A85313:31
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 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.
For those Episcopal men who have written of late, with such scorn, bitterness and confidence, the strongest Arguments I find, are these:
1. Thus it hath been for fifteen hundred years, before Calvin rose, the Churches had ever Bishops; name the Church that had not: Thus these Brethren think, à facto ad jus, valet consequentia undeniably.