A85313:189
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.
Object. But there was Pauls Imposition, and so there was the Bishops Imposition, but not Presbyters alone.
Answ. As for Paul, the answer to the first Objection will satisfy: For the Bishop, true he was there, but how came he there? Jerome tells us, and we have reason to believe him, because he groundeth his discourse upon the Scriptures. However the Bishop did not superadd any thing to the perfection of the Ordinance, he put forth no more power than the other Presbyters, only for Order's sake he carried on the work: So had we our [Greek or Hebrew] in our Association, who was so, and should have continued so dur ante vitâ for me: But as in the absence of a Bishop, the suffragan might supply his room, so as well in the absence of our President another might supply his, being especially chosen, and earnestly desired by his fellow Presbyters to do it.
Answ. As for Paul, the answer to the first Objection will satisfie: For the Bishop, true he was there, but how came he there? Jerome tells us, and we have reason to believe him, because he groundeth his discourse upon the Scriptures. However the Bishop did not superadd any thing to the perfection of the Ordinance, he put forth no more power than the other Presbyters, only for Ordersake he carried on the work: So had we our 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 in our Association, who was so, and should have continued so dur ante vitâ for me: But as in the absence of a Bishop, the sufftagan might supply his room, so as well in the absence of our President another might supply his, being especially chosen, and earnestly desired by his fellow Presbyters to do it.
IV. Arg. 4 If Prophets and Teachers may separate Apostles to their work by Fasting, Prayer, and Imposition of hands, then may Presbyters ordain Presbyters, and that Ordination is valid; but the Antecedent is true,