A85313:97
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.
When our King sent his Letters from Breda, Answ. to the Speaker of the House of Commons, did it imply the Speaker had more power than other Members? When Christ sends his Letters to this Angel, doth it imply more power? The Speaker is there for Order-sake, and it is honour to him &c. So if you be men sound in the Faith, holy in your Conversations, Learned and able, fit for the place, I can allow you an Angel of the Church in London, in Ipswich, in Exeter, &c. So in the Country, you shall have the Honour and Maintenance, to be our Speakers; I have declared my Opinion and Reasons for this before this turn came; if you will have more, win it by Scripture, and wear it.
When our King sent his Letters from Breda, Answ. to the Speaker of the House of Commons, did it imply the Speaker had more power than other Members? When Christ sends his Letters to this Angel, doth it imply more power? The Speaker is there for Order-sake, and it is honour to him &c. So if you be men sound in the Faith, holy in your Conversations, Learned and able, fit for the place, I can allow you an Angel of the Church in London, in Ipswich, in Exeter, &c. So in the Countrey, you shall have the Honour and Maintenance, to be our Speakers; I have declared my Opinion and Reasons for this before this turn came; if you will have more, win it by Scripture, and wear it.
Thus I have done with all his Arguments for the jus divinum; only I might mind him, that Bishop Jewel and Anselm, do subscribe to that of Jerome, Let Bishops understand that they are above Priests, rather of custom, than of any truth or right of Christs Institution: And to that of Augustine, The Office of a Bishop is above the Office of a Priest, not by authority of the Scriptures, but after the names of honour, which the custom of the Church hath now obtained. I hope it will still be said, fifteen hundred years Bishops have been superior by Divine right. How did Jeromes and Augustins sentence escape the Index expurgatorius?
Thus I have done with all his Arguments for the jus divinum; only I might mind him, that Bishop Jewel and Anselm, do subscribe to that of Jerom, Let Bishops understand that they are above Priests, rather of custom, than of any truth or right of Christs Institution: And to that of Augustine, The Office of a Bishop is above the Office of a Priest, not by authority of the Scriptures, but after the names of honour, which the custom of the Church hath now obtained. I hope it will still be said, fifteen hundred years Bishops have been superiour by Divine right. How did Jeroms and Augustins sentence escape the Index expurgatorius?