Catholic communion defended against both extremes, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…Catholick communion defended against both extreams, and unnecessary division confuted in five parts ...…

XVI. If the Apostles have Successors in their care and Superiority over many Churches, it will prove that there should yet be men of eminent worth to take care of many Churches, and to instruct and admonish the younger Ministers: But it will neither prove 1. That they succeed the Apostles in the extraordinary parts of their Office. 2. Nor that they have any forcing power by the Sword. 3. Nor that one Church hath power over others by Divine right; for the Apostles fixed not their power to any particular Churches, but were general Visitors or Overseers of many: Yet if the same Man who is fixed in a particular Church, have also the visiting admonishing oversight of many as far as was an Ordinary part of the Apostles Office, and be called an Archbishop, I know no Reason to be against him.

XVI. If the Apostles have Successours in their care and Superiority over many Churches, it will prove that there should yet be men of eminent worth to take care of many Churches, and to instruct and admonish the younger Ministers: But it will neither prove 1. That they succeed the Apostles in the extraordinary parts of their Office. 2. Nor that they have any forcing power by the Sword. 3. Nor that one Church hath power over others by Divine right; for the Apostles fixed not their power to any particular Churches, but were general Visitors or Overseers of many: Yet if the same Man who is fixed in a particular Church, have also the visiting admonishing oversight of many as far as was an Ordinary part of the Apostles Office, and be called an Archbishop, I know no Reason to be against him.

XVII. There be essential and Integral Acts of the Sacred Ministry instituted by Christ: These none may take the Power of from any Ministers, nor alter the species or integrity of the Office, by setting up any such Superiors as shall deprive them of that which Christ hath instituted, or arrogating the like uncalled. But as in worship, so in Order and Church Government, there are undetermined accidents: As to choose the time and place of Synods, to preside and moderate and such like: And these the Churches by agreement, or the Magistrate may assign to some above the rest: And if the Magistrate affix Baronies, Honours, Revenues, or his own due Civil forcing Power, and make the same Men Magistrates and Ministers, whether we think it prudent and well done or not, we must honour and obey them.