The nonconformists plea for peace, or, An account of their judgment in certain things…

Obj. But it is supposed that Patriarchs are wiser and better men than Metropolitans, and those than Bishops, and those than Priests: And that a mere Priest is not to be trusted with the power of the Keys.

Obj. But it is supposed that Patriarchs are wiser and better men than Metropolitans, and those than Bishops, and those than Priests: And that a meer Priest is not to be trusted with the power of the Keys.

Ans. 1. The power of the Keys of his particular Church is essential to his Office; 2. They that will make Priests of raw lads and naughty fellows, and then plead that such must not be trusted with the Office which they themselves ordained them to, do condemn themselves by such allegations, 3. The old Church Government was, for every particular Church, no more numerous than our Parishes, to have a Bishop and Presbyters: And these were thought sufficient to judge who was fit for their own Communion, 4. Hierom was but a Priest, &c. And Macedonius, Nestorius, Dioseorus, Timothy ⟨p. 292⟩Elurus, Peter Moggus, Gregory Alex. Lucius Al. Joh. Al. Theodosius Al. Eulalius Antioch. Euphronius Ant. Placitus Ant. Stephanus Ant. Leontius Ant. Eudoxius Ant. Euzoius Ant. all Heretics were all Patriarchs; and to reckon the enormities of the Roman High Priests, is a needless work. Is it to be supposed then, that these were better than Priests? Doth Christ say that it is as hard for a rich man to enter into Heaven as for a Camel to go through a needles eye, and shall we that are Christians say, that it is to be supposed that the rich clergy are better men than the poor▪ When Greg. Nazianz. Saith that such great places use to make Bishops worse than they were before, All history tells us what striving there was for such places? When Eusebius refused Antioch, two Priests were presently at Constantine's elbow to beg that place, and he was fain to mention them (though they were not chosen.) What a stir did Maximus make at Constantinople, Egypt, and with the Emperor to have got Gregory's place at Constantinople? And so with others. And is it not a fleshly, proud and worldly mind (which is the work of the Devil) which is the importunate seeker? And must we needs appeal to such? 3. But to come nearer, what need is there of any such appeal or such a Government, if, 1. A Bishop with-his Presbyters be over every particular Church (associated for personal Communion in holy doctrine, worship and Conversation?) 2. And if these Churches associate for mere concord and mutual help (and not for Governing Bishops?) 3. And if the Magistrate govern them all as he doth Philosophers, Physicians, &c. For 1. If a Bishop of a particular Church deny one the Sacrament or excommunicate