Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 17. 7. That which is lawfully practised already by a Concurrence of judgements, may lawfully be agreed on: But the Presidency (or more) of one man in the Assemblies of Ministers, is in most places practised (and that lawfully) already: therefore, &c. There is few Associations, but some one man is so far esteemed of by all, that they give him an actual or virtual Presidency, or more: why then may they not agree expressly so to do?

§. 17. 7. That which is lawfully practised already by a Concurrence of judgements, may lawfully be agreed on: But the Presidency (or more) of one man in the Assemblies of Ministers, is in most places practised (and that lawfully) already: therefore, &c. There is few Associations, but some one man is so far esteemed of by all, that they give him an actual or virtual Presidency, or more: why then may they not agree expresly so to do?

§. 18. 8. Lastly, The so common and so ancient practice of the Churches, should move us to an inclination to reverence and imitation, as far as God doth not forbid us, and we have no sufficient reason to deter us: of which more anon.

§. 18. 8. Lastly, The so common and so antient practice of the Churches, should move us to an inclination to reverence and imitation, as far as God doth not forbid us, and we have no sufficient reason to deter us: of which more anon.

§. 19. Yet are not they to be justified that raise contentions for such a Presidency, and lay the Churches Peace upon it. I see not yet but that it is a thing in it self indifferent, whether a man be President a month, a year, or for his life: and therefore I plead only for condescending in a case indifferent, for the Churches peace: though accidentally order may make it more desirable in one place: and jealousies, and prejudice, or danger of usurpation, may make it less desirable in another place. But none should judge it necessary or sinful of it self.