Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 13. 6. That way is lawful that conduceth to the Reconciliation of dissenting and contending Brethren (supposing it not forbidden by God.) But such is the way of a stated Presidency, durante vitâ: therefore, &c. Though the Major be past doubt, yet to make it more clear, consider, that it is 1. A Learned party (as to many of them) with whom this Reconciliation is desired: and therefore the more desirable. 2. That it is a numerous party: even the most of the Catholic Church by far. All the Greek Church, the Armenian, Syrian, Abassine, and all others that I hear of, except the Reformed, are for Prelacy: and among the Reformed, England and Ireland had a Prelacy; and Denmark, Sweden, part of Germany, Transylvania, have a superintendency as high as I am pleading for at least. And certainly a Reconciliation, and as near a Union as well may be had, with so great a part of the Church of Christ, is a thing not to be despised; nor will not be by considerate moderate men.

§. 13. 6. That way is lawful that conduceth to the Reconciliation of dissenting and contending Brethren (supposing it not forbidden by God.) But such is the way of a stated Presidency, durante vitâ: therefore, &c. Though the Major be past doubt, yet to make it more clear, consider, that it is 1. A Learned party (as to many of them) with whom this Reconciliation is desired: and therefore the more desirable. 2. That it is a numerous party: even the most of the Catholike Church by far. All the Greek Church, the Armenian, Syrian, Abassine, and all others that I hear of, except the Reformed, are for Prelacy: and among the Reformed, England and Ireland had a Prelacy; and Denmark, Sweden, part of Germany, Transilvania, have a superintendency as high as I am pleading for at least. And certainly a Reconciliation, and as near a Union as well may be had, with so great a part of the Church of Christ, is a thing not to be despised; nor will not be by considerate moderate men.

§. 14. And it is very considerable with me, that it is the future and not only the present Peace of the Churches that we shall thus procure. For it is easy to see that Episcopacy is neither such an upstart thing, nor defended by such contemptible reasons, as that the Controversy is like to die with this age: undoubtedly there will be a Learned and Godly party for it, while the world endureth; unless God make by Illumination or Revelation some wonderful change on the Sons of men, that I think, few men do expect. And certainly we should do the best we can to prevent a perpetual dissension in the Church. Were there not one Prelatical man now alive, it were easy to foresee there would soon be more.