Mr. Richard Baxter's last legacy in select admonitions and directions to all sober dissenters

Mr. Vines his Letter to Mr. Baxter, p. 35. of the 5 Disput. concerning Sacrilege.

Mr. Vines his Letter to Mr. Baxter, p. 35. of the 5 Disput. concerning Sacriledge.

As for your Question about Sacrilege, I am very near you in the present Opinion. The point was never stated nor debated in the Isle of Wight; I did for my part decline the dispute, for I could not maintain the cause as on the Parliament side; And because, both I and others were unwilling, it was never brought to open debate. The Commissioners did argue it with the King, but they went upon grounds of Law and Polity, and it was only about Bishops Lands; for they then averred the continuance of Dean and Chapter Lands to the use of the Church. Some deny that there is any sin of Sacrilege under the Gospel, and if there be any, they agree not in the definition. Some hold an Alienation of Church-goods, in case of Necessity, and then make the necessity, what, and as extensive, as they please. The most are of Opinion, that while the Church lies so unprovided for, the donations are not alienable, sine Sacrilegio. If there were a Surplusage above the competent maintenance, it were another matter. It is clear enough, the Donors wills are frustrated, and that their general intention, and the general use (Viz. the maintenance of God's Worship, and Ministers) should stand, though the particular use might be superstitious. I cited in my last Sermon ⟨p. 51⟩before the Parliament a place out of Mr. Hildersham, on Psal. 51. touching Sacrilege, it did not please. If his description of it be true, then you will still be of your own mind. I dare encourage no Purchasers, &c.

As for your Question about Sacriledge, I am very near you in the present Opinion. The point was never stated nor debated in the Isle of Wight; I did for my part decline the dispute, for I could not maintain the cause as on the Parliament side; And because, both I and others were unwilling, it was never brought to open debate. The Commissioners did argue it with the King, but they went upon grounds of Law and Polity, and it was only about Bishops Lands; for they then averred the continuance of Dean and Chapter Lands to the use of the Church. Some deny that there is any sin of Sacriledge under the Gospel, and if there be any, they agree not in the definition. Some hold an Alienation of Church-goods, in case of Necessity, and then make the necessity, what, and as extensive, as they please. The most are of Opinion, that while the Church lies so unprovided for, the donations are not alienable, sine Sacrilegio. If there were a Surplusage above the competent maintenance, it were another matter. It is clear enough, the Donors wills are frustrated, and that their general intention, and the general use (Viz. the maintenance of God's Worship, and Ministers) should stand, though the particular use might be superstitious. I cited in my last Sermon