The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Before we return, let us look but a little further, and we shall have a little more light given us, into what was the condition and power of the people in the Church in the days of Clemens, speaking of them who occasioned the division, and schism in the Church of Corinth, or them about whose exaltation into office, or dejection from it that sad difference fell out, he gives them this advice. [Greek or Hebrew]. It seems the [Greek or Hebrew], the multitude, or the people were not such poor inconsiderable things as they are reported to be, when he advises them to stop and stay the sedition, by yielding obedience to the things by them appointed and commanded. If it were in it self evil, disorderly, and not according to the mind of Christ, that the people should order and appoint things in the Church, it had been simply evil for Clemens, to have advised any to yield obedience unto things by them so appointed. Where is now Ignatius his [Greek or Hebrew] & [Greek or Hebrew]. &c. Even those who are contending about Rule and Government in the Church, are advised to stand to the determination of the people, and to cry, [Greek or Hebrew]. This is also insisted on by Blondellus, who thence argues potestatem plebis Circa Sacra. Disser. 5. Cap. 8. Sect. 4. Ad verba haec (saith our Doctor) prodigii instar est quod notandum duxit Dav: Blondellus [potestatem Plebis Circa Sacra] (de quâ tandem integram dissertationem elucubravit) artificiis quibuscunque asserturus. Hic (inquit) nos monet Clemens fideles etiam de Episcopatu aut Presbyterio contendentes, non ab Episcopi singulari [Greek or Hebrew] nutu, sed à multitudinis praeceptis pependisse. But let not our Doctor be angry, nor cry out so fast of Prodigies: a little time will manifest, that many things may not be prodigious, which yet are contrary to sundry of his conceptions, and Apprehensions. I cannot but acknowledge him to be provoked; but with all must say, that I have found very commonly, that reasons ushered in by such loud Clamours, have in examination proved to have stood in need of some such noises, as might fright men from the consideration of them. What is in the next Sections set up to shield the Children of Episcopacy from being affrighted with this prodigy, may perhaps be of more efficacy thereunto, then the exclamations before mentioned: He therefore proceeds. Sect: 5.

Before we returne, let us look but a little further, and we shall have a little more light given us, into what was the conditon and power of the people in the Church in the daies of Clemens, speaking of them who occasioned the division, and schisme in the Church of Corinth, or them about whose exaltation into office, or dejection from it that sad difference fell out, he gives them this advice. . It seemes the , the multitude, or the people were not such poore inconsiderable things as they are reported to be, when he advises them to stop and stay the sedition, by yeelding obedience to the things by them appointed and commanded. If it were in it selfe evill, disorderly, and not according to the mind of Christ, that the people should order and appoint things in the Church, it had been simply evill for Clemens, to have advised any to yeeld obedience unto things by them so appointed. Where is now Ignatius his & . &c. Even those who are contending about Rule and Goverment in the Church, are advised to stand to the determination of the people, and to cry, . This is also insisted on by Blondellus, who thence argues potestatem plebis Circa Sacra. Disser. 5. Cap. 8. Sect. 4. Ad verba haec (saith our Doctor) prodigii instar est quod notandum duxit Dav: Blondellus [potestatem Plebis Circa Sacra] (de quâ tandem integram dissertationem elucubravit) artificiis quibuscunque asserturus. Hic (inquit) nos monet Clemens fideles etiam de Episcopatu aut Presbyterio contendentes, non ab Episcopi singulari nutu, sed à multitudinis praeceptis pependisse. But let not our Doctour be angry, nor cry out so fast of Prodigies: a little time will manifest, that many things may not be prodigious, which yet are contrary to sundry of his conceptions, and Apprehensions. I cannot but acknowledge him to be provoked; but with all must say, that I have found very commonly, that reasons ushered in by such loud Clamours, have in examination proved to have stood in need of some such noyses, as might fright men from the consideration of them. What is in the next Sections set up to sheild the Children of Episcopacy from being afrighted with this prodigy, may perhaps be of more efficacy thereunto, then the exclamations before mentioned: He therefore proceedes. Sect: 5.