A27050:811
A treatise of episcopacy confuting by Scripture, reason, and the churches testimony that sort…
A treatise of episcopacy confuting by Scripture, reason, and the churches testimony that sort of diocesan churches, prelacy and government, which casteth out the primitive church-species, episcopacy, ministry and discipline and confoundeth the Christian world by corruption, usurpation, schism and persecution : meditated in the year 1640, when the et cætera oath was imposed : written 1671 and cast by : published 1680 by the importunity of our superiors, who demand the reasons of our nonconformity / by Richard Baxter.A treatise of episcopacy confuting by Scripture, reason, and the churches testimony that sort of diocesan churches, prelacy and government, which casteth out the primitive church-species, episcopacy, ministry and discipline and confoundeth the Christian world by corruption, usurpation, schism and persecution : meditated in the year 1640, when the et cætera oath was imposed : written 1671 and cast by : published 1680 by the importunity of our superiours, who demand the reasons of our nonconformity / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 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.
Obj. Then we will convince the Magistrate of his duty to silence him by force. Ans. 1. That was not the way for 300 years after Christ: And what was Episcopacy for till then? 2. What if the Magistrates believe you not, will you convince him by Scripture or by your Authority over the Magistrate? It by Scripture, a wiser Presbyter can do that better, or as well. If by authority, of that anon.
Obj. But at least we will convince the people that it is their duty to forsake that Preacher. Ans. Again I say, if you will do it by Scripture, a Minister can do it as well. And thus many Ministers now do silence the Diocesans and Conformists, that is, they persuade the people not to hear them, or own them. But if by authority, it must come to this at last, that you are made by God the Judges, and this must be believed.
Obj. But at least we will convince the people that it is their duty to forsake that Preacher. Ans. Again I say, if you will do it by Scripture, a Minister can do it as well. And thus many Ministers now do silence the Diocesans and Conformists, that is, they perswade the people not to hear them, or own them. But if by authority, it must come to this at last, that you are made by God the Judges, and this must be believed.
And remember still you silence no further than you persuade the Conscience to believe that God hath given you this authority. And 1. I ask whether it be ever likely that you will silence any Heretics, false Teacher, or Schismatic this way by making him take you for one authorized ⟨p. 161⟩by God to forbid him to Preach. For it must be in one of these three cases or all that you have this power. 1. Either to silence him as a Heretic that is no Heretic, or not proved such. 2. Or to silence him as a Heretic that notoriously and provedly is a Heretic. 3. Or to silence him as a Heretic in a doubtful case to others, but judged Heresy &c. by you.