A33359:27
Diocesan churches not yet discovered in the primitive times
Diocesan churches not yet discovered in the primitive times, or, A defence of the answer to Dr. Stillingfleets allegations out of antiquity for such churches against the exceptions offered in the preface to a late treatise called A vindication of the primitive church, where what is further produced out of Scripture and ancient authors for diocesan churches is also discussed.Diocesan churches not yet discovered in the primitive times, or, A defence of the answer to Dr. Stillingfleets allegations out of antiquity for such churches against the exceptions offered in the preface to a late treatise called A vindication of the primitive church, where what is further produced out of Scripture and antient authors for diocesan churches is also discussed.
London: printed for Thomas Parkhurst, 1682
Diocesan Churches not yet discovered in the Primitive times.
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.
This of Bishop Downham hath certain ground in the best antiquity, if the New Testament be such; where it is plain there were many Presbyters in diverse Churches, such as are not yet, nor ever will be proved to be Diocesan.
To that of Nazianzen; he says, it hath received its answer, and adds, he that cannot answer it to himself, from the great difference between the condition of the Church in Cyprian, and in Nazianzen's time, hath a fondness for the Argument.
To that of Nazianzen; he sayes, it hath received its answer, and adds, he that cannot answer it to himself, from the great difference between the condition of the Church in Cyprian, and in Nazianzen's time, hath a fondness for the Argument.
This is the answer it received, Pag. 51. and this difference was thus expressed a little before; But that any Church sixth and settled, having its Bishop always present, should multiply Presbyters beyond necessity, in the circumstances of the Primitive Christians before Constantine, is altogether incredible; for the necessary expenses of the Church were very great, the poor numerous, the generality of Christians not of the Richest, and the Estates they had being at the discretion of their enemies, and ruined with perpetual persecution, &c. He says, multiplying Presbyters beyond necessity, and without necessity; while he alters my words so as to change the sense, he disputes against himself, not me; But this looking more like an Argument than any thing before, I shall take a little more notice of it. 1. Is not all this applicable to the Churches in the Apostle's times, ⟨p. 4⟩when it cannot be denied Presbyters were multiplied beyond what we count necessary? The poor numerous, the generality of Christians not of the Richest, and the Estates they had being at the discretion of their enemies, and ruined with perpetual persecution.