A27050:1157
A treatise of episcopacy confuting by Scripture, reason, and the churches testimony that sort…
A treatise of episcopacy confuting by Scripture, reason, and the churches testimony that sort of diocesan churches, prelacy and government, which casteth out the primitive church-species, episcopacy, ministry and discipline and confoundeth the Christian world by corruption, usurpation, schism and persecution : meditated in the year 1640, when the et cætera oath was imposed : written 1671 and cast by : published 1680 by the importunity of our superiors, who demand the reasons of our nonconformity / by Richard Baxter.A treatise of episcopacy confuting by Scripture, reason, and the churches testimony that sort of diocesan churches, prelacy and government, which casteth out the primitive church-species, episcopacy, ministry and discipline and confoundeth the Christian world by corruption, usurpation, schism and persecution : meditated in the year 1640, when the et cætera oath was imposed : written 1671 and cast by : published 1680 by the importunity of our superiours, who demand the reasons of our nonconformity / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for Nevil Simmons, 1681
Part 2 › More Testimonies of Councils added to the former Chap. 5.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
11. Many Cities tolerated Novatian Bishops and Churches among them, and oft many other Dissenters. Which showeth that but part of the City were one Church.
11. Many Cities tolerated Novatian Bishops and Churches among them, and oft many other Dissenters. Which sheweth that but part of the City were one Church.
12. The Council at Carthage (called the last by Binius) decreed that [Reconciliation of Penitents (as well as Chrism and consecrating Virgins) is to be done only by the Bishops, except in great necessity: (For how many Parishes can a Bishop do all this and all the rest of his Office?) And when Christians were multiplied they that desired a Bishop where was none before, might have one. But else aliud Altar is again forbidden to be set up.
12. The Council at Carthage (called the last by Binius) decreed that [Reconciliation of Penitents (as well as Chrisme and consecrating Virgins) is to be done only by the Bishops, except in great necessity: (For how many Parishes can a Bishop do all this and all the rest of his Office?) And when Christians were multiplied they that desired a Bishop where was none before, might have one. But else aliud Altare is again forbidden to be set up.
13. Another Carthage Council decreeth, Can. 15. That the Bishop have but vile or cheap Household-stuff and a poor Table and Diet, and seek Authority or Dignity by his Faith and desert of Life. Can. 19. That he contend not for transitory things though provoked. Can. 23. That he hear no Cause but in the presence of his Presbyters: else it shall be void that is sentenced without them, unless confirmed by their presence. (Note, this being a constant work required a constant presence: and it is not a selected Chapter of Presbyters that is named: And must those of many hundred Parishes dwell in the City, or travel thither for daily Causes of Offenders? &c.) Can. 28, & 30. Bishops unjust Sentence void: and Judgment against the absent.