The true form of church government first instituted by Christ, novv used and practised in all the reformed churches of Germanie, France, and Scotland: humbly presented to the high and honourable court of Parliament, at this time most happily assembled. Plainly proved by Scripture, rectifide reason, and the testimonie of the Church, some hundreds of yeares after the Apostles time, and the generall consent of the Churches rightly reformed in these latter times, contrary to the Romish, and our archiepiscopall government.

Testimonies of the ancient Writers.

* 1.16 The Minister should be chosen (the people being present) in the eyes of all, and should be by the common judgement, and testi∣mony approved worthy and fit, &c. Therefore this is the lawfull vocation by the word of God, where those which are chosen, be appointed by the consent and approbation of the people. For which

also, he bringeth divers authorities out of the Scriptures.

7. That is truly and certainly a Divine election of a Bishop,* 1.2 which is made by the whole Church.

8. Let the people have authority to choose their Clerkes and Ministers.* 1.3

9. They runne (speaking of the life of the Clerkes) to Bishops suffra••a•••• certaine times of the yeare,* 1.4 and bringing some summe of money, they are anoynted and ordained, being chosen of none, and afterward the Bishop without any lawfull election,* 1.5 is chosen in huggermuger of the Canons, or Prebendaries onely, without the knowledge of the people.

10. In the Oration of the death of his Father,* 1.6 approveth the election by the people, at large, and confuteth them that would hinder it

11. When he appointed Eradius to succeed him, faith,* 1.7 it was the approved right and custome, that the whole Church should either choose o•• consent unto their Bishop.

12. Anthimius choosing a Bishop without the peoples consent, filled all Armenia with sedition.* 1.8

13. Why did Peter communicate the election with the Disci∣ples? left the matter should have turned to a braule,* 1.9 and have fal∣len to a contention.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cyprian bo••kes. Epist 3.
• * 1.2

  Ambrose Epist. ••2.
• * 1.3

  Ierome ad Ruf∣•••• 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.4

  Ad Nepo••••••∣num.
• * 1.5

  This is right ou•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••a••hion.
• * 1.6

  Nazianzen.
• * 1.7

  Augustine.
• * 1.8

  Basil Epist ••8.
• * 1.9

  Chrysost in act. 1.