the_o one_o hand_n many_o bishop_n beside_o the_o first_o twelve_o be_v call_v apostle_n so_o timothy_n titus_n james_n v._o bovii_fw-la scholia_fw-la in_o constit_fw-la apost_n and_o dr._n hammonds_n praef._n to_o st._n james_n clement_n and_o abundance_n more_o have_v the_o title_n give_v they_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o conjecture_n of_o albaspinaeus_n and_o other_o that_o the_o canon_n &_o constitutiones_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la be_v the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n virorum_fw-la apostolicorum_fw-la or_o of_o these_o secundary_a apostle_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o primary_n or_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v look_v upon_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n i_o be_o sure_a when_o st._n peter_n move_v that_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o apostolate_a of_o judas_n he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o succession_n into_o his_o bishopric_n or_o episcopal_a office_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o part_n of_o apostleship_n which_o each_o of_o the_o twelve_o have_v namely_o a_o function_n and_o power_n episcopal_n and_o according_o be_v the_o carpocr_n epiph._n lib._n 1._o cont_n carpocr_n ancient_n wont_v to_o style_v the_o apostle_n bishop_n so_o epiphanius_n say_v of_o peter_n and_o paul_n that_o they_o be_v apostle_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o bishop_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o st._n cyprian_n bid_v deacon_n to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n choose_v apostle_n rogatianum_fw-la cypr._n ep_v 65._o ad_fw-la rogatianum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la episcopos_fw-la &_o praepositos_fw-la that_o be_v bishop_n and_o governor_n and_o tell_v they_o moreover_o that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v deacon_n to_o be_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o episcopal_a office_n episcopatûs_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la ministros_fw-la and_o st._n austin_n be_v positive_a that_o when_o our_o lord_n lay_v his_o hand_n 97._o quaest_n in_o vet_z &_o nou._n test_n q._n 97._o upon_o the_o apostle_n ordinavit_fw-la eos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la he_o ordain_v they_o bishop_n beside_o many_o more_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n and_o which_o yet_o i_o omit_v because_o this_o be_v evident_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n because_o they_o frequent_o affirm_v that_o bishop_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n that_o they_o hold_v their_o place_n and_o be_v of_o their_o degree_n and_o come_v after_o they_o in_o their_o office_n and_o function_n and_o the_o like_a which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v say_v have_v they_o not_o judge_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o have_v be_v i_o mean_v in_o their_o ordinary_a capacity_n no_o more_o and_o no_o less_o than_o bishop_n 2._o which_o thing_n have_v it_o be_v well_o heed_v may_v have_v prevent_v some_o learned_a tract_n which_o have_v be_v write_v against_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n for_o to_o determine_v that_o christ_n ordain_v not_o episcopacy_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o affirmation_n that_o he_o ordain_v not_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o that_o episcopal_a power_n which_o god_n be_v bless_v have_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n hitherto_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o gainsaying_n of_o core_n now_o this_o consideration_n lead_v we_o on_o to_o the_o next_o viz._n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n receive_v this_o power_n themselves_o so_o it_o be_v provable_a out_o of_o their_o write_n that_o they_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o and_o invest_v they_o with_o their_o apostolic_a or_o episcopal_a authority_n to_o show_v this_o i_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o three_o special_a instance_n and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o first_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o express_o &_o totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o st._n james_n be_v bishop_n of_o ja._n v._o grot._n in_o ep_n ja._n jerusalem_n yet_o that_o he_o be_v so_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n can_v make_v we_o and_o indeed_o st._n luke_n in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n do_v yield_v we_o such_o fair_a probability_n of_o this_o thing_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o succeed_a time_n seem_v to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a for_o in_o act._n 21._o 18._o we_o read_v that_o when_o st._n paul_n be_v return_v from_o his_o circuit_n to_o jerusalem_n the_o next_o day_n he_o and_o his_o company_n go_v in_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a now_o certain_o james_n will_v not_o have_v be_v name_v distinct_o and_o by_o himself_o have_v he_o not_o have_v a_o pre-eminence_n over_o the_o college_n of_o elder_n that_o be_v assemble_v with_o he_o st._n luke_n single_v he_o out_o as_o the_o person_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n do_v after_o a_o particular_a manner_n address_v himself_o though_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v there_o present_a yet_o they_o go_v in_o unto_o james_n intimate_v plain_o that_o he_o be_v the_o precedent_n over_o that_o venerable_a society_n and_o to_o confirm_v this_o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a what_o be_v relate_v of_o this_o st._n james_n at_o the_o famous_a convention_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o the_o occasion_n of_o that_o synod_n be_v a_o controversy_n about_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_v of_o circumcision_n and_o great_a dispute_n there_o be_v about_o it_o at_o the_o council_n but_o at_o last_o when_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v give_v their_o opinion_n of_o the_o matter_n st._n james_n determin_n it_o and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o debate_n by_o his_o decisive_a sentence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o determine_v judge_n and_o give_v sentence_n say_v he_o vers_n 19_o and_o in_o his_o judgement_n and_o determination_n all_o do_v acquiesce_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o st._n james_n be_v then_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o otherwise_o why_o do_v st._n paul_n so_o particular_o apply_v himself_o to_o st._n james_n and_o why_o do_v the_o other_o apostle_n and_o even_o peter_n himself_o rest_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o st._n james_n nay_o why_o shall_v st._n james_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o james_n be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n all_o do_v agree_v that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o disciple_n and_o some_o think_v he_o be_v our_o lord_n cousin_n other_o do_v conceive_v that_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n brother_n in_o law_n the_o son_n of_o joseph_n by_o his_o former_a wife_n he_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n james_n the_o just_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a 1._o euseb_n l._n 2._o c._n 1._o that_o he_o shall_v have_v have_v at_o those_o meeting_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o eminence_n precedency_n and_o authority_n the_o truth_n be_v eusebius_n tell_v that_o the_o apostle_n decline_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v in_o the_o chair_n and_o see_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o give_v it_o unto_o this_o james_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o for_o this_o because_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n near_a relation_n and_o so_o he_o take_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o apostle_n say_v eusebius_n which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o do_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o be_v only_o take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v a_o bare_a disciple_n before_o but_o this_o be_v a_o palpable_a mistake_n touch_v the_o sense_n of_o eusebius_n for_o say_v he_o this_o james_n the_o just_a be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o world_n of_o testimony_n more_o there_o be_v to_o confirm_v it_o second_o my_o next_o instance_n be_v in_o timothy_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o the_o presbytery_n concur_v as_o approver_n of_o his_o ordination_n that_o he_o be_v a_o apostolical_a prelate_n we_o have_v the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a author_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o some_o affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v metropolitan_a of_o asia_n and_o all_o confess_v he_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n out_o of_o those_o two_o epistle_n which_o st._n paul_n send_v he_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o himself_o constitute_v and_o sixth_o he_o at_o ephesus_n require_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o abide_v and_o settle_v there_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 3_o ephesus_z be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o residence_n unless_o happy_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v oblige_v he_o to_o consult_v st._n paul_n for_o himself_o be_v young_a or_o the_o necessity_n of_o st._n paul_n require_v his_o attendance_n for_o he_o be_v his_o convert_n 2._o we_o find_v that_o he_o be_v to_o restrain_v preacher_n within_o the_o boundary_n of_o 3._o c._n 1._o 3._o truth_n and_o to_o charge_v some_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o other_o 11._o c._n 2._o 1._o 2._o 10._o 11._o doctrine_n he_o be_v
make_v up_o of_o convert_a gentile_n now_o over_o each_o of_o these_o church_n there_o do_v preside_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o deacon_n so_o that_o frequent_o you_o shall_v find_v in_o church-history_n two_o several_a bishop_n in_o one_o city_n 2._o second_o that_o these_o and_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n be_v wont_a to_o convene_v and_o meet_v together_o to_o consult_v concern_v the_o order_n and_o management_n of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n 3._o and_o three_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o condition_n of_o place_n be_v such_o in_o the_o beginning_n that_o all_o church_n be_v not_o so_o complete_o and_o perfect_o model_v at_o the_o first_o as_o they_o be_v in_o process_n of_o time_n for_o as_o church_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n so_o be_v church-officer_n more_o or_o few_o in_o number_n where_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o great_a there_o a_o bishop_n and_o his_o deacon_n be_v enough_o to_o discharge_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n where_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n do_v increase_v there_o presbyter_n be_v appoint_v to_o assist_v the_o bishop_n and_o to_o act_v under_o he_o and_o where_o a_o apostle_n think_v good_a not_o to_o fix_v any_o bishop_n but_o to_o hold_v the_o government_n of_o a_o church_n immediate_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n there_o he_o do_v common_o appoint_v a_o college_n or_o bench_n of_o presbyter_n to_o perform_v ministerial_a office_n as_o his_o proxy_n in_o his_o absence_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n derive_v and_o delegated_a unto_o they_o for_o so_o do_v st._n paul_n keep_v the_o superintendency_n over_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n as_o their_o immediate_a and_o sole_a bishop_n because_o he_o have_v convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o what_o the_o presbyter_n do_v in_o excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n they_o do_v it_o by_o st._n paul_n spirit_n that_o be_v by_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o his_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o power_n commit_v unto_o he_o by_o christ_n i_o very_o as_o absent_v in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n or_o by_o my_o authority_n have_v judge_v already_o concern_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n this_o observation_n will_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n 75._o epiph._n haeres_fw-la 75._o of_o that_o which_o we_o collect_v out_o of_o epiphanius_n that_o in_o one_o church_n there_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n only_o where_o the_o number_n of_o convert_v be_v small_a in_o another_o there_o be_v presbyter_n without_o any_o bishop_n beside_o a_o apostle_n where_o there_o be_v need_n of_o many_o minister_n and_o yet_o one_o can_v not_o be_v find_v that_o be_v so_o fit_a for_o the_o bishopric_n in_o other_o again_o there_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n too_o where_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o place_n do_v require_v it_o and_o the_o worth_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o man_n do_v admit_v of_o it_o now_o then_o to_o come_v to_o the_o objection_n st._n paul_n give_v timothy_n a_o 3._o 1_o tim._n 3._o account_n of_o the_o qualification_n necessary_a in_o bishop_n and_o this_o questionless_a be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o ordination_n but_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o presbyter_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v presbyter_n now_o to_o be_v ordain_v do_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 20._o act._n 19_o 20._o grow_v and_o prevail_v so_o mighty_o in_o the_o ephesian_a church_n and_o yet_o no_o presbyter_n in_o they_o be_v st._n paul_n among_o they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n preach_v dispute_v and_o convert_v so_o many_o 31._o act._n 20._o 31._o multitude_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o yet_o ordain_v no_o presbyter_n to_o water_v what_o he_o have_v so_o prosperous_o plant_v and_o if_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n before_o the_o apostle_n departure_n to_o macedonia_n what_o necessity_n be_v there_o for_o he_o to_o send_v his_o son_n timothy_n instruction_n concern_v the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n especial_o when_o he_o hope_v to_o return_v unto_o he_o short_o divine_n conceive_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v send_v by_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 14._o he_o soon_o after_o he_o depart_v from_o ephesus_n and_o be_v all_o the_o presbyter_n dead_a in_o that_o little_a time_n it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o presbyter_n be_v want_v but_o bishop_n be_v for_o hitherto_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v with_o the_o ephesian_n for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o his_o own_o person_n he_o have_v govern_v they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o have_v exercise_v his_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o now_o he_o be_v go_v leave_v timothy_n in_o his_o room_n he_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n that_o be_v fix_v at_o ephesus_n and_o the_o only_a bishop_n indeed_o now_o and_o yet_o but_o a_o young_a man_n that_o have_v need_n of_o other_o bishop_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o and_o help_v he_o in_o his_o office_n and_o consider_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v uncertain_a when_o he_o shall_v see_v he_o 15._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o again_o there_o be_v a_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o he_o to_o write_v speedy_o to_o his_o son_n that_o other_o bishop_n may_v be_v ordain_v that_o other_o church_n may_v be_v guard_v from_o the_o gnostic_n seducer_n as_o well_o as_o ephesus_n itself_o the_o great_a metropolis_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o for_o we_o to_o conceive_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n do_v mean_a presbyter_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o bishop_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n indeed_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o episcopal_a power_n and_o to_o preside_v over_o other_o city_n as_o timothy_n do_v over_o ephesus_n in_o st._n paul_n own_o chair_n again_o the_o apostle_n salute_v the_o saint_n at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1._o 1._o but_o there_o be_v no_o demonstrative_a reason_n to_o constrain_v nor_o probable_a argument_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o direct_v his_o salutation_n to_o presbyter_n much_o less_o that_o he_o give_v they_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n for_o there_o be_v several_a fair_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n either_o as_o some_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v two_o bishop_n over_o two_o church_n in_o philippi_n jewish_n and_o gentile_a christian_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o other_o place_n or_o as_o other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n be_v now_o assemble_v at_o philippi_n as_o it_o be_v usual_a at_o other_o time_n or_o as_o other_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o salutation_n be_v send_v not_o to_o but_o from_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v read_v thus_o with_o a_o parenthesis_n paul_n and_o timotheus_n 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 grace_n be_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n but_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o interpret_v the_o text_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v any_o presbyter_n in_o the_o salutation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v at_o all_o in_o the_o city_n whither_o the_o salutation_n be_v send_v for_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o church_n at_o the_o first_o be_v order_v by_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n only_o and_o then_o why_o not_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n also_o thus_o their_o whole_a argument_n fail_v they_o who_o will_v prove_v the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n because_o forsooth_o the_o name_n be_v give_v to_o both_o in_o scripture_n though_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o be_v good_a shall_v their_o grand_a principle_n be_v grant_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o grant_v the_o principle_n itself_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o conclude_v peremptory_o that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n both_z as_o to_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v either_o a_o antichristian_a or_o a_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n that_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o found_v in_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o they_o so_o establish_v and_o continue_v in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o for_o 1500_o year_n together_o no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v perfect_o and_o right_o form_v be_v ever_o under_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o government_n but_o that_o the_o episcopal_a office_n and_o authority_n have_v through_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o age_n be_v communicate_v transmit_v and_o hand_v down_o to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n even_o from_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o infant_n time_n of_o christianity_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o way_n of_o government_n
provincia_n abundet_fw-la in_o sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la &_o praecepta_fw-la majorum_fw-la leges_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la arbitretur_fw-la hieron_n ad_fw-la lucian_n rite_n be_v of_o apostolical_a appointment_n and_o they_o do_v general_o call_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o injunction_n of_o their_o ancestor_n by_o the_o name_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o christian_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n who_o give_v diligence_n to_o search_v into_o and_o have_v mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o many_o ecclesiastical_a observation_n be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o very_a fair_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n what_o have_v be_v transmit_v to_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o not_o for_o some_o of_o they_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o with_o some_o of_o they_o as_o polycarp_n ignatius_n and_o s._n clement_n of_o rome_n other_o again_o as_o irenaeus_n and_o justin_n martyr_n be_v acquaint_v with_o apostolical_a man_n and_o other_o be_v so_o near_o to_o these_o as_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n origen_n tertullian_n cyril_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o hard_a for_o they_o to_o know_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n and_o custom_n then_o use_v in_o the_o church_n do_v owe_v their_o birth_n to_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o religion_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v postnate_a to_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o we_o know_v by_o the_o act_n and_o monument_n of_o former_a time_n what_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n do_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n under_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o why_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a then_o that_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v and_o institute_v at_o the_o plant_v of_o religion_n under_o nero_n vespasian_n and_o domitian_n may_v be_v easy_o know_v to_o those_o father_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v and_o flourish_v some_o ten_o some_o thirty_o year_n after_o they_o and_o other_o onward_o to_o a_o hundred_o or_o say_v two_o hundred_o year_n successive_o so_o that_o if_o it_o shall_v hereafter_o appear_v that_o the_o outward_a frame_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o very_a same_o model_n for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o be_v use_v ancient_o in_o other_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o those_o primitive_a writer_n and_o the_o very_a model_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o christ_n immediate_a successor_n then_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o just_a reason_n any_o man_n can_v have_v against_o the_o ask_n for_o and_o the_o walk_n in_o a_o way_n so_o ancient_a so_o laudable_a and_o so_o safe_a if_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o our_o establishment_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n which_o yet_o in_o probability_n be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n useful_a decent_a and_o convenient_a though_o not_o as_o necessary_a in_o every_o particular_a he_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o due_a authority_n that_o be_v by_o apostolical_a person_n and_o so_o may_v claim_v veneration_n and_o observance_n at_o our_o hand_n beside_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n only_o but_o to_o their_o lawful_a successor_n also_o be_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n make_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o 20._o and_o that_o other_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o spirit_n to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n john_n 16._o 13._o now_o though_o that_o promise_n require_v certain_a condition_n of_o we_o and_o extend_v itself_o chief_o to_o the_o necessaria_fw-la fidei_fw-la matter_n of_o faith_n and_o necessary_a matter_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n shall_v take_v so_o little_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o its_o polity_n and_o discipline_n as_o to_o forsake_v she_o in_o the_o very_a next_o age_n or_o to_o leave_v she_o to_o be_v abuse_v by_o the_o fancy_n of_o dreamer_n and_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o man_n of_o foolish_a and_o degenerous_a spirit_n and_o to_o be_v deface_v and_o spoil_v of_o her_o pristine_a beauty_n by_o the_o frothy_a conception_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n i_o pray_v whither_o go_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o old_a christian_n to_o speak_v unto_o we_o after_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n how_o come_v he_o to_o suspend_v his_o influence_n from_o those_o who_o live_v saint_n and_o die_v martyr_n and_o at_o last_o come_v to_o breathe_v afresh_o into_o dry_a bone_n and_o to_o restore_v religion_n which_o have_v be_v lose_v in_o a_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n and_o succession_n of_o age_n can_v any_o but_o frantic_v conceive_v that_o the_o church_n be_v never_o pure_a till_o a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o or_o that_o for_o so_o many_o century_n she_o need_v to_o be_v sweep_v and_o yet_o a_o besom_n can_v never_o be_v find_v till_o the_o disciplinarian_a start_v up_o and_o make_v one_o and_o sweep_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o with_o we_o order_n decency_n and_o religion_n be_v quite_o fling_v out_o of_o door_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o oppression_n be_v set_v up_o in_o its_o room_n 2._o zanchius_n profess_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o drink_v old_a wine_n than_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la vor_v ad_fw-la theolog_fw-la heidelb_n in_o epist_n ecclesiasticis_fw-la new_a meaning_n that_o he_o prefer_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_n above_o that_o of_o modern_a divine_n in_o all_o point_v not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n he_o say_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o it_o will_v be_v much_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n if_o all_o christian_n will_v resolve_v in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n to_o observe_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o some_o palate_n be_v for_o new_a wine_n only_o not_o because_o it_o be_v so_o good_a for_o the_o old_a be_v better_o but_o because_o it_o be_v new_a and_o i_o be_o not_o likely_a to_o persuade_v such_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o our_o church_n by_o this_o argument_n because_o they_o be_v ancient_a establishment_n yet_o i_o will_v beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o way_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v not_o only_o a_o old_a but_o a_o good_a way_n also_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o our_o constitution_n and_o usage_n be_v so_o many_o fool_n how_o low_a soever_o they_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o man_n who_o have_v less_o wisdom_n and_o worse_a manner_n and_o value_v a_o little_a serpentine_a craft_n above_o the_o dove_n innocence_n a_o church_n be_v gather_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o without_o law_n that_o society_n shall_v hold_v together_o or_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o its_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o government_n be_v necessary_a and_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o government_n that_o by_o bishop_n be_v think_v most_o convenient_a and_o fit_a because_o presume_v to_o be_v the_o best_a defensative_a against_o faction_n schism_n and_o disorder_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o again_o since_o the_o church_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o man_n learned_a and_o unlearned_a who_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o do_v hold_v their_o title_n unto_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o it_o be_v judge_v very_o expedient_a that_o set_a form_n of_o public_a prayer_n shall_v be_v prescribe_v both_o as_o a_o repository_n of_o wholesome_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o likewise_o as_o a_o provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o moreover_o as_o a_o preservative_n of_o order_n unity_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n last_o consider_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v with_o solemn_a decency_n and_o comeliness_n suitable_a in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o majesty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v adore_v certain_a outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v appoint_v as_o good_a mean_n to_o conduct_v 40._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n and_o to_o create_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o reverence_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o a_o external_a solemnity_n and_o observance_n of_o circumstance_n such_o as_o habit_n ornament_n gesture_n etc._n etc._n do_v bring_v a_o mighty_a respect_n to_o all_o secular_a transaction_n and_o the_o grandeur_n of_o prince_n court_n of_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o of_o civil_a corporation_n be_v much_o uphold_v and_o government_n become_v venerable_a
order_n be_v distinct_a especial_o as_o to_o some_o thing_n as_o that_o of_o ordination_n and_o they_o all_o teach_v that_o even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o at_o least_o before_o s._n john_n death_n there_o be_v three_o several_a degree_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o gnost_n tert._n de_fw-fr bapt._n orig._n hom_n 7._o in_o jer._n &_o in_o mat._n tract_n 24._o clem._n alex._n the_o gnost_n that_o as_o presbyter_n be_v superior_a to_o deacon_n so_o bishop_n be_v superior_a to_o both_o those_o writer_n of_o the_o second_o century_n after_o the_o apostle_n as_o tertullian_n origen_n and_o if_o you_o will_v reckon_v he_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n do_v make_v express_a mention_n of_o three_o rank_n of_o clergyman_n in_o their_o day_n viz._n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o of_o these_o the_o bishop_n to_o have_v be_v in_o chief_a last_o though_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n touch_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o of_o all_o want_v in_o that_o age_n which_o be_v the_o very_a next_o to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n yet_o by_o the_o plain_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n out_o of_o ireneus_fw-la cor._n iren._n lib._n 3._o c._n 3._o hegesip_n in_o euseb_n hist_o eccles_n lib._n 4._o c._n 22._o id._n the_o diony_n c._n 23._o clem._n rom._n ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n hegesippus_n dionysius_n of_o corinth_n clement_n of_o rome_n and_o out_o of_o those_o canon_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n many_o whereof_o be_v frame_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o age_n it_o do_v appear_v to_o any_o considerate_a and_o indifferent_a person_n that_o certain_a particular_a man_n call_v bishop_n be_v in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o christianity_n entrust_v with_o the_o superintendency_n and_o authority_n over_o whole_a church_n but_o above_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n a_o contemporary_a of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yield_v we_o so_o many_o and_o such_o strong_a argument_n of_o this_o matter_n that_o they_o who_o have_v be_v schismatic_n from_o the_o catholic_a church_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o government_n have_v use_v all_o their_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o decry_v those_o epistle_n as_o spurious_a and_o fictitious_a though_o the_o late_a reverend_n dr._n hammond_n and_o the_o present_a bishop_n of_o chester_n have_v labour_v vindiciae_fw-la dissertationes_fw-la vindiciae_fw-la with_o so_o much_o learning_n and_o success_n to_o prove_v those_o epistle_n to_o be_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o st._n ignatius_n that_o they_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o lay_v this_o whole_a controversy_n asleep_o unless_o man_n will_v expect_v that_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v to_o we_o to_o bury_v our_o dispute_n as_o well_o as_o summon_v we_o with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n to_o come_v out_o of_o our_o grave_n brief_o the_o most_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n where_o they_o reckon_v up_o the_o order_n of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v so_o careful_o distinguish_v between_o bishop_n as_o the_o first_o order_n and_o presbyter_n as_o the_o second_o that_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o that_o party_n who_o be_v no_o good_a friend_n to_o episcopal_a government_n have_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o only_a government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o most_o primitive_a time_n that_o be_v in_o the_o very_a next_o age_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o age_n they_o do_v except_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o practice_n of_o that_o age_n too_o anon_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o antiquity_n be_v a_o incompetent_a witness_n to_o prove_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o settle_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o three_o account_n 1._o because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o uniformity_n of_o episcopal_a government_n in_o all_o apostolical_a plantation_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v it_o may_v vary_v in_o some_o place_n but_o this_o be_v a_o fallacious_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o a_o negative_a be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o silence_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o some_o part_n of_o christendom_n though_o we_o have_v no_o exact_a record_n of_o what_o st._n thomas_n do_v in_o parthia_n or_o st._n andrew_n in_o scythia_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n in_o their_o respective_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diocese_n and_o jurisdiction_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o either_o do_v or_o may_v set_v up_o another_o form_n of_o government_n different_a from_o that_o in_o other_o church_n when_o by_o the_o joint-testimony_n of_o the_o first_o writer_n and_o their_o follower_n we_o find_v that_o episcopal_a chair_n be_v set_v up_o in_o all_o the_o western_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o in_o sundry_a other_o country_n province_n and_o city_n when_o ireneus_fw-la who_o be_v polycarp'_v disciple_n and_o but_o one_o remove_n from_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 3._o hier._n in_o catal._n iren._n lib._n 3._o c._n 3._o plain_o and_o peremptory_o that_o bishop_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o enumerate_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v too_o prolix_a omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la successiones_fw-la those_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o church_n and_o when_o st._n clement_n who_o be_v st._n paul_n fellow-labourer_n tell_v we_o express_o that_o 54._o phil._n 4._o 3._o clem._n ep._n p._n 54._o the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o country_n and_o city_n ordain_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o those_o who_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v erect_v every_o where_o though_o by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o time_n some_o record_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v lose_v unto_o we_o which_o be_v extant_a in_o former_a age_n they_o who_o argue_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o testimony_n that_o another_o government_n there_o may_v be_v will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v we_o from_o testimony_n extant_a that_o another_o government_n there_o be_v 2._o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o antiquity_n be_v no_o competent_a witness_n of_o episcopal_a government_n settle_v in_o the_o first_o age_n because_o those_o testimony_n we_o have_v do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o those_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v urge_v that_o of_o eusebius_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o 4._o euseb_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o tell_v what_o or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v appoint_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n set_v aside_o those_o who_o we_o pick_v out_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o to_o this_o allegation_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o answer_n 1._o that_o eusebius_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o bishop_n in_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n 2._o that_o he_o declare_v it_o not_o altogether_o impossible_a but_o somewhat_o hard_a meaning_n for_o he_o who_o be_v at_o some_o considerable_a distance_n from_o the_o first_o age_n to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o all_o those_o church_n 3._o that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o succession_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a name_n of_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n for_o so_o ruffinus_n his_o interpreter_n do_v understand_v singulos_fw-la quorum_fw-la nomina_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la facilè_fw-la explicare_fw-la per_fw-la singulos_fw-la it_o 4._o but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n because_o eusebius_n can_v not_o ready_o tell_v all_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o have_v be_v before_o he_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o settle_a episcopacy_n for_o who_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o exact_a register_n of_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n though_o in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n and_o polycarp_n of_o smyrna_n and_o onesimus_n of_o ephesus_n and_o dama_n of_o magnesia_n and_o polybius_n at_o trallis_n and_o papias_n of_o hierapolis_n and_o melito_n of_o sardis_n and_o symeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o palmeas_n of_o amastris_n and_o thraseas_n of_o eumenia_n and_o sagaris_n of_o laodicea_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o if_o we_o meet_v not_o with_o the_o name_n of_o many_o more_o who_o preside_v over_o other_o church_n in_o those_o part_n of_o asia_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o gather_v from_o polycrates_n his_o epistle_n to_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o all_o the_o asiatic_a 24._o euseb_n eccles_n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 24._o church_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o episcopacy_n again_o though_o in_o the_o same_o
age_n we_o find_v pothinus_n to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o lion_n and_o clement_n of_o rome_n and_o denys_n the_o areopagite_n of_o athens_n and_o another_o denys_n of_o corinth_n who_o mention_n philippus_n bishop_n of_o gortina_n and_o pinytus_n bishop_n of_o gnossus_n i_o say_v though_o the_o name_n of_o these_o and_o other_o primitive_a bishop_n in_o the_o very_a next_o century_n to_o the_o apostle_n do_v still_o stand_v upon_o good_a record_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o modest_a ingenuous_a or_o reasonable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o require_v we_o either_o to_o nominate_v every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n successor_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o pretension_n of_o a_o settle_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o age_n next_o to_o they_o especial_o since_o ireneus_fw-la have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v able_a though_o she_o iren._n ubi_fw-la suprà _fw-la idem_fw-la affirmat_fw-la tertullianus_n de_fw-fr praesc_fw-la adu._n she_o we_o be_v not_o to_o reckon_v up_o the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v there_o no_o exact_a list_n of_o the_o former_a prelate_n of_o england_n yet_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o these_o church_n have_v not_o be_v all_o along_o under_o the_o government_n of_o episcopacy_n it_o will_v trouble_v the_o best_a antiquary_n to_o tell_v we_o all_o the_o old_a bishop_n among_o the_o ancient_a britain_n and_o scot_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o they_o have_v bishop_n before_o the_o saxon_n come_v in_o hither_o which_o be_v about_o anno_fw-la 450_o and_o many_o age_n before_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n claim_v any_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o island_n 3._o but_o then_o suppose_v a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v object_v three_o that_o antiquity_n be_v no_o sufficient_a witness_n of_o a_o settle_a episcopacy_n in_o the_o first_o age_n because_o the_o ancient_n speak_v ambiguous_o and_o doubtful_o of_o those_o bishop_n call_v they_o sometime_o presbyter_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a account_n whether_o those_o man_n be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n in_o order_n power_n and_o authority_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v above_o they_o only_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n like_o the_o chair-man_n in_o assembly_n or_o like_o the_o archontes_n at_o athens_n and_o the_o ephori_fw-la at_o sparta_n who_o have_v a_o equal_a power_n but_o give_v a_o deference_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n to_o one_o above_o the_o rest_n now_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v invent_v doubt_n where_o there_o be_v none_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_a then_o that_o the_o bishop_n thus_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n have_v a_o superiority_n of_o power_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n not_o only_o to_o ordain_v but_o also_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v they_o without_o any_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o a_o bench_n of_o presbyter_n though_o not_o always_o without_o their_o aid_n and_o advice_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o three_o scruple_n then_o these_o five_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v 1._o that_o in_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o age_n after_o apostle_n we_o find_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o three_o distinct_a order_n 2._o that_o in_o not_o one_o of_o these_o writer_n can_v we_o find_v that_o this_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n be_v think_v then_o what_o ever_o be_v imagine_v in_o aftertime_n to_o be_v found_v on_o any_o act_n vote_n or_o consent_v of_o the_o church_n as_o bestow_v this_o power_n upon_o they_o 3._o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a 39_o can._n ap._n 39_o matter_n be_v acknowledge_v then_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n that_o presbyter_n be_v charge_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o without_o they_o or_o contrary_a to_o their_o sentence_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a out_o of_o ignatius_n and_o other_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n and_o all_o this_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o sacredness_n and_o superiority_n of_o their_o power_n which_o they_o all_o own_a to_o have_v be_v derive_v to_o they_o not_o from_o the_o presbytery_n but_o from_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o divine_a appointment_n and_o institution_n and_o through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o leave_v they_o for_o their_o successor_n suum_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la locum_fw-la magisterii_fw-la tradentes_fw-la as_o ireneus_fw-la say_fw-la deliver_v to_o 3._o iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o they_o their_o own_o office_n power_n and_o authority_n 4._o therefore_o whereas_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o a_o father_n or_o two_o of_o that_o age_n do_v sometime_o comprehend_v bishop_n under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o prelate_n be_v so_o humble_a and_o modest_a as_o upon_o occasion_n to_o style_v themselves_o presbyter_n thereby_o give_v a_o deference_n of_o honour_n to_o those_o as_o be_v such_o only_a but_o yet_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o office_n to_o be_v distinct_a and_o say_v st._n clemens_n 57_o ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n pag_n 57_o the_o apostle_n foreseeing_a that_o a_o contention_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n for_o that_o reason_n they_o appoint_v the_o order_n aforesaid_a and_o divide_v their_o part_n and_o office_n among_o they_o meaning_n to_o the_o bishop_n his_o office_n and_o to_o the_o presbyter_n his_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a other_o fit_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n office_n or_o apostolic_a function_n now_o how_o all_o this_o can_v consist_v with_o that_o novel_a pretence_n that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o equal_a power_n with_o bishop_n and_o that_o bishop_n have_v only_o a_o honorary_a dignity_n above_o presbyter_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v altogether_o unimaginable_a 5._o but_o five_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n we_o be_v behold_v to_o a_o very_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n for_o two_o useful_a and_o choice_a 13._o vindic._n epist_n ignat._n p._n 2._o c._n 13._o observation_n which_o we_o may_v well_o take_v upon_o his_o credit_n first_o that_o no_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n to_o one_o who_o be_v only_o a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o second_o order_n though_o bishop_n be_v sometime_o call_v presbyter_n the_o great_a office_n include_v the_o less_o yet_o that_o a_o bare_a presbyter_n be_v ever_o then_o call_v a_o bishop_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o one_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n second_o that_o no_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n do_v ever_o give_v the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n to_o a_o bishop_n when_o he_o reckon_v up_o the_o degree_n and_o order_n of_o churchman_n and_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o some_o single_a minister_n then_o live_v so_o that_o as_o you_o shall_v never_o find_v a_o presbyer_n call_v bishop_n so_o you_o shall_v rare_o find_v bishop_n call_v presbyter_n and_o where_o they_o be_v so_o the_o writer_n mention_v thing_n in_o a_o lump_n not_o count_v up_o the_o degree_n orderly_o nor_o speak_v of_o one_o single_a person_n of_o his_o time_n with_o these_o two_o positive_a assertion_n i_o shall_v rest_v till_o i_o see_v some_o body_n to_o have_v either_o the_o confidence_n to_o contradict_v or_o the_o learning_n to_o confute_v they_o by_o what_o have_v be_v brief_o say_v it_o may_v appear_v to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o in_o the_o early_a and_o first_o time_n when_o christianity_n be_v but_o green_a in_o the_o world_n the_o church_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n we_o find_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o those_o church_n plant_v by_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n st._n john_n and_o other_o apostle_n we_o find_v in_o undoubted_a monument_n of_o the_o best_a antiquity_n the_o very_a name_n mention_v of_o several_a primitive_a bishop_n who_o preside_v over_o some_o apostolical_a church_n and_o a_o certain_a succession_n avow_v of_o other_o bishop_n in_o other_o church_n who_o particular_a name_n do_v not_o occur_v we_o find_v that_o these_o bishop_n be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n sometime_o call_v bishop_n in_o contra-distinction_n to_o presbyter_n and_o always_o own_a as_o superior_a unto_o they_o not_o by_o any_o ecclesiastical_a consent_n or_o grant_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n only_o but_o by_o a_o antecedent_n charter_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o do_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o declaration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v holy_a scripture_n and_o etc._n pref._n to_o the_o form_n of_o
make_v or_o ordain_v bishop_n etc._n etc._n ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n and_o in_o that_o our_o church_n mention_v the_o read_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o her_o account_n she_o take_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o mean_v that_o from_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v erect_v while_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v which_o shall_v give_v i_o warrant_v to_o take_v one_o step_n more_o backward_o from_o the_o age_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o apostolical_a age_n it_o self_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o even_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sacred_a order_n of_o man_n as_o we_o now_o call_v proper_o strict_o and_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n and_o distinction_n bishop_n now_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o name_n frequent_o in_o our_o translation_n and_o often_o in_o the_o original_a be_v altogether_o out_o of_o doubt_n the_o grand_a question_n be_v about_o the_o thing_n whether_o in_o those_o day_n the_o office_n power_n and_o order_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v distinct_a from_o and_o in_o any_o respect_n superior_a unto_o the_o office_n power_n and_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o though_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o moral_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o it_o can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o man_n so_o harass_v by_o persecution_n so_o zealous_a for_o truth_n and_o honesty_n and_o so_o careful_a to_o observe_v the_o apostle_n order_n even_o in_o the_o least_o thing_n can_v or_o will_v conspire_v together_o to_o make_v a_o universal_a defection_n from_o so_o main_a a_o part_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o set_v aside_o that_o consideration_n to_o i_o it_o seem_v obvious_a and_o certain_a that_o christ_n the_o great_a bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n erect_v a_o episcopal_a power_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n continue_v and_o propagate_v it_o i_o mean_v still_o a_o power_n above_o that_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o show_v 1._o by_o make_v good_a the_o affirmative_a and_o then_o second_o by_o clear_v up_o those_o difficulty_n which_o be_v usual_o bring_v from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o negative_a 1._o for_o probation_n of_o episcopacy_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n which_o evident_o differ_v from_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o seventy_o two_o disciple_n in_o who_o it_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o office_n and_o power_n of_o presbyter_n be_v found_v now_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v indeed_o bishop_n though_o they_o be_v not_o clench_v to_o any_o particular_a see_v and_o chair_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o time_n will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n as_o to_o their_o own_o person_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o that_o which_o none_o can_v pretend_v to_o in_o follow_a age_n because_o they_o be_v send_v immediate_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v a_o common_a jurisdiction_n and_o care_n over_o all_o the_o church_n that_o shall_v be_v and_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o then_o their_o authority_n and_o charge_n as_o to_o their_o function_n be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a power_n that_o be_v not_o to_o die_v with_o they_o nor_o to_o cease_v as_o miracle_n do_v after_o a_o little_a interval_n but_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v transmit_v to_o other_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n now_o if_o it_o do_v appear_v first_o that_o the_o twelve_o have_v a_o superior_a power_n over_o presbyter_n second_o that_o this_o power_n be_v to_o be_v impart_v and_o communicate_v to_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o three_o that_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ordinary_a episcopal_a power_n then_o this_o will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v true_o and_o indeed_o bishop_n in_o their_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o consequent_o that_o episcopal_a power_n be_v erect_v in_o their_o time_n first_n then_o that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v a_o superior_a power_n over_o presbyter_n appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o commission_n which_o compare_v with_o that_o give_v to_o the_o seventy_o two_o disciple_n be_v much_o large_a for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v 21._o joh._n 20._o 21._o christ_n so_o christ_n send_v they_o with_o full_a power_n to_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n will_n and_o to_o ordain_v successor_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o execute_v that_o power_n which_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o and_o have_v delegated_a unto_o they_o but_o moreover_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o their_o authority_n for_o they_o ordain_v deacon_n act._n 6._o they_o ordain_v mathias_n and_o take_v 1._o act._n 1._o he_o into_o the_o number_n of_o apostle_n who_o before_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seventy_o two_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o twice_o they_o make_v decree_n 1._o euseb_n lib._n 2._o c._n 1._o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n act._n 16._o they_o have_v power_n of_o censure_n and_o jurisdiction_n every_o single_a apostle_n have_v over_o inferior_a presbyter_n for_o st._n john_n threaten_v ambitious_a diotrephes_n that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n meaning_n that_o he_o will_v correct_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o joh._n 3_o joh._n his_o apostolical_a power_n and_o so_o be_v hymenâ—us_n and_o alexander_n deliver_v unto_o satan_n by_o st._n paul_n after_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o apostle_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o apostle_n 20._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o power_n 2._o again_o this_o power_n of_o they_o be_v no_o temporary_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o vanish_v with_o their_o breath_n but_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o to_o be_v transmit_v unto_o posterity_n and_o to_o hold_v as_o long_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n of_o it_o that_o be_v as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v hold_v for_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n run_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o 20._o matt._n 28._o 20._o the_o world_n here_o our_o lord_n do_v engage_v not_o to_o be_v with_o their_o person_n alone_o for_o they_o be_v to_o die_v within_o a_o short_a time_n but_o to_o be_v with_o their_o successor_n too_o that_o be_v to_o assist_v their_o function_n for_o ever_o and_o true_o have_v not_o christ_n assist_v it_o marvellous_o it_o will_v have_v fall_v ever_o now_o since_o it_o have_v be_v so_o lusty_o beave_v at_o especial_o in_o these_o last_o age_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v that_o the_o apostle_n power_n shall_v continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n i_o mean_v their_o ordinary_a power_n which_o be_v for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o work_a miracle_n which_o be_v for_o the_o plant_v of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o last_v long_o but_o to_o cease_v after_o a_o while_n so_o that_o it_o be_v their_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a power_n to_o administer_v sacrament_n to_o preach_v to_o govern_v to_o ordain_v and_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o hold_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o band_v down_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o that_o promise_n of_o christ_n this_o apostolic_a power_n and_o office_n do_v last_o and_o still_o continue_v and_o be_v even_o at_o this_o hour_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o three_o then_o this_o power_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v real_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v episcopacy_n the_o apostle_n function_n be_v part_n of_o it_o in_o deacon_n more_o of_o it_o in_o presbyter_n and_o all_o of_o it_o in_o bishop_n there_o the_o whole_a ordinary_a power_n centre_n and_o be_v unite_v the_o twelve_o be_v call_v as_o their_o immediate_a successor_n be_v many_o time_n also_o call_v apostles_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mission_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n and_o inspection_n over_o christ_n church_n they_o be_v indeed_o bishop_n they_o be_v the_o first_o possessor_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o bishop_n now_o be_v their_o successor_n to_o the_o apostolate_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n follow_v they_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o bishop_n in_o their_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o as_o on_o
to_o order_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o decency_n and_o a_o grave_a decorum_n may_v be_v in_o christian_a assembly_n he_o be_v to_o see_v that_o such_o as_o will_v be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n shall_v be_v right_o qualify_v 2._o c._n 3._o 2._o and_o himself_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o authority_n by_o be_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n he_o be_v to_o allot_v a_o double_a portion_n of_o 12._o c._n 4._o 12._o maintenance_n to_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o under_o he_o and_o 17._o c._n 5._o 17._o labour_v in_o the_o word_n he_o be_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o the_o 19_o 19_o irregularity_n of_o presbyter_n but_o with_o this_o caution_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a but_o before_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o such_o as_o sin_v he_o be_v to_o rebuke_n before_o all_o he_o be_v to_o hold_v ordination_n but_o with_o 20._o 20._o this_o proviso_n that_o he_o shall_v lay_v band_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 22._o 22._o brief_o st._n paul_n give_v he_o a_o plenitude_n of_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v himself_o and_o if_o to_o model_n church_n to_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o confer_v holy_a o_o deus_fw-la to_o command_v examine_v judge_n and_o reprehend_v o_o fender_n open_o and_o even_o presbyter_n themselves_o i_o say_v if_o these_o be_v part_n of_o episcopal_a power_n than_o be_v timothy_n a_o bishop_n indeed_o and_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o see_v half_o that_o charter_n give_v to_o a_o single_a presbyter_n as_o be_v here_o give_v to_o timothy_n by_o this_o great_a apostle_n 3._o the_o three_o instance_n to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n settle_v the_o episcopal_a form_n of_o government_n be_v titus_n who_o antiquity_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v metropolitan_a of_o crete_n a_o island_n consistng_a of_o a_o hundred_o city_n and_o to_o have_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o model_v and_o govern_v of_o all_o the_o church_n there_o that_o st._n paul_n leave_v he_o there_o be_v clear_a from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o 5._o tit._n 1._o 5._o questionless_a his_o design_n be_v that_o titus_n shall_v remain_v and_o continue_v there_o unless_o summon_v away_o upon_o some_o emergency_n and_o for_o a_o time_n only_o and_o even_o then_o st._n paul_n promise_v to_o send_v either_o artemas_n or_o tychicus_n to_o be_v his_o vicar_n and_o procurator_n 12._o c._n 3._o 12._o in_o his_o absence_n now_o that_o titus_n be_v indeed_o a_o bishop_n superior_a in_o authority_n to_o presbyter_n and_o invest_v with_o a_o superintendency_n and_o power_n over_o all_o his_o clergy_n do_v plain_o appear_v from_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v both_o to_o ordain_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o so_o many_o bishop_n as_o st._n chrysostom_n declare_v he_o have_v for_o this_o cause_n 1._o chrysost_n hom._n in_o tit._n 1._o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n himself_o can_v not_o stay_v in_o crete_n to_o put_v every_o thing_n into_o due_a order_n but_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v go_v he_o leave_v titus_n behind_o he_o to_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o 10._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 11._o etc._n etc._n 2._o 10._o be_v want_v and_o unsettled_a at_o s._n paul_n departure_n to_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o into_o city_n into_o every_o city_n one_o to_o provide_v against_o the_o heterodox_n preach_v of_o deceiver_n to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n to_o silence_v they_o and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o sharp_o and_o to_o admonish_v heretic_n once_o and_o again_o and_o then_o to_o excommunicate_v they_o upon_o their_o contumacy_n this_o be_v titus_n his_o office_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o exercise_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o to_o confirm_v this_o further_a two_o thing_n be_v observable_a first_o that_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o titus_n alone_o not_o to_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o it_o be_v presumable_a s._n paul_n appoint_v before_o his_o go_v away_o but_o to_o titus_n single_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v thing_n in_o order_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n this_o argue_v a_o supreme_a and_o a_o sole_a superintendency_n and_o authority_n in_o titus_n second_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o s._n paul_n commit_v this_o authority_n unto_o he_o for_o otherwise_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v can_v not_o be_v set_v in_o order_n nor_o can_v ordination_n or_o censure_n be_v there_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o crete_n have_v no_o power_n either_o to_o ordain_v or_o to_o excommunicate_v or_o to_o do_v such_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o then_o why_o be_v titus_n leave_v to_o those_o purpose_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v s._n paul_n leave_v he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v he_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v offer_v violence_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o titus_n be_v leave_v and_o fix_v at_o crete_n as_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o whole_a island_n to_o these_o three_o apostolical_a bishop_n i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o 〈◊〉_d const_n apost_n l._n 7._o c._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o name_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n either_o occasional_o and_o scatter_o mention_v as_o in_o irenaeus_n eusebius_n and_o divers_a other_o or_o more_o orderly_o collect_v as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o constitution_n common_o call_v apostolical_a but_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o church_n history_n which_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v i_o shall_v forbear_v further_a instance_n have_v already_o and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o show_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o order_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n be_v in_o be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o from_o they_o continue_v and_o transmit_v to_o succeed_a age_n 2._o have_v do_v then_o with_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o affirmative_a i_o proceed_v next_o with_o what_o brevity_n i_o can_v to_o answer_v that_o grand_a argument_n usual_o bring_v to_o make_v good_a the_o negative_a viz._n that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v indifferent_o and_o promiscuous_o use_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n as_o if_o only_o one_o order_n of_o man_n be_v mean_v by_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o tit._n 1._o 2_o 5._o paul_n tell_v titus_n that_o he_o leave_v he_o in_o crete_n as_o for_o other_o reason_n so_o for_o this_o that_o he_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n then_o ver_fw-la 6._o he_o lay_v down_o the_o qualification_n of_o these_o elder_n and_o as_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n here_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n seem_v to_o be_v not_o two_o distinct_a order_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o so_o some_o say_v that_o by_o a_o presbyter_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o bishop_n and_o other_o affirm_v that_o by_o a_o bishop_n be_v here_o mean_v a_o presbyter_n and_o hence_o be_v willing_a to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v not_o think_v to_o be_v two_o distinct_a office_n but_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o both_o in_o name_n order_n and_o authority_n and_o so_o prelacy_n must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o any_o help_n from_o scripture_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o difficulty_n three_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o aerius_n the_o heretic_n be_v the_o first_o that_o ever_o find_v out_o or_o insist_v on_o this_o community_n and_o identity_n of_o name_n for_o the_o writer_n before_o he_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o discourse_n at_o this_o rate_n can_v not_o discover_v such_o a_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o catholic_n writer_n after_o aerius_n who_o think_v as_o he_o do_v that_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v common_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n do_v not_o yet_o think_v as_o that_o heretic_n do_v affirm_v that_o the_o office_n and_o order_n be_v ever_o the_o same_o no_o they_o hold_v that_o though_o bishop_n be_v sometime_o call_v presbyter_n and_o presbyter_n bishop_n yet_o bishop_n be_v a_o rank_n of_o minister_n above_o presbyter_n both_o in_o degree_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3._o but_o then_o there_o be_v one_o observation_n more_o for_o which_o i_o must_v thank_v a_o very_a learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n viz._n that_o notwithstanding_o 184._o vindic._n epist_n ignat._n p._n 184._o this_o construction_n and_o late_a pretence_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o title_n of_o
of_o the_o government_n and_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v away_o nothing_o in_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o but_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o just_o offensive_a or_o at_o least_o unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a let_v the_o world_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a equivocation_n but_o it_o seem_v what_o in_o a_o jesuit_n be_v unlawful_a that_o in_o other_o have_v be_v allowable_a and_o sanctify_a i_o have_v not_o make_v these_o remark_n as_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o our_o former_a nonconformist_n be_v jesuit_n god_n forbid_v but_o i_o fear_v that_o great_a number_n of_o they_o be_v jesuit_v and_o they_o know_v it_o not_o at_o least_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o and_o i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v that_o our_o present_a nonconformist_n among_o who_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o there_o be_v many_o well-meaning_a person_n will_v for_o the_o protestant_a religion_n sake_n at_o last_o consider_v by_o what_o base_a fellow_n they_o be_v abuse_v influence_v and_o make_v use_v of_o to_o weaken_v we_o by_o our_o sad_a division_n i_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v uncharitable_o and_o unjust_o censure_v as_o if_o i_o design_v to_o upbraid_v and_o render_v they_o odious_a no_o that_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n or_o intention_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v hitherto_o be_v to_o show_v how_o crafty_a and_o cunning_a the_o jesuit_n have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n to_o take_v advantage_n of_o man_n discontent_n and_o to_o infuse_v such_o principle_n into_o they_o as_o be_v not_o very_o distant_a from_o their_o own_o and_o all_o this_o under_o a_o disguise_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v protestant_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v utter_a enemy_n to_o protestancy_n and_o intend_v by_o degree_n to_o extirpate_v it_o though_o according_a to_o contzen_n direction_n they_o dissemble_v 6._o dissimulet_fw-la propositum_fw-la extirpandae_fw-la haeresis_fw-la contz_n pol._n l._n 2._o c._n 18._o §_o 6._o their_o purpose_n and_o seem_v to_o row_v a_o quite_o contrary_a way_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o several_a jesuit_n and_o other_o romanist_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o infect_v unwary_a people_n in_o separate_a meeting_n and_o especial_o those_o which_o be_v most_o proper_o call_v fanatical_a as_o the_o anabaptist_n quaker_n muggletonian_n and_o the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o i_o cease_v to_o wonder_v that_o of_o our_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o have_v late_o be_v seduce_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n most_o be_v such_o as_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o subtle_a impostor_n to_o poison_v those_o thorough_o who_o they_o have_v infect_v already_o and_o of_o borderer_n to_o make_v they_o proselyte_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o gradual_o out_o of_o one_o extreme_a into_o another_o there_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o name_n and_o book_n i_o shall_v purposely_o conceal_v who_o tell_v we_o of_o one_o father_n 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