and_o christ_n himself_o be_v mock_v from_o this_o discourse_n of_o discipline_n beside_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o appear_v 1._o the_o weight_n of_o it_o bind_v to_o wrath_n or_o lose_v from_o it_o retain_v or_o remit_v sin_n open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o penitent_a or_o shut_v it_o against_o the_o impenitent_a cast_v out_o of_o the_o commonion_n of_o the_o faithful_a cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n or_o readmission_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a reimplant_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rescue_n from_o their_o subjection_n to_o satan_n and_o so_o as_o all_o this_o do_v here_o upon_o earth_n where_o right_o administer_v be_v confirm_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o 1._o stand_v upon_o so_o clear_a a_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n therefore_o be_v a_o gospel_n ordinance_n unchangeable_a 2._o be_v so_o main_a a_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n 3._o from_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v of_o offend_a brethren_n from_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a offence_n for_o purge_v out_o that_o old_a leaven_n which_o may_v infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n for_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o may_v just_o fall_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o instruction_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n it_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n we_o need_v not_o prove_v the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n be_v the_o people_n right_a make_v not_o a_o little_a for_o the_o due_a settle_v the_o church_n for_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v three_o thing_n 1._o point_v to_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o truth_n 2._o add_v some_o reason_n according_a to_o scripture_n 3._o give_v in_o the_o testimony_n first_o of_o the_o primitive_a then_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n 1._o for_o the_o scripture_n act_n 1.15_o with_o 23._o the_o disciple_n go_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o choose_v a_o apostle_n who_o must_v have_v his_o commission_n immediate_o from_o god_n they_o appoint_v two_o and_o give_v forth_o lot_n act_n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o whole_a multitude_n choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o present_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o ordination_n act_v 14.23_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n the_o word_n translate_v ordain_v signify_v solemn_o to_o appoint_v to_o office_n upon_o the_o people_n vote_n or_o choice_n or_o suffrage_n so_o stephen_n in_o his_o treasure_n of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n render_v it_o to_o make_v or_o create_v by_o suffrage_n see_v calvin_n and_o beza_n afterward_o 2._o for_o reason_n 1._o the_o officer_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4_o 11_o 12._o therefore_o she_o may_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o ordinary_a way_n procure_v they_o which_o yet_o in_o many_o case_n she_o can_v do_v if_o she_o have_v not_o right_a to_o choose_v they_o 2._o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o therefore_o she_o have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v they_o to_o herself_o if_o she_o depend_v upon_o either_o magistrate_n or_o patron_n or_o any_o other_o for_o a_o right_a to_o call_v her_o officer_n they_o be_v then_o rather_o give_v to_o they_o on_o who_o she_o shall_v so_o depend_v then_o to_o she_o 3._o otherwise_o the_o church_n sc_n the_o company_n of_o beseevers_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o society_n as_o to_o the_o settle_n of_o herself_o in_o her_o best_a state_n no_o people_n without_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o officer_n for_o their_o good_a but_o may_v settle_v such_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n show_v 4._o in_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o great_a love_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o so_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o officer_n become_v more_o fruitful_a 5._o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o hear_v the_o true_a teacher_n to_o shun_v the_o false_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n which_o import_v 1._o moral_a ability_n for_o choose_v 2._o a_o right_a of_o choose_v or_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a minister_n add_v to_o these_o christian_a practice_n and_o experience_n what_o faithful_a soul_n make_v any_o scruple_n of_o leave_v a_o faithless_a and_o unedifying_a minister_n at_o home_n to_o go_v abroad_o for_o enjoy_v a_o faithful_a and_o edify_a ministry_n which_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o christian_n have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n 3._o for_o testimony_n 1._o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n cyprian_n who_o live_v a_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n about_o 240_o year_n more_o or_o less_o after_o christ_n be_v plentiful_a herein_o as_o in_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n it_o appear_v so_o in_o those_o time_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n ordination_n of_o officer_n succeed_v their_o election_n hence_o cyprian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n most_o dear_a brethren_n we_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o advise_v with_o you_o and_o to_o weigh_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o by_o common_a counsel_n epist_n 33._o according_a to_o pamelius_n edition_n at_o the_o beginning_n cyprian_n to_o the_o people_n to_o avoid_v the_o faction_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o five_o presbyter_n side_v with_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o epist_n 40._o they_o mindful_a of_o their_o conspiracy_n against_o my_o episcopacy_n episcopacy_n distinct_a from_o presbytery_n have_v then_o place_n in_o the_o church_n though_o of_o a_o far_o pure_a stamp_n than_o our_o prelacy_n nay_o against_o your_o suffrage_n or_o election_n by_o vote_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n renew_v their_o old_a opposition_n etc._n etc._n he_o justify_v his_o own_o stand_n by_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n upon_o the_o occasion_n he_o speak_v epist_n 55._o cyprian_n to_o antonianus_n a_o brother_n about_o cornelius_n choose_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o novatian_n seek_v to_o make_v himself_o bishop_n cornelius_n be_v thus_o justify_v that_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o ministry_n by_o the_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n then_o present_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o minister_n testimony_n but_o the_o choice_n the_o people_n epist_n 52._o the_o same_o cornelius_n he_o justify_v against_o novatian_n and_o that_o with_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o a_o council_n assemble_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n epist_n 67._o cyprian_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o spain_n cyprian_n with_o his_o fellow-bishop_n assemble_v praise_v the_o ministry_n and_o people_n of_o spain_n that_o they_o have_v by_o lawful_a election_n place_v sabinus_n and_o felix_n in_o stead_n of_o basilides_n and_o martial_n lapse_v bishop_n we_o have_v here_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o people_n right_a in_o choose_v they_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v together_o read_v letter_n out_o of_o spain_n desire_v their_o advice_n where_o in_o answer_n cyprian_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n first_o urge_v of_o how_o great_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n or_o bishop_n be_v holy_a he_o thus_o speak_v further_o wherefore_o it_o behoove_v that_o with_o full_a diligence_n and_o sincere_a trial_n they_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v such_o as_o god_n may_v hear_v their_o prayer_n neither_o let_v the_o people_n flatter_v themselves_o as_o though_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n communicate_v with_o a_o sinful_a minister_n or_o bishop_n and_o afford_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o unjust_a and_o unlawful_a episcopacy_n or_o ministry_n of_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o a_o little_a after_o therefore_o the_o people_n obey_v the_o lord_n commandment_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o sinful_a church_n ruler_n neither_o mix_v themselves_o at_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v the_o great_a power_n either_o of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a priest_n that_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n for_o bishop_n
those_o that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o be_v this_o to_o be_v require_v who_o be_v make_v fit_a for_o those_o ministery_n by_o god_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v receive_v and_o account_v such_o by_o the_o church_n their_o trial_n be_v so_o to_o be_v order_v and_o carry_v through_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o thorough_o behold_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o which_o any_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o as_o give_v and_o send_v of_o the_o lord_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v refuse_v by_o they_o as_o not_o give_v and_o send_v by_o the_o lord_n unto_o they_o and_o then_o he_o bring_v in_o that_o of_o cyprian_a former_o mention_v epist_n 68_o let_v these_o suffice_v for_o instance_n object_n but_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a irreligious_a and_o many_o way_n unfit_a answ_n 1._o for_o their_o ability_n in_o learning_n for_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o high_a and_o mysterious_a most_o point_n and_o the_o like_a who_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v by_o learned_a minister_n where_o it_o may_v be_v to_o be_v try_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o great_a use_n of_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o able_a and_o approve_a minister_n for_o order_v the_o proceed_n in_o the_o choice_n that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o due_a care_n and_o peaceablenesse_n 3._o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v ignorant_a irreligious_a etc._n etc._n they_o that_o be_v so_o be_v no_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v own_v as_o former_o this_o have_v be_v prove_v 〈◊〉_d this_o very_a right_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n add_v a_o further_a proof_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o choose_v their_o officer_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o in_o all_o these_o testimony_n we_o find_v they_o suppose_v of_o another_o stamp_n 4._o suppose_v that_o assistance_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v as_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v enlighten_v with_o his_o truth_n a_o company_n of_o people_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o rome_n may_v not_o they_o by_o divine_a charter_n settle_v among_o themselves_o a_o ministry_n in_o other_o case_n when_o the_o help_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v the_o reason_n former_o give_v especial_o the_o first_o second_o three_o and_o five_o will_v conclude_v the_o people_n right_a without_o they_o otherwise_o this_o will_v further_o ensue_v after_o a_o general_a apostasy_n as_o that_o of_o the_o papacy_n though_o god_n shall_v enlighten_v never_o so_o many_o people_n except_o withal_o he_o shall_v enlighten_v some_o of_o their_o priest_n there_o must_v be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o church-reformation_n 5._o though_o such_o a_o concurrence_n of_o minister_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o respect_v above_o name_v yet_o may_v they_o not_o divest_v she_o of_o this_o native_a right_n to_o put_v upon_o she_o any_o but_o who_o she_o shall_v choose_v and_o approve_v it_o be_v true_a to_o a_o wicked_a people_n no_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n a_o minister_n may_v be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o hate_v he_o so_o far_o from_o choose_v he_o but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o preacher_n to_o a_o people_n another_o to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o rule_v elder_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n only_o the_o saint_n visible_a combine_v be_v capable_a of_o pastoral_n and_o disciplinary_a interest_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n preserve_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la when_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v carry_v against_o a_o whole_a congregation_n by_o officer_n of_o other_o congregation_n never_o choose_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o not_o fair_o preserve_v in_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n all_o the_o people_n choose_v the_o bishop_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n cyprian_n epist_n 68_o supr_fw-la so_o clemens_n for_o the_o minister_n supr_fw-la chap._n v._o the_o four_o instruction_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n not_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o twofold_a power_n of_o order_n office_n the_o power_n of_o order_n arise_v from_o church-fellowship_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n so_o join_v together_o the_o power_n of_o office_n arise_v from_o commission_n for_o rule_n and_o belong_v to_o officer_n set_v over_o the_o brethren_n the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o brotherhood_n while_o yet_o without_o officer_n and_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n former_o speak_v to_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o brotherhood_n together_o with_o the_o officer_n and_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o in_o or_o bind_v by_o excommunication_n for_o which_o admonition_n make_v way_n withdraw_v partly_o make_v way_n for_o it_o partly_o follow_v upon_o it_o bind_v by_o admonition_n withdraw_v excommunication_n loose_v or_o absolution_n the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v here_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n very_o different_a from_o that_o school_n use_n where_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o jurisdiction_n or_o rather_o against_o it_o admonition_n in_o case_n a_o brother_n sin_n scandalous_o withdraw_v in_o case_n he_o hear_v not_o the_o admonition_n excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o stubborn_a persist_v in_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n excommunication_n express_v by_o judge_v 1_o cor._n 5._o put_v away_o 1_o cor._n 5._o take_v away_o 1_o cor._n 5._o purge_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o deliver_v to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o state_v among_o the_o heathen_a matth._n 18.17_o loose_v or_o absolution_n in_o the_o church_n forgive_a upon_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o comfort_v upon_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o confirm_v her_o love_n upon_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o key_n be_v twofold_a of_o doctrine_n discipline_n luk._n 11.52_o and_o here_o the_o open_n and_o shut_v of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bind_v and_o lose_v former_o matth._n 16.19_o with_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n thus_o brief_o declare_v we_o now_o come_v to_o confirm_v the_o instruction_n that_o not_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o officer_n 1._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18.17_o but_o the_o church_n never_o signify_v the_o officer_n alone_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n frequent_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o as_o in_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n sometime_o the_o people_n distinct_a from_o their_o officer_n when_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o officer_n act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n there_o distinct_a from_o the_o officer_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n and_o this_o church_n the_o brethren_n v._o 22_o 23._o so_o rev._n 1.20_o the_o star_n be_v the_o minister_n and_o the_o candlestick_n be_v the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o officer_n act_n 14.23_o there_o be_v the_o church_n as_o the_o candlestick_n before_o the_o candle_n be_v put_v into_o it_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o in_o matth._n 18.17_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o officer_n alone_o in_o stead_n of_o prove_v he_o beg_v the_o question_n 2._o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n for_o bind_v 1_o cor._n 5._o loose_v 2_o cor._n 2._o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o brotherhood_n together_o with_o the_o officer_n first_o for_o bind_v 1_o cor._n 5._o he_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n 1._o to_o the_o same_o here_o to_o who_o he_o inscribe_v the_o epistle_n but_o he_o inscribe_v it_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o corinth_n with_o all_o in_o every_o place_n as_o comprehend_v in_o his_o salutation_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o epistle_n though_o particular_o send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 2._o the_o same_o who_o be_v puff_v up_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v mourn_v v._o 2._o be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n paul_n spirit_n join_v with_o they_o though_o he_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n v._o 4._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n v._o 5.3_o the_o same_o who_o glory_v be_v rebuke_v the_o whole_a lump_n leaven_v v._o 6._o be_v to_o purge_v out_o that_o leaven_n v._o 7._o whence_o the_o apostle_n digress_v from_o public_a leaven_n the_o
profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o give_v no_o apparent_a hope_n of_o repentance_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o the_o most_o approve_a and_o excellent_a expositor_n calvin_n upon_o the_o place_n thus_o this_o confession_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o repentance_n that_o man_n may_v right_o offer_v themselves_o to_o baptism_n the_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v require_v of_o they_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o idle_a toy_n furthermore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o who_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v person_n come_v to_o year_n who_o we_o know_v be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v promiscuous_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o baptism_n to_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o have_v first_o be_v try_v the_o same_o calvin_n upon_o act_n 19.18_o have_v witness_v of_o those_o there_o speak_v of_o that_o they_o do_v indeed_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o the_o serious_a fear_n of_o god_n who_o do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n confess_v the_o crime_n of_o their_o former_a life_n lest_o by_o their_o dissemble_n they_o shall_v inward_o nourish_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o add_v concern_v those_o who_o come_v to_o john_n baptism_n that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o make_v profession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o feign_o enter_v into_o repentance_n beza_n upon_o the_o same_o place_n viz._n matth._n 3.6_o thus_o they_o be_v say_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o be_v sinner_n and_o seek_v for_o pardon_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o dan._n 9.3_o etc._n etc._n hence_o it_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o john_n admit_v none_o to_o his_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o give_v testimony_n that_o they_o serious_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o like_a public_a confession_n be_v require_v of_o the_o catechuman_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o exomologesis_fw-la piscator_fw-la in_o his_o observation_n upon_o matth._n 3._o v._n 6_o 8_o 10._o speak_v thus_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o of_o year_n till_o he_o have_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o further_a promise_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n all_o these_o do_v john_n require_v say_v he_o of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v clear_a verse_n 6._o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n act_v 19.4_o where_o he_o say_v john_n baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n say_v to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o john_n himself_o that_o be_v christ_n jesus_n compare_v act_n 8.16_o for_o the_o three_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o verse_n 8.10_o of_o this_o three_o of_o matth_n which_o be_v particular_o declare_v and_o apply_v to_o divers_a kind_n of_o life_n luke_n 3.10_o etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v these_o excellent_a man_n judicious_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o generation_n gather_v no_o such_o shuff_a conclusion_n from_o the_o history_n of_o john_n baptism_n record_v in_o scripture_n as_o many_o of_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o gather_v who_o plead_v the_o number_n record_v by_o john_n as_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v and_o we_o may_v receive_v into_o church_n society_n all_o comer_n for_o further_a discovery_n here_o let_v we_o look_v into_o another_o scripture_n concern_v john_n and_o those_o receive_v by_o he_o together_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o excellent_a and_o true_a heart_a divine_n upon_o the_o place_n the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v matth._n 11.12_o and_o it_o show_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v at_o least_o apparent_o who_o come_v in_o so_o great_a number_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n compare_v it_o with_o luke_n 16.16_o piscator_fw-la here_o it_o show_v the_o effect_n of_o john_n doctrine_n to_o wit_n that_o many_o embrace_v that_o doctrine_n with_o great_a zeal_n and_o so_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v by_o force_n beza_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n they_o break_v into_o it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a force_n for_o this_o treasure_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n lie_v open_a as_o it_o be_v to_o all_o earnest_o by_o every_o one_o to_o be_v lay_v hold_n upon_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v former_o to_o have_v hide_v as_o it_o be_v unfold_v rom._n 16.25_o 26._o which_o compare_v with_o this_o text_n now_o in_o hand_n we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v both_o how_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v offer_v we_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o offer_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o true_o by_o force_n make_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o persevere_v heat_n of_o zeal_n take_v it_o by_o force_n beza_n again_o they_o snatch_v it_o to_o themselves_o or_o they_o storm_v it_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o tent_n or_o from_o some_o castle_n which_o be_v storm_v by_o enemy_n break_v into_o it_o so_o that_o fervent_a force_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v signify_v by_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v transport_v be_v carry_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v unto_o eternal_a life_n cabvin_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o christ_n commend_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v seek_v after_o with_o the_o servant_n desire_n and_o endeavour_v of_o many_o for_o as_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o john_n to_o be_v the_o horald_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n so_o he_o put_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o shall_v pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v kindle_v that_o their_o heat_n he_o add_v from_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o manner_n of_o faith_n very_o that_o man_n do_v not_o cold_o and_o overly_o agree_v to_o god_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o that_o with_o a_o ardent_a affection_n they_o aspire_v after_o he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o violent_a endeavour_n break_v through_o bucer_n the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n that_o be_v they_o who_o be_v so_o inflame_v with_o desire_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o cast_v life_n and_o all_o thing_n behind_o their_o back_n so_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o citizen_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o he_o refer_v this_o place_n to_o luke_n 7.28_o 29._o &_o add_v this_o people_n and_o these_o publican_n who_o neglect_v all_o thing_n receive_v with_o great_a zeal_n the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o by_o john_n then_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n justify_v god_n that_o be_v as_o well_o by_o free_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o with_o most_o earnest_a nor_o less_o acceptable_a embrace_v of_o offer_a grace_n both_o acknowledge_v and_o proclaim_v god_n just_a and_o the_o justifier_n be_v those_o violent_a one_o which_o make_v force_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o force_n take_v it_o and_o do_v not_o a_o man_n seem_v to_o take_v that_o by_o force_n for_o which_o he_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o life_n by_o these_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n befall_v not_o any_o but_o those_o who_o have_v seek_v it_o with_o most_o 〈◊〉_d desire_n and_o even_o love_v to_o hazard_v and_o lose_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o thus_o bucer_n hence_o we_o see_v how_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o worthy_a light_n in_o the_o church_n john_n hearer_n be_v affect_v when_o by_o he_o receive_v 2._o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o receive_v by_o they_o act_n 2.41_o to_o the_o end_n act_v 4.32_o 33_o 34_o 35._o act_n 8.36_o 37._o read_v the_o place_n see_v calvin_n likewise_o upon_o act_n 5.13_o where_o he_o thus_o show_v of_o how_o pure_a a_o constitution_n the_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v have_v observe_v it_o one_o fruit_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o unbeliever_n affright_v with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o judgement_n upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n dare_v not_o contemn_v the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v though_o luke_n ascribe_v not_o this_o only_a to_o the_o miracle_n but_o rather_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n together_o which_o may_v make_v for_o the_o increase_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o be_v all_o thing_n order_v as_o that_o a_o certain_a divine_a majesty_n shine_v among_o they_o for_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o from_o other_o than_o angel_n do_v from_o man_n for_o there_o be_v in_o holy_a discipline_n and_o the_o sincere_a observation_n of_o godliness_n a_o secret_a kind_n of_o
or_o minister_n or_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a which_o thing_n we_o see_v also_o to_o descend_v from_o divine_a authority_n that_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n be_v choose_v the_o people_n be_v present_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o and_o be_v approve_v worthy_a and_o fit_a by_o public_a judgement_n and_o testimony_n as_o in_o numb_a 20.26_o 27_o 28._o add_v levit_fw-la 8.3_o etc._n etc._n god_n command_v the_o priest_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o whole_a assembly_n that_o be_v he_o teach_v and_o show_v that_o ordination_n of_o priest_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v but_o with_o the_o joint_a knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n assist_v the_o people_n be_v present_a either_o that_o the_o crime_n of_o the_o evil_n may_v be_v discover_v or_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o good_a may_v be_v declare_v and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a ordination_n which_o have_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o he_o still_o go_v on_o which_o thing_n afterward_o be_v observe_v according_a to_o divine_a precept_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o peter_n speak_v to_o the_o people_n about_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n act_v 1.15_o cyprian_n he_o understand_v those_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o name_n the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v use_v of_o this_o place_n for_o the_o people_n election_n he_o add_v and_o we_o take_v notice_n the_o apostle_n observe_v this_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o priest_n that_o be_v bishop_n or_o minister_n but_o of_o deacon_n also_o act_v 6.2_o 3._o which_o very_o be_v therefore_o so_o diligent_o and_o wary_o do_v the_o whole_a people_n be_v call_v together_o lest_o some_o unworthy_a shall_v have_v creep_v in_o etc._n etc._n he_o add_v that_o it_o be_v most_o diligent_o to_o be_v keep_v from_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolical_a observation_n which_o among_o they_o and_o almost_o throughout_o all_o the_o province_n be_v observe_v that_o for_o the_o right_n celebrate_v ordination_n all_o the_o next_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n meet_v with_o that_o people_n to_o who_o the_o ruler_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v the_o people_n be_v present_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o find_v observe_v by_o you_o say_v he_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o sabinus_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v confer_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n and_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v present_a epist_n 68_o this_o testimony_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a for_o many_o thing_n worthy_a our_o observation_n 1._o that_o ordination_n be_v after_o election_n 2._o that_o the_o people_n have_v right_a of_o choose_v the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v the_o great_a power_n of_o choose_v or_o refuse_v 4._o that_o they_o have_v right_a and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v place_v over_o they_o prove_v wicked_a 5._o that_o all_o this_o be_v by_o divine_a authority_n 6._o that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o right_a to_o choose_v all_o church-officer_n 7._o that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o people_n own_v for_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v a_o understanding_n and_o holy_a people_n pamelius_n in_o his_o annotation_n upon_o the_o place_n though_o no_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o people_n power_n here_o yet_o prove_v the_o presence_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o some_o age_n after_o in_o africa_n augustine_n successor_n so_o choose_v the_o same_o practice_n in_o greece_n in_o chrysostom_n time_n in_o spain_n in_o france_n in_o rome_n and_o this_o custom_n to_o have_v continue_v till_o gregory_n the_o first_o nay_o till_o the_o time_n of_o charles_n and_o lewis_n emperor_n the_o like_a testimony_n from_o the_o first_o time_n of_o all_o immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n clemens_n romanus_n the_o same_o who_o be_v mention_v phil._n 4.3_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o tax_v a_o great_a schism_n among_o they_o cast_v off_o some_o of_o their_o faithful_a minister_n he_o tell_v they_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a thing_n to_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o public_a ministry_n who_o have_v be_v place_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o after_o they_o by_o excellent_a man_n the_o whole_a church_n consent_v or_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o reformer_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n general_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o calvin_n upon_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 14.23_o they_o two_o say_v he_o viz._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n create_v the_o elder_n but_o the_o whole_a multitude_n as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n in_o their_o election_n declare_v with_o their_o hand_n lift_v up_o who_o they_o will_v have_v so_o the_o roman_a historian_n speak_v many_o time_n the_o consul_n who_o hold_v the_o assembly_n create_v new_a magistrate_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o receive_v the_o vote_n and_o moderate_v the_o people_n in_o their_o choice_n institu_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 3._o sect._n 15._o again_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v the_o elder_n do_v they_o this_o as_o a_o duty_n proper_a to_o they_o nay_o rather_o they_o permit_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o vote_n of_o all_o therefore_o in_o ordain_v pastor_n the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n be_v free_a but_o least_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v tumultuous_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n have_v the_o lead_a plae_n or_o rule_v they_o as_o moderatour_n and_o so_o ought_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n to_o be_v understand_v which_o forbid_v the_o choice_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o people_n calv._n in_o act_n 14.23_o beza_n upon_o the_o same_o place_n this_o word_n translate_v ordain_v but_o signify_v as_o former_o we_o hear_v to_o choose_v by_o hand_n lift_v up_o arise_v say_v he_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n who_o give_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n with_o their_o hand_n stretch_v out_o and_o the_o force_n of_o this_o word_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v he_o still_o go_v on_o that_o we_o may_v know_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o pleasure_n nor_o exercise_v any_o tyranny_n in_o the_o church_n then_o maintain_v his_o own_o call_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reformer_n to_o their_o ministry_n first_o he_o deny_v that_o ordination_n or_o consecration_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o be_v lawful_a which_o be_v use_v among_o the_o papist_n upon_o a_o double_a ground_n 1._o because_o there_o be_v no_o lawful_a choice_n before_o it_o 2._o because_o the_o ordainer_n among_o they_o deserve_v excommunication_n and_o in_o these_o two_o case_n ordination_n be_v void_a by_o the_o canon_n they_o boast_v of_o second_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o certain_a note_n of_o their_o call_n his_o own_o with_o the_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o they_o be_v approve_v of_o both_o for_o life_n and_o doctrine_n by_o the_o lawful_a testimony_n of_o their_o church_n that_o they_o be_v by_o they_o choose_v and_o last_o with_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n confirm_v in_o their_o ministry_n bucer_n the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v that_o they_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o the_o holy_a ministry_n be_v first_o try_v and_o prove_v and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a approve_a to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o unfruitfulnes_n of_o the_o ministry_n otherwise_o add_v wise_o and_o not_o according_a to_o humane_a wisdom_n only_o but_o divine_a do_v leo_n bishop_n of_o rome_n write_v that_o no_o reason_n will_v admit_v that_o he_o that_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v both_o prove_v &_o desire_v by_o that_o very_a church_n which_o paul_n consider_v viz._n how_o much_o it_o make_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o ministry_n labour_v so_o earnest_o to_o preserve_v his_o love_n and_o esteem_v among_o the_o corinthian_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o same_o among_o the_o galatian_n bucer_n of_o the_o lawful_a ordination_n of_o minister_n p._n 242._o furthermore_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o this_o that_o those_o minister_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n who_o they_o may_v love_v esteem_v and_o honour_n and_o that_o this_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v no_o man_n at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacred_a ministery_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o before_o religious_o try_v and_o approve_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n where_o he_o ought_v to_o administer_v p._n 243._o p._n 244._o in_o this_o trial_n of_o
have_v for_o ordain_v some_o among_o they_o to_o be_v their_o minister_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o have_v but_o withal_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v the_o call_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_a as_o beza_n plead_v for_o the_o first_o reformer_n in_o act_n 14.23_o but_o further_a for_o clear_v this_o scruple_n we_o lie_v down_o chap._n viii_o the_o six_o instruction_n that_o bishop_n in_o office_n above_o presbyter_n be_v no_o church-officer_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o jerome_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o high_a gospel-antiquity_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a bishop_n one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o a_o congregation_n and_o elder_a labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o humane_a bishop_n one_o that_o plead_v his_o office_n to_o be_v above_o the_o presbyter_n or_o pastor_n office_n and_o two_o thing_n he_o challenge_v above_o the_o presbyter_n 1._o power_n of_o ordination_n 2._o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n jerome_n a_o learned_a father_n famous_a about_o 390_o year_n after_o christ_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n and_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n speak_v clear_o to_o this_o question_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o first_o gospel_n antiquity_n i_o have_v therefore_o think_v fit_a to_o translate_v that_o epistle_n and_o thence_o to_o observe_v his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n as_o likewise_o what_o he_o produce_v from_o antiquity_n that_o we_o may_v at_o once_o give_v double_a light_n to_o this_o question_n know_v well_o that_o where_o antiquity_n be_v use_v against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o whereit_n stand_v fair_a with_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v a_o secondary_a confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o impartial_a enquiter_n after_o truth_n and_o a_o argument_n full_o in_o force_n against_o the_o adversary_n pretend_v antiquity_n for_o his_o error_n this_o epistle_n be_v direct_v against_o a_o certain_a person_n who_o will_v have_v a_o deacon_n to_o be_v above_o a_o presbyter_n against_o who_o thus_o jerome_n we_o read_v in_o isaiah_n the_o fool_n will_v speak_v folly_n i_o hear_v of_o one_o who_o have_v break_v forth_o into_o so_o great_a folly_n that_o he_o will_v prefer_v deacon_n before_o presbyter_n that_o be_v before_o bishop_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n teach_v clear_o that_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n who_o may_v endure_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o table_n and_o widow_n shall_v lift_v up_o himself_o swell_v above_o they_o by_o who_o prayer_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v consecrate_v seek_v thou_o authority_n hear_v the_o testimony_n paul_n and_o timothy_n 1._o phil._n 1._o the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 20._o act_n 20._o will_v thou_o another_o example_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o minister_n sacerdotes_fw-la of_o one_o church_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n here_o that_o every_o otherwhere_o be_v translate_v bishop_n that_o you_o may_v rule_v the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o he_o read_v it_o which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o that_o no_o man_n may_v contentious_o wrangle_v that_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n hear_v yet_o another_o testimony_n by_o which_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_o prove_v 1._o tit._n 1._o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o this_o end_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o may_v redress_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v that_o thou_o migh_o appoint_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v also_o command_v thou_o if_o any_o man_n be_v without_o blame_n the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n have_v faithful_a child_n 4._o 1_o tim._n 4._o not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n or_o disobedient_a for_o it_o behoove_v a_o bishop_n to_o be_v without_o blame_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o to_o timothy_n neglect_v not_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o peter_n likewise_o in_o his_o first_o epistle_n say_v 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o entreat_v who_o be_o your_o fellow-eld_a and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o glory_n to_o come_v which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v that_o you_o rule_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o oversee_v it_o not_o of_o necessity_n but_o willing_o according_a to_o god_n which_o in_o the_o greek_a be_v more_o significant_o express_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishoping_a that_o be_v overseeing_a they_o from_o whence_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v draw_v do_v the_o testimony_n of_o these_o so_o great_a man_n seem_v small_a to_o thou_o let_v the_o gospel-trumpet_n sound_n the_o son_n of_o thunder_n who_o jesus_n love_v so_o much_o who_o drink_v the_o flow_a stream_n of_o doctrine_n out_o of_o his_o saviour_n breast_n the_o presbyter_n to_o the_o elect_a lady_n and_o to_o her_o child_n who_o i_o love_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o another_o epistle_n the_o presbyter_n to_o the_o well-beloved_n caius_n who_o i_o love_v in_o the_o truth_n hitherto_o jerome_n here_o we_o have_v both_o clear_o affirm_v and_o strong_o confirm_v that_o a_o bishop_n in_o office_n above_o a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v two_o name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o any_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n the_o same_o belong_v to_o every_o presbyter_n as_o he_o be_v a_o presbyter_n for_o clear_v both_o his_o affirmation_n and_o confirmation_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n have_v obtain_v that_o some_o be_v single_a presbyter_n other_o so_o presbyter_n as_o withal_o bishop_n challenge_v above_o single_a presbyter_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n at_o the_o least_o themselves_o likewise_o ordain_v not_o by_o single_a presbyter_n as_o they_o call_v they_o but_o by_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n at_o this_o day_n that_o the_o apostle_n before_o their_o death_n ordain_v several_a bishop_n in_o office_n above_o presbyter_n as_o former_o we_o lay_v down_o over_o the_o church_n in_o several_a city_n and_o these_o bishop_n in_o continual_a succession_n ordain_v other_o neither_o can_v a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n nor_o a_o presbyter_n without_o a_o bishop_n at_o least_o ordinary_o against_o this_o jerome_n plead_v tax_v the_o great_a error_n of_o they_o that_o will_v prefer_v a_o deacon_n to_o a_o presbyter_n that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o prefer_v he_o to_o a_o bishop_n for_o according_a to_o scripture_n the_o one_o be_v neither_o great_a nor_o less_o than_o the_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o distinction_n of_o single_a presbyter_n from_o the_o bishop_n but_o they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o this_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n teach_v clear_o and_o have_v affirm_v this_o he_o prove_v it_o by_o many_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o grant_a operation_n belong_v to_o the_o presbyter_n office_n as_o such_o and_o therefore_o to_o every_o presbyter_n which_o be_v to_o consecrate_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n where_o be_v the_o high_a official_a operation_n there_o be_v the_o high_a office_n but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o presbyter_n be_v the_o high_a official_a operation_n for_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o either_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n or_o pass_v sentence_n in_o excommunication_n be_v act_n of_o high_a nature_n then_o consecrate_v the_o element_n in_o the_o supper_n and_o this_o belong_v to_o every_o presbyter_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n therefore_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o presbyter_n be_v the_o high_a office_n the_o like_a argument_n we_o have_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o those_o act_n which_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o honour_n be_v the_o high_a but_o such_o be_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n compare_v with_o rule_v challenge_v by_o the_o bishop_n 2._o argument_n from_o the_o two_o first_o testimony_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o act_v 20._o of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n there_o be_v but_o one_o belong_v to_o a_o city_n but_o here_o be_v many_o to_o one_o city_n to_o philippi_n to_o ephesus_n and_o these_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o
answer_v all_o cavil_v start_v to_o obscure_v his_o doctrine_n touch_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n by_o divine_a institution_n and_o whereas_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o he_o seem_v to_o parallel_v the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n with_o moses_n and_o his_o seventy_o judge_n that_o this_o in_o parallel_n be_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n not_o according_a to_o scripture_n rule_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n immediate_o forego_v chap._n ix_o we_o return_v now_o to_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n and_o come_v to_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n further_o confirm_v the_o equality_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n when_o he_o have_v say_v as_o former_o we_o quote_v in_o prevention_n of_o a_o objection_n but_o that_o afterward_o one_o be_v choose_v who_o shall_v be_v set_v before_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v do_v for_o the_o remedy_n of_o schism_n lest_o every_o one_o draw_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o himself_o shall_v break_v it_o in_o piece_n he_o add_v for_o at_o alexandria_n also_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n until_o the_o time_n of_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n the_o presbyter_n always_o name_v one_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o themselves_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n as_o if_o a_o army_n shall_v make_v a_o general_n or_o the_o deacon_n shall_v from_o among_o themselves_o choose_v one_o who_o they_o know_v industrious_a and_o call_v he_o archdeacon_n for_o what_o do_v a_o bishop_n ordination_n except_v that_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v the_o sum_n of_o these_o word_n be_v as_o at_z ephesus_z and_o philippi_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o after_o their_o time_n till_o about_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o year_n more_o or_o less_o after_o christ_n they_o remain_v equal_a in_o office_n at_o alexandria_n what_o change_n soever_o be_v make_v soon_o in_o some_o other_o church_n occasion_v by_o schism_n among_o they_o only_o for_o more_o orderly_o proceed_v one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v in_o degree_n above_o the_o rest_n but_o not_o in_o office_n or_o distinct_a power_n as_o have_v no_o peculiar_a ordination_n and_o this_o man_n they_o call_v the_o bishop_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n it_o appear_v upon_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o they_o here_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o his_o prevention_n of_o the_o objection_n follow_v immediate_o his_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o instance_n of_o alexandria_n immediate_o follow_v that_o prevention_n 1._o the_o conjunction_n also_o or_o and_z join_v this_o example_n of_o alexandria_n to_o the_o former_a of_o ephesus_n and_o philippi_n for_o at_o alexandria_n also_o 2._o he_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n and_o those_o before_o they_o from_z mark_v the_o evangelist_n who_o they_o call_v bishop_n 3._o he_o show_v what_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o whereas_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n be_v by_o peculiar_a ordination_n make_v bishop_n as_o in_o office_n and_o power_n above_o presbyter_n as_o the_o like_a custom_n have_v obtain_v early_o in_o other_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o cyprian_n epistle_n they_o that_o be_v before_o be_v only_o choose_v by_o the_o presbyter_n place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o call_v bishop_n but_o have_v no_o peculiar_a ordination_n and_o therefore_o no_o peculiar_a office_n that_o they_o have_v no_o peculiar_a ordination_n be_v manifest_a 1._o by_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v only_o the_o other_o presbyter_n but_o 1._o presbyter_n alone_o say_v the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n may_v not_o ordain_v a_o presbyter_n much_o less_o a_o bishop_n 2._o if_o they_o may_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n much_o more_o may_v they_o ordain_v a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o what_o place_n for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n above_o the_o presbyter_n ordination_n be_v one_o main_a peculiar_a challenge_v to_o the_o bishop_n have_v it_o then_o be_v peculiar_a ordination_n that_o have_v advance_v these_o above_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o invest_v they_o with_o a_o peculiar_a office_n it_o must_v have_v be_v bishop_n not_o presbyter_n by_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v lift_v up_o 2._o by_o the_o explication_n subjoin_v in_o two_o comparison_n 1._o as_o if_o a_o army_n shall_v make_v a_o general_n here_o the_o army_n choose_v the_o general_n answer_v to_o the_o presbyter_n choose_v the_o bishop_n so_o call_v as_o i_o speak_v he_o that_o be_v general_n only_o upon_o those_o term_n have_v no_o peculiar_a commission_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o prince_n or_o state_n to_o give_v that_o neither_o have_v he_o that_o be_v bishop_n any_o peculiar_a ordination_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o this_o comparison_n which_o the_o next_o comparison_n hold_v forth_o more_o clear_o suppose_v the_o deacon_n shall_v agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o choose_v out_o one_o who_o they_o will_v call_v archdeacon_n here_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o peculiar_a office_n or_o ordination_n confer_v upon_o this_o archdeacon_n hence_o i_o conclude_v have_v no_o distinct_a ordination_n they_o have_v no_o distinct_a power_n or_o office_n and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o word_n for_o what_o do_v a_o bishop_n ordination_n except_v that_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v this_o be_v usual_o otherwise_o interpret_v viz._n that_o a_o presbyter_n may_v do_v all_o that_o a_o bishop_n may_v do_v only_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n except_v he_o may_v not_o ordain_v and_o 1._o they_o that_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n will_v have_v the_o exception_n to_o be_v by_o divine_a institution_n but_o this_o be_v clear_o to_o interpret_v this_o clause_n contrary_a to_o jeroms_n whole_a discourse_n both_o the_o scope_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 2_o plead_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o their_o identity_n rather_o instance_a in_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o presbytery_n 3._o this_o interpretation_n overthrow_v his_o discourse_n in_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n whence_o it_o be_v infer_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o the_o natural_a explication_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o 2._o they_o that_o be_v against_o episcopacy_n understand_v jerome_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n former_o now_o there_o be_v only_o this_o and_o that_o not_o by_o divine_a institution_n but_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n a_o bishop_n ordain_v which_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v this_o interpretation_n may_v stand_v with_o his_o former_a discourse_n and_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o pass_v there_o be_v nothing_o for_o episcopacy_n by_o divine_a right_n therefore_o to_o grant_v this_o lose_v nothing_o of_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n but_o the_o true_o natural_a interpretation_n follow_v upon_o the_o former_a discourse_n which_o have_v conclude_v what_o be_v here_o infer_v seem_v to_o be_v that_o former_o give_v ordinarion_n except_v signify_v without_o ordination_n confer_v ordination_n here_o passive_o not_o active_o take_v sum_z up_o the_o discourse_n in_o this_o instance_n of_o alexandria_n every_o distinct_a church_n officer_n have_v a_o distinct_a ordination_n but_o these_o bishop_n so_o call_v in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n till_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n have_v no_o distinct_a ordination_n from_o that_o of_o presbyter_n therefore_o they_o be_v no_o distinct_a church-officer_n from_o they_o hence_o we_o have_v light_n discover_v the_o truth_n against_o the_o three_o pretence_n from_o antiquity_n plead_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n 1._o it_o be_v allege_v that_o such_o and_o such_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o such_o and_o such_o church_n among_o the_o rest_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n that_o they_o ordain_v their_o successor_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n have_v run_v down_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n answ_n 1._o this_o story_n overthrow_v itself_o as_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o learned_a 1._o what_o place_n be_v there_o for_o ordain_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n bishop_n over_o such_o and_o such_o church_n who_o as_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v already_o in_o every_o church_n what_o power_n soever_o a_o bishop_n can_v claim_v in_o any_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v 2._o ordination_n be_v from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a if_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n first_o be_v afterward_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n then_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o a_o bishop_n answ_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o succession_n of_o bishop_n ordain_v bishop_n