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Discussion of George Gillespie's Wholesome Severity Reconciled with Christian Liberty

Subject: GWS-6 From: Richard Bacon Date: Tue, 29 Apr 1997 06:05:43 -0500 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Discussion: GWS. Post 6. George Gillespie's Wholesome Severity Reconciled with Christian Liberty The true resolution of a present controversy concerning liberty of conscience. All text for this discussion taken from the edition of this work, Copyright (c) Naphtali Press 1996. Full text available at: http://www.naphtali.com/naphtali +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [Part I concluded] And lest it be thought that this is but the opinion of some few, that the magistrate ought thus by a strong hand, and by civil punishments suppress heretics and sectaries: let it be observed what is held forth and professed concerning this business, by the Reformed Churches in their public confessions of faith. In the latter Confession of Helvetia (cap. 30), it is said that the magistrate ought to "root out lies and all superstition, with all impiety and idolatry." And after, "Let him suppress stubborn heretics." In the French Confession (art. 39), "Therefore he hath also delivered the sword into the hands of Magistrates, to wit, that offenses may be repressed, not only those which are committed against the second table, but also against the first." In the Belgic Confession (art. 36), "Therefore hath he armed the Magistrate with the sword for punishing them that do evil, and for defending such as do well. Moreover it is their duty not only to be careful and watchful for the preservation of the civil government, but also to defend the holy ministry, and to abolish and overthrow all idolatry, and counterfeit worship of God." Beza (De Hareticis), tells us in the beginning, that the ministers of Helvetia had declared themselves to be of the same judgment, in a book published of that argument. And toward the end he cites the Saxon Confession, Luther, Melancthon, Brentius, Bucerus, Wolfgangus Capito, and Bullinger. The Synod of Dordt (ses. 138), in their sentence against the Remonstrants does not only interdict them of all their ecclesiastical and academical functions, but [does] also beseech the States General by their secular power to suppress and restrain them. Dick Bacon I may not be your moderator after all, but I know I'm not your mother. (it has come to my attention that a "moderator" approves every post before it goes out)