A85313:271
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.
Answ. I should a little desire to know the Authority that enjoins it, if a Synod of such Divines as ought to be (I mean not superstitious Arminians) Orthodox and holy men, did order such a thing in a sober way, not tyrannically, as absolutely necessary (as said Apollonius before) then I confess it would trouble me to refuse it, though I find, and have heard some of my Brethren say, Let the Forms of Prayer be what they will, they will submit to none; it is an offence, ⟨p. 38⟩they conceive, and a wrong to that good spirit, who hath pleased to bestow on them the Gift of Prayer, to have that hindered, by submitting to mens injunctions: But I am not satisfied in this.
Answ. I should a little desire to know the Authority that enjoins it, if a Synod of such Divines as ought to be (I mean not superstitious Arminians) Orthodox and holy men, did order such a thing in a sober way, not tyrannically, as absolutely necessary (as said Apollonius before) then I confesse it would trouble me to refuse it, though I finde, and have heard some of my Brethren say, Let the Forms of Prayer be what they will, they will submit to none; it is an offence, ⟨p. 38⟩they conceive, and a wrong to that good spirit, who hath pleased to bestow on them the Gift of Prayer, to have that hindered, by submitting to mens injunctions: But I am not satisfied in this.
1. Because you have the use of your gift in all Ordinances only sometimes you are required to use a Form.
2. A Form of Prayer, in it self, the matter of it being agreeable to the Word, is not unlawful: thus godly and wise men judge.