A85313:30
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.
The reasons why I pitch upon this man rather than another, are these; 1. Because he undertakes to prove this eminency of power by the holy Scriptures [I wish all would hold here.] 2. He sums up all the Arguments that ever I heard for it. 3. He performs his work gravely, soberly, like a Christian, a Divine, not filling his Papers with such scorns, jeers and bitter Invectives, as the Episcopal men have done, who have wrote of late, that a sober man hath scarce patience to read them.
The reasons why I pitch upon this man rather than another, are these; 1. Because he undertakes to prove this eminency of power by the holy Scriptures [I wish all would hold here.] 2. He sums up all the Arguments that ever I heard for it. 3. He performes his work gravely, soberly, like a Christian, a Divine, not filling his Papers with such scorns, jeers and bitter Invectives, as the Episcopal men have done, who have wrote of late, that a sober man hath scarce patience to read them.
For my part, I have bestowed but very little time in this controversy, neither have I so much as seen those who have written most largely and elaborately about it, as Blondel, Salmatius, nor others: Mr. Baxter came to my hand when I had almost done, so that I have not read him through, but cast my eye here and there upon him. I wish some body would answer him as soberly as he writes; but I think he will never be answered. Leaving the Reader to such able men for fuller satisfaction, I shall communicate my meditations, so far I hope, as to prove our Ordination by Presbyters to be valid, holding weight in Gods Balance.
For my part, I have bestowed but very little time in this controversie, neither have I so much as seen those who have written most largely and elaborately about it, as Blondel, Salmatius, nor others: Mr. Baxter came to my hand when I had almost done, so that I have not read him through, but cast my eye here and there upon him. I wish some body would answer him as soberly as he writes; but I think he will never be answered. Leaving the Reader to such able men for fuller satisfaction, I shall communicate my meditations, so far I hope, as to prove our Ordination by Pretbyters to be valid, holding weight in Gods Balance.