A97353:776
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.
88. All the arguments for Unity and Peace which are made use of against Toleration by the Prelatists, and all the mischiefs of Division which they aggravate, if it prove that they are the greatest causes of Division, and hinderers of Church concord, do principally fall upon themselves. It is an easy song for any man to sing [O the manifold mischiefs of Division]; And a ready staff to strike any dissenter with, for him that can but get the handle. The Romanists use it with as much vehemency and Spleen against the Protestants. But all the question is, who is the true cause? and what is the true cure?
88. All the arguments for Vnity and Peace which are made use of against Toleration by the Prelatists, and all the mischiefs of Division which they aggravate, if it prove that they are the greatest causes of Division, and hinderers of Church concord, do principally fall upon themselves. It is an easie song for any man to sing [O the manifold mischiefs of Division]; And a ready staff to strike any dissenter with, for him that can but get the handle. The Romanists use it with as much vehemency and Spleen against the Protestants. But all the question is, who is the true cause? and what is the true cure?
89. Either these writers and talkers think something or nothing to be sin▪ themselves: and either the imposition of what they think unlawful would make them Nonconformists, or it would not: If it would not, they are fitter Ministers for Machiavel, or Vaninus (nay Vaninus dyed for his Atheism) than for Christ. But if it would (as I will believe) were it not as easy then when they conformed not themselves, to write Volumes of the mischiefs of division and Schism, and disobedience to Laws, and of judging when we should obey, and of sects and toleration, as it is for them to do it against us?
89. Either these writers and talkers think something or nothing to be sin▪ themselves: and either the imposition of what they think unlawful would make them Nonconformists, or it would not: If it would not, they are fitter Ministers for Machiavel, or Vaninus (nay Vaninus dyed for his Atheism) than for Christ. But if it would (as I will believe) were it not as easie then when they conformed not themselves, to write Volumes of the mischiefs of division and Schism, and disobedience to Laws, and of judging when we should obey, and of sects and toleration, as it is for them to do it against us?