A26924:447
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 27: Point XXIV. Of Publishing the 8th Canons Excommunications.
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. Whoever shall hereafter affirm or teach that the Form and Manner of Making and Consecrating Bishops, Priests or Deacons containeth ANY THING in it that is repugnant to the Word of God,—Let them be Excommunicated ipso facto, and not to be restored until he repent, and publicly revoke such his wicked Errors.
M. Whoever shall hereafter affirm or teach that the Form and Manner of Making and Consecrating Bishops, Priests or Deacons containeth ANY THING in it that is repugnant to the Word of God,—Let them be Excommunicated ipso facto, and not to be restored until he repent, and publickly revoke such his wicked Errors.
L. What have you against the Execution of this?
M. A great deal. In sum, it is unrighteous, oppressing and dividing, to cast out all Persons from the Church of Christ, who think that nothing is faulty in the Book of Ordination, or in their Principles or Practice there expressed: And we dare not curse those that Christ doth bless; should we do this for a Benefice, in what should we differ from the sin of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness? whose iniquity and madness his Ass rebuked, saith St. Peter, 2 Pet. 2. 15. Yea, shall we not be far worse than he, that for an House full of Silver and Gold could not go beyond the Word of the Lord, and did not curse but bless Gods people? And it is not proud malignant Tongues reviling Gods Servants, and calling their Opinions wicked Errors that will make Christ disown his Members, or will warrant Balaam or us to curse them. O how unlike is this to the Spirit and Ministry ⟨p. 115⟩of Christ! for Prelates and Priests to curse, and cast out the Children of God, for saying that they go against his Law.