A27035:253
A second true defence of the mere nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and…A second true defence of the meer nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and…
A second true defence of the mere nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and history of Dr. Edward Stillingfleet ... clearly proving that it is (not sin but) duty 1. not wilfully to commit the many sins of conformity, 2. not sacrilegiously to forsake the preaching of the Gospel, 3. not to cease public worshipping of God, 4. to use needful pastoral helps for salvation ... / written by Richard Baxter ... ; with some notes on Mr. Joseph Glanviles Zealous and impartial Protestant, and Dr. L. Moulins character.A second true defence of the meer nonconformists against the untrue accusations, reasonings, and history of Dr. Edward Stillingfleet ... clearly proving that it is (not sin but) duty 1. not wilfully to commit the many sins of conformity, 2. not sacrilegiously to forsake the preaching of the Gospel, 3. not to cease publick worshipping of God, 4. to use needful pastoral helps for salvation ... / written by Richard Baxter ... ; with some notes on Mr. Joseph Glanviles Zealous and impartial Protestant, and Dr. L. Moulins character.
London: printed for Nevil Simons, 1681
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.
III. The Presbyterians and mere Nonconformists thought it lawful, and meet in those Parishes which had capable Ministers, to join in both Liturgy Sermons and Sacraments, where sin was not imposed on them. But so (as though forbidden) while they had public Churches, to do their best to practice Christs Commands and Discipline, and where they could have none to further the same ends as effectually as they could, in the opportunities left them. But never took it for their duty to leave all their Ministry or public preaching merely in obedience to the laws: much less to the Bishops.
III. The Presbyterians and meer Norconformists thought it lawful, and meet in those Parishes which had capable Ministers, to joyn in both Liturgy Sermons and Sacraments, where sin was not imposed on them. But so (as though forbidden) while they had publick Churches, to do their best to practice Christs Commands and Discipline, and where they could have none to further the same ends as effectually as they could, in the opportunities left them. But never took it for their duty to leave all their Ministry or publik preaching meerly in obediene to the laws: much less to the Bishops.
When all this is so notorious, and when I knew the minds of many aged Nonconformists about forty years ago as my familiar friends, who were all of the same mind in this as I am, what history can I be more assured of, than, as I said, that First, They took not praying ⟨p. 38⟩publicly and gathering Assemblies to be therefore sinful, because it was forbidden by the Law. 2. But to be a sin against Prudence and the ends of their Ministry, when it was like to do more hurt than good, by exasperating the Prince, and depriving themselves and others of better advantages for those holy ends; 3. And that it was a duty when it was like to do more good than hurt: 4. And therefore they broke Laws where they could be endured, even in Chapels and Parish Churches.
When all this is so notorious, and when I knew the minds of many aged Nonconformists about forty years agoe as my familiar friends, who were all of the same mind in this as I am, what history can I be more assured of, than, as I said, that First, They took not praying