A85313:16
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.
How well this was resented among the Presbyterians, besides what is ⟨image 3⟩published, and should have been published, but that they were so quick in doing that, which I could not believe they dared to do, were but the several Sermons which they preached, (some choosing Texts on purpose) gathered together; Were the lamenting Prayers they made in public and private recorded among men, as they are before God, no modest man that loveth truth would say, The Presbyterians brought, Him to the block, who ever did the next act which I love not to mention.
How well this was resented among the Presbyterians, besides what is ⟨image 3⟩published, and should have been published, but that they were so quick in doing that, which I could not believe they dared to do, were but the several Sermons which they preached, (some choosing Texts on purpose) gathered together; Were the lamenting Prayers they made in publick and private recorded among men, as they are before God, no modest man that loveth truth would say, The Presbyterians brought, Him to the block, who ever did the next act which I love not to mention.
But to return to the first Beginners which I mentioned of our troubles, as I have cause to judge them so, chiefly from the Word of a jealous God, Exod. 20.5. So I am something the more inclined to judge, from the Predictions of two Divines, whom Bishop LAUD silenced. I heard them both utter them, one before the Troubles began, the other after; this also had foretold before the troubles, but I heard him speak the words after, yet before the things fell out, or there were any such thoughts in the breasts of men, insomuch that I was amazed to hear him, and how confidently he spake; Neither of these had any hand in beginning the troubles, (I am sure for one) both did detest with great abhorrency the death of the King, received the news with lamentation: I gave no great credence to them, for I thought we had no infallible Prophets living, but when I saw their words so exactly fulfilled, then I called to mind what I had heard them say, which I will not set down, only concerning Bishop LAUD, when he was in his height, one had these words, If that man die the ordinary death of men, then hath not God spoken by me; the man was an eminent Divine, a Master-workman, whether his words were not true you may judge. The Lord grant, that Reverend USHERS Prophecy come not to pass; I much fear it.