A26924:773
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
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. Do you think Men are bound to separate from all Churches that have not this Discipline? Sure it is not Essential to the Church.
M. I do not think that Preaching, as distinct from reading, is essential to a Church; but that it may be at least for a time a sorry Church without it, as those in Muscovy are. But I would not continue in such a Church that is without it, if I can have a better. It's one thing what a Man should endure that can have no better without more hurt than good; and another thing what Men should choose in obedience to Christ, and for their own and the Churches good that can attain it. Do you think it is lawful to omit all Duty that is not essential to the Church? surely your many humane Offices, your Forms and Ceremonies, your Declarations and Subscriptions to them, are further from being essential than true Discipline is, and yet you think that the omission of these is unsufferable: Is mans accidental inventions more necessary than Christs Ordinance and Church Government?
M. I do not think that Preaching, as distinct from reading, is essential to a Church; but that it may be at least for a time a sorry Church without it, as those in Moscovy are. But I would not continue in such a Church that is without it, if I can have a better. It's one thing what a Man should endure that can have no better without more hurt than good; and another thing what Men should chuse in obedience to Christ, and for their own and the Churches good that can attain it. Do you think it is lawful to omit all Duty that is not essential to the Church? surely your many humane Offices, your Forms and Ceremonies, your Declarations and Subscriptions to them, are further from being essential than true Discipline is, and yet you think that the omission of these is unsufferable: Is mans accidental inventions more necessary than Christs Ordinance and Church Government?