A26965:134
The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things…
The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written to reconcile and pacify such as by mistaking them hinder love and concord / by Richard Baxter.The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things in which they are misunderstood written to reconcile and pacifie such as by mistaking them hinder love and concord / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Benj. Alsop, 1679
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.
XXV. We doubt not at all but that Kings are the Governors of Bishops, and Churches, by coercive power, as truly as of Physicians, or other Professions: And though they have no Authority to abrogate or suspend the Laws of Christ, yet they have a Power of Legislation, under Christ, as Corporations for By-laws have under them: which power is only about those things which God hath left to their determination; and not either above Christ, against Christ, or in coordination with Christ, but only in such subordination to him, and to his Laws.
XXV. We doubt not at all but that Kings are the Governours of Bishops, and Churches, by coercive power, as truly as of Physicians, or other Professions: And though they have no Authority to abrogate or suspend the Laws of Christ, yet they have a Power of Legislation, under Christ, as Corporations for By-laws have under them: which power is only about those things which God hath left to their determination; and not either above Christ, against Christ, or in coordination with Christ, but only in such subordination to him, and to his Laws.
XXVI. How far Rulers have power (or not) to command things indifferent, and how far things scandalous and evil by accident, some of us have opened already distinctly, and need not here repeat.
XXVII. And we have there showed, that as they may regulate Physicians by General and Cautionary Laws, but not overthrow their Calling on that pretence, by prescribing to the Physician all the Medicines which he shall use, to this or that Patient, at this or that time, &c. so they may make such General and Cautionary Laws, circa sacra, 1. As shall drive Bishops and Pastors on to do their certain duties: 2. And as shall duly restrain them from sin and doing hurt: 3. And they may punish them by the