A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

Why did not Peter fix a Seat and leave a Successor at Antioch, and in other places, where he abode, and preached, and exercised Episcopal Power without all question? Was it because he dyed at Rome? This is to acknowledge that the whole Papacy is built, as was said, upon an accidental matter of fact; and that supposed not proved. Further, if he must be supposed to succeed Peter, I desire to know what that succession is, and wherein he doth succeed him: Doth he succeed him ⟨p. 182⟩in all that he had and was, in reference unto the Church of God? Doth he succeed him in the manner of his Call to his Office? Peter was called immediately by Christ in his own Person: the Pope is chosen by the Conclave of Cardinals, concerning whom, their Office, Privileges, Power, Right to choose the Successor of Peter, there is not one iota in the Scripture, or any Monuments of the best Antiquity: and how in their Election of Popes they have been influenced by the interest of powerful Strumpets, your own Baronius will inform you. Doth he succeed him in the way and manner of his Personal Discharge of his Office and employment? Not in the least; Peter in the pursuit of his Commission and in obedience unto the command of his Lord and Master, travailed up and down the world, preaching the Gospel, planting and watering the Churches of Christ, in patience, self-denial, humility, zeal, temperance, meekness. The Pope reigns at Rome in case, exalting himself above the Kings of the earth, without taking the least pains in his own Person for the conversion of Sinners, or edification of the Disciples of Christ, Doth he succeed him in his Personal Qualifications which were of such extraordinary advantage unto the Church of God in his days; his Faith, Love, Holiness, Light and Knowledge; you will not say so. Many of your Popes by your own confession, have been ignorant and stupid; many of them flagitiously wicked, to say no more. Doth he succeed him in the way and manner of his exercising his Care and Authority towards the Churches of Christ? as little as the rest: Peter did it by his prayers for the Churches, personal visitation, and instruction of them, writing by inspiration for their direction and guidance according to the will of God:

Why did not Peter fix a Seat and leave a Successor at Antio•h, and in other places, where he abode, and preached, and exetcised Episcopal Power without all question? Was it because he dyed at Rome? This is to acknowledg that the whole Papacy is built, as was said, upon an accidentall matter of fact; and that supposed not proved. Further, if he must be supposed to succeed Peter, I desire to know what that succession is, and wherein he doth succeed him: Doth he succeed him