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

SECT. 7.

Obj. BY your former expressions, you confesse that the Elder∣ship, and Presbitery of the Apostles, and Elders, did prin∣cipally, and authoritative act, and not the whole Church, or people, they in a lower, and lesse interest, as by way of choyse, vote, and consent.

Ans. It was very requisite, that the Apostles of our Lord and* 1.1 Saviour Jesus Christ, who was immediatly called by him, to that purpose, should have a preheminence, before them who were but mediatly called by them; but seeing there is no such imme∣diate

calling to be expected, all being now called, by one and the same mediate meanes (whether it be to the Ministry, or any o∣ther Office in the Church) it is very fitting, that the Members of each Church, so called, should likewise enjoy the same privi∣ledge, under the mediate calling, as did the other, under the im∣mediate calling.

Obj. What priviledge would you have allowed the Church now under its mediate calling?

Ans. That one Minister should not usurpe over another (and so in the rest of the Offices in the Church) neither to take place each of other, unlesse upon a Morall respect, of age, zeale, gifts, or the like.

Obj. Would you not allow the Pastors, and Elders under this mediate calling the same power, which the Apostles, and Elders had under their immediate Calling?

Ans. Yes, if they prove the like Proficients as did the Apo∣stles and Elders; but they of the Presbitery take farre more state upon them, then did the Apostles and Elders, as I have, and shall yet make appeare.

Notes

• * 1.1

  How the A∣postle had a preheminence above others.