A26982:42
Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called…
Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called The second part of the mischiefs of separation, written by an unnamed author with a preface to Mr. Cantianus D. Minimis, in answer to his letter which extorted this publication.
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1691
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.
Did Paul speak the Language of Hell, in calling Devils Principalities and Powers, and Spiritual Wickedness in High Places; no nor in calling Satan The God of this World? And is any Name more tenderly to be used than Gods? Is it a wrong to Princes that Beelzebub is called The Prince of the Devils, and the Prince that Ruleth in the Air? Doth Scripture use Hellish Language, in calling wicked Rulers GODS? But I gave you not the least cause to think that I meant that Devils were Bishops, or Bishops Devils: I I spake not of Bishops: And do you not know that Devils are dignified and distinguished in superiority by Names and Titles? Why did you not name the Book which I prefaced, that I might examine it? Do you think that I can remember all that I have written before mens Books? Seneca saith truly, that he that hath a Sore or Ulcer, thinks that you hurt him when you touch him not, if he do but think you touch him. However, Dignities, Dominions, and Titles, being words of Political common use, if when we talk of spiritual, heavenly or hellish Policy, we must not use the same terms as of Humane Policy, we must devise new Languages and Lexicons, and correct the Bible.
Your second Accusation of me being my writings against the Bishops and Church of England, I must suppose you mean truly, not Bishops as Bishops, nor the true Church of England as such, or as heretofore: But those Changers that since Laud have called themselves the Church. If you speak truth this is your meaning.
§ 6. And I cannot but think that as your honest and kind admonition obligeth me to be truly thankful to you, and to renew the trial of my ways; so I am obliged by the same principle of Love and Fidelity, humbly to entreat you, to consider (if possible) without partiality, 1. How you can answer the owning of such a Volume of a Lying Slanderers Accusations, before you hear the defence of the Accused. 2. But much more, how you can so far countenance the heinous sins of those that you call the Church, as not at all to blame them, and to take it for so great a crime to name them, and call men to repentance for them? Can you find so much of Hell, in the mention of the Dignities and Distinctions of Devils, and yet see nothing but blamelessness, in the silencings of about Two thousand such Ministers, seizing on the goods, and books, and beds of so many