A85313:249
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.
I can tell, (if the Lord hath gifted me) how to express my own desires and affections in my own words; and the words oftentimes have a reflection, and help to stir up the affection more. But when I am tied to the words of other men, I am straitened, they will not serve to express what lies upon my heart; and who is it that knows what the work of the Spirit of God, and the workings of a heart are in prayer, that will not soon find these hindered by being tied up to other mens words.
I can tell, (if the Lord hath gifted me) how to expresse my own desires and affections in my own words; and the words oftentimes have a reflection, and help to stirre up the affection more. But when I am tyed to the words of other men, I am straitened, they will not serve to expresse what lies upon my heart; and who is it that knows what the work of the Spirit of God, and the workings of a heart are in prayer, that will not soon finde these hindered by being tied up to other mens words.
2. The Spirit doth not only help to the Grace of Prayer, but the Gift of prayer, and that is hindered be sure in these Forms altogether.
3. The Method in Prayer use to be this. 1. I feel my wants. 2. My Desires are stirred up to get these wants supplied. 3. My mind frameth words to express those desires to God. 4. Those words are uttered. But in Forms of Prayers, the heart must follow the words, they are first; in the other, words follow, and interpret my heart, where Prayer begins.
3. The Method in Prayer use to be this. 1. I feel my wants. 2. My Desires are stirred up to get these wants supplyed. 3. My minde frameth words to express those desires to God. 4. Those words are uttered. But in Formes of Prayers, the heart must follow the words, they are first; in the other, words follow, and interpret my heart, where Prayer begins.