A26975:420
Of national churches their description, institution, use, preservation, danger, maladies and cure, partly applied…
Of national churches their description, institution, use, preservation, danger, maladies and cure, partly applied to England / written by Richard Baxter for promoting peace ... and for the fuller explication of the Treaty for Concord in 1660 and 1661, and of the Kings gracious declaration about ecclesiastical affairs ... and for further explication of his treatise of episcopacy ...
London: printed by T. Snowden for Thomas Parkhurst, 1691
Chapter 13: What are the dangerous Diseases of a National Church.
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.
§ 14. But the Immediate dividing and dissolving of Churches and overthrow of the Peace of Christian Kingdoms, is by Ignorant, Malicious or Tyrannical Laws or Canons, that impose things forbidden of God, on pain of ejecting, and silencing the most Faithful Ministers, and scorning and ruining the most Religious People, that will not sell their Souls for Worldly Interest, nor to humour the ill designs of Tyrants. These snares are often made by mere malice and revenge, as Daniel was forbid to pray; Because they could find no fault or accusation against him except it were concerning the Law of his God. Especially when, some great quarrels have exasperated revenge.
§ 14. But the Immediate dividing and dissolving of Churches and overthrow of the Peace of Christian Kingdoms, is by Ignorant, Malicious or Tyrannical Laws or Canons, that impose things forbidden of God, on pain of ejecting, and silencing the most Faithful Ministers, and scorning and ruining the most Religious People, that will not sell their Souls for Worldly Interest, nor to humour the ill designs of Tyrants. These snares are often made by meer malice and revenge, as Daniel was forbid to pray; Because they could find no fault or accusation against him except it were concerning the Law of his God. Especially when, some great quarrels have exasperated revenge.
§ 15. But usually error concurreth with Malice, while Ignorance and Pride make Prelates and Priests still confident that all their Opinions and Impositions are just and blameless; and that all are wilfully erroneous that refuse them: So rare is a humble understanding.
§ 15. But usually error concurreth with Malice, while Ignorance and Pride make Prelates and Priests still confident that all their Opinions and Impositions are just and blameless; and that all are willfully erroneous that refuse them: So rare is a humble understanding.