A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

As for the Gospel, the Lord who had been visible Governor and Pastor of his flock on earth, when he was now to depart hence, as all the Apostles expected one to ⟨p. 392⟩be chosen to succeed him in his care, so did he notwithstanding his own invisible presence and providence over his flock, publicly appoint one. And when he taught them, that he who was greatest among them should be as the least, he did not deny but suppose one greater; and taught in one and the same breath, both that he was over them, and for what he was over them, namely to feed, not to tyrannize; not to domineer and hurt, but to direct, comfort, and conduct his flock in all humility and tenderness, as a servant of all their spiritual necessities; and if a Bishop be otherwise affected, it is the fault of his Person not his place.

As for the Gospel, the Lord who had been visible Governour and Pastor of his flock on earth, when he was now to depart hence, as all the Apostles expected one to ⟨p. 392⟩be chosen to succeed him in his care, so did he notwithstanding his own invisible presence and providence over his flock, publickly appoint one. And when he taught them, that he who was greatest among them should be as the least, he did not deny but suppose one greater; and taught in one and the same breath, both that he was over them, and for what he was over them, namely to feed, not to tyrannize; not to domineer and hurt, but to direct, comfort, and conduct his flock in all humility and tenderness, as a servant of all their spiritual necessities; and if a Bish•p be otherwise affected, it is the fault of his Person not his place.

And what is it that you would prove hereby? is it that Bishops are above Ministers, which in the words immediately foregoing you asserted, and in those next ensuing confirm from the Law of the Land? is there any tendency in your Discourse towards any such purpose? Nay do not your self know that what you seek to insinuate, namely the institution of one supreme Pastor of the whole Catholic Church, one of the Apostles to be above and ruler over all the rest of the Apostles, and the whole Church besides, is perfectly destructive of the Hierarchy of Bishops in England as established by Law; and also at once casting down the main if not only foundation that they plead for their station and order from the Gospel. For all Prelate Protestants as you call them, assert an equality in all the Apostles, and a superiority in them, to the 70. Disciples, whence by a parity of reason, they conclude unto he superiority of Bishops over Ministers to be continued in the Church. And are you not a fair Advocate for your Cause, and well meet for the reproving of others for not consenting unto them? But waving that which you little cre for, and are not at all concerned