first_o reformation_n and_o to_o restore_v episcopacy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v false_o pretend_v that_o episcopacy_n or_o superiority_n of_o pastor_n be_v against_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o first_o reformation_n and_o that_o parity_n of_o minister_n or_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v conform_v to_o it_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o certain_a out_o of_o their_o own_o record_n next_o i_o find_v they_o come_v as_o little_a speed_n of_o their_o pretence_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v episcopacy_n as_o evil_a and_o antichristian_a that_o it_o rather_o commend_v it_o as_o good_a and_o christian_n 1._o 3._o tim._n ch_n 3._o v._n 1._o s_o paul_n write_v to_o timothee_n say_v this_o be_v a_o true_a or_o faithful_a saying_n if_o a_o man_n desire_v a_o bishop_n office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o contend_v about_o name_n i_o find_v the_o same_o s._n paul_n acknowledge_v in_o timothee_n the_o power_n of_o judge_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o which_o the_o power_n and_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n principal_o consist_v for_o in_o the_o 5._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o say_v against_o a_o presbyter_n receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o ver_fw-la 22._o lay_v not_o thy_o hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n he_o show_v also_o that_o he_o have_v leave_v titus_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o crete_n to_o ordain_v priest_n by_o city_n 5._o tit._n ch_z 1._o v._n 5._o by_o this_o i_o see_v as_o i_o conceive_v clear_o enough_o that_o all_o pastor_n be_v not_o equal_a but_o some_o be_v superior_a to_o other_o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v pretend_v since_o the_o one_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v and_o ordain_v which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o thereupon_o i_o make_v this_o observation_n if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a or_o faithful_a say_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o call_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n good_a then_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o true_a nor_o faithful_a say_n to_o call_v it_o evil_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o speak_v if_o the_o office_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o good_a work_n than_o it_o be_v no_o good_a work_n in_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o condemn_v it_o as_o antichristian_a for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n but_o also_o to_o incur_v the_o curse_n threaten_v by_o the_o prophet_n 5.20_o esay_n 5.20_o wo_n unto_o they_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n more_o over_o christ_n himself_o do_v institute_v diverse_a degree_n of_o pastor_n in_o his_o church_n when_o he_o choose_v 12._o apostle_n 6._o luce_n c._n 6._o and_o thereafter_o 72._o disciple_n now_o it_o appear_v very_o evident_a unto_o i_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o disciple_n by_o their_o diverse_a institution_n 10._o luce_n c._n 10._o number_n and_o more_o entire_a familiarity_n with_o christ_n by_o who_o they_o be_v privy_o instruct_v so_o they_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o dignity_n above_o the_o other_o disciple_n which_o truth_n be_v much_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o solemn_a assumption_n of_o mathias_n who_o be_v before_o one_o of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o the_o apostle_n ship_n 1._o act._n 1._o or_o as_o s._n peter_n show_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n the_o bishopric_n of_o judas_n last_o god_n do_v institute_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n diverse_a degree_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o other_o priest_n and_o levit_n as_o calvin_n himself_o confess_v therefore_o it_o seem_v unto_o i_o there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n 2._o cal._n lib._n 4._o inst_z c._n 6._o §._o 2._o why_o the_o like_a goodly_a order_n and_o subordination_n of_o pastor_n may_v not_o also_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n yea_o rather_o all_o reason_n do_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o more_o excellent_o and_o perfect_o then_o in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n since_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shadow_n and_o type_n of_o the_o other_o but_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v due_o consider_v seem_v clear_a enough_o in_o this_o matter_n yet_o for_o more_o security_n and_o to_o take_v away_o endless_a jangling_n and_o wrangling_n which_o some_o contentious_a head_n make_v upon_o the_o clear_a word_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v my_o next_o recours_fw-fr unto_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n &_o practice_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o i_o find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o other_o pastor_n but_o also_o they_o condemn_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o a_o wicked_a heresy_n in_o aerius_n s._n augustin_n 19_o aug._n lib._n 19_o de_fw-fr ciu._n c._n 19_o explain_v these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n above_o cite_v who_o desire_v a_o bishop_n office_n desire_v a_o good_a work_n say_v the_o apostle_n will_v show_v what_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o name_n of_o of_o labour_n and_o not_o of_o honour_n that_o he_o may_v know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o bishop_n who_o delight_v to_o preside_v &_o not_o to_o profit_v loc_fw-la hier._n ap_fw-mi cornel_n in_o hunc_fw-la loc_fw-la s._n hierom_n show_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o next_o degree_n to_o martyrdom_n for_o bishop_n be_v the_o chief_a leader_n of_o christian_n be_v most_o diligent_o search_v out_o &_o persecute_v by_o the_o pagan_n therefore_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v so_o high_a and_o excellent_a so_o hard_a &_o dangerous_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v require_v so_o many_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o quality_n in_o any_o 5._o dion_n lib._n de_fw-fr eccles_n hire_n c._n 5._o who_o desire_v that_o office_n which_o he_o call_v a_o good_a work_n i_o will_v only_o add_v to_o these_o two_o most_o ancient_a father_n for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n s._n denys_n arcopagita_n the_o disciple_n of_o s._n paul_n describe_v the_o hierarchy_n institute_v by_o god_n in_o the_o church_n put_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o priest_n in_o the_o second_o and_o the_o minister_n or_o deacon_n in_o the_o three_o and_o s._n ignatius_n the_o disciple_n also_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n do_v show_v this_o excellent_a subordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n for_o thus_o he_o write_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n priest_n be_v subject_a unto_o your_o bishop_n deacon_n unto_o priest_n taâ—sens_n ignat._n epist_n ad_fw-la taâ—sens_n and_o you_o people_n unto_o priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o shall_v observe_v this_o comeliness_n of_o order_n i_o will_v willing_o change_v my_o soul_n with_o they_o and_o our_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v not_o only_o not_o observe_v that_o comeliness_n of_o order_n but_o they_o have_v condemn_v it_o and_o bring_v in_o the_o ugliness_n of_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o they_o want_v this_o holy_a martyr_n benediction_n the_o holy_a father_n also_o do_v constant_o teach_v that_o the_o bishop_n do_v succeed_v unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o priest_n unto_o the_o 70._o disciple_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n be_v great_a than_o the_o priest_n yea_o the_o most_o eminent_a among_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n be_v bishop_n although_o diverse_a of_o they_o be_v advance_v to_o that_o dignity_n much_o against_o their_o will_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o testimony_n i_o find_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n which_o be_v always_o govern_v by_o b_o shop_n from_o the_o beginning_n i_o must_v profess_v that_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n i_o be_v full_o satisfy_v and_o resolve_v not_o to_o abandon_v all_o these_o authority_n of_o scripture_n father_n and_o the_o whole_a ancient_a church_n for_o the_o minister_n strong_a cry_n and_o bare_a word_n which_o they_o only_o bring_v against_o they_o all_o i_o be_v much_o confirm_v in_o this_o resolution_n when_o i_o find_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n concern_v parity_n of_o pastor_n which_o be_v now_o maintain_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o a_o ancient_a heresy_n by_o the_o holy_a father_n s._n epiphanius_n write_v thus_o of_o aerius_n his_o speech_n be_v more_o furious_a then_o become_v any_o man_n for_o he_o say_v what_o differ_v a_o bishop_n from_o a_o priest_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n the_o order_n be_v one_o the_o honour_n one_o and_o the_o dignity_n be_v the_o same_o and_o confute_v it_o a_o little_a after_o 75._o epiph._n haeres_fw-la 75._o he_o say_v that_o this_o matter_n be_v full_a of_o full_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n for_o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o priest_n be_v not_o
have_v have_v her_o gate_n continual_o open_a day_n &_o night_n in_o all_o generation_n to_o receive_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o a_o word_n which_o have_v make_v the_o world_n christian_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o alone_o in_o allege_n have_v oppose_v all_o the_o heresy_n which_o do_v arise_v in_o their_o diverse_a age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o albeit_o they_o all_o have_v shut_v out_o their_o horn_n against_o this_o church_n and_o both_o by_o slight_a &_o may_v have_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v she_o yet_o she_o alone_o have_v fight_v against_o they_o all_o and_o glorious_o triumph_v over_o they_o all_o this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o have_v hold_v all_o the_o general_a counsel_n which_o have_v condemn_v all_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o have_v have_v pastor_n and_o people_n profess_v the_o faith_n in_o all_o age_n without_o interruption_n and_o in_o which_o all_o the_o saint_n martyr_n and_o doctor_n have_v live_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v show_v by_o a_o particular_a catalogue_n of_o this_o church_n chief_a pastor_n council_n nation_n convert_v and_o public_a professor_n in_o every_o age_n if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o longsome_a and_o beside_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v not_o here_o necessary_a especial_o see_v the_o lutheran_n centurist_n who_o have_v rake_v together_o all_o they_o can_v both_o for_o themselves_o and_o against_o the_o roman_a church_n yet_o can_v show_v the_o succession_n and_o continuance_n of_o no_o other_o but_o only_o of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v clear_a because_o this_o church_n and_o she_o alone_o have_v so_o clear_o this_o succession_n that_o no_o other_o church_n which_o carry_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o probability_n for_o it_o be_v evident_o certain_a that_o all_o other_o church_n which_o be_v separate_v from_o this_o church_n be_v once_o of_o her_o faith_n &_o communion_n and_o go_v undeniable_o out_o of_o she_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v so_o ancient_a as_o she_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v not_o always_o have_v a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o they_o pretend_v it_o they_o will_v be_v most_o ridiculous_a make_v a_o evident_a lie_n against_o sense_n therefore_o the_o protestant_n wise_o pretend_v no_o such_o thing_n yea_o their_o whole_a reformation_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o contrary_a pretext_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v fall_v into_o desolation_n gross_a error_n heresy_n and_o idolatry_n which_o be_v in-indeed_n to_o pretend_v that_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n have_v fail_v and_o that_o they_o be_v now_o send_v to_o set_v she_o up_o again_o by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v see_v that_o the_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n and_o she_o alone_o have_v have_v a_o continue_a succession_n from_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o so_o clear_o that_o no_o other_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o have_v it_o this_o same_o truth_n be_v testify_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n in_o their_o time_n s._n hierom_n 〈◊〉_d say_v above_o that_o he_o will_v bring_v a_o clear_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n that_o have_v still_o endure_v to_o wit_n the_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n which_o he_o esteem'_v so_o much_o to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n that_o he_o affirm_v those_o who_o have_v no_o communion_n with_o she_o to_o belong_v not_o to_o christ_n but_o to_o antichrist_n for_o thus_o he_o write_v to_o s._n damasus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o fisher_n and_o with_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o cross_n i_o speak_v ay_o damas_n hior_n epist_n ad_fw-la damas_n follow_v none_o chief_a but_o christ_n hold_v the_o fellowship_n of_o communion_n with_o thy_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o peter_n chair_n upon_o that_o rock_n i_o know_v the_o church_n to_o be_v build_v whosoever_o shall_v eat_v the_o lamb_n without_o that_o house_n be_v a_o profane_a person_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o gather_v not_o with_o thou_o scatter_v that_o be_v say_v he_o who_o be_v not_o christ_n be_v anti-christs_n this_o old_a doctrine_n be_v far_o different_a from_o the_o presbyterian_o new_a opinion_n s._n cyprian_n say_v prâ—tator_fw-la cyp._n tract_n de_fw-fr simplicitate_fw-la prâ—tator_fw-la who_o leave_v the_o chair_n of_o peter_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v do_v he_o think_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v s._n augustin_n the_o most_o glorious_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n show_v this_o same_o truth_n for_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v much_o of_o the_o sincere_a wisdom_n great_a holiness_n and_o fruit_n of_o piety_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o great_a authority_n which_o god_n have_v confer_v on_o she_o he_o subjoin_v these_o remarkable_a word_n to_o his_o friend_n honoratus_n 17._o aug._n de_fw-fr utilite_fw-la crede_fw-la c._n 17._o see_v therefore_o we_o see_v so_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n from_o god_n shall_v we_o make_v any_o doubt_n or_o question_n at_o all_o of_o retiri_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o church_n which_o to_o the_o confession_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n have_v obtain_v the_o sovereignty_n &_o principal_a authority_n heretic_n in_o vain_a bark_n round_o about_o it_o be_v condemn_v partly_o by_o the_o gravity_n of_o counsel_n partly_o also_o by_o the_o majesty_n &_o splendour_n of_o miracle_n unto_o which_o not_o to_o grant_v the_o chief_a place_n be_v either_o indeed_o a_o extreme_a impiety_n or_o a_o very_a rash_a and_o dangerous_a arrogancy_n thus_o he_o here_o we_o see_v what_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n have_v this_o continue_a succession_n and_o the_o same_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o prophecy_n and_o christ_n promise_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o this_o church_n alone_o we_o see_v no_o less_o clear_o the_o performance_n what_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v 149._o aug._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la eccl._n c._n 8._o &_o in_o ps_n 149._o here_o with_o joy_n as_o s._n augustin_n speak_v we_o may_v see_v fulfil_v the_o church_n before_o be_v only_o read_v in_o book_n and_o now_o it_o be_v see_v in_o nation_n by_o all_o which_o authority_n &_o evidence_n both_o the_o mayor_n and_o the_o minor_a of_o the_o argument_n propose_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v manifest_a truth_n to_o wit_n that_o that_o be_v only_o the_o true_a church_n which_o have_v have_v a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o time_n and_o that_o the_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n and_o she_o alone_o have_v have_v a_o continue_a succession_n from_o which_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v clear_o therefore_o the_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n of_o christ_n you_o see_v this_o reason_n be_v neither_o new_a nor_o obscure_a for_o it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n as_o a_o most_o clear_a short_a and_o convince_a way_n whereby_o the_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a &_o strong_a then_o it_o be_v no_o less_o but_o rather_o more_o evident_a &_o forcible_a now_o if_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 3._o or_o 4._o hundred_o year_n and_o of_o 30._o or_o 40._o roman_n bishop_n be_v esteem_v so_o strong_a by_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a church_n how_o much_o more_o forcible_a be_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o church_n for_o above_o 1600._o year_n &_o above_o 2._o hundred_o bishop_n of_o the_o sea_n apostolic_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v by_o the_o ancient_a father_n in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o may_v not_o as_o just_o be_v say_v now_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v pretend_v now_o by_o the_o present_a enemy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n against_o it_o which_o may_v not_o have_v be_v as_o just_o pretend_v by_o her_o ancient_a enemy_n the_o old_a heretic_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o way_n to_o shun_v the_o force_n of_o this_o demonstration_n but_o either_o by_o affirm_v that_o the_o true_a church_n have_v perish_v which_o be_v detestable_a blasphemy_n or_o by_o say_v she_o become_v invisible_a which_o we_o have_v show_v above_o to_o be_v a_o gross_a falsehood_n and_o desperate_a folly_n this_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v further_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n then_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v still_o endure_v or_o have_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a &_o it_o
can_v it_o be_v but_o wonderful_a to_o consider_v that_o this_o church_n be_v dilate_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o so_o many_o diverse_a &_o remote_a kingdom_n province_n &_o country_n of_o different_a language_n custom_n &_o worldly_a interest_n and_o some_o of_o these_o be_v enemy_n to_o other_o in_o worldly_a affair_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o same_o catholic_a faith_n as_o if_o they_o be_v one_o man_n whereas_o all_o other_o church_n which_o go_v out_o from_o this_o under_o pretext_n of_o great_a purity_n although_o they_o do_v not_o fill_v the_o earth_n but_o be_v comprise_v in_o small_a bound_n fall_v into_o such_o horrible_a dissension_n and_o division_n that_o they_o never_o rest_v till_z like_o generation_n of_o viper_n they_o destroy_v one_o a_o other_o and_o oftentimes_o the_o late_a destroy_v the_o former_a as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o our_o time_n the_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o true_a church_n by_o this_o admirable_a unity_n for_o which_o christ_n pray_v and_o christ_n by_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v send_v from_o heaven_n who_o have_v establish_v upon_o earth_n so_o large_a a_o kingdom_n of_o such_o admirable_a unity_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v not_o a_o special_a blessing_n of_o god_n how_o can_v it_o fall_v out_o to_o she_o alone_o how_o can_v it_o have_v continue_v so_o long_o among_o such_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o have_v be_v and_o be_v of_o her_o communion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o unity_n can_v never_o be_v conserve_v among_o heretic_n who_o although_o but_o few_o and_o new_a can_v never_o shun_v the_o curse_n of_o division_n which_o ever_o destruction_n follow_v at_o the_o heel_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v resist_v unto_o this_o clear_a reason_n as_o this_o unity_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n proceed_v principal_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n so_o secondarly_a it_o flow_v from_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v appoint_v and_o whereof_o all_o false_a church_n be_v destitute_a as_o first_o from_o this_o principle_n that_o she_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o have_v descend_v unto_o she_o by_o the_o constant_a testimony_n of_o her_o forefather_n in_o all_o age_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n by_o which_o mean_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o she_o can_v but_o keep_v unity_n in_o faith_n second_o she_o receive_v the_o decree_n of_o all_o general_n council_n which_o in_o all_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o preserve_v that_o which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o any_o doubt_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v more_o able_a to_o interpret_v they_o than_o any_o other_o person_n to_o which_o therefore_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n do_v modest_o &_o wisey_n submit_v their_o judgment_n they_o never_o ransack_v any_o matter_n of_o faith_n once_o define_v but_o it_o remain_v ever_o inviolable_a and_o last_o all_o catholic_n submit_v themselves_o to_o one_o supreme_a pastor_n who_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v establish_v by_o christ_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n from_o who_o the_o holy_a father_n do_v affirm_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v much_o depend_v this_o person_n appoint_v by_o christ_n they_o show_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v s._n peter_n to_o who_o christ_n say_v praelator_n math._n 16.19_o john_n 21_o 16.18_o cypr._n in_o tract_n de_fw-fr simplicite_a praelator_n i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o feed_v my_o sheep_n feed_v my_o lamb_n upon_o which_o s._n cyprian_n say_v that_o christ_n may_v show_v unity_n he_o establish_v one_o chair_n and_o he_o dispose_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o origin_n of_o that_o unity_n to_o proceed_v from_o one_o etc._n etc._n the_o primacy_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n that_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o one_o chair_n may_v be_v show_v s._n hierom_n see_v the_o necessity_n of_o one_o head_n jovinian_a hieron_n lib._n 1._o cont_n jovinian_a for_o keep_v unity_n say_v excellent_o one_o be_v choose_v that_o a_o head_n be_v appoint_v occasion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v take_v away_o and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v successor_n to_o s._n peter_n in_o that_o same_o dignity_n &_o primacy_n and_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o his_o authority_n all_o the_o holy_a father_n do_v affirm_v the_o same_o s._n hierom_n write_v to_o s._n damasus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n say_v damasum_fw-la high_a ep_n ad_fw-la damasum_fw-la with_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o fisher_n &_o with_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o cross_n i_o speak_v etc._n etc._n i_o be_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o thy_o holiness_n that_o be_v with_o the_o chair_n of_o peter_n upon_o that_o rock_n i_o know_v the_o church_n be_v build_v who_o gather_v not_o with_o thou_o scatter_v s._n augustin_n affirm_v 4._o aug._n count_v epist_n fundament_n c._n 4._o that_o the_o succession_n of_o priest_n from_o the_o seat_n of_o peter_n to_o who_o our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n commend_v his_o sheep_n to_o be_v feed_v until_o the_o present_a bishop_n hold_v he_o within_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ordinary_a with_o the_o father_n then_o to_o reckon_v out_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n from_o s._n peter_n unto_o their_o time_n 45._o aug._n epist_n 166._o cypr._n epist_n 73._o &_o 45._o s._n augustin_n term_v the_o sea_n of_o their_o residence_n the_o chair_n of_o unity_n and_o s._n cyprian_n call_v it_o the_o begin_n of_o unity_n &_o the_o root_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o by_o these_o mean_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v preserve_v so_o for_o want_v of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o constant_a unity_n in_o false_a church_n for_o they_o all_o reject_v the_o infallible_a testimony_n &_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n by_o which_o we_o be_v certify_v of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n as_o have_v be_v show_v put_v their_o own_o election_n and_o private_a judgement_n in_o place_n of_o it_o and_o their_o judgment_n be_v diverse_a they_o make_v diverse_a faith_n have_v no_o compass_n to_o steer_v by_o but_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o diverse_o interpret_v according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n neither_o do_v they_o submit_v themselv'_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o any_o church_n for_o they_o believe_v that_o all_o church_n may_v err_v neither_o be_v their_o own_o church_n constant_a in_o her_o sentence_n for_o one_o assembly_n ransack_v and_o condemn_v as_o heresy_n and_o antichristian_a what_o another_o have_v define_v &_o approve_v as_o christian_a truth_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o supreme_a pastor_n to_o who_o they_o obey_v and_o in_o a_o word_n they_o have_v no_o bond_n to_o tie_v they_o together_o except_o sometime_o worldly_a interest_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o another_o religion_n and_o when_o these_o interest_n fail_v when_o by_o mutual_a assistance_n &_o joined_a force_n they_o have_v subdue_v or_o overturn_v that_o church_n which_o they_o esteem_v their_o common_a adversary_n then_o they_o instant_o begin_v to_o be_v miserable_o scatter_v &_o divide_v as_o fresh_a experience_n show_v how_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o late_a english_a church_n the_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n become_v huge_o divide_v notwithstanding_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n which_o have_v before_o so_o strait_o tie_v they_o together_o yea_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o make_v it_o otherwise_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o many_o man_n can_v a_o long_a time_n adhere_v to_o the_o same_o falsehood_n as_o we_o suppose_v all_o heresy_n to_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v so_o strong_o bend_v upon_o truth_n this_o confusion_n &_o division_n follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o principal_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n work_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o wit_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v liberty_n of_o read_v &_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o judge_v the_o preacher_n doctrine_n thereby_o from_o which_o ground_n there_o must_v needs_o arise_v variety_n of_o sect_n in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o various_a conceit_n and_o apprehension_n of_o people_n moreover_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v ever_o the_o curse_n of_o division_n among_o heretic_n for_o according_a to_o their_o sin_n so_o be_v they_o punish_v they_o endeavour_v to_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o themselves_o be_v divide_v and_o so_o at_o length_n destroy_v this_o god_n promise_v by_o the_o prophet_n esay_n when_o he_o say_v 19.2_o esay_n 19.2_o i_o will_v set_v the_o egyptian_n against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o they_o shall_v fight_v every_o one_o
fruitful_a in_o produce_v saint_n but_o the_o protestant_a church_n teach_v doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o prophanesse_n &_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o piety_n &_o of_o all_o good_a work_n and_o she_o be_v so_o barren_a in_o produce_v saint_n that_o she_o profess_v to_o bring_v forth_o none_o but_o those_o who_o continual_o or_o daily_o break_v mortal_o god_n commandment_n the_o true_a church_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v catholic_a or_o universal_a and_o must_v convert_v all_o nation_n from_o infidelity_n to_o christianity_n but_o the_o protestant_a church_n be_v only_o in_o part_n &_o petty_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v never_o as_o yet_o convert_v any_o nation_n of_o infidel_n but_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o heresy_n have_v only_o pervert_v some_o ill_a catholic_n the_o true_a church_n must_v ever_o have_v true_a pastor_n lawful_o call_v and_o ordain_v derive_v their_o succession_n by_o a_o uninterrupt_a line_n from_o the_o holy_a apostle_n but_o the_o protestant_a church_n first_o pastor_n succeed_v to_o none_o and_o without_o any_o lawful_a vocation_n &_o ordination_n do_v intrude_v themselves_o by_o usurpation_n into_o the_o pastoral_n office_n as_o all_o their_o successor_n have_v do_v the_o true_a church_n adhere_v so_o close_o to_o the_o truth_n that_o she_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3.15_o 1._o timoth_n 3.15_o but_o the_o protestant_a church_n be_v so_o inconstant_a pass_v from_o one_o falsehood_n into_o another_o that_o she_o may_v be_v call_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o error_n the_o true_a church_n according_a to_o christ_n promise_n be_v ever_o direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o all_o truth_n but_o the_o protestant_a church_n be_v misgovern_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o giddiness_n as_o be_v know_v by_o fresh_a experience_n these_o consideration_n beside_o other_o make_v i_o see_v the_o great_a darkness_n wherein_o i_o lie_v and_o have_v make_v i_o to_o admire_v of_o my_o former_a blindness_n that_o i_o read_v so_o frequent_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o see_v the_o monstrous_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o protestant_a church_n to_o which_o not_o one_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v agree_v this_o show_v i_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n with_o attention_n and_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o spiritual_a illumination_n without_o which_o darkness_n will_v seem_v light_n and_o light_a darkness_n but_o in_o the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n i_o find_v not_o only_o promise_v but_o also_o perforformance_n of_o truth_n i_o find_v her_o faith_n to_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o gold_n which_o be_v try_v by_o the_o fire_n as_o s._n peter_n speak_v 1.7_o 1._o pet._n 1.7_o which_o after_o great_a opposition_n and_o trial_n do_v ever_o shine_v more_o bright_o i_o find_v in_o this_o church_n clear_o fulfil_v all_o the_o prophecy_n and_o that_o to_o she_o do_v agree_v all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o true_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o alone_o have_v endure_v since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o as_o a_o city_n seat_v on_o a_o hill_n can_v never_o be_v hide_v but_o as_o a_o candle_n set_v upon_o a_o candlestick_n have_v enlighten_v the_o whole_a world_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v admirable_a for_o its_o unity_n and_o eminent_a for_o its_o sanctity_n replenish_n the_o heaven_n with_o innumerable_a saint_n who_o have_v all_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o her_o communion_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v universal_a for_o time_n &_o place_n which_o have_v have_v her_o gate_n continual_o open_a night_n and_o day_n to_o receive_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o she_o alone_o have_v convert_v from_o infidelity_n to_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o have_v have_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o pastor_n descend_v without_o interruption_n from_o the_o holy_a apostle_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o adhere_v so_o close_o to_o the_o faith_n she_o once_o receive_v that_o she_o will_v never_o part_v from_o it_o nor_o yield_v in_o one_o syllabe_n or_o letter_n neither_o to_o heathenish_a cruelty_n nor_o to_o heretical_a impiety_n and_o which_o neither_o force_n nor_o flattery_n can_v ever_o shake_v so_o that_o she_o may_v be_v just_o call_v the_o pillar_n &_o ground_n of_o verity_n this_o church_n be_v the_o chaste_a virgin_n &_o spouse_n of_o christ_n which_o have_v be_v ever_o false_o accuse_v as_o a_o adulteress_n by_o all_o heretical_a strumpet_n and_o have_v be_v even_o overload_v with_o their_o calumny_n but_o she_o have_v always_o adhere_v unto_o her_o heavenly_a spouse_n who_o in_o his_o own_o time_n have_v manifest_v her_o innocence_n and_o bring_v confusion_n on_o her_o enemy_n and_o in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o be_v admirable_a for_o its_o order_n and_o government_n for_o its_o supreme_a authority_n and_o invincible_a strength_n for_o its_o heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o great_a holiness_n and_o last_o for_o her_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n what_o then_o can_v i_o do_v more_o fit_o then_o after_o so_o great_a darkness_n to_o embrace_v so_o clear_a a_o light_n after_o so_o many_o dangerous_a error_n and_o wander_n to_o put_v myself_o in_o the_o direct_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o incorporat_a myself_o without_o delay_n into_o this_o one_o holy_a catholic_a &_o apostolic_a church_n wherein_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n &_o all_o the_o saint_n have_v live_v and_o dye_v what_o can_v i_o use_v more_o proper_o than_o the_o word_n of_o s._n augustin_n who_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n since_o we_o see_v so_o great_a help_n of_o god_n 17._o aug._n dt_fw-ge uâ—il_fw-ge credendi_fw-la c._n 17._o so_o great_a profit_n and_o fruit_n shall_v we_o make_v any_o doubt_n at_o all_o to_o retire_v unto_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o church_n which_o from_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n by_o succession_n of_o bishop_n have_v obtain_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n heretic_n in_o vain_a bark_n round_o about_o it_o etc._n etc._n to_o which_o not_o to_o yield_v the_o primacy_n be_v either_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a impiety_n or_o of_o precipitate_fw-la arrogancy_n the_o same_o motive_n which_o hold_v s._n augustin_n within_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v draw_v i_o unto_o it_o to_o wit_n 4._o idem_fw-la cont_n epist_n fund_z c._n 4._o the_o consent_n of_o people_n and_o nation_n authority_n begin_v by_o miracle_n nourish_v by_o hope_n enlarge_v by_o charity_n and_o confirm_v by_o antiquity_n the_o succession_n of_o priest_n from_o the_o seat_n of_o peter_n unto_o the_o present_a bishopric_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o very_a name_n catholic_n which_o not_o without_o cause_n this_o church_n have_v only_o obtain_v among_o so_o many_o heresy_n 4.29_o john_n 1.41_o john_n 4.29_o as_o then_o s._n andrew_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n be_v glad_a when_o they_o find_v the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n because_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o find_v with_o he_o all_o truth_n so_o be_o i_o no_o less_o overioy_v to_o have_v find_v the_o true_a church_n foretell_v and_o clear_o describe_v by_o the_o messiah_n for_o with_o she_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o find_v all_o truth_n since_o she_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o her_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o remain_v with_o she_o for_o ever_o to_o lead_v she_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o the_o apostle_n believe_v christ_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o father_n who_o say_v 10.16_o mark_n 9.7_o luke_n 10.16_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o so_o i_o believe_v the_o church_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n the_o son_n who_o say_v who_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o who_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o 18.19_o math._n 18.19_o and_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o a_o publican_n and_o as_o the_o holy_a apostle_n do_v believe_v christ_n in_o all_o thing_n because_o he_o receive_v all_o from_o his_o father_n so_o i_o believe_v the_o catholic_a church_n in_o all_o point_n because_o she_o have_v receive_v all_o her_o doctrine_n from_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n and_o have_v faithful_o retain_v they_o this_o catholic_a church_n be_v she_o alone_o which_o ult._n lactan._n lib._n 4._o divinar_n instit_fw-la c._n ult._n as_o a_o ancient_a father_n write_v retain_v the_o true_a worship_n this_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n and_o house_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n into_o which_o if_o one_o do_v not_o enter_v or_o from_o which_o if_o one_o go_v astray_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o life_n
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he_o above_o other_o which_o he_o perform_v after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o he_o say_v to_o he_o feed_v my_o sheep_n feed_v my_o lamb_n give_v he_o thereby_o the_o charge_n of_o his_o whole_a flock_n 21.16_o 5._o john_n 21.16_o the_o same_o supremacy_n of_o s._n peter_n may_v be_v show_v by_o many_o other_o preeminence_n record_v in_o scripture_n as_o how_o christ_n pray_v particular_o for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v and_o pay_v tribute_n for_o he_o but_o for_o brevity_n sake_n they_o be_v omit_v now_o we_o shall_v brief_o see_v how_o the_o holy_a father_n understand_v these_o scripture_n s._n gregory_n the_o great_a say_v â—_o greg._n lib_n â—_o apost_n 7_o â—_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o person_n who_o know_v the_o gospel_n that_o from_o our_o lord_n own_o mouth_n the_o â—â—re_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o s._n peter_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o to_o for_o what_o end_n say_v he_o do_v christ_n shed_v his_o blood_n 86._o chrysost_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la aug._n epist_n 86._o but_o that_o he_o may_v purchase_v these_o sheep_n the_o care_n of_o which_o he_o commit_v to_o s._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n s._n augustin_n call_v s._n peter_n the_o head_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o gate-keeper_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n s._n cyprian_n say_v julian._n cypr._n epist_n ad_fw-la julian._n we_o hold_v peter_n the_o head_n and_o root_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o holy_a father_n affirm_v the_o same_o they_o do_v likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v s._n peter_n successor_n in_o that_o supreme_a authority_n s._n athanasius_n write_v to_o pope_n liberius_n say_v felicem_fw-la athanas_n epist_n ad_fw-la libre_fw-la &_o ep._n ad_fw-la felicem_fw-la for_o this_o cause_n the_o universal_a church_n be_v commit_v to_o you_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o you_o shall_v labour_v for_o all_o man_n and_o again_o write_v to_o pope_n felix_n he_o say_v thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o thy_o foundation_n the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o bishop_n be_v fortify_v s._n augustin_n say_v 165._o aug._n ep_v 165._o in_o the_o romaâ—_n church_n the_o principality_n of_o the_o apostolic_a chair_n do_v ever_o flourish_v and_o elsewhere_o number_v the_o priest_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o peter_n donati_n aug._n in_o psal_n count_v part_n donati_n and_o in_o that_o order_n of_o father_n see_v who_o succeed_v to_o another_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n which_o the_o proud_a gate_n of_o hell_n do_v not_o overcome_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o testimony_n of_o s._n bernard_n who_o write_v thus_o to_o eugenius_n thou_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o heaven_n be_v deliver_v 8._o â—ern_n l._n 2._o de_fw-la consid_fw-la c._n 8._o and_o to_o who_o the_o sheep_n be_v commit_v there_o be_v other_o porter_n of_o heaven_n &_o other_o pastor_n of_o flock_n but_o thou_o â—â—st_n â—â—â—erited_v in_o more_o glorious_a and_o different_a sort_n for_o they_o have_v every_o 〈◊〉_d their_o particular_a sâ—ock_n but_o to_o thou_o all_o vniver-â—â—â—_a 〈…〉_o of_o all_o the_o pastor_n themselves_o but_o thou_o will_v ask_v i_o how_o i_o prove_v that_o even_o by_o our_o lord_n word_n for_o to_o who_o of_o all_o i_o say_v not_o only_o bishop_n but_o apostle_n be_v the_o sheep_n so_o absolute_o and_o without_o limitation_n commit_v if_o thou_o love_v i_o peter_z feed_v my_o sheep_n he_o say_v not_o the_o people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n or_o that_o city_n but_o my_o sheep_n without_o all_o distinction_n so_o s._n bernard_n by_o which_o authority_n &_o testimony_n both_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n you_o see_v what_o solid_a ground_n the_o pope_n authority_n have_v that_o it_o be_v confer_v by_o christ_n on_o s._n peter_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o holy_a father_n &_o christian_a world_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n his_o successor_n therefore_o you_o very_o rash_o have_v reject_v this_o authority_n which_o have_v be_v establish_v &_o confirm_v by_o christ_n special_a providence_n unto_o this_o day_n but_o more_o wicked_o do_v you_o call_v it_o a_o usurp_a tyranny_n and_o believe_v the_o pope_n for_o vindicate_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o authority_n to_o be_v the_o great_a antichrist_n whereas_o you_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n these_o who_o honour_n &_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n &_o of_o the_o apostolic_a sea_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o ancient_a good_a christian_n but_o these_o who_o now_o a_o day_n endeavour_v to_o dishonour_n and_o revile_v they_o have_v the_o heretic_n for_o their_o predecessor_n who_o never_o carry_v goodwill_n to_o they_o s._n augustin_n show_v that_o the_o donatist_n call_v the_o apostolic_a sea_n the_o chair_n of_o pestilence_n but_o that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o epithet_n of_o the_o covenant_a minister_n who_o excee_v in_o rail_n and_o blasphemy_n all_o that_o ever_o speak_v when_o they_o fall_v upon_o this_o point_n make_v thereby_o the_o simple_a people_n believe_v that_o antichristian_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n but_o the_o holy_a father_n take_v it_o for_o a_o undoubted_a mark_n that_o these_o who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n authority_n and_o be_v not_o of_o his_o communion_n belong_v not_o to_o christ_n but_o to_o antichrist_n s._n hierom_n write_v to_o s_n damasus_n say_v who_o gather_v not_o with_o thou_o scatter_v that_o be_v who_o it_o not_o christ_n be_v anti-christs_n have_v now_o see_v that_o the_o pope_n who_o the_o covenanter_n call_v malicious_o antichrist_n be_v the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n it_o remain_v evident_a that_o his_o authority_n be_v lawful_a &_o
occasion_n of_o my_o first_o doubt_v that_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n can_v not_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o the_o presbyterian_n change_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o doctrine_n i_o see_v evident_o they_o be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o christ_n promise_v to_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n whic_n be_v always_o various_a by_o their_o great_a dissension_n and_o division_n i_o perceive_v they_o have_v no_o unity_n as_o become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o confuse_a chaos_n as_o many_o head_n so_o many_o different_a opinion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o truth_n nor_o authority_n that_o prevail_v in_o their_o meeting_n but_o the_o usurpation_n of_o some_o few_o ringleader_n who_o oweraw_v the_o rest_n and_o make_v they_o succumb_v yea_o i_o see_v that_o inconstancy_n in_o doctrine_n flow_v natural_o from_o their_o principle_n and_o that_o their_o inconstant_a church_n do_v necessary_o breed_v dissension_n but_o have_v no_o mean_n to_o lay_v they_o nor_o take_v they_o away_o by_o their_o cruel_a severity_n over_o man_n conscient_n and_o person_n etc._n etc._n i_o see_v they_o have_v little_a christian_a love_n and_o meekness_n which_o virtue_n christ_n have_v recommend_v so_o earnest_o to_o his_o true_a disciple_n by_o which_o he_o say_v the_o world_n shall_v know_v they_o by_o their_o clear_a contradict_v their_o own_o principle_n i_o perceive_v they_o be_v not_o man_n lead_v by_o reason_n but_o miscarry_v by_o passion_n and_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n which_o make_v they_o fall_v into_o inconsequentiall_a discourse_n not_o worthy_a of_o man_n of_o prudence_n and_o by_o which_o themselves_o show_v the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o own_o principle_n by_o do_v their_o duty_n so_o ill_o to_o man_n i_o see_v evidenty_n they_o perform_v not_o well_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n by_o their_o violent_a disobedience_n to_o their_o earthly_a superior_n i_o know_v they_o can_v not_o be_v humble_o obedient_a to_o their_o heavenly_a sovereign_n by_o their_o great_a pretext_n of_o piety_n without_o any_o substance_n and_o by_o their_o bragg_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o any_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o rather_o with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n i_o perceive_v they_o be_v both_o corrupt_a in_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o albeit_o some_o of_o the_o more_o simple_a have_v great_a zeal_n and_o no_o evil_a intention_n yet_o other_o of_o a_o high_a or_o be_v who_o move_v the_o rest_n give_v no_o small_a ground_n to_o make_v many_o suspect_n that_o they_o be_v not_o sincere_a christian_n although_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v which_o be_v not_o old_a nor_o hidden_a story_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v do_v in_o our_o own_o time_n and_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n do_v show_v unto_o i_o sufficient_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o new_a presbyterian_a reformation_n yet_o for_o my_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o lest_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v i_o resolve_v to_o try_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o new_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n s._n johns_n counsel_n to_o prove_v the_o spirit_n my_o dear_a say_v he_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n 1._o s_o john_n 1_o epist_n ch_n 4._o v._o 1._o but_o prove_v the_o spirit_n if_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n now_o the_o trial_n which_o i_o intend_v be_v to_o try_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n which_o these_o reformer_n give_v out_o to_o be_v their_o only_a ground_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v and_o clear_a than_o i_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v but_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o evident_a and_o the_o question_n diâ—_n not_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o then_o i_o intend_v to_o follow_v the_o interpretation_n &_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o learned_a primitive_a father_n who_o have_v be_v after_o the_o holy_a apostle_n the_o pillar_n and_o propagator_n of_o christianity_n and_o i_o resolve_v to_o prefer_v their_o constant_a testimony_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o the_o inconstant_a guess_n of_o new_a upstart_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o waver_a church_n who_o be_v as_o far_o inferior_a to_o the_o holy_a father_n in_o holiness_n and_o learning_n as_o they_o come_v short_a of_o they_o in_o antiquity_n and_o renown_n and_o with_o this_o resolution_n i_o begin_v to_o examine_v the_o question_n of_o epicopacy_n which_o give_v so_o great_a occasion_n to_o all_o the_o broil_n and_o alteration_n that_o have_v ensue_v chap._n vii_o of_o episcopacy_n condemn_v as_o antichristian_a by_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o i_o know_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a society_n that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n to_o tend_v to_o a_o most_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a end_n and_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o most_o holy_a and_o divine_a law_n so_o i_o just_o conceive_v that_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n have_v establish_v a_o most_o excellent_a order_n and_o form_n for_o the_o government_n of_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n which_o he_o have_v found_v upon_o earth_n and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v strive_v to_o overturn_v that_o order_n and_o government_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a treason_n and_o of_o sacrilegious_a presumption_n we_o have_v have_v for_o many_o year_n furious_a contention_n in_o our_o nation_n concern_v the_o government_n establish_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o bishop_n who_o have_v govern_v from_o our_o infancy_n be_v depose_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o their_o office_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o purity_n of_o our_o first_o reformation_n to_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o god_n word_n and_o to_o be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a and_o in_o place_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v bring_v in_o a_o parity_n of_o minister_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a discipline_n as_o the_o only_a government_n establish_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o only_o conform_v to_o his_o word_n etc._n etc._n but_o after_o due_a trial_n i_o find_v the_o presbyterian_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n to_o come_v very_o short_a of_o their_o pretence_n to_o begin_v then_o with_o our_o reformation_n i_o imagine_v a_o good_a space_n that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o use_v till_o many_o year_n after_o the_o reformation_n wherein_o i_o be_v deceive_v by_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v general_o affirm_v that_o king_n james_n bring_v first_o in_o bishop_n at_o the_o assembly_n of_o glasgow_n anno_fw-la 1606._o 2._o because_o the_o puritanical_a minister_n be_v accustom_v to_o accuse_v the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o have_v fall_v from_o her_o first_o love_n and_o they_o always_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n unto_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o first_o reformation_n but_o i_o find_v the_o contrary_a in_o their_o own_o record_n for_o m._n knox_n his_o chronicle_n show_v that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reformation_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o year_n 1559._o the_o church_n new_o plant_v be_v govern_v by_o superintendents_a who_o have_v authority_n over_o whole_a shire_n can_v ordain_v and_o depose_v minister_n have_v a_o large_a stipend_n than_o other_o and_o keep_v their_o place_n all_o their_o lifetime_n it_o express_v also_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o the_o name_n of_o those_o who_o be_v first_o choose_v with_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o say_a chronicle_n pag._n 253._o 284._o and_o 325._o of_o the_o london_n impression_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o episcopal_a power_n under_o a_o other_o name_n this_o government_n remain_v unquestioned_a the_o space_n of_o 16._o year_n till_o m._n andrew_n melvil_n a_o man_n of_o a_o fiery_a and_o presbyterian_a spirit_n come_v from_o geneva_n in_o the_o yeaere_n 1575._o begin_v to_o make_v faction_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v labour_v to_o introduce_v the_o holy_a geneva_n discipline_n which_o he_o cry_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n and_o as_o far_o abase_v the_o episcopal_a function_n as_o a_o mere_a antichristian_a corruption_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v large_o describe_v 275._o spot_n word_n hist_o lib_n 5._o p._n 275._o in_o the_o late_a bishop_n of_o s._n andrew_n history_n where_o he_o show_v that_o the_o confusion_n trouble_n and_o tyranny_n which_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o sedition_n it_o raise_v in_o the_o state_n be_v so_o great_a that_o k._n james_n who_o have_v often_o that_o sentence_n in_o his_o mouth_n no_o bishop_n no_o king_n be_v force_v to_o reduce_v thing_n unto_o the_o
as_o flat_a blasphemy_n and_o yet_o calvin_n esteem'_v so_o much_o this_o blasphemous_a fancy_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n for_o thus_o he_o write_v nothing_o have_v be_v do_v sup_n cal_n lib._n 2_o instit_fw-la ut_fw-la sup_n if_o christ_n have_v only_o dye_v a_o corporal_a death_n but_o it_o be_v also_o requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v feel_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o when_o this_o be_v object_v as_o a_o blasphemy_n by_o f._n campian_n whitaker_n do_v second_o &_o sustain_v it_o 18._o witak_n lib._n â—_o count_v dureum_fw-la sect_n 18._o say_v that_o calvin_n write_v most_o true_o that_o nothing_o have_v be_v do_v if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v only_o suffer_v a_o corporal_a death_n yea_o he_o call_v this_o a_o doctrine_n most_o full_a of_o comfort_n these_o doctrine_n be_v so_o fall_v against_o the_o scripture_n which_o show_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o and_o clear_o then_o that_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o absurd_a and_o blasphemous_a that_o we_o need_v spend_v no_o more_o time_n in_o refutation_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o of_o which_o s._n hierome_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o to_o discover_v they_o be_v to_o vanquish_v they_o yea_o some_o protestant_o have_v write_v against_o they_o as_o doctor_n bilson_n b._n of_o winchester_n in_o his_o book_n 40._o bilson_n in_o apol._n prot._n tract_n 3._o sect_n 3._o num_fw-la 40._o which_o he_o entitle_v the_o full_a redemptein_a of_o mankind_n by_o the_o death_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o article_n that_o christ_n descend_v into_o hell_n etc._n etc._n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o this_o sense_n invent_v by_o calvin_n yet_o it_o be_v general_o follow_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o by_o many_o other_o protestant_n who_o deny_v the_o local_a descent_n of_o christ_n soul_n to_o hell_n for_o although_o it_o sound_v very_o ill_a yet_o it_o behoove_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o want_v of_o a_o better_a until_o a_o new_a one_o more_o commodious_a be_v find_v out_o which_o now_o late_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o new_a reformer_n of_o these_o time_n who_o see_v further_a and_o more_o clear_o then_o m._n calvin_n who_o although_o he_o be_v famous_a in_o his_o own_o generation_n and_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n send_v extraordinarly_a by_o god_n to_o reform_v the_o church_n yet_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o know_v his_o catechism_n nor_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o article_n of_o his_o creed_n but_o invent_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n have_v abandon_v it_o as_o false_a and_o other_o as_o blasphemous_a as_o beza_n in_o his_o version_n of_o the_o scripture_n turn_v hell_n into_o grave_n so_o he_o understand_v this_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n he_o descend_v into_o hell_n that_o be_v he_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_n which_o error_n together_o with_o the_o former_a coruption_n invent_v by_o m._n calvin_n a_o learned_a minister_n in_o edinburgh_n do_v public_o refute_v in_o divers_a sermon_n a_o little_a before_o the_o trouble_n for_o which_o he_o be_v much_o persecute_v by_o the_o puritan_n he_o show_v that_o bezas_n corruption_n make_v a_o gross_a tautology_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n or_o it_o make_v a_o explication_n more_o obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n it_o explain_v the_o tautology_n will_v be_v very_o gross_a to_o say_v crucify_a dead_a and_o bury_v he_o descend_v into_o the_o grave_n that_o will_v be_v twice_o bury_v or_o if_o you_o make_v descend_v into_o hell_n the_o explication_n of_o burial_n that_o be_v a_o rare_a commentary_n to_o explicate_v a_o matter_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o needs_o no_o commentary_n by_o that_o which_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o can_v yet_o be_v right_o understand_v by_o protestant_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o dissension_n the_o same_o minister_n show_v that_o both_o these_o vice_n be_v against_o the_o end_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o make_v it_o short_a and_o plain_a that_o it_o may_v serve_v the_o capacity_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v free_a of_o idle_a tautology_n and_o obscure_a commentary_n but_o at_o that_o time_n this_o minister_n do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o creed_n to_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o his_o argument_n be_v answer_v although_o by_o fall_v into_o grosser_n absurdity_n the_o three_o sense_n devise_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o at_o westminster_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n that_o be_v both_o of_o tautology_n and_o obscure_a gloss_n for_o they_o say_v by_o that_o article_n he_o descend_v into_o hell_n be_v understand_v that_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n till_o the_o three_o day_n for_o first_o it_o will_v be_v a_o tautology_n to_o say_v dead_a and_o bury_v and_o then_o repeat_v again_o he_o remain_v dead_a or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o the_o word_n that_o follow_v to_o wit_n the_o three_o day_n he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o behove_v to_o remain_v dead_a so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o he_o be_v dead_a till_o the_o three_o day_n that_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o the_o addition_n of_o he_o descend_v into_o hell_n understand_v in_o the_o minister_n new_a coin_a sense_n will_v not_o be_v only_o superfluous_a but_o also_o ridiculous_a then_o if_o they_o will_v make_v christ_n descent_n to_o hell_n a_o explication_n of_o christ_n remain_v dead_a the_o commentary_n will_v be_v more_o obscure_a than_o the_o text_n which_o be_v clear_a of_o itself_o how_o will_v the_o presbyterian_o be_v please_v if_o one_o will_v say_v of_o john_n calvin_n or_o knox_n or_o of_o their_o late_a apostle_n m._n henderson_n that_o they_o be_v dead_a bury_v &_o descend_v into_o hell_n and_o if_o this_o man_n be_v accuse_v before_o the_o presbytery_n will_v bring_v in_o his_o own_o defence_n the_o minister_n new_a commentary_n that_o he_o mean_v only_o by_o these_o word_n that_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o power_n &_o state_n of_o death_n because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i_o be_o moral_o persuade_v what_o ever_o commentary_n can_v be_v bring_v either_o their_o own_o or_o any_o other_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v be_v ill_o please_v with_o such_o a_o text_n and_o will_v think_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v without_o this_o addition_n they_o descend_v into_o hell_n but_o of_o all_o the_o exposition_n that_o ever_o i_o find_v on_o this_o article_n that_o of_o the_o late_a protestant_a bishop_n usher_n be_v the_o rare_a which_o d._n vane_n speak_v of_o the_o minister_n juggling_n describe_v thus_o edit_fw-la d._n vane_n lose_v sheep_n pag._n 243_o 1._o edit_fw-la o_o what_o serpentine_a wrigling_n and_o wind_n to_o escape_v the_o assaulter_n do_v they_o make_v o_o what_o perverse_a ridiculous_a and_o contradict_a answer_n and_o evasion_n do_v some_o of_o they_o make_v in_o which_o they_o show_v at_o once_o both_o much_o wit_n and_o much_o folly_n for_o fool_n can_v not_o speak_v as_o they_o do_v and_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o in_o so_o much_o that_o b._n usher_n primate_n of_o armagh_n a_o very_a learned_a man_n to_o avoid_v the_o confession_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n according_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o plain_a sense_n thereof_o do_v so_o turn_v it_o and_o wind_n it_o that_o he_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n he_o descend_v into_o hell_n to_o be_v he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n to_o such_o pitiful_a refuge_n do_v the_o weakness_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n drive_v they_o etc._n etc._n thus_o he_o and_o so_o by_o this_o bishop_n commentary_n for_o descend_v we_o have_v ascend_v and_o for_o hell_n heaven_n but_o all_o these_o sense_n be_v nowayes_o satisfactory_a the_o presbyterian_o take_v the_o cleanly_a &_o easy_a way_n to_o deny_v the_o creed_n itself_o to_o be_v apostolic_a that_o so_o man_n may_v not_o care_n much_o or_o take_v great_a notice_n of_o the_o sense_n when_o all_o authority_n be_v take_v from_o the_o text_n that_o shift_n may_v in_o some_o manner_n serve_v their_o turn_n if_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o as_o express_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o creed_n now_o i_o will_v inquire_v at_o any_o man_n of_o conscience_n or_o ordinary_a discretion_n who_o will_v consider_v impartial_o these_o thing_n what_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v i_o believe_v the_o presbyterian_o who_o have_v