawful? Or what if a Papist doubt whether King-killing be lawful, and the Clergy command it, must it therefore needs be done? 3. And I pray you tell us where and when it is that men must obey this rule? Was it a duty in England in the days of Thomas Becket, Anselm, Dunstan, &c. or in the Reign of all the Kings that were Papists? Is it a duty now in France, Spain, Italy, Bavaria, Austria, &c. or in the Dominion of the Turks, Persians, Tartarians, China, &c? Must all Subjects every where do all commanded them? If they have but ignorance enough to be in doubt themselves, sure they are bound to receive God's Light to overcome those doubts, and in error it is not obedience in Evil, but seeking truth till they find it, that is their duty. ⟨p. 277⟩