A86009:58
Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty. Or, the true resolution of a present controversy…VVholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty. Or, the true resolution of a present controversie…
Wholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty. Or, the true resolution of a present controversy concerning liberty of conscience. Here you have the question stated, the middle way betwixt popish tyranny and schismatizing liberty approved, and also confirmed from Scripture, and the testimonies of divines, yea of whole churches: the chief arguments and exceptions used in The bloody tenet, The compassionate Samaritan, M.S. to A.S. &c. examined. Eight distinctions added for qualifying and clearing the whole matter. And in conclusion a parænetick to the five apologists for choosing accommodation rather then toleration. Imprimatur. Ja. Cranford. Decemb 16. 1644.VVholesome severity reconciled with Christian liberty. Or, the true resolution of a present controversie concerning liberty of conscience. Here you have the question stated, the middle way betwixt popish tyrannie and schismatizing liberty approved, and also confirmed from Scripture, and the testimonies of divines, yea of whole churches: the chiefe arguments and exceptions used in The bloudy tenent, The compassionate samaritane, M.S. to A.S. &c. examined. Eight distinctions added for qualifying and clearing the whole matter. And in conclusion a parænetick to the five apologists for choosing accommodation rather then toleration. Imprimatur. Ia. Cranford. Decemb 16. 1644.
London: printed for Christopher Meredith, 1645
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
But let us see whether this Samaritan be happier in his second argument. Which is this: It's known that the Fathers, General Councils, National Assemblies, Synods and Parliaments in their times have been most grossly mistaken: and though the present times be wiser then the former, &c. yet since there remains a possibility of error, notwithstanding never so great presumptions to the contrary, one sort of men are not to compel another, ⟨p. 22⟩since this hazard is run thereby, that he who is in an error may be the constrainer of him who is in the truth.
But let us see whether this Samaritan be happier in his second argument. Which is this: It's knowne that the Fathers, Generall Councels, Nationall Assemblies, Synods and Parliaments in their times have beene most grossely mistaken: and though the present times be wiser then the former, &c. yet since there remaines a possibility of error, notwithstanding never so great presumptions to the contrary, one sort of men are not to compell another, ⟨p. 22⟩since this hazard is run thereby, that he who is in an error may be the constrainer of him who is in the truth.
Answ. 1. Farewell Parliaments, if this argument hold good. The Parliament may fine no man, imprison no man, banish no man: they may compel no man to Assessments, Taxes, Excise, Billeting of Soldiers &c. And why forsooth? because they may not presume of an infallible and unerring spirit, but may err, and have erred as well as other men.
Answ. 1. Farewell Parliaments, if this argument hold good. The Parliament may fine no man, imprison no man, banish no man: they may compell no man to Assessements, Taxes, Excise, Billeting of Souldiers &c. And why forsooth? because they may not presume of an infallible and unerring spirit, but may erre, and have erred as well as other men.