A Reply to his Chap. 57.
pp. 116–11817 passages
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.
CHAP. 55. A Reply to his Chap. 57.
Discusser.
The Scripture alleged by the Answerer, to prove that it would be an evil, to tolerate notorious evil doers, whether seducing Teachers, or scandalous livers, is written, Rev. 2.14.20. Where Christ hath something against the Church of Pergamus, for tolerating them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam: and against the Church of Thyatira, for tolerating Jezebel, to teach and seduce.
THe Scripture alleaged by the Answerer, to prove that it would be an evill, to tolerate notorious evill doers, whether seducing Teachers, or scandalous livers, is written, Rev. 2.14.20. Where Christ hath something against the Church of Pergamus, for tolerating them that hold the Doctrine of Balaam: and against the Church of Thyatira, for tolerating Jezebel, to teach and seduce.
Unto which I may answer with some admiration and astonishment, how it pleased the Father of Lights, and most Jealous God, to darken and veil the eyes of such a man, as not to seek out, and propose some Scriptures (in the proof of so weighty an assertion) as at least might have some colour for the influence of the civill Magistrate in such cases. For these Texts concern neither the City, nor the civill Magistrates of Pergamus, and Thyatyra, but the Churches, and Elders, &c.
Ʋnto which I may answer with some admiration and astonishment, how it pleased the Father of Lights, and most Jealous God, to darken and vaile the eyes of such a man, as not to seeke out, and propose some Scriptures (in the proofe of so weighty an assertion) as at least might have some colour for the influence of the civill Magistrate in such cases. For these Texts concerne neither the City, nor the civill Magistrates of Pergamus, and Thyatyra, but the Churches, and Elders, &c.