Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called…

XI. Though I know not that ever I broke the Oath of Canonical Obedience▪ or ever disobeyed my Ordinary, yet I changed my Judgment, of the Canons, of which I cannot repent: While I lived a year as a Schoolmaster my Ordinary commanded me nothing which I disobeyed: When I removed to a Privileged place (Bridgnorth) I was only a Lecturer, and my Ordinary commanded me nothing which I did not: I did read most of the Liturgy, and kneel at the Sacrament: And my Ordinary himself Baptized without Crossing, and never commanded me to use it, or the Surplice. When I came to Kidderminster Bishop Thornbury died, and Bishop Prideaux never gave me any Command or Prohibition, I being a mere Lecturer that never had Presentation, and the Vicar using the Liturgy and Ceremonies. But yet I repent ••at I did think worse of that sort of Diocesan Government, which puts not down the Parochial Pastors and Churches than I now do, and these Forty years have done: For I think that a General Episcopacy over many Churches and Bishops, is Jure Divino an Order succeeding Apostles and Evangelists in that part of their Office which as Ordinary must continue.

XI. Though I know not that ever I broke the Oath of Canonical Obedience▪ or ever disobeyed my Ordinary, yet I changed my Judgment, of the Canons, of which I cannot repent: While I lived a year as a Schoolmaster my Ordinary commanded me nothing which I disobeyed: When I removed to a Priviledged place (Bridgnorth) I was only a Lecturer, and my Ordinary commanded me nothing which I did not: I did read most of the Liturgy, and kneel at the Sacrament: And my Ordinary himself Baptized without Crossing, and never commanded me to use it, or the Surplice. VVhen I came to Kidderminster Bishop Thornbury died, and Bishop Prideaux never gave me any Command or Prohibition, I being a meer Lecturer that never had Presentation, and the Vicar using the Liturgy and Ceremonies. But yet I repent ••at I did think worse of that sort of Diocesane Government, which puts not down the Parochial Pastors and Churches than I now do, and these Forty years have done: For I think that a General Episcopacy over many Churches and Bishops, is Jure Divino an Order succeeding Apostles and Evangelists in that part of their Office which as Ordinary must continue.