A26924:695
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 44: Of Lay Conformity. Point I. Whether all Men must trust their Souls only on the Pastoral…
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. XLIV. Of Lay Conformity. Point I. Whether all Men must trust their Souls only on the Pastoral Care of such as our Patrons choose, and Bishops institute.
L. I Thought you would have objected only against Forms and Gestures, and you talk of Matters that affright one at the very stating of the Case: But how are all Lay-men thus obliged?
M. I have before cited the express words of the Canon: They must be presented and prosecuted if they come not to their Parish-Churches: They must be driven home from all Neighbour-Churches, if it be one that never Preacheth that they go from, and must be Excommunicate at last; the Minister must be suspended that admits them.
L. But Bishop Gunning's Chaplain saith well, that you may yet privately advise with other Ministers.
M. I take that from them for a great favour, that they drive us not from all Christian converse, But give us leave to speak privately with more than the Parish-Priest: But even privately it must be no Nonconformist, for they cannot be heard at five Miles distance. But will you seriously tell me, 1. Whether most Parish-Ministers have not so much Work at home, that they have little time to spare for Strangers? 2. Whether as Men provide first for their own Families before they relieve Neighbours and the Poor; so Ministers will not think themselves bound to do by their own Parishes? and scarce afford the scraps to others? 3. Do you think in Conscience that all Souls, and specially the most Ignorant have not need of a constant Pastor, and the help of his Office, as well as of an occasional Discourse with a Stranger? If not, what have we Parish-Priests for, and why pay we Tithes to them?