A69533:1040
Five disputations of church-government and worship
Five disputations of church-government and worship by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1659
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§. 24. But 4. If Peace cannot otherwise be obtained, the matter may be thus accommodated, without violation of the Principles or Consciences of the Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Congregational party. 1. Let it be agreed or consented to, that no man be put to profess, that it is his judgement, that Bishops should have as jure divino a Negative voice in Ordination. This was never an Article of Faith: it is not necessary to be put among our Credenda. It is only the Practice that is pretended to be necessary, and a submission to it. Seeing therefore it is not to be numbered with the Credenda, but the agenda, let Action without professed Belief suffice. 2. Yea on the same reasons, if any man be of a Contrary judgement, and think himself bound to declare it modestly, moderately, and peaceably, let him have liberty to declare it, so his practice be peaceable. 3. This being premised, Let the President never Ordain, except in case of necessity, but with the presence or consent of the Assembly of the Associated Pastors. 4. And let the Pastors never Ordain any, except in cases of Necessity, but when the President is there present, nor without his Consent. And in Cases of Necessity (as if he would deprive the Churches of good Ministers, or the like) the Episcopal men will yield it may be done.
§. 24. But 4. If Peace cannot otherwise be obtained, the matter may be thus accommodated, without violation of the Principles or Consciences of the Episcopal, Presbyterian, or Congregational party. 1. Let it be agreed or consented to, that no man be put to profess, that it is his judgement, that Bishops should have as jure divino a Negative voice in Ordination. This was never an Article of Faith: it is not necessary to be put among our Credenda. It is only the Practice that is pretended to be necessary, and a submission to it. Seeing therefore it is not to be numbred with the Credenda, but the agenda, let Action without professed Belief suffice. 2. Yea on the same reasons, if any man be of a Contrary judgement, and think himself bound to declare it modestly, moderately, and peaceably, let him have liberty to declare it, so his practice be peaceable. 3. This being premised, Let the President never Ordain, except in case of necessity, but with the presence or consent of the Assembly of the Associated Pastors. 4. And let the Pastors never Ordain any, except in cases of Necessity, but when the President is there present, nor without his Consent. And in Cases of Necessity (as if he would deprive the Churches of good Ministers, or the like) the Episcopal men will yield it may be done.