A85313:296
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, It supposeth the wisdom of the Commander to be defective, for here comes in a creature who can add a degree of goodness to his worship, which he hath not commanded, [and surely the more goodness in his worship, the more acceptance that worship must have] so that the Divine Rule for worship is not perfect. Regula non est, si quid ei deest: Regula & amussis neque appositionem neque ablationem admittit. But the Rule which Infinite wisdom hath given, which we suppose should provide best for what concerns himself, is short in this respect, for man may add a degree of goodness, and that is better.
For the major, It supposeth the wisdome of the Commander to be defective, for here comes in a creature who can adde a degree of goodnesse to his worship, which he hath not commanded, [and surely the more goodnesse in his worship, the more acceptance that worship must have] so that the Divine Rule for worship is not perfect. Regula non est, si quid ei deest: Regula & amussis neque appositionem neque ablationem admittit. But the Rule which Infinite wisdom hath given, which we suppose should provide best for what concerns himself, is short in this respect, for man may add a degree of goodnesse, and that is better.
I know not how to free such an Invention from Superstition, concerning which I intend not now to discourse: But that which some say concerning these Ceremonies, to save them, and other inventions, They are not opposite to the Word, though not commanded; I confess, a Surplice, as it lieth in the chest, is not opposite to the Word, but when the Surplice is appropriated only to the Worship of God, and makes it better, &c. now in the use of it it is opposite; for Excessus Religionis, which is Superstition, is opposite to the Second Commandment, and this Excessus Religionis est in ordine ad actus, & media Religionis externa, & vanae observantia circa onltum, aut cum aliquo respectu ad cultum, qua formaliter non sunt indebitus seu falsus cultus: These by learned and godly Divines abroad are charged with Superstition, I know not how our Ceremonies will escape the charge.
I know not how to free such an Invention from Superstition, concerning which I intend not now to discourse: But that which some say concerning these Ceremonies, to save them, and other inventions, They are not opposite to the Word, though not commanded; I confesse, a Surplice, as it lyeth in the chest, is not opposite to the Word, but when the Surplice is appropriated only to the Worship of God, and makes it better, &c. now in the use of it it is opposite; for Excessus Religionis, which is Superstition, is opposite to the Second Commandement, and this Excessus Religionis est in ordine ad actus, & media Religionis externa, & vanae observantia circa onltum, aut cum aliquo respectu ad cultum, qua formaliter non sunt indebitus seu falsus cultus: These by learned and godly Divines abroad are charged with Superstition, I know not how our Ceremonies will escape the charge.