A26924:82
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.
M. I must not stay to dispute all such matters with you: I have fully answered it in my Catechism on the Ninth Commandment. Briefly this may satisfy you: No ones private good must be sought by a means that would destroy all Humane Trust and Converse: But if you give men leave to lye when they think it needful or harmless, it will destroy all Humane Trust and Converse: For almost all will think their lies are profitable. And we have had Learned, Moderate Conformists that have trusted to this Argument, and openly defended it: If Knaves would take my Purse, I may defend my self with my Hands: Ergo, If they would deprive me of my Maintenance and Ministry, I may defend my self with my Tongue.
M. I must not stay to dispute all such matters with you: I have fully answered it in my Catechisme on the Ninth Commandment. Briefly this may satisfie you: No ones private good must be sought by a means that would destroy all Humane Trust and Converse: But if you give men leave to lye when they think it needful or harmless, it will destroy all Humane Trust and Converse: For almost all will think their lyes are profitable. And we have had Learned, Moderate Conformists that have trusted to this Argument, and openly defended it: If Knaves would take my Purse, I may defend my self with my Hands: Ergo, If they would deprive me of my Maintenance and Ministry, I may defend my self with my Tongue.
L. And how do you answer them?
M. That no man must defend himself by means which will do more hurt than his Ministry or Life is worth: But to let men loose so to lying is such; and more forbidden of God than •anddefence: And sin ever doth more hurt than good.