A97353:193
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their principles about civil and ecclesiastical authority and obedience ... : mostly written many years past, and now published to save our lives and the kingdoms peace, from the false and bloody plotters ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
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.
36. No man hath any authority to make Laws about Gods worship, but what Christ hath given him; he being now made the Universal King.
37. When a controversy ariseth between Christs prerogative and mans, we take it for a case to be tenderly handled. We would go as far in acknowledging the Authority of Princes, as will stand with our Loyalty and fidelity to Christ; But as we must be tender of their Rights and honours, so we must be more tender of his. And nothing can be due to the servant which derogateth from the honour of the Master.
37. When a controversie ariseth between Christs prerogative and mans, we take it for a case to be tenderly handled. We would go as far in acknowledging the Authority of Princes, as will stand with our Loyalty and fidelity to Christ; But as we must be tender of their Rights and honours, so we must be more tender of his. And nothing can be due to the servant which derogateth from the honour of the Master.
38. Therefore Princes and Pastors should not unnecessarily bring their subjects into so great a strait, by needless Laws for additions in Religion, where the consciences of men fearing God, must unavoidably be troubled and tormented by the difficulty, viz. between a fear of Treason and disobedience against Christ, and of disobedience to their Prince or Pastors.