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act_n church_n communion_n perform_v 3,059 5 9.9633 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61558 Irenicum A weapon-salve for the churches wounds, or The divine right of particular forms of church-government : discuss'd and examin'd according to the principles of the law of nature .../ by Edward Stillingfleete ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1662 (1662) Wing S5597A_VARIANT; ESTC R33863 392,807 477

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themselves_o as_o one_o body_n and_o meet_v together_o as_o occasion_n serve_v they_o where_o either_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o justin_n martyr_n language_n do_v perform_v the_o solemn_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v present_a with_o they_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a for_o man_n to_o dream_v of_o set-time_n and_o canonical_a hour_n and_o public_a place_n of_o assembly_n at_o that_o time_n when_o their_o chief_a time_n of_o meeting_n be_v in_o the_o night_n or_o very_o early_a 10._o in_o the_o morning_n which_o pliny_n call_v conventus_fw-la antelucanus_fw-la whence_o they_o be_v call_v latebrosa_fw-la &_o lucifugax_fw-la natio_fw-la and_o samas_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v use_n of_o wax-light_n which_o from_o that_o custom_n the_o papist_n continue_v still_o in_o their_o taper_n always_o burn_v upon_o the_o altar_n from_o what_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o to_o show_v the_o darkness_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n which_o that_o church_n lie_v under_o still_o and_o the_o place_n of_o the_o christian_n meeting_n be_v general_o either_o some_o private_a room_n or_o some_o grott_n or_o cryptae_n vault_n under_o ground_n where_o they_o may_v be_v least_o discern_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o in_o the_o coemeteria_fw-la the_o martyrum_fw-la memoriae_fw-la as_o they_o call_v they_o where_o their_o common_a assembly_n be_v thence_o pontius_n paulinus_n speak_v of_o the_o edict_n of_o valerian_n against_o the_o christian_n jussum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la nulla_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la faciant_fw-la neque_fw-la coemeteria_fw-la ingrediantur_fw-la indeed_o when_o they_o have_v any_o public_a liberty_n grant_v they_o they_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o their_o duty_n of_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o to_o make_v use_n of_o public_a place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o lampridius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o alexander_n s●verus_n quum_fw-la christiani_n quendam_fw-la locum_fw-la qui_fw-la publicus_fw-la fuerat_fw-la occupassent_fw-la contrà_fw-la popinarii_fw-la dicerent_fw-la sibi_fw-la cum_fw-la deberi_fw-la rescripsit_fw-la melius_fw-la esse_fw-la ut_fw-la quom●docunque_fw-la illic_fw-la deus_fw-la colatur_fw-la quam_fw-la popinariis_fw-la dedatur_fw-la but_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v most_o improbable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o fix_a congregation_n and_o place_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o hunt_v after_o and_o inquire_v for_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o former_a epistle_n of_o pliny_n and_o the_o know_a rescript_n 2._o of_o trajan_n upon_o it_o so_o much_o exagitated_a by_o tertullian_n they_o do_v meet_v often_o it_o be_v certain_a ad_fw-la confaederandum_fw-la disciplinam_fw-la at_o which_o meeting_n tertullian_n tell_v we_o president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la which_o he_o elsewhere_o explain_v by_o consessus_fw-la ordi●is_fw-la the_o bench_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o do_v in_o common_a consult_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o cantonize_a the_o christian_n into_o several_a distinct_a and_o fix_a congregation_n but_o after_o that_o believer_n be_v much_o increase_v and_o any_o peace_n or_o liberty_n obtain_v they_o then_o begin_v to_o contrive_v the_o distribution_n of_o the_o work_n among_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o settle_v the_o several_a bound_n over_o which_o every_o presbyter_n be_v to_o take_v his_o charge_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o every_o presbyter_n retain_v a_o double_a aspect_n of_o his_o office_n the_o one_o particular_a to_o his_o charge_n the_o other_o general_a respect_v the_o church_n in_o common_a for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a conceit_n to_o imagine_v that_o after_o the_o settle_n of_o congregation_n every_o one_o have_v a_o distinct_a presbytery_n to_o rule_v it_o which_o we_o find_v not_o any_o obseure_fw-fr footstep_n of_o in_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o there_o be_v still_o one_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n which_o rule_v all_o the_o several_a congregation_n of_o those_o city_n in_o common_a of_o which_o the_o several_a presbyter_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v member_n and_o in_o which_o the_o bishop_n act_v as_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o senate_n for_o the_o better_a govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v cornelius_n at_o rome_n sit_v there_o cum_fw-la florentissimo_fw-la clero_fw-la thus_o cyprian_n at_o carthage_n 21._o one_o who_o plead_v as_o much_o as_o any_o for_o obedience_n to_o bishop_n and_o yet_o none_o more_o evident_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o joint_a concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o clergy_n at_o all_o church_n debate_v who_o resolution_n from_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o his_o bishopric_n be_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n communi_fw-la concilio_fw-la clericorum_fw-la with_o the_o common-council_n 32._o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o say_v they_o be_v cum_fw-la episcopo_fw-la sacerdotali_fw-la honore_fw-la conjuncti_fw-la victor_n at_o rome_n decree_v easter_n to_o be_v keep_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n collatione_fw-la facta_fw-la cum_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la &_o diaconibus_fw-la according_a to_o the_o latin_a of_o that_o age_n as_o damasus_n 91._o the_o suppose_a author_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o pope_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o proceed_n against_o novatus_n at_o rome_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o presbyter_n where_o a_o great_a synod_n be_v call_v as_o e●sebius_n express_v it_o of_o sixty_o bishop_n but_o 43._o more_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o what_o be_v more_o full_a to_o our_o purpose_n not_o only_o the_o several_a presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n but_o the_o country_n pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v likewise_o give_v their_o advice_n about_o that_o business_n at_o this_o time_n cornelius_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v forty_o six_o presbyter_n in_o that_o one_o city_n of_o rome_n who_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o condemn_v novatus_n 30._o so_o at_o antioch_n in_o the_o case_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la we_o find_v a_o synod_n gather_v consist_v of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o in_o their_o name_n the_o synodal_n epistle_n be_v pen_v and_o direct_v to_o the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o catholic_n church_n at_o the_o council_n of_o eliberis_n in_o spain_n be_v present_a but_o ninteen_o bishop_n and_o twenty_o six_o presbyter_n the_o case_n between_o sylvanus_n consul_n bishop_n of_o cirta_n in_o africa_n and_o nundinaris_n the_o deacon_n be_v refer_v by_o purpuriu●_n to_o the_o clergy_n to_o decide_v it_o for_o the_o presence_n of_o presbyter_n at_o synod_n instance_n be_v bring_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o blondel_n in_o his_o apology_n and_o that_o they_o concur_v 200._o in_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o by_o their_o counsel_n but_o authority_n appear_v from_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n even_o when_o episcopacy_n be_v at_o the_o high_a nazianzen_n speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o he_o know_v not_o whither_o to_o call_v it_o ministry_n or_o superintendency_n and_o those_o who_o be_v make_v presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o be_v rule_v they_o ascend_v to_o be_v ruler_n themselves_o and_o their_o power_n by_o he_o be_v in_o several_a 11._o place_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v call_v by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysostome_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o paul_n pass_v over_o from_o bishop_n to_o deacon_n without_o name_v presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o these_o likewise_o have_v the_o instruction_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o word_n theophylact_fw-mi chrysostom_n echo_n repeat_v after_o he_o 1._o which_o the_o council_n of_o aquen_n thus_o express_v presbyterorum_fw-la verô_o qui_fw-la praesunt_fw-la ecclesi●_n christi_fw-la ministerium_fw-la esse_fw-la videtur_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o doctrina_fw-la praesint_fw-la populis_fw-la &_o in_fw-la officio_fw-la praedicandi_fw-la nec_fw-la in_o aliquo_fw-la desides_fw-la inu●nti_fw-la appareant_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n before_o all_o these_o speak_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v pastor_n 6._o and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o proper_a act_n of_o discipline_n be_v perform_v by_o they_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n about_o their_o preserve_a discipline_n to_o cyprian_a and_o likewise_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o clergy_n in_o exclude_v martion_n from_o communion_n with_o they_o so_o the_o presbyter_n 4●_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n excommunicate_v noetus_n for_o after_o they_o have_v cite_v he_o before_o they_o and_o find_v he_o obstinate_a in_o his_o heresy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o put_v both_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n 1._o out_o of_o the_o church_n together_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o
the_o greek_n the_o old_a form_n continue_v from_o orpheus_n or_o onomacritus_n his_o orphaica_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o those_o that_o sacrifice_n ask_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o other_o answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d all_o these_o thing_n lay_v together_o we_o see_v the_o great_a solemnity_n use_v by_o they_o in_o their_o worship_n which_o consider_v in_o its_o self_n be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o superstition_n but_o a_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o seem_v most_o natural_a to_o the_o act_n of_o discipline_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o most_o public_a solemn_a manner_n and_o not_o in_o any_o private_a clandestine_v way_n which_o be_v so_o do_v oft_o time_n lose_v the_o design_a effect_n of_o they_o in_o make_v man_n sensible_a and_o ashamed_a of_o those_o miscarriage_n which_o make_v they_o deserve_v so_o sharp_a and_o severe_a a_o censure_n thence_o among_o the_o jew_n their_o solemn_a sentence_n of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n be_v pronounce_v by_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o so_o they_o say_v meroz_n be_v excommunicate_v with_o 400._o trumpet_n 7._o and_o the_o same_o number_n they_o report_v be_v use_v in_o excommunicate_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n which_o be_v usual_o do_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o rector_n of_o the_o university_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o a_o story_n of_o a_o man_n come_v to_o buy_v flesh_n at_o pombeditha_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o university_n of_o the_o remain_a jew_n in_o chaldea_n after_o the_o return_n from_o captivity_n the_o other_o be_v sora_n and_o neharda_n but_o offer_v some_o opprobrious_a language_n to_o r._n jehuda_n then_o governor_n of_o the_o university_n he_o make_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o prolatus_fw-la tubis_fw-la hominem_fw-la excommunicavit_fw-la bring_v out_o his_o trumpet_n and_o excommunicate_v he_o and_o as_o the_o use_n of_o bell_n since_o their_o invention_n do_v supply_v the_o former_a use_n of_o trumpet_n in_o call_v the_o congregation_n together_o which_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o account_n of_o use_v trumpet_n in_o excommunicate_v from_o the_o congregation_n so_o it_o seem_v the_o bell_n be_v sometime_o use_v to_o ring_v man_n out_o of_o as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o church_n thence_o the_o solemn_a monkish_a curse_n curse_v man_n with_o bell_n book_n and_o candle_n which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o sense_n but_o from_o this_o practice_n so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v the_o soundation_n which_o the_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o have_v in_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n manifest_v by_o the_o voice_n and_o consent_n of_o nation_n for_o herein_o vox_fw-la populi_n be_v vox_fw-la naturae_fw-la as_o at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v vox_fw-la dei_fw-la chap._n vi_o the_o four_o thing_n dictate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o way_n to_o end_v controversy_n arise_v which_o tend_v to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o society_n the_o nature_n of_o schis●●_n consider_v liberty_n of_o judgement_n and_o authority_n distinguish_v the_o latter_a must_v be_v part_v within_o religious_a society_n as_o to_o private_a person_n what_o way_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n direct_v to_o for_o end_v controversy_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n that_o the_o less_o number_n yield_v to_o the_o great_a on_o what_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v found_v in_o a_o subordination_n of_o power_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o liberty_n of_o appeal_n define_v independency_n of_o particular_a congregation_n consider_v elective_a synod_n the_o original_a of_o church-government_n as_o to_o congregation_n the_o case_n parallel_v between_o civil_a and_o church_n government_n where_o appeal_v final_o lodge_v the_o power_n of_o call_v synod_n and_o confirm_v their_o act_n in_o the_o magistrate_n the_o four_o thing_n which_o nature_n dictate_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o 1._o church-society_n be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o way_n agree_v upon_o to_o determine_v and_o decide_v all_o those_o controversy_n arise_v in_o this_o society_n which_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o it_o we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o natural_a reason_n require_v a_o disparity_n between_o person_n in_o a_o society_n to_o form_n and_o constitute_v a_o society_n there_o must_v be_v order_n and_o power_n in_o some_o there_o must_v be_v inferiority_n and_o subjection_n in_o other_o answer_v to_o the_o former_a and_o by_o these_o we_o suppose_v a_o society_n to_o be_v now_o model_v but_o nature_n must_v either_o be_v suppose_v defective_a in_o its_o design_n and_o contrivement_n as_o to_o the_o necessary_n require_v for_o the_o management_n of_o they_o or_o else_o there_o must_v likewise_o be_v employ_v a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o society_n thus_o enter_v into_o it_o be_v no_o wise_a agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o nature_n to_o erect_v a_o fabric_n with_o such_o material_n which_o though_o they_o may_v lie_v one_o upon_o the_o other_o yet_o if_o not_o fit_o compact_v together_o will_v fall_v in_o piece_n again_o assoon_o as_o it_o be_v set_v up_o nor_o yet_o to_o frame_v a_o body_n with_o mere_a flesh_n and_o bone_n and_o the_o superiority_n of_o some_o member_n above_o the_o other_o for_o unless_o there_o be_v joint_n and_o sinew_n and_o ligature_n to_o hold_v the_o part_n together_o the_o dissolution_n will_n immediate_o follow_v the_o formation_n of_o it_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o nature_n be_v preservation_n and_o continuance_n and_o therefore_o thing_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o that_o must_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o first_o design_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o at_o least_o as_o to_o its_o self_n there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o order_n to_o that_o this_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v in_o all_o society_n that_o when_o they_o be_v first_o enter_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o those_o society_n in_o that_o peace_n and_o order_n which_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o for_o what_o disease_n be_v to_o body_n age_n and_o fire_n be_v to_o building_n that_o division_n and_o animosity_n be_v to_o society_n all_o equal_o tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o seize_v upon_o and_o as_o body_n be_v furnish_v by_o nature_n not_o only_o with_o a_o receptive_a and_o concoctive_a faculty_n of_o what_o tend_v to_o their_o nourishment_n but_o with_o a_o expulsive_a faculty_n of_o what_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o so_o all_o civil_a body_n must_v not_o only_o have_v way_n to_o strengthen_v they_o but_o must_v have_v likewise_o a_o power_n to_o expel_v and_o disperse_v those_o noxion_n humour_n and_o quality_n which_o tend_v to_o dissolve_v the_o frame_n compage_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o a_o power_n then_o to_o prevent_v mischief_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o a_o society_n as_o a_o power_n to_o settle_v thing_n in_o order_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n this_o therefore_o the_o church_n as_o a_o religious_a society_n must_v likewise_o he_o endow_v with_o viz._n a_o power_n to_o maintain_v its_o self_n and_o keep_v up_o peace_n and_o unity_n within_o its_o self_n which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v suppose_v consider_v the_o bilious_a humour_n in_o man_n nature_n not_o whole_o purge_v out_o by_o christianity_n without_o some_o way_n to_o decide_v controversy_n which_o will_v arise_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o it_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o which_o much_o concern_v the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o controversy_n be_v which_o tend_v to_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o what_o way_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n find_v out_o for_o the_o end_n of_o they_o which_o we_o be_v the_o more_o necessitate_v to_o speak_v to_o because_o nothing_o have_v beget_v controversy_n more_o than_o the_o power_n of_o determine_v they_o have_v do_v the_o controversy_n then_o which_o tend_v to_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o 2._o a_o religious_a society_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o different_a practice_n or_o matter_n of_o different_a opinion_n the_o former_a if_o it_o come_v from_o no_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n and_o end_n in_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o that_o society_n the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o be_v join_v with_o be_v just_o call_v schism_n which_o as_o 〈…〉_z it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n as_o sedition_n i●_n a_o lay_v schism_n both_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o communion_n and_o friendliness_n which_o shall_v be_v preserve_v in_o all_o society_n the_o latter_a if_o impugn_v somewhat_o fundamental_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o constitute_v religious_a society_n or_o be_v a_o
divide_v and_o separate_v from_o church-society_n so_o it_o be_v a_o offence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o continue_v communion_n when_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o withdraw_v it_o for_o the_o resolve_v this_o knotty_a and_o intricate_a question_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premisall_n and_o come_v close_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o first_o every_o christian_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o join_v in_o church-society_n with_o other_o because_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o to_o own_o his_o religion_n public_o and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o can_v be_v without_o society_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o every_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v upon_o himself_o as_o the_o member_n of_o a_o body_n viz._n the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o member_n who_o be_v not_o unite_v with_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v then_o a_o obligation_n upon_o all_o christian●_n to_o engage_v in_o a_o religious_a society_n with_o other_o for_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v a_o case_n dispute_v by_o some_o particular_o by_o grotius_n the_o suppose_a author_n of_o a_o little_a tract_n a_o semper_fw-la sit_fw-la communicandum_fw-la per_fw-la symbolu_fw-la when_o he_o design_v the_o syncretism_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o in_o a_o time_n when_o church_n be_v divide_v it_o be_v a_o christian_n duty_n to_o communicate_v with_o any_o of_o those_o party_n which_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o suspend_v communion_n from_o all_o of_o they_o a_o case_n not_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v for_o either_o the_o person_n question_v it_o do_v suppose_v the_o church_n divide_v to_o remain_v true_a church_n but_o some_o to_o be_v more_o pure_a than_o other_o in_o which_o case_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o general_a obligation_n to_o communion_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o church_n which_o appear_v most_o to_o retain_v its_o evangelicall_n purity_n or_o else_o he_o must_v suppose_v one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o the_o other_o not_o in_o which_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o true_a church_n or_o he_o must_v judge_v they_o alike_o impure_a which_o be_v a_o case_n hard_a to_o be_v find_v but_o suppose_v it_o be_v so_o either_o he_o have_v join_v former_o with_o one_o of_o they_o or_o he_o be_v now_o to_o choose_v which_o to_o join_v with_o if_o he_o be_v join_v already_o with_o that_o church_n and_o see_v no_o other_o but_o as_o impure_a as_o that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o declare_v against_o the_o impurity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o continue_v his_o communion_n with_o it_o if_o he_o be_v to_o choose_v communion_n he_o may_v so_o long_o suspend_v till_o he_o be_v satisfy_v which_o church_n come_v near_a to_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o no_o long_o and_o therefore_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o chrysostom_n act_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v who_o after_o be_v make_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o meletius_n upon_o his_o death_n because_o flavianus_n come_v in_o irregular_o as_o bishop_n of_o the_o 3._o church_n will_v neither_o communicate_v with_o he_o nor_o with_o paulinus_n another_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o city_n nor_o with_o the_o meletian_o but_o for_o three_o year_n time_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o communion_n with_o any_o of_o they_o much_o less_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o haesitantes_fw-la as_o the_o latin_n call_v they_o to_o be_v commend_v who_o after_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedou_n against_o entyches_n because_o of_o great_a difference_n remain_v 4_o in_o egypt_n and_o the_o eastern_a church_n follow_v zenoes_n henoticum_fw-la and_o will_v communicate_v neither_o with_o the_o orthodox_n church_n nor_o eutychian_o but_o i_o see_v not_o what_o censure_n j●●ome_v can_v in_o ●urr_n who_o go_v into_o the_o diocese_n of_o antioeh_n and_o find_v the_o church_n there_o under_o great_a division_n there_o be_v beside_o the_o arian_n bishop_n three_z other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n meletius_n paulinus_n and_o vitalis_n do_v so_o long_o suspend_v communion_n with_o any_o of_o they_o till_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o about_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o person_n and_o church_n engage_v in_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v withdraw_v long_o he_o have_v offend_v against_o his_o obligation_n to_o join_v in_o church-society_n with_o other_o for_o participation_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o every_o christian._n second_o every_o christian_a actual_o join_v in_o church-society_n 4._o with_o other_o be_v so_o long_o bind_v to_o maintain_v society_n with_o they_o till_o his_o communion_n with_o they_o become_v sin_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v justify_v withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o society_n but_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o it_o suppose_v a_o church_n then_o to_o remain_v true_a as_o to_o its_o constitution_n and_o essential_o but_o there_o be_v many_o corruption_n creep_v into_o that_o church_n whether_o be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o withdraw_v from_o that_o church_n because_o of_o those_o corruption_n and_o to_o gather_v new_a church_n only_o for_o pure_a administration_n or_o to_o join_v with_o they_o only_o for_o that_o end_n this_o as_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o our_o parochial_a church_n and_o the_o congregationall_a the_o resolution_n of_o this_o great_a question_n must_v depend_v on_o this_o whether_o be_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o communicate_v with_o church_n true_a as_o to_o essentials_n but_o suppose_v corrupt_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n for_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v the_o essentials_n of_o true_a church_n by_o any_o sober_a congregational_a man_n for_o there_o be_v in_o they_o the_o true_a word_n of_o god_n preach_v the_o true_a sacrament_n administer_v and_o a_o implicit_a covenant_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n in_o their_o join_v together_o all_o that_o be_v plead_v then_o be_v corruption_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o exercise_n and_o administration_n of_o church_n order_n and_o discipline_n now_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o christian_n to_o join_v with_o church_n so_o defective_a be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o reverend_a mr._n norton_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o apollius_n but_o large_o and_o full_o prove_v for_o 16._o which_o he_o lay_v down_o five_o proposition_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v serious_o consider_v by_o all_o which_o make_v that_o a_o plea_n for_o withdraw_v from_o society_n with_o other_o church_n first_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o join_v himself_o in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n where_o he_o can_v enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a●_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n which_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o hear_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n which_o hear_v say_v he_o do_v imply_v conjunctionem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la judaicae_n a_o join_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o with_o church_n reject_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o doctrine_n of_o ju_n 〈…〉_z ion_n by_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n nowhere_o require_v separation_n on_o that_o account_n from_o they_o second_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o which_o some_o corruption_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v tolerate_v without_o reformation_n as_o the_o offering_n on_o high-place_n from_o solomon_n to_o hez●kiah_n in_o the_o church_n of_o juda_n observation_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o keep_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n in_o the_o church_n of_o gala●ia_n three_o a_o believer_n may_v lawful_o join_v himself_o in_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o which_o such_o be_v admit_v to_o sacrament_n who_o give_v no_o evident_a sign_n of_o grace_n but_o seem_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v every_o one_o main_a duty_n to_o examine_v himself_o and_o because_o another_o sin_n be_v no_o hurt_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v keep_v he_o from_o his_o duty_n and_o then_o by_o man_n come_v unworthy_o non_fw-la polluitur_fw-la communio_fw-la licet_fw-la minuitur_fw-la consolatio_fw-la the_o communion_n i●_n not_o defile_v though_o the_o comfort_n of_o it_o be_v diminish_v he_o bring_v instance_n from_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n among_o who_o be_v many_o
scandalous_a and_o have_v not_o repent_v 2_o cor._n 12._o 20_o 21._o so_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o lie_v under_o great_a corruption_n when_o 15._o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n communicate_v with_o it_o four_o although_o a_o believer_n join_v with_o such_o a_o church_n he_o be_v not_o therefore_o bind_v with_o the_o guilt_n nor_o defile_v with_o the_o pollution_n of_o other_o which_o he_o prove_v because_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v it_o and_o so_o he_o contract_v no_o guilt_n by_o it_o five_o a_o believer_n that_o have_v join_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o withdraw_v and_o separate_v from_o such_o a_o church_n under_o pain_n of_o guilt_n if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v lawful_a to_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o yet_o unlawful_a to_o continue_v in_o its_o communion_n for_o that_o speak_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o this_o latter_a to_o be_v no_o church_n and_o by_o that_o he_o do_v imply_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a to_o separate_v from_o any_o society_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n thus_o for_o that_o learned_a and_o reverend_a man_n by_o who_o we_o see_v that_o the_o receive_v principle_n of_o the_o sober_a and_o moderate_a part_n of_o those_o of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v not_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o other_o as_o many_o imagine_v we_o see_v then_o that_o communicate_v with_o a_o church_n not_o so_o pure_a as_o we_o desire_v i●_n no_o sin_n by_o the_o argument_n by_o he_o produce_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v then_o lawful_a to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o a_o church_n mere_o for_o pure_a communion_n i_o 〈…〉_z stand_v not_o this_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n in_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o main_a ground_n of_o which_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o communicate_v with_o that_o church_n in_o her_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o communicate_v with_o she_o and_o not_o partake_v of_o her_o sin_n because_o she_o require_v a_o profession_n of_o her_o error_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o her_o idolatry_n as_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o her_o communion_n in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o communicate_v with_o she_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o now_o to_o a_o close_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n of_o 5._o withdraw_v from_o church_n in_o which_o man_n have_v former_o be_v associate_v and_o the_o ground_n which_o may_v make_v such_o a_o withdraw_a lawful_a in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o these_o thing_n first_o between_o corruption_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o church_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n second_o between_o corruption_n whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v profess_v and_o avow_v by_o a_o church_n and_o require_v as_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o all_o member_n of_o it_o and_o corruption_n creep_v in_o and_o only_o tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n three_o between_o non-communion_n as_o to_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o church_n and_o a_o positive_a and_o total_a separation_n from_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v such_o from_o these_o thing_n i_o lay_v down_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o where_o any_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o it_o avow_v and_o profess_v and_o require_v the_o own_v they_o as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o there_o a_o non-communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v necessary_a and_o a_o total_a and_o positive_a separation_n be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a i_o have_v say_v already_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o lawfulness_n of_o this_o depart_n from_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v resolve_v by_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o action_n itself_o so_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v discuss_v before_o the_o matter_n of_o law_n as_o to_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v into_o debate_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n for_o separation_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a therefore_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n schism_n then_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o any_o slight_a trivial_a unnecessary_a cause_n but_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v great_a and_o important_a a_o departure_n it_o may_v be_v schism_n it_o can_v be_v they_o who_o define_v schism_n to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o by_o voluntary_a they_o mean_v that_o where_o the_o will_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o the_o definition_n stand_v good_a and_o true_a for_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v groundless_a and_o unnecessary_a as_o to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o if_o by_o voluntary_a be_v mean_v a_o spontaneous_a depart_n from_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o church_n than_o a_o separation_n may_v be_v so_o voluntary_a and_o yet_o no_o schism_n for_o though_o it_o be_v voluntary_a as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o depart_v yet_o that_o be_v only_o consequential_o suppose_v a_o cause_n sufficient_a to_o take_v such_o a_o resolution_n but_o what_o be_v voluntary_a antecedent_o that_o it_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o faction_n and_o humour_n that_o be_v proper_o schism_n and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o in_o our_o present_a case_n three_o thing_n be_v suppose_v as_o the_o cause_n and_o motive_n to_o such_o a_o forsake_v communion_n first_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n the_o main_a ligature_n of_o a_o religious_a society_n be_v the_o consent_n of_o it_o in_o doctrine_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o any_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gather_v such_o a_o society_n which_o be_v the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n yield_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o maintain_v it_o not_o that_o every_o small_a error_n be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n and_o man_n must_v separate_v from_o one_o another_o till_o knowledge_n come_v to_o its_o perfection_n which_o will_v only_o be_v in_o glory_n but_o any_o thing_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o consequential_o do_v destroy_v any_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v be_v as_o well_o do_v by_o add_v to_o fundamental_a article_n as_o by_o plain_a deny_v they_o and_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o the_o very_a ratio_fw-la of_o a_o fundamental_a article_n do_v imply_v not_o only_o its_o necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o the_o former_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a for_o thing_n be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v because_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o not_o è_fw-la contrà_fw-la but_o likewise_o its_o sufficiency_n as_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v call_v fundamental_a so_o that_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n call_v fundamental_a be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o if_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v they_o now_o he_o that_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v as_o fundamental_a that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n do_v thereby_o destroy_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o those_o former_a article_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a how_o can_v new_a one_o be_v necessary_a the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_a by_o a_o instance_n who_o assert_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n for_o sinner_n to_o be_v a_o fundamental_a article_n and_o thereby_o do_v imply_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n now_o if_o a_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o command_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o meritoriousnesse_n of_o good_a work_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n by_o add_v this_o he_o destroy_v the_o former_a as_o a_o fundamental_a article_n for_o if_o christ_n satisfaction_n be_v sufficient_a how_o can_v good_a work_n be_v meritorious_a and_o if_o this_o latter_a be_v necessary_a the_o other_o be_v not_o for_o if_o it_o be_v what_o need_v this_o be_v add_v which_o be_v a_o thing_n the_o papist_n with_o their_o new_a creed_n of_o pius_n the_o four_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v and_o other_o too_o who_o so_o confident_o assert_v that_o none_o of_o their_o error_n touch_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v now_o such_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n suppose_v in_o a_o church_n withdraw_v and_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o
coactive_a nor_o mere_o arbitrary_a viz._n such_o a_o one_o as_o immediate_o result_v from_o divine_a institution_n and_o do_v suppose_v consent_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a duty_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o society_n this_o power_n it_o be_v evident_a be_v not_o mere_o arbitrary_a either_o in_o 6._o the_o governor_n or_o member_n for_o the_o governor_n derive_v their_o power_n or_o right_n of_o govern_v from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o his_o law_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o the_o member_n though_o their_o consent_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v yet_o that_o consent_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o they_o and_o that_o duty_n do_v imply_v their_o submission_n to_o the_o ruler_n of_o this_o society_n neither_o can_v this_o power_n be_v call_v coactive_a in_o the_o ●ense_n it_o be_v common_o take_v for_o coactive_a power_n and_o external_a force_n be_v necessary_a correlate_n to_o each_o other_o but_o we_o suppose_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o power_n of_o outward_a force_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o such_o for_o that_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o the_o power_n which_o i_o suppose_v to_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o power_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o law_n of_o a_o superior_a give_v right_a to_o govern_v to_o particular_a person_n over_o such_o a_o society_n and_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o member_n of_o it_o to_o submit_v unto_o it_o upon_o no_o other_o penalty_n than_o the_o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o the_o privilege_n which_o that_o society_n enjoy_v so_o that_o suppose_v such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n to_o rule_v it_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o those_o officer_n must_v derive_v their_o power_n i._n e._n their_o right_n of_o govern_v this_o society_n not_o mere_o from_o consent_n and_o confederation_n of_o party_n but_o from_o that_o divine_a institution_n on_o which_o the_o society_n depend_v the_o ●●ht_n of_o understand_v the_o right_a notion_n of_o power_n in_o the_o sense_n here_o ●●●_o down_o be_v certain_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o erastianism_n and_o that_o which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o many_o to_o question_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o power_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o the_o more_o zealous_a than_o judicious_a defender_n of_o it_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o hang_v it_o upon_o some_o doubtful_a place_n of_o scripture_n then_o on_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o a_o society_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ._n 7._o this_o be_v then_o the_o nature_n of_o power_n in_o general_n it_o be_v i_o suppose_v clear_a that_o a_o outward_a coactive_a force_n be_v not_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o if_o some_o may_v have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v and_o other_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o obedience_n to_o those_o person_n antecedent_o to_o any_o civil_a constitution_n then_o such_o person_n have_v a_o just_a power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n upon_o such_o as_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n without_o any_o outward_a force_n it_o be_v here_o very_o impertinent_a to_o dispute_v what_o effect_n such_o censure_n can_v have_v upon_o wilful_a person_n without_o a_o coactive_a power_n if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o inflict_v they_o in_o church-officer_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o all_o offender_n i_o be_o not_o to_o trouble_v myself_o with_o the_o event_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v upon_o divine_a institution_n i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o erastus_n that_o church_n censure_n be_v inflict_v upon_o person_n unwilling_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o must_v imply_v external_a and_o coactive_a force_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n but_o this_o admit_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n here_o establish_v of_o a_o very_a easy_a solution_n for_o i_o deny_v not_o that_o church_n power_n go_v upon_o consent_n but_o then_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a here_o be_v a_o antecedent_n consent_n to_o submit_v to_o censure_n in_o the_o very_a entrance_n into_o this_o society_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v it_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o person_n undergo_a it_n and_o my_o reason_n be_v this_o every_o person_n enter_v into_o a_o society_n part_n with_o his_o own_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n as_o to_o matter_n concern_v the_o govern_n of_o it_o and_o profess_v submission_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o it_o now_o a_o man_n have_v part_v with_o his_o freedom_n already_o can_v reassume_v it_o when_o he_o please_v for_o then_o he_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o stand_v to_o the_o covenant_n make_v at_o his_o entrance_n and_o consequent_o his_o undergo_n what_o shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o society_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v voluntary_a as_o depend_v upon_o his_o consent_n at_o first_o entrance_n which_o in_o all_o society_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v still_o else_o there_o will_v follow_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n in_o all_o society_n in_o the_o world_n if_o every_o man_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o break_v his_o covenant_n when_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o lie_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n which_o he_o out_o of_o some_o private_a design_n will_v be_v unwilling_a to_o undergo_v thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o settle_v aright_o the_o notion_n of_o power_n the_o want_n of_o understanding_n which_o have_v cause_v all_o the_o confusion_n of_o this_o controversy_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v in_o what_o notion_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o 8._o church_n which_o be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n as_o to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v this_o power_n either_o as_o to_o its_o right_n or_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la or_o as_o to_o its_o exercise_n or_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la now_o if_o we_o take_v this_o power_n as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o it_o than_o it_o belong_v to_o that_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o subsist_v as_o a_o visible_a society_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o make_v a_o own_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n member_n if_o we_o consider_v this_o power_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o universal_a church_n shall_v perform_v the_o executive_a part_n of_o this_o power_n relate_v to_o offence_n i_o suppose_v it_o lodge_v in_o that_o particular_a society_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v unite_v together_o in_o one_o body_n in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o s●me_a government_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o power_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o society_n consider_v complex_o but_o to_o those_o officer_n in_o it_o who_o care_n and_o charge_v it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a oversight_n and_o inspection_n over_o the_o church_n and_o to_o redress_v all_o disorder_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o visive_a faculty_n be_v fundamental_o lodge_v in_o the_o soul_n yet_o all_o exterior_a act_n of_o sight_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d overseer_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o exercise_n and_o administration_n of_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o special_a officer_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n none_o else_o be_v capable_a of_o exercise_v this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o but_o they_o on_o who_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v self_n this_o society_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v again_o consider_v either_o 9_o as_o subsist_v without_o any_o influence_n from_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o as_o it_o be_v own_v by_o and_o incorporate_v into_o a_o christian_a state_n i_o therefore_o demand_v whether_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o subsistence_n of_o this_o christian_a society_n to_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n or_o no_o and_o certain_o none_o who_o consider_v the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o the_o affirmative_a because_o then_o the_o church_n flourish_v in_o its_o great_a purity_n not_o only_o when_o not_o uphold_v but_o when_o most_o violent_o oppose_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v be_v unite_v with_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v only_o accidental_a as_o to_o the_o constitution_n a_o church_n and_o if_o this_o be_v only_o accidental_a than_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v furnish_v with_o every_o thing_n requisite_a to_o it_o be_v well_o order_v accidental_o to_o
sufficient_a for_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o certain_o those_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o christianity_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o his_o word_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v why_o christian_n shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n now_o which_o they_o do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o religion_n sufficient_o guard_v and_o fence_v in_o they_o be_v there_o ever_o more_o true_a and_o cordial_a reverence_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n what_o charter_n have_v christ_n give_v the_o church_n to_o bind_v man_n up_o to_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v do_v or_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o her_o society_n who_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n will_v christ_n ever_o thank_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o keep_v such_o out_o from_o communion_n with_o his_o church_n who_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v not_o only_a crown_n of_o glory_n to_o but_o it_o may_v be_v aureolae_fw-la too_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n there_o the_o grand_a commission_n the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o with_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o power_n give_v they_o to_o impose_v or_o require_v any_o thing_n beyond_o what_o himself_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o or_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o by_o the_o immediate_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n command_v and_o require_v be_v lawful_a or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o whether_o indifferency_n may_v be_v determine_v or_o no_o it_o be_v not_o how_o far_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o restraint_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n which_o i_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o treatise_n its_o self_n but_o whether_o they_o do_v consult_v for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n who_o suspend_v it_o upon_o such_o thing_n how_o far_o either_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v warrant_v such_o rigorous_a imposition_n we_o never_o read_v the_o apostle_n make_v law_n but_o of_o thing_n suppose_v necessary_a when_o the_o council_n of_o apostle_n meet_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o decide_v a_o case_n that_o disturb_v the_o church_n peace_n we_o see_v they_o will_v lay_v no_o other_o burden_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o these_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15._o 29._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o with_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a when_o they_o have_v require_v they_o but_o they_o look_v on_o a_o antecedent_n necessity_n either_o absolute_a or_o for_o the_o present_a state_n which_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o impose_v those_o command_n upon_o the_o gentile-christians_a there_o be_v after_o this_o great_a diversity_n of_o practice_n and_o variety_n of_o observation_n among_o christian_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n never_o think_v those_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v make_v matter_n of_o law_n to_o which_o all_o party_n shall_v conform_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n require_v as_o to_o these_o be_v mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o each_o other_o in_o they_o the_o apostle_n value_v not_o indifferency_n at_o all_o and_o those_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o account_v such_o which_o whether_o man_n do_v they_o or_o not_o be_v not_o of_o concernment_n to_o salvation_n and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o strict_o tie_v up_o to_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o and_o yet_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n still_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o main_a inlet_n of_o all_o the_o distraction_n confusion_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v by_o add_v other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o christ_n have_v do_v have_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o add_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o impose_v idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a practice_n all_o the_o injury_n she_o have_v do_v herself_o have_v be_v to_o have_v avoid_v that_o fearful_a schism_n which_o she_o have_v cause_v throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v there_o ever_o be_v the_o less_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n if_o a_o diversity_n be_v allow_v as_o to_o practice_n suppose_v indifferent_a yea_o there_o will_v be_v so_o much_o more_o as_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condiscension_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o not_o a_o bare_a uniformity_n of_o practice_n or_o opinion_n this_o latter_a be_v extreme_o desirable_a in_o a_o church_n but_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v several_a rank_n and_o size_n of_o man_n in_o it_o very_o hardly_o attainable_a because_o of_o the_o different_a persuasion_n of_o man_n mind_n as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o have_v only_o the_o civility_n of_o procrustes_n to_o commensurate_a all_o other_o man_n to_o the_o bed_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o the_o primitive_a church_n deserve_v great_a imitation_n by_o we_o in_o then_o in_o that_o admirable_a temper_n moderation_n and_o condescension_n which_o be_v use_v in_o it_o towards_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o it_o be_v never_o think_v worth_n the_o while_n to_o make_v any_o stand_a law_n for_o rite_n and_o custom_n that_o have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o tradition_n much_o less_o to_o suspend_v man_n she_o his_o communion_n for_o not_o observe_v they_o 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o sozomen_n tell_v we_o they_o judge_v it_o and_o that_o very_o just_o a_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a thing_n for_o those_o that_o agree_v in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o religion_n to_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o communion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o petty_a custom_n and_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o church_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n often_o differ_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o different_a church_n but_o in_o different_a place_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o church_n for_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o many_o city_n and_o village_n in_o egypt_n not_o only_o differ_v from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o mother-church_n of_o alexandria_n but_o from_o all_o other_o church_n beside_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n after_o dinner_n this_o admirable_a temper_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v large_o clear_v from_o that_o liberty_n they_o allow_v free_o to_o dissenter_n from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o opinion_n as_o may_v be_v clear_v from_o cyprian_a austin_n jerome_n and_o other_o but_o that_o will_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o preface_n the_o first_o who_o break_v this_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o arrian_n donatist_n and_o circumcellian_n while_o the_o true_a church_n be_v still_o know_v by_o his_o pristine_a moderation_n and_o sweetness_n of_o deportment_n towards_o all_o its_o member_n the_o same_o we_o hope_v may_v remain_v as_o the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o primitive_a not_o so_o much_o in_o use_v the_o same_o rite_n that_o be_v in_o use_n then_o as_o in_o not_o impose_v they_o but_o leave_v man_n to_o be_v win_v by_o the_o observe_v the_o true_a decency_n and_o order_n of_o church_n whereby_o those_o who_o act_n upon_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o christian_a ingenuity_n may_v be_v soon_o draw_v to_o a_o compliance_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n then_o by_o force_n and_o rigorous_a imposition_n which_o make_v man_n suspect_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o when_o such_o force_n be_v use_v to_o make_v it_o enter_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o rejoice_v that_o almighty_a god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o a_o prince_n of_o that_o excellent_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n who_o have_v so_o late_o give_v assurance_n to_o the_o world_n of_o his_o great_a indulgence_n towards_o all_o that_o have_v any_o pretence_n from_o conscience_n to_o differ_v with_o their_o brethren_n the_o only_a thing_n then_o seem_v to_o retard_v our_o peace_n be_v the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n a_o unhappy_a controversy_n to_o we_o in_o england_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o our_o contention_n about_o it_o have_v be_v so_o great_a and_o yet_o so_o few_o of_o the_o multitude_n engage_v in_o it_o that_o have_v true_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v so_o eager_o contend_v about_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o concern_v
power_n be_v always_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o law_n to_o be_v reserve_v to_o god_n where_o he_o have_v not_o himself_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o use_v it_o which_o be_v do_v either_o by_o the_o annex_v a_o oath_n on_o a_o promise_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a 1●_n for_o god_n to_o lie_v for_o though_o god_n be_v free_a to_o promise_v yet_o when_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o faithfulness_n bind_v he_o to_o performance_n in_o which_o sense_n i_o understand_v those_o who_o say_v god_n in_o make_v promise_n be_v bind_v only_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o man_n that_o be_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o performance_n arise_v from_o god_n faithfulness_n for_o else_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o right_a come_n by_o the_o promise_n that_o must_v immediate_o respect_v the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o which_o we_o common_o say_v that_o the_o promiser_n be_v bind_v to_o performance_n but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o penal_a law_n which_o think_v never_o so_o strict_a do_v imply_v a_o power_n of_o relaxation_n in_o the_o legislator_n because_o penal_a law_n do_v only_o constitute_v the_o debstum_fw-la poenae_fw-la and_o bind_v the_o sinner_n over_o to_o punishment_n but_o do_v not_o bind_v the_o legislator_n to_o a_o actual_a execution_n upon_o the_o debt_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n that_o the_o person_n of_o a_o mediator_n be_v admittable_a in_o the_o place_n of_o fall_a man_n because_o it_o be_v a_o penal_a law_n and_o therefore_o relaxable_a but_o because_o the_o debt_n of_o punishment_n be_v immediate_o contract_v upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n therefore_o satisfaction_n be_v necessary_a to_o god_n as_o lawgiver_n either_o by_o the_o person_n himself_o or_o another_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o his_o wisdom_n as_o governor_n to_o relax_v a_o establish_a law_n without_o valuable_a consideration_n now_o for_o the_o three_o kind_n of_o god_n law_n beside_o promissory_a and_o penal_a viz_o such_o as_o be_v mere_o positive_a respect_v duty_n which_o become_v such_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o express_a command_n these_o though_o they_o be_v revocable_a in_o themselves_o yet_o be_v revocable_a only_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o own_o power_n since_o he_o have_v already_o in_o his_o word_n full_o reveal_v his_o will_n unless_o therein_o he_o have_v declare_v when_o their_o obligation_n shall_v cease_v they_o continue_v irreversible_a this_o be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v command_v mere_o positive_a yet_o christ_n command_v christian_n as_o christian_n to_o observe_v they_o and_o not_o as_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o age_n of_o the_o church_n his_o mind_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o interpret_v concern_v they_o then_o that_o he_o do_v intend_v immutable_o to_o bind_v all_o christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o for_o all_o though_o the_o socinian_o say_v that_o baptism_n 4._o be_v only_o a_o rite_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o pass_a man_n from_o judaisme_n and_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o reason_n that_o come_v from_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o admirer_n of_o it_o for_o christ_n command_n nowhere_o imply_v such_o a_o limitation_n and_o a_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o duty_n now_o and_o the_o covenant_n enter_v into_o by_o that_o rite_n of_o initiation_n as_o obligatory_a as_o ever_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n command_n do_v not_o reach_v we_o now_o especial_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o as_o many_o as_o god_n shall_v call_v and_o consequent_o the_o same_o duty_n require_v 38._o which_o be_v then_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o same_o end_n a_o three_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o immutability_n of_o positive_a law_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n command_v in_o particular_a be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v succession_n and_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v institute_v and_o approve_v by_o christ_n himself_o for_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v the_o power_n himself_o to_o order_v what_o society_n he_o please_v and_o appoint_v what_o order_n he_o please_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o what_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v use_v in_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o his_o church_n in_o their_o continue_n in_o it_o in_o the_o way_n mean_n manner_n of_o ejection_n out_o of_o it_o in_o the_o preserve_n the_o succession_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appointment_n these_o be_v thus_o necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n and_o uphold_v this_o society_n they_o be_v thereby_o of_o a_o nature_n as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o duty_n of_o observe_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v be_v how_o much_o these_o thing_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o the_o question_n propose_v will_v appear_v afterward_o thus_o we_o have_v gain_v a_o resolution_n of_o the_o second_o thing_n whereon_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n be_v found_v viz_o either_o upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concur_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o write_a word_n or_o upon_o express_v positive_a law_n of_o god_n who_o reason_n be_v immutable_a or_o which_o god_n have_v declare_v shall_v continue_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o other_o pretence_n which_o be_v 8●_n bring_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n which_o be_v either_o scripture_n example_n or_o divine_a act_n or_o divine_a approbation_n for_o scripture-example_n first_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o all_o scripture_n example_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o follow_v they_o such_o be_v the_o mediatory_a act_n of_o christ_n the_o heroical_a act_n of_o extraordinary_a person_n all_o accidental_a and_o occasional_a action_n example_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o as_o a_o example_n for_o then_o all_o example_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o so_o we_o shall_v of_o necessity_n go_v quà_fw-la itur_fw-la non_fw-la quà_fw-la eundum_fw-la walk_v by_o the_o most_o example_n and_o not_o by_o rule_n there_o be_v then_o no_o obligatory_a force_n in_o example_n itself_o second_o there_o must_v be_v then_o some_o rule_n fix_v to_o know_v when_o example_n bind_v and_o when_o not_o for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o discrimination_n put_v between_o example_n which_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o which_o to_o avoid_v this_o rule_n must_v be_v either_o immediate_o obligatory_a make_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v such_o example_n or_o else_o directive_n declare_v what_o example_n be_v to_o be_v ●ollowed_v and_o yet_o even_o this_o latter_a do_v imply_v as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a that_o the_o follow_v these_o example_n thus_o declare_v be_v become_v a_o duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o duty_n without_o a_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o follow_v such_o example_n which_o give_v a_o divine_a right_n to_o those_o example_n and_o not_o bare_o the_o example_n themselves_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v christ_n example_n not_o bare_o because_o he_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n for_o many_o thing_n he_o do_v we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o but_o because_o he_o himself_o have_v by_o a_o command_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n 22._o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o whatever_o thing_n be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n for_o our_o imitation_n when_o man_n speak_v then_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n that_o scripture-example_n do_v bind_v we_o unalterable_o they_o either_o mean_v that_o the_o example_n itself_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n which_o i_o have_v show_v already_o to_o be_v absurd_a or_o else_o that_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o the_o action_n do_v in_o that_o example_n or_o else_o the_o law_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n though_o in_o its_o self_n it_o be_v of_o no_o moral_a nature_n if_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o than_o it_o be_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o action_n bind_v we_o without_o its_o be_v incarnate_a in_o the_o example_n for_o the_o example_n in_o action_n not_o moral_a bind_v not_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o example_n bind_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v the_o morality_n of_o the_o action_n which_o bind_v and_o not_o the_o example_n if_o the_o latter_a the_o rule_n make_v it_o our_o duty_n than_o it_o it_o be_v more_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o example_n which_o
bind_v necessary_o but_o that_o rule_n which_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o example_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v not_o bind_v without_o a_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o all_o obligatory_a force_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o example_n themselves_o and_o resolve_v into_o one_o of_o the_o two_o former_a the_o moral_a nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o a_o positive_a law_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o scripture-example_n must_v either_o produce_v the_o moral_a nature_n of_o these_o example_n or_o else_o a_o rule_n bind_v we_o to_o follow_v those_o example_n especial_o when_o these_o example_n be_v bring_v to_o found_v a_o new_a positive_a law_n oblige_v all_o christian_n necessary_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o bind_a nature_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n i_o shall_v discourse_v large_o afterward_o the_o next_o thing_n plead_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n be_v by_o divine_a acts._n as_o to_o this_o ●t_a be_v again_o evident_a that_o all_o divine_a act_n do_v not_o constitute_v such_o a_o right_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o express_v in_o those_o act_n when_o such_o a_o divine_a right_o follow_v they_o whence_o we_o may_v infallible_o gather_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n they_o shall_v perpetual_o oblige_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n instance_a in_o the_o most_o for_o this_o purpose_n as_o god_n rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n make_v the_o sabbath_n perpetual_a for_o it_o 2._o be_v not_o god_n rest_v that_o make_v it_o the_o sabbath_n for_o that_o be_v only_o express_v as_o the_o occasion_n of_o its_o institution_n but_o it_o be_v god_n sanctify_v the_o day_n that_o be_v by_o a_o law_n set_v it_o apart_o for_o his_o own_o service_n which_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n and_o so_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o it_o which_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o sabbath_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o christ_n 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peter_n and_o there_a of_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o act_n i_o grant_v 18._o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o any_o bare_a act_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o declaration_n of_o christ_n will_n confer_v that_o authority_n upon_o they_o again_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o right_n confer_v by_o a_o donative_n act_n and_o the_o unalterable_a nature_n of_o that_o right_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o may_v be_v a_o right_n personal_a as_o well_o as_o successive_a derivative_a and_o perpetual_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o right_o be_v give_v by_o any_o act_n of_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o right_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a if_o it_o oblige_v still_o for_o otherwise_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o 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nature_n which_o make_v the_o action_n good_a and_o so_o approve_v by_o god_n and_o on_o that_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o for_o god_n will_v certain_o approve_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v or_o natural_a which_o will_n and_o law_n of_o he_o be_v that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n i._n e._n perpetual_o bind_v as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o but_o for_o act_n of_o mere_o positive_a nature_n which_o we_o read_v god_n approbation_n of_o in_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o approbation_n those_o action_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o god_n mere_a approbation_n that_o make_v the_o obligation_n but_o as_o that_o approbation_n so_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o oblige_v man_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o the_o legislator_n will_v and_o intention_n to_o bind_v in_o particular_a action_n and_o case_n thus_o now_o we_o have_v clear_v whereon_o a_o necessary_a and_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n must_v be_v found_v either_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n sufficient_o declare_v to_o be_v perpetual_o bind_v chap._n ii_o six_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o the_o irreversible_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o by_o humane_a or_o divine_a positive_a law_n in_o thing_n immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o prohibition_n by_o positive_a law_n enlarge_v into_o 5_o subservient_fw-fr proposition_n 3._o divine_a positive_a law_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v obey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 4._o thing_n undetermined_a both_o by_o the_o natural_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 5._o what_o be_v th●●_n determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n subject_a to_o that_o authority_n to_o obedience_n to_o those_o determination_n 6._o thing_n thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v not_o thereby_o make_v unalterable_a but_o may_v be_v revoke_v limit_v and_o change_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n have_v show_v what_o a_o divine_a right_o be_v and_o whereon_o it_o be_v 1._o found_v our_o next_o great_a inquiry_n will_v be_v how_o far_o church-government_n be_v found_v upon_o divine_a right_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o way_n
do_v it_o make_v itself_o or_o be_v it_o make_v by_o a_o great_a power_n than_o it_o if_o it_o make_v its_o self_n it_o must_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v as_o produce_v and_o not_o be_v as_o produce_v by_o that_o act._n and_o what_o be_v become_v of_o our_o reason_n now_o there_o must_v be_v then_o a_o supreme_a eternal_a infinite_a be_v which_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o in_o it_o which_o have_v give_v nature_n such_o a_o touch_n of_o its_o own_o immortality_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n that_o reason_n capable_a of_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a distinctive_a character_n of_o man_n from_o all_o inferior_a being_n and_o this_o touch_n and_o sense_n be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n they_o therefore_o incline_v more_o to_o one_o another_o society_n in_o the_o joint_a performance_n of_o the_o common_a duty_n due_a from_o they_o to_o their_o maker_n and_o so_o religion_n not_o only_o make_v all_o other_o bond_n firm_a which_o without_o it_o be_v nothing_o as_o oath_n covenant_n promise_n and_o the_o like_a without_o which_o no_o civil_a society_n can_v be_v uphold_v but_o must_v of_o its_o self_n be_v suppose_v especial_o to_o tie_v man_n in_o a_o near_a society_n to_o one_o another_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o proper_a act_n belong_v to_o its_o self_n three_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o great_a honour_n which_o redound_v to_o god_n by_o a_o sociable_a way_n of_o worship_n nature_n that_o dictate_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v do_v likewise_o dictate_v that_o worship_n shall_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o way_n most_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n now_o this_o tend_v more_o to_o promote_v god_n honour_n when_o his_o service_n be_v own_a a●_n a_o public_a thing_n and_o man_n do_v open_o declare_v and_o profess_v themselves_o his_o subject_n if_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o king_n lie_v in_o the_o public_o profess_a and_o avow_a obedience_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o subject_n it_o must_v proportionable_o promote_v and_o advance_v god_n honour_n more_o to_o have_v a_o fix_v state_v worship_n whereby_o man_n may_v in_o a_o community_n and_o public_a society_n declare_v and_o manifest_v their_o homage_n and_o fealty_n to_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o then_o we_o see_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o society_n and_o join_v together_o of_o man_n for_o and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n chap._n iu._n the_o second_o thing_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n dictate_v that_o this_o society_n be_v maintain_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n a_o further_a inquiry_n what_o particular_a order_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n come_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n six_o lay_v down_o and_o evidence_v to_o be_v from_o thence_o first_o a_o distinction_n of_o some_o person_n and_o their_o superiority_n over_o other_o both_o in_o power_n and_o order_n clear_v to_o be_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o power_n and_o application_n of_o the_o power_n distinguish_v this_o latter_a not_o from_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n bind_v but_o permissive_a therefore_o may_v be_v restrain_v people_n right_a of_o choose_v pastor_n consider_v order_n distinguish_v from_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n the_o former_a natural_a the_o other_o not_o the_o second_o be_v that_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v respect_n answerable_a to_o their_o employment_n which_o appear_v from_o their_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o his_o servant_n from_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o this_o work_n before_o positive_a law_n master_n of_o family_n the_o first_o priest_n the_o priesthood_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v before_o the_o law_n discuss_v the_o argument_n for_o it_o answer_v the_o conjunction_n of_o civil_a and_o sacred_a authothority_n large_o show_v among_o egyptian_n grecian_n roman_n and_o other_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n of_o they_o afterward_o from_o plutarch_n and_o other_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n dictate_v in_o 3._o reference_n to_o church-government_n be_v that_o the_o society_n in_o which_o man_n join_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v preserve_v mantain_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o most_o convenient_a manner_n nature_n which_o require_v society_n do_v require_v government_n in_o that_o society_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o society_n now_o we_o shall_v inquire_v what_o particular_a order_n for_o government_n of_o this_o society_n establish_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v flow_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o conceive_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o society_n there_o i●_n requisite_a a_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o order_n in_o some_o over_o the_o other_o if_o all_o be_v ruler_n every_o man_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o society_n or_o each_o man_n must_v have_v power_n over_o the_o other_o and_o that_o bring_v confusion_n there_o must_v be_v some_o then_o invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n concern_v that_o society_n they_o be_v enter_v into_o two_o thing_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o first_o power_n second_o order_n by_o power_n i_o mean_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v by_o order_n the_o superiority_n of_o some_o as_o ruler_n the_o subordination_n of_o other_o as_o rule_v these_o two_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o no_o civil_a society_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v without_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n how_o can_v man_n rule_v if_o no_o order_n how_o can_v man_n be_v rule_v or_o be_v subject_a to_o other_o as_o their_o governor_n here_o several_a thing_n must_v be_v heedful_o distinguish_v the_o power_n from_o the_o application_n of_o that_o power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o title_n to_o government_n the_o order_n itself_o from_o the_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o government_n some_o of_o these_o i_o assert_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o government_n of_o a_o society_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o church_n consider_v without_o positive_a law_n but_o other_o to_o be_v accidental_a and_o therefore_o variable_a i_o say_v then_o that_o there_o be_v a_o govern_v power_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v immutable_a not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n own_o constitution_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a result_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n suppose_v a_o society_n but_o whether_o this_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v by_o succession_n or_o by_o a_o free_a choice_n be_v not_o at_o all_o determine_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a power_n and_o derive_v either_o way_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o bind_v only_o determine_v of_o necessary_n now_o in_o civil_a government_n we_o see_v that_o a_o lawful_a title_n be_v by_o succession_n in_o some_o place_n as_o by_o election_n in_o other_o so_o in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n the_o power_n go_v by_o lineal_a descent_n and_o yet_o a_o lawful_a power_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n none_o deny_v set_v aside_o positive_a law_n but_o it_o may_v be_v as_o lawful_a by_o choice_n and_o free_a election_n the_o main_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o title_n or_o manner_n of_o convey_v authority_n to_o particular_a person_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o preceptive_a obligatory_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o of_o the_o permissive_a and_o consequent_o be_v not_o immutable_a but_o be_v subject_n to_o divine_a or_o humane_a positive_a determination_n and_o thereby_o make_v alterable_a and_o suppose_v a_o determination_n either_o by_o scripture_n or_o lawful_a authority_n the_o exercise_n of_o that_o natural_a right_n be_v so_o far_o restrain_v as_o to_o become_v sinful_a according_a to_o the_o three_o proposition_n under_o the_o 2._o hypoth_o and_o the_o 5._o hypoth_o so_o that_o grant_v at_o present_a that_o people_n have_v the_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n this_o right_n be_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o permissive_a law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v lawful_o restrain_v and_o otherwise_o determine_v by_o those_o that_o have_v lawful_a authority_n over_o the_o people_n as_o a_o civil_a society_n according_a to_o the_o 5._o hypoth_o if_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_n by_o divine_a positive_a law_n that_o law_n must_v be_v produce_v it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o no_o bare_a example_n without_o a_o declaration_n by_o god_n that_o such_o a_o example_n bind_v do_v constitute_v a_o divine_a right_n which_o be_v unalterable_a we_o say_v then_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o invest_v church-governor_n in_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v
the_o continuance_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n full_o clear_v from_o all_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o positive_a law_n be_v prove_v immutable_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o it_o continue_v the_o dream_n of_o a_o seculum_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la discuss_v first_o broach_v by_o the_o mendicant_a friar_n it_o be_v occasion_n and_o unreasonableness_n show_v god_n declare_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n matth._n 28._o 19_o explain_v a_o novel_a interpretation_n large_o refute_v the_o world_n to_o come_v what_o a_o ministry_n necessary_a for_o the_o church_n continuance_n ephes._n 4._o 12._o explain_v and_o vindicate_v second_o that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 1._o administer_v by_o officer_n of_o divine_a appointment_n be_v another_o thing_n i_o will_v yield_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n but_o the_o church_n here_o i_o take_v not_o in_o that_o latitude_n which_o i_o do_v in_o the_o former_a concession_n but_o i_o take_v it_o chief_o here_o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o officer_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o act_n 15._o 22._o so_o that_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o stand_v perpetual_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o care_n and_o employment_n must_v be_v to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o to_o administer_v gospel-ordinance_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v of_o divine_a and_o perpetual_a right_n that_o officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n for_o these_o end_n at_o first_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o direct_a affirmation_n of_o scripture_n god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o eph._n 4._o 8_o 11._o and_o other_o place_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n this_o be_v then_o a_o thing_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o be_v appoint_v by_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n which_o herein_o determine_v and_o restrain_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o prescribe_v the_o certain_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o govern_v this_o society_n nor_o the_o instalment_n or_o admission_n of_o they_o into_o this_o employment_n viz_o by_o ordination_n the_o only_a enquiry_n then_o leave_v be_v whether_o a_o stand_a gospel-ministry_n be_v such_o a_o positive_a law_n as_o be_v to_o remain_v perpetual_o in_o the_o church_n or_o no_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o treatise_n as_o the_o note_n whereby_o to_o know_v when_o positive_a law_n be_v unalterable_a the_o first_o be_v when_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n continue_v 2._o still_o and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o christ_n shall_v appoint_v officer_n to_o rule_v his_o church_n then_o which_o will_v not_o hold_v now_o do_v the_o people_n of_o god_n need_v minister_n then_o to_o be_v as_o star_n as_o they_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n to_o lead_v they_o unto_o 16._o christ_n and_o do_v they_o not_o as_o well_o need_v they_o now_o have_v people_n 3._o need_v of_o guide_n then_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o miracle_n and_o have_v they_o not_o much_o more_o now_o must_v there_o be_v some_o then_o to_o oppose_v gainsayer_n and_o must_v 1._o they_o have_v a_o absolute_a liberty_n of_o prophesy_v now_o when_o it_o be_v foretell_v what_o time_n of_o seduction_n the_o last_o shall_v be_v must_v there_o be_v some_o then_o to_o rule_v over_o their_o charge_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o 17._o account_n and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o require_v still_o be_v there_o some_o then_o to_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v to_o preach_v in_o season_n out_o 2._o of_o season_n and_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o necessity_n of_o these_o thing_n still_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o then_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o in_o all_o church_n that_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n of_o tongue_n prophesy_v 14._o pray_v interpretation_n of_o tongue_n but_o beside_o those_o there_o be_v some_o pastor_n by_o office_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o give_v attendance_n 13._o to_o read_v to_o be_v whole_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o now_o when_o these_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v cease_v be_v not_o there_o a_o much_o great_a necessity_n than_o there_o be_v then_o for_o some_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o whole_o design_v for_o this_o work_n be_v ordinance_n 18._o only_o then_o administer_v by_o those_o who_o christ_n commission_v and_o such_o as_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o that_o man_n shall_v arrogate_v and_o take_v this_o employment_n upon_o themselves_o now_o if_o christ_n have_v so_o please_v can_v he_o not_o have_v leave_v it_o whole_o at_o liberty_n for_o all_o believer_n to_o have_v go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o why_o do_v he_o make_v choice_n of_o 12._o apostle_n chief_o for_o that_o work_n be_v it_o not_o his_o will_n to_o have_v some_o particular_o to_o dispense_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o christ_n do_v then_o separate_v some_o for_o that_o work_n what_o reason_n be_v there_o why_o that_o office_n shall_v be_v throw_v common_a now_o which_o christ_n himself_o enclose_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n there_o can_v be_v no_o possible_a reason_n imagine_v why_o a_o gospel-ministry_n 3._o shall_v not_o continue_v still_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o fanatic_a pretence_n of_o a_o seculum_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o shall_v evacuate_v the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n which_o pretence_n be_v not_o so_o novel_a as_o most_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v for_o set_v aside_o the_o montanistical_a spirit_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n which_o act_v upon_o principle_n much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o these_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o this_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la be_v from_o the_o bog_n of_o popery_n viz._n from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o dominican_n and_o franciscan_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o twelve_o century_n for_o no_o soon_o do_v the_o pauperes_fw-la de_fw-fr lugduno_n or_o the_o waldenses_n appear_v make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confute_v the_o whole_a army_n of_o popish_a tradition_n but_o they_o find_v themselves_o worsted_n at_o every_o turn_n while_o they_o dispute_v that_o ground_n find_v out_o a_o stratagem_n whereby_o to_o recover_v their_o own_o credit_n and_o to_o beat_v their_o adversary_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o field_n which_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o adhere_v to_o so_o much_o be_v now_o out_o of_o date_n and_o instead_o 480._o of_o that_o they_o broach_v another_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o abbot_n joachim_n and_o cyril_n vision_n which_o they_o blasphemous_o name_v evangelium_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la evangelium_fw-la novum_n and_o evangelium_fw-la aeternum_fw-la as_o gulielmus_fw-la de_fw-la sancto_fw-la amore_fw-la their_o great_a antagonist_n relate_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr periculis_fw-la noviss_n temporum_fw-la purposely_o design_v against_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o mendicant_a friar_n who_o then_o like_o locust_n rise_v in_o multitude_n with_o their_o shave_a crown_n out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n this_o gospel_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o so_o much_o magnify_v above_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o same_o author_n relate_v these_o word_n of_o they_o concern_v it_o quod_fw-la comparatum_fw-la ad_fw-la evangelium_fw-la christi_fw-la tanto_fw-la plus_fw-la perfectionis_fw-la ac_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la habet_fw-la quantum_fw-la sol_fw-la ad_fw-la lunam_fw-la comparatus_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la nucleum_fw-la testa_fw-la that_o it_o exceed_v it_o as_o much_o as_o the_o kernel_n do_v the_o shell_n or_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v that_o of_o the_o moon_n we_o see_v then_o from_o what_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n this_o new_a light_n begin_v to_o rise_v but_o so_o much_o for_o this_o digression_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o take_v 4._o away_o the_o use_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n it_o do_v either_o commence_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o time_n since_o not_o then_o for_o even_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o large_a portion_n of_o the_o spirit_n pour_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v that_o they_o continue_v in_o all_o gospel_n ordinance_n act_n 2._o 42_o and_o among_o the_o chief_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d under_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n it_o may_v be_v better_o render_v than_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a the_o prophecy_n of_o joel_n about_o the_o spirit_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v fulfil_v act_v 2._o 17._o
so_o not_o in_o subordination_n to_o any_o other_o tribe_n for_o they_o have_v the_o head_n of_o their_o father_n as_o well_o as_o other_o exodus_fw-la 6._o 25._o and_o although_o when_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o canaan_n their_o habitation_n be_v intermix_v with_o other_o tribe_n in_o their_o forty_o eight_o city_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o those_o tribe_n among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o preserve_v their_o authority_n and_o government_n entire_a among_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o form_n of_o government_n among_o they_o which_o there_o be_v among_o the_o rest_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n then_o be_v divide_v into_o thirteen_o tribe_n these_o tribe_n into_o their_o several_a family_n some_o say_v seventy_o which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o family_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o household_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o household_n into_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o several_a person_n be_v the_o several_a master_n of_o family_n over_o the_o several_a household_n be_v the_o captain_n of_o 1000_o and_o 100_o 50_o 10._o over_o the_o family_n i_o suppose_v be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o father_n and_o over_o the_o thirteen_o tribe_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a father_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n numb_a 32._o 28._o and_o we_o have_v the_o name_n of_o they_o set_v down_o numb_a 34._o 17_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o hitherto_o we_o find_v nothing_o peculiar_a to_o this_o tribe_n nor_o proper_a to_o it_o as_o employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o their_o several_a family_n have_v their_o several_a head_n and_o eleazar_n over_o they_o as_o chief_a of_o the_o tribe_n and_o so_o we_o find_v throughout_o number_n 2._o all_o the_o head_n of_o the_o several_a tribe_n be_v name_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o eleazar_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n then_o which_o seem_v proper_a to_o this_o tribe_n be_v 5._o the_o superiority_n of_o the_o priest_n over_o the_o levite_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supereminent_a power_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n as_o the_o type_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o order_n under_o the_o law_n to_o that_o under_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o and_o from_o the_o first_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o deduce_v but_o this_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o superiority_n of_o officer_n under_o the_o law_n so_o likewise_o shall_v there_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o in_o the_o superiority_n of_o priest_n over_o deacon_n to_o who_o these_o two_o answer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o contend_v for_o a_o high_a order_n by_o divine_a institution_n above_o presbyter_n and_o withal_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v under_o that_o order_n no_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n invest_v in_o the_o priest_n over_o the_o levite_n but_o that_o be_v in_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n and_o ordination_n there_o can_v not_o be_v because_o their_o office_n descend_v by_o succession_n in_o their_o several_a family_n those_o who_o will_v argue_v from_o aaron_n power_n must_v either_o bring_v too_o little_a or_o too_o much_o from_o thence_o too_o little_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o office_n be_v typical_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o as_o high_a priest_n have_v more_o immediate_a respect_n to_o god_n than_o man_n heb._n 5._o 1._o and_o therefore_o eleazar_n be_v appoint_v over_o the_o several_a family_n during_o aaron_n life-time_n and_o under_o eleazar_n his_o son_n phinehas_n too_o much_o if_o a_o necessity_n be_v urge_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n derive_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n from_o thence_o which_o be_v acute_o do_v by_o pope_n innocentius_n the_o three_o the_o father_n of_o the_o lateran_n council_n who_o prove_v that_o the_o pope_n may_v exercise_v temporal_a jurisdiction_n from_o that_o place_n in_o deuteronomy_n 17._o 8._o and_o that_o by_o this_o reason_n because_o deuteronomy_n do_v imply_v the_o second_o law_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v there_o write_v in_o novo_fw-la testamento_fw-la debet_fw-la observari_fw-la must_v be_v observe_v under_o the_o gospel_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v a_o new_a law_n all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v then_o from_o the_o jewish_a pattern_n 5._o can_v amount_v to_o any_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n it_o be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o a_o judicial_a law_n and_o therefore_o bind_v we_o not_o up_o as_o a_o positive_a law_n but_o only_o declare_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o use_n then_o i_o conclude_v then_o that_o the_o jewish_a pattern_n be_v no_o stand_a law_n for_o church-government_n now_o either_o in_o its_o common_a or_o peculiar_a form_n of_o government_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o superiority_n of_o order_n then_o and_o subordination_n of_o some_o person_n to_o other_o under_o that_o government_n that_o such_o a_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n be_v no_o way_n unlawful_a under_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o will_v destroy_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n and_o though_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o other_o tribe_n yet_o we_o see_v god_n do_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o a_o equality_n because_o they_o be_v for_o his_o immediate_a service_n but_o continue_v the_o same_o way_n as_o in_o other_o tribe_n thence_o i_o infer_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o christian_n to_o continue_v that_o form_n under_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o law_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o now_o so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o repugnancy_n to_o this_o law_n in_o such_o a_o subordination_n but_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o it_o be_v institute_v for_o peace_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o antichristian_a the_o jewish_a pattern_n then_o of_o government_n neither_o make_v equality_n unlawful_a because_o their_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v now_o nor_o do_v it_o make_v superiority_n unlawful_a because_o it_o be_v practise_v then_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o jewish_a pattern_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v to_o its_o own_o liberty_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o its_o form_n of_o government_n whether_o by_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n in_o some_o person_n or_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n of_o one_o order_n to_o another_o chap._n iu._n whether_o christ_n have_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n by_o any_o positive_a law_n argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n why_o christ_n must_v determine_v it_o large_o answer_v as_o first_o christ_n faithfulness_n compare_v with_o moses_n answer_v and_o retort_v and_o prove_v that_o christ_n do_v not_o institute_v any_o form_n of_o church_n government_n because_o no_o such_o law_n for_o it_o as_o moses_n give_v and_o we_o have_v nothing_o but_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v applyable_a to_o several_a form_n of_o government_n the_o office_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n what_o it_o prove_v in_o order_n to_o this_o question_n the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n show_v thence_o but_o not_o the_o necessity_n a_o particular_a form_n how_o far_o necessary_a as_o christ_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n the_o similitude_n the_o church_n be_v set_v out_o by_o prove_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n nor_o the_o difference_n of_o civil_a and_o church_n government_n nor_o christ_n set_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n nor_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o church_n power_n in_o appoint_v new_a officer_n every_o minister_n have_v a_o power_n respect_v the_o church_n in_o common_a which_o the_o church_n may_v restrain_v episco●acy_n thence_o prove_v lawful_a the_o argument_n from_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n answer_v we_o come_v then_o from_o the_o type_n to_o the_o antitype_n from_o 1._o the_o rod_n of_o aaron_n to_o the_o root_n of_o jess●_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a to_o see_v whether_o our_o lord_n &_o saviour_n have_v determine_v this_o controversy_n or_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n for_o his_o church_n by_o any_o universal_o bind_v act_n or_o law_n of_o he_o and_o here_o it_o be_v plead_v more_o hot_o by_o many_o that_o christ_n must_v do_v it_o than_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o examine_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n determine_v the_o particular_a form_n and_o then_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o main_a plea_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o perfect_a form_n of_o church-government_n lay_v down_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o
any_o such_o produce_v and_o therefore_o shall_v see_v what_o consequence_n can_v be_v make_v of_o a_o bind_a nature_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o no_o consequence_n can_v be_v deduce_v to_o make_v a_o institution_n but_o only_o to_o apply_v one_o to_o particular_a case_n because_o positives_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a without_o institution_n and_o divine_a appointment_n and_o therefore_o that_o must_v be_v direct_o bring_v for_o the_o make_v a_o positive_a universal_o bind_v which_o it_o do_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n do_v now_o here_o must_v be_v a_o institution_n of_o something_o mere_o positive_a suppose_v which_o in_o its_o self_n be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o therefore_o no_o consequence_n draw_v can_v suffice_v to_o make_v it_o unalterable_o bind_v without_o express_a declaration_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v so_o bind_v for_o what_o be_v not_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n moral_a bind_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o command_n which_o command_n must_v be_v make_v know_v by_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v its_o obligatory_a nature_n so_o that_o both_o a_o consequence_n must_v be_v necessary_o draw_v and_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v so_o draw_v must_v be_v express_v in_o scripture_n which_o i_o despair_v of_o ever_o find_v in_o reference_n to_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o if_o the_o stand_a law_n for_o church-government_n be_v equal_o applyable_a to_o several_a distinct_a form_n than_o no_o one_o form_n be_v prescribe_v in_o scripture_n but_o all_o the_o stand_a law_n respect_v church-government_n be_v equal_o applyable_a to_o several_a form_n all_o the_o law_n occur_v in_o scripture_n respect_v church_n government_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n such_o as_o set_v down_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n for_o the_o office_n of_o government_n such_o as_o require_v a_o right_a management_n of_o their_o office_n and_o such_o as_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o their_o office_n now_o all_o these_o be_v equal_o applyable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o two_o form_n we_o now_o discourse_v of_o we_o begin_v then_o with_o those_o which_o set_v down_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n employ_v in_o government_n those_o we_o have_v large_o and_o full_o set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o order_n to_o 8._o timothy_n and_o titus_n prescribe_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n those_o 10._o shall_v be_v who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n not_o self-willed_a not_o soon_o angry_a not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o qualification_n mention_v be_v equal_o require_v as_o necessary_a in_o a_o bishop_n whether_o take_v for_o one_o of_o a_o superior_a order_n above_o presbyter_n or_o else_o only_o for_o a_o single_a presbyter_n however_o that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o church-government_n he_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o so_o these_o command_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n give_v by_o paul_n do_v equal_o respect_v and_o concern_v they_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o evangelist_n act_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n or_o as_o fix_a pastor_n over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a precinct_n so_o that_o from_o the_o command_v themselves_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v either_o way_n to_o determine_v the_o question_n only_o one_o place_n be_v plead_v for_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o office_n timothy_n be_v employ_v in_o which_o must_v now_o be_v examine_v the_o place_n be_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 13_o 14._o i_o give_v thou_o charge_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n unrebukable_a until_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n from_o hence_o it_o be_v argue_v thus_o the_o commandment_n here_o be_v the_o charge_n which_o timothy_n have_v of_o govern_v the_o church_n this_o timothy_n can_v not_o keep_v personal_o till_o christ_n second_o come_v therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ._n but_o this_o be_v easy_o answer_v for_o first_o it_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a what_o this_o command_n be_v which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o some_o understand_v it_o of_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n other_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o love_n other_o most_o probable_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o contain_v in_o this_o epistle_n which_o i_o confess_v imply_v in_o it_o as_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n paul_n direction_n of_o timothy_n for_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o his_o office_n but_o grant_v that_o the_o command_n respect_v timothy_n office_n yet_o i_o answer_v second_o it_o manifest_o appear_v to_o be_v something_o personal_a and_o not_o successive_a or_o at_o lest_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o succession_n from_o this_o place_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o command_v relate_v to_o timothy_n personal_a observance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o three_o christ_n appear_v here_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o his_o second_o come_v to_o judgement_n but_o it_o only_o import_v the_o 4._o time_n of_o timothy_n decease_n so_o chrysostome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o estius_n understand_v it_o usque_fw-la ad_fw-la exitum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la hesych_n and_o for_o that_o end_n bring_v that_o speech_n of_o augustine_n tun●_n unicuique_fw-la veniet_fw-la dies_fw-la adventûs_fw-la domini_fw-la cum_fw-la venerit_fw-la ei_fw-la dies_fw-la ut_fw-la talis_fw-la hinc_fw-la exeat_fw-la qualis_fw-la judicandus_fw-la est_fw-la illo_fw-la die_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysostome_n and_o from_o he_o theophylact_fw-mi observe_v to_o incite_v he_o the_o more_o both_o to_o diligence_n in_o his_o work_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n appearance_n the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n than_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o revel_v 2._o 10._o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n nothing_o then_o can_v be_v hence_o infer_v as_o to_o the_o necessary_a succession_n of_o some_o in_o timothy_n office_n whatever_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v second_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n require_v a_o right_a 5._o management_n of_o the_o work_n be_v equal_o applyable_a to_o either_o form_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n be_v equal_o a_o duty_n whether_o by_o flock_n we_o understand_v either_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o the_o adjacent_a church_n of_o asia_n whether_o by_o overseer_n we_o understand_v some_o act_n over_o other_o or_o all_o join_n together_o in_o a_o equality_n so_o exhort_v reprove_v preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n do_v 28._o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o rash_a censure_n and_o partiality_n 2._o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n 21._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n rebuke_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o whatever_o precept_n 17._o of_o this_o nature_n we_o read_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 22._o may_v be_v equal_o applyable_a to_o man_n act_v in_o either_o of_o these_o two_o form_n of_o government_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n occur_v 19_o in_o all_o those_o epistle_n prescribe_v to_o timothy_n whether_o he_o must_v act_v only_o as_o a_o consul_n in_o senatu_fw-la with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o whether_o by_o his_o sole_a power_n he_o shall_v determine_v what_o be_v the_o common_a interest_n and_o concern_v of_o those_o church_n he_o be_v the_o superintendent_n over_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n determine_v at_o all_o in_o those_o epistle_n chief_o concern_v church-government_n whether_o upon_o the_o removal_n of_o timothy_n or_o titus_n thence_o as_o evangelist_n as_o some_o pretend_v or_o upon_o their_o death_n as_o fix_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n as_o other_o any_o shall_v succeed_v they_o in_o the_o power_n they_o enjoy_v or_o no_o nor_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o several_a church_n shall_v order_v thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n which_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o strange_a omission_n be_v either_o of_o these_o two_o form_n so_o necessary_a take_v exclusive_o of_o the_o other_o as_o both_o party_n seem_v to_o affirm_v for_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o if_o the_o be_v and_o right_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o manner_n
of_o the_o governor_n act_v in_o it_o but_o that_o care_n which_o paul_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n will_v have_v prompt_v he_o especial_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o pen_n those_o epistle_n to_o have_v lay_v down_o some_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n consider_v especial_o that_o the_o epistle_n then_o write_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v of_o stand_v perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o by_o which_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v then_o in_o be_v the_o apostle_n in_o both_o epistle_n take_v care_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o those_o church_n timothy_n be_v charge_v to_o commit_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v 2._o hear_v of_o paul_n to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o teach_v other_o have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o have_v charge_v he_o to_o have_v commit_v his_o power_n of_o government_n to_o man_n fit_a for_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n look_v on_o the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v paul_n say_v he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n on_o purpose_n to_o settle_v the_o church_n and_o ordain_v presbyter_n 5._o in_o every_o city_n have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o have_v show_v in_o what_o order_n the_o church_n must_v be_v settle_v and_o what_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o those_o presbyter_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o govern_n their_o church_n have_v he_o think_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o their_o act_n we_o see_v here_o then_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o express_v any_o thing_n necessary_o infer_v any_o one_o constant_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whence_o can_v we_o infer_v any_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o such_o a_o form_n and_o no_o other_o there_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v then_o by_o paul_n direction_n for_o church-government_n when_o if_o ever_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v express_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crect_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o upon_o the_o departure_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n from_o they_o but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o though_o nothing_o be_v 6._o express_v in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n yet_o paul_n appoint_v timothy_n and_o titus_n over_o those_o church_n do_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o a_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o future_a governor_n after_o they_o to_o this_o ●answer_n first_o the_o superiority_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v over_o those_o church_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o government_n necessary_a in_o all_o church_n i_o dispute_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v evangelist_n or_o no_o or_o act_v as_o such_o in_o that_o superiority_n of_o that_o afterward_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v be_v so_o there_o be_v no_o convince_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o negative_a destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o affirmative_a of_o a_o proposition_n as_o si_fw-mi posibile_fw-it est_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la animal_n than_o that_o proposition_n be_v false_a necesse_fw-la est_fw-la hominem_fw-la esse_fw-la animal_n for_o necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o non_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v ●quipollents_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v ●quipollents_n on_o the_o other_o possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la must_v be_v contradictory_n to_o necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o non_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v to_o non_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o that_o if_o only_a the_o possibility_n of_o their_o act_n as_o evangelist_n that_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n be_v evict_v which_o i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o act_n as_o fix_v bishop_n be_v destroy_v and_o consequent_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n too_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a for_o if_o they_o act_v not_o as_o bishop_n nothing_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o example_n necessary_o enforce_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o superiority_n which_o they_o enjoy_v but_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o office_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v invest_v in_o yet_o from_o the_o superiority_n of_o that_o power_n which_o they_o enjoy_v over_o those_o church_n whether_o as_o evangelist_n or_o as_o fix_a bishop_n these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v infer_v first_o that_o the_o superiority_n of_o some_o church-officer_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o party_n acknowledge_v the_o superiority_n of_o their_o power_n above_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a city_n only_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o power_n ●●_o dispute_v by_o many_o but_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o power_n at_o all_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o superiority_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessary_a equality_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o second_o hence_o i_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o apostolical_a time_n for_o man_n to_o have_v power_n over_o more_o than_o one_o particular_a congregation_n for_o such_o a_o power_n timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v which_o have_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o regiment_n of_o church_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o plant_v church_n so_o that_o if_o those_o popular_a argument_n of_o a_o necessary_a relation_n between_o a_o pastor_n and_o particular_a people_n of_o personal_a knowledge_n care_n and_o inspection_n do_v destroy_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o extend_v that_o care_n and_o charge_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n they_o will_v likewise_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o office_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n act_v in_o which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n whether_o their_o power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o no_o i_o now_o dispute_v not_o but_o whether_o such_o a_o power_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o no_o which_o from_o their_o practice_n be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o but_o than_o other_o who_o will_v make_v this_o office_n necessary_a urge_v further_o that_o timothy_n or_o titus_n may_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v other_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o care_n over_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o charge_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o they_o may_v do_v be_v not_o the_o question_n but_o what_o they_o do_v as_o they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o they_o may_v not_o do_v it_o if_o no_o other_o evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o quod_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la possibile_fw-la ●st_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la second_o neither_o what_o they_o do_v be_v the_o whole_a question_n but_o what_o they_o do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o no_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o by_o any_o law_n extant_a in_o scripture_n and_o give_v they_o by_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n or_o some_o private_a command_n and_o particular_a instruction_n when_o he_o depute_v they_o to_o their_o several_a charge_n if_o the_o former_a that_o law_n and_o command_n must_v be_v produce_v which_o will_v hardly_o be_v if_o we_o embrace_v only_o the_o receive_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o the_o latter_a we_o must_v then_o fetch_v some_o stand_a rule_n and_o law_n from_o unwritten_a tradition_n for_o no_o other_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o instruction_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n give_v by_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n at_o the_o take_v their_o charge_n upon_o they_o but_o yet_o three_o be_v it_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v dispute_v that_o will_v hold_v a_o controversy_n still_o viz._n whether_o any_o do_v succeed_v timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o their_o office_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o be_v discuss_v when_o
home_n our_o saviour_n take_v the_o word_n from_o common_a use_n but_o apply_v it_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o original_a of_o the_o word_n proper_o import_v such_o as_o be_v employ_v by_o commission_n from_o another_o for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o some_o business_n in_o his_o name_n so_o casaubon_n who_o be_v sufficient_o 4._o able_a to_o judge_n of_o the_o use_n of_o a_o greek_a word_n in_o communi_fw-la graecorum_n usu_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dicebantur_fw-la certi_fw-la homines_fw-la qui_fw-la negotii_fw-la gerendi_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la deferendi_fw-la nuntii_fw-la aliquò_fw-la mittebantur_fw-la and_o so_o it_o be_v take_v john_n 13._o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v send_v be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o thence_o epaphroditus_n when_o employ_v upon_o a_o special_a message_n to_o paul_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philippian_n 2._o 25._o which_o we_o translate_v your_o messenger_n and_o so_o titus_n and_o the_o two_o other_o send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o gather_v their_o charity_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 23._o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n thence_o paul_n full_o render_v the_o import_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n apostle_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o corinth_n 5._o 20._o we_o act_n as_o ambassaduor_n for_o christ._n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o septuagint_n who_o greek_a be_v most_o follow_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v render_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o it_o signify_v to_o employ_v a_o messenger_n upon_o special_a service_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 1_o king_n 21._o 11._o 1_o king_n 12._o 18._o exod_n 4._o 30._o and_o the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v in_o this_o sense_n 1_o king_n 14._o 6._o where_o ahijah_n say_v i_o be_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sad_a messenger_n to_o thou_o for_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n apostle_n appear_v to_o be_v one_o that_o be_v employ_v by_o a_o peculiar_a commission_n from_o he_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o he_o for_o the_o do_v some_o special_a service_n thus_o be_v christ_n disciple_n call_v apostle_n from_o the_o immediate_a commission_n which_o they_o have_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o work_n which_o he_o employ_v they_o in_o thence_o our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n send_v in_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sense_n when_o he_o give_v the_o apostle_n their_o commission_n in_o those_o remarkable_a word_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o john_n 20._o 21._o whereby_o our_o saviour_n delegate_n his_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o have_v as_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o apostle_n upon_o his_o leave_v the_o world_n not_o in_o a_o privative_a way_n so_o as_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n but_o in_o a_o cumulative_a way_n invest_v they_o with_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v not_o before_o for_o both_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n no_o argument_n then_o can_v be_v draw_v for_o the_o right_n or_o form_n of_o church-government_n from_o christ_n action_n towards_o his_o disciple_n before_o the_o last_o and_o full_a commission_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o church-government_n before_o that_o time_n which_o will_v be_v further_o clear_v if_o we_o consider_v their_o first_o 5._o send_v out_o speak_v of_o matth._n 10._o 1._o mark_v 6._o 7._o luke_n 9_o 1._o several_a thing_n lie_v in_o our_o way_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o mission_n of_o the_o apostle_n first_o that_o though_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v now_o for_o some_o competent_a time_n not_o only_o call_v to_o their_o office_n but_o solemn_o choose_v to_o it_o yet_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o they_o do_v ever_o exercise_v that_o office_n till_o now_o they_o be_v send_v forh_fw-mi by_o christ._n they_o remain_v still_o at_o christ_n foot_n learn_v for_o their_o own_o instruction_n and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o their_o future_a employment_n and_o think_v it_o no_o inconvenience_n while_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o wind_n to_o lay_v in_o sufficient_a lade_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o voyage_n baptise_v indeed_o they_o do_v before_o joh._n 4._o 2._o but_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v do_v by_o they_o by_o a_o immediate_a present_a order_n from_o christ_n himself_o be_v by_o as_o the_o chief_a in_o the_o action_n thence_o christ_n in_o one_o place_n be_v say_v to_o baptize_v joh._n 3._o 22._o and_o yet_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o baptize_v but_o his_o disciple_n joh._n 4._o 2._o christ_n do_v it_o authoritative_o the_o disciple_n ministerial_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o disciple_n do_v then_o baptize_v as_o private_a man_n after_o the_o receive_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o only_o a_o confessus_fw-la trium_fw-la be_v requisite_a to_o baptise_v a_o proselyte_n this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o take_v off_o from_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o a_o function_n both_o to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v because_o as_o yet_o the_o gospel-ministry_n be_v not_o institute_v and_o therefore_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_a before_o restraint_n do_v not_o follow_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o after_o when_o all_o those_o scatter_a ray_n and_o beam_n which_o be_v disperse_v abroad_o before_o be_v gather_v into_o the_o ministerial_a office_n upon_o christ_n appoint_v it_o as_o that_o great_a hemisphere_n of_o light_n in_o the_o creation_n be_v after_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o now_o be_v the_o apostle_n first_o send_v out_o to_o preach_v and_o now_o god_n first_o begin_v to_o null_a the_o jewish_a ministry_n and_o set_v up_o another_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o make_v good_a that_o threaten_n that_o he_o be_v against_o the_o shepherd_n and_o will_v require_v the_o flock_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n here_o 10._o than_o we_o have_v the_o first_o exercise_n of_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n for_o which_o we_o see_v beside_o their_o former_a call_n and_o choice_n particular_a mission_n be_v after_o necessary_a second_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o employment_n christ_n send_v they_o upon_o now_o be_v only_o a_o temporary_a employment_n confine_v as_o to_o work_v and_o place_n and_o not_o the_o full_a apostolical_a work_n the_o want_n of_o consider_v and_o understand_v this_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o very_a many_o mistake_n among_o man_n when_o they_o argue_v from_o the_o occasional_a precept_n here_o give_v the_o apostle_n as_o from_o a_o stand_v perpetual_a rule_n for_o a_o gospel-ministry_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n only_o suit_v these_o instruction_n to_o the_o present_a case_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n present_a employment_n which_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n up_o and_o down_o themselves_o but_o to_o be_v as_o so_o many_o john_n baptist_n to_o call_v people_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v the_o same_o with_o he_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o 7_o hand_n whereby_o it_o appear_v their_o doctrine_n be_v only_o preparatory_a to_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o to_o raise_v up_o high_a expectation_n of_o the_o gospel-state_n under_o the_o messiah_n and_o these_o be_v they_o who_o the_o king_n now_o send_v into_o the_o highway_n to_o invite_v man_n to_o the_o marriage_n ●_o feast_n and_o to_o bid_v they_o to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o this_o be_v the_o only_a present_a employment_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o first_o mission_n in_o which_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o city_n of_o judea_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o first_o refusal_n of_o the_o gospel-offers_a this_o mission_n then_o be_v occasional_a limit_v and_o temporary_a can_v yield_v no_o foundation_n for_o any_o thing_n perpetual_a to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o three_o we_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o christ_n employ_v in_o the_o first_o disperse_v of_o the_o gospel_n abroad_o be_v furnish_v with_o argument_n sufficient_a to_o evince_v not_o only_o the_o credibility_n but_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v therefore_o christ_n when_o he_o now_o send_v they_o out_o give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o a_o mere_a power_n to_o work_v miracle_n but_o a_o right_n conferrèd_v on_o they_o to_o 2._o do_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v the_o credential_n which_o the_o apostle_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o to_o show_v
28._o 18._o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n government_n before_o pentecost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d explain_v how_o the_o apostle_n do_v divide_v province_n whether_o paul_n and_o peter_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o circumcision_n and_o uncircumcision_n and_o different_a church_n erect_v by_o they_o in_o the_o same_o city_n what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o order_n to_o settle_v particular_a church_n the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n consider_v four_o general_a consideration_n lay_v down_o about_o the_o apostle_n practice_n first_o it_o can_v be_v full_o know_v what_o be_v be_v 2._o great_a probability_n they_o observe_v no_o one_o certain_a form_n in_o settle_v church_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n jerome_n ambrose_n or_o hilary_n 3._o their_o case_n different_a from_o we_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n 4._o if_o grant_v for_o any_o form_n yet_o prove_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o 1._o office_n appoint_v by_o they_o be_v cease_v widow_n deaconess_n abolish_v 2._o rite_n and_o custom_n apostolical_a grow_v out_o of_o use_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v found_v upon_o apostolical_a precept_n act_n 15._o 29._o consider_v 2._o such_o as_o be_v ground_v on_o their_o practice_n holy_a kiss_n love-feast_n dip_v in_o baptism_n community_n of_o good_n with_o several_a other_o have_v find_v nothing_o either_o in_o our_o saviour_n practice_n or_o in_o 1._o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o by_o he_o conceive_v to_o respect_n church-government_n which_o determine_v any_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a form_n the_o only_a argument_n remain_v which_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o found_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v by_o their_o employment_n and_o commission_n entrust_v with_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n take_v care_n for_o the_o plant_v and_o govern_v of_o his_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n to_o glory_n do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n call_v his_o apostle_n together_o and_o give_v now_o their_o full_a charter_n and_o commission_n to_o they_o the_o first_o contain_v chief_o the_o power_n itself_o confer_v upon_o they_o john_n 20._o 21._o the_o other_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o power_n matth._n 28._o 19_o in_o the_o former_a our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o so_o do_v he_o send_v they_o which_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v of_o a_o parity_n and_o equality_n of_o power_n but_o in_o a_o similitude_n of_o the_o mission_n that_o as_o christ_n before_o have_v manage_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o own_o person_n so_o now_o have_v according_o to_o the_o prophecy_n make_v of_o he_o at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o week_n make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n by_o his_o death_n and_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o dispatch_v abroad_o his_o gospel_n herald_n to_o proclaim_v the_o jubilee_n now_o begin_v and_o the_o 15_o act_n of_o indemnity_n now_o past_a upon_o all_o penitent_a offender_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v john_n 20._o 23._o i_o e._n as_o many_o as_o upon_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n by_o you_o shall_v come_v in_o and_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n proclaim_v therein_o shall_v have_v their_o former_a rebellion_n pardon_v but_o such_o as_o will_v still_o continue_v obstinate_a their_o former_a guilt_n shall_v still_o continue_v to_o bind_v they_o over_o to_o deserve_a punishment_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n thus_o confer_v upon_o they_o he_o breathe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o they_o and_o 12_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o receive_v till_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n act._n 2._o 1._o but_o of_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v now_o confer_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o solemn_a rite_n of_o breathe_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o england_n understand_v that_o expression_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n as_o it_o imply_v only_o the_o confer_v thereby_o a_o authority_n for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o ordination_n be_v fit_o express_v by_o the_o same_o word●_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o the_o confer_v the_o same_o power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n at_o his_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o be_v gospel-preacher_n after_o this_o come_v the_o solemn_a appoint_a meeting_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o mountain_n of_o galilee_n where_o in_o probability_n 16_o beside_o the_o eleven_o be_v present_v the_o five_o hundred_o 6_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o here_o christ_n more_o solemn_o inaugurate_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o office_n declare_v all_o power_n to_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o all_o man_n indefinite_o gentile_n 15._o as_o well_o as_o jew_n which_o matthew_n full_o express_v by_o all_o nation_n 19_o now_o be_v the_o apostle_n leave_v as_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o last_o commission_n wherein_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v more_o full_o express_v there_o be_v nothing_o mention_v of_o any_o order_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n under_o they_o not_o what_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n all_o that_o remain_v then_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v and_o how_o far_o they_o act_v for_o the_o determine_v any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n be_v thus_o invest_v in_o their_o authority_n we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o present_o upon_o their_o last_o commission_n from_o christ_n go_v forth_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v but_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o go_v first_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o to_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o appointment_n luke_n 24._o 49._o and_o therefore_o what_o mark_n add_v mark_v 16._o 20._o that_o after_o christ_n appearance_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n go_v abroad_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o work_v miracle_n must_v either_o be_v understand_v of_o what_o they_o do_v only_o in_o their_o way_n return_v from_o galilee_n oh_o jerusalem_n or_o else_o more_o probable_o of_o what_o they_o do_v indefinite_o afterwarp_n for_o present_o after_o we_o find_v they_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n whence_o they_o come_v from_o mount_n olivet_n where_o christ_n ascension_n be_v here_o we_o find_v they_o employ_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v saint_n luke_n 53_o in_o his_o gospel_n which_o we_o render_v the_o temple_n but_o i_o understand_v it_o rather_o as_o refer_v to_o the_o action_n than_o the_o place_n and_o be_v best_a explain_v by_o what_o luke_n say_v in_o act_n 1._o 14._o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continue_v in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o temple_n appear_v by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o upper_a room_n where_o 13._o they_o continue_v together_o for_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d about_o the_o temple_n be_v most_o improbable_a to_o conceive_v because_o not_o only_o those_o ninty_a cell_n about_o the_o temple_n be_v destine_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o priest_n in_o their_o several_a 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o time_n of_o ministration_n and_o it_o be_v most_o unlikely_a the_o chief_a priest_n and_o master_n of_o the_o temple_n shall_v suffer_v those_o who_o they_o hate_v so_o much_o to_o continue_v ●o_o near_o they_o without_o any_o molestation_n or_o disturbance_n while_o the_o apostle_n continue_v here_o they_o proceed_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n instead_o of_o judas_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v now_o necessary_a that_o number_n be_v to_o the_o first_o form_v of_o church_n when_o the_o vacant_a place_n must_v be_v supply_v with_o so_o great_a solemnity_n which_o office_n of_o apostleship_n which_o judas_n once_o have_v and_o mathias_n be_v now_o choose_v into_o be_v call_v by_o peter_n
that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a government_n belong_v to_o the_o synagogue_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a judicature_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v in_o clear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a 7._o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o synagogue_n we_o now_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v and_o by_o what_o law_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v observe_v the_o government_n of_o the_o synagogue_n either_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n in_o it_o or_o the_o public_a rule_n of_o it_o as_o a_o society_n as_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o it_o so_o there_o be_v many_o officer_n peculiar_o appoint_v for_o it_o the_o main_a part_n of_o public_a service_n lie_v in_o the_o read_n and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n for_o both_o the_o know_a place_n of_o philo_n will_v give_v we_o light_v for_o understand_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d esse_fw-la come_v to_o their_o holy_a place_n call_v synagogue_n they_o sit_v down_o in_o convenient_a order_n ac●●●ding_v to_o their_o several_a form_n ready_a to_o hear_v the_o young_a under_o 〈…〉_z der_fw-ge then_o one_o take_v the_o book_n and_o read_v another_o of_o those_o best_a skill_a come_v after_o and_o expound_v it_o for_o so_o grotius_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o eusebius_n 16_o we_o see_v two_o several_a office_n here_o the_o one_o of_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o other_o of_o he_o that_o do_v interpret_v what_o be_v read_v great_a difference_n i_o find_v among_o learned_a man_n about_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o synagogue_n some_o by_o he_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o make_v he_o the_o under_o reader_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o hence_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v 20._o and_o not_o from_o look_v to_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o parnasim_n that_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o deacon_n office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o public_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o hence_o epiphanius_n parallel_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o ebeonite_n the_o jew_n to_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o other_o make_v the_o office_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v of_o a_o high_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o reader_n himself_o for_o that_o be_v no_o office_n but_o upon_o every_o sabbath_n day_n seven_o be_v call_v out_o to_o do_v that_o work_n as_o buxtorf_n tell_v we_o first_o a_o priest_n 1●_n than_o a_o levite_n and_o after_o any_o five_o of_o the_o people_n and_o these_o have_v every_o one_o their_o set-part_n in_o every_o section_n to_o read_v which_o be_v still_o mark_v by_o the_o number_n in_o some_o bibles_n but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v he_o that_o do_v call_v out_o every_o one_o of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n to_o read_v and_o do_v observe_v their_o read_n whether_o they_o do_v it_o exact_o verb._n or_o no._n so_o buxtorf_n speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hic_fw-la maximè_fw-la oratione_fw-la sive_fw-la precibus_fw-la &_o cantu_fw-la ecclesi●_n praeibat_fw-la praeerat_fw-la lectioni_fw-la legali_fw-la docens_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o quomodo_fw-la legendum_fw-la &_o similibus_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la sacra_fw-la pertinebant_fw-la so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o superintendent_n of_o all_o the_o public_a service_n thence_o other_o make_v he_o parallel_v to_o he_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n legatus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la l'empereur_n render_v it_o as_o though_o 149._o the_o name_n be_v impose_v on_o he_o as_o act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v only_o be_v in_o offer_v up_o public_a prayer_n but_o he_o be_v angelus_n dei_fw-la as_o he_o be_v inspector_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la because_o the_o angel_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v more_o immediate_o present_a in_o and_o supervisor_n over_o the_o public_a place_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n see_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 10._o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o l'empereur_n often_o render_v concionator_n synagogae_fw-la as_o though_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o expound_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n but_o he_o that_o do_v that_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o inquire_v thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o enquir_a or_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n 20●_n thence_o r._n moses_n haddarsan_n but_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o seek_v for_o several_a office_n from_o several_a name_n nay_o it_o seem_v not_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v any_o set-officer_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o expound_v scripture_n in_o all_o synagogue_n or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o fix_v but_o that_o any_o one_o that_o enjoy_v any_o repute_n for_o religion_n or_o knowledge_n in_o the_o law_n be_v allow_v a_o free_a liberty_n of_o speak_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n as_o we_o see_v in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n send_v to_o paul_n and_o 15._o barnabas_n after_o the_o read_n of_o the_o law_n that_o if_o they_o have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n they_o shall_v speak_v on_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o who_o have_v rule_v over_o the_o synagogue_n they_o be_v call_v ruler_n here_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o in_o every_o city_n where_o there_o be_v ten_o wise_a man_n as_o there_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o every_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o synagogue_n that_o they_o do_v all_o joint_o concur_v for_o the_o roll_a the_o affair_n of_o the_o synagogue_n but_o what_o the_o distinct_a office_n of_o all_o these_o be_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o make_v out_o but_o all_o join_n together_o seem_v to_o make_v the_o consistory_n or_o bench_n as_o some_o call_v it_o which_o do_v unanimous_o moderate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o manner_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o synagogue_n be_v thus_o describe_v by_o mr._n thorndike_n out_o of_o maimonides_n who_o word_n 56._o be_v these_o how_o sit_v the_o people_n in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o elder_n sit_v with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o people_n and_o their_o back_n towards_o the_o he●all_n the_o place_n where_o they_o lie_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o law_n and_o all_o the_o people_n sit_v rank_n before_o rank_n the_o face_n of_o every_o rank_n towards_o the_o back_n of_o the_o rank_n before_o it_o so_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v towards_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o towards_o the_o elder_n and_o towards_o the_o ark_n and_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n stand_v up_o to_o prayer_n he_o stand_v on_o the_o ground_n before_o the_o ark_n with_o his_o face_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n several_a thing_n be_v observable_a to_o our_o purpose_n in_o this_o testimony_n of_o maimonides_n first_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o synagogue_n as_o to_o make_v a_o bench_n or_o consistory_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o place_n by_o themselves_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v after_o their_o dispersion_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a government_n among_o they_o but_o what_o be_v in_o their_o synagogue_n unless_o it_o be_v where_o they_o have_v liberty_n for_o erect_v school_n of_o learning_n beside_o this_o college_n of_o presbyter_n we_o here_o see_v the_o public_a minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n episcopus_fw-la congregationis_fw-la the_o superintendent_n over_o the_o congregation_n who_o peculiar_a office_n it_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o to_o bless_v the_o people_n we_o be_v here_o further_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o form_n of_o their_o sit_v in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o presbyter_n sit_v together_o upon_o a_o bench_n by_o themselves_o with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o people_n which_o be_v in_o a_o hemicycle_n the_o form_n wherein_o all_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n among_o they_o sit_v which_o be_v full_o describe_v by_o mr._n selden_n and_o 3._o mr._n thorndike_n in_o the_o place_n abovecited_a this_o be_v afterward_o the_o form_n wherein_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n use_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o last_o name_v learned_a author_n large_o observe_v and_o prove_v beside_o this_o college_n of_o presbyter_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o particular_o
the_o jew_n as_o a_o significative_a rite_n in_o the_o ordain_v the_o elder_n among_o they_o and_o thereby_o qualify_a they_o either_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o sanhedrin_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o law_n a●_n twofold_a use_n i_o find_v of_o this_o symbolical_a rite_n beside_o the_o solemn_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o the_o hand_n be_v lay_v the_o first_o be_v to_o denote_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n thus_o lay_v hand_n upon_o for_o the_o right_n use_v and_o peculiar_a service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o lay_v 21._o hand_n upon_o the_o beast_n under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v thereby_o note_v their_o own_o part_n with_o any_o right_n in_o it_o and_o give_v it_o up_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o thus_o in_o the_o civil_a law_n this_o delivery_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o transfer_v dominion_n which_o they_o call_v translatio_fw-la de_fw-la manu_fw-la in_o manum_fw-la the_o second_o end_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v the_o solemn_a juvocation_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o assistance_n to_o be_v upon_o and_o with_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o hand_n be_v thus_o lay_v for_o the_o hand_n with_o we_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o action_n they_o do_v by_o stretch_v out_o their_o hand_n upon_o the_o person_n represent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o divine_a power_n which_o they_o implore_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o 19_o per●on_n thus_o design_v tunc_fw-la enim_fw-la ●rabant_fw-la ut_fw-la sic_fw-la dei_fw-la efficacia_fw-la esset_fw-la super_fw-la illum_fw-la sicut_fw-la manus_fw-la efficaciae_fw-la symbolum_fw-la ei_fw-la imponebatur_fw-la as_o grotius_n observe_v thence_o in_o all_o solemn_a prayer_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v particular_o design_v they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o custom_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o which_o custom_n augustine_n speak_v quid_fw-la aliud_fw-la est_fw-la manuum_fw-la impositio_fw-la nisi_fw-la oratio_fw-la 14_o super_fw-la hominem_fw-la thence_o when_o jacob_n pray_v over_o josephs_n child_n he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o so_o when_o moses_n 23._o pray_v over_o joshua_n the_o practice_n likewise_o our_o saviour_n use_v in_o blessing_n child_n heal_v the_o sick_a and_o the_o apostle_n in_o confer_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v convey_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o use_v it_o in_o any_o more_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o behalf_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n as_o over_o the_o sick_a upon_o repentance_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o confirmation_n and_o in_o matrimony_n which_o as_o grotius_n observe_v be_v to_o this_o day_n use_v in_o the_o abissine_a church_n but_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a use_n of_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o design_v of_o any_o person_n for_o any_o public_a employment_n among_o they_o not_o as_o though_o the_o bare_a imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v confer_v any_o power_n upon_o the_o person_n no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a delivery_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o law_n give_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o it_o without_o express_a transfer_v dominion_n with_o it_o but_o with_o that_o ceremony_n they_o join_v those_o word_n whereby_o they_o do_v confer_v that_o authority_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ecce_fw-la sis_fw-la tu_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ego_fw-la ordino_fw-la te_fw-la or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sis_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la to_o which_o they_o add_v according_a to_o the_o authority_n they_o ordain_v they_o to_o some_o thing_n peculiar_o express_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v for_o cause_n finable_a or_o pecuniary_a or_o bind_v and_o lose_v or_o rule_v in_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n deserve_v consideration_n by_o those_o who_o use_v the_o rite_n of_o impose_v hand_n in_o ordination_n without_o any_o thing_n express_v that_o authority_n they_o convey_v by_o that_o ordination_n this_o custom_n be_v so_o general_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v forth_o with_o authority_n for_o gather_v and_o settle_v church_n we_o find_v they_o according_o make_v use_n of_o this_o according_a to_o the_o former_a practice_n either_o in_o any_o more_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n upon_o any_o person_n or_o designation_n and_o appoint_v they_o for_o any_o peculiar_a service_n or_o function_n for_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o peculiar_a command_n for_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n upon_o person_n in_o prayer_n over_o they_o or_o ordination_n of_o they_o but_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v enjoin_v they_o viz._n the_o set_v apart_o some_o person_n for_o the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o attendance_n upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v they_o take_v up_o and_o make_v use_n of_o a_o laudable_a rite_n and_o custom_n then_o in_o use_n upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n use_v it_o in_o the_o solemn_a designation_n of_o some_o person_n to_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n answer_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o synagogue_n who_o 6._o office_n be_v to_o collect_v the_o money_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o distribute_v it_o among_o they_o afterward_o we_o read_v it_o use_v upon_o a_o occasion_n not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v for_o the_o confer_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o although_o the_o occasion_n be_v 17._o extraordinary_a yet_o suppose_v the_o occasion_n the_o use_n of_o that_o rite_n in_o it_o be_v very_o suitable_a in_o as_o much_o as_o those_o gift_n do_v so_o much_o answer_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o jew_n conceive_v do_v rest_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v so_o ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o next_o time_n we_o meet_v with_o this_o rite_n be_v upon_o a_o peculiar_a designation_n to_o a_o particular_a service_n of_o person_n already_o 3._o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o be_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o antioch_n whereby_o god_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o use_n of_o that_o rite_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n according_o we_o find_v it_o after_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o timothy_n have_v direction_n give_v he_o for_o the_o right_a management_n of_o it_o afterward_o 14._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n for_o they_o that_o will_v interpret_v that_o of_o reconcile_a man_n to_o the_o church_n by_o that_o rite_n must_v ●●_o first_o give_v we_o evidence_n of_o so_o early_a a_o use_n of_o that_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v but_o there_o be_v one_o place_n common_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v not_o observe_v the_o jewish_a form_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o observe_v a_o way_n quite_o different_a from_o the_o jewish_a practice_n viz._n appoint_v they_o by_o the_o choice_a consent_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n which_o place_n be_v act_n 14_o 23._o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o render_v it_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n but_o other_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v it_o render_v when_o they_o have_v appoint_v elder_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n but_o how_o little_a the_o people_n power_n of_o ordination_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o consider_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v original_o signify_v the_o choose_n by_o way_n of_o suffrage_n among_o the_o greek_n yet_o before_o the_o time_n of_o luke_n writing_n this_o the_o word_n be_v use_v for_o simple_a designation_n without_o that_o ceremony_n so_o hesychius_n interpret_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n use_v schol._n of_o titus_n for_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n and_o in_o demosthenes_n and_o other_o it_o occur_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o decree_v and_o appoint_v and_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n appear_v in_o saint_n luke_n himself_o act_v 10._o 41._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d witness_n foreappoint_v of_o god_n many_o example_n of_o this_o signification_n be_v bring_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o writer_n before_o and_o about_o the_o time_n when_o luke_n write_v
his_o origines_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la alexandrinae_n publish_v in_o arabic_a by_o our_o 30._o mo●●_n learned_a selden_n who_o express_o affirm_v that_o the_o twelve_o presbyter_n constitute_v by_o mark_n upon_o the_o vacancy_n of_o the_o see_v do_v choose_v out_o of_o their_o number_n one_o to_o be_v head_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o other_o eleven_o do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o bless_v he_o and_o make_v he_o patriarch_n neither_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o eutychius_n so_o much_o to_o be_v slight_v in_o this_o case_n come_v so_o near_o to_o hierom_n as_o he_o do_v who_o doubtless_o have_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o mark_n and_o anianus_n etc._n etc._n do_v all_o there_o without_o any_o presbyter_n may_v have_v have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o have_v be_v quote_v with_o as_o much_o frequency_n and_o authority_n as_o the_o anonymous_n author_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n in_o photius_n who_o there_o unhappy_o 254._o follow_v the_o story_n of_o the_o seven_o sleeper_n or_o the_o author_n of_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n who_o credit_n be_v everlasting_o blast_v by_o the_o excellent_a mr._n duille_n de_fw-fr pseudepigraphis_n apostolorum_fw-la so_o much_o do_v man_n interest●tend_n to_o the_o inhance_a or_o abate_v the_o esteem_n and_o credit_n both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n by_o these_o we_o see_v that_o where_o no_o positive_a restraint_n from_o consent_n and_o choice_n for_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n have_v restrain_v man_n liberty_n as_o to_o their_o external_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n every_o one_o be_v himself_o advance_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n governor_n have_v a_o internal_a power_n of_o confer_v the_o same_o upon_o person_n fit_a for_o 14._o it_o to_o which_o purpose_n the_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v no_o way_n impertinent_o allege_v although_o we_o suppose_v st._n paul_n to_o concur_v in_o the_o action_n as_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o do_v because_o if_o the_o presbytery_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o ordination_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v their_o hand_n lay_v upon_o he_o be_v it_o only_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o to_o signify_v their_o consent_n both_o those_o may_v have_v be_v do_v without_o their_o use_n of_o that_o ceremony_n which_o will_v scarce_o be_v instance_a in_o to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o but_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o confer_v what_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o ceremony_n we_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o period_n or_o state_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o former_a liberty_n be_v restrain_v by_o some_o act_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n which_o may_v follow_v the_o too_o common_a use_n of_o the_o former_a liberty_n of_o ordination_n so_o antonius_n de_fw-fr rosellis_n full_o express_v my_o meaning_n in_o this_o 18_o quilibet_fw-la presbyter_n &_o presbyteri_fw-la ordinabant_fw-la indiscretè_fw-la &_o schismata_fw-la oriebantur_fw-la every_o presbyter_n and_o presbyter_n do_v ordain_v indifferent_o and_o thence_o arise_v schism_n thence_o the_o liberty_n be_v restrain_v and_o reserve_v peculiar_o to_o some_o person_n who_o do_v act_n in_o the_o several_a presbytery_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o prince_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n without_o who_o presence_n no_o ordination_n by_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o regular_a the_o main_a controversy_n be_v when_o this_o restraint_n begin_v and_o by_o who_o act_n whether_o by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o only_o by_o the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n its_o self_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o sanhedrin_n but_o in_o order_n to_o our_o peace_n i_o see_v no_o such_o necessity_n of_o decide_v it_o both_o party_n grant_v that_o in_o the_o church_n such_o a_o restraint_n be_v lay_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n may_v be_v restrain_v still_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v radical_o and_o intrinsical_o in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o controversy_n be_v not_o such_o as_o shall_v divide_v the_o church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v for_o ordination_n only_o by_o a_o superior_a order_n in_o the_o church_n acknowledge_v a_o radical_a power_n for_o ordination_n in_o presbyter_n which_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n do_v thereby_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o none_o who_o grant_v that_o do_v think_v that_o any_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v presbyter_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o unlawful_a and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n it_o can_v be_v valid_a which_o doctrine_n i_o dare_v with_o some_o confidence_n assert_v to_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o our_o church_n of_o england_n as_o shall_v be_v large_o make_v appear_v afterward_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o hold_v ordination_n by_o presbyter_n lawful_a do_v not_o therefore_o hold_v they_o necessary_a but_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n christ_n have_v no_o where_o say_v that_o none_o but_o presbyter_n shall_v ordain_v this_o power_n then_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o matter_n of_o liberty_n be_v restrain_v aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o therefore_o some_o have_v well_o observe_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o opinion_n of_o hierom_n and_o aerius_n for_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n itself_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n medina_n 5._o judgement_n will_v prove_v true_a that_o hierom_n austin_n ambrose_n sedulius_n primasius_n chrysostome_n theodore_v theophylact_fw-mi be_v all_o of_o aerius_n his_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o identity_n of_o both_o name_n and_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o here_o lay_v the_o difference_n aerius_n from_o hence_o proceed_v to_o separation_n from_o bishop_n and_o their_o church_n because_o they_o be_v bishop_n and_o blondell_n well_o observe_v that_o the_o main_a ground_n why_o aerius_n be_v condemn_v be_v for_o unnecessary_a separation_n 58._o from_o the_o church_n of_o sebastia_n and_o those_o bishop_n too_o who_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o other_o thing_n as_o eustathius_n the_o bishop_n do_v whereas_o have_v his_o mere_a opinion_n about_o bishop_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o be_v condemn_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n assign_v why_o this_o heresy_n if_o it_o be_v then_o think_v so_o be_v not_o mention_v either_o by_o socrates_n theodoret_n sozomen_n or_o evagrius_n before_o who_o time_n he_o live_v when_o yet_o they_o mention_v the_o eustathiani_n who_o be_v cotemporaries_a with_o he_o but_o for_o epiphanius_n and_o augustine_n who_o have_v list_v he_o in_o the_o roll_n of_o heretic_n it_o either_o be_v for_o the_o other_o heretical_a opinion_n maintain_v by_o he_o or_o they_o take_v the_o name_n heretic_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o often_o do_v for_o one_o who_o upon_o a_o matter_n of_o different_a opinion_n from_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n do_v proceed_v to_o make_v separation_n from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o repute_a heresy_n of_o aerius_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o jerome_n who_o maintain_v so_o great_a correspondency_n and_o familiarity_n with_o epiphanius_n and_o thereby_o can_v not_o but_o know_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o aerius_n be_v condemn_v for_o heresy_n shall_v himself_o run_v into_o the_o same_o heresy_n and_o endeavour_v not_o only_o to_o assert_v it_o but_o to_o avouch_v and_o maintain_v it_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n jerome_n therefore_o be_v not_o rank_v with_o aerius_n because_o though_o he_o hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n as_o to_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n yet_o he_o be_v far_o from_o the_o consequence_n of_o aerius_n that_o therefore_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o cause_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n by_o separate_v from_o bishop_n that_o his_o opinion_n be_v clear_a that_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o they_o be_v for_o prevent_v schism_n and_o therefore_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n he_o think_v their_o institution_n very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o among_o all_o those_o fifteen_o testimony_n produce_v by_o a_o learned_a writer_n ou●_n of_o jerome_n for_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop●_n above_o presbyter_n i_o can_v find_v one_o that_o do_v find_v it_o upon_o any_o divine_a right_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o conveniency_n of_o such_o a_o order_n for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o meaning_n in_o that_o place_n most_o produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n ecclesiae_fw-la salus_fw-la
of_o the_o assembly_n of_o presbyter_n may_v be_v so_o call_v what_o superiority_n can_v be_v deduce_v thence_o any_o more_o than_o such_o a_o one_o enjoy_v nay_o if_o in_o the_o prophetical_a style_n a_o unity_n may_v be_v set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o representation_n of_o a_o multitude_n what_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o name_n that_o by_o it_o some_o one_o particular_a person_n must_v be_v understand_v and_o by_o this_o mean_v 4._o timothy_n may_v avoid_v be_v charge_v with_o leave_v his_o first_o love_n which_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v by_o those_o that_o make_v he_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n at_o the_o time_n of_o write_v these_o epistle_n neither_o be_v this_o any_o way_n solve_v by_o the_o answer_v give_v that_o the_o name_n angel_n be_v representative_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n the_o angel_n shall_v be_v personal_o guilty_a of_o it_o for_o first_o it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o whole_a diffusive_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v charge_v with_o a_o crime_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o he_o that_o be_v particular_o mean_v by_o that_o name_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o it_o as_o if_o a_o prince_n shall_v charge_v the_o mayor_n of_o a_o corporation_n as_o guilty_a of_o rebellion_n and_o by_o it_o shall_v only_o mean_v that_o the_o corporation_n be_v guilty_a but_o the_o mayor_n be_v innocent_a himself_n second_o if_o mady_a thing_n in_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o concern_v the_o whole_a body_n then_o of_o necessity_n the_o angel_n must_v be_v take_v as_o representative_a of_o the_o body_n and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v take_v only_o by_o way_n of_o representation_n of_o the_o body_n its_o self_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o which_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a of_o the_o consessus_fw-la or_o order_n of_o presbyter_n in_o that_o church_n we_o see_v what_o miserable_o unconcluding_a argument_n those_o be_v which_o be_v bring_v for_o any_o form_n of_o government_n from_o metaphorical_a or_o ambiguous_a expression_n or_o name_n promiscuous_o use_v which_o may_v be_v interpret_v to_o different_a sense_n what_o certainty_n then_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n find_v what_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o only_o those_o argument_n be_v use_v which_o may_v be_v equal_o accommodate_v to_o different_a form_n and_o without_o such_o a_o certainty_n with_o what_o confidence_n can_v man_n speak_v of_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n second_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n be_v argue_v from_o the_o place_n most_o in_o controversy_n about_o the_o form_n of_o government_n because_o that_o without_o any_o apparent_a incongruity_n they_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o either_o of_o the_o different_a form_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v out_o by_o go_v through_o the_o several_a place_n the_o controversy_n then_o on_o foot_n be_v this_o as_o it_o be_v of_o late_o state_v whether_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o bishop_n only_o and_o deacon_n or_o by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n act_v in_o a_o parity_n of_o power_n the_o place_n insist_v on_o on_o both_o side_n be_v these_o act_v 11._o 30._o act_n 14._o 23._o act_n 28._o 17_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o titus_n 1._o 5._o the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n be_v whether_o bishop_n with_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n in_o a_o parity_n of_o power_n be_v understand_v in_o these_o place_n i_o begin_v then_o in_o order_n with_o act_n 11._o 30._o the_o first_o place_n wherein_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d occurr_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n understand_v by_o these_o elder_n those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o do_v govern_v the_o affair_n of_o that_o church_n those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o solitary_a episcopacy_n by_o these_o elder_n understand_v not_o the_o local_a elder_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o several_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n from_o the_o place_n to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o two_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o mention_v in_o the_o place_n but_o only_o that_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o famine_n they_o send_v relief_n to_o the_o brethren_n of_o judea_n and_o send_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n which_o may_v either_o be_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v distribute_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o judea_n or_o else_o to_o the_o several_a pastor_n of_o those_o church_n either_o collective_o as_o meet_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n to_o receive_v this_o contribution_n or_o distributive_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o several_a church_n the_o relief_n may_v be_v send_v to_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o judea_n and_o yet_o either_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o particular_a elder_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o send_v it_o abroad_o or_o to_o the_o several_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n within_o the_o circuit_n of_o judea_n but_o other_o place_n be_v bring_v by_o both_o party_n for_o their_o particular_a sense_n in_o this_o as_o act_n 15._o 6._o here_o indeed_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n together_o at_o jerusalem_n but_o nothing_o express_v whereby_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o fix_a elder_n of_o that_o church_n or_o else_o the_o elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n assemble_v upon_o this_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o so_o act_v 21._o 11._o when_o paul_n go_v in_o to_o james_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a no_o more_o certainty_n here_o neither_o for_o either_o they_o may_v be_v the_o fix_a officer_n of_o that_o church_n meet_v with_o james_n upon_o paul_n come_v or_o else_o they_o may_v be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o several_a church_n of_o judea_n meet_v together_o not_o to_o take_v account_n of_o paul_n ministry_n as_o some_o improbable_o conjecture_n but_o assemble_v together_o there_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n at_o which_o paul_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v more_o probable_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o what_o we_o read_v v_o 20._o of_o the_o many_o thousand_o believe_a jew_n than_o at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o believe_a jew_n of_o judea_n who_o do_v yet_o observe_v the_o annual_a festival_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o most_o likely_a their_o several_a elder_n may_v go_v up_o together_o with_o they_o and_o there_o be_v with_o james_n at_o paul_n come_v in_o to_o he_o no_o certainty_n then_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o that_o be_v govern_v whether_o by_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o other_o unfixed_a elder_n or_o only_o by_o james_n who_o exercise_v his_o apostleship_n most_o there_o and_o thence_o afterwards_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o government_n of_o other_o church_n and_o the_o next_o place_n be_v act_v 14._o 23._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n here_o some_o plead_v for_o a_o plurality_n of_o elder_n as_o fix_v in_o every_o church_n but_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o word_n hold_v true_a if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o in_o each_o church_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d titus_n 1._o 5._o for_o both_o place_n will_v admit_v of_o the_o same_o answer_n do_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o oppidatim_o or_o ecclesiatim_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gradatim_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viritim_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d particulatim_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vicatim_fw-la no_o more_o than_o be_v import_v than_o that_o elder_n be_v ordain_v city_n by_o city_n or_o church_n by_o church_n as_o we_o will_v render_v i●_n and_o thereby_o nothing_o be_v express_v but_o that_o no_o church_n want_v a_o elder_a but_o not_o that_o every_o church_n have_v more_o elder_n than_o one_o but_o the_o place_n most_o controvert_v be_v act_v 20._o 17._o and_o from_o miletus_n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n those_o that_o say_v these_o elder_n be_v those_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o favour_v by_o the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o seem_v to_o apply_v it_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o by_o the_o syriack_n version_n which_o render_v it_o venire_fw-la fecit_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ephesi_n to_o the_o same_o
purpose_n likewise_o hierome_n understand_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o say_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v those_o of_o the_o several_a church_n of_o asia_n be_v favour_v by_o v_o 18._o that_o from_o the_o first_o day_n he_o come_v into_o asia_n he_o have_v be_v with_o they_o at_o all_o season_n now_o paul_n do_v not_o remain_v all_o the_o time_n at_o ephesus_n as_o appear_v by_o act_n 19_o 10_o 22_o 26._o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n abroad_o in_o asia_n and_o so_o in_o probability_n church_n be_v plant_v and_o ruler_n settle_v in_o they_o and_o that_o these_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v to_o miletus_n by_o paul_n be_v the_o express_a affirmation_n of_o irenaeus_n 14._o in_o mileto_n enim_fw-la convocatis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o presbyteris_fw-la qui_fw-la era●t_fw-la ab_fw-la epheso_fw-la &_o à_fw-la reliquis_fw-la proximis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la quoniam_fw-la ipse_fw-la festinavit_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la pentecostem_fw-la agere_fw-la here_o be_v nothing_o then_o either_o in_o the_o text_n or_o antiquity_n that_o do_v absolute_o determine_v whence_o these_o elder_n come_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o probability_n on_o either_o side_n and_o so_o no_o certainty_n or_o necessity_n of_o understand_v it_o either_o way_n and_o so_o for_o the_o other_o place_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o care_n of_o those_o person_n do_v extend_v to_o many_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o plurality_n of_o elder_n in_o one_o place_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o incongruity_n in_o apply_v either_o of_o these_o two_o form_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n in_o question_n i_o dispute_v not_o which_o be_v the_o true_a or_o at_o least_o more_o probable_a sense_n but_o that_o we_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o the_o several_a place_n which_o do_v necessary_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o now_o aim_v at_o the_o prove_v of_o and_o if_o neither_o form_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n how_o can_v any_o one_o be_v necessary_o infer_v from_o they_o as_o if_o the_o several_a motion_n and_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v with_o equal_a probability_n explain_v according_a to_o the_o ptolemaick_a or_o copernican_n hypothesis_n viz._n about_o the_o rest_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o from_o those_o phaenomena_n no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o hypothesis_n and_o overturning_a the_o probability_n of_o the_o other_o if_o that_o great_a wonder_n of_o nature_n the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n may_v with_o equal_a congruity_n be_v solve_v according_a to_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o its_o be_v cause_v by_o subterraneous_a fire_n or_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o the_o depression_n of_o the_o lunar_a vortex_n or_o which_o to_o i_o be_v far_o the_o most_o probable_a by_o a_o motion_n of_o consent_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o all_o the_o other_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o entertain_v one_o opinion_n above_o another_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o probable_a and_o none_o as_o certain_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o composition_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o natural_a body_n the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a philosophy_n imply_v no_o apparent_a incongruity_n to_o nature_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v embrace_v as_o ingenious_a romance_n in_o philosophy_n as_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n or_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o it_o be_v in_o controversy_n in_o theology_n if_o the_o matter_n propound_v to_o be_v believe_v may_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v equal_o believe_v under_o different_a way_n of_o explication_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n as_o to_o the_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o under_o such_o a_o explication_n of_o it_o more_o than_o under_o another_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christ_n descent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o i_o may_v true_o believe_v that_o christ_n do_v descend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o by_o that_o we_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o local_a descent_n to_o hell_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n under_o that_o restriction_n of_o a_o local_a descent_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o if_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o these_o two_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n viz._n either_o take_v collective_o in_o one_o city_n or_o distributive_o in_o many_o then_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n which_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n must_v be_v embrace_v and_o so_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n which_o must_v be_v thence_o derive_v be_v leave_v still_o at_o as_o great_a uncertainty_n as_o ever_o notwithstanding_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n bring_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n 16._o will_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o the_o defectivenesse_n ambiguity_n partiality_n and_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n which_o shall_v inform_v we_o what_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v when_o man_n be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n drive_v off_o from_o scripture_n than_o they_o present_o run_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o record_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o apostle_n thus_o estius_n no_o mean_a school-man_n handle_v this_o very_a question_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n very_o fair_o quit_v the_o scripture_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o other_o weapon_n quod_fw-la autem_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la sint_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la superiores_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la ita_fw-la clarum_fw-la est_fw-la è_fw-la sacris_fw-la literis_fw-la aliunde_fw-la tamen_fw-la 25._o satis_fw-la efficaciter_fw-la probari_fw-la potest_fw-la ingenuous_o say_v however_o but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la shall_v be_v prove_v when_o man_n leave_v the_o scripture_n which_o make_v other_o so_o loath_a to_o leave_v this_o hold_n although_o they_o do_v it_o in_o effect_n when_o they_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_a for_o they_o we_o follow_v therefore_o the_o scent_n of_o the_o game_n into_o this_o wood_n of_o antiquity_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o lose_v ourselves_o then_o to_o find_v that_o which_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n i_o handle_v now_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v call_v for_o a_o particular_a discourse_n afterward_o and_o herein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o this_o testimony_n as_o to_o the_o show_v what_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o four_o fold_n argument_n from_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o this_o testimony_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o partiality_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o its_o self_n first_o then_o for_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o show_v what_o certain_a form_n the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n a_o threefold_a defectivenesse_n i_o observe_v in_o it_o as_o to_z place_n as_o to_z time_n as_o to_o person_n first_o defectivenesse_n as_o to_o place_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v for_o govern_v church_n it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o observe_v the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o all_o church_n of_o their_o plantation_n and_o if_o but_o one_o place_n vary_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n because_o thereby_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o they_o observe_v no_o certain_a or_o constant_a course_n nor_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a testimony_n as_o to_o place_n be_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o christ_n absolute_o
command_v one_o form_n and_o forbid_v all_o other_o we_o have_v no_o way_n then_o leave_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o settle_v one_o form_n but_o by_o their_o practice_n this_o practice_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o uniform_a in_o they_o this_o uniformity_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o some_o unquestionable_a way_n the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o silent_a in_o it_o mention_v very_o little_o more_o than_o paul_n practice_n nor_o that_o full_o and_o clear_o therefore_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o from_o antiquity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o follow_a age_n if_o these_o now_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o expectation_n and_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a church_n plant_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v attain_v any_o certainty_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v now_o that_o antiquity_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o to_o place_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o general_a silence_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o thomas_n go_v into_o parthia_n andrew_n into_o scythia_n john_n into_o the_o lesser_a asia_n peter_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o pontus_n galatia_n bythinia_n cappadocia_n 1._o asia_n beside_o what_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o paul_n what_o a_o pitiful_a short_a account_n have_v we_o here_o give_v in_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n travel_n and_o their_o several_a fellow-labourer_n and_o for_o all_o these_o little_a or_o nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n they_o take_v in_o settle_v the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v who_o be_v it_o will_v undertake_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o course_n andrew_n take_v in_o scythiae_n in_o govern_v church_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o record_n of_o after-age_n there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n viz._n of_o tomis_n for_o the_o whole_a country_n how_o different_a be_v this_o from_o the_o pretend_a course_n of_o paul_n set_v up_o a_o single_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n where_o do_v we_o read_v of_o the_o presbytery_n settle_v by_o thomas_n in_o parthia_n or_o the_o indies_n what_o course_n philip_n bartholomew_n matthew_n simon_n zelotes_n mathias_n take_v may_v not_o they_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v settle_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n from_o what_o we_o read_v paul_n peter_n or_o john_n do_v unless_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o nay_o what_o evidence_n have_v we_o what_o course_n peter_n take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n whether_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o synagogue_n way_n or_o alter_v it_o and_o how_o or_o wherein_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o give_v man_n a_o certainty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o course_n the_o apostle_n do_v observe_v in_o the_o settle_n church_n by_o they_o plant_v but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o general_a silence_n in_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o forgery_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o supply_v the_o vacuity_n whereby_o they_o fill_v up_o empty_a place_n as_o plutarch_n theseo_n express_v it_o as_o geographer_n do_v map_n with_o some_o fabulous_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n here_o be_v work_v now_o for_o a_o nicephorus_n callisthus_fw-la a_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n the_o very_a jacobus_n de_fw-fr voragine_fw-la of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o one_o well_o call_v he_o those_o historical_a tinker_n that_o think_v to_o mend_v a_o hole_n where_o they_o find_v it_o and_o make_v three_o instead_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o place_n the_o second_o be_v as_o observable_a as_o to_o time_n and_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v most_o defective_a where_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a viz._n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v most_o helpful_a to_o we_o in_o this_o inquiry_n for_o who_o dare_v with_o confidence_n believe_v the_o conjecture_n of_o eusebius_n at_o three_o hundred_o year_n distance_n from_o apostolical_a time_n when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o vouch_v but_o the_o hypotypose_n of_o a_o uncertain_a clement_n certain_o not_o he_o of_o alexandria_n if_o jos._n scaliger_n may_v be_v credit_v and_o the_o commentary_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o relation_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o questionable_a as_o many_o of_o the_o report_n of_o eusebius_n himself_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n for_o which_o i_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o eusebius_n in_o a_o place_n enough_o of_o its_o self_n to_o blast_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o debate_n for_o speak_v of_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v and_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o successor_n he_o make_v this_o very_a ingenuous_a confession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o find_v out_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n what_o become_v then_o of_o our_o unquestionable_a line_n of_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o several_a church_n and_o the_o large_a diagramm_v make_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n with_o every_o one_o name_n set_v down_o in_o his_o order_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v clarenceaulx_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o certain_a but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n and_o must_v then_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o to_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a stick_n to_o make_v the_o judge_n stand_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o lackey_n what_o sentence_n he_o shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n to_o make_v scripture_n stand_v cap_n in_o hand_n to_o tradition_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v or_o no_o be_v all_o the_o great_a outcry_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o personal_a succession_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n by_o he_o from_o who_o all_o these_o long_a pedigree_n be_v fetch_v then_o let_v succession_n know_v its_o place_n and_o learn_v to_o veil_v bonnet_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o withal_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o overreaching_a themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v down_o so_o large_a a_o catalogue_n of_o single_a bishop_n from_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o eusebius_n profess_v it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o find_v they_o well_o might_n scaliger_n then_o complain_v that_o the_o interval_n from_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o middle_n of_o trajan_n in_o which_o time_n quadratus_n and_o ignatius_n begin_v to_o eusebii_n flourish_v be_v tempus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o varro_n speak_v a_o mere_a chaos_n of_o time_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o rude_a concept_n once_o of_o papias_n hermes_n and_o other_o who_o like_o hann_n ibal_n when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v a_o way_n through_o will_v make_v one_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n but_o yet_o three_o here_o be_v another_o defect_n consequent_a to_o that_o of_o time_n which_o be_v that_o of_o person_n arise_v not_o only_a from_o a_o defect_n of_o record_n the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v which_o will_v have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o time_n of_o suffer_v of_o the_o several_a martyr_n by_o they_o call_v their_o natalitia_fw-la at_o which_o time_n their_o several_a name_n be_v enrol_v in_o these_o martyrology_n which_o some_o as_o junius_n observe_v have_v ignorant_o mistake_v for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o their_o 18._o name_n be_v enter_v as_o anacletus_fw-la clitus_n and_o clemens_n at_o rome_n i_o say_v the_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n not_o only_o arise_v hence_o but_o because_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o harass_v with_o persecution_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o leisure_n then_o to_o write_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o leisure_n and_o peace_n of_o our_o age_n have_v make_v we_o so_o eager_o inquisitive_a after_o hence_o even_o the_o martyrology_n be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o fable_n witness_v one_o for_o all_o the_o famous_a legend_n of_o catharina_n who_o suffer_v say_v they_o in_o diocletian_n 16._o time_n and_o true_o the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v defend_v with_o his_o epistle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o most_o probable_a for_o wherefore_o shall_v
tuos_fw-la in_o justitiâ_fw-la do_v irenaeus_n think_v that_o bishop_n in_o a_o superior_a order_n to_o presbyter_n be_v derive_v by_o a_o immediate_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o call_v the_o presbyter_n by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v common_a although_o the_o office_n be_v distinct_a but_o that_o be_v only_o during_o the_o apostle_n life_n say_v some_o when_o after_o the_o name_n bishop_n be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n so_o call_v before_o but_o say_v other_o it_o be_v only_o till_o subject_a presbyter_n be_v constitute_v and_o then_o grow_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o name_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v draw_v forth_o the_o difficulty_n in_o these_o place_n of_o irenaeus_n for_o now_o both_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o subject_a presbyter_n certain_o in_o some_o of_o these_o apostolical_a church_n be_v then_o constitute_v whence_o come_v then_o the_o community_n of_o name_n still_o that_o those_o who_o be_v say_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v call_v bishop_n in_o one_o place_n but_o presbyter_n in_o another_o and_o the_o very_a succession_n of_o episcopacy_n attribute_v to_o presbyter_n can_v we_o then_o possible_o conceive_v that_o these_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n can_v determine_v the_o point_n of_o succession_n so_o as_o to_o make_v clear_a to_o we_o what_o that_o power_n be_v which_o those_o person_n enjoy_v who_o he_o sometime_o call_v bishop_n and_o sometime_o presbyter_n but_o it_o be_v not_o irenaeus_n alone_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o presbyter_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n even_a cyprian_a who_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o speak_v often_o of_o his_o compresbyteri_fw-la and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florentius_n 4._o pupianus_n who_o have_v reproach_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o etc._n etc._n qui_fw-la dicit_fw-la ad_fw-la apostle_n a●_n per_fw-la hoc_fw-la ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la praepositos_fw-la qui_fw-la apostolis_n vicariâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la succedunt_fw-la where_o he_o attr●butes_v apostolical_a succession_n to_o all_o that_o be_v praepositi_fw-la which_o name_n imply_v not_o the_o relation_n to_o presbyter_n as_o over_o they_o but_o to_o the_o people_n and_o be_v therefore_o common_a both_o to_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n 50._o for_o so_o afterward_o he_o speak_v nec_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la habuerit_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nec_fw-la pl●bs_fw-la praepositum_fw-la etc._n etc._n jerome_n say_v that_o presbyter_n be_v loco_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la and_o that_o they_o do_v apostolico_fw-la gradui_fw-la succeder_n and_o the_o so_o much_o magnify_v ignatius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o presbyter_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o apostle_n and_o elsewhere_o of_o sotion_n the_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v read_v in_o the_o florentine_a copy_n set_v out_o by_o vossius_fw-la but_o in_o the_o former_a edition_n both_o by_o vedelius_fw-la and_o the_o most_o learned_a primate_n of_o armagh_n it_o be_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o 49._o of_o vossius_fw-la seem_v to_o be_v the_o true_a read_n to_o which_o the_o old_a latin_a version_n in_o bishop_n usher_n full_o agree_v quoniam_fw-la subjectus_fw-la est_fw-la episcopo_fw-la ut_fw-la grati●_n dei_fw-la &_o presbyterio_n ut_fw-la legi_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la it_o may_v be_v no_o improbable_a conjecture_n to_o guess_v from_o hence_o at_o ignatius_n his_o opinion_n concern_v the_o original_a both_o of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n the_o former_a he_o look_v on_o as_o a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n so_o a_o learned_a doctor_n 69._o paraphrase_v grati●_n dei_fw-la i._n e._n dono_n à_fw-la deo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ●ndulto_fw-la so_o cyprian_n often_o divina_fw-la dignatione_fw-la speak_v of_o bishop_n i._n e._n that_o they_o look_v on_o it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o god_n special_a favour_n to_o the_o church_n to_o find_v out_o that_o mean_n for_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n to_o pitch_v upon_o one_o among_o the_o presbyter_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n but_o than_o for_o presbytery_n he_o look_v on_o that_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o must_v on_o that_o account_n always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o ●o_o sotion_n do_v commendable_o in_o submit_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o a_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n for_o prevent_a schism●_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v and_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o ignatius_n be_v so_o earnest_a in_o require_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n because_o as_o cyprian_a faith_n ecclesia_fw-la est_fw-la plebs_fw-la episcopo_fw-la coad●nata_fw-la &_o grex_fw-la pastori_fw-la adhaerens_fw-la and_o the_o bishop_n then_o be_v orthodox_n he_o lay_v such_o a_o charge_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o adhere_v to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o presbyter_n he_o speak_v most_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o bid_v they_o hold_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o avoid_v those_o pernicious_a heresy_n which_o be_v then_o abroad_o and_o so_o ignatius_n and_o jerome_n may_v easy_o be_v reconcile_v to_o one_o another_o both_o own_v the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n as_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o both_o require_v obedience_n to_o bishop_n as_o a_o singular_a privilege_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n for_o prevent_v schism_n and_o preserve_a unity_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o all_o those_o thirty_o five_o testimony_n produce_v out_o of_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n for_o episcopacy_n i_o can_v meet_v but_o with_o one_o which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o least_o femblance_n of_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o episcopacy_n and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o much_o deceive_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n be_v clear_o mistake_v too_o the_o place_n be_v ep._n ad_fw-la ephesios_fw-gr he_o be_v exhort_v the_o ephesian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v render_v voss●_n to_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v apocalyps_n 17._o 17._o and_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o begin_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o concur_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o conclude_v his_o exhortation_n to_o concur_v with_o the_o will_n or_o counsel_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o middle_n he_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o connexion_n of_o these_o two_o together_o for_o christ_n say_v he_o who_o be_v our_o inseparable_a life_n be_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o counsel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n do_v concur_v with_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n therefore_o follow_v the_o counsel_n of_o your_o bishop_n which_o also_o you_o do_v every_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o sense_n here_o and_o very_o coherent_a to_o the_o expression_n both_o before_o and_o after_o only_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v be_v leave_v out_o as_o plain_o redundant_fw-la and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v not_o be_v render_v determinati_fw-la but_o rather_o disterminati_n because_o it_o refer_v to_o a_o place_n here_o and_o so_o it_o note_v their_o be_v disperse_v into_o several_a place_n and_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o thereby_o imply_v the_o unity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o coagulum_fw-la fidei_fw-la notwithstanding_o their_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o as_o to_o place_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o cyprian_n word_n be_v ecclesiae_fw-la universae_fw-la per_fw-la totum_fw-la mundum_fw-la unitatis_fw-la vinculo_fw-la copulatae_fw-la and_o certain_o a_o strong_a argument_n than_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v give_v for_o the_o ephesian_n cheerful_a obedience_n to_o their_o bishop_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n beaim_v at_o than_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o father_n because_o of_o that_o harmony_n and_o consent_n which_o be_v between_o their_o will_n so_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o christ_n as_o cheerful_o unite_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n so_o that_o we_o see_v ignatius_n himself_o can_v give_v a_o doubt_a mind_n satisfaction_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o bishop_n when_o in_o the_o only_a place_n bring_v to_o that_o purpose_n his_o sense_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v bring_v for_o so_o that_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n be_v far_o from_o decide_v this_o
controversy_n as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n institute_v by_o christ_n because_o of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o those_o record_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o this_o succession_n may_v be_v only_o of_o a_o different_a degree_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o convince_a in_o all_o place_n in_o that_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n and_o not_o of_o person_n in_o that_o if_o it_o be_v of_o person_n yet_o presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n by_o the_o same_o person_n who_o speak_v of_o these_o by_o which_o last_o thing_n we_o have_v likewise_o clear_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n after_o the_o distinction_n between_o their_o office_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o church_n for_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o name_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v when_o that_o succession_n which_o be_v sometime_o attribute_v to_o bishop_n be_v at_o other_o time_n give_v to_o presbyter_n other_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o first_o that_o of_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o excellent_a epistle_n which_o like_o the_o river_n alp●eus_n have_v run_v under_o ground_n for_o so_o many_o century_n of_o year_n but_o have_v now_o in_o these_o last_o time_n of_o the_o world_n appear_v public_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o true_a that_o be_v which_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v foresee_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 57_o that_o there_o will_v be_v great_a contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o so_o there_o be_v still_o and_o that_o from_o his_o epistle_n too_o for_o when_o in_o one_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v their_o first_o fruit_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 54._o of_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v afterward_o he_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o call_v those_o bishop_n presbyter_n in_o several_a place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 57_o etc._n etc._n and_o speak_v of_o the_o present_a schism_n at_o corinth_n he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o most_o shameful_a thing_n and_o unworthy_a of_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o hear_v the_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n to_o raise_v a_o sedition_n against_o the_o presbyter_n and_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o only_o l●t_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n enjoy_v its_o peace_n with_o the_o presbyter_n which_o be_v set_v over_o it_o but_o because_o this_o be_v say_v to_o be_v speak_v before_o the_o time_n of_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o subject_a presbyter_n then_o although_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v ordain_v bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o shall_v not_o likewise_o ordain_v presbyter_n for_o they_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n we_o shall_v go_v far_o when_o subject_a presbyter_n as_o they_o be_v call_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o bishop_n be_v call_v presbyter_n then_o too_o for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o gallican_n church_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o eleutherius_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o call_v irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o as_o blondell_n observe_v he_o have_v be_v nine_o year_n 3●_n bishop_n of_o lion_n in_o the_o place_n of_o pothinus_n neither_o do_v blondel_n argument_n lie_v here_o that_o because_o they_o call_v he_o the_o presbyter_n 3._o of_o the_o church_n therefore_o he_o be_v no_o bishop_n as_o his_o antagonist_n suppose_v but_o he_o free_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o have_v succeed_v pothinus_n there_o in_o his_o bishopric_n but_o because_o after_o the_o difference_n arise_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n yet_o they_o call_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n it_o seem_v very_o improbable_a that_o when_o they_o be_v commend_v one_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o church_n they_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o low_a name_n of_o honour_n then_o appropriate_v to_o subject_a presbyter_n which_o instead_o of_o commend_v be_v a_o great_a debase_v of_o he_o if_o they_o have_v look_v on_o a_o superior_a order_n above_o those_o presbyter_n as_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o think_v there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o distance_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o subject_a presbyter_n as_o we_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v which_o be_v as_o if_o the_o master_n of_o a_o college_n in_o one_o university_n shall_v be_v send_v by_o the_o fellow_n of_o his_o society_n to_o the_o head_n of_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v in_o his_o commendatory_a letter_n to_o they_o be_v style_v a_o senior_a fellow_n of_o that_o house_n will_v not_o any_o one_o that_o read_v this_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o senior_a fellow_n and_o a_o master_n but_o only_o a_o primacy_n of_o order_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o number_n without_o any_o power_n over_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o irenaeus_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n on_o a_o message_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n when_o notwithstanding_o his_o be_v bishop_n they_o call_v he_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n when_o there_o be_v other_o presbyter_n who_o be_v not_o bishop_n what_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v by_o the_o read_n of_o it_o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o seniour_n presbyter_n or_o one_o that_o have_v a_o primacy_n of_o order_n among_o but_o no_o divine_a right_o to_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o his_o fellow_n presbyter_n more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v bring_v there_o by_o that_o learned_a author_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v compare_v with_o the_o answer_n and_o then_o let_v he_o judge_v whether_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n have_v not_o too_o much_o ambiguity_n in_o it_o to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n clear_o on_o either_o side_n but_o that_o which_o seem_v yet_o more_o material_a be_v that_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n do_v impute_v it_o to_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o ascribe_v it_o to_o any_o divine_a institution_n the_o testimony_n of_o jerome_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v be_v produce_v already_o that_o of_o the_o counterfeit_n ambiose_fw-la but_o true_a hilary_n be_v in_o every_o one_o mouth_n upon_o this_o controversy_n quia_fw-la primum_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la episcopi_fw-la 4._o appellabantur_fw-la ut_fw-la recedente_fw-la uno_fw-la sequensti_fw-la succederet_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la coeperunt_fw-la sequentes_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la indigni_fw-la inveniri_fw-la ad_fw-la primatus_fw-la tenendos_fw-la immutata_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la prospiciente_fw-la co●cilio_n ut_fw-la non_fw-la ordo_fw-la sed_fw-la meritum_fw-la crearet_fw-la episcopum_fw-la multorum_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la judicio_fw-la constitutum_fw-la ne_fw-la indignus_fw-la temer●_n usurparet_fw-la &_o esset_fw-la multis_fw-la scandalum_fw-la very_o strange_a that_o a_o opinion_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v publish_v by_o a_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o these_o commentary_n cite_v by_o austin_n with_o applause_n of_o the_o person_n without_o stigmatise_v he_o for_o a_o heretic_n with_o aerius_n if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n that_o bishop_n in_o their_o power_n over_o presbyter_n do_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n by_o a_o divine_a right_n nothing_o more_o clear_a then_o that_o he_o assert_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o arise_v from_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n choose_v man_n for_o their_o desert_n when_o before_o they_o succeed_v in_o order_n of_o place_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o blundel_n to_o attribute_v this_o to_o the_o nicene_n council_n doub_v less_o he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o hierom_n call_v concilium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la or_o which_o he_o himself_o mean_v by_o judicium_fw-la sacerdotum_fw-la the_o testimony_n of_o austin_n have_v be_v already_o mention_v secundum_fw-la honorum_fw-la vocabula_fw-la quae_fw-la jam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la usus_fw-la obtinuit_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la presbyterio_n major_a est_fw-la thereby_o imply_v it_o be_v not_o so_o always_o else_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v that_o jam_fw-la obtinuit_fw-la and_o that_o the_o original_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v from_o the_o church_n but_o more_o express_v and_o full_a be_v
isidore_n himself_o the_o 7._o bishop_n of_o sevill_n in_o spain_n speak_v of_o presbyter_n his_o sicut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la dispensatio_fw-la mysteriorum_fw-la dei_fw-la commissa_fw-la est_fw-la praesunt_fw-la eni●_n ecclesiis_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o in_o confectione_n corporis_fw-la &_o sanguinis_fw-la consortes_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopis_fw-la sunt_fw-la similiter_fw-la &_o in_fw-la doctrina_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o in_fw-la officio_fw-la praedicandi_fw-la sed_fw-la sola_fw-la propter_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la summo_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la clericorum_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la reservata_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-fr à_fw-fr multis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la disciplina_fw-la vindicatae_fw-la concordiam_fw-la solueret_fw-la scandala_fw-la generaret_fw-la what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o to_o our_o purpose_n then_o this_o be_v he_o assert_n the_o identity_n of_o power_n as_o well_o as_o name_n in_o both_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n only_o for_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o for_o prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n by_o those_o word_n propter_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la he_o can_v possible_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n for_o that_o his_o follow_a word_n contradict_v that_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o scandal_n and_o after_o produce_v the_o whole_a place_n of_o jerome_n to_o that_o purpose_n agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o second_o council_n of_o sevil_n in_o spain_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o irregular_a proceed_n of_o some_o 560._o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o agapius_n bishop_n of_o corduba_n their_o word_n be_v these_o nam_fw-la quamvis_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopis_fw-la plurima_fw-la illis_fw-la ministeriorum_fw-la communis_fw-la sit_fw-la dispensatio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la novellis_fw-la &_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la regulis_fw-la sibi_fw-la prohibita_fw-la noverint_fw-la sicut_fw-la presbyterororum_fw-la &_o diaconorum_fw-la &_o virginum_fw-la consecratio_fw-la etc._n etc._n haec_fw-la enim_fw-la omne_fw-la illicita_fw-la esse_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la quia_fw-la pontificatus_fw-la apicem_fw-la non_fw-la habent_fw-la quem_fw-la solis_fw-la deberi_fw-la episcopis_fw-la authoritate_fw-la canonum_fw-la praecipitur_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la hoc_fw-la &_o discretio_fw-la graduum_fw-la &_o dignitatis_fw-la fastigium_fw-la summi_fw-la pontificis_fw-la demonstretur_fw-la how_o much_o be_v we_o behold_v to_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o spanish_a council_n that_o do_v so_o plain_o disavow_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a right_n to_o the_o episcopacy_n by_o they_o so_o strenuous_o assert_v all_o the_o right_n they_o plead_v for_o be_v from_o the_o novellae_fw-la &_o ecclesiasticae_fw-la regula_fw-la which_o import_n quite_o another_o thing_n from_o divine_a institution_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n will_v hardly_o ever_o understand_v the_o matter_n under_o debate_n with_o we_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o chief_a among_o they_o viz._n the_o bishop_n than_o to_o observe_v a_o thing_n mere_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o which_o be_v rejoin_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o testimony_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o council_n and_o isidore_n follow_v jerome_n and_o so_o all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o single_a testimony_n but_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o be_v for_o episcopacy_n do_v follow_v ignatius_n or_o epiphanius_n and_o so_o all_o those_o do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o single_a testimony_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ye●_n i_o do_v as_o yet_o despair_v of_o find_v any_o one_o single_a testimony_n in_o all_o antiquity_n which_o do_v in_o plain_a term_n assert_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v of_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n some_o expression_n i_o grant_v in_o some_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o extol_v episcopacy_n very_o high_a but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o call_v it_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a not_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o institution_n but_o of_o its_o end_n in_o that_o it_o do_v in_o their_o opinion_n tend_v as_o much_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n power_n do_v over_o the_o church_n while_o they_o be_v live_v if_o any_o shall_v meet_v with_o expression_n seem_v to_o carry_v the_o fountain_n of_o episcopal_a power_n high_o let_v they_o remember_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o and_o the_o restrain_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n the_o former_a be_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o common_a to_o all_o dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n the_o latter_a be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o a_o eminency_n of_o power_n be_v attribute_v to_o one_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o withal_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o every_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o a_o father_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o how_o common_a it_o be_v to_o call_v thing_n divine_a which_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n or_o do_v come_v from_o person_n in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n one_o will_v think_v that_o shall_v meet_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 11._o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n it_o can_v be_v render_v by_o nothing_o short_a of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o but_o only_o the_o emperor_n letter_n to_o the_o council_n it_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o call_v any_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n before_o their_o time_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o as_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v they_o usual_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o though_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n so_o the_o father_n when_o tradition_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o without_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n they_o conclude_v they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v many_o tradition_n in_o several_a church_n direct_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v look_v on_o as_o apostolical_a only_o from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o whatever_o they_o derive_v from_o their_o father_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n but_o then_o for_o that_o answer_n to_o the_o council_n and_o isidore_z and_o jerome_n that_o they_o make_v but_o one_o testimony_n i_o say_v that_o although_o the_o word_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o different_a testimony_n upon_o these_o account_n first_o as_o produce_v by_o person_n of_o different_a condition_n in_o the_o church_n some_o think_v they_o be_v even_o with_o jerome_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o a_o pique_n there_o be_v between_o he_o and_o john_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o better_a advantage_n of_o his_o adversary_n when_o he_o can_v not_o raise_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o episcopacy_n he_o will_v bring_v that_o down_o to_o the_o state_n of_o presbytery_n but_o as_o such_o entertain_v too_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o one_o of_o those_o father_n who_o they_o profess_v themselves_o admirer_n of_o so_o this_o prejudice_n can_v possible_o lie_v against_o isidore_n or_o the_o council_n for_o the_o first_o be_v himself_o a_o bishop_n of_o no_o mean_a account_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n be_v compose_v of_o such_o it_o can_v be_v no_o bias_n then_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v draw_v they_o to_o this_o opinion_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o truth_n and_o conscience_n will_v give_v they_o leave_v therefore_o on_o this_o account_n one_o testimony_n of_o a_o single_a bishop_n much_o more_o of_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o they_o against_o their_o act_n by_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v of_o more_o validity_n than_o ten_o for_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v but_o be_v in_o reason_n suppose_v that_o none_o will_v speak_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v in_o or_o what_o may_v tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o diminish_v it_o but_o such_o as_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n then_o of_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n second_o in_o that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o different_a age_n of_o the_o church_n jerome_n flourish_v about_o
as_o yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d society_n of_o christian_n and_o here_o i_o conceive_v a_o mistake_n of_o some_o man_n lie_v when_o they_o think_v the_o apostle_n respect_v only_o the_o rule_v of_o those_o which_o be_v already_o convert_v for_o though_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o main_a design_n then_o on_o foot_n the_o subject_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessity_n in_o place_n of_o great_a resort_n and_o extent_n to_o place_v not_o only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o may_v lay_v out_o themselves_o the_o most_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o convert_v other_o have_v lay_v down_o these_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premisal_n we_o will_v see_v what_o advantage_n we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o purpose_n first_o than_o i_o say_v that_o in_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v no_o great_a probability_n of_o a_o large_a increase_n afterward_o one_o single_a pastor_n with_o deacon_n under_o he_o be_v only_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n where_o the_o work_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o a_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n may_v do_v it_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o have_v more_o and_o in_o the_o great_a scarcity_n of_o fit_a person_n for_o settle_a ruler_n then_o and_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o necessity_n of_o unfixed_a officer_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n abroad_o many_o person_n fit_a for_o that_o work_n can_v not_o be_v spare_v to_o be_v constant_o resident_n upon_o a_o place_n now_o that_o in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o there_o be_v none_o place_v but_o only_o a_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n i_o shall_v confirm_v by_o these_o follow_a testimony_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 54._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o preach_v abroad_o through_o country_n and_o city_n ordain_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v have_v prove_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v whether_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o understand_v village_n or_o region_n be_v not_o material_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a here_o the_o author_n take_v it_o as_o distinct_a from_o city_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o i_o grant_v express_v where_o the_o apostle_n do_v place_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n exclusive_a of_o other_o place_n i._n e._n whither_o only_o in_o city_n or_o country_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o wherever_o they_o plant_v church_n they_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n whether_o those_o church_n be_v in_o the_o city_n or_o country_n and_o here_o we_o find_v no_o other_o officer_n settle_v in_o those_o church_n but_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o those_o church_n than_o he_o speak_v of_o appear_v from_o his_o design_n of_o parallel_v the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o necessary_a to_o enumerate_v all_o that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n the_o main_a controversy_n be_v what_o these_o bishop_n be_v whether_o many_o in_o one_o place_n or_o only_o one_o and_o if_o but_o one_o whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o here_o be_v nothing_o imply_v any_o necessity_n of_o have_v more_o than_o one_o in_o a_o place_n which_o will_v further_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o out_o of_o other_o testimony_n which_o will_v help_v to_o explain_v this_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o he_o be_v either_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v none_o over_o he_o in_o the_o church_n or_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v a_o power_n over_o presbyter_n act_v under_o he_o and_o by_o authority_n derive_v from_o he_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n so_o every_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n have_v none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o so_o every_o such_o single_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v a_o bishop_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n before_o society_n for_o government_n be_v introduce_v may_v be_v call_v a_o king_n because_o he_o have_v none_o above_o he_o to_o command_v he_o but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o bishop_n in_o the_o more_o proper_a sense_n for_o one_o that_o have_v power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o people_n such_o a_o one_o these_o single_a pastor_n be_v not_o can_v not_o be_v for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o be_v only_o single_a pastor_n but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o after_o other_o presbyter_n be_v appoint_v than_o these_o single_a pastor_n be_v proper_o bishop_n but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v first_o they_o can_v not_o be_v proper_a bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o than_o they_o have_v no_o power_n over_o any_o presbyter_n but_o only_o over_o the_o deacon_n and_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v well_o worth_a consider_v how_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o those_o single_a pastor_n of_o church_n that_o have_v no_o presbyter_n join_v with_o they_o it_o must_v be_v then_o clear_o and_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o these_o single_a pastor_n shall_v have_v the_o power_n over_o presbyter_n when_o the_o church_n necessity_n do_v require_v their_o help_n which_o intention_n must_v be_v manifest_v and_o declare_v by_o some_o manifestation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v deduce_v of_o perpetual_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n second_o either_o they_o be_v bishop_n before_o or_o only_o after_o the_o appointment_n of_o presbyter_n if_o before_o than_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n have_v no_o bishop_n over_o he_o be_v all_o one_o if_o after_o only_a than_o it_o be_v by_o his_o communicate_v power_n to_o presbyter_n to_o be_v such_o or_o their_o choice_n which_o make_v he_o their_o bishop_n if_o the_o first_o than_o presbyter_n quoad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la be_v only_o a_o humane_a institution_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n for_o they_o and_o for_o any_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o they_o it_o must_v go_v among_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o law_n still_o bind_v the_o church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o which_o occur_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o that_o must_v be_v a_o imperfect_a copy_n of_o divine_a law_n if_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o presbyter_n than_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o make_v a_o bishop_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o humane_a institution_n depend_v upon_o the_o voluntary_a act_n of_o presbyter_n but_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o one_o single_a pastor_n with_o deacon_n in_o some_o church_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o of_o epiphanius_n which_o though_o somewhat_o large_a i_o shall_v recite_v because_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o the_o curtail_v of_o this_o testimony_n have_v make_v it_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o ever_o epiphanius_n mean_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pe●av_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o epiphanius_n be_v very_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a we_o ●hall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v it_o he_o be_v give_v aerius_n a_o account_n why_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n mention_n only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o pass_v over_o presbyter_n his_o account_n be_v this_o first_o he_o change_v aerius_n with_o ignorance_n of_o the_o series_n of_o history_n which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o profound_a and_o ancient_a record_n the_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n write_v according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o bishop_n be_v not_o yet_o appoint_v for_o so_o certain_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o than_o he_o must_v contradict_v himself_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o for_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o by_o these_o two_o order_n all_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o where_o so_o i_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d
apt_a to_o think_v now_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o too_o common_a and_o very_a dangerous_a deceit_n of_o man_n to_o look_v upon_o religion_n more_o as_o a_o profession_n than_o matter_n of_o life_n more_o as_o a_o notion_n then_o a_o inward_a temper_n man_n must_v be_v beat_v off_o from_o more_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o trust_v to_o for_o salvation_n now_o than_o in_o those_o time_n man_n can_v not_o think_v so_o much_o then_o that_o diligence_n in_o public_a assembly_n and_o attendance_n at_o public_a prayer_n be_v the_o main_a religion_n few_o will_v profess_v christianity_n in_o those_o time_n but_o such_o as_o be_v resolve_v before_o hand_n rather_o to_o let_v go_v their_o life_n then_o their_o profession_n but_o the_o more_o profess_v it_o now_o without_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n by_o it_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o preach_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o it_o but_o i_o think_v more_o need_v not_o be_v say_v of_o this_o to_o those_o that_o know_v it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n then_o to_o be_v call_v so_o but_o however_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n preach_v be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o if_o so_o how_o can_v we_o think_v one_o single_a person_n in_o a_o great_a city_n be_v sufficient_a both_o to_o preach_v to_o and_o rule_v the_o church_n and_o to_o preach_v abroad_o in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o more_o from_o their_o gentilism_n to_o christianity_n especial_o if_o the_o church_n of_o every_o city_n be_v so_o large_a as_o some_o will_v make_v it_o viz._n to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o believer_n under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o so_o both_o city_n and_o country_n the_o only_a charge_n of_o one_o single_a bishop_n i_o think_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o work_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o right_a discharge_n of_o it_o by_o one_o single_a person_n may_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o interpret_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v in_o that_o sense_n as_o of_o more_o than_o one_o pastor_n in_o every_o city_n as_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n and_o paul_n calling_n for_o the_o elder_n from_o ephesus_n and_o his_o writing_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n this_o consideration_n i_o say_v grant_v that_o the_o text_n may_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v will_v be_v enough_o to_o incline_v man_n to_o think_v that_o in_o great_a city_n there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o presbyter_n act_v together_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o convert_v some_o to_o and_o build_v up_o of_o other_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o seem_v not_o in_o the_o least_o manner_n probable_a to_o i_o that_o the_o care_n of_o those_o great_a church_n shall_v at_o first_o be_v entrust_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a pastor_n and_o deacon_n and_o afterward_o a_o new_a order_n of_o presbyter_n erect_v under_o they_o without_o any_o order_n or_o rule_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o it_o or_o any_o mention_n in_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n of_o any_o such_o after_o institution_n but_o instead_o of_o that_o in_o the_o most_o populous_a church_n we_o have_v many_o remain_a footstep_n of_o such_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n there_o establish_v in_o apostolical_a time_n thence_o ignatius_n say_v tral_n the_o presbyter_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1●9_n the_o sanhedrin_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o the_o bench_n of_o apostle_n sit_v together_o for_o rule_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o origen_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o college_n in_o every_o city_n of_o god_n appoint_v and_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n colligium_n nostrum_fw-la and_o collegium_fw-la fratrum_fw-la pius_fw-la pauperem_fw-la 5._o senatum_fw-la christi_fw-la apud_fw-la romam_fw-la constitutum_fw-la tertullian_n probatos_fw-la seniores_fw-la cyprian_n cleri_fw-la nostri_fw-la sacrum_fw-la venerandumque_fw-la concessum_fw-la and_o to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o his_o clergy_n florentissimo_fw-la clero_fw-la tecum_fw-la praesidenti_fw-la jerome_n senatum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la coetum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la &_o commune_v concilium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la quo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la hilary_n seniores_fw-la sin●_n quorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la the_o author_n de_fw-mi 7_o ordinibus_fw-la ad_fw-la rusti●um_fw-la call_v the_o presbyter_n negotiorum_fw-la judices_fw-la en●ychius_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v twelve_o presbyter_n at_o alexandria_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o itinerary_n of_o peter_n of_o as_o many_o constitute_v at_o caesaria_n who_o though_o counterfeit_v must_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v though_o not_o ver●_n yet_o verisimilia_fw-la though_o not_o true_a yet_o likely_a thing_n be_v i●_n possible_a all_o these_o author_n shall_v thus_o speak_v of_o their_o several_a place_n of_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n act_v in_o power_n with_o the_o bishop_n if_o at_o first_o church_n be_v govern_v only_o by_o a_o single_a bishop_n and_o afterward_o by_o subject_a presbyter_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v only_o depute_v to_o some_o particular_a office_n under_o he_o which_o they_o be_v impower_v to_o do_v only_o by_o his_o authority_n but_o the_o joint-rule_a of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v more_o large_o deduce_v afterward_o thus_o we_o see_v a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n settle_v in_o great_a church_n now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o these_o do_v equal_o attend_v to_o one_o part_n of_o their_o wo●k_n but_o all_o of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a ability_n lay_v out_o themselves_o some_o in_o overseeing_a and_o guide_v the_o church_n but_o yet_o so_o as_o upon_o occasion_n to_o discharge_v all_o pastoral_a act_n belong_v to_o their_o function_n other_o betake_v themselves_o chief_o to_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o to_o the_o faith_n either_o in_o the_o city_n or_o the_o adjacent_a country_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o a_o full_a clear_a and_o easy_a understanding_n of_o that_o so_o much_o controvert_v place_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n not_o as_o though_o it_o employ_v a_o dist●●ct_a sort_n of_o elder_n from_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n but_o among_o those_o elder_n that_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o great_a church_n some_o attend_v most_o to_o rule_v the_o flock_n already_o convert_v other_o labour_v most_o in_o convert_v other_o to_o the_o faith_n by_o preach_v though_o both_o these_o be_v enter_v into_o this_o peculiar_a function_n of_o lay_v themselves_o forth_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n do_v deserve_v both_o respect_n and_o maintenance_n yet_o especial_o those_o who_o employ_v themselves_o in_o convert_v other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o their_o burden_n be_v great_a their_o labour_n more_o abundant_a their_o suffering_n more_o and_o their_o very_a office_n come_v the_o near_a to_o the_o apostolical_a function_n so_o chrysostome_n resolve_v it_o upon_o the_o 11._o four_o of_o the_o ephesian_n that_o those_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o theodoret_n express_v it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fix_a officer_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v inferior_a to_o those_o who_o go_v abroad_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o evident_a argument_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v any_o sort_n of_o elder_n dictinct_n from_o these_o ordain_a presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n be_v from_o that_o very_a argument_n which_o the_o great_a friend_n to_o lay-elder_n draw_v out_o of_o this_o epistle_n which_o be_v from_o the_o promiscuous_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o this_o very_a epistle_n to_o timothy_n the_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o presbyter_n speak_v of_o by_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n be_v scripture-bishop_n but_o lay-elder_n be_v not_o scripture-bishop_n therefore_o these_o can_v here_o be_v mean_v the_o major_n be_v their_o own_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o compare_v with_o 4._o 14._o those_o which_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o one_o place_n be_v bishop_n in_o another_o and_o the_o main_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n now_o than_o if_o lay-elder_n be_v not_o such_o bishop_n than_o they_o be_v not_o paul_n presbyter_n now_o paul_n bishop_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fit_a to_o teach_v and_o therefore_o no_o
that_o either_o there_o must_v be_v several_a pastor_n take_v the_o pastoral_a charge_n of_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v not_o very_o suitable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o i_o now_o dispute_v against_o or_o else_o many_o congregation_n in_o one_o city_n be_v all_o call_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o flock_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o good_a use_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o province_n always_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n gal._n 1._o 22_o 1_o thes._n 2_o 14._o the_o church_n of_o sama●i●_n and_o galilee_n act_v 9_o 31._o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o c●icia_n act_v 15._o 41._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o gal_n 1._o 1_o 2._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n rom._n 16._o 16._o rev._n 1._o 11._o but_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o any_o particular_a city_n than_o it_o be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 8._o 1._o 15_o 4_o 22._o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 11._o 26_o 13._o 1._o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 1●_n and_o so_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o such_o a_o city_n whereas_o have_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v restrain_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n doubtless_o we_o shall_v have_v find_v some_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o several_a place_n for_o it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a that_o in_o all_o those_o city_n speak_v of_o as_o for_o example_n ephesus_n where_o paul_n be_v for_o above_o two_o year_n together_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o convert_n than_o will_v make_v one_o congregation_n according_o in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o language_n and_o custom_n continue_v still_o so_o clement_n inscribe_v his_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n so_o by_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o rome_n make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n as_o likewise_o do_v they_o at_o corinth_n s●_n polycarp_n in_o the_o epistle_n write_v by_o he_o from_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n to_o the_o church_n at_o phylomilium_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o in_o his_o epistle_n 13._o to_o the_o philippian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d polycarp_n and_o the_o elder_n with_o he_o to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n origen_n compare_v the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o athens_n corinth_n alexandria_n and_o o●her_a place_n with_o the_o people_n of_o those_o several_a city_n and_o so_o the_o etc._n church_n senate_n with_o the_o people_n and_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v his_o word_n chief_a ruler_n with_o the_o mayor_n of_o those_o city_n imply_v thereby_o that_o as_o there_o be_v one_o civil_a society_n in_o such_o place_n to_o make_v a_o city_n so_o there_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n incorporate_v together_o to_o make_v a_o church_n so_o that_o a_o church_n settle_v with_o a_o full_a power_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o exerc_n sing_v all_o act_n of_o church-discipline_n within_o its_o self_n be_v ancient_o the_o same_o with_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n not_o but_o that_o the_o name_n church_n be_v attribute_v sometime_o to_o family_n in_o which_o sense_n tertullian_n speak_v ubi_fw-la duo_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la sunt_fw-la ibi_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la est_fw-la cust_z licet_fw-la laici_fw-la and_o may_v on_o the_o same_o account_n be_v attribute_v to_o a_o small_a place_n such_o as_o many_o imagine_v the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n to_o be_v it_o be_v a_o port_n to_o corinth_n on_o the_o sinus_n sarònicus_n but_o stephanus_n byzantinus_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d suidas_n urbibus_fw-la say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strabo_n and_o pausanias_n only_o speak_v of_o the_o situation_n of_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o po●ts_n of_o corinth_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n from_o tegaea_n to_o argos_n nor_o be_v 4._o any_o more_o say_v of_o it_o by_o pliny_n then_o that_o it_o answer_v to_o lechaeum_n the_o port_n on_o the_o other_o side_n upon_o the_o sinus_n corinthiacus_n ubbo_n emmius_n in_o his_o description_n of_o old_a greece_n call_v both_o of_o they_o oppidula_fw-la duo_fw-la cum_fw-la duobus_fw-la praeclaris_fw-la portubus_fw-la in_o ora_fw-la utriusq_fw-la maris_fw-la but_o withal_o add_v that_o they_o be_v duo_fw-la vrbis_fw-la emporia_fw-la the_o two_o mart_n of_o corinth_n therefore_o in_o probability_n because_o 2._o of_o the_o great_a merchandise_n of_o that_o city_n they_o be_v much_o frequent_v cenchrea_fw-mi be_v about_o twelve_o furlong_n distance_n from_o corinth_n where_o pareus_n conjecture_n the_o place_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v because_o of_o the_o trouble_v they_o 1._o meet_v with_o in_o the_o city_n and_o therefore_o they_o retire_v thither_o for_o great_a conveniency_n and_o privacy_n which_o conjecture_n will_v appear_v not_o to_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a when_o we_o consider_v the_o furious_a opposition_n make_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o the_o christian_n at_o corinth_n act_v 18._o 12._o and_o withal_o how_o usual_a it_o be_v both_o for_o jew_n and_o christian_n to_o have_v their_o place_n of_o meeting_n at_o a_o distance_n from_o the_o city_n as_o act_v 16._o 13._o they_o go_v out_o from_o philippi_n to_o the_o river_n side_n where_o there_o be_v a_o proseucha_fw-la or_o a_o place_n of_o 10._o prayer_n where_o the_o jew_n of_o philippi_n accustom_v to_o meet_v according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o assemble_v as_o the_o reform_a church_n at_o paris_n have_v their_o meeting_n place_n at_o charenton_n which_o may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o charenton_n from_o their_o public_a assembly_n there_o but_o the_o church_n of_o paris_n from_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o chief_a officer_n and_o people_n in_o that_o city_n so_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n may_v be_v call_v the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n there_o be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o of_o any_o settle_a government_n there_o at_o cenchrea_fw-mi distinct_a from_o that_o at_o corinth_n so_o that_o this_o place_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o bring_v against_o that_o position_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o against_o it_o i_o conclude_v then_o that_o church_n and_o city_n be_v original_o of_o equal_a extent_n and_o that_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n lie_v not_o in_o their_o capacity_n of_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n but_o act_v as_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n embody_v together_o in_o one_o city_n have_v officer_n and_o ruler_n among_o themselves_o equal_o respect_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n then_o use_v for_o the_o model_a the_o government_n of_o these_o church_n which_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a period_n of_o time_n either_o before_o several_a congregation_n in_o church_n be_v settle_v or_o after_o those_o we_o now_o call_v parish_n be_v divide_v first_o before_o distinct_a congregation_n be_v settle_v and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v be_v not_o only_o during_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o for_o a_o competent_a time_n after_o general_o during_o the_o persecution_n of_o church_n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o such_o a_o number_n of_o believer_n as_o can_v not_o convenient_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o distribute_v of_o believer_n into_o their_o several_a distinct_a congregation_n i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n but_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n and_o the_o like_a there_o be_v more_o believer_n than_o can_v well_o meet_v together_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o those_o time_n but_o that_o they_o be_v then_o distribute_v into_o their_o several_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o century_n as_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n divide_v their_o people_n i._n e._n into_o several_a worship_a congregation_n with_o peculiar_a officer_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o they_o have_v no_o such_o convenience_n then_o of_o settle_v several_a congregation_n under_o their_o particular_a pastor_n but_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n look_v upon_o
metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n there_o mention_v can_v not_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a city_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o philippi_n but_o must_v be_v understand_v ●_o of_o the_o bishop_n resident_a in_o that_o city_n we_o begin_v with_o it_o in_o the_o civil_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v confess_v not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolis_n during_o its_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v by_o pausanias_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 182._o by_o theophylact_v out_o of_o a_o old_a geographer_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o 47._o small_a a_o city_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o dio_fw-mi and_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n where_o be_v at_o least_o 2._o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o city_n as_o pliny_n and_o pomponius_n mela_n tell_v we_o by_o bo●h_n who_o philippi_n be_v place_v in_o thracia_n and_o not_o in_o macedonia_n but_o two_o argument_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v philippi_n to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolis_n the_o first_o be_v from_o st._n luke_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 16._o 12._o the_o first_o city_n of_o that_o part_n of_o macedonia_n but_o render_v by_o the_o learned_a doctor_n the_o prime_a city_n of_o the_o province_n of_o macedonia_n but_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a know_v where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o notitiae_fw-la of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v translate_v a_o province_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o luke_n call_v it_o the_o first_o city_n not_o ratione_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la but_o ratione_fw-la 〈◊〉_d in_o regard_n of_o its_o situation_n and_o not_o its_o dignity_n so_o camerarius_fw-la understand_v luke_n hanc_fw-la esse_fw-la primam_fw-la coloniam_fw-la pa●tis_fw-la seu_fw-la plagae_fw-la macedonicae_fw-la nimirum_fw-la a_fw-fr thracia_n vicinia_fw-la iter_fw-la in_o macedoniam_fw-la ordiens_n it_o be_v the_o first_o city_n of_o that_o part_n of_o macedonia_n when_o one_o go_v from_o thracia_n into_o it_o and_o so_o it_o appear_v 397._o by_o dio_n describe_v the_o situation_n of_o philippi_n that_o it_o be_v the_o next_o town_n to_o neapolis_n only_o the_o mountain_n symbolon_n come_v between_o they_o and_o neapolis_n be_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o philippi_n build_v up_o in_o the_o plain_a near_o the_o mountain_n pangaeus_n where_o brutus_n and_o cassius_n encamp_v themselves_o its_o be_v then_o the_o first_o city_n of_o entrance_n into_o macedonia_n prove_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macodonia_n then_o that_o calais_n be_v of_o france_n or_o dover_n of_o england_n but_o it_o be_v further_o plead_v that_o philippi_n be_v a_o colony_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o roman_a judicature_n be_v there_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o philippi_n be_v not_o the_o only_a colony_n in_o macedonia_n for_o pliny_n reckon_v up_o cassandria_n paria_fw-la and_o other_o for_o which_o 37._o we_o must_v understand_v that_o macedonia_n be_v long_o since_o make_v a_o province_n by_o paulus_n and_o in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n by_o augustus_n strabo_n reckon_v it_o with_o illyricum_n among_o the_o province_n belong_v to_o the_o roman_a people_n and_o senate_n and_o so_o likewise_o do_v dio._n but_o it_o appear_v by_o suetonius_n that_o tiberius_n 25._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n in_o the_o danger_n of_o war_n in_o the_o province_n take_v it_o into_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v return_v by_o claudius_n to_o the_o senat●_n again_o together_o with_o achaia_n thence_o dio_n speak_v of_o macedonia_n 57_o in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n say_v it_o be_v govern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o praefecti_fw-la casaris_fw-la such_o as_o be_v send_v by_o the_o emperor_n to_o be_v his_o precedent_n in_o the_o province_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o proconsuli_n who_o be_v choose_v by_o lot_n after_o their_o consulship_n into_o the_o several_a province_n and_o therefore_o dio_n express_v claudius_n his_o return_v macedonia_n into_o the_o senate_n hand_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o put_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o senate_n again_o now_o macedonia_n have_v be_v thus_o long_o a_o province_n o●_n the_o roman_a empire_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o because_o philippi_n be_v a_o colony_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n second_o we_o find_v not_o the_o least_o evidence_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o macedonia_n have_v his_o residence_n at_o philippi_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n against_o it_o out_o of_o scripture_n act_n 16_o 20_o 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o proconsul_n here_o we_o shall_v certain_o have_v have_v it_o mention_v as_o gallio_n proconsul_n of_o achaia_n be_v mention_v in_o a_o like_a case_n at_o corinth_n act_v 18._o 12._o two_o sort_n of_o magistrate_n be_v here_o express_v 8._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o city_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v the_o duumviri_fw-la of_o the_o colony_n or_o else_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o proconsul_n reside_v there_o but_o i_o incline_v rather_o to_o the_o former_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v only_o a_o duumvir_fw-la but_o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o praetor_n as_o heinsius_n observe_v from_o the_o glossary_a of_o h._n stephen_n for_o every_o colony_n have_v a_o duumvirate_n to_o rule_v it_o answer_v to_o the_o consul_n and_o praetor_n at_o rome_n but_o all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v spare_v when_o we_o consider_v how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o thessalonica_n be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n as_o appear_v by_o antipater_n in_o the_o greek_a epigram_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o praefectus_fw-la pr●torio_n illy●ici_fw-la have_v 〈…〉_z dence_z a●_n th●ssalonica_n as_o theodore●_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o th●ssalonica_n be_v a_o great_a populous_a city_n where_o the_o lieutenant_n of_o illyricum_n do_v reside_v and_o so_o in_o probability_n do_v the_o vi●arius_n macedonia_n it_o be_v call_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n likewise_o by_o socr●●●s_n and_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n it_o be_v so_o call_v by_o aetius_n the_o bishop_n thereof_o in_o the_o council_n of_o sardica●_n and_o carolus_n à_fw-it sancto_fw-it paulo_n think_v it_o be_v not_o only_o 16._o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o province_n of_o macedonia_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a diocè●s_n which_o in_o the_o east_n be_v much_o large_a than_o the_o province_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o 14._o v●carius_n macedoniae_n and_o thence_o in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o chalcedon_n the_o subscription_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o th●ssalonic●_n wa●_n next_o to_o the_o patriarch_n but_o for_o philippi_n the_o same_o author_n acknowledge_v it_o not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolitan_a church_n in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n but_o after_o that_o macedonia_n be_v divide_v into_o prima_fw-la and_o secunda_fw-la which_o be_v after_o the_o division_n of_o it_o in_o the_o empire_n into_o prima_fw-la and_o salutaris_fw-la than_o philippi_n come_v to_o have_v the_o honorary_a title_n of_o a_o metropolitan_a although_o in_o hierocles_n his_o notitia_fw-la philippi_n be_v place_v as_o the_o twenty_o first_o city_n under_o the_o metropoles_fw-la of_o th●ssalonica_n so_o much_o to_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o first_o pillar_n viz._n that_o these_o city_n be_v metropoles_fw-la in_o the_o civil_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v take_v away_o the_o other_o fall_v of_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v model_n the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a then_o metropolitan_a church_n be_v plant_v only_o in_o metropolitan_a city_n and_o these_o be_v clear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v the_o latter_a it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o the_o former_a but_o however_o let_v we_o see_v what_o evidence_n be_v bring_v of_o such_o a_o subordination_n of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o metropolitan_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o only_a evidence_n produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o subordination_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lesser_a city_n upon_o the_o great_a be_v from_o act●_n 16._o 1_o 4_o compare_v with_o act_n 15._o 23._o the_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o
question_n be_v start_v at_o antioch_n act_v 14._o 26._o with_o act_n 15._o 2._o from_o thence_o they_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n for_o a_o resolution_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n there_o concern_v not_o only_a a●tioch_n but_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o antioch_n and_o therefore_o metropolitan_a church_n 〈…〉_z e_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la i_o be_o afraid_a the_o argument_n will_v sc_v 〈…〉_z owe_v its_o self_n in_o the_o dress_n of_o a_o syllogism_n thus_o it_o run_v if_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o question_n at_o antioch_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n make_v at_o jerusalem_n concern_v all_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n than_o all_o these_o church_n have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o metropolis_n of_o antioch_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a therefore_o the_o consequent_a let_v we_o see_v how_o the_o argument_n will_v do_v in_o another_o ●orm_n if_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o question_n at_o antioch_n the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christian_n converse_v with_o jew_n then_o all_o these_o church_n have_v dependence_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o etc._n etc._n how_o thankful_a will_v the_o papist_n have_v be_v if_o only_a rome_n have_v be_v put_v instead_o of_o antioch●_n and_o then_o the_o conclusion_n have_v be_v true_a what_o ever_o the_o premise_n be_v but_o in_o good_a earnest_n do_v the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n be_v bind_v by_o this_o decree_n prove_v their_o subordination_n to_o antioch_n or_o to_o the_o apostle_n be_v they_o bind_v because_o antioch_n be_v their_o metropolis_n or_o because_o they_o be_v the_o apostle_n who_o resolve_v the_o question_n but_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o phrygia_n and_o galatia_n bind_v to_o observe_v these_o decree_n as_o well_o as_o other_o for_o of_o these_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n go_v through_o the_o city_n of_o they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n to_o keep_v as_o it_o be_v express_v act_n 16._o 4._o compare_v with_o the_o 6._o verse_n or_o do_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v only_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v inscribe_v and_o upon_o who_o occasion_n they_o be_v pen_v then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n paul_n epistle_n be_v write_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o occasion_n as_o that_o to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o corinth_n do_v only_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n and_o those_o of_o achaia_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o so_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n a_o fair_a way_n to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n to_o we_o because_o for_o sooth_n we_o live_v not_o in_o obedience_n to_o those_o metropoles_fw-la to_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v tell_v how_o many_o thing_n we_o may_v understand_v by_o this_o notion_n of_o metropolitan_o especial_o why_o ignatius_n superscribe_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o church_n which_o pre●ides_v in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o roman_a region_n or_o the_o suburbicarian_a province_n but_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o this_o place_n may_v not_o be_v understand_v better_a without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o notion_n casaubon_n call_v it_o locutionem_fw-la barbar●m_fw-la 2._o vedelius_fw-la be_v more_o favourable_a to_o it_o and_o think_v si_fw-la non_fw-la elegans_fw-la saltem_fw-la vi●ii_fw-la libera_fw-la est_fw-la and_o explain_v it_o by_o the_o suburbicarian_a province_n and_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o place_n which_o be_v the_o roman_a region_n and_o parallel_v it_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d luke_n 9_o 10._o bellarmine_n think_v he_o have_v ●ound_v the_o pope_n universal_a power_n in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o methinks_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v hardly_o be_v render_v orbis_n universus_fw-la unless_o bellarmine_n be_v no_o more_o skill_v in_o greek_a than_o casaubon_n think_v he_o be_v who_o he_o call_v in_o the_o p●ace_n forecited_a hominem_fw-la graecarum_fw-la literarum_fw-la prorsus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o ingenuous_a conjecture_n concern_v this_o place_n be_v that_o of_o our_o learned_a mr._n thorndike_n the_o word_n 164._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o be_v here_o use_v as_o many_o time_n beside_o speak_v of_o those_o place_n which_o a_o man_n will_v neither_o call_v city_n nor_o town_n as_o act_n 27_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o sail_v by_o the_o place_n of_o asia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v plain_a it_o signify_v the_o country_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o must_v necessary_o signify_v here_o the_o vatican_n lie_v in_o the_o field_n as_o a_o suburb_n to_o rome_n and_o be_v the_o place_n where_o st._n peter_n be_v bury_v and_o where_o the_o jew_n of_o rome_n then_o dwell_v as_o we_o learn_v by_o philo_n legatione_fw-la ad_fw-la caium_fw-la out_o of_o who_o he_o produce_v a_o large_a place_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o so_o make_v this_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n the_o vatican_n be_v then_o the_o jewry_n of_o rome_n but_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a evidence_n of_o any_o such_o distinction_n of_o church_n there_o and_o as_o little_a reason_n why_o ignatius_n shall_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n and_o not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n i_o therefore_o embrace_v his_o sense_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o vatican_n but_o explain_v it_o in_o another_o way_n viz._n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o meeting_n for_o the_o christian_n in_o gentile_n rome_n be_v in_o the_o coemetery_n of_o the_o martyr_n now_o these_o coemeteria_fw-la be_v all_o of_o they_o without_o the_o city_n and_o the_o coemeteria_fw-la where_o peter_n linus_n cletus_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n lay_v inter_v in_o the_o vatican_n beyond_o the_o river_n tiber._n so_o damasus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o cletus_n qui_fw-la etiam_fw-la sepultus_fw-la est_fw-la juxta_fw-la corpus_fw-la b._n petri_n in_o vaticano_n the_o church_n then_o in_o the_o p●ace_n of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v the_o christian-church_n of_o rome_n assemble_v chief_o in_o the_o coemetery_n of_o the_o vatican_n or_o any_o other_o of_o those_o vault_n which_o be_v in_o the_o field_n at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o the_o city_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n more_o for_o metropolitan_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v take_v to_o signify_v both_o the_o city_n and_o country_n and_o so_o the_o inscription_n of_o clemens_n his_o epistle_n be_v explain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o church_n of_o god_n dwell_v about_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n dwell_v about_o corinth_n whereby_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a territory_n which_o be_v these_o be_v metropoles_fw-la take_v in_o the_o whole_a province_n and_o so_o polycarp_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o all_o this_o arise_v from_o a_o mistake_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v not_o so_o much_o accolere_fw-la as_o incolere_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o old_a latin_a version_n render_v it_o eccl●siae_fw-la dei_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la philippis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o remove_v from_o one_o city_n to_o sojourn_v in_o another_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o attribute_v that_o name_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v either_o because_o that_o many_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v jew_n they_o do_v true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v as_o stranger_n out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n or_o else_o among_o the_o christian_n because_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o continual_a persecution_n they_o be_v still_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o flit_a uncertain_a condition_n ●0_n in_o the_o world_n their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d country_n citizenship_n be_v in_o heaven_n of_o this_o the_o apostle_n often_o tell_v they_o from_o hence_o i●_n come_v to_o signify_v the_o society_n of_o such_o christian_n so_o live_v together_o which_o as_o it_o increase_v so_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d increase_v and_o so_o go_v from_o the_o city_n into_o the_o country_n and_o come_v not_o from_o the_o country_n into_o the_o city_n for_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v take_v for_o accolere_fw-la than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v signify_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o territory_n belong_v to_o it_o but_o the_o church_n adjacent_a to_o
presbyterii_fw-la honore_fw-la provehor_fw-la what_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a then_o that_o here_o a_o presbyter_n ordain_v a_o presbyter_n which_o we_o now_o here_o read_v be_v pronounce_v null_a by_o theophilus_n then_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n or_o any_o other_o that_o at_o time_n it_o be_v a_o know_a instance_n that_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pelagius_n first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v only_o two_o bishop_n concur_v and_o one_o presbyter_n whereas_o according_a to_o the_o four_o canon_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n three_o bishop_n be_v absolute_o require_v for_o ordination_n 〈…〉_z bishop_n either_o ●hen_n pelagius_n be_v no_o canonical_a bishop_n and_o so_o the_o point_n of_o succession_n prim._n thereby_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o else_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o same_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o ordination_n which_o a_o bishop_n have_v but_o it_o be_v only_o restrain_v by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n in_o the_o time_n of_o eustathius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v do_v a._n d._n 328_o as_o jacobus_n goth●●redus_n prove_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o ordination_n 7._o of_o paulinus_n a._n d._n 362._o which_o be_v for_o thirty_o four_o year_n space_n when_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o paulinus_n and_o his_o colleague_n withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o say_v by_o who_o the_o ordination_n be_v perform_v all_o this_o while_n unless_o by_o paulinus_n and_o his_o colleague_n in_o the_o year_n 452._o it_o appear_v by_o leo_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rusticus_n narbonensis_n that_o some_o presbyter_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o ordain_v as_o bishop_n 1._o about_o which_o he_o be_v consult_v by_o rusticus_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o that_o case_n with_o those_o so_o ordain_v leo_n his_o resolution_n of_o that_o case_n be_v observable_a siqui_fw-la autem_fw-la clerici_fw-la ab_fw-la ist_fw-mi be_v pseudo-episcopis_a in_o iis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la ordinati_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la pr●prios_fw-la episcopos_fw-la pertinebant_fw-la &_o ordinatio_fw-la ●orum_fw-la cum_fw-la consensn_a &_o judicio_fw-la praesidentium_fw-la facta_fw-la est_fw-la potest_fw-la rata_fw-la haberi_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ipsis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la perseverent_fw-la those_o clergy_n man_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o as_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n in_o church_n belong_v to_o proper_a bishop_n if_o the_o ordination_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n it_o may_v be_v look_v on_o as_o valid_a and_o those_o presbyter_n remain_v in_o their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o by_o the_o consent_n ex_fw-la post_fw-la facto_fw-la of_o the_o true_a bishop_n those_o presbyter_n thus_o ordain_v be_v look_v on_o as_o lawful_a presbyter_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o their_o ordainer_n have_v a_o intrinsical_v power_n of_o ordination_n which_o be_v only_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o ordination_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v confer_v any_o thing_n by_o their_o ordination_n if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o presbyter_n may_v ordain_v if_o delegated_a thereto_o by_o bishop_n as_o paulinus_n may_v ordain_v on_o that_o account_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o this_o very_a power_n of_o do_v it_o by_o delegation_n do_v imply_v a_o intrinsical_v power_n in_o themselves_o of_o do_v it_o for_o i●_n presbyter_n be_v forbid_v ordain_v other_o by_o scripture_n than_o they_o can_v neither_o do_v it_o in_o their_o own_o person_n nor_o by_o delegation_n from_o other_o f●●_v quoth_v alicui_fw-la svo_fw-la nomine_fw-la ●on_n lices_fw-la nec_fw-la 〈…〉_z an●●●●●_n rule_v o●_n cyprian_n must_v 67._o hold_v true_a non_fw-la aliquid_fw-la c●i_fw-fr ●●●●_o largiri_fw-la potest_fw-la humana_fw-la indulgentia_fw-la ubi_fw-la interc●dit_fw-la &_o leg●●_n tribuit_fw-la divina_fw-la ●r●scriptio_fw-la 8._o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispense_n with_o divine_a law_n which_o must_v be_v if_o that_o may_v be_v delegated_a to_o other_o person_n which_o be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o the_o office_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o if_o presbyter_n have_v power_n of_o confer_v nothing_o by_o their_o ordination_n how_o can_v a_o after-consent_n of_o bishop_n make_v that_o act_n of_o they_o valid_a for_o conser_v right_o and_o power_n by_o it_o it_o appear_v then_o that_o this_o power_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n for_o preserve_a unity_n in_o its_o self_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n what_o be_v do_v by_o presbyter_n be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o invalid_a but_o against_o this_o the_o case_n of_o ischyras_n ordain_v as_o it_o be_v say_v a_o presbyter_n by_o collutbus_fw-la and_o pronounce_v null_n by_o the_o council_n of_o alexandria_n be_v common_o plead_v but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o answer_v it_o for_o first_o the_o pronounce_v such_o a_o ordination_n null_n do_v not_o evidence_n that_o they_o look_v on_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o belong_v of_o divine_a right_a only_o to_o bishop_n for_o we_o find_v by_o many_o instance_n that_o act_v in_o a_o bare_a contempt_n of_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n be_v sufficient_a to_o degrade_v any_o from_o be_v presbyter_n second_o 325._o if_o ischyras_n have_v be_v ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n there_o be_v circumstance_n enough_o to_o induce_v the_o council_n to_o pronounce_v it_o null_a first_o as_o do_v out_o of_o the_o diocese_n in_o which_o case_n ordination_n be_v null_v by_o council_n arel_n cap._n 13._o second_o do_v by_o open_a and_o pronounce_v schismatic_n three_o do_v sine_fw-la titulo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o ●o_o null_v by_o the_o canon_n then_o three_o colluthns_n do_v not_o act_v as_o a_o presbyter_n in_o ordain_v but_o as_o a_o bishop_n of_o the_o meletian_a party_n in_o cynus_n as_o the_o clergy_n of_o mareotis_n speak_v of_o ischyras_n his_o ordination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o collytbus_n a_o presbyter_n make_v show_n of_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n by_o meletius_n more_o concern_v this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o 327._o blondel_n who_o full_o clear_v all_o the_o particular_n here_o menti●●e●_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o instance_n nothing_o appear_v but_o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v restrain_v only_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law●_n the_o last_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n do_v act_n upon_o prudence_n 9_o in_o church-government_n be_v from_o the_o many_o restraint_n in_o other_o case_n make_v by_o the_o church_n for_o restraint_n of_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v allow_v by_o divine_a law_n he_o must_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n that_o take_v not_o notice_n of_o such_o restraint_n make_v by_o canon_n as_o in_o reference_n to_o observation_n of_o several_a rite_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n determine_v by_o the_o provincial_a synod_n of_o the_o several_a church_n for_o which_o purpose_n their_o provincial_a synod_n be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o eastern_a church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o firmilian_a in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a qua_fw-la ex_fw-la causa_fw-la 75._o necessariò_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la per_fw-la singulos_fw-la annos_fw-la seniores_fw-la &_o praepositi_fw-la in_o unum_fw-la conveniamus_fw-la ad_fw-la disponenda_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la curae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la commissa_fw-la sunt_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quae_fw-la graviora_fw-la sunt_fw-la communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la dirigantur_fw-la lapsis_fw-la quoque_fw-la fratribus_fw-la etc._n etc._n medela_fw-la quaeratur_fw-la non_fw-la quasi_fw-la à_fw-la nobis_fw-la remissionem_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la consequ●nt●r_fw-la sed_fw-la ●t_a per_fw-la nos_fw-la ad_fw-la intelligentiam_fw-la delictorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la convertantur_fw-la &_o domino_fw-la pleniùs_fw-la satisfacere_fw-la cogantur_fw-la the_o several_a order_n about_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v determine_v in_o these_o synod_n as_o to_o which_o he_o that_o will_v find_v a_o command_n in_o scripture_n for_o their_o orde_n about_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o lapsi_fw-la will_v take_v pain_n to_o no_o purpose_n the_o church_n order_v thing_n itself_o for_o the_o better_a regulate_v the_o several_a church_n they_o be_v place_v over_o a_o demonstrative_a argument_n that_o these_o thing_n come_v not_o from_o divine_a command_n be_v from_o the_o great_a diversi●y_n of_o these_o custom_n 19_o in_o several_a place_n of_o which_o beside_o socrates_n sozomen_n large_o speak_v and_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o several_a church_n when_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o enjoy_v ease_n eccl._n and_o liberty_n and_o thereby_o have_v opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v great_a conveniency_n for_o council_n we_o find_v what_o be_v detrrmine_v by_o those_o council_n be_v enter_v into_o a_o codex_fw-la canonum_fw-la for_o that_o purpose_n which_o
may_v be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n and_o what_o be_v so_o determine_v by_o that_o authority_n do_v bind_v man_n to_o obedience_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o 5._o hypothesis_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o 12._o this_o treatise_n i_o conclude_v all_o with_o this_o earnest_a desire_n that_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n will_v send_v we_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o composer_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o the_o repairer_n of_o our_o breach_n that_o of_o our_o strange_a division_n and_o unchristian_a animosity_n while_o we_o pretend_v to_o serve_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n we_o may_v at_o last_o see_v the_o end_n glory_n to_o god_n on_o high_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o man_n luke_n 2._o 14._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n the_o name_n of_o power_n in_o a_o church_n explain_v the_o mistake_n of_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o erastianism_n the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n open_v as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o power_n the_o church_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o society_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o different_a nature_n and_o divine_a institution_n distinct_a officer_n different_z right_n and_o end_n and_o peculiar_a offence_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o me●r_a confederation_n the_o church_n power_n found_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n and_o not_o on_o particular_a precept_n the_o power_n of_o church-officer_n not_o mere_o doctrinal_a prove_v by_o several_a argument_n church-power_n as_o to_o particular_a person_n antecedent_n to_o confederation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n relate_v to_o baptism_n the_o church_n power_n extend_v to_o excommunication_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o ground_n it_o have_v under_o the_o law_n no_o exclusion_n from_o temple-worship_n among_o the_o jew_n excommunication_n necessary_a in_o a_o christian_a church_n because_o of_o the_o condition_n suppose_v to_o communion_n in_o it_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o apostolical_a censure_n objection_n against_o excommunication_n answer_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v after_o its_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o civil_a state_n the_o magistrate_n power_n as_o to_o excommunication_n clear_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o daily_a observation_n and_o experience_n 1._o in_o the_o world_n how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n clear_a in_o its_o judgement_n of_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v too_o far_o engage_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o controversy_n it_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a to_o well_o manage_v a_o impetuous_a pursuit_n after_o any_o opinion_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o see_v man_n outrun_v their_o mark_n and_o through_o the_o force_n of_o their_o speed_n to_o be_v carry_v as_o far_o beyond_o it_o as_o other_o in_o their_o opinion_n fall_v short_a of_o it_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o kind_n of_o ebriety_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o body_n which_o make_v it_o so_o unstable_a and_o pendulous_a that_o it_o oft_o time_n reel_v from_o one_o extreme_a unto_o the_o quite_o contrary_a this_o as_o it_o be_v obvious_a in_o most_o eager_a controvertist_n of_o all_o age_n so_o especial_o in_o such_o who_o have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o opinion_n they_o be_v once_o confident_a of_o which_o they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o after_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o so_o that_o while_o they_o start_v at_o a_o apparition_n they_o so_o much_o dread_n they_o run_v into_o those_o untrodden_a path_n wherein_o they_o lose_v both_o themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n they_o seek_v for_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a controversy_n for_o many_o 2._o out_o of_o their_o just_a zeal_n against_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o those_o who_o screw_v up_o church-power_n to_o so_o high_a a_o peg_n that_o it_o be_v think_v to_o make_v perpetual_a discord_n with_o the_o common_a wealth_n can_v never_o think_v themselves_o free_a from_o so_o great_a a_o inconvenience_n till_o they_o have_v melt_v down_o all_o spiritual_a power_n into_o the_o civil_a state_n and_o dissolve_v the_o church_n into_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o the_o world_n way_n see_v i_o have_v not_o be_v more_o forward_o to_o assert_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o ecclesiastical_n as_o well_o as_o civil_n than_o to_o defend_v the_o fundamental_a right_n of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v take_v this_o opportunity_n more_o full_o to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v that_o part_n of_o the_o churches-power_n which_o lie_v in_o reference_n to_o offender_n it_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n strike_v at_o by_o those_o who_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o that_o note_a physician_n who_o handle_v the_o church_n so_o ill_o as_o to_o deprive_v she_o of_o her_o expulsive_a faculty_n of_o noxious_a humour_n and_o so_o leave_v she_o under_o a_o miserere_fw-la meî_fw-la 3._o i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o give_v the_o church_n her_o due_a as_o well_o as_o caesar_n his_o by_o make_v good_a this_o follow_a principle_n or_o hypothesis_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a hinge_n of_o this_o controversy_n turn_v viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_a censure_n upon_o offender_n in_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o fundamental_a right_n resu●●●●g_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o power_n be_v in_o those_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v derive_v their_o power_n original_o from_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o society_n and_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o it_o for_o the_o clear_a state_v of_o this_o controversy_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a 4._o to_o explain_v what_o that_o power_n be_v which_o i_o attribute_v to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o what_o notion_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o it_o exercise_v this_o power_n first_o concern_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o power_n by_o it_o i_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n else_o to_o be_v understand_v than_o a_o right_n of_o govern_v or_o order_v thing_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o society_n and_o so_o power_n imply_v only_o a_o moral_a faculty_n in_o the_o person_n enjoy_v it_o to_o take_v care_n ne_fw-fr quid_fw-la civitas_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o well_o constitute_v society_n must_v suppose_v a_o power_n within_o its_o self_n of_o order_v thing_n belong_v to_o its_o welfare_n or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o society_n can_v be_v long_o preserve_v power_n then_o in_o its_o general_n and_o abstract_a notion_n do_v not_o necessary_o import_v either_o mere_a authority_n or_o proper_a coaction_n for_o these_o to_o any_o impartial_a judgement_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v rather_o the_o 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free_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o other_o power_n than_o that_o which_o i●_n mere_o authoritative_a and_o persuasive_a or_o that_o which_o be_v coactive_a and_o penal_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o conveyance_n of_o power_n beside_o external_a force_n and_o arbitrary_a consent_n the_o one_o in_o those_o call_v legal_a society_n or_o civitates_fw-la the_o other_o collegia_fw-la and_o hetaeriae_fw-la but_o to_o as_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a of_o command_a man_n to_o what_o duty_n he_o please_v himself_o and_o appoint_v a_o society_n upon_o what_o term_n best_o please_v he_o and_o give_v a_o power_n to_o particular_a person_n to_o govern_v that_o society_n in_o what_o way_n shall_v tend_v most_o to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o such_o a_o society_n may_v easy_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o power_n neither_o proper_o
prove_v by_o some_o who_o have_v undertake_v it_o i_o know_v no_o opinion_n will_v bid_v so_o sai●_n for_o acceptance_n as_o scepticism_n and_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o many_o weighty_a and_o important_a truth●_n for_o how_o weak_o have_v some_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o such_o argument_n that_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthro●●_n a_o opinion_n to_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v some_o argument_n bring_v for_o it_o atheism_n itself_o will_v become_v plausible_a it_o can_v be_v then_o no_o evidence_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a because_o some_o argument_n will_v not_o prove_v it_o and_o true_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o be_o full_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o excellent_a ●2_n h._n grotius_n speak_v of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n neque_fw-la ad●am_fw-la r●m_fw-la peculiare_a praeceptum_fw-la desideratur_fw-la eum_fw-la ecclestae_fw-la coetu_fw-la à_fw-la christo_fw-la semel_fw-la constituto_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la imperata_fw-la censeri_fw-la debent_fw-la sine_fw-la quibus_fw-la ejus_fw-la coeiûs_fw-la puritas_fw-la retineri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la and_o therefore_o man_n spend_v needless_a pain_n to_o prove_v a_o institution_n of_o this_o power_n by_o some_o positive_a precept_n when_o christ_n sound_n his_o church_n as_o a_o peculiar_a society_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n he_o have_v endow_v it_o with_o this_o fundamental_a right_n without_o which_o the_o society_n be_v arena_fw-la sino_fw-la calce_fw-la a_o company_n of_o person_n without_o any_o common_a tie_n of_o union_n among_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o union_n it_o must_v depend_v on_o some_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n which_o how_o can_v they_o require_v from_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o exclude_v they_o upon_o non_fw-fr performance_n 2._o i_o prove_v the_o divine_a original_n of_o this_o power_n from_o the_o special_a appointment_n and_o designation_n of_o particular_a officer_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o this_o society_n now_o i_o say_v that_o law_n which_o provide_v there_o shall_v be_v officer_n to_o govern_v do_v give_v they_o power_n to_o govern_v suitable_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o society_n either_o than_o you_o must_v deny_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o a_o unalterable_a institution_n appoint_v a_o gospel_n ministry_n or_o that_o this_o ministry_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n or_o that_o their_o power_n extend_v not_o to_o excommunication_n the_o first_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o second_o follow_v from_o their_o appointment_n for_o by_o all_o the_o title_n give_v to_o church_n officer_n in_o scripture_n it_o appear_v they_o have_v a_o power_n over_o the_o church_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o which_o as_o you_o well_o know_v do_v import_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o society_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o that_o this_o power_n shall_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o power_n to_o exclude_v convict_v offender_n seem_v very_o strange_a when_o no_o other_o punishment_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n than_o this_o be_v which_o be_v a_o debar_v he_o from_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o society_n which_o the_o offender_n have_v so_o much_o dishonour_v can_v there_o be_v any_o punishment_n less_o imagine_v towards_o contumacious_a offender_n than_o this_o be_v or_o that_o carry_v in_o it_o less_o of_o outward_a and_o coactive_a force_n it_o imply_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o offender_n himself_o free_o yield_v to_o at_o his_o entrance_n into_o this_o society_n all_o that_o i_o can_v find_v reply_v by_o any_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o 18._o opinion_n i_o here_o assert_v to_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o institution_n and_o title_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o those_o title_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o do_v import_v rule_n and_o government_n be_v all_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v christ_n minister_n and_o ambassador_n to_o preach_v his_o word_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o all_o power_n such_o person_n conceive_v to_o lie_v in_o those_o title_n be_v only_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a but_o how_o true_a that_o be_v let_v any_o one_o judge_n that_o consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n then_o in_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a not_o only_o from_o the_o passage_n relate_v to_o offender_n in_o saint_n paul_n epistle_n especial_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o thessalonian_n but_o from_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o succeed_a age_n manifest_v by_o tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o many_o other_o there_o be_v then_o a_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o apostolical_a church_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v administer_v by_o some_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o those_o church_n and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o the_o several_a pastor_n of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n do_v it_o not_o stand_v to_o common_a sense_n it_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o such_o title_n which_o in_o their_o natural_a importance_n do_v signify_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v as_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n do_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o diversity_n in_o scripture_n make_v between_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o though_o this_o may_v not_o as_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o two_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o do_v a_o different_a respect_n and_o connotation_n in_o the_o same_o person_n and_o so_o import_v that_o ruling_n carry_v in_o it_o somewhat_o more_o than_o mere_a teach_v and_o so_o the_o power_n employ_v in_o pastor_n to_o be_v more_o then_o mere_o doctrinal_a which_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n 3._o what_o possible_a difference_n can_v be_v assign_v between_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o and_o those_o which_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o timothy_n 5._o 17._o if_o all_o their_o rule_v be_v mere_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o their_o govern_n nothing_o but_o teach_v i_o intend_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o office_n of_o ruler_n distinct_a from_o teacher_n from_o hence_o which_o i_o know_v neither_o this_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o will_v do_v but_o that_o the_o formal_a conception_n of_o rule_v be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o teach_v 4._o i_o argue_v from_o the_o analogy_n between_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o synagogue_n that_o as_o many_o of_o the_o name_n be_v take_v from_o thence_o where_o they_o carry_v a_o power_n of_o discipline_n with_o they_o so_o they_o must_v do_v in_o some_o proportion_n in_o the_o church_n or_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a understanding_n they_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o synagogue_n have_v a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o can_v you_o conceive_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n have_v none_o when_o the_o society_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o constitution_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o one_o be_v transscribe_v from_o the_o other_o as_o have_v be_v already_o large_o prove_v 5._o the_o act_n attribute_v to_o pastor_n in_o scripture_n imply_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v distinct_a from_o mere_a teach_v such_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v for_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v matth._n 2._o 6._o revel_v 12._o 5._o 19_o 15._o which_o word_n be_v attribute_v to_o pastor_n of_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o flock_n act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v apply_v to_o minister_n when_o they_o be_v so_o frequent_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o note_v praesidentiam_fw-la cum_fw-la potestate_fw-la for_o hesychius_n render_v it_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n have_v certain_o a_o power_n of_o government_n in_o they_o 6._o the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v attribute_v to_o those_o who_o have_v oversight_n of_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 8._o by_o which_o it_o be_v certain_o evident_a that_o a_o power_n more_o than_o doctrinal_a be_v understand_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o then_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o power_n mere_o civil_a and_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v suffice_v to_o vindicate_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o title_n of_o church_n officer_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o be_v not_o insignificant_a thing_n but_o the_o person_n who_o enjoy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v the_o society_n over_o which_o the_o