A27035:354
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. 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.
Answ. 1. There are in my judgment no common reasons for going further from you than we do, nor to justifie that which is commonly known by the name of Separation. But there are many and great reasons to justifie 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.
1. As to the things imposed now which were not then.
1. The Vestry Act was not then made, by which so considerable a part of your Parish Churches as the Vestries, are to renounce all obligations to endeavour any alteration of the Government of the Church, from the Oath and Vow called the Covenant: So that all Reformation of Church Government as so sworn, was thus renounced by them who in a sort represent the Parish Church.