A33359:294
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.
And in this compass Bishops may contrive 50 Dioceses of very competent extent, and not inferior to many of ours.
And in this compass Bishops may contrive 50 Dioceses of very competent extent, and not inferiour to many of ours.
Let him try how in Basil's Province of about 40 miles in length, he can contrive room for above 50 Bishops, with as large Dioceses as those he pleads for. That which is now thought little enough for one Bishop Basil conceived too big for Fifty.
What Dioceses Basil (and others before him) thought sufficient for Bishops both then, and in former times, appears by a passage which our Author next cites, where Amphilochius Bishop of Iconium, is directed to constitute Bishops for the Province of Iconium, in little Corporation, and Villages. aHundreds of instances might be brought of Bishops elsewhere, in such little places and Villages, but I will go no further now, than the instance himself offers us, whereby it is manifest that a little Corporation, or a Village might furnish a Bishop with such a Diocese, as was then thought competent, both by Basil, and the Church before him. For in such little places there was Bishops before, as Basil there signifies, and he gives direction that it should be so still. Yet he, that would advise the reducing of Bishops to such Sees now, would be counted an enemy to Episcopacy; and his advice destructive to Bishops. So much do we now differ, both from the judgment and practice of the ancient Church, and the most eminent Bishops in it.
What Dioceses Basil (and others before him) thought sufficient for Bishops both then, and in formertimes, appears by a passage which our Author next cites, where Amphilochius Bishop of Iconium, is directed to constitute Bishops for the Province of Iconium, in little Corporation, and Villages.