A27045:620
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.
5. The Abassines, Armenians, Greeks, &c. are not proved to deny any essential point of the Christian Religion, or which is necessary to the Being of a Christian or Church.
6. Nor are they proved to be wilful, ⟨p. 303⟩obstinate and impenitent in defending any errors, with a wicked mind; and so to be formally Heretics in your own sense.
6. Nor are they proved to be willful, ⟨p. 303⟩obstinate and impenitent in defending any errors, with a wicked mind; and so to be formally Hereticks in your own sense.
7. They are large Nations, and millions of souls, and their Pastors numerous, so that its impossible they should be all legally by you convicted. They never spake for themselves, nor were witnesses heard against them. Noxa caput sequitur. Guilt of Heresy is to be proved of each individual whom you condemn. If a few Bishops were Heretics, or a Prince were such, that proves not that the rest, and all the Pastors, or people, even to many millions are such. Or if half had been such in former ages, that proves not that half or any are such now. Christ never appointed the excommunicating of millions for the sakes of a few of their Rulers, nor of whole Nations unheard; but of single persons upon a just and equal trial. If therefore your Pope, or any of his Councils, (which you falsely call General) do excommunicate or condemn Habassia, Armenia, Georgia, Syria, and other Nations as Heretics, it is so far from unchurching them, or proving them such, as that it is one of the greatest sins that can be committed by the sons of men, with inhumane injustice, cruelty, pride and