A85313:198
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.
For the Major, those who will deny it, give us a sound and convincing ⟨p. 27⟩reason why they do so, I cannot imagine one, à majore ad minus valet consequentia in this case sure.
For the Minor: When Paul saith, 1 Cor. 1.17. Christ did not send him to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, surely Paul mentioned the highest Ministerial Act; else Paul must say, not to baptize, nor to preach, but to ordain Ministers. Reverend Davenant saith, 1that in rebus maximi momenti ad salutem hominum, Presbyters have power as well as Bishops, and therefore the name, Bishop, may well agree to them, saith he, why not then in rebus minoris momenti? I wish he had given a sound reason for it; it seems they can do those Acts which tend to the end of the Ministry mainly and principally, and not the lesser; What rational man can swallow this? If Ability be the question, I think the Presbyters have shown enough to answer it. Compare Episcopal Ordinations and Presbyterial, where did the Majesty of Gods Ordinance appear most? And as for the Ordained by them, compare them with others and see if not able for the work.
For the Minor: When Paul saith, 1 Cor. 1.17. Christ did not send him to baptize, but to preach the Gespel, surely Paul mentioned the highest Ministerial Act; else Paul must say, not to baptize, nor to preach, but to ordain Ministers. Reverend Davenant saith, 1that in rebus maximi momenti ad salutem hominum, Presbyters have power as well as Bishops, and therefore the name, Bishop, may well agree to them, saith he, why not then in rebus minoris momenti? I wish he had given a sound reason for it; it seems they can do those Acts which tend to the end of the Ministry mainly and principally, and not the lesser; What rational man can swallow this? If Ability be the question, I think the Presbyters have shewn enough to answer it. Compare Episcopal Ordinations and Presbyterial, where did the Majesty of Gods Ordinance appear most? And as for the Ordained by them, compare them with others and see if not able for the work.