A85313:13
Presbyterial ordination vindicated. In a brief and sober discourse concerning episcopacy, as claiming greater…
Presbyterial ordination vindicated. In a brief and sober discourse concerning episcopacy, as claiming greater power, and more eminent offices by divine right, then presbytery. The arguments of the Reverend Bishop Dr Davenant in his determination for such episcopacy are modestly examined. And arguments for the validity of presbyterial ordination added. With a brief discourse concerning imposed forms of prayer, and ceremonies. Written by G.F. minister of the gospel in defence of his own ordination, being questioned, because it was performed by Presbyters.Presbyterial ordination vindicated. In a brief and sober discourse concerning episcopacy, as claiming greater power, and more eminent offices by divine right, then presbyterie. The arguments of the Reverend Bishop Dr Davenant in his determination for such episcopacy are modestly examined. And arguments for the validity of presbyterial ordination added. With a brief discourse concerning imposed forms of prayer, and ceremonies. Written by G.F. minister of the gospel in defence of his own ordination, being questioned, because it was performed by Presbyters.
London: printed for Nathanael Webb, 1660
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
But Who heard those Prayers? Where were they made? say you: I tell you, God heard them, and men heard them: they were made in our Studies, between God & our own souls, they were made in our families: they were made in our days of private Fasting, and Prayer, which you call Conventicles] Would you have heard them in our Public Congregations? it may be you would; but would you then have judged us prudent? Yet some of us were so imprudent [knowing the tempers of our Congregators which could say heartily, Amen] to pray publicly for him in his lowest condition: The prison had witnessed it, had I not a friend who delivered me; and this year, had not his Majesty been restored, it had been proved, being threatened to my face, and the threats often repeated, That as sure as God was in heaven I should be called into question, only for praying for the afflicted Royal Family: If any desire other Proofs of Loyally to his Majesty in his low condition, I could give them, but I spare to name ⟨image 3⟩them, Such Subjects had his Majesty among the now despised Presbyterians, who, had they not been faithful and loyal to his Majesty, [as they were bound to be bight Solemn Covenant] but would have closed with the Army, doubtless they could have carried such a Party with them, that I believe as yet our King had not set upon his English Throne, nor had the voice of Thanksgiving for his restoring been heard in our Island.
But Who heard those Prayers? Where were they made? say you: I tell you, God heard them, and men heard them: they were made in our Studies, between God & our own souls, they were made in our families: they were made in our daies of private Fasting, and Prayer, which you call Conventicles] Would you have heard them in our Publick Congregations? it may be you would; but would you then have judged us prudent? Yet some of us were so imprudent [knowing the tempers of our Congregators which could say heartily, Amen] to pray publickly for him in his lowest condition: The prison had witnessed it, had I not a friend who delivered me; and this year, had not his Majestie been restored, it had been proved, being threatned to my face, and the threats often repeated, That as sure as God was in heaven I should be called into question, only for praying for the afflicted Royall Family: If any desire other Proofs of Loyally to his Majesty in his low condition, I could give them, but I spare to name ⟨image 3⟩