A26965:290
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.
Yet constraining the ignorant and Heretical to hear sound Teachers, we are far from opposing. But when Paul hath said [Not a Novice,] If Rulers will silence better Teachers, and set up Novices, that are unskilful in that great and sacred work, and never felt that work of faith, ⟨p. 91⟩love, and heavenliness, on their own souls which they must Preach to others, this will do more hurt, than the peoples choice of better men.
Yet constraining the ignorant and Heretical to hear sound Teachers, we are far from opposing. But when Paul hath said [Not a Novice,] If Rulers will silence better Teachers, and set up Novices, that are unskilful in that great and sacred work, and never felt that work of faith, ⟨p. 91⟩love, and heavenlyness, on their own souls which they must Preach to others, this will do more hurt, than the peoples choice of better men.
5. Yea if men of such doctrine could once make Princes and people believe, that the people ought to receive only such Pastors as Princes choose for them, it may do more harm than all our sects do: For sects cannot cast out religion at once; Nay usually they perish themselves by their own divisions and shame before they can ruin the Church. But Princes might change Religion as oft as the Moon changeth. And if good Princes were but the tenth part as rare, as they thought that said [In uno annulo] &c. what then would become of Religion in the World?
5. Yea if men of such doctrine could once make Princes and people believe, that the people ought to receive only such Pastors as Princes choose for them, it may do more harm than all our sects do: For sects cannot cast out religion at once; Nay usually they perish themselves by their own divisions and shame before they can ruine the Church. But Princes might change Religion as oft as the Moon changeth. And if good Princes were but the tenth part as rare, as they thought that said [In uno annulo] &c. what then would become of Religion in the World?