The Fundamentals of the Hierarchy Examined and Disproved, Table of contents – Addenda
THE CONTENTS.
PART I.
SECT. I. The Scope of the ensuing Treatise.
The ancient Church for no Divine Right of Diocesan Episcopacy. pag. 1.
The ablest of its late Patrons of no other mind, where Dr. Sandersone is noted. 2
An examen of the Conveniencies and Inconveniencies of Prelacy undertaken. 5
SECT. II. The Aphorism No Bishop no King discuss'd.
Prelacy contributes not a little to introduce Tyranny. ibid.
Prelats severall ways most hurtfull to Princes. 6
Presbytry well agrees with Monarchy: where their Charge of Sedition and Disloyalty is largely vouch'd to be most unjust, from the most applauded Writers of our Adversaries themselves. 8
SECT. III. Their Argument taken from Order weigh'd.
Their strange Improvement thereof. 17
It equally serves Prelatists and Papists. Ibid.
SECT. IV. The Plea for Prelacy drawn from Unity discuss'd.
Dissentions most frequent where Bishops bore sway. 18
Unity and Parity harmoniously lodged in one and the same Assembly. 19
SECT. V.
The Argument Prelatists bring from antiquity canvass'd. Ibid.
SECT, VI.
The Instance of Aërius condemn'd by Epiphanius prov'd to be unserviceable to our Antagonists.
They joyn with the most disingenous of Papists in using this Argument. 21
The choicest of the Fathers for the Scriptural and Apostolick Identity of Bishop and preaching Presbyter. 22
Epiphanius giveth little Patrociny to our Adversaries. 23
His Injustice to Aerius in this matter. ibid.
If Aerius was Arrian largely disputed: the affirmative whereof is rendred improbable by the profound Silence of those who were concern'd to have mention'd it. 24
The Tractate ascribed to …siliu… foreign is judg…d supposititious: wherein there's nothing to be found concerning Aerius. This report of Aërius his Arrianism leans on Epiphanius's testimony alone, whose great Levity and Credulity is universally noted. 25
It is instanc'd in his dealing with the Donatists whom on no good ground he accuses of the same crime of Arrianism. 26
They're absolv'd by Augustine and Optatus. Ibid.
It's objected that Aerius his commerce with Eustathius of Schastia may give countenance to the report of Epiphanius. Ibid.
Eustathius tho' a Heretick yet was not Arrian but a Macedonian, who seems rather to have been dangerously shaken then intirely wedded to Macedonianism. Ibid.
But on supposition of the worst several reasons are brought making probable that nothing can be inferr…d from his commerce to prove Aërius Heretick. 27.
The loss of the Writings of the Ancient and traduced witnesses of tru…h is lamentable. Ibid.
The Judgement of Philastrius concerning Aërius related; against whom the Aërians are vindicated from the Crime of Encratitism. 28
They were fiercely persecuted and why. 29
Between Philastrius and Epiphanius no good agreement. The negative testimony of both Philastrius and Rabanus Maurus against what is delivered by Epiphanius. 30
SECT. VII. No Diocesan Bishops in several ancient Churches.
This Instanc'd in the Churches of Ireland, of Africk, and of Scotland. 30
The ablest of our Adversaries brought to a sore pinch hereby. 34
Sir George Mckenzie's Epistolary Defence of Prelacy canvassed: where Bede is vindicated against the Bishop of St. Asaph, and Buchanan and Hector Boethius vindicated against Spotswood, to whom the Advocat referred. Ibid.
That we had a constitute Church before the coming of Palladius evinced against both Bishop and Advocat. 38
Our Primitive Doctors why called Monks. The cavills of Spotswood and the Bishop of St. Asaph removed. 39
Smal power of Prelats for a long time after Palladius. 40
The most memorable result of the Combat between the Advocat and the Bishop of St. Asaph. Ibid.
D. M.'s exceptions removed. His negative argument no argument. 42
…ndel vindicated. 44
D. M's perversion of Baron's clear testimony detected. Ibid.
He in vain attempts to deprave, and then to exauctorate Prosper himself. 46
Other specimens of D. M's unhandsome dealing. 47
SECT VIII. Prelacy opposite to the Principles of our Reformers.
The Hierarchy is condemn'd by our Confession. 49
Knox and his fellows are proved to have been most opposite to the Hierarchick Domination. 50
The Author of the Fundamental Charter of Presbytry adventures not on our special Arguments. Ibid.
Against whom Knox's great aversness from Prelacy is evinced by vindicating of his Letter to the Assembly. 51
And by vindicating of Knox's words and actions at the Installment of John Douglas. 52
And from clear and unsuspected records: where 'tis also evinc'd that the bulk of both Ministers and People were then opposite to Prelacy. 54
This Authors cavills from the meeting at Leith 7½ and from some expressions of the Assemblies canvass'd and annihilated. 56
Knox's antiprelatical judgement demonstrated from Beza's Letter, which is vindicated from this Authors exceptions. 60
Who pretending to make Knox a Prelatist only labours to prove him and our other Reformers self-repugnant Bablers. 61
His ridiculous Sophisms examin'd and expos'd. 62
Knox alloweth no Prelacy to England. 66
He exhorts the English to embrace a Church-government and Discipline altogether Antiprelatical. 67
The Assemblies letter 1566. vindicated from this Author's pretended allowance of Prelacy. 69
Knox acknowledged by the fiercest Prelatists to be truly Presbyterian. 70
Superintendents in Scotland a temporary expedient. The nullity of this Author's reasons to the contrary detected. 72
The falsness of his Gloss of our first Book of discipline largely demonstrated. 76
Superintendency not really inconsistent with parity. This Authors unchristian rallery, his overthrowing of the great principle of Hierarchicks are discovered, and his bottomless cavills enervated. 77
The stock of Prerogatives he pretends to have belonged to Superintendents evinced to be unserviceable to his design of giving Superintendents a superiority over their Pastors. 81
He at once yields the whole cause, and clasheth with himself. Our first Reformers their opposition to, and hatred of Prelacy's being damnable demonstrated. The Helvetian and other … Churches opposite to Prelacy as beeing destitute of Scripture-foundation. 86
SECT. IX. The forraign Reformed Churches truly Presbyterian.
The Judgement of Luther and Lutherans. 89
The mind of Calvin and those called Calvinists both in their private capacities, and confessions of the most famous Churches. 90
Specimens of the chiefest objections adduced and removed where the uncandide dealing of our Adversaries is unfolded. 91
Who yet are forced to acknowledge the truth of our assertion. 95
The eminent Opposers of Popery before Luther truly Presbyterian. 96
The first Reformers and body of the Church of England at that time for no divine right of Prelacy where some of Saravia's qualities are noted. Ibid.
SECT. X. Some of the manifold Inconveniences attending Prelacy briefly mentioned.
A Spirit of Persecution still attended it. 98
The Principles of Prelacy and practise of Prelatists most Schismatical. Ibid.
It's native tendency to introduce Popery. 99
And to a Papal Domination and enslaving of the Kingdom. 100
The spite and hatred the Hierarchicks shew against our Reformation from Popery, their impiety, and affection to Popery. Ibid.
Dr. Burnets exceptions from the Regulars the…r trampling on the Bishops and the dealing of the Papalines at the Council of Trent enervated. 102
Another exception or retortion of this Author cashier'd. 105
Lousness and Prophanity the constant attendent of Prelacy. 106
PART II.
SECT. I. Of Ignatius and his Epistles.
Papists and other Hierarchicks make a fairer appearance from humane than from Divine Writings. 109
A short account of Ignatius and of the Epistles bearing his name. 110
Various Editions thereof. Ibid.
Our Adversaries now acknowledge to be spurious that they once gave out for genuine: where of the Florentine Copy. 111
Debates among the Learned concerning it. Ibid.
The unhandsome arts of our Adversaries to free themselves of further dispute. 112
The great Confidence they place in Ignatius. 113
Three Hypothese laid down, according to each whereof Ignatius becomes unserviceable to the Prelatists. Ibid.
SECT. II. The first Hypothesis viz. that Ignatius is, at best, interpolated.
Writings pretending to greatest proximity to either Old or New Testament carry most manifest signs of spuriousness, in which Divine Providence is observed. 114
Their Epistolick Ignatius's want of Apostolick Gravity and Humility: his enslaving of the People and flattering, yea deifying of all Church-men. 115
Dr. Pearsons Exceptions removed. 119
Du Pin's self-repugnancy. 121
Dr. Wake's Error discovered. 122
A brief sum of the Arguments evincing our assertion. 124
Other things very early falsly father'd on Ignatius. Ibid
His Journey to Rome uncredible. 125
SECT III The second Hypothesis, viz. That the Antiquity of the true Ignatius could not secure him from all Lapses or Escapes, nor serve to prove that there were no declension in his time.
Whole Churches suerving during the life of the Apostles themselves. They grew worse after their death. 126
Papias's mistakes and multitude of Followers. 127
The failings of Justine Martyr and Irenaus. Ibid.
The influence they had on the Church. The common mistakes of these times in Practicks no less than in Dogmaticks; which is instanc'd in their debate about Easter. 128
Both parties went contrare to the Apostolick practice; which is proved by clear Testimonies of Iranus and Socrates. 129
Their strange conduct in managing this debate, who Metamorphosed some Apostles into Jewish High-Priests. 130
The Credulity and Oseitancy of Hegesippus. 131
We are to hearken to God before the chiefest of Men. Divine providence observable in the mistakes of the Ancients. 132
SECT IV. The third Hypothesis, that there is no real disagreement, but a true concord betwixt the Doctrine of Ignatius and that of the present Presbyterians.
They are reconcil'd by sustaining the Hypothesis of ruling Elders, which Office is vouched to be of greatest Antiquity; and where Ambrose or Hilary is vindicated against Dr. Field. 134
Ignatius most express for the reciprocation of a Bishop and a Pastor of one Congregation 136
Our Adversaries yield the whole Controversy; where Dr. Maurice's Mist is dispelled. 138
Vindiciae Ignatianae destroy their Authors ultimate design. 140
SECT. V. The Objections they pretend to bring from Scripture against the Doctrine now deduced from Ignatius, removed.
D. M's reasonings for the Diocesan Episcopacy of Timothy and Titus, annihilated 140
No power properly Apostolick ordinary and permanent in the Church. 143
Willet's answer to the Iebusites vindicated against their Advocat. D. M. 147
The Office and nature of an Evangelist declared out of the Ancients. 148
D. M…s mutilation and perversion of Eusebius. 149
That Timothy & Titus were Evangelists, and not Diocesan Bishops made out from Scripture. Ibid.
Apostles and Evangelists degraded by the Hierarchicks. 150
Their Arguments for Timothy and Titus their Diocesan-ship houghed by the very Authors in whom they most confide, both ancient and modern. Ibid.
Their Argument from the Asian Angels several ways overthrown, and D. M's shifts and perversions expunged. 151
Malach. 2. 7. vindicated against Dr. Hammond. 153
His Correction of the receiv'd Greek Coppy of Rev. 2. 24. corrected D. M's strange and wild Gloss. Ibid.
Salmasius vindicated against him, and the mind of Presbyterians concerning Apocalyptick Angels fully sustain'd by Scripture and Fathers. 154
The best of our Adversaries really acknowledge Episcopacy destitute of Scripture warrant. Dr. Hammond wholly destroys Episcopacy while he attempts to establish it. 155
SECT. VI. Our meaning of Ignatius confirmed from the writings of the Apostles his immediate Ancestors.
Acts 20. v. 17, 28 vindicated against Dr. Maurice and others who are by the ears among themselves. 157
Philippians 1. 1. vindicated; where the Diocesanists their Digladiations are exposed. 158
Philippi no Metropolis; where Dr. Maurice his weakness is detected; the fiction of the existence of Metropoles in the Apostolick age exploded by the Hierarchy's truest friends; Dr. Maurice's slippery dealing. 159
The first to Timothy 3. vindicated against Bellarmine, and his Friend D. M. 162
As is also Titus 1. 164
SECT. VII. The grand objection taken from the Commentaries of the Ancients.
The primitive Doctors (as themselves acknowledge) were subject to many considerable lapses and escapes. 165
The causes thereof. 167
Several reasons demonstrating that if ever the Fathers so glossed these texts as not to hurt Diocesan Episcopacy, they then gave not their genuine sentiments. 168
SECT. VIII. Moe clear testimonies of the Primitive Doctors against the Divine right of Diocesan Episcopacy produced and vindicated.
The testimony of Ambrose or Hilary: Bellarmine's perversion discovered. 171
Petavius's vain attempts both to exauctorate and deprave Hilary. 173
The testimonie of Chrysostome 174
He's vindicated from Bellarmine's depravation. 175
The testimonies of Pelagius, Sedulius, and Primasius. 176
Augustine vindicated against Bellarmine and his Plagiary D. M. 177
Apart of Jerome's testimony on the epistle to Titus vindicated against the dish… nest dealing of Bellarmne and D. M. 178
No ground to think that ever Jerome accounted James Bishop of Jerusalem. 180
All Dispensers of the Word and Sacraments are in Jerome's account the Apostles Successors. 181
The rest of Jerome's testimony on the Epistle to Titus vindicated. 182
His testimony out of the Epistle to Enagrius vindicated against Bellarmine and D. M. 183
This doctrine of Jerome most catholick and universally received. 188
SECT. IX. The testimenies of Ignatius his Contemporaries and Suppars disproving what our Adversaries would force him to speak, and confirming what we have prov'd to be his mind, viz. that he cashiers a Diocesan Prelacy.
Negative testimonies. 190
Clemens Romanu… 's positive and clear testimonies. 192
Petaviu… 's exceptions met with. 194
As are these of his Underling D. M. 197
The testimony of Polyca…p: where Dr. Pearson's strange evasion is routed: and D M … ill gronnded vaporing exploded. 199
The testimonies of Hermas: where the vanity of D. M. … Romish Cavills is discovered and Blondel vindicated. 200
The testimonie of Justine Martyr where Dr. Maurice's perversions are detected, as is also the unreasonableness of D. M's. reasons against Justine Martyr's plaine meaning. 204
Irenaeus identifies Bishop and preaching Presbyter. 206
D. M's. Popish querie. 207
SECT. X. Other Observations and Arguments eversive of Diocesan Prelacy.
A Bishop is a name of labour, a Presbyter a name of honor, Ibid
The true notions of the Apostolick and Hierarchick Bishop diametrically opposite one to another. 209
The example of the Apostolick Bishop followed, and the Idea thereof retained by all the true primitive Bishops or Doctors, which is all one with the notion of a laborious Pastor of a Congregation. Ibid.
This is confirmed out of the Council of Sardica and others of these times, where Dr. Maurice and Dr. Beverige their sly and perverse dealing is discovered. 2…0
The subjecting of one Pastor or Church to another finally resolved into a Romish slavery. 213
Every Disepnser of the Word and Sacraments is a true Bishop. 214
That in the least Village and meanest Countrie-places, where there was a Congregation, there was a true Bishop largely evinced: where Dr. Maurice his exceptions is obviated. Ibid.
All Bishops equal among themselves; hence their Hierarchy is overthrown. 216
Their Romish argument from the pretendedly uninterupted succession of Diocesan Bishops enervated. 217
The argument drawn from the lists of Bishops in Rome and such great Cities satisfied; First, From the positions already demonstrated, which are further confirmed: Secondly, From the confessed uncertainty of these lists: Thirdly, From this that in Rome there was at once a plurality of Peter's pretended successors: Fourthly, From this that Peter was never at Rome, which is largely demonstrated: Fifthly, from the evident falsity of the lists of the Bishops of Jerusalem. 218
That the government of the prime primitive Church was truly Presbyterian made out from a cloud of most unsuspected Authors, 225
A prostasy gradually turned into a Papal Tyranny 230
The Ancients kept fast the Foundations of Christianity, but strayed exceedingly in superstitious additions, 231
The Hierarchicks embraceing diverse novell Enormities desert the Primitive Church: where Heylen's preversion of the Ancients is discovered: Matthew 20, 25, &c. vindicated. and D. M's Romanism and Judaism detected. 223
The Bishop of Aiace his Christian Discourse unchristianly eluded and slighted by the Trent-Hierarchicks. 239
ERRATA.
| pag. | lin. | read |
| 2 | 7 | r. this |
| 4 | 23 | r. thereto is sufficient. |
| 7 | 1 | r. palpably. |
| 8 | 10 | r. Jac. |
| 14 | 1 | r. the feares of the. |
| 26 | 33 | dele comma. |
| 32 | penult. | r 158. |
| Ibid | ibid | r 163. |
| Ibid. | ult. | r 53. |
| 37 | 25 | dele (y) |
| 59 | 10 | dele as |
| 69 | 21 | r hope of their. |
| 80 | 25 | r is injoyn'd. |
| 82 | 32 | r life. |
| 84 | 1 | r Act. |
| 85 | 13 | r their. |
| 87 | ult. | r disaprov'd. |
| 92 | 15 | r liked. |
| 104 | 33 | r from. |
| 125 | 7 | r leanes. |
| 129 | 6 | r Apostles. |
| 137 | 13 | r breaking on bread. |
| 140 | 30 | r whereon. |
| 150 | 28 | r Apostles. |
| 168 | 21 | r expositures: |
| 175 | 24 | r other Pastors. |
| 178 | 5 | r in. |
| 184 | 12 | dele that. |
| 185 | 18 | r Apostolical. |
| 186 | 28 | r were. |
| 188 | 27 | adde it. |
| 197 | 26 | dele it. |
| 202 | 18 | r from. |
| 207 | 1 | r our. |
| 214 | 6 | r or. |
| Ibid. | 7 | r of. |
| 216 | ult. | r are. |
| 217 | 20 | adde acknowledged. |
| Ibid. | 31 | r them. |
| Ibid. | pen. | r de cornu. |
| 219 | 20. | r breaks. |
| 223 | 1 | Babylon, and is called a Persian i. e. a Parthian City, and the Metropolis. |
| 237 | 16 | r allowable. |
| 239 | 28 | r would |
ADDENDA
pag. 71. lin. 21.
But (saith Heylen, Cosmographie pag. 332.) beeing once settled in an orderly and constant Hierarchy, they held the same untill the Reformation began by Knox: when he & his Associats approving the Genevian Plat-form, took the advantage of the Minority of King James the sixt, to introduce Presbyterian Discipline and suppress the Bishops.
pag. 96. lin. 9.
What was the mind of the Waldenses & Hussites (saith Voetius speaking of the Opposers of Prelacy, Polit. Eccles. part. 2. pag. 833.) is evident from their most accurat History written by Joh. Paulus Perrinus, which is not extant save in their vulgar Tongues.