A27035:854
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.
4. And he will make us a hard task of it, to know when the Priest speaks as God's Minister, and when as the peoples Minister or mouth?
§. 6. He brings us the instance of one after Baptism, engaging himself in the Independent Church Covenant by holding up his hand.
Answ. 1. It is supposed that the Covenant which he mentioneth is not the Covenant of Christianity, but (that supposed) a consent or promise to live in the relation and duty of a Christian member of that particular flock. And this is much like a Covenant between a Christian Man and Wife, Tutor and Pupil: And as men may make particular contracts, they may make particular signs of them, (as is the Ring and taking hands in Marriage; the crowning of a Christian King, &c.) But if you suppose the Independent Covenant to repeat also and contain the Covenant of Christianity it self as the first part, then that which is required is but signified consent: And as all Christians renew their consent at each Eucharist Sacramentally, so do they frequently by word and deed, and all due signification of consent. Nature and Custom of humane converse have made words and gestures signifiers of consent: But Sacraments and solemn badges of this nature signify by Institution of the inventer or imposer.
Answ. 1. It is supposed that the Covenant which he mentioneth is not the Covenant of Christianity, but (that supposed) a consent or promise to live in the relation and duty of a Christian member of that particular flock. And this is much like a Covenant between a Christian Man and Wife, Tutor and Pupil: And as men may make particular contracts, they may make particular signs of them, (as is the Ring and taking hands in Marriage; the crowning of a Christian King, &c.) But if you suppose the Independant Covenant to repeat also and contain the Covenant of Christianity it self as the first part, then that which is required is but signified consent: And as all Christians renew their consent at each Eucharist Sacramentally, so do they frequently by word and deed, and all due signification of consent. Nature and Custom of humane converse have made words and gestures signifiers of consent: But Sacraments and solemn badges of this nature signifie by Institution of the inventer or imposer.