A26965:834
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.
3. But if all this serve not (neither the sufficiency of Pastors for one single Parish, nor yet the Counsel of all the Neighbour-Pastors or Bishops,) what is there more to be done, which the authority of Princes and Magistrates may not do? All Christians confess (almost) that no Bishops or Pastors, as such, have from Christ any forcing power over the flocks; that belongeth to the Magistrates only; And they are to keep peace, and force us to our certain duty. And I would ask the contrary minded, whether if Bishops, Patriarchs and Councils ⟨p. 296⟩had no forcing power, but only to excommunicate by the application of Gods word, and leaving all men to their consciences, would this sort of Government serve their turn, and keep out Heresies, or maintain order and unity? They say no, themselves: And next, whether it be not certain, and confessed, that the Pastors have no other power, but the Magistrates only?
3. But if all this serve not (neither the sufficiency of Pastors for one single Parish, nor yet the Counsel of all the Neighbour-Pastors or Bishops,) what is there more to be done, which the authority of Princes and Magistrates may not do? All Christians confess (almost) that no Bishops or Pastors, as such, have from Christ any forcing power over the flocks; that belongeth to the Magistrates only; And they are to keep peace, and force us to our certain duty. And I would ask the contraryminded, whether if Bishops, Patriarchs and Councils ⟨p. 296⟩had no forcing power, but only to excommunicate by the application of Gods word, and leaving all men to their consciences, would this sort of Government serve their turn, and keep out Heresies, or maintain order and unity? They say no, themselves: And next, whether it be not certain, and confessed, that the Pastors have no other power, but the Magistrates only?
Obj. But shall all men gather Churches, and teach Heresy, and do what they will?