A26924:664
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 43: Point XL. Of forsaking our Ministry, and ceasing to Preach the Gospel, and Banishment F…
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 why should you not give over Preaching when you are silenced? Have not the Bishops power to silence and degrade, as well as to ordain; or the Parliament at least?
M. We doubt not but the Magistrate hath power to hinder Preachers from doing mischief, and to restrain those that Preach Rebellion, Sedition or Heresy, or that do more hurt than good: But not on that pretence, to hinder good, and to forbid Christs Ministers to Preach his Gospel: Bishops and Senior Pastors are Investing Ministers of Christ, to ordain fit Men to the Ministry, and judge of their fitness to that end: And if men prove uncapable, by Apostasy or Heresy, or Perfidiousness, they ought to do as Cyprian did about Martial and Basilides, require the Congregation in the name of Christ to forsake them. But they have no power to forbid any faithful Minister to do the Office to which he is ordained, nor to forbid the people to hear them: And if they do, their Commands are nullities as to any Obligation to Obedience.
M. We doubt not but the Magistrate hath power to hinder Preachers from doing mischief, and to restrain those that Preach Rebellion, Sedition or Heresie, or that do more hurt than good: But not on that pretence, to hinder good, and to forbid Christs Ministers to Preach his Gospel: Bishops and Senior Pastors are Investing Ministers of Christ, to ordain fit Men to the Ministry, and judge of their fitness to that end: And if men prove uncapable, by Apostacy or Heresie, or Perfidiousness, they ought to do as Cyprian did about Martial and Basilides, require the Congregation in the name of Christ to forsake them. But they have no power to forbid any faithful Minister to do the Office to which he is ordained, nor to forbid the people to hear them: And if they do, their Commands are nullities as to any Obligation to Obedience.
L. But they that give you the Office may take it away.