A69533:80
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.
The CONTENTS.
DISPUTATION 1. Whether it be Necessary or Profitable to the right Order or the Peace of the Churches of England, that we restore the extruded Episcopacy? Neg. Peace with Episcopal Divines to be sought, pag. 2, 3. The Nature of Church-Government opened, pag. 5. to 14. Twelve sorts of Bishops to be distinguished, pag. 14, 15. Which of these may be admitted for Peace, pag. 16. Unfixed General Ministers to do the Ordinary part of the Apostles work, are to be continued: proved, pag. 21, 22. What Power Apostles had over other Ministers, p. 23, to 30. The Authors Concessions for Episcopacy, pag. 30, 31. Arguments against the English Prelacy. 1. It destroyeth Government and its end, pag. 32. 2. It gratifieth Satan and wicked men, pag. 36. 3. It unavoidably causeth divisions, pag. 37. 4. It suspendeth or degradeth all the Presbyters, pag. 38. 5. It maketh Lay men Church-governors. 6. And oppresseth the Bishops with guilt, pag. 44. ⟨image 26⟩7. It is the product of pride, pag. 45. 8. It gratifieth lazy Ministers, pag. 46. 9. It is not of Gods Institution, pag. 48. 10. […] is contrary to Gods word, pag 51. 11. It is unsafe, as never used in Scripture times. How fully the supposition is granted us, pag. 58, 59. Many Reasons proving that the Apostles (who de facto are confessed by Dr. H. to have settled no subject Presbyters in Scripture times, but one Bishop over one stated Congregation) intended not the changing of this Order afterwards, pag 63. to 74, &c. More Arguments that Diocesan Bishops are no Scripture-Bishops, pag 75. They are contrary to the Jewish and Apostolical Government, pag. 76, 77. Proved by two Arguments more, pag. 83, 84. The Confession of Episcopal writers, pag. 85, 86. Against Diocesan Bishops (of many Churches) the Testimony of Clemens Romanus, p. 87. (with Grotius's exposition, pag 88. Of Polycarp's and Ignatius (who is full against them) pag. 88. Of Justin Martyr, and Gregory Neocaesa•iensis, pag. 92, 93. Tertullian, pag. 93, 94. Of Clemens Alexandr. and from the late division of Parishes, pag. 96. Ninius testimony cited by Mr. Thorndike of 365. Bishoprics planted by Patrick in Ireland, pag. 96, 97. More cited by Usher, pag. 97. The Testimonies of Councils, pag. 98. to 103. Many weighty Consequents of the proved point, pag. 103.