A reply to Dr. Mortons general Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the…A reply to Dr. Mortons generall Defence of three nocent [sic] ceremonies viz. the…

3 What sense can this have, The Bishop depriveth Titius respectively, that he may constitute Sempronius? Doth he know before-hand whom he shall constitute? then there is gross legerdemain, betwixt ⟨p. 85⟩him and that Sem•ronius. For with what conscience can one seek and the other assign the place of him that is in possession? This is but some time in those benefices which are fatter, and whose patrons are more foolish. Ordinarily, the vilest minister that is to be found, may succeed in the place of him that is deprived, for ought the Bishop knoweth, or for ought he can do, except he will endure a quare impedit, which in case of moral unworthiness, hath scarce been ever heard of.

3 What sence can this haue, The Bishop depriveth Titius respectiuely, that he may constitute Sempronius? Doth hee know before-hand vvhom he shall constitute? then there is grosse legerdemaine, betwixt ⟨p. 85⟩him and that Sem•ronius. For with what conscience can one seeke and the other assigne the place of him that is in possession? This is but some time in those benefices vvhich are fatter, and whose patrons are more foolish. Ordinarily, the vilest minister that is to be found, may succeed in the place of him that is deprived, for ought the Bishop knoweth, or for ought he can doe, except he will endure a quare impedit, which in case of morall unworthinesse, hath scarce been ever heard of.

4 The charge which he saith our Bishops have of appointing Ministers, I wonder from whence they have it, or by what conveyance. They say that they themselves are the proper pastors of all the parishes in their Diocese. It is well, if they have an ubiquitary faculty, and vvill, to perform the office of pastors to so great a people: but who made them such? Christ and his Apostles never knew of ordinary pastors, having charge of so many Churches. But suppose they did, by whom doth Christ call one of our Bishops? by the Kings congedelier, the Chapters nominal election, or by the Arch-bishops consecration? There is none of these that can bear the trial of scripture, nor of the Primitive Churches example?