A69533:1113
Five disputations of church-government and worship
Five disputations of church-government and worship by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1659
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.
§. 35. 7. Lastly, if you would compare your Prelacy with other Government, compare them where the case is equal. Hath not Presbytery in Scotland, and in France (with much less help and countenance from the Magistrate) kept out Heresies and ⟨p. 329⟩divisions, as much at least, as ever Prelacy did? It is certain that it hath.
§. 35. 7. Lastly, if you would compare your Prelacy with other Government, compare them where the case is equal. Hath not Presbyterie in Scotland, and in France (with much less help and countenance from the Magistrate) kept out Heresies and ⟨p. 329⟩divisions, as much at least, as ever Prelacy did? It is certain that it hath.
§. 36. And yet I must add, that the multitude of Sects and Heresies that sprung up in the first, and second, and third Ages, was no such dishonour to the form of Government then used in the Church, as should encourage any man to dislike or change it. If it was Prelacy that was used, then swarms of Sects and Heresies may come in notwithstanding Prelacy (even in better hands then yours.) But if it were not Prelacy that was then the Government, Heresies are no more a shame to that Government now.
§. 37. I know many Readers will think, that this writing that purposely comes for Peace, should not be guilty of repeating and remembering the faults of others, nor speak to them so plainly as is liker to exasperate then pacify. But to these I say, 1. Their Objections which they insist on cannot be answered but by this opening of the truth. And 2. The truth is, those men that own all the abuses and persecutions of the late Prelates, and are impenitent as to their guilt, and wish and would have the same again, are no fit materials for a concordant frame. If their business be destroying, they will never well join with us in building and in healing. Repentance is the best Ingredient in our Salve. We consent to the same conditions that we propose, and will thank them if they will help us to Repentance; especially of such sins as are destructive to the Churches peace.