A26964:26
The nonconformists advocate
The nonconformists advocate, or, A farther account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written principally in vindication of A letter from a minister to a person of quality, showing some reasons for his nonconformity, modesty answering the exceptions of two violent opposers of the said reasons.The nonconformists advocate, or, A farther account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written principally in vindication of A letter from a minister to a person of quality, shewing some reasons for his nonconformity, modesty answering the exceptions of two violent opposers of the said reasons.
London: printed for Thomas Simmons, 1680
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.
yet never the more can I affirm, that their undoubted Salvation is certain and express by the same. Therefore though perhaps I might subscribe to the former, yet I could not declare my unfeigned assent and consent to the latter.
One thing I take notice of in these Subscriptions, and I wish you would also for your better information; viz. That assent and consent, relate unto the acknowledgement or avouching the truth and goodness of the things assented and consented to, as well as to the use
One thing I take notice of in these Subscriptions, and I wish you would also for your better information; viz. That assent and consent, relate unto the acknowledgment or avouching the truth and goodness of the things assented and consented to, as well as to the use
The Great Ends generally mentioned for these Declarations and Subscriptions, are Unity and Uniformity in the matters of Religion and Worship; whereas the contrary effects of animosity and difference have woefully followed hereupon, time after time, as we have seen by long and sad experience in continual breaches and dissentions. There is, and will be, a judicium discretionis in every person, who will be a Judge in his own concern contra Gentes; his own mind and apprehension shall and will dictate to him what is right, and what is wrong, what is good, and what evil, both to be believed and practised by him; the greatest Authority of his Superiors, and the wisest Models of their devised forms for his devotion, in any wise notwithstanding; nothing shall be able further to subjugate his thoughts to any Idea or System of Service, than to what may be truly said to be his own, I mean according to his own understanding; and therefore much less to an oneness and sameness of opinion and judgment of it with those that are above him (though commending and commanding it to be received and observed) merely because they are so. Wherefore as it is the wisdom of the Church to choose such a Creed, as all who stile themselves Christians do universally agree in; so likewise it would be the highest prudence, to pitch upon such a Declaration which all Ministers might securely and freely assent and consent unto, without all scruple or hesitation, as the Test of their Conformity. I will not presume to mention the nature and quality of such an one; but shall leave it wholly to my Superiors and Betters: And let these, in Gods Name, enjoin all Ministers both to declare and do whatsoever the Word of God requires of them, to capacitate them for Church-work, and no more; then should I expect Unity and Uniformity in all things of moment, with peaceable toleration and forbearance in the rest, to the glory of God, and the greatest edification of the Church, and never before: