An Apology for the Nonconformists Ministry, Table of contents – To the reader
THE CONTENTS.
A Prefatory History of our Case. Page 1, &c.
Our judgment how far we are bound to Preach. p. 14.
Our Reasons for Preaching.
I. We judge it sacriledge to for sake the work to which we were consecrated. p. 20.
II. We cannot be ignorant of mens obliging necessities. p. 22.
III. Many express texts of Scripture oblige us. p. 32.
Many Objections answered, to p. 44.
Whether Princes may silence us? Largely answered. Of mans binding Conscience. Of the Peoples choice of Pastors.
IV. By deserting our Ministerial Work, we shall sin against the Natural Law of Love, and be guilty of soul-murder. p. 45.
Objections and Accusations answered,
1. That our preciseness falsly pretendeth mens necessity. p. 52.
2. That we think too highly of our own Preaching as necessary. p. 55.
3. That our Preaching doth more harm than good. p. 56.
4. That we have made the People disobedient, hypocrites, &c. p. 64.
5. That when we had liberty we cast out Catechising, the Creed, the Lords-Prayer, Decalogue, and Church-Government, &c. p. 69.
6. That we lived in sequestrations on other mens bread. Mr. Durel's accusations of my self herein, answered. p. 77.
7. That we silenced and ejected others when we had power. p. 83.
8. The better must suffer with the worse, if they will joyn with them. p. 85.
9. That our Preaching will increase mens dislike of Government. p. 86.
10. That our pretended Piety is Pharisaical hypocrisie, pride, zealous Villanies. The Pharisees described. p. 91.
11. Of gathering Assemblies, and separating from the Church. p. 97.
12. For coming into Cities and Corporations, within five Miles▪ p. 102.
13. The Church giveth you power, and may take it from you, as the old Conformists (in Mr. Rathbands book &c.) confess. p. 104.
14. You are against Bishops, because you cannot be Bishops. Why did you demur so long before you refused Preferments? p. 106.
15. Must the Laws be changed as oft as tender heads will scruple? p. 108.
16. Obedience beseemeth tender Consciences: Disobedience is as the sin of Witchcraft. p. 110.
17. The only reason why some forsook the Ministry is, that they durst not abjure the Covenant. Why do they not do the rest? p. 111.
18. Why not all tolerated as well as you, and so let in Popery? p. 113.
19. Preaching was necessary before the World became Christian, &c. p. 114.
20. Why do you not go preach among the Indians? p. 115.
21. The folly and villany of your Religion is so opened by the Debater and the Ecclesiastical Politician, that you should be ashamed to ask leave to preach. ibid.
22. You overthrow all Principles of Government (p. 120.) This is answered since in a full Volume, called, The 2d Plea for Peace.
23. They object our Doctrine as Calvinism and Puritanism, &c. The intended Scheme of my Reconciling doctrine (since published). p. 121.
24. You would make our Reconciliation with the Church of Rome impossible, which is more desirable than with you. p. 128.
25. Abating would countenance your scruples by authority, and make you thought to be true Reformers. p. 134.
26. It is rebellion that is in your hearts, as your not renouncing the Covenant, and resistance sheweth. (The foresaid 2d Plea for Peace fully answereth this accusation). p. 137.
27. We remember your practices heretofore, &c. p. 140.
28. Dr. Goods Charge of the Kings death, answered in a Letter to him. p. 142.
29. The inhumane Calumnies of a book, called, The Modern Pleas for Comprehension, Toleration, &c. considered. p. 147.
30. The errors and faults of Sectaries imputed to us. p. 155.
31. Dr. Ashtons and the Debate-makers Accusation of us, of covetousness, and pride, and delaying to refuse preferment. p. 157.
32. The Calumnies of a book, called, A free and impartial enquiry into the Causes of the very great esteem and honour that the Nonconformists are in, &c. p. 165.
A notable passage of Clemangis, and another of Bernard. p. 173.
The true Case of the Nonconformists sufferings which they are said to under go by Covetousness for gain. p. 175.
33. Mr. Hollingworths Story of a Nonconformists cruelty. p. 182.
34. Henry Fowlis heaviest accusation examined. p. 182.
Twenty Reasons why the Bishops and conformable Clergy should desire and endeavour the Nonconformists Ministry; Plainly and seriously urged to their consciences. p. 186.
A Postscript, Answering Mr. H. Dodwell's Reasons against our Preaching and publick worship, when forbidden by the Bishops. What he cannot deny us; what we grant him; what we cannot grant, with the reasons of our dissent. p. 237.
An Account of the Interests of all the several Parties among us: Interest ruleth the World. p. 250.
Reader, I have not time to gather the Errata of the Press.
End of the text · Richard Baxter, An Apology for the Nonconformists Ministry (1681)