A97353:301
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.
66. It is not lawful for any Pastors to publish excommunications against Kings, (no nor against Parents, or any Magistrates, on whose Honour the public good dependeth.) The reason is, because that the Natural Law […] honouring Rulers taketh place of the positive instituti•• of excommunication: the later being but a means to […] ends which are collateral with the former; are […] when contrary to such ends or greater duties: ⟨p. 49⟩which made Christ send the Pharisees to learn [what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice] And affirmatives bind not ad semper.
66. It is not lawful for any Pastors to publish excommunications against Kings, (no nor against Parents, or any Magistrates, on whose Honour the publick good dependeth.) The reason is, because that the Natural Law 〈…〉 honouring Rulers taketh place of the positive instituti•• of excommunication: the later being but a means to 〈…〉 ends which are collateral with the former; are 〈…〉 when contrary to such ends or greater duties: ⟨p. 49⟩which made Christ send the Pharisees to learn [what that meaeth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice] And affirmatives bind not ad semper.
67. But if a Pope or Prelate or Presbytery, to whom Kings never committed the care of their souls, shall by usurpation pretend to a power over Kings, which they have not, and so excommunicate them to their public dishonour, this is a more heinous crime; being treasonable in subjects, and hostility in foreigners.
67. But if a Pope or Prelate or Presbytery, to whom Kings never committed the care of their souls, shall by usurpation pretend to a power over Kings, which they have not, and so excommunicate them to their publick dishonour, this is a more hainous crime; being treasonable in subjects, and hostility in foreigners.