A26924:462
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 31: Point XXVIII. Of Canon 38. Excommunicating Ministers that repent of Subscribing.
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.
Chap. XXXI. Point XXVIII. Of Canon 38. Excommunicating Ministers that repent of Subscribing.
M. IF Subscribing prove a Sin, (of which I am past doubt) this Canon commandeth the Excommunicating Men for repenting of Sin. Whereas Christ's Law of Excommunication is to Excommunicate none but for not repenting of Sin. Are not these two very contrary? And do you think that Christ will stand to such an Excommunication? or disown them that are thus cast out? Some Mens abuse of Excommunication is such, as if at last, if all their Canons be executed, they would tempt Men to doubt whether they live like Christians, because they are not Excommunicate; and would make it a good argument, [He is cast out of the Church for Conscience sake: ergo, it is a good sign that he is a Man of Conscience. Or as if they were but fulfilling [They shall cast out your names as Evil doers, &c.]
L. Why should you put Cases that may never come to pass? I do not think you were ever commanded to Publish an Excommunication against any such.
M. But to Promise and Swear Canonical Obedience, is a thing that is required of us all: And promising to Sin, is Sin, and oft worse than a sudden act. Yea, if a Minister do but omit some