A26965:884
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.
The Reason is twofold; one in respect to others, for fear of scandal, lest any that is weak, drawn by our example, think he may do that which he seeth ⟨p. 329⟩us do, though unacquainted with those subtitues, by which only we use to defend our selves from the crime of Perjury. The other in respect of our selves, for sear of perjury; which most grievous crime undoubtedly we commit, if that more benig• interpretation chance to deceive us, which made us bold to take the Oath. This reason resteth on that general, and most profitable rule, which bids us [in doubtful cases take the safe• side:] But it is the safer not to swear, when the words of the proposed Oath, according to the common and obvious sense of the words, seem to contain somewhat unlawful in them; rather than by a Lax Interpretation so to soften them for our own use▪ that we may the more securely swear them: Seeing we know that such an Oath may be refused without danger of perjury, but we know not that it can be taken without danger or fear of it.
P. 46, 47, 197. Yet we must take heed that this strict interpretation turn not into a Rigid one—of common right these exceptions and conditions (of promissory Oaths) are ever understood: [1. If God permit: 2. Saving the Right of others. And, as far as is lawful; saving the Right of Superiors: 3. Things standing as they do, or in the same state: As far as I am able, &c.]
P. 46, 47, 197. Yet we must take heed that this strict interpretation turn not into a Rigid one—of common right these exceptions and conditions (of promissory Oaths) are ever understood: [1. If God permit: 2. Saving the Right of others. And, as far as is lawful; saving the Right of Superiours: 3. Things standing as they do, or in the same state: As far as I am able, &c.]