A97353:258
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.
30. Conscience is not a Law-giver, Governor, or maker of duty, but a discerner of duty made by Laws.
30. Conscience is not a Law-giver, Governour, or maker of duty, but a discerner of duty made by Laws.
31. It is therefore their error that say Conscience maketh it a mans duty to sin, or maketh it no sin to do what God forbiddeth: An erring Conscience ligat non obligat; ensnareth in a necessity of sinning till it be rectified, but doth not make sin to be none.
32. It is therefore the practice of the muddy-headed troublers of the world, to pretend that the Controversy betwixt us is, whether the King or Conscience be the supreme Governor; whenas we hold that Conscience is no Governor at all unless as your eyes that read the Law, or your understanding which knoweth it and your duty, may be equivocally called Governors. But the question (if they will make any difference from us) must be this, [whether the Conscience or apprehension of our duty to God, and of his Commands, or of the Kings Commands, should be most prevalent with us for obedience?] Either dispute this, or go on to rave against us in your dreams.
32. It is therefore the practice of the muddy-headed troublers of the world, to pretend that the Controversie betwixt us is, whether the King or Conscience be the supream Governour; whenas we hold that Conscience is no Governour at all unless as your eyes that read the Law, or your understanding which knoweth it and your duty, may be equivocally called Governours. But the question (if they will make any difference from us) must be this, [whether the Conscience or apprehension of our duty to God, and of his Commands, or of the Kings Commands, should be most prevalent with us for obedience?] Either dispute this, or go on to rave against us in your dreams.