A26965:287
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.
2. If the Gospel be hid (from the mind though not from the Ear) it is hid to them that are lost 2. Cor. 4. 3. And without holiness none shall see God Heb. 12, 14. Christ will ⟨p. 89⟩come in flaming Fire to render vengeance to them that know not God and obey not the Gospel, 2. Thes. 1. 10. 11. All they shall be damned that obey not the truth but have pleasure in unrighteousness 2. Thes. 2. 11. 12. They that live after the flesh shall die, and they that have not the spirit of Christ are none of his, Rom. 8. 9. 13. It is not then easy to think of a greater hurt, than to forbid men such means, without which experience assureth us that few comparatively are thus enlightened and renewed to God, and with which more Comparatively are renewed. To say that God can bless to us an ignorant heartless, Carnal Teacher, is no answer, while experience certifieth us that Comparatively he doth not do it. If the people would choose such Pastors, Rulers must do their best to change their minds, and to provide better for them. But that's not the case that we are now speaking to. If people would run into Sects and Heresies, Rulers may punish and restrain false Teachers that dangerously corrupt the Christian doctrine and seduce the peoples souls; But they may not therefore silence the faithful Ministers of Christ, And adhering to such Ministers, doth not any hurt of it self: Nor any way tend to the furthering of so much hurt, as the contrary would do.
2. If the Gospel be hid (from the mind though not from the Ear) it is hid to them that are lost 2. Cor. 4. 3. And without holiness none shall see God Heb. 12, 14. Christ will ⟨p. 89⟩