A97353:385
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.
XXI. We also renounce their treachery, who would deny the subjects, a judicium discretionis, a judgment discerning duty from no duty and from sin: For so they deprive the King of his Subjects and make them no men, nor capable of obeying him: And they deprive him of their aid, in case any Usurper claim the Crown, if they must not judge, who hath the true right.
XXII. We renounce the treachery of such as represent Monarchs odious to the very nature of their Subjects, (who are ruled by interest), by terrible descriptions of their Power, as absolute; and as such as may when they please seize on all mens estates, destroy the Innocent, Commission their servants to kill Parliaments, burn Cities, sell all as slaves to others, and the instruments may not be resisted: when it is known that terrible descriptions breed such fears as tend to hatred; And hatred is virtual rebellion: And when all people see that their lives, liberties and estates have no security but the will of one mutable man, it maketh them like men among ⟨p. 76⟩enemies, in continual suspicion; when Love and Trust are the chief affections of true Subjects to which fear must be but subservient: How can treacherous men more undermine a Prince, than by such terrible descriptions, and by persuading him to rule by Fear rather than Love, to render him hated by his Subjects that should love him and defend him?
XXII. We renounce the treachery of such as represent Monarchs odious to the very nature of their Subjects, (who are ruled by interest), by terrible descriptions of their Power, as absolute; and as such as may when they please seize on all mens estates, destroy the Innocent, Commission their servants to kill Parliaments, burn Cities, sell all as slaves to others, and the instruments may not be resisted: when it is known that terrible descriptions breed such fears as tend to hatred; And hatred is virtual rebellion: And when all people see that their lives, liberties and estates have no security but the will of one mutable man, it maketh them like men among ⟨p. 76⟩