A27035:352
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.
Answ. 1. We distinguish of Separation: There is no reason to separate from you as no Church, or further than we do; there is reason to ⟨p. 64⟩deny our consent, 1. To your foresaid Doctrine of all baptized dying Infants undoubted salvation, not excepting those of Atheists and Infidels. 2. To your included Doctrine implied in your Impositions, viz. That if a man have unlawfully made a Vow and Oath to endeavour in his Place and Calling to reform some corruptions in Church-Government, yea or to repent of his sin and oppose Popery, Profaneness, and Schism; there is no obligation on him from that Oath and Vow to do it. These and such other Doctrines we separate from, so far as to reject them.
Answ. 1. We distinguish of Separation: There is no reason to separate from you as no Church, or further than we do; there is reason to ⟨p. 64⟩deny our consent, 1. To your foresaid Doctrine of all baptized dying Infants undoubted salvation, not excepting those of Atheists and Infidels. 2. To your included Doctrine implyed in your Impositions, viz. That if a man have unlawfully made a Vow and Oath to endeavour in his Place and Calling to reform some corruptions in Church-Government, yea or to repent of his sin and oppose Popery, Prophaneness, and Schism; there is no obligation on him from that Oath and Vow to do it. These and such other Doctrines we separate from, so far as to reject them.
Sect. 7. His second supposed Concession is, [That there is no other reason of Separation because of the terms of our Communion, than what was from the beginning of the Reformation.
Answ. 1. There are in my judgment no common reasons for going further from you than we do, nor to justify that which is commonly known by the name of Separation. But there are many and great reasons to justify our measure of dissent and ministration; and to say that [we grant there are no more reasons now than were then,] is too bold an untruth. There is more reason, 1. From the quality of the things imposed. 2. From the designs and drift of the Imposition. 3. From the effects. 4. From the aggravation of Conformity as in the Church that we must communicate with. 5. From the things which give us a fuller cause for our Preaching and Assemblies. viz. 1. The late general contrary Church State and Engagement to it. 2. The Plague. 3. The burning of the Churches. 4. The Kings License and Clemency. 5. The number and quality of them that seek our helps. Of these briefly in order.