A85313:309
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 know, Heathens may worship their Idols as God is, in some particulars; when Heathens follow God [as the Devil is Gods Ape, to imitate his worship, as Justin Martyr, and Tertullian show] then the Worshippers of God are clear, for they follow Gods command in what he hath appointed, and they cannot hinder the Devil from imitating of Gods worship, to set up himself: but when we have no command from God, but it is only our own wills which sets up such a Ceremony, and therein we make God to be served in that manner which Heathens and Idolatrous persons worship, this cannot be without some spot of sin: not hating the garment spotted with the flesh. It was upon this ground also, that Tertullian, in the place forequoted, did condemn these Observations about prayer; and in his Book, de Coro. mil. he reasoneth vehemently, that a Christian man ought not to go with a Laurel Garland upon his head, and that for none other cause, but only for that the Heathens used so to go.
I know, Heathens may worship their Idols as God is, in some particulars; when Heathens follow God [as the Devil is Gods Ape, to imitate his worship, as Justin Martyr, and Tertullian shew] then the Worshippers of God are clear, for they follow Gods command in what he hath appointed, and they cannot hinder the Devil from imitating of Gods worship, to set up himself: but when we have no command from God, but it is only our own wills which sets up such a Ceremony, and therein we make God to be served in that manner which Heathens and Idolatrous persons worship, this cannot be without some spot of sin: not hating the garment spotted with the flesh. It was upon this ground also, that Tertullian, in the place forequoted, did condemn these Observations about prayer; and in his Book, de Coro. mil. he reasoneth vehemently, that a Christian man ought not to go with a Lawrel Garland upon his head, and that for none other cause, but only for that the Heathens used so to go.
How the Lord warned his people against this we know, and hence would not allow them to pray towards the East, Ezek. 8.16. they must not be like the Heathens, worshipping the Sun rising in the East. Arias Montanus, in his Treatise of the Fabric of the Temple saith, That the Jews report of thirteen Tables of stone, that were in the outward Court of the Temple, at which men were wont to pray, and all of them were made, saith he, so as some looked to the North,