A97353:374
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.
X. We like not the dangerous Conclusion of [No Bishop No King], though we judge not such a word when by a sound exposition the danger is avoided.
XI. We reject their doctrine who hold that the Clergy is exempt from the Government of the King,1 as if they were not his Subjects, and he might not punish them for common enemies, yea and for gross male-administration and unfaithfulness in the Ministry, as he may punish Physicians, or Lawyers for the like in their professions.
- 1The Papists.
XII. We detest their doctrine who debase Kings and magistrates,1 by saying that they are Governors only of the body, and not of the soul (when it is only souls that are commanded by Laws, and immediately obey), or that it is only the civil peace ⟨p. 71⟩and bodily prosperity which is the end of the Government of Kings, and not mens spiritual good and salvation: And so that the King and Magistrates are to be valued as much less than the Clergy, as the concerns of the body are less valuable than the concerns of the soul: As Pope Innocent 3. said* [God made two great Lights in the firmament of heaven and of the universal Church, that is, he instituted two dignities, which are the Pontifical authority and the Regal power; But that which ruleth the Day, that is, things spiritual, is the greatest, and that which ruleth Carnal things is the less; that it may be known that the difference between Popes and Kings, is such as is the difference between the Sun and the Moon.] No wonder therefore if in his Serm. 2. he say [To me it is said I have set thee over Nations and Kingdoms, to pluck up and destroy and scatter. I am set up as a middle person between God and man; On this side God, but beyond man, yea greater than man, who judge all, and can be judged of none: I am the Bridegroom, &c.] And if Pope Gregory 7. in his Roman Council declare, that he hath power to set up and take down Emperors, &c. Whenas in truth things spiritual and eternal are the end of the Kings Government also; though by punishing sin and ruling Ministers and others by the sword, and not by becoming a Priest himself, he seek that end.