Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 49. Object. 3. But this will prepare for the restoration of the old Episcopacy. By such degrees it invaded the Church at first: and if we let in the preparatory degree, the rest in time is like to follow; all that we can do is little enough to keep it out.

§. 49. Object. 3. But this will prepare for the restauration of the old Episcopacy. By such degrees it invaded the Church at first: and if we let in the preparatory degree, the rest in time is like to follow; all that we can do is little enough to keep it out.

§. 50. Answ. 1. If we had no other work to do, we would do this as violently as you desire: but we have the contrary extreme to take heed of and avoid; and the Churches Peace, if it ⟨p. 332⟩may be, to procure. 2. As we must not take down the Ministry, lest it prepare men for Episcopacy, so neither must we be against any profitable exercise of the Ministry, or desirable Order among them, for fear of introducing Prelacy. 3. Nor is there any such danger of it, as is pretended: as long as the Magistrate puts not the sword into their hands, and no man can be subjected to them, but by his own Consent, what need we fear their encroachments on our liberties. 4. It is not in your power to hinder the Species of Episcopacy that is pleaded for, from being introduced: but only to with-hold your own consent, and hinder peace and unity. For any Minister that will, can esteem another his superior, and be ruled by him, and do nothing without his consent: These are the actions of his own free-will. 5. As long as you are free from violence, if you find an evil or danger, you may draw back.

§. 50. Answ. 1. If we had no other work to do, we would do this as violently as you desire: but we have the contrary extream to take heed of and avoid; and the Churches Peace, if it ⟨p. 332⟩may be, to procure. 2. As we must not take down the Ministry, lest it prepare men for Episcopacy, so neither must we be against any profitable exercise of the Ministry, or desirable Order among them, for fear of introducing Prelacy. 3. Nor is there any such danger of it, as is pretended: as long as the Magistrate puts not the sword into their hands, and no man can be subjected to them, but by his own Consent, what need we fear their encroachments on our liberties. 4. It is not in your power to hinder the Species of Episcopacy that is pleaded for, from being introduced: but only to with-hold your own consent, and hinder peace and unity. For any Minister that will, can esteem another his superiour, and be ruled by him, and do nothing without his consent: These are the actions of his own free-will. 5. As long as you are free from violence, if you find an evil or danger, you may draw back.