A26974:13
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions…
Of justification four disputations clearing and amicably defending the truth against the unnecessary oppositions of divers learned and reverend brethren / by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1658
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 second Disputation is yet more ungrateful to me, then the first: the Reverend Brother whom I contradict being as high and dear in my esteem as most men alive; indeed being an Honour and Blessing to the Church in this unworthy Generation. The Lord preserve him long for his service. But my Defence here also is necessitated. 1. I did my best to have prevented the Necessity, and could not: I mean, not by dissuading him from opposing me in Print, for that might have hindered the Church of the Benefit of his Opposition (for ought I knew, till I had seen it:) But by trying first, whether I could receive or give satisfaction. 2. I had publicly obliged my self, if this Reverend Brother did Dissent, to search again: and by an Epistle, became more accountable to the world for Dissenting from him then other men. 3. His Name deservedly precious in the Church, hath the greater advantage to over-lay the Truth, where humane imperfection engageth him against it. Yet do I not blame him for beginning this Contest with me; but take the blame to my self that might occasion it, by dishonouring his Name by a temeracious prefixing it to my undigested papers, ⟨image 4⟩(though nothing but High estimation, and Affection was my Motive.)
The second Disputation is yet more ungrateful to me, then the first: the Reverend Brother whom I contradict being as high and dear in my esteem as most men alive; indeed being an Honour and Blessing to the Church in this unworthy Generation. The Lord preserve him long for his service. But my Defence here also is necessitated. 1. I did my best to have prevented the Necessity, and could not: I mean, not by diswading him from opposing me in Print, for that might have hindered the Church of the Benefit of his Opposition (for ought I knew, till I had seen it:) But by trying first, whether I could receive or give satisfaction. 2. I had publickly obliged my self, if this Reverend Brother did Dissent, to search again: and by an Epistle, became more accountable to the world for Dissenting from him then other men. 3. His Name deservedly precious in the Church, hath the greater advantage to over-lay the Truth, where humane imperfection engageth him against it. Yet do I not blame him for beginning this Contest with me; but take the blame to my self that might occasion it, by dishonouring his Name by a temeracious prefixing it to my undigested papers, ⟨image 4⟩(though nothing but High estimation, and Affection was my Motive.)