Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 3.

Obj. THese degrees of superiority, is not of so high a garbe or nature, as that of Lordly Prelacy, and therefore may be the better dispenced with.

Ans. Popery is Popery, albeit in the least degree, and though* 1.1 it be not so great a ••ish, yet it is manifest to be of the same fry, and if this lesser Fish, may enjoy its freedome and pleasure in the pleasant river of Presbitery, (whose gliding streames like them of Jordan into Mari Mortuum) take their course into the Sea of Prelacy, and so into the maine ocian of Papacy; I say, if it may enjoy its liberty of growth, for a small season in the gliding river of Presbitery, it wil in a short time approach the narrow Seas of Prelacy, if not the maine Ocian of the Romish Hierarchy.* 1.2

Now the very truth is, that all majority, and preheminence a∣mongst the Ministers of Christ, is utterly forbidden by Christ

himselfe, as I have formerly proved; as also by the example of his Apostle Peter, who did not only disclaime pride in majority, but majority it selfe, 1. Pet. 5. 1. And albeit that our Saviour sometimes told his Disciples of thrones of glory in the Church tri∣umphant, yet did he never acquaint them with any in the Church militant (it being rather a place of suffering, and persecution for his name sake, as his expressions to that purpose is very plentifull. But if any such throne, whether of Eclesiasticall authority, or perpetuall precedency, had been lawfull, certainly he would at some times have taught them, what it was, and with what cauti∣on, or limitation they were to possesse it; as that they should have precedency of degree, but not of power; of dignity, but not of authority, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Presbitery is Popery though in a lesse de∣gree.
• * 1.2

  The Apostles disclaimed majority one ever another.