A27045:15
The successive visibility of the church of which the Protestants are the soundest members…
The successive visibility of the church of which the Protestants are the soundest members I. defended against the opposition of Mr. William Johnson, II. proved by many arguments / by Richard Baxter ; whereunto is added 1. an account of my judgement to Mr. J. how far heretics are or are not in the church, 2. Mr. Js. explication of the most used terms, with my queries thereupon, and his answer and my reply, 3. an appendix about successive ordination, 4. letters between me and T.S., a papist, with a narrative of the success.The successive visibility of the church of which the Protestants are the soundest members I. defended against the opposition of Mr. William Johnson, II. proved by many arguments / by Richard Baxter ; whereunto is added 1. an account of my judgement to Mr. J. how far hereticks are or are not in the church, 2. Mr. Js. explication of the most used terms, with my queries thereupon, and his answer and my reply, 3. an appendix about successive ordination, 4. letters between me and T.S., a papist, with a narrative of the success.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1660
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.
And I must confess the moderation and ingenuity of the Gentleman that I contend with, did not only tempt me into the undertaking at the first, but also did incline my thoughts to a publication; there being here no stinking breath to annoy and drive away the Reader. I have learned by experience, that its only prudent, charitable, self-denying, humble men, that are fit to be engaged in controversies. We bring fire to Gun-powder, when we deal with proud malignant wretches, (such as I have lately had to do with,) that have souls so forsaken, and consciences so seared, as that they seem to make malicious lies, their glory and delight. Some think that the contending with such, is a needful, though an ⟨p. 3⟩unsavoury work: I confess, a Liar is not to be encouraged, nor our just reputation to be prodigally cast away, or contemptuously neglected. Duo sunt necessaria, saith Augustine, Conscientia & fama: Conscientia propter Deum; fama propter proximum. But for our selves, Gods approbation is enough; and for others, if Duty satisfy them not, contending will not.
And I must confess the moderation and ingenuity of the Gentleman that I contend with, did not only tempt me into the undertaking at the first, but also did incline my thoughts to a publication; there being here no stinking breath to annoy and drive away the Reader. I have learned by experience, that its only prudent, charitable, self-denying, humble men, that are fit to be engaged in controversies. We bring fire to Gun-powder, when we deal with proud malignant wretches, (such as I have lately had to do with,) that have souls so forsaken, and consciences so seared, as that they seem to make malicious lies, their glory and delight. Some think that the contending with such, is a needfull, though an ⟨p. 3⟩unsavoury work: I confess, a Lyar is not to be encouraged, nor our just reputation to be prodigally cast away, or contemptuously neglected. Duo sunt necessaria, saith Augustine, Conscientia & fama: Conscientia propter Deum; fama propter proximum. But for our selves, Gods approbation is enough; and for others, if Duty satisfie them not, contending will not.