Chap. 7. the. 7. Diuision.
Seing then that the scripture doth teach this order, that there should be no minister thrust vp∣pon the Churche, but by the consent thereof, and reason perswadeth that ways, and the vse of the Church hath bin so from time to time: both in peace and in time of persecution, both vnder tyrants, and godly princes, it cannot be without the high displeasure of almightie God, the greate hurt and sore oppression of the church, that one man should take this vnto him, which perteyneth to so many, or one minister which perteyneth to more than one, especially, where the aduise of learned ministers may concurre with the peoples election or consent.
Now if any man wil rise vp and say that this doctrine bringeth in disorder, and by this meanes children, boys, and women should haue their voyces: which is vnseemely, all men vnderstande that where the election is most freest, and most generall, yet only they haue to do, whiche are heads of families, and that this is but a meere cauill to bring the truth in hatred, which is vnworthy to be answered, and requireth rather a Censor, than a disputer to suppresse it.
The scripture doth not teach any such order: it hathe examples to the contrary: it pre∣sribeth herein no certayne rule to be perpetuall: there is better reason to the con∣trary, if the diuersitie of the time and other circumstances be considered: the Church also hath not at all times nor in all places vsed one forme and manner of election: not in the Apostles time, as it hath bin declared: wherefore the Church is neyther hurte, nor oppressed, if the godly Magistrate alone do appoynt in it Byshops, and take such order for admitting other inferioure Pastors, as shall be thought to him most conueniente: Neyther is God displeased with them for so doing, if they séeke his glory therein, the godly peace and quietnesse of the Church, and haue respect to the end of the Apostles in appointing ministers. But he is greatly displeased with those, that make a necessitie where none is, and trouble the Churches with their owne deuises, and make conten∣tion for externall matters.