The Theological Works of the REV. Charles Leslie (Volume 7 ) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1832. Excerpt: ... A SUPPLEMENT. THE stress of this Discourse being founded upon episcopacy, and long quotations being improper in so short a method of argument as I have taken; to supply that defect, and at the same time to make it easier to the reader, I have added, by way of supplement, a short index or collection of authorities in the first four hundred and fifty years after Christ for episcopacy, with respect to the Presbyterian pretences, of making a bishop all one with a presbyter, at least with one of their moderators: and, in the next place, I have shewn the sense of the reformation, as to episcopacy. Take them as follows. Some authorities for episcopacy, as distinct from and superior to presbytery, taken out of the fathers and councils in the first four hundred and fifty years after Christ. Anno Domini 70. St. Clement bishop of Rome, and martyr, of whom mention is made, Phil. iv. 3, in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, . 42, p. 89 of the edition at Oxford, 1677. "aThe apostles having preached the gospel "through regions and cities, did constitute the first"fruits of them, having proved them by the Spirit, "to be bishops and deacons of those who should be"lieve; and this, not as a new thing, for many ages "before it was written concerning bishops and dea"cons; for thus saith the scripture, in a certain "time from all men, I think cannot, without great "injustice, be turned out of their office: for it will "be no small sin to us, if we thrust those from their "bishoprics who have holily and without blame "offered our gifts (and prayers to God). Blessed "are those priests who are happily dead, for they "are not afraid of being ejected out of the places in "which they are constituted: for I understand "that you have deprived some from their ministry, "who be...