A26982:464
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.
§ 75. Accus. LVIII. After a deal of impertinent talk of the Army's ill usage of the King (which 'tis like I did more against, than many such as he,) he saith, [That I plead for the Obligation of the Solemn Covenant contumaciously, against the Authority of the whole Nation.]
Ans. If the Reader will find truth in this Man's Writings, he must first separate it from all the Chaff of Untruths that covereth it. I distinguish between 1. The Imposing of that Covenant. 2. And the Taking of it. 3. And the Keeping of the unlawful parts of it. 4. And the Keeping of the lawful and necessary parts. The three first I speak against; the fourth is all the matter of our dispute. That Covenant is also a Vow to God: Therein Men vowed to be against Popery, Profaneness, Heresy and Schism, and all that is against sound Doctrine and Godliness; and to repent of Sin, and amend; and to defend the Person and Rights of the King. King Charles the Second took this Covenant, and so did his Lords and Knights, and others, at their Composition; and many that imposed and took it were then, and some are yet alive. The Question is Whether I. and all England, can and must be certain that this Vow bindeth neither King, Parliament-men, or any one living, to renounce Popery, Schism and Profaneness, and to repent of Sin, and to defend the King. All the Corporations of England are constituted by a new Oath, that there is NO OBLIGATION from this Covenant, on ME OR ANY OTHER PERSON.] I gave the Reasons why I durst not swear this, leaving other Men's Consciences to their Judge.
Ans. If the Reader will find truth in this Man's Writings, he must first separate it from all the Chaff of Untruths that covereth it. I distinguish between 1. The Imposing of that Covenant. 2. And the Taking of it. 3. And the Keeping of the unlawful parts of it. 4. And the Keeping of the lawful and necessary parts. The three first I speak against; the fourth is all the matter of our dispute. That Covenant is also a Vow to God: Therein Men vowed to be against Popery, Profaneness, Heresie and Schism, and all that is against sound Doctrine and Godliness; and to repent of Sin, and amend; and to defend the Person and Rights of the King. King Charles the Second took this Covenant, and so did his Lords and Knights, and others, at their Composition; and many that imposed and took it were then, and some are yet alive. The Question is Whether I. and all England, can and must be certain that this Vow bindeth neither King, Parliament-men, or any one living, to renounce Popery, Schism and Profaneness, and to repent of Sin, and to defend the King. All the Corporations of England are constituted by a new Oath, that there is NO OBLIGATION from this Covenant, on ME OR ANY OTHER PERSON.] I gave the Reasons why I durst not swear this, leaving other Men's Consciences to their Judge.