Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 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.

§. 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 easie to see that Episcopacy is neither such an upstart thing, nor defended by such contemptible reasons, as that the Controversie 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 dissention in the Church. Were there not one Prelatical man now alive, it were easie to foresee there would soon be more.

§. 15. Ye• do I not move, that any thing forbidden by God should be used, as a means for Peace or Reconciliation with men. It is not to set up any Tyranny in the Church, nor to introduce any new Office that Christ hath not planted: it is but the orderly disposal of the Officers and affairs of Christ, which is pleaded for.