to_o the_o gentile_n declare_v those_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o province_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 10._o 18._o their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n every_o one_o take_v a_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o his_o proper_a province_n to_o make_v know_v the_o joyful_a news_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n therein_o thus_o st._n andrew_n principal_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o scythia_n st._n bartholomew_n in_o india_n st._n matthew_n in_o parthia_n st._n john_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o particular_a province_n allot_v they_o wherein_o they_o go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o as_o they_o come_v to_o any_o city_n town_n or_o village_n they_o publish_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o the_o bless_a news_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n through_o jesus_n christ_n constitute_v the_o first_o convert_v of_o every_o place_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o there_o gather_v so_o say_v clemens_n romanus_n 54._o the_o apostle_n go_v forth_o preach_v in_o city_n and_o country_n appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n general_o leave_v those_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n to_o govern_v and_o enlarge_v those_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o they_o have_v place_v they_o whilst_o they_o themselves_o pass_v forward_o plant_v other_o church_n and_o place_v governor_n over_o they_o thus_o say_v tertullian_n 80._o clemens_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o st._n peter_n and_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smirna_n by_o st._n john_n §_o 5._o whether_o in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o church_n at_o first_o sight_n seem_v difficult_a to_o resolve_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o 2._o clemens_n romanus_n mention_v many_o in_o one_o church_n be_v certain_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o ignatius_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o the_o follow_a father_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o in_o a_o church_n these_o contradiction_n may_v at_o the_o first_o view_n seem_v inextricable_a but_o i_o hope_v the_o follow_a account_n will_v reconcile_v all_o these_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o withal_o afford_v we_o a_o fair_a and_o easy_a conception_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v then_o lay_v down_o as_o sure_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o supreme_a bishop_n in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o propriety_n the_o proper_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n to_o who_o care_n and_o trust_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v be_v principal_o and_o more_o immediate_o commit_v so_o say_v cyprian_n 138._o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n and_o so_o cornelius_n object_n to_o novatian_n that_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v 244._o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n of_o ignatius_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o writer_n succeed_v he_o we_o find_v but_o one_o single_a bishop_n in_o a_o church_n who_o quotation_n to_o which_o purpose_n will_v be_v fruitless_a to_o recite_v here_o since_o the_o 〈◊〉_d practise_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n confirm_v it_o and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v clear_o illustrate_v it_o only_o it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o remark_n this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o orthodox_n be_v wont_a to_o prove_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o novelty_n of_o that_o of_o the_o heretic_n 78._o let_v they_o demonstrate_v the_o original_a of_o their_o church_n as_o tertullian_n challenge_v the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o heretic_n let_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o order_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v have_v a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o any_o one_o who_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a man_n thus_o the_o true_o apostolic_a church_n have_v as_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n have_v polycarp_n there_o place_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o peter_n and_o other_o church_n can_v tell_v who_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n over_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o have_v be_v their_o successor_n to_o this_o very_a day_n so_o also_o say_v irenaeus_n 170._o we_o challenge_v the_o heretic_n to_o that_o tradition_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o 171._o next_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n the_o say_a father_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n till_o his_o day_n by_o who_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v successive_o transmit_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o catalogue_n we_o find_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o a_o time_n and_o as_o he_o die_v so_o another_o single_a person_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o flock_n or_o parish_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n evidence_n also_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n strict_o so_o call_v in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n who_o be_v relate_v to_o his_o flock_n 90._o as_o a_o pastor_n to_o his_o sheep_n and_o a_o parent_n to_o his_o child_n the_o title_n of_o this_o supreme_a church-officer_n be_v most_o of_o they_o reckon_v up_o in_o one_o place_n by_o cyprian_a which_o be_v 208._o bishop_n pastor_n precedent_n governor_n superintendent_n and_o priest_n and_o this_o be_v he_o which_o in_o the_o revelation_n be_v call_v 34._o the_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n as_o origen_n think_v which_o appellation_n denote_v both_o his_o authority_n and_o office_n his_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v somewhat_o treat_v after_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o circuit_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o superintendency_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o as_o but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n so_o but_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n cure_n never_o call_v a_o diocese_n but_o usual_o a_o parish_n no_o large_a than_o our_o parish_n §_o 2._o demonstrate_v by_o several_a argument_n §_o 3._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o several_a bishopric_n as_o they_o be_v in_o ignatius_n day_n as_o of_o smirna_n §_o 4._o ephesus_n §_o 5._o magnesia_n §_o 6._o philadelphia_n and_o §_o 7._o trallium_n §_o 8._o the_o bigness_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o antioch_n §_o 9_o of_o rome_n §_o 10._o of_o carthage_n §_o 11._o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o diocese_n of_o alexandria_n §_o 12._o bishop_n in_o village_n §_o 13._o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o diocese_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n every_o sunday_n to_o serve_v god_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o single_a consideration_n viz._n that_o the_o ancient_a diocese_n be_v never_o say_v to_o contain_v church_n in_o the_o plural_a but_o only_o a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a so_o they_o say_v 62._o the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 171._o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o magnesia_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n 45._o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o so_o of_o any_o other_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o such_o a_o place_n this_o be_v the_o common_a name_n whereby_o a_o bishop_n cure_n be_v denominate_v the_o bishop_n himself_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o tertullian_n say_v 171._o that_o polycarp_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n as_o for_o the_o word_n diocese_n by_o which_o the_o bishop_n flock_n be_v now_o usual_o express_v i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o this_o sense_n by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v another_o word_n still_o retain_v by_o we_o by_o which_o they_o frequent_o denominate_v the_o bishop_n cure_n and_o that_o be_v parish_n so_o in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n of_o irenaeus_n to_o pope_n victor_n the_o bishopric_n of_o asia_n be_v twice_o call_v 193._o parish_n and_o in_o eusebius_n ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o word_n be_v so_o apply_v in_o several_a hundred_o place_n it_o be_v usual_a
of_o the_o bishop_n we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n we_o have_v show_v the_o bishop_n office_n and_o function_n election_n and_o ordination_n what_o far_a to_o add_v on_o this_o head_n i_o know_v not_o for_o as_o for_o those_o other_o act_n which_o he_o perform_v joint_o with_o his_o flock_n we_o must_v refer_v they_o to_o another_o place_n till_o we_o have_v handle_v those_o other_o matter_n which_o previous_o propose_v themselves_o unto_o we_o the_o first_o of_o which_o will_v be_v a_o examination_n into_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n which_o because_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o long_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o the_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o a_o presbyter_n what_o he_o be_v §_o 2._o inferior_a to_o a_o bishop_n in_o degree_n §_o 3._o but_o equal_a to_o a_o bishop_n in_o order_n §_o 4._o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o a_o church_n §_o 5._o presbyter_n not_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n §_o 6._o when_o presbyter_n begin_v §_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v both_o needless_a and_o tedious_a to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_n general_o mention_v presbyter_n distinct_a from_o bishop_n every_o one_o i_o suppose_v will_v ready_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o the_o great_a question_n which_o have_v most_o deplorable_o sharpen_v and_o sour_v the_o mind_n of_o too_o many_o be_v what_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v about_o this_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v most_o uncharitable_o divide_v some_o equalise_v a_o presbyter_n in_o every_o thing_n with_o a_o bishop_n other_o as_o much_o debase_v he_o each_o according_a to_o their_o particular_a opinion_n either_o advance_v or_o degrade_v he_o in_o many_o controversy_n a_o middle_a way_n have_v be_v the_o safe_a perhaps_o in_o this_o the_o medium_fw-la between_o the_o two_o extreme_n may_v be_v the_o true_a whether_o what_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o say_v be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o matter_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o learned_a reader_n to_o determine_v i_o may_v be_v deceive_v neither_o my_o year_n nor_o ability_n exempt_v i_o from_o mistake_v and_o error_n but_o this_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a researche_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n the_o follow_a notion_n seem_v to_o i_o most_o plausible_a and_o most_o consentaneous_a to_o truth_n and_o which_o with_o a_o great_a facility_n and_o clearness_n solve_v those_o doubt_n and_o objection_n which_o according_a to_o those_o other_o hypothesis_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v but_o yet_o however_o i_o be_o not_o so_o wed_v and_o bigoted_a to_o this_o opinion_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v produce_v better_o and_o more_o convince_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v not_o contentious_o defend_v but_o ready_o relinquish_v it_o since_o i_o search_v after_o truth_n not_o to_o promote_v a_o particular_a party_n or_o interest_n now_o for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o a_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o prove_v the_o part_n thereof_o now_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o presbyter_n may_v be_v this_o a_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n have_v thereby_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o perform_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o be_v possess_v of_o no_o place_n or_o parish_n not_o actual_o discharge_v it_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o place_n or_o parish_n but_o lest_o this_o definition_n shall_v seem_v obscure_a i_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d it_o by_o this_o follow_a instance_n as_o a_o curate_n have_v the_o same_o mission_n and_o power_n with_o the_o minister_n who_o place_n he_o supply_v yet_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o place_n he_o can_v perform_v there_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministerial_a function_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o minister_n thereof_o so_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o same_o order_n and_o power_n with_o a_o bishop_n who_o he_o assist_v in_o his_o cure_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n of_o that_o cure_n he_o can_v not_o there_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n without_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o so_o that_o what_o we_o general_o render_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n will_v be_v more_o intelligible_a in_o our_o tongue_n if_o we_o do_v express_v it_o by_o rector_n vicar_n and_o deacon_n by_o rector_n understand_v the_o bishop_n and_o by_o vicar_n the_o presbyter_n the_o former_a be_v the_o actual_a incumbent_n of_o a_o place_n and_o the_o latter_a curate_n or_o assistant_n and_o so_o different_a in_o degree_n but_o yet_o equal_a in_o order_n now_o this_o be_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o presbyter_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v i._o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o bishop_n curate_n and_o assistant_n and_o so_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a commission_n ii_o that_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v the_o same_o inherent_a right_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o a_o distinct_a specific_a order_n from_o they_o or_o more_o brief_o thus_o 1._o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v different_a from_o the_o bishop_n in_o gradu_fw-la or_o in_o degree_n but_o yet_o 2._o they_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o ordine_fw-la or_o in_o order_n §_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o presbyter_n be_v but_o the_o bishop_n curate_n and_o assistant_n inferior_a to_o they_o in_o degree_n or_o in_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a commission_n this_o will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o effect_n already_o prove_v if_o we_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v assert_v touch_v the_o bishop_n and_o his_o office_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n that_o he_o usual_o perform_v all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n that_o he_o be_v the_o general_a disposer_n and_o manager_n of_o all_o thing_n within_o his_o diocese_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v there_o without_o his_o consent_n and_o approbation_n to_o which_o we_o may_v particular_o add_v 1._o that_o without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o baptize_v thus_o say_v tertullian_n 602._o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o right_a of_o baptise_v than_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n not_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n say_v ignatius_n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o baptize_v except_o the_o bishop_n permit_v he_o 2._o without_o the_o bishop_n permission_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n 6._o that_o eucharist_n say_v ignatius_n be_v only_o valid_a which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o who_o he_o shall_v permit_v for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o bishop_n 3._o without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o preach_v and_o when_o he_o do_v preach_v he_o can_v not_o choose_v his_o own_o subject_a but_o discourse_v on_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v enjoin_v he_o by_o the_o bishop_n as_o 1._o the_o bishop_n command_v origen_n to_o preach_v about_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n 4._o without_o the_o bishop_n permission_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o absolve_v offender_n therefore_o cyprian_n 37._o severe_o chide_v some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n because_o they_o dare_v in_o his_o absence_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o leave_v to_o give_v the_o church_n peace_n to_o some_o offend_a criminal_n but_o what_o need_v i_o reckon_v up_o particular_n when_o in_o general_a there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a office_n perform_v by_o the_o presbyter_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o permission_n of_o the_o bishop_n so_o say_v ignatius_n 6._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v of_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v without_o the_o bishop_n for_o 7._o whosoever_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o have_v the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o equal_a power_n in_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v impudent_a and_o usurp_a in_o they_o to_o have_v perform_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n and_o consent_v no_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o just_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v preach_v or_o govern_v in_o a_o parish_n without_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o for_o where_o church_n have_v be_v regular_o form_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o their_o proper_a bishop_n it_o
since_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n 142._o that_o every_o one_o cause_n shall_v be_v hear_v where_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v because_o that_o to_o every_o pastor_n be_v commit_v a_o particular_a portion_n of_o christ_n flock_n which_o he_o be_v particular_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v and_o to_o render_v a_o account_n thereof_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o another_o african_a synod_n that_o decree_v the_o rebaptisation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v baptise_a by_o heretic_n thus_o conclude_v their_o synodical_a epistle_n to_o pope_n stephen_n who_o hold_v the_o contrary_a 217._o whereas_o we_o know_v that_o some_o bishop_n will_v not_o relinquish_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v embrace_v but_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o their_o colleague_n will_v retain_v some_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sentiment_n which_o they_o have_v former_o receive_v to_o these_o we_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o prescribe_v any_o law_n since_o every_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o church_n free_a liberty_n to_o follow_v his_o own_o will_n be_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o his_o action_n unto_o the_o lord_n after_o these_o two_o synodical_a determination_n it_o may_v be_v think_v needless_a to_o produce_v the_o single_a testimony_n of_o cyprian_a but_o that_o it_o show_v we_o not_o only_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o age_n but_o also_o of_o their_o predecessor_n 118._o among_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n of_o our_o province_n say_v he_o some_o thought_n that_o no_o peace_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o adulterer_n for_o ever_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o leave_v their_o fellow-bishop_n or_o for_o this_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o those_o that_o give_v peace_n to_o adulterer_n do_v not_o therefore_o separate_v from_o those_o that_o do_v not_o but_o still_o retain_v the_o bond_n of_o concord_n every_o bishop_n dispose_v and_o direct_v his_o own_o act_n render_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o lord_n thus_o every_o church_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n independent_a that_o be_v without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o church_n it_o have_v a_o sufficient_a right_n and_o power_n in_o its_o self_n to_o punish_v and_o chastise_v all_o its_o delinquent_n and_o offend_a member_n §_o 2._o but_o yet_o in_o another_o sense_n it_o be_v dependent_a as_o consider_v with_o other_o church_n as_o part_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a 118._o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n say_v cyprian_n divide_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o many_o member_n and_o one_o episcopacy_n diffuse_v through_o the_o numerous_a concord_n of_o many_o bishop_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o only_o a_o part_n or_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a one_o and_o as_o one_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n have_v a_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o other_o member_n thereof_o so_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a have_v relation_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o member_n thereof_o hence_o though_o the_o labour_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v more_o peculiar_o confine_v to_o their_o own_o parish_n yet_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a they_o employ_v a_o general_a kind_n of_o inspection_n over_o other_o church_n also_o observe_v their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n and_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o account_n of_o their_o own_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o cyprian_n inspect_v that_o of_o arles_n give_v this_o as_o his_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o 199._o although_o they_o be_v many_o pastor_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o one_o flock_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o congregate_v and_o cherish_v all_o the_o sheep_n which_o christ_n redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n and_o passion_n and_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thank_v cyprian_n that_o he_o have_v acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o africa_n for_o say_v they_o 67._o we_o ought_v all_o of_o we_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o member_n be_v distend_v through_o various_a province_n if_o the_o bishop_n of_o one_o church_n have_v any_o difficult_a point_n to_o determine_v he_o send_v to_o another_o bishop_n for_o his_o advice_n and_o decision_n thereof_o as_o when_o dyonisius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n have_v a_o critical_a cause_n to_o determine_v he_o send_v to_o xystus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 254._o to_o know_v his_o opinion_n and_o counsel_n therein_o and_o so_o when_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n at_o carthage_n about_o the_o pacificatory_a libel_n of_o the_o martyr_n cyprian_a writ_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o their_o advice_n therein_o for_o say_v he_o 66._o dear_o belove_a brethren_n both_o common_a reason_n and_o love_n require_v that_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v transact_v here_o shall_v be_v keep_v from_o your_o knowledge_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v your_o counsel_n about_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n in_o these_o and_o in_o many_o other_o such_o like_a case_n which_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o enumerate_v there_o be_v a_o correspondence_n between_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o universal_a one_o §_o 3._o but_o that_o that_o chief_o deserve_v our_o 〈◊〉_d be_v their_o intercourse_n and_o government_n by_o synodical_a assembly_n that_o be_v by_o a_o convocation_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o depute_a layman_n of_o several_a particular_a church_n who_o frequent_o meet_v together_o to_o maintain_v unity_n love_n and_o concord_n to_o advise_v about_o their_o common_a circumstance_n and_o condition_n to_o regulate_v all_o ecclesiastical_a or_o church-affair_n within_o their_o respective_a limit_n and_o to_o manage_v other_o such_o like_a thing_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v more_o large_o treat_v in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o which_o must_v be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o section_n be_v the_o several_a kind_n or_o sort_n of_o synod_n the_o most_o august_n and_o supreme_a kind_n whereof_o be_v a_o universal_a or_o 〈◊〉_d synod_n which_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o deputy_n of_o as_o many_o church_n as_o will_v please_v to_o come_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o this_o sort_n i_o find_v but_o one_o within_o my_o limit_a space_n of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o 279._o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la or_o if_o this_o will_v not_o pass_v for_o a_o general_n council_n there_o be_v no_o such_o one_o before_o that_o of_o nice_n which_o be_v hold_v anno_fw-la 325._o and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o this_o kind_n within_o that_o time_n to_o which_o i_o be_o confine_v but_o those_o synod_n which_o be_v very_o frequent_a within_o my_o prescribe_a time_n be_v provincial_a synod_n that_o be_v as_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o can_v convenient_o and_o orderly_o associate_v themselves_o together_o and_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dispose_v and_o regulate_v all_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o their_o polity_n unity_n peace_n and_o order_n what_o extent_n of_o ground_n or_o how_o many_o particular_a church_n each_o of_o such_o synod_n do_v contain_v can_v be_v determine_v their_o precinct_n be_v not_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n but_o according_a as_o their_o circumstance_n and_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v so_o they_o form_v themselves_o into_o these_o synodical_a assembly_n and_o be_v govern_v in_o common_a by_o those_o synod_n who_o be_v call_v the_o synod_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o province_n as_o we_o read_v in_o cyprian_a of_o the_o 198._o province_n of_o arles_n and_o the_o bishop_n therein_o and_o cyprian_a frequent_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n 118._o as_o the_o bishop_n 2_o in_o 99_o our_o province_n and_o 3_o throughout_o our_o province_n and_o 143._o throughout_o the_o province_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o 103._o his_o province_n be_v very_o large_a and_o that_o it_o be_v 202._o the_o custom_n of_o his_o province_n and_o almost_o all_o other_o province_n that_o upon_o the_o vacancy_n of_o a_o parish_n the_o neighbour_a bishop_n of_o that_o province_n shall_v meet_v together_o at_o that_o parish_n to_o ordain_v they_o a_o new_a bishop_n §_o 4._o how_o often_o these_o provincial_a synod_n be_v convene_v be_v uncertain_a since_o that_o vary_a according_a to_o their_o circumstance_n and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d custom_n firmilian_a bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n write_v that_o in_o his_o province_n 236._o they_o meet_v every_o year_n and_o whosoever_o will_v consider_v the_o frequent_a synod_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o cyprian_a will_v find_v that_o in_o his_o province_n they_o meet_v at_o lest_o once_o and_o sometime_o twice_o or_o thrice_o a_o year_n §_o 5._o as_o for_o
not_o permit_v they_o to_o transmit_v they_o down_o to_o their_o successor_n or_o through_o the_o length_n of_o time_n they_o be_v lose_v and_o scarce_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o name_n of_o such_o synod_n be_v now_o remember_v and_o of_o multitude_n neither_o name_n nor_o decree_n be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o escape_v the_o fury_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o those_o synod_n do_v decree_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v expedient_a for_o the_o polity_n discipline_n and_o government_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v within_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o require_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o thus_o we_o find_v these_o follow_a canon_n determine_v by_o several_a synod_n in_o africa_n viz._n 132._o that_o though_o a_o delinquent_n have_v not_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o penance_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v very_o sick_a and_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v be_v absolve_v ibidem_fw-la that_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o a_o persecution_n penitent_a offender_n shall_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n 164._o that_o penance_n shall_v not_o be_v hasty_o pass_v over_o or_o absolution_n be_v rash_o and_o speedy_o give_v 202._o that_o all_o lapse_v and_o apostate_n clergyman_n shall_v upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v only_o admit_v to_o communion_n as_o layman_n and_o be_v never_o more_o capable_a of_o discharge_v or_o perform_v any_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 195._o that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v a_o curator_n or_o trustee_n of_o a_o last_o will_v or_o testament_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a synodical_a decree_n relate_v to_o the_o discipline_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o cyprian_a which_o be_v ever_o account_v obligatory_a to_o all_o those_o parish_n who_o live_v within_o those_o respective_a province_n and_o have_v their_o representative_n in_o those_o respective_a synod_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n else_o do_v they_o decree_v they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v fruitless_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o have_v make_v frequent_a and_o wearisome_a journey_n with_o great_a cost_n and_o pain_n to_o have_v debate_v and_o determine_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v expedient_a for_o the_o church_n wellbeing_a if_o after_o all_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o they_o be_v obey_v or_o not_o but_o that_o their_o decree_n be_v bind_v be_v adjudge_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n hold_v anno_fw-la 254_o 164._o who_o sharp_o 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a bishop_n call_v therapius_n for_o break_v the_o canon_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o absolve_v a_o certain_a presbyter_n call_v victor_n before_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o that_o synod_n be_v expire_v probably_n the_o breaker_n of_o those_o canon_n be_v to_o have_v be_v depose_v or_o suspend_v or_o some_o other_o severe_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o since_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o synod_n speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v moderate_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o canon_n against_o therapius_n in_o that_o they_o ibidem_fw-la be_v content_v only_o with_o chide_v he_o for_o his_o rashness_n and_o with_o strict_o charge_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o no_o more_o so_o another_o synod_n in_o africa_n decree_v that_o 195._o if_o any_o one_o shall_v name_v a_o clergyman_n in_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n for_o his_o trustee_n no_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v offer_v for_o he_o after_o his_o death_n what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o offer_n of_o sacrifice_n after_o his_o death_n be_v i_o shall_v not_o show_v here_o since_o i_o must_v treat_v of_o it_o in_o another_o place_n according_o when_o geminius_n victor_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d have_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n constitute_v geminius_n faustinus_n a_o presbyter_n his_o trustee_n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n write_v unto_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n of_o furnis_n touch_v this_o matter_n wherein_o he_o inform_v they_o 195._o that_o he_o and_o his_o colleague_n be_v very_o much_o offend_v that_o geminius_n victor_n have_v thus_o break_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n but_o that_o since_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o hope_v they_o will_v take_v care_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v the_o penalty_n annex_v to_o the_o breach_n thereof_o that_o in_o conformity_n thereunto_o they_o will_v not_o mention_v he_o in_o their_o prayer_n or_o make_v any_o oblation_n for_o he_o that_o so_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v religious_o and_o necessary_o make_v may_v be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o these_o two_o instance_n we_o may_v add_v that_o of_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n who_o for_o their_o fall_n into_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o adjudge_v never_o more_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o church_n communion_n in_o any_o other_o quality_n than_o that_o of_o layman_n which_o rigorous_a sentence_n a_o african_a synod_n defend_v 202._o from_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o general_n council_n who_o have_v before_o decree_v that_o such_o man_n shall_v only_o be_v admit_v to_o repentance_n but_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v from_o all_o clerical_a and_o sacerdotal_a dignity_n chap._n ix_o §_o 1._o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o schism_n define_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o to_o be_v different_o understand_v according_a to_o the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n church_n §_o 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a consider_v negative_o and_o positive_o negative_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o rite_n nor_o in_o a_o unanimity_n of_o consent_n to_o the_o non-essential_a point_n of_o christianity_n the_o rigid_a imposer_n thereof_o condemn_v as_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a §_o 3._o positive_o it_o consist_v in_o a_o harmonious_a assent_n to_o the_o essential_a article_n of_o faith_n the_o non-agreement_n therein_o call_v schism_n but_o not_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n §_o 4._o how_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o church_n collective_a be_v break_v this_o neither_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n §_o 5._o the_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o member_n love_n and_o amity_n each_o towards_o other_o and_o in_o the_o people_n close_a adherence_n to_o their_o bishop_n or_o parish_n church_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o former_a sometime_o call_v schism_n §_o 6._o the_o breach_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o how_o many_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n §_o 7._o a_o separation_n under_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v that_o which_o the_o father_n general_o and_o principal_o mean_v by_o schism_n prove_v so_o to_o have_v be_v §_o 8._o farther_o prove_v from_o ignatius_n §_o 9_o exemplify_v in_o the_o schism_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o novarian_n §_o 10._o a_o objection_n answer_v touch_v the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n how_o the_o schism_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n affect_v other_o church_n §_o 11._o a_o summary_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n concern_v schism_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n discourse_v of_o the_o constitution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o come_v now_o in_o this_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o unity_n thereof_o which_o i_o have_v a_o very_a great_a inclination_n to_o search_v into_o since_o by_o the_o due_a understanding_n thereof_o we_o shall_v the_o better_o apprehend_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v schism_n because_o that_o schism_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n as_o will_v 〈◊〉_d evident_o appear_v from_o the_o quotation_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o this_o chapter_n now_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a first_o to_o know_v what_o the_o unity_n its_o self_n be_v for_o till_o we_o understand_v its_o unity_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o breach_n thereof_o now_o for_o the_o distinct_a apprehend_v hereof_o we_o must_v remember_v the_o various_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a signification_n thereof_o so_o must_v its_o unity_n be_v diversify_v or_o be_v different_o understand_v and_o according_a to_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o its_o unity_n so_o must_v we_o apprehend_v the_o breach_n thereof_o §_o 2._o if_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o word_n church_n as_o signify_v the_o church_n universal_a or_o all_o those_o who_o throughout_o
of_o the_o church_n and_o cyprian_a write_v that_o 296._o the_o devil_n find_v out_o heresy_n and_o sehism_n by_o which_o he_o may_v subvert_v the_o faith_n corrupt_v the_o truth_n and_o divide_v the_o unity_n but_o now_o for_o distinction_n sake_n the_o breach_n of_o this_o unity_n be_v common_o call_v heresy_n and_o the_o word_n schism_n general_o apply_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n in_o another_o sense_n of_o which_o more_o in_o the_o other_o section_n §_o 4._o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o consider_v the_o word_n church_n collective_o as_o denote_v a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v once_o use_v in_o 214._o cyprian_a then_o its_o unity_n may_v have_v consist_v in_o a_o brotherly_a correspondence_n with_o and_o affection_n towards_o each_o other_o which_o they_o demonstrate_v by_o all_o outward_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o concord_n as_o by_o receive_v to_o communion_n the_o member_n of_o each_o other_o as_o 193._o irenaeus_n mention_n be_v observe_v between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o asia_n in_o mutual_o advise_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o by_o letter_n or_o otherwise_o of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a instance_n in_o the_o ancient_n and_o especial_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n and_o in_o manifest_v all_o other_o mark_v and_o token_n of_o their_o love_n and_o concord_n now_o this_o unity_n be_v break_v when_o particular_a church_n clash_v with_o each_o other_o when_o from_o be_v possess_v with_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n love_n and_o charity_n they_o be_v inflame_v with_o hatred_n rage_n and_o fury_n against_o each_o other_o a_o sad_a instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o that_o controversy_n betwixt_o cyprian_a and_o stephen_n or_o rather_o between_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n and_o africa_n touch_v the_o validity_n of_o heretical_a baptism_n wherein_o those_o good_a man_n be_v so_o far_o transport_v with_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n against_o each_o other_o that_o they_o interchangeable_o give_v such_o 〈◊〉_d language_n and_o invidious_a epithet_n as_o be_v too_o odious_a to_o name_n which_o if_o the_o reader_n be_v curious_a to_o know_v he_o may_v find_v too_o much_o of_o it_o in_o cyprian_n epistle_n or_o if_o several_a particular_a church_n have_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n regular_o dispose_v themselves_o into_o a_o synodical_a government_n and_o discipline_n as_o be_v always_o do_v when_o their_o circumstance_n and_o conveniency_n will_v permit_v they_o than_o whoever_o break_v or_o violate_v their_o reasonable_a canon_n be_v censure_v as_o turbulent_a and_o factious_a as_o it_o have_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o needs_o no_o far_a proof_n in_o this_o because_o that_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v not_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n as_o denote_v or_o signify_v a_o church_n collective_a §_o 5._o but_o schism_n principal_o and_o original_o respect_v a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n though_o it_o may_v consequential_o influence_n other_o too_o now_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o the_o member_n love_n and_o amity_n towards_o each_o other_o and_o in_o their_o due_a subjection_n or_o subordination_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n according_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o unity_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o each_o other_o or_o in_o a_o rebellion_n against_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n and_o those_o that_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o there_o may_v be_v envy_n and_o discord_n between_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o parish_n without_o a_o formal_a separation_n from_o communion_n which_o jar_n and_o feud_n be_v call_v schism_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n unto_o who_o st._n paul_n object_v in_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v division_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d schism_n among_o you_o here_o there_o be_v no_o separate_a communion_n for_o they_o all_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v schism_n among_o they_o that_o be_v strife_n quarrel_n and_o discord_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v perceive_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n which_o be_v write_v to_o appease_v another_o schism_n in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o corinth_n there_o be_v then_o only_o turmoil_v and_o difference_n without_o any_o actual_a separation_n but_o on_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v because_o it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o ancient_n ordinary_o mean_v by_o schism_n §_o 6._o but_o that_o which_o they_o general_o and_o common_o term_v schism_n be_v a_o rebellion_n against_o or_o a_o ungrounded_a and_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n or_o their_o parish-church_n now_o because_o i_o say_v that_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n be_v schism_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o know_v how_o many_o cause_n can_v justify_v the_o people_n desertion_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o these_o i_o think_v be_v two_o or_o at_o most_o three_o the_o first_o be_v apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n or_o when_o a_o bishop_n renounce_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o through_o fear_n of_o persecution_n embrace_v the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o 200._o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n and_o be_v justify_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v throughout_o their_o whole_a synodical_a epistle_n still_o extant_a among_o those_o of_o cyprian_n the_o second_o cause_n be_v heresy_n as_o irenaeus_n say_v 63._o we_o must_v fly_v far_o off_o from_o all_o heretic_n and_o origen_n allow_v the_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d if_o they_o can_v accuse_v he_o of_o false_a and_o 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n a_o three_o cause_n be_v a_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a life_n as_o be_v assert_v by_o a_o african_a synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258._o who_o exhortation_n and_o argument_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n still_o extant_a in_o cyprian_a epist._n 68_o p._n 200._o out_o of_o which_o several_a passage_n pertinent_a to_o this_o occasion_n have_v be_v already_o cite_v in_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o which_o i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n of_o this_o mind_n also_o be_v irenaeus_n before_o they_o who_o write_v 278._o that_o as_o for_o those_o presbyter_n who_o serve_v their_o pleasure_n and_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n who_o contumelious_o use_v other_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o secret_o commit_v wickedness_n from_o 〈◊〉_d such_o presbyter_n we_o ought_v to_o separate_v origen_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v that_o the_o bishop_n immorality_n in_o life_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o parish_n separation_n ezechiel_n he_o say_v he_o that_o have_v a_o care_n of_o his_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v scandalize_v at_o my_o fault_n who_o be_o his_o bishop_n but_o consider_v my_o doctrine_n and_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o church_n faith_n from_o i_o indeed_o he_o will_v be_v averse_a but_o he_o will_v receive_v my_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o say_v the_o scribe_n and_o 〈◊〉_d sit_v on_o moses_n his_o chair_n whatever_o therefore_o they_o say_v unto_o you_o hear_v and_o do_v but_o according_a unto_o their_o work_n do_v not_o for_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o i_o who_o teach_v what_o be_v good_a and_o do_v the_o contrary_a and_o sit_v upon_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o scribe_n or_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o precept_n be_v to_o thou_o o_o people_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o accuse_v i_o of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o heretical_a opinion_n but_o only_o behold_v my_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a life_n thou_o must_v not_o square_v thy_o life_n according_a to_o my_o life_n but_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o i_o speak_v now_o whether_o irenaeus_n or_o a_o african_a synod_n or_o origen_n be_v to_o be_v most_o credit_v i_o leave_v the_o learned_a to_o judge_v though_o i_o think_v they_o may_v be_v both_o near_o reconcile_v than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v irenaeus_n and_o that_o synod_n affirm_v that_o the_o people_n of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n may_v immediate_o without_o the_o concurrent_a assent_n of_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o immorality_n and_o scandal_n of_o their_o bishop_n leave_n and_o desert_n he_o origen_n restrain_v the_o people_n from_o present_a execution_n till_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o so_o do_v for_o thus_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v or_o else_o
the_o catholic_n church_n and_o secundinus_n bishop_n of_o carpis_n determine_v that_o 446._o on_o heretic_n who_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o antichrist_n the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v be_v confer_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n alone_o in_o confirmation_n stephen_n plead_v on_o his_o side_n 240._o that_o 〈◊〉_d very_a name_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o faith_n and_o the_o sanctification_n 〈◊〉_d baptism_n that_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o any_o one_o be_v baptize_v in_o that_o name_n he_o immediate_o obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o christ._n but_o unto_o this_o firmilian_a brief_o reply_v that_o if_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n because_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o purge_v away_o sin_n why_o be_v not_o confirmation_n that_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o same_o christ_n sufficient_a to_o bestow_v the_o holy_a 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o it_o be_v thus_o eager_o argue_v by_o cyprian_a 249._o why_o 〈◊〉_d they_o say_v he_o meaning_n stephen_n and_o his_o party_n who_o receive_v heretic_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n only_o patronize_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n let_v they_o answer_v we_o have_v they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o have_v they_o not_o if_o they_o have_v why_o then_o do_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o they_o when_o they_o ceme_fw-la over_z to_o we_o to_o bestow_v on_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o have_v receive_v he_o before_o for_o if_o he_o be_v there_o they_o can_v confer_v he_o but_o if_o heretic_n and_o 〈◊〉_d have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o in_o confirmation_n that_o they_o may_v here_o receive_v what_o heretic_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v give_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o since_o they_o have_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o can_v give_v remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v since_o they_o can_v confirmtherefore_o they_o can_v baptise_v so_o that_o from_o these_o and_o 239._o some_o other_o passage_n which_o to_o avoid_v tediousness_n i_o omit_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o both_o stephen_n and_o cyprian_n understand_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v 〈◊〉_d second_o i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v that_o they_o also_o term_v it_o absolution_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a instance_n 214._o they_o say_v cyprian_n meaning_n stephen_n and_o his_o follower_n urge_v that_o in_o what_o they_o do_v they_o follow_v the_o old_a custom_n that_o be_v use_v by_o the_o ancient_n when_o heresy_n and_o schism_n first_o begin_v when_o those_o that_o go_v over_o to_o they_o first_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o baptize_v therein_o who_o when_o they_o return_v again_o to_o the_o church_n and_o do_v penance_n be_v not_o force_v to_o be_v baptize_v but_o this_o say_v he_o make_v nothing_o against_o we_o for_o we_o now_o observe_v the_o very_a same_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v here_o and_o from_o we_o go_v over_o to_o the_o heretic_n if_o afterward_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o error_n they_o return_v to_o the_o church_n we_o only_o absolve_v they_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n because_o once_o they_o be_v sheep_n and_o as_o wander_v and_o stray_v sheep_n the_o shepherd_n receive_v they_o into_o his_o flock_n but_o if_o those_o that_o come_v from_o heretic_n be_v not_o first_o baptize_v in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o may_v become_v sheep_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o holy_a water_n in_o the_o church_n that_o make_v sheep_n but_o that_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v the_o same_o with_o absolution_n will_v most_o evident_o appear_v from_o the_o opinion_n or_o determination_n of_o stephen_n and_o from_o cyprian_n answer_v thereunto_o stephen_n opinion_n or_o determination_n be_v 229._o if_o any_o shall_v from_o any_o heresy_n come_v unto_o we_o let_v nothing_o be_v innovate_v or_o introduce_v beside_o the_o old_a tradition_n which_o be_v that_o hand_n be_v impose_v on_o he_o as_o a_o penitent_a now_o unto_o that_o part_n of_o this_o decree_n which_o assert_n the_o reception_n of_o heretic_n only_o by_o absolution_n or_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o penance_n to_o be_v a_o tradition_n descend_v down_o from_o their_o predecessor_n cyprian_a reply_n 229._o that_o he_o will_v observe_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a and_o holy_a tradition_n if_o it_o be_v either_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o contain_v in_o the_o act_n that_o those_o who_o come_v from_o heretic_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v but_o only_a hand_n impose_v on_o they_o for_o penance_n or_o as_o penitent_n but_o that_o for_o his_o part_n 229._o he_o never_o find_v it_o either_o command_v or_o write_v that_o on_o a_o heretic_n hand_n shall_v be_v only_o impose_v for_o penance_n and_o so_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o communion_n wherefore_o he_o on_o his_o side_n conclude_v and_o determin_n 232._o let_v it_o therefore_o be_v observe_v and_o hold_v by_o we_o that_o all_o who_o from_o any_o heresy_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n be_v baptize_v with_o the_o one_o lawful_a baptism_n of_o the_o church_n except_o those_o who_o be_v former_o baptize_v in_o the_o church_n who_o when_o they_o return_v be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o alone_a imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o penance_n into_o the_o flock_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v stray_v so_o that_o these_o instance_n do_v as_o clear_o prove_v that_o they_o mean_v by_o their_o imposition_n of_o hand_n absolution_n as_o the_o former_a instance_n do_v that_o they_o mean_v confirmation_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o plain_o show_v and_o evidence_n confirmation_n and_o absolution_n to_o be_v the_o very_a selfsame_a thing_n for_o since_o they_o promiscuous_o use_v and_o indifferent_o apply_v these_o term_n and_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o in_o some_o place_n they_o express_v by_o confirmation_n in_o other_o they_o call_v absolution_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o essential_a or_o specifical_a difference_n between_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o like_a numerical_a identity_n or_o sameness_n but_o second_o i_o now_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o together_o with_o the_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o without_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n do_v absolve_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o they_o do_v it_o together_o with_o the_o bishop_n several_a place_n of_o cyprian_a abundant_o prove_v offender_n say_v he_o 30._o receive_v the_o right_n of_o communion_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o of_o his_o clergy_n and_o 37._o no_o criminal_a can_v be_v admit_v to_o communion_n unless_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n have_v impose_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o that_o some_o time_n they_o do_v it_o without_o the_o bishop_n always_o understand_v his_o leave_n and_o permission_n be_v apparent_a from_o the_o example_n of_o serapion_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o approach_v the_o hour_n of_o dissolution_n 246._o send_v for_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o absolve_v he_o which_o the_o presbyter_n do_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v before_o give_v his_o permission_n unto_o the_o presbyter_n to_o absolve_v those_o who_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n give_v his_o presbyter_n this_o power_n so_o likewise_o do_v cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n who_o when_o he_o be_v in_o exile_n order_v his_o clergy_n 41._o to_o confess_v and_o absolve_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n those_o who_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n and_o 39_o if_o any_o be_v in_o such_o condition_n they_o shall_v not_o expect_v his_o presence_n but_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o first_o presbyter_n they_o can_v find_v who_o shall_v receive_v their_o confession_n and_o absolve_v they_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o presbyter_n even_o without_o the_o bishop_n do_v absolve_v offender_n and_o formal_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n now_o then_o if_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n on_o person_n just_a after_o baptism_n and_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n at_o the_o restitution_n of_o offender_n be_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n and_o if_o presbyter_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o perform_v the_o latter_a i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v abridge_v they_o of_o the_o former_a both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v confirmation_n and_o if_o presbyter_n can_v confirm_v at_o one_o time_n why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o right_n and_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o another_o time_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o one_o occasion_n it_o be_v as_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v it_o on_o another_o §_o 9_o from_o the_o precedent_a observation_n of_o the_o identity_n
the_o ordinary_a and_o less_o mysterious_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o behave_v themselves_o well_o in_o this_o rank_n than_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o 142._o superior_a rank_n of_o the_o 89._o perfecti_fw-la or_o perfect_a as_o tertullian_n call_v they_o who_o stay_v not_o only_o at_o the_o lesson_n and_o sermon_n but_o also_o at_o the_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o service_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v baptize_v and_o tarry_v with_o the_o faithful_a at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eueharist_n or_o the_o second_o service_n this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o 〈◊〉_d among_o the_o ancient_n none_o in_o those_o day_n be_v hasty_o advance_v to_o the_o high_a form_n of_o christianity_n but_o according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o merit_n gradual_o arrive_v thereunto_o be_v first_o instruct_v at_o home_n then_o admit_v to_o the_o didactic_a part_n of_o the_o public_a and_o then_o to_o the_o supplicative_a part_n thereof_o it_o be_v the_o wicked_a policy_n of_o the_o heretic_n 88_o indifferent_o to_o pray_v and_o hear_v with_o all_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o catechuman_n but_o the_o true_a church_n distinguish_v and_o permit_v not_o the_o catechuman_n to_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o faithful_a till_o they_o have_v in_o a_o sense_n merit_v they_o which_o be_v when_o through_o a_o considerable_a time_n of_o trial_n they_o have_v evidence_v the_o sineerity_n of_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o then_o as_o origen_n say_v 147._o we_o initiate_v they_o in_o our_o mystery_n when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o proficiency_n in_o holiness_n and_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n have_v reform_v their_o conversation_n when_o they_o have_v change_v their_o manner_n and_o rectify_v their_o irregular_a carriage_n then_o they_o be_v wash_v with_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n and_o not_o before_o for_o as_o tertullian_n say_v 379._o we_o be_v not_o baptize_v that_o we_o may_v ceafe_n to_o sin_n but_o because_o we_o have_v already_o cease_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v baptize_v they_o commence_v member_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o baptize_v and_o become_v actual_a sharer_n and_o exerter_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o power_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o 2._o now_o what_o the_o distinct_a and_o separate_a power_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v must_v be_v next_o consider_v several_a of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o discourse_n under_o the_o former_a head_n complete_a we_o 〈◊〉_d there_o as_o their_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o bishop_n their_o attestation_n to_o those_o that_o be_v ordain_v and_o such_o like_a which_o will_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o tedious_a to_o repeat_v here_o and_o other_o of_o they_o can_v be_v well_o separate_v from_o their_o conjunct_a act_n with_o the_o clergy_n but_o must_v with_o they_o be_v discourse_v of_o in_o the_o next_o head_n so_o that_o there_o will_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o say_v here_o of_o their_o discretive_a and_o particular_a act_n save_v that_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v their_o bishop_n so_o if_o their_o bishop_n prove_v afterward_o scandalous_a and_o gross_o wicked_a in_o life_n or_o at_o least_o heretical_a in_o doctrine_n and_o apostate_n from_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v power_n to_o depose_v they_o and_o to_o choose_v other_o in_o their_o room_n this_o i_o must_v be_v force_v also_o to_o mention_v in_o another_o place_n so_o that_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v urge_v only_o the_o case_n of_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n who_o for_o apostasy_n and_o idolatry_n be_v desert_v by_o their_o parish_n who_o elect_v felix_n and_o sabinus_n bishop_n in_o their_o stead_n after_o this_o deposition_n martialis_n and_o basilides_n claim_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o episcopal_a authority_n but_o their_o parish_n deny_v it_o to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o act_v by_o a_o power_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o they_o send_v to_o several_a bishop_n in_o africa_n to_o know_v their_o judgement_n thereupon_o who_o be_v convene_v in_o a_o synod_n anno_fw-la 258_o whereof_o cyprian_n be_v precedent_n approve_v and_o commend_v their_o proceed_n assure_v they_o 201._o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o be_v express_v that_o none_o but_o those_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o blameless_a shall_v approach_v god_n altar_n that_o if_o they_o have_v continue_v to_o have_v communicate_v with_o their_o profane_a bishop_n they_o will_v have_v be_v accessary_n to_o their_o gild_n and_o villainy_n and_o will_v have_v contradict_v those_o example_n and_o command_n in_o scripture_n which_o oblige_v a_o people_n to_o separate_v from_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n that_o they_o have_v not_o act_v irregular_o in_o what_o they_o have_v do_v since_o as_o the_o people_n have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a bishop_n so_o also_o of_o refuse_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a passage_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o synodical_a epistle_n which_o 〈◊〉_d assert_v the_o people_n power_n to_o depose_v a_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a bishop_n but_o however_o though_o the_o people_n have_v such_o a_o power_n appertain_v to_o they_o yet_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v guide_v by_o giddiness_n envy_n or_o pride_n where_o church_n be_v regular_o associate_v and_o their_o circumstance_n do_v permit_v it_o they_o do_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o power_n alone_o upon_o their_o own_o single_a judgement_n depose_v their_o bishop_n but_o that_o their_o action_n may_v be_v the_o more_o authentic_a and_o unquestionable_a they_o have_v their_o complaint_n hear_v and_o the_o whole_a affair_n examine_v by_o the_o synod_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v or_o by_o some_o other_o bishop_n who_o if_o their_o accusation_n be_v just_a and_o valid_a may_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o the_o deposition_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o new_a one_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o power_n of_o depose_v bishop_n ascribe_v to_o synod_n 282._o as_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v deprive_v by_o a_o synod_n hold_v in_o that_o place_n and_o 140._o privatus_fw-la bishop_n of_o lambese_n be_v depose_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o ninety_o bishop_n the_o same_o method_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o deposition_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o in_o his_o election_n as_o a_o bishop_n be_v elect_v by_o the_o people_n over_o who_o he_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o by_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n so_o be_v he_o depose_v by_o the_o same_o both_o which_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o forementioned_a synodical_a 〈◊〉_d wherein_o it_o be_v say_v 201._o that_o the_o people_n chief_o have_v power_n either_o to_o choose_v worthy_a bishop_n or_o to_o refuse_v unworthy_a one_o the_o word_n chief_o imply_v that_o beside_o the_o people_n some_o other_o be_v necessary_a to_o concur_v with_o they_o either_o in_o the_o election_n or_o deprivation_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o those_o be_v the_o neighbour_a bishop_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o that_o synod_n to_o which_o they_o appertain_v of_o which_o synod_n of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n i_o shall_v discourse_v more_o large_o elsewhere_o §_o 3._o have_v thus_o brief_o dispatch_v the_o second_o head_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o handle_v the_o three_o which_o respect_v the_o conjunct_a act_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o laity_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o i_o find_v that_o in_o general_a all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v perform_v by_o their_o joint_a consent_n and_o administration_n 47._o the_o people_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a 47._o he_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o his_o people_n 47._o when_o any_o letter_n come_v from_o foreign_a church_n they_o be_v receive_v and_o read_v before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o 163._o the_o whole_a church_n agree_v 〈◊〉_d common_a letter_n to_o be_v send_v to_o other_o church_n and_o so_o for_o all_o other_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v manage_v 17._o by_o the_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n both_o concur_v to_o the_o discharge_v of_o those_o action_n to_o recite_v every_o particular_a act_n whereof_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a and_o fruitless_a wherefore_o in_o speak_v hereunto_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o those_o of_o their_o complex_n act_n that_o regard_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o enquiry_n viz._n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a
not_o have_v 244._o so_o earnest_o press_v he_o 〈◊〉_d his_o permission_n as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v thus_o than_o we_o have_v view_v the_o member_n of_o the_o spiritual_a court_n and_o have_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o the_o member_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n and_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o clergy_n 〈◊〉_d one_o without_o the_o other_o but_o both_o together_o but_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o people_n be_v encumber_a with_o earthly_a business_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v constant_o give_v their_o attendance_n and_o narrow_o search_v into_o every_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o as_o be_v say_v before_o under_o the_o head_n of_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o worldly_a care_n and_o employment_n be_v appoint_v as_o a_o committee_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o whole_a court_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o maximus_n vrbanus_n sidonius_n and_o some_o other_o that_o have_v join_v in_o the_o schism_n of_o novatian_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o fault_n 105._o come_v into_o the_o presbytery_n and_o desire_v the_o church_n peace_n the_o presbytery_n accept_v of_o their_o submission_n and_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o ready_o embrace_v it_o so_o that_o the_o presbytery_n prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o whole_a court_n which_o court_n be_v the_o supreme_a tribunal_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o that_o parish_n before_o who_o all_o matter_n that_o there_o occur_v be_v try_v and_o by_o who_o all_o be_v judge_v only_o when_o any_o great_a and_o difficult_a point_n be_v decide_v it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o desire_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o neighbour_a parish_n to_o come_v over_o and_o assist_v there_o in_o presence_n that_o so_o their_o censure_n may_v be_v the_o free_a from_o any_o imputation_n of_o partiality_n or_o injustice_n thus_o when_o a_o nice_a affair_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v at_o rome_n cornelius_n 104._o desire_v five_o bishop_n to_o assist_v that_o so_o what_o they_o do_v may_v be_v firm_a and_o indisputable_a §_o 4._o have_v thus_o find_v out_o the_o member_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o judicial_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o by_o tertullian_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v after_o this_o manner_n when_o at_o their_o general_a assembly_n the_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v end_v 709._o then_o follow_v exhortation_n reproof_n and_o a_o divine_a censure_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v give_v with_o great_a weight_n as_o among_o those_o that_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n behold_v what_o they_o do_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a preludium_n and_o forerunner_n of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o the_o delinquent_n be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a commerce_n approve_a elder_n preside_v there_o who_o obtain_v that_o honour_n by_o testimony_n not_o by_o price_n so_o that_o when_o the_o consistory_n be_v sit_v the_o bishop_n and_o his_o assist_a presbyter_n here_o call_v approve_v elder_n but_o common_o the_o presbytery_n preside_v and_o moderate_v all_o thing_n there_o propose_v and_o debate_v then_o the_o offender_n if_o possible_a be_v actual_o bring_v before_o they_o though_o the_o non-appearance_n of_o the_o criminal_n be_v no_o impediment_n to_o their_o proceed_n for_o notwithstanding_o they_o condemn_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o not_o only_o for_o those_o crime_n for_o which_o they_o be_v cite_v to_o appear_v but_o also_o for_o their_o contumacy_n and_o stubbornness_n as_o cyprian_n write_v 170._o the_o proud_a and_o obstinate_a be_v kill_v with_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n whilst_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o 191._o those_o that_o be_v stubborn_a and_o fear_v not_o god_n but_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n accompany_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v if_o possible_a the_o offender_n personal_o appear_v that_o so_o their_o crime_n may_v be_v object_v to_o they_o to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o plead_v as_o cyprian_n say_v that_o the_o lapse_v 30._o be_v to_o plead_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o the_o court_n consider_v the_o defendant_n plea_n as_o cyprian_n write_v 17._o that_o all_o thing_n be_v debate_v in_o common_a among_o they_o and_o if_o the_o bishop_n and_o majority_n of_o the_o court_n judge_v their_o defence_n insufficient_a they_o be_v vote_v by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n to_o be_v condemn_v and_o censure_v as_o cyprian_n write_v that_o 92._o whoever_o be_v excommunicate_v it_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n the_o delinquent_n be_v thus_o cast_v or_o find_v guilty_a the_o next_o thing_n that_o succeed_v be_v the_o formal_a declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o court_n which_o be_v pronounce_v as_o tertullian_n intimate_v in_o that_o forequote_v passage_n by_o one_o of_o the_o preside_a elder_n that_o be_v either_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o a_o presbyter_n commission_v by_o he_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o pronunciation_n seem_v also_o from_o that_o passage_n to_o be_v thus_o he_o that_o pass_v the_o formal_a sentence_n on_o the_o criminal_a first_o begin_v with_o exhortation_n that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v he_o exhort_v the_o faithful_a to_o use_v all_o diligent_a care_n and_o fear_v to_o avoid_v those_o sin_n and_o crime_n which_o have_v bring_v the_o offender_n before_o they_o to_o so_o lamentable_a and_o fatal_a condition_n then_o follow_v reproof_n which_o be_v sharp_a rebuke_n and_o reprehension_n to_o the_o delinquent_n for_o their_o foul_a miscarriage_n and_o enormous_a practice_n set_v forth_o the_o evil_a villainy_n and_o misery_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v provoke_v to_o god_n grievous_a to_o the_o faithful_a scandalous_a to_o religion_n and_o in_o fine_a ruine_v and_o pernicious_a to_o themselves_o in_o that_o it_o render_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o that_o divine_a censure_n which_o then_o immediate_o as_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o he_o formal_o pronounce_v on_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o four_o query_n viz._n what_o the_o primitive_a censure_n be_v of_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n §_o 5._o now_o in_o answer_n hereunto_o as_o the_o church_n so_o her_o arm_n be_v spiritual_a her_o thunderbolt_n 〈◊〉_d in_o suspension_n and_o excommunication_n in_o eject_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n her_o scandalous_a and_o rot_a member_n not_o permit_v a_o re-induction_n of_o they_o till_o by_o visible_a sign_n of_o repentance_n they_o have_v satisfy_v for_o their_o crime_n and_o villainy_n various_a be_v the_o appellation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n by_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n it_o be_v call_v 253._o a_o drive_v away_o from_o the_o church_n by_o tertullian_n 95._o a_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n and_o 477._o a_o drive_v from_o communion_n by_o cyprian_a 90._o a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n 92._o a_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n 170._o a_o kill_n with_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a term_n occur_v in_o the_o father_n all_o tend_v to_o describe_v the_o fearfulness_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o excommunicate_v state_n so_o tremendous_a be_v it_o that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o that_o condition_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o accurse_a by_o god_n and_o real_o be_v so_o by_o man_n who_o esteem_v he_o as_o a_o limb_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o member_n of_o the_o devil_n shun_v his_o company_n as_o they_o do_v the_o plague_n or_o any_o other_o infectious_a disease_n 191._o those_o say_v cyprian_n that_o be_v proud_a and_o fear_v not_o god_n but_o go_v off_o from_o the_o church_n let_v no_o man_n accompany_v and_o therefore_o irenaeus_n speak_v concern_v the_o heretic_n who_o be_v all_o excommunicate_v say_v 63._o that_o according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o paul_n we_o must_v avoid_v they_o and_o john_n forbid_v we_o so_o much_o as_o to_o wish_v they_o god_n speed_n since_o by_o so_o do_v we_o communicate_v with_o their_o evil_a work_n and_o tertullian_n in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n write_v 709._o that_o the_o delinquent_n be_v banish_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a converse_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o one_o unworthy_a of_o humane_a society_n cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n here_o and_o if_o impenitent_o die_v in_o that_o condition_n as_o certain_o exclude_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n hereafter_o for_o as_o origen_n write_v on_o matth._n 18._o 18._o on_o which_o text_n excommunication_n be_v found_v 1._o
the_o member_n that_o compose_v these_o synod_n they_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o depute_a layman_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n thus_o at_o that_o great_a synod_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la there_o be_v present_a 279._o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v layman_n that_o represent_v the_o people_n of_o their_o several_a church_n so_o also_o we_o read_v in_o a_o ancient_a fragment_n in_o eusebius_n that_o when_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o montanist_n be_v fix_v and_o preach_v 181._o the_o faithful_a in_o asia_n meet_v together_o several_a time_n to_o examine_v it_o and_o upon_o examination_n condemn_v it_o so_o also_o when_o there_o be_v some_o heat_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n about_o the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v cyprian_n write_v from_o his_o exile_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v be_v patient_a till_o god_n have_v restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o there_o shall_v 41._o be_v convene_v a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n and_o of_o the_o laity_n who_o have_v stand_v firm_a during_o the_o persecution_n to_o consult_v about_o and_o determine_v their_o affair_n which_o proposition_n be_v approve_v by_o moses_n and_o maximus_n and_o other_o roman_a confessor_n who_o like_v the_o consult_v 60._o of_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n confessor_n and_o the_o stand_a laity_n as_o also_o do_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v willing_a that_o that_o affair_n 70._o of_o the_o lapse_v shall_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n deacon_n confessor_n and_o the_o stand_a laity_n and_o thus_o at_o that_o great_a council_n hold_v at_o 〈◊〉_d anno_fw-la 258._o there_o be_v present_a eighty_o seven_o 443._o bishop_n together_o with_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o laity_n §_o 6._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v demand_v by_o who_o authority_n and_o appointment_n synod_n be_v assemble_v to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v reply_v that_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v by_o their_o own_o because_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o order_n or_o determine_v those_o affair_n §_o 7._o when_o a_o synod_n be_v convene_v before_o ever_o they_o enter_v upon_o any_o public_a cause_n they_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o renow_v bishop_n among_o they_o one_o or_o sometime_o two_o to_o be_v their_o moderator_n or_o moderator_n as_o at_o the_o council_n hold_v at_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 258._o cypr._n cyprian_n be_v moderator_n or_o prolocutor_n thereof_o and_o so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o prolocutor_n of_o several_a synod_n that_o be_v assemble_v in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o determine_v the_o controversy_n concern_v easter_n as_o 191._o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v prolocutor_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v there_o palmas_n bishop_n of_o amastris_n moderator_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v in_o pontus_n and_o irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n of_o another_o in_o france_n 191._o polycrates_n bishop_n os_fw-la ephesus_n preside_v over_o a_o synod_n of_o asiatic_a bishop_n and_o 190._o at_o a_o convocation_n in_o palestina_n there_o be_v two_o moderator_n viz._n theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o narcissus_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o moderator_n be_v to_o preside_v in_o the_o synod_n to_o see_v all_o thing_n calm_o and_o fair_o debate_v and_o decree_v and_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o any_o cause_n to_o sum_n up_o what_o have_v be_v debate_v and_o urge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o take_v the_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o last_o of_o all_o to_o give_v his_o own_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n which_o be_v extant_a at_o the_o end_n of_o cyprian_n work_n cyprian_n be_v moderator_n of_o that_o council_n after_o all_o thing_n be_v read_v and_o finish_v relate_v to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n sum_v up_o all_o tell_v the_o synod_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o that_o nothing_o more_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n thereupon_o according_o thereunto_o the_o bishop_n give_v their_o respective_a vote_n and_o decision_n and_o last_o of_o all_o cyprian_a as_o precedent_n give_v in_o he_o §_o 8._o when_o the_o moderator_n be_v choose_v than_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o affair_n that_o lay_v before_o they_o which_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n either_o as_o relate_v to_o foreign_a church_n or_o to_o those_o church_n only_o of_o who_o they_o be_v the_o representative_n as_o for_o foreign_a church_n their_o determination_n be_v not_o obligatory_a unto_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o represent_v by_o they_o and_o so_o the_o chief_a matter_n they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o be_v to_o give_v they_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o any_o difficult_a point_n which_o they_o have_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o when_o the_o people_n of_o astorga_n and_o emerita_n in_o spain_n have_v write_v to_o some_o african_a church_n for_o their_o advice_n what_o to_o do_v with_o their_o two_o bishop_n who_o have_v lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n this_o case_n be_v debate_v in_o a_o synod_n hold_v anno_fw-la 258_o who_o opinion_n thereupon_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n extant_a at_o large_a among_o the_o work_n of_o cyprian_a epist._n 68_o p._n 200._o §_o 9_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o those_o particular_a church_n who_o representative_n they_o be_v their_o decree_n be_v bind_v and_o obligatory_a since_o the_o regulation_n and_o management_n of_o their_o affair_n be_v the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o convening_n various_a and_o many_o be_v the_o particular_a end_n of_o these_o synodical_a convention_n as_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o injustice_n and_o partiality_n in_o a_o parish_n consistory_n as_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o consistory_n have_v wrongful_o and_o unrighteous_o censure_v one_o of_o their_o member_n what_o shall_v that_o censure_v person_n do_v unless_o appeal_v to_o the_o synod_n to_o have_v his_o cause_n hear_v there_o as_o felicissimus_n do_v who_o after_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o his_o own_o parish_n of_o which_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n 99_o have_v his_o cause_n hear_v before_o a_o synod_n who_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o partiality_n and_o injustice_n that_o in_o lesser_n asia_n 236._o offender_n be_v usual_o absolve_v by_o the_o synod_n which_o meet_v every_o year_n synod_n also_o be_v assemble_v for_o the_o examine_n condemn_v and_o excommunicate_v of_o all_o heretic_n within_o their_o limit_n that_o so_o the_o faithful_a may_v avoid_v and_o shun_v they_o as_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v condemn_v by_o the_o 279._o council_n of_o antioch_n for_o resolve_v of_o all_o difficult_a point_n that_o do_v not_o wound_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n or_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o when_o there_o be_v some_o scruple_n about_o the_o time_n of_o baptise_v of_o child_n a_o 162._o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n meet_v together_o to_o decide_v it_o and_o so_o when_o there_o be_v some_o dispute_n concern_v the_o martyr_n power_n to_o restore_v the_o lapse_v 41._o synod_n be_v to_o be_v assemble_v to_o decide_v they_o but_o why_o do_v i_o go_v about_o to_o reckon_v up_o particular_n when_o as_o they_o be_v endless_a let_v this_o suffice_v in_o general_a that_o synod_n be_v convene_v for_o the_o regulation_n and_o management_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n as_o firmilian_a write_v that_o in_o his_o country_n 236._o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o every_o year_n to_o dispose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n here_o they_o consult_v about_o the_o discipline_n government_n and_o external_n polity_n of_o their_o church_n and_o what_o mean_n be_v expedient_a and_o proper_a for_o their_o peace_n unity_n and_o order_n which_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n they_o enact_v and_o decree_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a of_o those_o church_n who_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o who_o deny_v this_o must_v be_v very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ancient_a council_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v hold_v after_o the_o emperor_n become_v christian_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o find_v not_o more_o synodical_a decree_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n come_v not_o from_o that_o they_o judicial_o determine_v none_o or_o require_v not_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o but_o from_o that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a or_o the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o time_n will_v