A85313:311
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.
Now for the Surplice; whence we took it, and how in it we follow the corrupt Romanists, whom our Episcopal men cannot deny but they are corrupt Worshippers, and how they did conform in their Ceremonies to Heathen Idolaters, to win them over to the Christian Religion; this is well known from Learned men who have written upon that Subject. But I add no more; these are only a few thoughts which ran in my mind, others have written more largely upon these subjects, whom I have not read, but only have heard of them.
Now for the Surplice; whence we took it, and how in it we follow the corrupt Romanists, whom our Episcopal men cannot deny but they are corrupt Worshippers, and how they did conform in their Ceremonies to Heathen Idolaters, to win them over to the Christian Religion; this is well known from Learned men who have written upon that Subject. But I add no more; these are only a few thoughts which ran in my minde, others have written more largely upon these subjects, whom I have not read, but only have heard of them.
For the Cross in Baptism, which hath proved such a cross to many holy men, I only see Mr. Baxter in his Disput. about Church-Government, p. 418. expressing himself very much against it, but I have not had time as yet to read him over; I suppose the Reader may there find satisfaction.
For the Cross in Baptism, which hath proved such a crosse to many holy men, I only see Mr. Baxter in his Disput. about Church-Government, p. 418. expressing himself very much against it, but I have not had time as yet to read him over; I suppose the Reader may there finde satisfaction.
Mr. Fox, in his Martyrol. Vol. 3. p. 909. relates a Story concerning one Blomefield, a Persecutor, whom God followed with judgments upon his body and estate, This Blomefield a little before his death bragged, and threatened a good man, one Simon Herlestone, to put him forth to the Officers, because he did wear no Surplice when he said Service. Upon which Mr. Fox thus, Wherefore it is pity such baits of Popery are left to the enemies to take Christians in: God take them away, or else us from them; for God knoweth they be the cause of much blindness and strife amongst men. There is a notable Example of Gods dealing with one who urged a gracious Minister to read the Book of Common-prayer, and set him Whitsunday for the day, by which day if he did not read it, he threatened to complain of him; but for all his threats was in the grave before the day came, and glad to get that worthy Minister whom he threatened to pray with him in his sickness, but then no words of the Book of Common-prayer. This a fresh act of Gods. I thought to have added more Arguments, but that I intended brevity.