A26924:166
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 7: II. Of the restraint of Ordained Ministers from Preaching, and expounding any Scripture…
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.
M. Can the Church of England tell such a meaning no plainer than by saying [either in his own Cure or elsewhere.] Is ⟨p. 41⟩not his House or his Neighbour's House elsewhere: If they can speak no plainer, I would they would make us no Laws till God Licence them. 2. But suppose that [elsewhere] speak only of Churches, you know that other Canons forbid them Preaching in private houses. 3. And what a Priest is that who must be forbidden to teach the people in the Church: or there to tell Children the meaning of the Catechism? How like is this to the Muscovy State?
M. Can the Church of England tell such a meaning no plainer than by saying [either in his own Cure or elsewhere.] Is ⟨p. 41⟩not his House or his Neighbour's House elsewhere: If they can speak no plainer, I would they would make us no Laws till God Licence them. 2. But suppose that [elsewhere] speak only of Churches, you know that other Canons forbid them Preaching in private houses. 3. And what a Priest is that who must be forbidden to teach the people in the Church: or there to tell Children the meaning of the Catechism? How like is this to the Moscovy State?
L. You know that many men are unable to Preach, Expound or speak sense about Divinity if they should attempt it.
M. And are such fit to be made the Teachers and Guides of the Flock, shall the same men make a man Physician to an Hospital, and when they have done forbid him to do any more than read to them a Physic Book of their making? Is it not an ability to teach men, at least the Essentials of Christianity, Essential to a Minister? Do they not then make No-ministers and call them Priests, if they ordain men that cannot Teach the essentials.