Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n power_n synod_n 3,603 5 9.6685 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A16145 The perpetual gouernement of Christes Church Wherein are handled; the fatherly superioritie which God first established in the patriarkes for the guiding of his Church, and after continued in the tribe of Leui and the prophetes; and lastlie confirmed in the New Testament to the Apostles and their successours: as also the points in question at this day; touching the Iewish Synedrion: the true kingdome of Christ: the Apostles commission: the laie presbyterie: the distinction of bishops from presbyters, and their succcssion [sic] from the Apostles times and hands: the calling and moderating of prouinciall synodes by primates and metropolitanes: the alloting of diƓceses, and the popular electing of such as must feed and watch the flocke: and diuers other points concerning the pastorall regiment of the house of God; by Tho. Bilson Warden of Winchester Colledge. Perused and allowed publike authoritie. Bilson, Thomas, 1546 or 7-1616. 1593 (1593) STC 3065; ESTC S101959 380,429 522

There are 43 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v not_o impose_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n yea_o say_v he_o philipp_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d presbyter_n then_o can_v not_o impose_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n chrysostome_n do_v not_o reason_n from_o his_o own_o age_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o conclude_v because_o they_o may_v not_o do_v it_o in_o that_o world_n wherein_o he_o live_v by_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o in_o paul_n time_n that_o be_v a_o very_a senseless_a and_o unsaverie_a collection_n but_o he_o urge_v that_o in_o paul_n time_n presbyter_n may_v not_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o those_o word_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o bishop_n which_o by_o the_o apostolic_a rule_n may_v impose_v hand_n whereas_o presbyter_n may_v not_o the_o very_a same_o point_n he_o repeat_v and_o press_v when_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n go_v from_o describe_v bishop_n straight_o to_o deacon_n omit_v clean_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n timoth._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o difference_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v not_o great_a for_o they_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n and_o what_o paul_n say_v of_o bishop_n that_o agree_v unto_o presbyter_n only_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n bishop_n go_v beyond_o they_o and_o have_v that_o only_a thing_n more_o than_o presbyter_n theodoret._n tim._n the_o presbytery_n paul_n call_v here_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v apostolical_a or_o episcopal_a grace_n for_o by_o theodoret_n opinion_n bishop_n be_v then_o call_v p●●l●ppens_n apostle_n and_o presbyter_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n oecumenius_n timot._n lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d paul_n treat_v of_o impose_v hand_n for_o he_o write_v to_o a_o bishop_n ambrose_n render_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o paul_n mention_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n do_v clean_o overskip_v presbyter_n and_o note_v the_o same_o difference_n betwixt_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n that_o chrysostome_n do_v 3_o timothy_n because_o he_o have_v none_o other_o before_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n wherefore_o paul_n show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n neque_fw-la enim_fw-la fas_fw-la erat_fw-la aut_fw-la licebat_fw-la ut_fw-la inferior_a ordinaret_fw-la maiorem_fw-la nemo_fw-la enim_fw-la tribuit_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la accepit_fw-la for_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o permit_v that_o the_o inferior_a shall_v ordain_v the_o great_a no_o man_n give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v that_o timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n be_v confess_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n i_o allege_v they_o 233._o before_o paul_n call_v he_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o copartner_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o join_v timothy_n with_o himself_o in_o write_v to_o the_o 1._o corinthian_n philippian_n colossian_n and_o 1._o thessalonian_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v timothy_n not_o only_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o give_v he_o part_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o make_v choice_n of_o he_o to_o abide_v at_o ephesus_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o church_n when_o he_o thus_o write_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o timothy_n have_v not_o this_o prerogative_n by_o order_n or_o senioritie_n he_o be_v no_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n but_o there_o leave_v with_o episcopal_a authority_n which_o he_o have_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o paul_n hand_n before_o he_o stay_v at_o ephesus_n but_o howsoever_o he_o come_v by_o it_o by_o paul_n choice_n or_o otherwise_o ambrose_n acknowledge_v he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o superior_a to_o presbyter_n because_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o power_n to_o ordain_v bishop_n which_o presbyter_n have_v not_o his_o word_n be_v full_a 3._o neque_fw-la fas_fw-la erat_fw-la neque_fw-la licebat_fw-la ut_fw-la inferior_a ordinaret_fw-la maiorem_fw-la it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o agreeable_a to_o religion_n for_o fas_fw-la be_v that_o which_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o ius_fw-la express_v that_o which_o be_v right_a among_o man_n for_o the_o inferior_a to_o ordain_v the_o superior_a to_o wit_n that_o a_o presbyter_n shall_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n we_o great_o care_v not_o who_o shall_v ordain_v bishop_n for_o as_o we_o think_v there_o need_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o touch_v presbyter_n that_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n be_v very_o clear_a they_o may_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n their_o word_n be_v these_o 3._o presbyter_n quum_fw-la ordinatur_fw-la episcopo_fw-la eum_fw-la benedicente_fw-la &_o manum_fw-la super_fw-la caput_fw-la eius_fw-la tenente_fw-la etiam_fw-la omnes_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la qui_fw-la present_n sunt_fw-la manus_fw-la svas_fw-la iuxtamanum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la super_fw-la caput_fw-la illius_fw-la teneant_fw-la when_o a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v the_o bishop_n blessing_n he_o and_o hold_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o party_n head_n let_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v present_a hold_v their_o hand_n near_o the_o bishop_n hand_n on_o his_o head_n that_o be_v order_v presbyter_n be_v sufficient_a to_o create_v presbyter_n and_o they_o may_v discharge_v all_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n for_o bishop_n let_v they_o care_n that_o like_o they_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n do_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o presbyter_n may_v ordain_v presbyter_n without_o a_o bishop_n look_v better_a to_o the_o word_n such_o presbyter_n as_o be_v present_v must_v hold_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o party_n head_n near_o the_o bishop_n hand_n but_o without_o the_o bishop_n they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o impose_v hand_n now_o to_o what_o end_n they_o impose_v hand_n whether_o to_o ordain_v and_o consecrate_v as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n or_o because_o the_o action_n be_v sacred_a and_o public_a to_o consent_v and_o bless_v together_o with_o the_o bishop_n this_o be_v all_o the_o doubt_n if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o without_o the_o bishop_n all_o the_o father_n which_o i_o before_o cite_v be_v utter_o deceive_v for_o they_o say_v no._n yea_o jerome_n that_o neither_o can_v forget_v nor_o will_v suppress_v be_v one_o himself_o any_o part_n of_o their_o power_n know_v not_o so_o much_o for_o he_o confess_v that_o bishop_n may_v ordain_v by_o impose_v hand_n presbyter_n may_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o hold_v their_o hand_n near_o the_o bishop_n hand_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o ordain_v as_o the_o bishop_n do_v how_o know_v you_o to_o what_o end_n they_o join_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o impose_v hand_n the_o action_n be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o no_o difference_n be_v express_v in_o that_o council_n between_o their_o intentes_fw-la unless_o you_o be_v dispose_v to_o set_v council_n and_o father_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n you_o must_v make_v their_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o consent_n rather_o than_o a_o consecration_n and_o so_o may_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o side_n stand_v upright_o otherwise_o by_o a_o action_n that_o admitt_v diverse_a end_n and_o purpose_n you_o overthrow_v the_o main_a resolution_n not_o only_o of_o other_o council_n and_o father_n but_o of_o the_o same_o synod_n which_o you_o allege_v for_o that_o give_v presbyter_n no_o power_n to_o ordain_v without_o the_o bishop_n but_o to_o conjoin_v their_o hand_n with_o he_o many_o thing_n be_v interdict_v presbyter_n by_o the_o canon_n which_o be_v not_o by_o the_o scripture_n but_o you_o must_v show_v we_o that_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n differ_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n afore_o we_o can_v yield_v they_o to_o be_v diverse_a degree_n if_o presbyter_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v ordain_v with_o impose_v hand_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n howsoever_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v restrain_v or_o subject_v under_o bishop_n they_o be_v all_o one_o in_o degree_n with_o bishop_n though_o not_o in_o dignity_n for_o all_o other_o thing_n as_o jerome_n avouch_v be_v common_a unto_o they_o but_o if_o that_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o god_n law_n to_o bishop_n and_o deny_v to_o presbyter_n then_o struggle_v while_o you_o will_v you_o shall_v find_v they_o in_o the_o end_n to_o be_v distinct_a and_o diverse_a degree_n that_o bishop_n may_v ordain_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n exact_o prove_v 1._o lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n you_o must_v now_o prove_v by_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o presbyter_n may_v ordain_v as_o well_o as_o bishop_n if_o not_o they_o be_v distinct_a degree_n that_o have_v by_o god_n law_n distinct_a power_n and_o action_n our_o proof_n be_v clear_a 4._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o
what_o corruption_n be_v in_o man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o consistory_n man_n law_n we_o leave_v to_o such_o as_o be_v skill_v in_o they_o we_o will_v have_v our_o presbytery_n meddle_v no_o further_o then_o with_o rebuke_v and_o censure_v of_o vice_n as_o god_n law_n require_v to_o admonish_v those_o 3_o that_o err_v reject_v th●se_a that_o persist_v and_o 5._o rebuke_v those_o that_o sin_n be_v pastoral_a and_o not_o presbyterial_a duty_n by_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o he_o that_o be_v pastor_n have_v both_o word_n and_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o his_o care_n within_o his_o own_o church_n wherefore_o without_o their_o pastor_n the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o judicial_o rebuke_v nor_o public_o excommunicate_v any_o man_n within_o his_o charge_n they_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o so_o general_o apply_v it_o in_o the_o pulpit_n they_o may_v dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o not_o deliver_v they_o where_o they_o find_v man_n impenitent_a but_o personal_o to_o convent_n they_o or_o open_o to_o sever_v they_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o not_o to_o the_o presbyter_n saint_n paul_n commit_v that_o power_n and_o care_n to_o timothy_n and_o his_o successor_n not_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ephesus_n the_o word_n be_v plain_a 5._o against_o a_o elder_a receive_v thou_o no_o accusation_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n those_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v thou_o open_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v i_o charge_v they_z before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o proiudice_n or_o partiality_n that_o be_v without_o oppress_v or_o favour_v any_o side_n she_z withus_fw-la much_o for_o your_o presbytery_n and_o bring_v they_o in_o with_o full_a fail_n paul_n make_v timothy_n no_o monarch_n at_o ephesus_n to_o do_v all_o this_o without_o the_o presbytery_n but_o appoint_v he_o to_o be_v chief_a in_o these_o action_n and_o the_o presbyter_n to_o join_v with_o he_o much_o less_o do_v paul_n make_v he_o a_o voice-asker_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o presbyter_n to_o have_v these_o thing_n do_v or_o no._n the_o charge_n be_v precise_o and_o exact_o timothy_n and_o not_o the_o presbytery_n the_o power_n therefore_o must_v be_v he_o and_o not_o they_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o you_o affirm_v against_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o against_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v over-rule_v and_o censure_n timothy_n if_o he_o will_v not_o be_v quiet_a and_o in_o spite_n of_o timothy_n do_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o you_o bare_o suppose_v without_o any_o kind_n of_o proof_n but_o either_o show_n what_o warrant_v you_o have_v to_o claim_v this_o prerogative_n of_o presbyter_n above_o and_o over_o their_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o believe_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n expound_v and_o practise_v those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n as_o we_o do_v before_o your_o slender_a and_o naked_a supposal_n the_o private_a use_n of_o the_o key_n in_o appoint_v offender_n upon_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o a_o time_n to_o for_o bear_v the_o lord_n table_n we_o deny_v not_o to_o presbyter_n but_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o key_n to_o exclude_v a_o impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a person_n from_o all_o fellowship_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o well_o sacred_a as_o civil_a that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n allow_v always_o and_o only_o to_o bishop_n origen_n say_v by_o 24_o fall_v from_o truth_n faith_n and_o love_n a_o man_n ge_v out_o of_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o church_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cast_v our_o by_o the_o bishop_n voice_n cypr._n write_v to_o a_o bishop_n that_o be_v reproach_v by_o his_o deacon_n say_v 9_o use_v against_o he_o the_o power_n of_o your_o honour_n either_o to_o deprive_v he_o or_o remove_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n 27._o the_o affection_n of_o a_o good_a bishop_n say_v ambrose_n wish_v to_o heal_v the_o sick_a to_o remove_v canker_a sore_n to_o cauterise_n not_o to_o cut_v off_o last_o that_o which_o can_v not_o be_v heal_v to_o cut_n it_o of_o with_o sorrow_n vigilantium_fw-la i_o marvel_v say_v jerom_n against_o vigilantius_n the_o bishop_n in_o who_o charge_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n do_v not_o crush_n this_o unprofitable_a vessel_n with_o the_o apostolic_a rod_n and_o deliver_v he_o over_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v 15._o there_o be_v no_o great_a punishment_n in_o the_o church_n say_v austen_n than_o that_o damnation_n which_o the_o episcopal_a judgement_n pronounce_v yet_o the_o pastor_n must_v needs_o sever_v the_o sick_a sheep_n from_o the_o whole_a lest_o deadly_a infection_n reach_v unto_o other_o hebrae●s_fw-la if_o say_v chrysost_o give_v y_o ●_o people_n admonition_n of_o a_o certain_a abuse_n creep_v in_o among_o they_o we_o be_v despise_v we_o be_v compel_v to_o bring_v these_o threat_n to_o effect_n &_o to_o chastise_v you_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n be_v angry_a who_o listen_v i_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o the_o church_n a_o long_a space_n as_o idolater_n bear_v with_o i_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n despise_v the_o band_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o man_n that_o bind_v but_o christ_n which_o have_v givenus_n this_o power_n &_o make_v man_n master_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n we_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n if_o we_o be_v we_o will_v do_v our_o duty_n if_o any_o man_n break_v those_o band_n i_o have_v do_v my_o part_n thou_o shall_v answer_v to_o he_o that_o command_v i_o to_o bind_v thou_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a will_a synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o every_o year_n to_o examine_v whether_o any_o 5._o lay_v man_n or_o clergy_n man_n be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o imbecility_n pertinacy_n or_o insolency_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o such_o as_o be_v find_v to_o have_v offend_v their_o bishop_n to_o stand_v excommunicate_a till_o the_o synod_n release_v they_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n likewise_o decree_v that_o if_o 6._o any_o lay_v man_n presbyter_n or_o deacon_n be_v excommunicate_v by_o his_o own_o bishop_n no_o man_n shall_v receive_v he_o to_o the_o communion_n afore_o he_o be_v restore_v by_o his_o own_o bishop_n or_o by_o a_o synod_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n 13._o if_o any_o deacon_n presbyter_n or_o clergy_n man_n be_v excommunicate_v &_o fly_v to_o another_o bishop_n of_o his_o acquaintance_n that_o know_v he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n by_o his_o own_o bishop_n the_o other_o must_v not_o with_o reproach_n to_o a_o bishop_n and_o his_o brother_n receive_v that_o person_n to_o the_o communion_n the_o council_n of_o taurine_a to_o which_o ambrose_n wrace_n decree_v touch_v exuperantius_n a_o presbyter_n that_o have_v reproach_v triferius_fw-la his_o bishop_n &_o be_v therefore_o by_o he_o put_v from_o the_o communion_n 4._o ut_fw-la in_fw-la eius_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la sit_fw-la restitutio_fw-la ipsius_fw-la in_fw-la cvius_fw-la potestate_fw-la eius_fw-la abiectio_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la quando_fw-la veliden_fw-mi exuper_fw-la antius_fw-la satisfecerit_fw-la vel_fw-la episcopo_fw-la triferio_fw-la visum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la tunc_fw-la gratiam_fw-la communionis_fw-la accipiat_fw-la that_o his_o restitution_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o bishop_n discretion_n in_o who_o power_n the_o reject_v of_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o when_o exuperantius_n the_o presbyter_n shall_v make_v satisfaction_n or_o t●iferius_n the_o bishop_n be_v so_o content_a than_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o communion_n the_o council_n of_o africa_n take_v order_n for_o such_o as_o 28._o complain_v against_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n that_o they_o be_v hear_v by_o the_o next_o bishop_n but_o if_o any_o man_n fly_v 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o canonical_a sentence_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n no_o man_n shall_v receive_v he_o to_o the_o communion_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o gregory_n word_n be_v very_o true_a where_o he_o say_v 26._o the_o bishop_n now_o in_o the_o church_n holdethe_v place_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o which_o have_v that_o degree_n of_o regiment_n have_v authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o theophilact_v 16._o they_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v which_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o a_o bishop_n office_n as_o peterhad_n the_o public_a use_n therefore_o of_o the_o key_n to_o excommunicate_v from_o all_o christian_a company_n belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o pastor_n of_o the_o place_n the_o presbyter_n sit_v with_o he_o at_o first_o as_o assessor_n and_o consenter_n before_o synod_n undertake_v such_o cause_n but_o after_o when_o once_o council_n begin_v to_o have_v the_o
any_o rash_o presume_v to_o invade_v that_o honour_n per_fw-la ordinationem_fw-la regiam_fw-la as_o ordain_v by_o the_o king_n &_o not_o by_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o his_o comprovincials_n no_o man_n may_v accept_v he_o or_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o bishop_n neither_o have_v the_o ancient_a canon_n any_o other_o sense_n which_o say_v 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n if_o any_o bishop_n rest_v on_o worldly_a governor_n by_o their_o help_n get_v any_o church_n let_v he_o be_v depose_v &_o excommunicate_v &_o all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v prince_n from_o name_v &_o elect_v of_o bishop_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o people_n only_o they_o reject_v violence_n forsomuch_o as_o a_o bishop_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v thorough_o examine_v &_o peaceable_o ordain_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v impose_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o not_o peremptory_o intrude_v or_o impose_v by_o any_o earthly_a force_n or_o power_n chap._n xvi_o the_o meeting_n of_o bishop_n in_o synod_n and_o who_o do_v call_v and_o moderate_v those_o assembly_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o necessity_n and_o authority_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o as_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v assemble_v and_o moderate_v those_o meeting_n the_o disciplinarian_n themselves_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v be_v far_o from_o make_v their_o pastor_n or_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n supreme_a judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n without_o all_o exception_n or_o revocation_n and_o we_o be_v further_o for_o what_o if_o the_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n of_o any_o place_n maintain_v heresy_n or_o offer_v injury_n which_o be_v case_n not_o rare_o incident_a but_o every_o where_o occurrent_a even_o in_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n shall_v impiety_n and_o injustice_n so_o reign_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n that_o none_o may_v withstand_v it_o or_o redress_v it_o that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o house_n of_o god_n worse_a than_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n for_o thief_n fear_v the_o detect_n and_o fly_v the_o punish_n of_o their_o offence_n which_o many_o presbyter_n will_v not_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o restrain_v and_o over_o rule_v their_o pestilent_a and_o wicked_a purpose_n wherefore_o as_o in_o civil_a affair_n there_o be_v law_n and_o power_n to_o uphold_v justice_n and_o prohibit_v violence_n without_o the_o which_o humane_a society_n can_v not_o consist_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v be_v some_o external_a and_o judicial_a mean_n to_o discern_v error_n and_o redress_v wrong_a in_o case_n any_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n be_v infect_v or_o oppress_v otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n for_o truth_n and_o equity_n to_o harbour_v long_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o remedy_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o use_v against_o heresy_n and_o injury_n she_o derive_v as_o well_o from_o the_o promise_n make_v by_o christ_n own_a word_n as_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o like_a case_n christ_n will_v such_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v grieve_v by_o their_o brethren_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n to_o toll_v it_o to_o the_o church_n add_v for_o the_o direction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o all_o religious_a assembly_n and_o conference_n 18._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n whether_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n he_o take_v for_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o ruler_n under_o moses_n law_n or_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o i_o it_o be_v indifferent_a this_o be_v evident_o the_o order_n which_o our_o saviour_n will_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o private_a admonition_n to_o go_v to_o witness_n and_o from_o witness_n to_o assembly_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v most_o plain_o signify_v and_o so_o the_o promise_n annex_v do_v clearelie_o import_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o other_o course_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o a_o end_n of_o controversy_n must_v be_v have_v among_o man_n least_o perpetual_a contention_n bring_v final_a confusion_n and_o pluck_v up_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o charity_n and_o equity_n from_o among_o man_n when_o neither_o private_a persuasion_n nor_o friendly_a mediation_n can_v appease_v the_o party_n contend_v what_o other_o order_n can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o a_o judicial_a hear_n and_o determine_v of_o thing_n in_o question_n now_o judge_n must_v needs_o be_v either_o single_a or_o assemble_v and_o single_a judge_n of_o force_n must_v either_o be_v sovereign_n and_o supreme_a judge_n or_o else_o under_o superior_n appoint_v by_o the_o same_o warrant_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n claim_v a_o single_a and_o sole_a commission_n to_o hear_v and_o conclude_v all_o cause_n concern_v either_o faith_n or_o right_n and_o be_v his_o proof_n as_o good_a as_o his_o challenge_n be_v proud_a it_o be_v worth_a the_o discuss_n but_o the_o more_o he_o claim_v the_o more_o he_o sin_v by_o reason_n he_o take_v unto_o himself_o without_o commission_n a_o infallible_a and_o inevitable_a judgement_n over_o all_o man_n and_o matter_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o any_o way_n touch_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o church_n prince_n be_v single_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o believe_v the_o defence_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o faith_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o commit_v to_o their_o power_n and_o care_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o settle_v the_o sword_n to_o be_v the_o general_a and_o perpetual_a rule_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n for_o then_o without_o a_o prince_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n and_o consequent_o neither_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o have_v christ_n any_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n since_o none_o of_o the_o roman_a prince_n that_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n public_o maintain_v the_o christian_a faith_n before_o constantine_n since_o we_o find_v no_o single_a nor_o supreme_a judge_n on_o who_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v always_o depend_v for_o the_o debate_n and_o end_v of_o ecclesiastical_a strife_n and_o contention_n of_o necessity_n there_o must_v either_o be_v none_o which_o be_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o order_n among_o the_o faithful_a where_o there_o want_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o else_o the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o who_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n thereof_o be_v commit_v must_v assemble_v together_o and_o with_o mutual_a conference_n and_o consent_n perform_v those_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a which_o otherwise_o they_o do_v to_o each_o particular_a place_n and_o person_n for_o though_o pastor_n be_v affix_v to_o their_o place_n and_o charge_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o common_a care_n they_o shall_v have_v of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o when_o need_n so_o require_v they_o must_v as_o well_o employ_v their_o travel_n abroad_o as_o bestow_v pain_n at_o home_n to_o direct_v or_o pacify_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n this_o brotherlie_a kind_n of_o succour_v and_o assist_v each_o other_o in_o trouble_n and_o danger_n be_v sometime_o perform_v by_o letter_n but_o never_o so_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o as_o by_o meeting_n and_o assemble_v together_o when_o with_o deliberate_a and_o full_a advice_n they_o may_v hear_v and_o determine_v what_o they_o think_v meet_a for_o the_o safety_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n their_o warrant_n so_o to_o do_v be_v build_v on_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o humane_a society_n strengthen_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o assure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n by_o god_n law_n what_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n the_o father_n may_v expect_v from_o his_o child_n the_o same_o or_o great_a must_v all_o believer_n yield_v to_o the_o father_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o same_o name_n and_o in_o the_o same_o commandment_n with_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v the_o same_o honour_n and_o if_o the_o fullness_n of_o each_o man_n reward_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o excellency_n
place_n force_v the_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n so_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n determine_v for_o spain_n 18._o this_o holy_a &_o general_a council_n decree_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a canon_n stand_v good_a which_o command_v synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o length_n of_o the_o way_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n the_o bishop_n shall_v assemble_v once_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v the_o 2._o council_n of_o turon_n take_v the_o same_o order_n for_o france_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 1._o it_o have_v please_v this_o holy_a council_n that_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n shall_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n in_o synod_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a by_o his_o discretion_n shall_v choose_v or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o inevitable_a necessity_n then_o without_o all_o excuse_n of_o person_n and_o occasion_n of_o pretence_n once_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v every_o man_n make_v his_o repair_n and_o if_o any_o bishop_n fail_v so_o to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n let_v he_o stand_v excommunicate_a by_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o province_n until_o a_o great_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o province_n presume_v to_o communicate_v with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a realm_n nor_o age_n wherein_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n have_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a as_o well_o under_o believe_v magistrate_n for_o consultation_n and_o direction_n as_o under_o infidel_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o irreligious_a opinion_n withstand_v wicked_a enterprise_n and_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o council_n that_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o country_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o any_o matter_n of_o moment_n come_v in_o question_n which_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o nation_n and_o province_n do_v yearly_o celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n and_o chalcedon_n council_n which_o can_v not_o be_v number_v and_o be_v not_o record_v neither_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o provincial_a synod_n prescribe_v only_o by_o council_n the_o imperial_a law_n command_v the_o like_a 10._o that_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o sacred_a rule_n may_v with_o more_o diligence_n be_v observe_v we_o require_v say_v the_o emperor_n every_o archbishop_n patriarch_n &_o metropolitan_a to_o call_v unto_o he_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o year_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o in_o the_o same_o province_n and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o cause_n which_o bishop_n clerk_n or_o monk_n have_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o determine_v they_o so_o as_o what_o so_o ever_o be_v trespass_v by_o any_o person_n against_o the_o canon_n may_v be_v reform_v the_o law_n of_o charles_n allege_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o chalcedon_n 13._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n with_o their_o metropolitan_a shall_v assemble_v in_o council_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n command_v that_o course_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o 127._o twice_o every_o year_n synod_n to_o be_v assemble_v and_o unless_o you_o give_v the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o every_o parish_n full_a and_o free_a power_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o best_o like_v to_o offer_v what_o wrong_v they_o will_v to_o use_v what_o impiety_n and_o tyranny_n they_o themselves_o listen_v without_o any_o restraint_n or_o redress_n which_o be_v a_o heathenish_a if_o not_o a_o hellish_a confusion_n you_o must_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n magistrate_n as_o oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v none_o yield_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o humane_a society_n have_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a may_v guide_v each_o part_n and_o the_o great_a number_n over-rule_v the_o lesser_a which_o without_o assemble_v in_o synod_n can_v not_o be_v do_v we_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n or_o use_n of_o lawful_a synod_n we_o confess_v 159._o they_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n against_o all_o confusion_n but_o this_o we_o dislike_v that_o you_o give_v the_o power_n to_o call_v synod_n from_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a thereby_o maintain_v a_o needless_a difference_n among_o bishop_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o you_o term_v bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n whereas_o every_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o sit_v there_o and_o by_o consent_n and_o subscription_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o have_v what_o right_a we_o yield_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o call_v synod_n within_o their_o territory_n shall_v soon_o appear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v tell_v we_o who_o call_v synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o prince_n favour_v christian_a religion_n be_v it_o do_v by_o magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v infidel_n or_o by_o metropolitanes_n and_o when_o prince_n protect_v the_o truth_n do_v they_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n by_o their_o substitute_n or_o be_v that_o charge_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n in_o every_o province_n you_o challenge_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o read_v speak_v of_o your_o credit_n who_o call_v in_o ancient_a time_n provincial_a synod_n or_o at_o any_o time_n who_o moderate_v they_o beside_o metropolitanes_n if_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n must_v have_v a_o precedent_n to_o rule_v their_o action_n for_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n how_o can_v synod_n be_v call_v &_o govern_v without_o one_o to_o prescribe_v the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o pastor_n shall_v meet_v and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o guide_v and_o moderate_v their_o assembly_n perceive_v you_o not_o that_o man_n live_v in_o diverse_a city_n and_o country_n and_o assemble_v but_o seldom_o have_v more_o need_n of_o some_o chief_a to_o call_v they_o together_o than_o those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o place_n and_o every_o day_n meet_v and_o if_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o dangerous_a in_o synod_n wherefore_o you_o must_v either_o clean_o reject_v synod_n and_o so_o make_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o parish_n supreme_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o if_o you_o receive_v synod_n you_o must_v withal_o admit_v some_o both_o to_o convocate_v and_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n the_o magistrate_n may_v callthem_n together_o and_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v may_v choose_v a_o director_n &_o guider_n of_o their_o action_n but_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o regard_n but_o rather_o afflict_v the_o church_n as_o in_o time_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n who_o shall_v then_o assemble_v the_o pastor_n of_o any_o province_n to_o deliverate_a and_o determine_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o danger_n shall_v error_n and_o injury_n overwhelm_v the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o any_o public_a remonstrance_n or_o refusance_n in_o question_n of_o faith_n case_n of_o doubt_n matter_n of_o faction_n offer_v of_o wrong_n breach_n of_o all_o order_n and_o equity_n shall_v each_o place_n and_o presbytery_n be_v free_a to_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o depend_v on_o or_o so_o much_o as_o confer_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n call_v you_o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o not_o rather_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o subversion_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o think_v you_o be_v not_o so_o far_o beside_o yourselves_o that_o you_o strive_v for_o this_o pestilent_a kind_n of_o anarchy_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n our_o age_n be_v giddy_a enough_o without_o this_o frenzy_n to_o put_v they_o forward_o howbeit_o we_o seek_v not_o what_o new_a course_n you_o can_v devise_v after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o what_o mean_v the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o prince_n embrace_v the_o truth_n to_o assemble_v synod_n and_o pacify_v controversy_n as_o well_o touch_v religion_n as_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n and_o if_o in_o the_o church_n story_n you_o find_v any_o other_o beside_o metropolicane_n that_o call_v and_o govern_v provincial_a council_n name_v the_o man_n and_o note_v the_o place_n and_o we_o yield_v you_o the_o prize_n metropolitanes_n be_v first_o establish_v if_o not_o devise_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a before_o that_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o any_o metropolitan_a
170_o seven_o year_n of_o their_o empire_n and_o irenaeus_n testify_v that_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n under_o 3._o anicetus_n the_o ten_o bishop_n there_o &_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n do_v he_o through_o ambition_n retain_v the_o place_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o long_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o so_o alter_v the_o apostolical_a kind_n of_o government_n i_o have_v rather_o challenge_v the_o consistorian_n for_o mistake_v ambrose_n then_o polycarpe_n for_o invert_v the_o apostolic_a discipline_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n call_v he_o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n irenaeus_n say_v of_o he_o 3._o hic_fw-la docuit_fw-la semper_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n didicerat_fw-la quae_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la tradidit_fw-la &_o sola_fw-la sunt_fw-la vera_fw-la he_o always_o teach_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o learn_v of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o only_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o far_o more_o authority_n and_o certain_a fidelity_n than_o any_o that_o contradict_v he_o yet_o have_v we_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christendom_n &_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o history_n and_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o bishop_n live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n &_o make_v by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n continue_v their_o place_n till_o they_o die_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n live_v that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v one_o example_n to_o the_o contrary_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n then_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a and_o false_a surmise_n which_o some_o in_o our_o age_n so_o mighty_o maintain_v that_o the_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v to_o rule_v the_o presbytery_n dure_v for_o some_o short_a space_n &_o change_v by_o course_n that_o superiority_n go_v round_o in_o order_n to_o every_o presbyter_n &_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o presbyter_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v it_o careful_o be_v man_n invention_n and_o no_o apostolic_a institution_n the_o domination_n of_o bishop_n will_v be_v their_o last_o refuge_n otherwise_o in_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o continue_v while_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o best_a learned_a of_o they_o confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v or_o shall_v be_v reprehend_v only_o they_o repine_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v jurisdiction_n over_o his_o copresbyter_n and_o here_o they_o be_v plentiful_a with_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o make_v bishop_n lord_n and_o master_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n they_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n 20._o great_a man_n exercise_v authority_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o and_o of_o peter_n 5._o feed_v the_o flock_n not_o as_o lord_n or_o commander_n over_o god_n inheritance_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o mean_o they_o by_o these_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o superiority_n nor_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o that_o pastor_n have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o flock_n it_o be_v more_o than_o childish_a to_o impugn_v one_o truth_n by_o another_o they_o themselves_o do_v agnise_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v superiority_n and_o 15._o authority_n by_o christ_n own_o commission_n above_o and_o 15._o over_o all_o other_o degree_n to_o erect_v and_o order_v the_o church_n where_o they_o preach_v and_o they_o yield_v 20._o pastors_n authority_n over_o their_o flock_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o neither_o these_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v bar_v pastoral_a power_n over_o the_o flock_n nor_o distinction_n of_o degree_n betwixt_o the_o teacher_n superior_a and_o inferior_a degree_n if_o christ_n word_n do_v exclude_v no_o man_n may_v admit_v they_o or_o defend_v they_o as_o lawful_a if_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o and_o of_o who_o christ_n there_o speak_v do_v not_o withstand_v his_o speech_n retain_v diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o forbid_v superiority_n but_o empire_n not_o pastoral_a but_o regal_a authority_n not_o fatherly_a but_o masterly_a preeminence_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n aswell_o of_o the_o people_n as_o of_o the_o presbyter_n peter_n call_v the_o people_n god_n heritage_n and_o before_o and_o after_o name_v they_o the_o lord_n flock_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v the_o faithful_a to_o 13._o obey_v their_o leader_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o no_o scripture_n do_v cross_v the_o authority_n and_o inspection_n which_o the_o guider_n of_o christ_n church_n shall_v have_v over_o their_o flock_n and_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a law_n comprise_v pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o father_n and_o assign_v they_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o parent_n we_o may_v not_o by_o colour_n of_o any_o word_n bereave_v they_o of_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n no_o more_o then_o of_o maintenance_n which_o be_v the_o part_n and_o effect_n of_o fatherly_a power_n and_o honour_n so_o long_o then_o as_o we_o give_v bishop_n no_o charge_n but_o pastoral_n no_o power_n but_o paternal_a we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o violate_v either_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n precept_n and_o consequent_o this_o kind_n of_o superiority_n may_v not_o be_v call_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v dominion_n nor_o empire_n without_o wrong_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v confirm_v it_o as_o needful_a and_o healthful_a for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v easy_o grant_v fatherly_a moderation_n and_o pastoral_n power_n unto_o bishop_n over_o the_o people_n but_o not_o over_o the_o presbyter_n on_o this_o they_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n that_o no_o pastor_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o other_o of_o the_o same_o call_n and_o hope_v assure_o to_o have_v the_o victory_n but_o they_o must_v first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o contrariety_n they_o will_v triumph_v else_o before_o the_o conquest_n for_o each_o presbytery_n as_o themselves_o confess_v must_v have_v a_o precedent_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n i_o ask_v now_o whether_o god_n give_v any_o man_n a_o bare_a title_n without_o any_o truth_n and_o a_o regiment_n without_o all_o authority_n or_o whether_o in_o god_n law_n deed_n and_o word_n concur_v and_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o precedent_n that_o be_v appoint_v and_o authorize_v by_o god_n to_o execute_v that_o office_n the_o mouth_n of_o god_n intend_v not_o for_o mockery_n as_o man_n do_v and_o therefore_o the_o name_n never_o go_v without_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v just_a in_o his_o speech_n and_o will_v not_o utter_v the_o word_n that_o shall_v delude_v the_o hearer_n if_o then_o by_o god_n law_n there_o must_v be_v precedent_n over_o presbytery_n inevitable_o there_o must_v be_v governor_n and_o superior_n over_o they_o if_o some_o must_v moderate_v the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o execute_v their_o decree_n of_o force_n they_o must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o presbyter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v main_o consequent_a out_o of_o their_o own_o position_n which_o they_o most_o refuse_v again_o when_o paul_n leave_v timothy_n at_o ephesus_n to_o 5._o impose_v hand_n to_o 5._o receive_v accusation_n against_o presbyter_n and_o 5._o open_o to_o rebuke_v such_o as_o sin_v do_v he_o not_o give_v he_o power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o even_o the_o self_n same_o that_o be_v challenge_v at_o this_o day_n to_o belong_v to_o bishop_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a at_o ephesus_n for_o timothy_n to_o have_v that_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v joint-pastor_n with_o he_o how_o come_v it_o now_o to_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a and_o antichristian_a power_n in_o his_o successor_n timothy_n they_o will_v say_v be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o can_v have_v no_o successor_n if_o none_o can_v succeed_v he_o in_o that_o power_n how_o come_v their_o presbytery_n to_o have_v it_o will_v they_o be_v evangelist_n what_o lay_v elder_n and_o all_o and_o shall_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n succeed_v timothy_n in_o his_o charge_n at_o ephesus_n that_o be_v news_n in_o deed_n if_o this_o authority_n to_o impose_v hand_n to_o receive_v accusation_n and_o rebuke_v sin_n must_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o must_v then_o be_v it_o no_o euangelisticall_a authority_n but_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o may_v and_o do_v admit_v other_o to_o succeed_v
elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n without_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n and_o in_o the_o very_o close_o of_o his_o epistle_n 6._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n that_o thou_o keep_v these_o precept_n without_o spot_n or_o reproof_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o titus_n a_o other_o of_o his_o helper_n and_o coadjutor_n in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n to_o supply_v those_o thing_n y_o it_o want_v orrectifie_v those_o thing_n which_o remain_n &_o to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o there_o be_v many_o vain_a talker_n &_o deceiver_n of_o mind_n who_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v that_o subvert_v whole_a house_n for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n rebuke_v y_z ●_o cretan_n sharp_o that_o they_o may_v be_v sound_a in_o faith_n &_o not_o take_v heed_n to_o jewish_a fable_n &_o commandment_n of_o man_n 2._o these_o thing_n speak_v &_o exhort_v &_o reproove_v with_o all_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o 3._o reject_v he_o that_o be_v a_o heretic_n after_o the_o first_o &_o second_o admonition_n by_o these_o &_o the_o like_a precept_n she_o wing_v himself_o every_o where_n to_o speak_v as_o christ_n ambassador_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n good_a behaviour_n and_o needful_a discipline_n to_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o the_o people_n that_o be_v believer_n but_o even_o the_o godly_a pastor_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n perceive_v his_o sincerity_n and_o reverence_v his_o authority_n obey_v the_o apostle_n voice_n as_o 7._o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n give_v he_o for_o the_o perfect_a direct_n and_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o gentile_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o this_o effect_n but_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n function_n and_o calling_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o other_o degree_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v they_o deacon_n doctor_n and_o pastor_n prophet_n or_o evangelist_n or_o of_o the_o 70._o disciple_n and_o this_o their_o superiority_n be_v give_v they_o by_o christ_n himself_o while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o mighty_a gift_n and_o power_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n after_o his_o ascend_n into_o the_o heaven_n and_o acknowledge_v and_o honour_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a so_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n live_v none_o spurn_v at_o it_o or_o contradict_v it_o but_o such_o as_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o to_o reign_v over_o their_o brethren_n or_o seduce_v the_o simple_a to_o serve_v their_o own_o belly_n s._n john_n note_v diotrephes_n for_o not_o acknowledge_v his_o apostleship_n in_o this_o wise_a 3_o i_o write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n that_o love_v to_o be_v chief_a among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o wherefore_o when_o i_o come_v i_o will_v declare_v his_o work_n which_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o lewd_a word_n far_o otherwise_o be_v the_o godly_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n mind_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yield_v with_o all_o submission_n unto_o the_o apostle_n as_o unto_o the_o express_a messenger_n of_o god_n will_v and_o disposer_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o put_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o apostolic_a function_n and_o they_o as_o ignatius_n confess_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n rom●n●s_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o prescribe_v or_o enjoin_v nothing_o unto_o you_o as_o peter_n and_o paul_n do_v they_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o the_o least_o and_o again_o tralian●s_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o command_v not_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o keep_v myself_o within_o my_o measure_n whereof_o we_o need_v no_o further_o nor_o sure_a proof_n than_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o and_o ever_o since_o do_v and_o do_v hold_v all_o the_o precept_n rule_n order_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v in_o their_o epistle_n for_o authentical_a oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o they_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n speak_v which_o they_o have_v write_v and_o consequent_o no_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n may_v then_o more_o resist_v or_o refuse_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n decree_n or_o do_n than_o we_o may_v now_o their_o letter_n sermon_n or_o epistle_n this_o prerogative_n to_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n and_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o have_v their_o mouth_n and_o pen_n direct_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n into_o all_o truth_n as_o well_o of_o doctrine_n as_o discipline_n be_v so_o proper_a to_o the_o apostle_n that_o no_o evangelist_n nor_o prophet_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v near_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o story_n write_v by_o mark_n and_o luke_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o be_v canonical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o writer_n but_o for_o that_o they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o apostle_n mouth_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n peruse_v and_o confirm_v as_o true_a and_o sincere_a so_o say_v luke_n of_o his_o own_o gospel_n 1._o as_o they_o deliver_v unto_o we_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye_n witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o search_v out_o perfect_o from_o the_o first_o all_o thing_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o i_o in_o order_n to_o write_v they_o and_o those_o his_o writing_n s._n paul_n say_v be_v ratify_v and_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n 8._o i_o have_v send_v the_o brother_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n which_o can_v not_o have_v so_o general_o be_v accept_v with_o good_a like_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o then_o govern_v and_o direct_v the_o church_n have_v first_o view_v &_o approve_v the_o same_o else_o neither_o will_v the_o faithful_a have_v so_o esteem_v it_o nor_o s._n paul_n so_o commend_v it_o the_o gospel_n of_o mark_n have_v the_o like_a approbation_n from_o peter_n as_o jerome_n &_o marc._n other_o do_v testify_v 1●_n mark_v the_o disciple_n &_o interpreter_n of_o peter_n according_a as_o he_o have_v hear_v peter_n make_v relation_n write_v a_o short_a gospel_n be_v thereto_o desire_v by_o the_o brethren_n at_o rome_n the_o which_o gospel_n when_o peter_n hear_v he_o allow_v it_o &_o by_o his_o authority_n publish_v it_o to_o be_v read_v of_o y_fw-fr e_o church_n as_o clemens_n in_o his_o first_o book_n hypotypωseωγ_n write_v can_v any_o man_n doubt_v read_v the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v but_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n right_o to_o require_v and_o command_v power_n to_o rebuke_n and_o revenge_n authority_n to_o dispose_n and_o ordain_v in_o all_o such_o case_n as_o touch_v the_o soundness_n of_o faith_n sincereness_n of_o life_n or_o seemliness_n of_o order_n among_o the_o faithful_a and_o that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o do_v not_o usurp_v upon_o their_o brethren_n nor_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o but_o be_v guide_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o obey_v as_o christ_n messenger_n and_o legate_n in_o every_o place_n where_o the_o truth_n be_v admit_v neither_o do_v paul_n resolve_v &_o conclude_v in_o such_o case_n by_o number_n of_o voice_n or_o assent_v of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o as_o himself_o speak_v 7._o so_o i_o teach_v in_o all_o church_n ●_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v otherwise_o hold_v he_o accurse_v 4._o some_o be_v puff_v up_o as_o if_o i_o will_v not_o come_v to_o you_o but_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o short_o by_o god_n leave_n and_o know_v not_o the_o word_n but_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o swell_v thus_o 3._o if_o any_o man_n obey_v not_o our_o say_n note_v he_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o keep_v no_o company_n with_o he_o under_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o number_n of_o their_o disciple_n who_o the_o apostle_n carry_v with_o they_o as_o companion_n of_o their_o journey_n and_o helper_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o who_o when_o they_o have_v perfect_o train_v and_o thorough_o try_v they_o leave_v any_o where_n behind_o they_o at_o their_o departure_n or_o send_v any_o whither_o in_o their_o absence_n to_o finish_v thing_n imperfect_a to_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o to_o withstand_v or_o prevent_v false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n to_o survey_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o that_o course_n which_o be_v first_o desiver_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o man_n for_o their_o better_a instruction_n serve_v with_o the_o apostle_n as_o child_n with_o their_o father_n so_o paul_n say_v of_o timothy_n 2._o you_o know_v the_o proof_n of_o he_o that_o as_o a_o son_n with_o his_o father_n he_o have_v serve_v with_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n touch_v
such_o sort_n that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v serve_v even_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o brethren_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o 9_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o may_v win_v some_o this_o he_o catch_v they_o that_o very_a time_n not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o by_o deed_n also_o for_o have_v wash_v their_o foot_n and_o wipe_v they_o drte_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o 13._o understand_v you_o what_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o i_o be_o so_o then_o if_o i_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o ought_v to_o wash_v one_o a_o other_o foot_n i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o you_o shall_v also_o do_v the_o like_v they_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o strive_v who_o shall_v be_v great_a that_o even_o the_o great_a and_o chief_a shall_v strive_v to_o prevent_v the_o low_a and_o mean_a with_o honour_n and_o service_n after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n these_o text_n than_o con●●●●e_v two_o special_a doctrine_n unto_o us._n the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o apostle_n and_o preacher_n may_v not_o challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n any_o compulsive_a dominion_n or_o violent_a jurisdiction_n over_o their_o brethren_n but_o leave_v that_o to_o prince_n the_o next_o the_o great_a our_o call_n be_v in_o christ_n church_n the_o ready_a we_o shall_v te_fw-la to_o make_v ourselves_o even_o with_o those_o of_o the_o low_a degree_n to_o gain_v they_o thereby_o but_o that_o christ_n intend_v in_o those_o place_n to_o give_v all_o sort_n of_o minister_n and_o helper_n in_o his_o church_n equal_a power_n and_o authority_n with_o his_o apostle_n i_o be_o not_o persuade_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n what_o christ_n have_v already_o give_v or_o after_o mean_v to_o give_v to_o his_o apostle_n he_o will_v never_o cross_v with_o any_o speech_n of_o he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v repent_v his_o fact_n or_o alter_v his_o mind_n but_o the_o same_o 22._o kingdom_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o he_o he_o appoint_v to_o they_o and_o as_o his_o 20._o father_n send_v he_o so_o send_v he_o they_o into_o all_o the_o world_n with_o a_o large_a warrant_n from_o his_o mouth_n and_o great_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n what_o he_o command_v they_o and_o to_o open_v all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o than_o be_v give_v to_o other_o teacher_n and_o helper_n in_o the_o church_n he_o therefore_o never_o recall_v nor_o rebate_v any_o part_n of_o their_o apostolic_a preh●●nnence_n above_o other_o but_o only_o teach_v they_o to_o use_v it_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o his_o church_n again_o what_o christ_n have_v prohibit_v no_o apostle_n guide_v by_o his_o spirit_n will_v ever_o have_v use_v or_o challenge_v but_o paul_n in_o his_o writing_n have_v challenge_v and_o use_v a_o apostolical_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n above_o other_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v already_o declare_v it_o be_v therefore_o never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o make_v all_o other_o equal_a with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o direction_n and_o regiment_n of_o his_o church_n last_o if_o those_o place_n do_v conclude_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o equality_n that_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o apostle_n among_o themselves_o to_o who_o christ_n give_v equal_a power_n and_o honour_n as_o cyprian_n note_v of_o they_o ecclesiae_fw-la the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o like_a fellowship_n of_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o jerome_n jovintanum_fw-la all_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o ground_v on_o they_o but_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o say_v 1._o not_o that_o we_o have_v dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n and_o peter_n admonish_v all_o pastor_n to_o 5._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v lord_n over_o christ_n inheritance_n but_o as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n 6._o qui_fw-la voco_fw-la ad_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la say_v origene_n non_fw-la ad_fw-la principatum_fw-la voco_fw-la sedad_fw-es seruitutem_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o bishop_n be_v call_v not_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n but_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n clericorum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la se_fw-la esse_fw-la noverin_v non_fw-it dominos_fw-la say_v jerome_n let_v the_o bishop_n understand_v they_o be_v priest_n not_o lord_n or_o master_n and_o bernard_n 20._o forma_fw-la apostolica_fw-la haec_fw-la est_fw-la dominatio_fw-la interdioitur_fw-la indicitur_fw-la ministratio_fw-la the_o pattern_n for_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o dominion_n be_v interdict_v a_o ministration_n be_v enit●ned_v these_o and_o such_o like_a speech_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n do_v neither_o prove_v all_o minister_n to_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o honour_n with_o the_o apostle_n nor_o impugn_v the_o regiment_n which_o the_o pastor_n have_v over_o their_o flock_n but_o as_o we_o 〈◊〉_d before_o by_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o distinguish_v between_o pastoral_a and_o princely_a regiment_n and_o direct_v both_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n how_o they_o shall_v govern_v the_o thing_n so_o much_o prohibit_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o word_n the_o ancient_a father_n do_v follow_v be_v that_o preacher_n and_o pastor_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d behave_v or_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n over_o their_o brethren_n what_o word_n be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o scripture_n and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o relation_n betwixt_o they_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n christ_n say_v 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o servant_n be_v not_o above_o his_o lord_n or_o master_n and_o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o servant_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n the_o power_n of_o lord_n &_o master_n over_o their_o servant_n be_v likewise_o express_v by_o our_o saviour_n 12._o the_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o again_o 7._o i_o say_v to_o my_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o 3_o you_o servant_n say_v paul_n obey_v the_o master_n of_o your_o flesh_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o his_o servant_n you_o be_v who_o you_o obey_v whereby_o as_o by_o infinite_a other_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o opposite_a to_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v neither_o child_n nor_o brethren_n but_o servant_n and_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n that_o be_v under_o the_o yoke_n and_o bind_v to_o obey_v his_o master_n will_v even_o as_o he_o be_v a_o lord_n or_o master_n that_o may_v command_v his_o servant_n to_o execute_v his_o will_n or_o thereto_o compel_v he_o with_o stripe_n for_o that_o be_v the_o right_n of_o a_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o command_v and_o punish_v his_o servant_n that_o disobey_v what_o marvel_v then_o if_o christ_n forbid_v his_o apostle_n to_o be_v lord_n and_o master_n over_o their_o brethren_n that_o be_v to_o command_v they_o and_o compel_v they_o a●_n their_o vassal_n since_o the_o believer_n be_v no_o servaunt_n but_o brethren_n and_o the_o pastor_n no_o lord_n over_o god_n inheritance_n but_o father_n unto_o the_o faithful_a whereby_o the_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n flock_n be_v not_o diminish_v but_o augment_v and_o the_o people_n not_o licence_v the_o soon_o to_o 〈◊〉_d the●_n but_o thereby_o require_v the_o rather_o to_o regard_v they_o for_o 〈…〉_o honour_n due_n to_o master_n or_o father_n and_o who_o love_v most_o a_o servant_n or_o a_o son_n ●●potia●●●_n amare_fw-la filiorum_fw-la timere_fw-la seruorum_fw-la est_fw-la a_o son_n do_v love_n a_o servant_n do_v fear_n which_o god_n express_v by_o his_o prophet_n when_o he_o ●aith_o 1._o if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n wherefore_o to_o increase_v the_o love_n of_o his_o sheep_n towards_o their_o shepherd_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o apostle_n to_o be_v fear_v as_o master_n but_o to_o be_v honour_v as_o father_n and_o consequent_o pastor_n not_o to_o force_v but_o to_o feed_v not_o to_o chase_v but_o to_o lead_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n neither_o tough_o to_o entreat_v they_o as_o servant_n but_o gentle_o to_o persuade_v they_o as_o coheire_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o require_v and_o command_v they_o do_v it_o in_o god_n name_n as_o messenger_n send_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n who_o
christ_n resurrection_n without_o either_o presbytery_n or_o people_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o 6._o o_o you_o bless_a and_o holy_a man_n say_v hilary_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o desert_n of_o your_o faith_n gate_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o obtain_v right_a to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n i_o suppose_v than_o it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v contradict_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v from_o their_o master_n a_o large_a commission_n full_a instruction_n high_a power_n and_o great_a gift_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o doctor_n pastor_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o voice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a part_n concur_v with_o they_o before_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o their_o precept_n and_o rule_n deliver_v by_o speech_n or_o express_v by_o writing_n which_o the_o faithful_a in_o every_o place_n as_o well_o pastor_n as_o people_n with_o all_o readiness_n obey_v and_o that_o in_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o likewise_o in_o retain_v sin_n and_o bind_v offender_n by_o deliver_v they_o unto_o satan_n or_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o saint_n they_o need_v not_o the_o help_n or_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n or_o presbytery_n but_o have_v power_n sufficient_a with_o impose_v their_o hand_n as_o the_o spirit_n direct_v to_o make_v prophet_n and_o pastor_n by_o give_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n needful_a for_o their_o several_a calling_n and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n can_v yield_v the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o sin_v and_o repent_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o afflict_v by_o satan_n or_o remove_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o their_o wickedness_n or_o wilfulness_n deserve_v this_o superiority_n they_o retain_v while_o they_o live_v so_o moderate_v their_o power_n that_o they_o seek_v rather_o to_o win_v the_o evil_n dispose_v with_o lenity_n then_o repress_v they_o with_o authority_n save_v when_o the_o wicked_a might_n no_o long_o be_v endure_v lest_o other_o shall_v be_v iufect_v and_o use_v such_o meekness_n and_o mildness_n towards_o all_o that_o no_o schism_n disorder_v the_o church_n by_o their_o rigour_n nor_o soul_n perish_v by_o their_o default_n labour_v more_o to_o profit_v many_o with_o their_o pain_n then_o to_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o any_o by_o their_o privilege_n and_o utter_o forget_v their_o own_o dignity_n while_o they_o serve_v and_o advance_v christ_n glory_n i_o observe_v as_o well_o their_o patience_n as_o their_o preeminence_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v i_o go_v about_o to_o make_v they_o prince_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o command_v and_o punish_v at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o not_o rather_o faithful_a steward_n and_o careful_a shepherd_n to_o feed_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n chap._n ix_o what_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n power_n and_o charge_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v it_o will_v happy_o be_v grant_v the_o apostle_n have_v their_o prerogative_n and_o preeminence_n above_o other_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o limit_v to_o their_o person_n and_o during_o for_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v make_v from_o their_o superiority_n to_o force_v the_o like_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o their_o office_n and_o function_n be_v long_o since_o cease_v and_o no_o like_a power_n reserve_v to_o their_o successor_n after_o they_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o apostle_n be_v personal_a give_v they_o by_o god_n wisdom_n for_o the_o first_o spread_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o plant_v of_o the_o church_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v convert_v unto_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o miracle_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o that_o all_o their_o gift_n end_v with_o their_o life_n and_o no_o part_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o power_n remain_v to_o their_o after-commer_n may_v neither_o be_v confess_v by_o we_o nor_o affirnt_v by_o any_o unless_o we_o mean_v whole_o to_o subvert_v the_o church_n of_o christ._n to_o be_v call_v by_o christ_n own_o mouth_n and_o send_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o visible_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n cure_n disease_n work_v miracle_n know_v secret_n and_o understand_v all_o wisdom_n but_o to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o other_o that_o they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v needful_a at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o convert_v infidel_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o christ_n before_o to_o confirm_v the_o believer_n compass_v with_o diverse_a temptation_n and_o to_o store_v the_o whole_a world_n then_o present_o with_o meet_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o to_o maintain_v the_o church_n once_o settle_v and_o faith_n once_o preach_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o either_o the_o immediate_a vocation_n or_o general_a commission_n or_o mighty_a operation_n and_o sudden_a inspiration_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v always_o endure_v the_o scripture_n once_o write_v suffice_v all_o age_n for_o instruction_n the_o miracle_n then_o do_v be_v for_o ever_o a_o most_o evident_a confirmation_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o authority_n of_o their_o first_o calling_n live_v yet_o in_o their_o succession_n and_o time_n and_o travel_v join_v with_o god_n grace_n bring_v pastor_n at_o this_o present_a to_o perfection_n yet_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o teach_v baptize_v and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n to_o impose_v hand_n for_o the_o ordain_v of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n these_o part_n of_o the_o apostolic_a function_n and_o charge_n be_v not_o decay_v and_o can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o must_v either_o be_v no_o church_n or_o else_o these_o must_v remain_v for_o without_o these_o no_o church_n can_v continue_v the_o gospel_n must_v be_v preach_v the_o sacrament_n must_v be_v frequent_v for_o which_o purpose_v some_o must_v be_v take_v to_o the_o public_a service_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n for_o 10._o how_o shall_v they_o invocate_v in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v or_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v or_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v without_o send_v there_o can_v be_v no_o preach_n without_o preach_v the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n for_o faith_n and_o without_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o church_n neither_o only_a the_o lack_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o the_o profanation_n and_o abuse_n of_o either_o how_o great_o doethit_n endanger_v the_o state_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n yea_o 7._o the_o cast_n of_o holy_a thing_n unto_o dog_n and_o of_o pearl_n before_o swine_n how_o dreadful_a a_o judgement_n do_v it_o procure_v as_o well_o to_o the_o consenter_n as_o presumer_n 5._o a_o little_a leaven_n so_o wretch_n the_o whole_a mass_n so_o that_o power_n to_o send_v labourer_n into_o god_n harvest_n and_o to_o separate_v profane_a person_n for_o de●iling_v the_o mystery_n and_o assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a must_v be_v retain_v and_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n unless_o we_o will_v turn_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 7._o into_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n and_o make_v the_o temple_n 18._o a_o cage_n for_o unclean_a and_o hateful_a bird_n as_o the_o thing_n be_v needful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v first_o commit_v can_v be_v doubt_v 28._o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o eleven_o in_o mount_n olivet_n whenhe_v ascend_v 22._o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o say_v he_o to_o the_o twelve_o that_o sit_v at_o supper_n with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n when_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o eleven_o sit_v together_o he_o say_v 20._o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v for_o though_o the_o lord_n before_o his_o death_n promise_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o peter_n and_o as_o then_o say_v nothing_o unto_o the_o
be_v all_o one_o with_o doctor_n you_o have_v lose_v one_o of_o those_o office_n which_o you_o affirm_v to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n if_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o they_o they_o be_v superior_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o betwixt_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n for_o such_o be_v teacher_n by_o saint_n paul_n rule_n you_o establish_v a_o difference_n of_o degree_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n the_o dispense_n whereof_o no_o doubt_n be_v common_a to_o all_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o so_o to_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n not_o withstand_v the_o moderation_n and_o oversight_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v still_o reserve_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o absent_a as_o present_v even_o when_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n thereof_o be_v impart_v to_o other_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n i_o mean_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o impose_v hand_n be_v two_o other_o part_n of_o apostolic_a authority_n which_o must_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o these_o key_n be_v double_a the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n annex_v to_o the_o word_n the_o key_n of_o power_n refer_v to_o the_o sacrament_n some_o late_a writer_n by_o urge_v the_o one_o abolish_v the_o other_o howbeit_o i_o see_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o countervail_v the_o scripture_n and_o father_n that_o defend_v and_o retain_v both_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n must_v not_o be_v doubt_v of_o our_o saviour_n in_o express_a word_n name_v it_o 11._o woe_n be_v to_o you_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n for_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n you_o enter_v not_o in_o yourselves_o and_o those_o that_o be_v come_v in_o you_o forbid_v the_o key_n of_o power_n stand_v on_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o peter_n 16._o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o likewise_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n 18._o whatsoever_o you_o bind_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o they_o all_o 20._o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o lest_o we_o shall_v understand_v these_o place_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o some_o new_a writer_n do_v saint_n paul_n have_v plain_a word_n that_o can_v be_v wrest_v to_o that_o sense_n speak_v of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a that_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n he_o say_v 2._o sufficient_a for_o that_o man_n be_v this_o rebuke_v of_o many_o so_o that_o now_o contrary_a wise_a you_o ought_v rather_o to_o forgive_v he_o and_o comfort_n he_o lest_o he_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o too_o much_o sorrow_n to_o who_o you_o forgive_v any_o thing_n i_o also_o forgive_v for_o if_o i_o forgive_v aught_o to_o any_o i_o forgive_v it_o for_o your_o sake_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ._n as_o paul_n deliver_v this_o offender_n to_o satan_n and_o shut_v both_o the_o church_n and_o heaven_n against_o he_o so_o now_o upon_o the_o detest_a and_o forsake_v of_o his_o sin_n he_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hope_v of_o god_n kingdom_n from_o which_o before_o he_o be_v exclude_v and_o this_o paul_n do_v not_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o penitent_a for_o as_o then_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o corinth_n but_o by_o forgive_a he_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n as_o by_o his_o apostolic_a power_n he_o may_v both_o these_o key_n the_o one_o of_o knowledge_n the_o other_o of_o power_n 66._o ambrose_n mention_v in_o his_o 66._o sermon_n and_o likewise_o origen_n in_o his_o 25._o tractate_n upon_o matthew_n add_v a_o three_o key_n where_o he_o say_v 23._o blessed_n be_v they_o that_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n either_o by_o their_o word_n or_o by_o their_o good_a work_n for_o live_v well_o and_o teach_v right_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n before_o man_n while_o they_o enter_v themselves_o and_o provoke_v other_o to_o follow_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o late_a writer_n it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o whole_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o key_n of_o power_n but_o only_o to_o draw_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n speak_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o apostle_n rather_o to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o to_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o reserve_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v full_a authority_n to_o excommunicate_v notorious_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n these_o man_n foresee_v that_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n then_o have_v lay_v elder_n who_o do_v not_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostle_n room_n and_o function_n nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o apostle_n key_n because_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o mar_v the_o lay_v pre●●●terie_n therefore_o the_o patroness_n thereof_o conveie_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o sense_n and_o build_v the_o groundwork_n of_o excommunication_n upon_o the_o 18._o chapter_n of_o saint_n matthewes_n gospel_n where_o the_o church_n be_v name_v and_o not_o the_o apostle_n but_o this_o devise_n be_v both_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o a_o preamble_n to_o the_o lie_v presbytery_n which_o all_o the_o catholic_a father_n with_o one_o voice_n contradict_v as_o i_o have_v 115._o before_o at_o large_a declare_v omit_v the_o lay_v burgess_n of_o the_o church_n as_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o apostle_n key_n it_o rest_v in_o this_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v to_o who_o those_o key_n be_v commit_v whether_o equal_o to_o all_o presbyter_n or_o chief_o to_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n the_o like_a must_v be_v do_v for_o imposition_n of_o hand_n whether_o that_o also_o pertain_v indifferent_o to_o all_o or_o special_o to_o bishop_n before_o we_o make_v a_o full_a resolution_n to_o these_o question_n we_o must_v search_v the_o time_n when_o bishop_n first_o begin_v and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o ordain_v and_o authorize_v in_o which_o inquisition_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o report_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o so_o descend_v to_o the_o position_n and_o assertion_n of_o such_o as_o in_o our_o age_n impugn_v and_o gainsay_v the_o vocation_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n epiphanius_n report_n be_v this_o 75._o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o sudden_o settle_v all_o thing_n there_o be_v present_a need_v of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o by_o those_o two_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v supply_v where_o there_o be_v none_o find_v worthy_a of_o the_o bishopric_n the_o place_n remain_v without_o a_o bishop_n but_o where_o there_o be_v need_v and_o fit_v man_n find_v for_o the_o episcopal_a function_n bishop_n be_v ordain_v every_o thing_n be_v not_o perfect_a from_o the_o beginning_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n thing_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o furnish_n of_o all_z occasion_n the_o church_n in_o this_o wise_a receive_v the_o perfection_n of_o her_o government_n ambrose_n somewhat_o differ_v from_o epiphanius_n say_v apostolus_fw-la 4._o timotheum_n presbyterum_fw-la a_o se_fw-la creatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la vocat_fw-la quia_fw-la primi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la episcopi_fw-la appellabantur_fw-la ut_fw-la recedente_fw-la eo_fw-la sequens_fw-la ei_fw-la succederet_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la coeperunt_fw-la sequentes_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la indigni_fw-la inveniri_fw-la ad_fw-la primatus_fw-la tenendos_fw-la immutata_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la prospiciente_fw-la concilio_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la ordo_fw-la sed_fw-la meritum_fw-la crearet_fw-la episcopum_fw-la etc._n etc._n paul_n call_v timothy_n create_v a_o presbyter_n by_o himself_o or_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n a_o bishop_n because_o the_o first_o presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n so_o as_o the_o first_o depart_v the_o next_o succeed_v he_o but_o for_o that_o the_o presbyter_n which_o follow_v begin_v to_o be_v find_v unworthy_a to_o bear_v the_o chief_a regiment_n the_o manner_n be_v change_v a_o council_n provide_v that_o not_o order_n but_o desert_n shall_v make_v a_o bishop_n appoint_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o priest_n lest_o a_o unfit_a person_n shall_v rash_o usurp_v the_o place_n and_o be_v a_o offence_n to_o many_o jeromes_n opinion_n be_v evident_a by_o his_o word_n which_o i_o repeat_v before_o &_o in_o effect_n he_o affirm_v thus_o much_o euagrium_n before_o there_o be_v faction_n in_o religion_n a_o presbyter_n &_o a_o
their_o own_o lust_n and_o turn_v their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n to_o fable_n paul_n send_v timothy_n thither_o to_o 2._o stay_v these_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n to_o 1._o command_v that_o they_o teach_v no_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o 5._o impose_v hand_n on_o such_o as_o be_v fit_n to_o 5._o receive_v accusation_n against_o sinful_a and_o ungodly_a presbyter_n and_o to_o 5._o rebuke_v they_o open_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n to_o 5._o reject_v young_a and_o wanton_a widow_n and_o to_o see_v true_a 17._o labourer_n in_o the_o word_n honour_v and_o cherish_v and_o final_o to_o oversee_v the_o whole_a house_n of_o god_n and_o every_o part_n thereof_o as_o well_o teacher_n and_o presbyter_n as_o deacon_n widow_n and_o hearer_n and_o not_o only_o instruct_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v 3._o behave_v himself_o as_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n but_o 5._o charge_v he_o before_o the_o live_a god_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o observe_v those_o thing_n without_o respect_v person_n or_o any_o incline_n to_o part_n likewise_o in_o crete_n when_o 10._o many_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n of_o mind_n 11._o subvert_v whole_a house_n and_o load_v the_o church_n with_o 14._o jewish_a fable_n and_o commandment_n of_o man_n paul_n leave_v tite_n there_o to_o 5._o redress_v thing_n amiss_o to_o 11._o stop_v their_o mouth_n that_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n to_o 9_o stay_v foolish_a question_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o law_n 10._o to_o reject_v heretic_n after_o one_o or_o two_o admonition_n and_o 15._o sharp_o to_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n not_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o despise_v he_o as_o also_o to_o 5._o ordain_v good_a and_o religious_a presbyter_n and_o bishop_n in_o every_o city_n that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o improove_v gainsayer_n and_o here_o first_o do_v paul_n by_o writing_n express_v that_o he_o place_v substitute_n where_o need_n be_v with_o episcopal_a power_n and_o honour_n to_o guide_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n these_o example_n make_v nothing_o to_o your_o purpose_n for_o first_o they_o do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n but_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o bishop_n do_v not_o next_o they_o be_v evangelist_n and_o no_o bishop_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n may_v have_v this_o special_a deputation_n from_o the_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v your_o learning_n will_v serve_v you_o to_o say_v that_o paul_n leave_v both_o these_o to_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o crete_n and_o at_o ephesus_n for_o a_o week_n and_o in_o their_o order_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n do_v but_o such_o test_n if_o you_o dare_v adventure_v they_o will_v crack_v both_o your_o cause_n and_o your_o credit_n paul_n belike_o pray_v timothy_n to_o stay_v at_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o presbytery_n together_o and_o to_o ask_v voice_n and_o to_o do_v just_a what_o please_v the_o rest_n to_o decree_v but_o if_o you_o elude_v and_o frustrate_v the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o such_o addition_n not_o only_o beside_o but_o against_o the_o text_n you_o can_v deceive_v none_o save_o such_o as_o will_v not_o believe_v saint_n paul_n himself_o if_o he_o shall_v speak_v against_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n for_o our_o part_n we_o take_v the_o word_n as_o they_o stand_v and_o so_o do_v the_o catholic_a father_n before_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o paul_n have_v wit_n enough_o to_o discerue_v to_o who_o he_o shall_v write_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o mistake_v timothy_n for_o the_o presbytery_n if_o timothy_n have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o consult_v what_o please_v the_o presbyter_n to_o determine_v in_o every_o of_o these_o point_n how_o childish_a a_o oversight_n be_v it_o for_o paul_n to_o skip_v the_o whole_a bench_n of_o they_o and_o to_o charge_n and_o adjure_v he_o to_o see_v these_o precept_n inviolable_o keep_v without_o spare_v or_o fear_v any_o man_n for_o thus_o you_o must_v expound_v or_o rather_o imprison_v and_o fetter_v every_o word_n that_o paul_n speak_v in_o those_o three_o epistle_n command_v with_o all_o authority_n receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n against_o a_o presbyter_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n rebuke_v they_o that_o sin_n reject_v heretic_n after_o two_o warning_n refuse_v young_a widow_n stay_v vain_a contention_n and_o unprofitable_a question_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n impose_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n that_o be_v as_o you_o interpret_v call_v the_o presbytery_n together_o and_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v content_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no._n and_o so_o i_o adjure_v and_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o precept_n inviolable_a and_o unblameable_a that_o be_v observe_v they_o if_o the_o presbytery_n will_v consent_v and_o agree_v unto_o thou_o else_o not_o but_o i_o think_v you_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o these_o mockery_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o you_o will_v rather_o fly_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o answer_n that_o they_o be_v authorize_v to_o do_v these_o thing_n as_o evangelist_n and_o not_o as_o bishop_n we_o express_v so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v evangelist_n and_o no_o bishop_n evangelist_n you_o shall_v say_v and_o bishop_n for_o when_o they_o leave_v follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o be_v affix_v to_o certain_a place_n with_o this_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v what_o else_o can_v they_o be_v but_o bishop_n they_o assist_v the_o apostle_n present_a and_o supply_v their_o absence_n and_o do_v continue_v the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o now_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o power_n and_o care_n be_v bishop_n when_o they_o stay_v in_o any_o place_n much_o more_o the_o evangelist_n if_o the_o same_o ●idelitie_n and_o authority_n be_v still_o needful_a and_o therefore_o perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o do_v these_o thing_n not_o by_o their_o euangelisticall_a call_n which_o be_v long_o since_o cease_v but_o by_o their_o episcopal_a which_o yet_o do_v and_o must_v remain_v for_o if_o this_o power_n and_o pre-eminence_n descend_v from_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n it_o be_v evident_a this_o commission_n and_o charge_n be_v episcopal_a since_o no_o part_n of_o their_o euangelship_n be_v derive_v to_o their_o after-commer_n we_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v they_o call_v or_o count_v bishop_n in_o deed_n if_o succession_n of_o episcopal_a power_n come_v from_o the_o apostle_n to_o they_o and_o so_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o shall_v soon_o conclude_v that_o bishop_n come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o you_o do_v wise_o to_o resist_v it_o but_o by_o your_o patience_n you_o must_v endure_v it_o the_o best_a story_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v make_v they_o bishop_n and_o likewise_o paul_n precept_n to_o they_o the_o very_a pattern_n of_o episcopal_a charge_n and_o duty_n 4._o timothy_n say_v eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o the_o story_n report_v to_o be_v the_o first_o that_o take_v the_o bishopric_n of_o ephesus_n as_o tite_n also_o do_v of_o the_o church_n in_o crete_n jerome_n who_o word_n you_o strong_o press_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o such_o as_o be_v equal_a with_o presbyter_n and_o not_o superior_n unto_o they_o say_v ecclesiasticis_fw-la timothy_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n by_o bless_a paul_n and_o tite_n bishop_n of_o crete_n preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o and_o in_o the_o island_n round_o about_o ambrose_n paul_n tim._n by_o his_o epistle_n instruct_v timothy_n now_o create_v a_o bishop_n how_o he_o ought_v to_o order_v the_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o other_o tit._n the_o apostle_n have_v consecrate_v tite_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o he_o warn_v he_o to_o be_v careful_a in_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n chrysostome_n 1._o paul_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n fulfil_v thy_o ministry_n when_o he_o be_v now_o a_o bishop_n for_o that_o timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n paul_n declare_v by_o his_o writing_n thus_o unto_o he_o lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n and_o again_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n for_o by_o no_o mean_n presbyter_n can_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n and_o show_v how_o evangelist_n may_v become_v bishop_n he_o say_v timotheum_n why_o do_v paul_n write_v only_o to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n where_o as_o silas_n and_o luke_n be_v also_o his_o disciple_n and_o endue_v with_o marvelous_a virtue_n because_o he_o have_v now_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o government_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o as_o
of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n among_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n melito_n be_v renown_v a_o man_n both_o learn_v and_o godly_a but_o what_o predeccessor_n or_o successor_n he_o have_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o record_v beza_n say_v 2._o angelo_n ide_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quem_fw-la nimirum_fw-la oportuit_fw-la inprimis_fw-la de_fw-la hijs_fw-la rebus_fw-la admoneri_fw-la ac_fw-la per_fw-la cum_fw-la caeteros_fw-la collegas_fw-la totámque_fw-la adeo_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la to_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o the_o chief_a precedent_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o first_o warning_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o from_o he_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o person_n that_o speak_v unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o those_o seven_o church_n &_o name_n which_o he_o give_v they_o i_o collect_v their_o vocation_n be_v not_o only_o confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o but_o their_o commission_n express_v he_o speak_v that_o have_v best_a right_a to_o appoint_v what_o pastor_n he_o will_v have_v to_o guide_v his_o flock_n till_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n even_o christ_n jesus_n the_o prince_n of_o pastor_n the_o name_n that_o he_o give_v they_o she_o with_o their_o power_n and_o charge_n to_o be_v authorize_v &_o deliver_v they_o from_o god_n for_o a_o angel_n be_v god_n messenger_n and_o consequent_o these_o seven_o each_o in_o his_o several_a charge_n and_o city_n be_v will_v to_o reform_v the_o error_n &_o abuse_n of_o their_o church_n that_o be_v both_o of_o presbyter_n and_o people_n they_o be_v warn_v at_o who_o hand_n it_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o by_o he_o that_o shall_v sit_v judge_n to_o take_v account_n of_o their_o do_n hence_o i_o infer_v first_o their_o preeminence_n above_o their_o helper_n and_o coadjutor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n be_v warrant_v to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n next_o they_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o reproove_v and_o redress_v thing_n amiss_o in_o their_o church_n be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o people_n that_o be_v offender_n which_o of_o these_o two_o can_v you_o refuse_v shall_v they_o be_v angel_n and_o not_o allow_v of_o god_n can_v they_o be_v his_o messenger_n and_o not_o send_v by_o he_o he_o will_v never_o reward_v they_o if_o he_o do_v not_o send_v they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n shall_v they_o be_v charge_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o amend_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o forgetful_a as_o to_o rebuke_v and_o threaten_v the_o pastor_n for_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o people_n fault_n if_o he_o have_v no_o further_a power_n over_o either_o but_o to_o ask_v voice_n at_o who_o hand_n do_v god_n require_v his_o sheep_n but_o at_o the_o shepherd_n he_o can_v be_v angel_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o he_o must_v have_v pastor_n all_o authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n you_o will_v will_v say_v have_v the_o same_o charge_n with_o he_o in_o their_o degree_n they_o have_v but_o why_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n write_v only_o do_v one_o of_o they_o if_o all_o be_v even_o both_o in_o power_n and_o charge_n you_o be_v wo●●●●●ie_o eagerlie_a to_o ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n never_o mention_v any_o bishop_n if_o there_o have_v be_v bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o objection_n though_o it_o be_v need_v lessen_v he_o answer_v because_o it_o be_v negative_a yet_o ambrose_n and_o epiphanus_n tell_v you_o the_o church_n at_o the_o beginning_n be_v not_o settle_v moroffice_n exact_o divide_v yea_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o a_o time_n keep_v the_o episcopal_a power_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o in_o some_o place_n paul_n name_v the_o bishop_n as_o 4●_n archippus_n bishop_n of_o colossus_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o press_v you_o with_o the_o affirmative_a &_o ask_v you_o how_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v write_v precise_o to_o one_o angel_n in_o every_o of_o those_o seven_o church_n if_o there_o be_v many_o or_o none_o and_o what_o reason_n to_o charge_v he_o above_o the_o rest_n if_o he_o have_v no_o pastourall_a power_n beside_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o that_o time_n be_v guide_v by_o certain_a chief_a pastor_n that_o ●●●erated_v as_o well_o the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o those_o the_o son_n of_o god_n ●●_o knowledge_v for_o star_n and_o 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v for_o the_o messenger_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o hoste●_n at_o who_o 〈◊〉_d the_o rest_n shall_v ask_v and_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o as_o they_o be_v chief_a pastor_n so_o be_v they_o chief●_n 〈…〉_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n by_o his_o law_n comprise_v they_o under_o that_o name_n and_o command_v not_o only_a reverence_n and_o maintenance_n but_o obedience_n also_o to_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o this_o case_n be_v so_o clear_a it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v 44._o the_o church_n say_v austen_n call_v the_o bishop_n her_o father_n the_o bishop_n 44._o be_v thy_o father_n say_v jerome_n by_o who_o thou_o be_v rule_v origen_n that_o romanos_fw-la teacher_n be_v call_v father_n the_o apostle_n paul_n she_o w_v when_o he_o say_v i_o have_v beget_v you_o in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o gospel_n 43._o he_o be_v a_o good_a father_n say_v ambrose_n which_o can_v teach_v &_o frame_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o we_o as_o paul_n say_v my_o little_a child_n with_o who_o i_o travel_v again_o till_o christ_n be_v fashion_v in_o you_o heb._n can_v i_o be_v a_o father_n say_v chrysostome_n &_o not_o lament_v i_o be_o a_o father_n in_o affection_n towards_o you_o and_o languish_v with_o love_n hear_v how_o paul_n cry_v out_o my_o little_a child_n with_o who_o i_o travel_v again_o and_o therefore_o 3._o worthy_o say_v he_o be_v the_o priest_n to_o have_v more_o honour_n than_o our_o own_o parent_n they_o be_v these_o to_o who_o the_o spiritual_a birth_n be_v commit_v if_o they_o be_v father_n they_o must_v be_v honour_v and_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o honour_n be_v obedience_n disobedience_n of_o child_n be_v punish_v in_o god_n law_n 21._o by_o death_n and_o shall_v it_o be_v no_o si●ne_n in_o we_o to_o disobey_v the_o father_n of_o our_o faith_n their_o flock_n you_o think_v must_v obey_v they_o but_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow_n presbyter_n must_v not_o as_o though_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o flock_n be_v not_o their_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o presbyter_n or_o as_o if_o among_o brethren_n there_o may_v be_v no_o superiority_n apolorum_fw-la omnes_fw-la nos_fw-la fratres_fw-la sumus_fw-la quamquam_fw-la &_o inter_fw-la fraire_n fas_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la unus_fw-la praescribatac_fw-la caeteri_fw-la obtemperent_fw-la we_o be_v all_o brethren_n say_v chrysostome_n speak_v to_o his_o clergy_n how_o be_v it_o among_o brethren_n it_o be_v lawful_a that_o one_o shall_v prescribe_v and_o the_o rest_n obey_v and_o speak_v of_o the_o return_n of_o the_o bishop_n when_o himself_o be_v a_o presbyter_n at_o antioch_n he_o say_v antioch_n benedictus_fw-la deus_fw-la qui_fw-la caput_fw-la corpori_fw-la reddidit_fw-la &_o pastorem_fw-la ovibus_fw-la praceptorem_fw-la discipulis_fw-la militibus_fw-la ducem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bless_a be_v god_n that_o have_v restore_v the_o head_n to_o the_o body_n the_o pastor_n to_o the_o sheep_n the_o master_n to_o the_o scholar_n the_o captain_n to_o the_o soldier_n the_o high_a priest_n to_o the_o presbyter_n basill_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o neocaesarea_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o their_o bishop_n say_v neecasation_n thy_o fair_a beauty_n o_o city_n be_v decay_v the_o church_n close_v her_o eye_n the_o solemn_a assembly_n look_v heaullie_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacred_a synedrion_n or_o presbytery_n desire_v their_o head_n they_o that_o be_v in_o dignaie_v their_o leader_n the_o people_n their_o ruler_n nepotianum_fw-la be_v subject_n to_o thy_o bishop_n say_v jerome_n instruct_v nepotianus_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o reverence_v he_o as_o the_o father_n of_o thy_o soul_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n say_v the_o prophet_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v that_o understand_v a_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n to_o be_v 24._o if_o any_o say_v ambrose_n speak_v of_o presbyter_n and_o minister_n obey_v not_o his_o bishop_n he_o swerve_v from_o the_o right_a way_n through_o pride_n austen_n be_v new_o make_v presbyter_n and_o desire_v some_o long_a respite_n of_o the_o bishop_n before_o he_o undertake_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n say_v 148._o will_v you_o i_o to_o perish_v o_o father_n valerius_n i_o beseech_v you_o by_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n even_o by_o he_o that_o have_v inspire_v so_o
great_a love_n in_o you_o towards_o we_o that_o we_o dare_v not_o offend_v you_o for_o the_o gain_n of_o our_o soul_n 14._o some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n say_v cyprian_n to_o his_o clergy_n neither_o remember_v the_o gospel_n nor_o their_o place_n neither_o think_v on_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o come_v nor_o on_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v set_v overdo_n they_o which_o be_v never_o do_v under_o any_o of_o my_o predecessor_n with_o contempt_n and_o reproach_n of_o their_o ruler_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v anything_o even_o to_o communicate_v with_o those_o that_o fall_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n let_v those_o rash_a and_o unwise_a among_o you_o know_v that_o if_o they_o persist_v any_o long_o in_o such_o action_n i_o will_v use_v that_o admonition_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v i_o in_o suspend_v they_o from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o at_o my_o return_n make_v they_o answer_v before_o we_o and_o the_o whole_a people_n for_o their_o do_n some_o ripe_a youth_n will_v think_v all_o these_o father_n be_v infect_v with_o humane_a devise_n in_o attribute_v so_o much_o unto_o bishop_n but_o the_o grave_a sort_n will_v remember_v these_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n be_v as_o like_a to_o know_v what_o in_o christian_a duty_n they_o be_v to_o yield_v or_o to_o ask_v as_o the_o plotformer_n of_o our_o time_n that_o affirm_v the_o bishop_n must_v be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o presbyter_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o determine_v the_o bishop_n then_o or_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o i_o stand_v not_o on_o name_n while_o i_o discuss_v their_o power_n be_v by_o christ_n own_o mouth_n proneunce_v to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a steward_n over_o god_n household_n and_o overseer_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v in_o the_o church_n be_v pastoral_n and_o paternal_a even_o the_o same_o that_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o fatherly_a kind_n of_o regiment_n begin_v in_o the_o patriarch_n dure_v in_o the_o priest_n and_o prophet_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v derive_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o descend_v to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o obey_v in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o father_n of_o all_o their_o child_n this_o power_n and_o honour_n i_o trust_n be_v so_o tolerable_a and_o christian_n that_o you_o dare_v not_o spurn_v against_o it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o give_v it_o only_o to_o they_o and_o take_v it_o from_o all_o other_o we_o will_v not_o gain_v say_v it_o so_o much_o as_o we_o do_v that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o every_o pastor_n in_o regard_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v the_o chief_a to_o who_o oversight_n and_o charge_n the_o whole_a church_n in_o every_o place_n be_v commit_v if_o you_o think_v the_o name_n of_o pastor_n can_v be_v common_a to_o many_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n than_o the_o bishop_n must_v be_v pastor_n alone_o for_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o god_n church_n if_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n may_v be_v common_a to_o many_o then_o must_v he_o have_v it_o chief_o and_o above_o all_o because_o he_o be_v god_n angel_n and_o superior_a to_o all_o you_o remember_v your_o own_o position_n it_o be_v god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v chief_a as_o well_o over_o presbyter_n as_o people_n he_o can_v be_v chief_a in_o the_o presbytery_n but_o he_o must_v be_v chief_a in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o if_o the_o presbyter_n be_v pastor_n he_o be_v chief_a pastor_n we_o give_v he_o no_o power_n but_o to_o moderate_v the_o meeting_n and_o execute_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o presbyter_n that_o we_o be_v well_o content_a the_o bishop_n shall_v enjoy_v but_o further_o we_o give_v he_o none_o bless_a be_v your_o presbyter_n that_o must_v have_v their_o better_n to_o execute_v their_o decree_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o sir_n for_o god_n decree_n who_o shall_v execute_v they_o must_v the_o presbyter_n voice_n be_v ask_v before_o god_n law_n be_v execute_v take_v heed_n not_o of_o tyrannical_a but_o of_o satanical_a pride_n if_o god_n will_v shall_v not_o take_v place_n in_o your_o church_n till_o the_o presbytery_n be_v assemble_v and_o agree_v you_o have_v provide_v a_o precedent_n to_o execute_v your_o own_o pleasure_n now_o let_v god_n have_v one_o among_o you_o to_o execute_v he_o execution_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o reserve_v to_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a for_o as_o to_o consult_v and_o decree_v a_o number_n be_v fit_a so_o to_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v decree_v one_o be_v the_o sure_a lest_o if_o execution_n be_v commit_v to_o many_o their_o excuse_v themselves_o one_o on_o another_o or_o dissent_v from_o each_o other_o do_v hinder_v the_o whole_a you_o begin_v to_o be_v wise_a the_o honour_n to_o determine_v you_o keep_v to_o yourselves_o the_o pain_n to_o execute_v you_o lay_v on_o your_o chief_a ruler_n to_o make_v he_o the_o glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o his_o office_n that_o another_o by_o course_n may_v succeed_v in_o his_o room_n and_o so_o where_o by_o god_n ordinance_n you_o must_v have_v one_o chief_a you_o take_v such_o order_n with_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v willing_a to_o stay_v long_o in_o it_o we_o do_v it_o to_o prevent_v ambition_n in_o such_o as_o will_v seek_v for_o the_o high_a place_n you_o decrease_v the_o ambition_n of_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v high_a and_o increase_v the_o pride_n of_o a_o hundred_o that_o shall_v be_v low_a for_o where_o we_o have_v one_o bishop_n in_o a_o diocese_n tie_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o the_o prince_n you_o will_v have_v three_o hundred_o in_o a_o diocese_n in_o some_o more_o all_o of_o equal_a power_n and_o set_v at_o liberty_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o matter_n at_o their_o pleasure_n we_o subject_a our_o presbytery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o the_o realm_n as_o well_o as_o you_o do_v your_o bishop_n and_o give_v they_o no_o leave_n to_o resist_v or_o reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o any_o superior_a power_n you_o do_v well_o for_o when_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n have_v declare_v his_o will_n or_o the_o church_n by_o her_o provincial_a or_o general_a council_n determine_v doubt_n and_o make_v rule_n or_o christian_a magistrate_n by_o their_o law_n redress_v and_o order_v thing_n amiss_o beside_o the_o lo●se_n of_o your_o pain_n it_o be_v more_o than_o pride_n for_o your_o presbyter_n in_o their_o assembly_n to_o consult_v afresh_o and_o bring_v the_o self_n same_o thing_n again_o to_o the_o question_n what_o be_v decree_v by_o superior_n must_v not_o by_o inferior_n be_v debate_v whether_o it_o shall_v take_v place_n or_o no_o but_o be_v rather_o obey_v with_o readiness_n so_o that_o in_o all_o case_n determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o church_n or_o the_o prince_n consultation_n be_v both_o superfluous_a and_o presumptuous_a execution_n be_v only_o needful_a and_o that_o must_v be_v commit_v to_o some_o person_n that_o may_v precise_o be_v challenge_v and_o punish_v for_o the_o contempt_n if_o that_o which_o be_v command_v be_v not_o perform_v now_o who_o appoint_v you_o to_o execute_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o the_o prince_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n then_o upon_o the_o not_o execution_n of_o god_n or_o man_n law_n by_o any_o one_o prebyter_n all_o must_v be_v punish_v aswell_o innocent_a as_o nocent_a diligent_a as_o negligent_a the_o blame_n must_v lie_v on_o all_o where_o the_o charge_n be_v in_o common_a be_v you_o but_o once_o or_o twice_o well_o follow_v for_o other_o man_n fault_n you_o will_v soon_o wear_v weary_a of_o this_o general_a and_o confuse_a execution_n and_o though_o you_o will_v not_o yet_o neither_o the_o equity_n nor_o prudency_n of_o god_n or_o man_n law_n endure_v that_o wander_a kind_n of_o execution_n they_o note_v and_o specify_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n to_o execute_v their_o decree_n that_o upon_o any_o neglect_n or_o defect_n the_o right_a offender_n may_v be_v challenge_v and_o since_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o prevent_v delay_n you_o commit_v the_o execution_n of_o your_o own_o decree_n to_o the_o care_n and_o circumspection_n of_o your_o precedent_n what_o cause_n can_v there_o be_v why_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o church_n and_o the_o prince_n shall_v not_o like_v wise_a be_v execute_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o chief_a pastor_n of_o each_o place_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n and_o law_n of_o christian_a prince_n
power_n which_o you_o give_v to_o your_o presbyter_n but_o because_o you_o turn_v they_o all_o over_o the_o bar_n as_o taint_v with_o humane_a pollitie_n and_o neglecter_n of_o god_n ordinance_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v say_v more_o for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n by_o the_o scripture_n than_o you_o have_v do_v for_o your_o presbyterial_a censure_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v very_o flenderlie_o and_o weak_o prove_v all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o s._n paul_n have_v give_v the_o bishop_n of_o each_o place_n authority_n to_o ordain_v such_o as_o be_v worthy_a to_o examine_v such_o as_o be_v faulty_a and_o reprove_v and_o discharge_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a either_o of_o unsound_a teach_n or_o offensive_a live_n thus_o much_o he_o say_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n and_o to_o all_o other_o bishop_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o ever_o the_o place_n be_v plain_a and_o need_v no_o long_a discourse_v till_o we_o hear_v your_o answer_n of_o admit_v presbyter_n paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 5._o lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n neither_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o to_o tite_n 1._o for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n such_o as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o of_o convent_v they_o he_o say_v 5._o receive_v no_o accusation_n against_o a_o presbyter_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n those_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v open_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v of_o dismiss_v they_o he_o say_v 1._o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o abide_v at_o ephesus_n to_o command_v certain_a that_o they_o teach_v no_o strange_a doctrine_n 1._o their_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v that_o teach_v thing_n they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n 5._o the_o presbyter_n that_o do_v their_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 3._o stay_v foolish_a question_n and_o contention_n 3._o a_o heretic_n after_o one_o or_o two_o warning_n reject_v 2._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n see_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o 5._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o carry_v any_o prejudice_n or_o incline_v to_o either_o part_n the_o word_n be_v singular_a the_o charge_n be_v vehement_a the_o party_n be_v bishop_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o case_n therefore_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o bishop_n power_n over_o presbyter_n in_o these_o pointe●_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o be_v mighty_o deceive_v this_o power_n belong_v to_o evangelist_n not_o to_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o it_o dure_v but_o for_o their_o time_n and_o exceed_v not_o their_o person_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n ●rate_a see_v you_o how_o easy_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o your_o prelacy_n be_v shake_v and_o over_o throw_v if_o your_o reply_n be_v sound_a you_o say_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a absurd_a repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a text_n and_o refute_v by_o your_o own_o position_n then_o take_v you_o heed_n what_o answer_v you_o will_v make_v to_o god_n for_o disturb_v his_o church_n despise_v his_o ordinance_n and_o deride_v his_o messenger_n that_o himself_o have_v place_v and_o authorize_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o here_o i_o must_v pray_v the_o christian_a reader_n advisedlie_o to_o mark_v what_o be_v say_v and_o answer_v on_o either_o side_n this_o in_o deed_n be_v the_o main_a erection_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o function_n if_o our_o proof_n stand_v or_o subversion_n if_o your_o answer_n be_v good_a for_o if_o this_o fail_v well_o may_v bishop_n claim_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n by_o any_o divine_a precept_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o can_v but_o if_o these_o rule_n be_v deltuer_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o bishop_n as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o euangelship_n as_o the_o presbyterist_n affirm_v then_o can_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o this_o new_a discipline_n be_v a_o very_a dream_n and_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o right_a and_o apostolical_a form_n of_o govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o his_o word_n out_o rejoinder_n therefore_o be_v as_o follow_v no_o power_n proper_a to_o evangelist_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o call_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a but_o power_n to_o ordain_v fit_a minister_n to_o convent_n and_o discharge_v unfit_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o therefore_o be_v no_o power_n proper_a to_o evangelist_n which_o s._n paul_n in_o these_o place_n prescribe_v unto_o tite_n and_o timothy_n again_o your_o presbyter_n may_v not_o claim_v euangelisticall_a power_n since_o your_o presbyter_n be_v no_o evangelist_n but_o your_o presbytery_n claim_v this_o power_n which_o paul_n here_o commit_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n even_o to_o ordain_v examine_v censure_n and_o deprive_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la this_o power_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o evangelist_n let_v all_o this_o be_v nothing_o if_o saint_n paul_n in_o express_a word_n say_v not_o as_o much_o 6._o i_o charge_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o timothy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o before_o jesus_n christ_n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n and_o unrebukeable_a until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o timothy_n to_o observe_v these_o thing_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n be_v utter_o unpossible_a he_o be_v to_o die_v long_o before_o these_o precept_n therefore_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v in_o his_o place_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ergo_fw-la timothy_n power_n and_o function_n in_o this_o behalf_n must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o fail_v before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 6._o with_o great_a vigilancy_n and_o providence_n say_v ambrose_n upon_o this_o place_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v percept_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o his_o person_n do_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v he_o be_v not_o so_o circumspect_a as_o fear_v timothy_n care_n but_o for_o his_o successor_n that_o after_o timothy_n example_n they_o shall_v observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n now_o let_v the_o christian_a reader_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o temporary_a function_n in_o timothy_n that_o die_v with_o his_o person_n or_o a_o perpetual_a charge_n to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o sure_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v no_o bishop_n you_o say_v he_o be_v no_o bishop_n 233._o eusebius_n jerome_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n theodoretus_n epiphanius_n oecumenius_n primasius_n affirm_v he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n s._n paul_n by_o this_o epistle_n direct_v he_o and_o all_o other_o bishop_n in_o he_o how_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o presbyter_n and_o receive_v accusation_n against_o they_o yea_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n without_o exception_n have_v so_o construe_v and_o observe_v the_o apostle_n word_n in_o suffer_v none_o but_o bishop_n either_o to_o ordain_v or_o degrade_v presbyter_n yet_o all_o this_o with_o you_o be_v nothing_o your_o bare_a fancy_n must_v over_o bear_v both_o father_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o ancient_a and_o though_o you_o avouch_v this_o power_n must_v not_o exceed_v their_o two_o person_n to_o who_o s._n paul_n write_v yet_o you_o be_v so_o liberal_a and_o beneficial_a to_o your_o presbytery_n that_o against_o all_o truth_n and_o authority_n you_o make_v they_o succeed_v timothy_n and_o tite_n in_o their_o euangelisticall_a power_n and_o so_o according_a to_o your_o manner_n you_o will_v have_v this_o power_n to_o be_v proper_a and_o yet_o common_a to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o yet_o usual_a to_o cease_v with_o their_o person_n and_o yet_o to_o dure_v for_o ever_o with_o your_o presbytery_n fire_n will_v better_o agree_v with_o water_n than_o you_o with_o yourselves_o except_o you_o leave_v this_o roll_a too_o and_o fro_o at_o your_o pleasure_n we_o say_v the_o evangelist_n have_v this_o power_n for_o a_o time_n the_o presbytery_n for_o e●er_n what_o you_o say_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v regard_v unless_o you_o make_v better_a proof_n than_o i_o yet_o
see_v you_o do_v you_o have_v not_o a_o word_n nor_o a_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o power_n of_o your_o presbytefy_v and_o yet_o you_o pronounce_v so_o peremptory_o and_o resolutelie_o of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o write_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o the_o power_n of_o your_o presbyter_n do_v not_o the_o presbytery_n impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n to_o make_v he_o a_o evangelist_n do_v not_o they_o watch_v and_o feed_v the_o flock_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o over_o seer_n of_o the_o church_n what_o will_v you_o have_v more_o of_o lay_v man_n your_o presbytery_n either_o whole_o or_o chief_o consist_v than_o they_o also_o be_v pastor_n and_o bishop_n and_o watch_v &_o feed_v the_o flock_n &_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v they_o over_o the_o church_n &_o they_o also_o impose_v hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n what_o thing_n be_v there_o so_o peculiar_a to_o pastor_n which_o you_o do_v not_o communicate_v to_o your_o presbyter_n for_o when_o you_o be_v urge_v y_fw-mi ●_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v by_o duty_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o belong_v proper_o to_o pastoral_a care_n and_o oversight_n and_o therefore_o lay_v man_n be_v no_o part_n of_o th●se_a presbytery_n you_o answer_v roundly_o that_o lie_v elder_n in_o the_o consistory_n do_v watch_n and_o feed_v and_o overlook_v the_o flock_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n and_o so_o not_o only_o their_o power_n but_o also_o their_o charge_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o you_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v unto_o pastor_n and_o yet_o they_o no_o pastor_n and_o touch_v hand_n lay_v on_o timothy_n by_o the_o presbytery_n you_o answer_v yourselves_o for_o when_o you_o allege_v that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n we_o ask_v you_o whether_o all_o the_o presbytery_n have_v right_a and_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o if_o all_o then_o lay_v elder_n must_v either_o impose_v hand_n which_o caluine_n conclusive_o deni_v 3._o hoc_fw-la postremo_fw-la habendum_fw-la est_fw-la solos_fw-la pastor_n manus_fw-la imposuisse_fw-la ministris_fw-la this_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o only_a pastor_n impose_v hand_n on_o minister_n or_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o some_o only_o impose_v hand_n and_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n be_v say_v to_o do_v that_o which_o not_o all_o but_o some_o few_o or_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n paul_n say_v the_o presbytery_n lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n when_o himself_o do_v the_o deed_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o thus_o much_o caluine_n likewise_o avouch_v 3._o pa●lus_fw-la ipse_fw-la se_fw-la non_fw-la alios_fw-la complures_fw-la timotheo_n manus_fw-la imposuisse_fw-la comm●morat_fw-la paul_n witness_v that_o himself_o and_o none_o other_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n and_o strange_a it_o be_v to_o see_v you_o build_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o your_o presbytericall_a power_n on_o a_o place_n that_o have_v so_o many_o sound_n and_o sufficient_a answer_n as_o this_o have_v first_o jerome_n ambrose_n primasius_n and_o caluine_n tell_v you_o the_o word_n presbytery_n signify_v in_o that_o place_n the_o degree_n and_o function_n which_o timothy_n receive_v not_o the_o college_n and_o number_n of_o presbyter_n next_o chrysostome_n theodorete_n oecumenius_n and_o theophilact_v tell_v you_o that_o paul_n by_o the_o presbytery_n mean_v the_o bishop_n their_o name_n at_o first_o be_v common_a for_o that_o presbyter_n may_v not_o lay_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n such_o as_o timothy_n be_v thirdlie_o the_o scripture_n tell_v you_o that_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n and_o the_o seventie_o disciple_n be_v of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o they_o may_v well_o impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n without_o any_o presbyter_n fourthlie_o saint_n paul_n tell_v you_o as_o caluine_v well_o observe_v and_o urge_v that_o himself_o and_o none_o other_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n last_o yourselves_o say_v timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n which_o function_n and_o vocation_n the_o presbytery_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v give_v he_o but_o only_o the_o apostle_n what_o power_n have_v the_o church_n of_o iconium_n or_o ephesus_n to_o make_v evangelist_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o shall_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o travail_n if_o you_o trust_v neither_o scripture_n nor_o father_n for_o shame_n trust_v yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o position_n how_o shall_v other_o man_n believe_v your_o assertion_n when_o yourselves_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o if_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n they_o must_v be_v apostle_n and_o no_o presbyter_n that_o impose_v hand_n on_o he_o if_o the_o presbytery_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n impose_v hand_n on_o he_o timothy_n must_v be_v a_o bishop_n and_o have_v a_o local_a charge_n in_o some_o church_n which_o you_o impugn_v under_o pretence_n of_o his_o euangelship_n choose_v which_o yyu_n will_v so_o you_o choose_v some_o what_o and_o stand_v to_o it_o whrn_v you_o have_v choose_v it_o be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o no_o that_o impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n if_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v it_o joint_o with_o paul_n and_o so_o without_o the_o apostle_n or_o his_o successor_n presbyter_n may_v not_o impose_v hand_n and_o then_o must_v timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n when_o paul_n write_v unto_o he_o for_o presbyter_n can_v not_o make_v he_o a_o evangelist_n be_v they_o no_o presbyter_n but_o apostle_n or_o other_o of_o high_a calling_n then_o make_v this_o place_n nothing_o for_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n either_o to_o ordain_v or_o deprive_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o set_v this_o aside_o what_o one_o jot_n find_v you_o in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v your_o presbytery_n the_o conclusion_n be_v we_o show_v you_o substantial_a and_o full_a proof_n that_o timothy_n and_o his_o successor_n be_v charge_v by_o paul_n to_o observe_v these_o precept_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o ever_o touch_v the_o admit_v of_o fit_a minister_n and_o remove_v of_o unfit_a thence_o we_o infer_v this_o power_n must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o bishop_n for_o they_o succeed_v timothy_n in_o the_o church_n the_o presbytery_n do_v not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o claim_v this_o authority_n from_o bishop_n to_o your_o presbytery_n but_o you_o can_v prove_v either_o their_o succession_n from_o timothy_n or_o joint_a commission_n with_o timothy_n by_o any_o sentence_n or_o syllable_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v and_o watch_v the_o flock_n you_o urge_v and_o we_o grant_v in_o teach_v and_o exhort_v they_o be_v join_v with_o timothy_n by_o reason_n the_o labourer_n must_v of_o force_n be_v many_o where_o the_o harvest_n be_v so_o great_a as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o in_o ordain_v and_o govern_v the_o teacher_n as_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o many_o so_o be_v there_o no_o precept_n for_o many_o least_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o ruler_n order_n shall_v be_v rather_o confuse_v then_o preserve_v wherefore_o as_o timothy_n be_v place_v at_o ephesus_n and_o tite_n in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v moderate_a and_o rebuke_v as_o well_o presbyter_n as_o people_n so_o be_v archippus_n at_o colossus_n so_o be_v the_o seven_o pastor_n in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n write_v by_o s._n johns_n pen_n so_o in_o all_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v apostolic_a man_n throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n leave_v to_o guide_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o like_a power_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o same_o to_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o our_o construction_n and_o exposition_n of_o of_o s._n paul_n word_n to_o timothy_n the_o learned_a and_o ancient_a father_n confirm_v with_o one_o consent_n and_o the_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v continue_v and_o perform_v in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n since_o the_o apostle_n death_n mean_v you_o that_o bishop_n alone_o may_v do_v what_o they_o will_v without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o their_o presbyter_n my_o meaning_n be_v soon_o understand_v you_o establish_v one_o chief_a in_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n to_o execute_v that_o which_o you_o decree_v who_o you_o call_v your_o precedent_n how_o far_o i_o join_v with_o you_o you_o shall_v quick_o perceive_v to_o avoid_v tumult_n and_o dissension_n god_n have_v authorize_v one_o in_o each_o place_n and_o church_n able_a to_o have_v &_o maintain_v a_o presbytery_n who_o with_o pastoral_n and_o fatherly_a moderation_n shall_v guide_v as_o well_o the_o presbyter_n that_o assist_v he_o as_o the_o people_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o
question_n which_o before_o be_v examine_v in_o presbytery_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v less_o need_v and_o less_o regard_v then_o before_o and_o charge_v the_o bishop_n with_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o law_n and_o canon_n without_o assemble_v or_o consult_v his_o presbyter_n superior_a court_v not_o submit_v their_o act_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o inferior_a officer_n wherefore_o when_o you_o rail_v at_o bishop_n as_o usurper_n and_o tyrant_n over_o their_o brethren_n you_o forget_v that_o after_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n all_o thing_n be_v settle_v and_o guide_v by_o law_n which_o your_o presbytery_n neither_o may_v reverse_v nor_o can_v correct_v your_o elder_n be_v as_o good_a spare_v their_o pain_n as_o loose_v their_o labour_n more_o law_n we_o need_v not_o better_o you_o can_v make_v no_o man_n that_o have_v his_o right_a wit_n will_v choose_v to_o live_v under_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o presbyter_n rather_o than_o under_o the_o prescript_n of_o write_a law_n frustrate_v they_o when_o you_o will_v to_o make_v work_n for_o your_o consistory_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o equity_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o the_o affectionate_a and_o inconstant_a headinesse_n of_o your_o presbyter_n we_o will_v change_v no_o law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v popish_a and_o where_o now_o the_o bishop_n alone_o do_v all_o we_o will_v join_v the_o presbytery_n with_o he_o the_o law_n that_o uphold_v the_o pope_n superstition_n or_o usurpation_n be_v already_o abrogate_a thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o rest_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o you_o seek_v to_o dissolve_v i_o will_v wish_v you_o do_v publish_v the_o new_a that_o man_n may_v see_v they_o before_o you_o do_v exauthorate_v the_o old_a lest_o you_o make_v the_o people_n as_o lawless_a as_o your_o presbyter_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o evert_v or_o disturb_v then_o to_o plant_v or_o establish_v a_o church_n or_o common_a wealth_n if_o you_o take_v not_o the_o same_o law_n again_o i_o dare_v warrant_v your_o child_n child_n to_o the_o four_o generation_n shall_v see_v neither_o order_n nor_o peace_n in_o your_o church_n and_o as_o for_o join_v presbyter_n with_o the_o bishop_n to_o execute_v law_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o multiply_v bishop_n and_o where_o we_o have_v one_o to_o make_v we_o twenty_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o have_v law_n more_o speedy_o or_o sincere_o execute_v in_o a_o multitude_n diversity_n of_o opinion_n breed_v delay_n &_o hinder_v execution_n in_o one_o it_o can_v and_o if_o each_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o affection_n i_o hope_v the_o more_o the_o worse_a but_o what_o reason_n we_o whether_o one_o or_o many_o shall_v execute_v the_o law_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o hand_n to_o limit_v the_o lawmaker_n to_o our_o choice_n they_o that_o have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o make_v law_n have_v like_o wise_a authority_n &_o liberty_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o will_v charge_v w_o t_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o in_o god_n name_n let_v both_o council_n and_o prince_n choose_v what_o person_n they_o think_v meet_a to_o see_v their_o canon_n and_o law_n observe_v so_o long_o as_o they_o transgress_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o equity_n our_o chief_a care_n be_v for_o the_o right_a execution_n of_o god_n law_n which_o we_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n without_o his_o presbyter_n give_v the_o bishop_n that_o right_a and_o authority_n which_o god_n law_n allow_v he_o and_o the_o join_v with_o he_o who_o you_o can_v what_o right_a be_v that_o you_o hear_v before_o he_o must_v have_v pastoral_a and_o paternal_a power_n either_o whole_o if_o by_o god_n law_n there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o pastor_n in_o one_o church_n or_o chief_o if_o there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o place_n to_o advise_v and_o assist_v hun_z in_o govern_v the_o flock_n more_o authority_n by_o god_n law_n we_o claim_v not_o for_o bishop_n then_o to_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o place_n which_o they_o govern_v and_o pastoral_a authority_n since_o you_o give_v to_o every_o rector_n in_o his_o church_n what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o every_o bishop_n in_o his_o diocese_n we_o give_v no_o man_n pastoral_a power_n over_o the_o presbytery_n and_o as_o for_o diocese_n we_o say_v they_o be_v intrusion_n on_o other_o man_n cure_n if_o by_o god_n law_n you_o assign_v one_o church_n to_o one_o man_n as_o pastor_n of_o the_o same_o then_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o people_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o he_o as_o to_o their_o pastor_n and_o he_o must_v have_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o shift_n of_o you_o that_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v a_o precedent_n over_o they_o by_o god_n ordinance_n but_o no_o pastor_n be_v a_o mere_a collusion_n repugnant_a as_o well_o to_o the_o word_n as_o church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o do_v the_o scripture_n call_v your_o precedent_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o presbyter_n if_o not_o a_o pastor_n show_v we_o either_o his_o name_n or_o his_o power_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o equivalent_a with_o pastoral_n we_o will_v exempt_v your_o presbyter_n from_o all_o subjection_n the_o power_n that_o timothy_n receive_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n and_o to_o convent_n and_o rebuke_v such_o presbyter_n as_o sin_v be_v it_o not_o pastoral_a and_o that_o charge_n be_v to_o remain_v by_o the_o apostle_n word_n to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n your_o pastor_n that_o you_o will_v erect_v in_o country_n parish_n shall_v they_o not_o have_v pastoral_a power_n over_o your_o lie_v presbyter_n shall_v your_o lie_v elder_n be_v sheep_n without_o ashepeheard_n shall_v no_o man_n watch_v over_o their_o soul_n if_o your_o lie_v presbytery_n must_v have_v a_o pastor_n over_o they_o in_o each_o country_n parish_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o your_o presbytery_n in_o city_n may_v endure_v no_o pastor_n above_o they_o be_v they_o not_o all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o institution_n by_o your_o own_o rule_n be_v there_o one_o order_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o rustical_a presbytery_n and_o a_o other_o for_o civil_a i_o think_v yourselves_o run_v hardly_o show_v any_o such_o distinction_n wherefore_o when_o we_o give_v bishop_n pastoral_a authority_n as_o well_o over_o their_o presbyter_n as_o over_o their_o people_n we_o do_v it_o by_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n that_o make_v they_o chief_a pastor_n over_o their_o church_n which_o include_v both_o presbyter_n and_o people_n and_o we_o therein_o give_v they_o no_o more_o then_o by_o your_o will_n you_o will_v give_v to_o the_o mean_a rector_n of_o country_n parish_n pastor_n we_o be_v content_a they_o be_v over_o their_o flock_n but_o not_o over_o their_o coequal_o and_o copartner_n then_o no_o man_n may_v take_v or_o lead_v their_o flock_n from_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o teach_v and_o guide_v they_o right_o and_o consequent_o your_o presbyter_n may_v use_v no_o pastoral_a power_n in_o any_o bishop_n charge_v without_o his_o like_n for_o he_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o by_o god_n law_n they_o must_v hear_v and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o shepeheard_n and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n if_o you_o make_v they_o copartner_n with_o he_o that_o be_v not_o helper_n but_o equal_n you_o distract_v the_o flock_n and_o rend_v the_o church_n into_o as_o many_o piece_n as_o there_o be_v pastor_n one_o flock_n can_v have_v many_o pastor_n except_o they_o be_v subordinate_a one_o under_o another_o but_o many_o pastor_n of_o equal_a power_n must_v needs_o have_v many_o flock_n wherefore_o one_o church_n must_v have_v but_o one_o pastor_n to_o who_o ther_v be_v they_o presbyter_n or_o other_o must_v by_o god_n law_n be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a while_o he_o right_o direct_v they_o and_o worthy_o rebuke_v they_o otherwise_o against_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n we_o must_v obey_v neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n yet_o to_o temper_v the_o pastourall_a power_n of_o bishop_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fatherly_a as_o it_o have_v be_v always_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o not_o princely_a for_o fear_v of_o reign_v over_o the_o lord_n inheritance_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o certain_a case_n of_o importance_n not_o suffer_v the_o bishop_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o a_o synod_n the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n prohibit_v the_o bishop_n 23._o to_o hear_v and_o sententiate_v any_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o clergy_n as_o also_o
it_o void_v 32._o the_o gift_n sale_n and_o exchange_n of_o ecclesiastical_a good_n make_v by_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o subscription_n of_o his_o clark_n the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n ●_o we_o decree_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o none_o of_o we_o presume_v to_o degrade_v a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n without_o the_o examination_n of_o a_o council_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o condemn_v they_o without_o discuss_v their_o cause_n rather_o by_o tyrannical_a power_n then_o by_o canonical_a authority_n many_o like_a case_n there_o be_v in_o which_o the_o bishop_n may_v not_o meddle_v without_o his_o presbytery_n or_o a_o synod_n whereof_o some_o be_v alter_v by_o law_n some_o rest_n in_o force_n at_o this_o present_a against_o this_o tyrannical_a power_n which_o you_o mention_v we_o repine_v that_o bishop_n alone_o shall_v excommunicate_v and_o deprive_v presbyter_n at_o their_o pleasure_n do_v you_o acknowledge_v the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o bishop_n we_o shall_v soon_o conclude_v for_o the_o tyrannical_a but_o under_o the_o show_n of_o the_o one_o you_o impugn_v the_o other_o and_o when_o you_o come_v to_o redress_v it_o you_o establish_v a_o plain_a tyranny_n in_o stead_n of_o it_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o frequency_n of_o synod_n do_v first_o rebate_v the_o credit_n and_o decay_n the_o use_n of_o presbytery_n for_o when_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o province_n as_o by_o the_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a and_o chalcedon_n they_o be_v bind_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n to_o hear_v and_o moderate_v ecclesiastical_a grief_n and_o cause_n presbyter_n be_v less_o regard_v and_o less_o employ_v than_o before_o synod_n as_o superior_a judge_n enter_v into_o the_o examination_n and_o decision_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v propose_v in_o presbytery_n and_o when_o private_a quarrel_n &_o question_n increase_v synod_n begin_v to_o be_v tire_v with_o continual_a sit_v about_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o most_o church_n to_o be_v detain_v from_o their_o cure_n and_o attend_v the_o debate_n &_o decide_v of_o grief_n &_o displeasure_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n the_o burden_n grow_v so_o intolerable_a that_o synod_n be_v force_v to_o settle_v a_o appeal_n from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o primate_n what_o cause_n be_v fit_a for_o synodall_n cognition_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n 14._o if_o any_o bishop_n in_o a_o rage_n hasty_o move_v against_o a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n will_v cast_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v provide_v that_o a_o innocent_a be_v not_o condemn_v and_o deprive_v the_o communion_n all_o answer_v let_v the_o party_n so_o eject_v have_v liberty_n to_o fly_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o same_o province_n and_o desire_v his_o cause_n to_o be_v more_o advise_o hear_v the_o great_a council_n of_o africa_n find_v how_o troublesome_a it_o be_v for_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o whole_a region_n to_o meet_v and_o stay_v the_o hear_n of_o all_o matter_n 129._o choose_v out_o three_o of_o every_o province_n to_o end_n cause_v undetermine_v and_o by_o reason_n they_o can_v not_o assemble_v twice_o a_o year_n for_o the_o length_n of_o the_o way_n they_o be_v content_v with_o 19_o one_o full_a council_n in_o the_o year_n and_o leave_v the_o cause_n and_o complaint_n of_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o other_o clergy_n man_n first_o to_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v near_o and_o then_o to_o the_o primate_n or_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o same_o province_n 2d_o we_o decree_v that_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o other_o inferior_a clergy_n man_n if_o in_o any_o matter_n they_o find_v themselves_o aggrieve_v with_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v near_a shall_v give_v they_o audience_n and_o if_o they_o think_v good_a to_o appeal_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o appeal_v to_o the_o tribunal_n beyond_o the_o sea_n but_o to_o the_o primate_fw-la of_o their_o own_o province_n even_o as_o we_o have_v often_o decree_v of_o bishop_n these_o canon_n do_v not_o establish_v but_o repress_v tyrannical_a power_n in_o bishop_n if_o any_o do_v assert_v it_o and_o require_v the_o bishop_n before_o he_o proceed_v against_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n to_o take_v unto_o he_o assessor_n of_o the_o near_a bishop_n such_o as_o the_o party_n convent_v shall_v demand_v and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o end_v the_o cause_n with_o the_o like_n of_o both_o side_n than_o the_o primate_n to_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o it_o and_o last_o the_o council_n if_o either_o part_n will_v appeal_v from_o the_o primate_n thus_o do_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n order_v the_o hear_n of_o cause_n within_o their_o province_n neither_o proud_o nor_o antichristian_o but_o in_o my_o judgement_n sober_o and_o wise_o refer_v they_o from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o primate_n thereby_o to_o ripen_v cause_n and_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o complaint_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n less_o trouble_n and_o no_o less_o indifferency_n then_o if_o it_o have_v be_v immediate_o bring_v to_o the_o council_n and_o be_v you_o as_o moderate_a as_o you_o be_v resolute_a you_o will_v perceive_v what_o a_o tedious_a labour_n it_o be_v and_o in_o our_o state_n superfluous_a for_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n to_o sit_v all_o a_o year_n long_o hear_v private_a grief_n complaint_n and_o contention_n if_o you_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o it_o i_o will_v you_o be_v for_o a_o while_n fast_o tie_v to_o it_o that_o you_o may_v learn_v to_o be_v wise_a you_o will_v be_v the_o willing_a as_o long_a as_o you_o live_v to_o let_v court_n alone_o and_o spend_v your_o time_n better_o than_o in_o examination_n deposition_n and_o exception_n of_o witness_n howbeit_o in_o our_o realm_n unless_o you_o change_v all_o your_o ecclesiastical_a law_n i_o see_v not_o how_o synod_n or_o presbytery_n shall_v intermeddle_v with_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o how_o shall_v your_o presbyter_n judge_v by_o discretion_n or_o by_o law_n your_o discretion_n i_o know_v no_o man_n so_o foolish_a that_o will_v trust_v what_o great_a tyranny_n &_o injury_n can_v be_v urge_v on_o a_o christian_n realm_n than_o instede_n of_o law_n to_o offer_v the_o determination_n of_o your_o presbytery_n shall_v each_o man_n safety_n and_o soul_n depend_v on_o your_o pleasure_n but_o your_o presbytery_n you_o mean_v shall_v be_v tie_v to_o execute_v the_o same_o law_n that_o be_v already_o settle_v alas_o good_a man_n how_o many_o hundred_o year_n will_v you_o ask_v before_o your_o presbytery_n in_o city_n and_o village_n will_v be_v able_a to_o read_v they_o and_o how_o many_o thousand_o before_o they_o understand_v they_o be_v you_o well_o in_o your_o wi●●es_n to_o claim_v the_o execution_n of_o those_o law_n for_o your_o presbytery_n which_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v conceive_v first_o set_v they_o to_o school_v and_o when_o they_o can_v read_v law_n send_v they_o to_o the_o university_n and_o upon_o their_o grow_v to_o such_o perfection_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v &_o decide_v each_o man_n case_n by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n make_v petition_n for_o they_o to_o have_v they_o authorize_v in_o every_o parish_n instead_o of_o the_o arch_n if_o otherwise_o you_o will_v have_v they_o sit_v judge_n in_o all_o man_n case_n before_o they_o can_v read_v either_o latin_a or_o law_n the_o world_n will_v muse_v at_o your_o madness_n your_o bishop_n be_v no_o such_o great_a lawyer_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o more_o need_n of_o chancellor_n and_o register_n that_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n than_o themselves_o be_v and_o as_o for_o appeal_n unless_o you_o look_v to_o tread_v government_n under_o your_o foot_n and_o over-rule_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o mere_a motion_n of_o your_o own_o will_n though_o they_o sometime_o advantage_n offender_n yet_o be_v they_o provide_v to_o protect_v innocent_n and_o be_v christian_a remedy_n to_o do_v every_o man_n right_a that_o think_v he_o have_v wrong_a they_o do_v not_o maintain_v the_o antichristian_a pride_n of_o bishop_n there_o can_v be_v none_o other_o nor_o better_a way_n to_o repress_v it_o then_o by_o appeal_n to_o bring_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o their_o court_n and_o officer_n to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o princess_n power_n and_o delegate_n which_o i_o trust_v you_o take_v to_o be_v no_o tyranny_n if_o corruption_n sometime_o creep_v in_o through_o man_n finger_n to_o bolster_v bad_a cause_n the_o law_n be_v far_o from_o allow_v and_o i_o as_o far_o from_o defend_v it_o what_o have_v be_v so_o sacred_a that_o covetousness_n have_v not_o expugn_v and_o your_o presbytery_n except_o they_o consist_v of_o angel_n and_o not_o of_o man_n will_v soon_o show_v both_o what_o affection_n and_o
punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n who_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o they_o for_o remit_v the_o former_a offence_n out_o of_o time_n thou_o shall_v answer_v for_o those_o that_o be_v after_o commit_v as_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o likewise_o for_o those_o that_o be_v past_a as_o not_o let_v he_o alone_o to_o lament_v and_o repent_v they_o and_o ambrose_n paul_n 5._o charge_v timothy_n before_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n under_o this_o charge_n he_o command_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v keep_v which_o pertain_v to_o ordination_n in_o the_o church_n least_o easy_o any_o man_n shall_v get_v a_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n but_o in_o quisition_n be_v first_o have_v of_o his_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o a_o meet_v and_o approve_a minister_n or_o priest_n may_v be_v appoint_v neither_o any_o to_o be_v ordain_v who_o fault_n deserve_v suspicion_n lest_o the_o ordainer_n be_v defile_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o offence_n for_o he_o sin_v which_o ordain_v and_o tri_v not_o occumenius_n where_o paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 1._o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o stay_v at_o ephesus_n add_v &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o have_v paul_n ordain_v he_o a_o bishop_n &_o let_v no_o man_n despise_v thy_o youth_n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v speak_v with_o authority_n tim._n he_o give_v precept_n not_o to_o timothy_n alone_o but_o to_o every_o bishop_n and_o upon_o these_o word_n lay_v hand_n bastilie_o on_o no_o man_n tim._n paul_n treat_v of_o ordination_n for_o he_o write_v to_o a_o bishop_n and_o so_o write_v on_o the_o epistle_n to_o tite_n he_o say_v paul_n titum_fw-la leave_v tite_n to_o make_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n have_v first_o make_v he_o a_o bishop_n primasius_n likewise_o tim._n timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n and_o paul_n disciple_n to_o he_o by_o writing_n he_o give_v authority_n to_o correct_v all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o to_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o again_o tim._n be_v not_o partaker_n of_o a_o other_o man_n sin_n paul_n say_v it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o another_o man_n sin_n when_o one_o be_v ordain_v and_o not_o examine_v as_o therefore_o in_o ordain_v evil_a man_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n which_o ordain_v such_o so_o in_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o holy_a he_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o righteousness_n which_o do_v make_v choice_n of_o so_o good_a man_n the_o peril_n of_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n by_o paul_n own_o confession_n lie_v inevitablie_o on_o such_o as_o impose_v hand_n and_o therefore_o by_o god_n law_n they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o examine_v who_o be_v fit_a and_o liberty_n to_o refuse_v those_o that_o be_v unfit_a for_o as_o without_o they_o there_o can_v be_v none_o ordain_v so_o if_o rash_o or_o corrupt_o they_o lay_v hand_n on_o any_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n further_o with_o election_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o meddle_v save_v that_o timothy_n as_o the_o father_n affirm_v by_o occasion_n of_o paul_n word_n be_v choose_v bishop_n by_o pprophecy_n that_o be_v by_o the_o direction_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o by_o voice_n oecumenius_n tim._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o commandment_n or_o appointment_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bishop_n at_o first_o make_v and_o not_o at_o random_n so_o theodorete_n tim._n thou_o undertooke_v this_o order_n by_o divine_a revelation_n chrysostome_n 1._o paul_n to_o stir_v up_o timothy_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n who_o choose_v he_o and_o who_o ordain_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v thou_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n he_o himself_o put_v thou_o in_o trust_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o be_v not_o make_v by_o man_n voice_n and_o theophilact_v 1._o ancient_o by_o the_o oracle_n &_o appointment_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n priests_z be_v straight_o way_n ordain_v so_o be_v timothy_n choose_v to_o be_v a_o priest_n ambrose_n say_v timothy_n be_v 1._o predestinate_v when_o he_o be_v take_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v ordain_v as_o judge_v worthy_a to_o be_v a_o bishop_n this_o kind_n of_o election_n i_o take_v be_v usual_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v they_o on_o who_o they_o shall_v lay_v their_o hand_n other_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n i_o read_v none_o specify_v in_o the_o sacred_a writing_n popular_a election_n of_o bishop_n i_o find_v afterward_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o not_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o well_o may_v the_o people_n interest_n stand_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a equity_n and_o society_n but_o god_n law_n do_v not_o meddle_v with_o any_o such_o matter_n nor_o determine_v more_o than_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o which_o be_v that_o such_o bishop_n as_o ordain_v they_o shall_v answer_v for_o they_o with_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o they_o do_v not_o careful_o look_v into_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o all_o that_o they_o authorize_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o guide_v or_o teach_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n when_o i_o say_v the_o people_n can_v not_o challenge_v by_o god_n law_n the_o right_a to_o choose_v their_o bishop_n i_o mean_v no_o such_o thing_n be_v express_v and_o command_v in_o the_o scripture_n exclude_v thereby_o the_o false_a conceit_n of_o some_o fanatical_a spirit_n in_o our_o day_n which_o affirm_v our_o bishop_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v no_o true_a pastor_n because_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o particular_a voice_n and_o personal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n and_o by_o consequent_a our_o sacrament_n to_o be_v no_o sacrament_n and_o church_n no_o church_n and_o so_o this_o whole_a realm_n to_o be_v drown_v in_o confusion_n without_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n who_o madness_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v chastise_v by_o the_o magistrate_n then_o to_o be_v refuse_v by_o doctrine_n the_o author_n be_v void_a not_o only_o of_o learning_n which_o they_o despise_v but_o of_o reason_n to_o weigh_v what_o be_v say_v against_o they_o otherwise_o i_o acknowledge_v each_o church_n and_o people_n that_o have_v not_o by_o law_n custom_n or_o consent_n restrain_v themselves_o stand_v free_a by_o god_n law_n to_o admit_v maintain_v and_o obey_v no_o man_n as_o their_o pastor_n without_o their_o like_n and_o so_o the_o people_n election_n by_o themselves_o or_o their_o ruler_n depend_v on_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o humane_a fellowship_n &_o assemblee_n for_o which_o cause_n though_o bishop_n by_o god_n law_n have_v power_n to_o examine_v &_o ordain_v before_o any_o may_v be_v place_v to_o take_v charge_n of_o soul_n yet_o have_v they_o no_o power_n to_o impose_v a_o pastor_n on_o any_o church_n against_o their_o will_n nor_o to_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v he_o obedience_n or_o maintenance_n without_o their_o like_n how_o far_o authority_n custom_n and_o consent_n may_v prejudice_n and_o over-rule_v this_o liberty_n which_o god_n law_n leave_v undiminish_v shall_v anon_o be_v hand_v when_o once_o we_o see_v what_o order_n the_o primitive_a church_n observe_v in_o her_o election_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v ancient_o two_o way_n to_o be_v provide_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n the_o one_o election_n the_o other_o postulation_n when_o the_o bishop_n of_o any_o city_n die_v who_o church_n have_v store_n of_o clergy_n man_n to_o succeed_v 1_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n that_o be_v near_a to_o the_o place_n by_o conference_n among_o themselves_o appoint_v a_o day_n to_o resort_v thither_o and_o advertise_v both_o people_n and_o presbyter_n thereof_o at_o which_o time_n the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n assemble_v in_o the_o church_n so_o many_o bishop_n as_o convenientlie_o may_v but_o under_o three_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o come_v thither_o and_o there_o hear_v both_o who_o the_o clergy_n name_v and_o who_o the_o city_n like_v if_o all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o every_o sort_n agree_v the_o party_n be_v pronounce_v choose_v &_o another_o day_n prefix_v to_o ordain_v he_o the_o bishop_n propose_v his_o name_n and_o the_o time_n on_o the_o church_n door_n and_o require_v every_o man_n that_o can_v or_o will_v object_v any_o thing_n against_o he_o to_o be_v then_o and_o there_o ready_a with_o his_o proof_n and_o witness_n at_o their_o next_o repair_n the_o bishop_n that_o come_v to_o give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n hear_v advise_o what_o each_o man_n can_v charge_v he_o with_o and_o if_o in_o their_o conscience_n the_o elect_v prove_v to_o be_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v they_o ordain_v he_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n pastor_n of_o that_o
of_o constantinople_n and_o chalcedon_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n as_o their_o legate_n and_o substitute_n which_o in_o the_o chalesdonensis_fw-la council_n of_o chalcedon_n be_v more_o full_o express_v but_o what_o need_v we_o rip_v up_o these_o thing_n at_o large_a which_o pertain_v not_o so_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o seek_v now_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o those_o we_o find_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n but_o confess_v by_o they_o to_o have_v ancient_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o sure_o if_o you_o grant_v provincial_a synod_n to_o be_v ancient_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o you_o can_v deny_v metropolitanes_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a and_o requisite_a without_o who_o the_o synod_n of_o each_o province_n can_v neither_o be_v convocate_v nor_o moderate_v if_o to_o avoid_v metropolitanes_n you_o will_v have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o call_v and_o guide_v synod_n to_o run_v round_o by_o course_n which_o order_n you_o fancy_v before_o in_o bishop_n our_o answer_n be_v easy_a we_o look_v not_o what_o you_o can_v invent_v after_o 1500._o year_n to_o please_v your_o own_o humour_n but_o what_o manner_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n establish_v and_o continue_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o we_o prove_v be_v not_o only_o in_o every_o church_n and_o diocese_n to_o have_v a_o bishop_n chief_a over_o the_o presbyter_n but_o in_o every_o province_n to_o appoint_v a_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o to_o have_v this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v by_o letter_n consult_v or_o call_v together_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n for_o any_o question_n or_o cause_n that_o touch_v the_o faith_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n but_o execute_v their_o decree_n and_o see_v they_o perform_v throughout_o his_o province_n this_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o christ_n church_n long_o before_o any_o prince_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o use_v their_o sword_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o do_v synod_n serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o metropolitanes_n have_v the_o execution_n as_o well_o of_o prince_n law_n as_o synodall_n decree_v commit_v to_o their_o power_n and_o care_n throughout_o their_o province_n this_o course_n if_o you_o disdain_v or_o dislike_n you_o condemn_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o first_o increase_n and_o spread_v thereof_o on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o this_o present_a age_n and_o prefer_v your_o own_o wisdom_n if_o it_o be_v worthy_a that_o name_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o be_v account_v self_n love_n and_o singularity_n before_o all_o the_o martyr_n confessor_n father_n prince_n and_o bishop_n that_o have_v live_v govern_v and_o decease_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n death_n how_o well_o the_o height_n of_o your_o conceit_n can_v endure_v to_o blemish_v and_o reproach_n so_o many_o religious_a and_o famous_a light_n of_o christendom_n i_o know_v not_o for_o my_o part_n i_o wish_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o day_n may_v have_v the_o grace_n for_o piety_n and_o prudencie_n to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o not_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n before_o our_o time_n favour_v and_o further_v the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n till_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o most_o man_n be_v quench_v or_o decay_a we_o come_v to_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o discipline_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o mention_v the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n never_o remember_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o we_o never_o conceive_v nor_o imagine_v we_o want_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o story_n that_o reproove_v the_o ambitious_a and_o tyrannous_a dominion_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o archbishop_n socrates_n say_v 11._o the_o bishopric_n of_o rome_n as_o likewise_o that_o of_o alexandria_n be_v long_o before_o his_o time_n grow_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o priesthood_n unto_o worldly_a dominion_n nazianzene_n not_o only_o lament_v the_o mischief_n which_o follow_v these_o diversity_n of_o degree_n but_o hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v only_o by_o their_o virtue_n his_o word_n be_v worth_a the_o hear_n reditum_fw-la for_o this_o presidencie_n of_o bishop_n all_o our_o estatetotter_v &_o shake_v for_o this_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o a_o jealousy_n and_o tumult_n both_o senseless_a and_o nameless_a for_o this_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v think_v to_o be_v of_o man_n which_o in_o deed_n be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o loose_v that_o great_a and_o new_a name_n will_v god_n there_o be_v neither_o priority_n of_o seat_n neither_o superiority_n of_o place_n nor_o violent_a pre-eminence_n that_o we_o may_v be_v discern_v only_o by_o virtue_n but_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o left_a and_o the_o midst_n the_o high_a and_o low_a seat_n the_o go_v before_o and_o go_v even_o with_o have_v to_o no_o purpose_n do_v we_o much_o hurt_n and_o cast_v many_o into_o the_o ditch_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o be_v goat_n and_o those_o not_o only_o of_o the_o inferior_a sort_n but_o even_o of_o the_o shepherd_n which_o be_v master_n in_o israel_n know_v not_o this_o you_o may_v soon_o find_v of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o mislike_v the_o contention_n ambition_n and_o pride_n of_o many_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o any_o that_o mislike_v their_o call_n you_o can_v find_v the_o sharp_a they_o be_v in_o reprove_v their_o vice_n the_o sound_a witness_n they_o be_v in_o allow_v their_o office_n if_o either_o socrates_n or_o nazianzene_n have_v oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n yea_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o &_o after_o they_o their_o credit_n will_v not_o have_v countervail_v the_o weight_n of_o that_o antiquity_n &_o authority_n which_o the_o other_o carry_v but_o in_o deed_n neither_o of_o they_o dispraise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o council_n or_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n only_o they_o tax_v the_o vice_n of_o some_o person_n &_o ambition_n of_o some_o place_n which_o not_o content_a with_o the_o christian_n moderation_n of_o their_o predecessor_n daily_o augment_v their_o power_n and_o their_o pride_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a socrates_n say_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n be_v grow_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o episcopal_a function_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o power_n &_o dominion_n the_o fault_n he_o find_v in_o that_o place_n with_o celestinus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v for_o 11_o take_v from_o the_o novatians_n their_o church_n and_o compel_v their_o bishop_n to_o live_v at_o home_n like_o a_o private_a man_n but_o herein_o socrates_n lean_v a_o little_a too_o much_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o novatians_n to_o mislike_v more_o than_o he_o show_v cause_n why_o will_v god_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v never_o worse_o offend_v then_o in_o so_o do_v he_o touch_v 7._o cyrillus_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n with_o like_a word_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n how_o just_o let_v the_o wise_a judge_n if_o otherwise_o either_o of_o they_o aspire_v above_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o call_n i_o be_o far_o from_o defend_v any_o pride_n in_o they_o or_o in_o whosoever_o nazianzene_n light_v on_o very_o tempestuous_a &_o troublesome_a time_n heresy_n so_o rage_v on_o the_o one_o side_n &_o discord_n afflict_v the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o that_o he_o think_v best_a to_o leave_v all_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o quiet_a &_o solitary_a kind_n of_o contemplation_n of_o the_o council_n in_o his_o time_n he_o say_v procop●um_fw-la i_o be_o mind_v if_o i_o must_v write_v you_o the_o truth_n to_o shun_v all_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n because_o inever_n see_v a_o good_a event_n of_o any_o council_n that_o do_v not_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v our_o evil_n their_o contention_n and_o ambition_n pass_v my_o speech_n not_o that_o he_o condemn_v all_o council_n for_o what_o folly_n have_v that_o be_v in_o so_o wise_a a_o man_n but_o he_o note_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o time_n the_o church_n be_v so_o rend_v in_o piece_n under_o valens_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v restore_v nor_o reform_v in_o many_o year_n after_o even_o so_o in_o the_o word_n which_o you_o allege_v he_o traduce_v not_o the_o vocation_n or_o
43_o 44_o 65_o 73_o 87_o 88_o 92_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o primate_n of_o every_o province_n now_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o composition_n note_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a as_o well_o in_o order_n and_o dignity_n as_o in_o time_n and_o empire_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o refuse_v the_o name_n of_o archbishop_n more_o than_o of_o primate_n which_o word_n the_o african_a council_n so_o often_o use_v if_o you_o deny_v that_o the_o compound_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o order_n among_o fellow_n as_o well_o as_o a_o power_n over_o subject_n to_o omit_v profane_a writer_n by_o which_o we_o may_v prove_v it_o cicero_n say_v 2._o qui_fw-la archipirata_fw-la dicitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la aequabiliter_fw-la praedam_fw-la dispertiat_fw-la aut_fw-la occidetur_fw-la à_fw-la socijs_fw-la aut_fw-la relinquetur_fw-la he_o that_o be_v call_v archpirate_n except_o he_o divide_v the_o prize_n equal_o he_o shall_v be_v slay_v or_o forsake_a not_o of_o his_o man_n but_o of_o his_o fellow_n what_o think_v you_o of_o the_o word_n juda_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d archangel_n do_v it_o import_v order_n and_o dignity_n among_o the_o angel_n or_o power_n and_o empire_n over_o they_o if_o matter_n in_o heaven_n be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o what_o say_v you_o to_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d patriarch_n be_v 7._o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o that_o they_o be_v patriarch_n ruler_n and_o lord_n over_o the_o churchor_n chief_a father_n in_o the_o church_n the_o 7._o twelve_o patriarch_n that_o be_v beget_v of_o jacob_n will_v you_o call_v they_o the_o ruler_n of_o their_o father_n or_o chief_a father_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n 2._o david_n shall_v he_o be_v a_o patriarch_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n or_o of_o his_o prophetical_a grace_n and_o dignity_n this_o signification_n no_o doubt_n the_o learned_a father_n do_v follow_v when_o they_o suffer_v and_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o name_n of_o chaleedonens_fw-la archbishop_n chaleedonens_fw-la archimandrite_n chaleedonens_fw-la archdeacon_n not_o that_o they_o make_v they_o lord_n &_o prince_n over_o bishop_n monk_n and_o deacon_n but_o rather_o chief_a among_o they_o but_o do_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d always_o import_v power_n and_o authority_n which_o you_o shall_v never_o prove_v must_v that_o power_n be_v straightway_o so_o princely_a and_o peremptory_a that_o it_o may_v not_o stand_v with_o a_o bishop_n call_v be_v there_o no_o power_n nor_o government_n annex_v to_o a_o bishop_n office_n christ_n say_v they_o be_v set_v 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o his_o family_n saint_n paul_n call_v they_o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d governor_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v you_o will_v say_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o flock_n not_o of_o their_o fellow_n pastor_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a allow_v the_o metropolitan_a 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n over_o his_o province_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n where_o be_v 300._o bishop_n assemble_v long_o before_o the_o african_a council_n give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n of_o the_o province_n and_o add_v 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o mean_v thereby_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o mother_n city_n or_o metropolitan_a socrates_n say_v the_o first_o council_n of_o constantinople_n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appoint_a patriarch_n and_o call_v the_o charge_n which_o they_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o patriarkdom_n smyrnaos_n ignatius_n patr●_n nazianzen_n and_o antiochenum_fw-la chrysost._n who_o i_o think_v know_v the_o force_n of_o their_o own_o tongue_n better_o than_o any_o manliving_n in_o our_o age_n be_v their_o skill_n never_o so_o great_a spare_v not_o to_o give_v y_o ●_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a priest_n unto_o bishop_n nazianz._n speak_v to_o the_o foresay_a council_n of_o constantinople_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o another_o in_o his_o place_n as_o theodor._n report_v his_o word_n say_v 8._o seek_v out_o a_o man_n prais-worthy_a &_o wise_a that_o be_v able_a to_o undertake_v &_o well_o guide_v the_o number_n of_o care_n here_o occurrent_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v he_o archbish._n of_o this_o place_n and_o touch_v maximus_n theodoret_n say_v the_o same_o council_n deprive_v he_o ibidem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o archiepiscopall_a dignity_n where_o you_o say_v that_o 182._o before_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o be_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 455._o you_o never_o find_v any_o subscription_n in_o synod_n of_o any_o man_n name_v archbishop_n either_o my_o eye_n be_v not_o match_n or_o you_o be_v great_o deceive_v for_o i_o find_v not_o only_o that_o subscription_n in_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n before_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n but_o the_o main_a council_n in_o their_o letter_n give_v that_o title_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n alexandria_n and_o ephesus_n in_o the_o first_o session_n of_o the_o council_n it_o be_v say_v conscriptae_fw-la the_o synod_n assemble_v in_o the_o mother_n city_n of_o ephesus_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o most_o religious_a and_o christian_a king_n the_o bishop_n sit_v in_o the_o most_o sacred_a church_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o marie_n first_o cyril_n of_o alexandria_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o celestinus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mostsacred_a and_o most_o holy_a archbishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n if_o you_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o notary_n fault_n read_v the_o mandate_n which_o the_o whole_a council_n give_v their_o legate_n when_o they_o send_v they_o to_o constantinople_n to_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n and_o valentinian_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o cyrill_n and_o memnon_n and_o likewise_o their_o petition_n to_o the_o two_o prince_n for_o the_o same_o matter_n 73._o we_o pern_v it_o you_o say_v they_o to_o their_o legate_n to_o promise_v our_o communion_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n if_o they_o will_v labour_v with_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o our_o most_o sacred_a archbishop_n cyril_n and_o memnon_n may_v be_v restore_v unto_o us._n in_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o emperor_n they_o give_v the_o like_a title_n to_o celestinus_fw-la 109_o this_o holy_a and_o ecumenical_a council_n say_v they_o with_o which_o sit_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o sacred_a archbishop_n of_o your_o great_a city_n of_o rome_n celestinus_fw-la and_o though_o the_o provincial_a council_n of_o africa_n will_v the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v refrain_v in_o their_o meeting_n yet_o this_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n usual_o call_v cyrill_a and_o memnon_n 70._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a leader_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o holy_a council_n of_o the_o chalcedon_n council_n you_o do_v well_o to_o make_v no_o doubt_n the_o name_n of_o archbishop_n be_v so_o often_o use_v in_o the_o first_o second_o three_o four_o five_o eight_o ten_o fourteen_o and_o sixteenth_o action_n not_o only_o in_o the_o subscription_n but_o even_o in_o the_o deliberation_n &_o decree_n of_o that_o council_n that_o with_o good_a conscience_n it_o may_v not_o be_v dissemble_v now_o if_o you_o suppose_v these_o three_o general_a council_n of_o constantinople_n ephesus_n and_o chalcedon_n and_o all_o the_o greek_a divine_n and_o father_n there_o assemble_v be_v so_o void_a first_o of_o learning_n that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o composition_n then_o of_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v rob_v christ_n of_o his_o proper_a title_n to_o increase_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o utter_o dissent_v from_o you_o the_o speech_n be_v so_o hard_a that_o i_o can_v digest_v it_o if_o you_o yield_v they_o but_o reasonable_a skill_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o moderate_a understanding_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v my_o desire_n for_o then_o not_o only_o the_o function_n and_o office_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o primate_fw-la be_v as_o ancient_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o have_v and_o guide_v of_o provincial_a synod_n and_o confirm_v unto_o they_o as_o lawful_a by_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n but_o their_o very_a name_n &_o place_n be_v allow_v and_o allot_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o never_o since_o deny_v or_o doubt_v till_o this_o present_a age_n wherein_o we_o live_v contention_n and_o ambition_n of_o bishop_n &_o primate_fw-la do_v much_o afflict_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o hinder_v and_o disturb_v the_o best_a council_n the_o very_a nicene_n
other_o side_n shun_v as_o much_o popular_a tumult_n and_o anarchy_n prefer_v a_o middle_a course_n betwixt_o they_o of_o aristocracy_n think_v the_o church_n will_v then_o be_v best_a guide_v when_o neither_o one_o for_o danger_n of_o tyranny_n nor_o all_o for_o fear_v of_o mutiny_n do_v bear_v the_o sway_n but_o a_o number_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o sincere_a undertake_v the_o manage_n of_o all_o matter_n incident_a to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n and_o for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n in_o every_o church_n and_o parish_n to_o find_v a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a company_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o consider_v and_o dispose_v of_o all_o cause_n occurrent_a and_o the_o people_n as_o they_o think_v will_v the_o better_o endure_v the_o proceed_n and_o censure_n of_o their_o consistory_n if_o some_o of_o themselves_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v judge_n in_o those_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o preacher_n they_o compound_v their_o presbytery_n partly_o of_o pastor_n and_o partly_o of_o lay_v elder_n who_o they_o name_v govern_v presbyter_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o suppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v both_o permanent_a and_o indifferent_a to_o proclaim_v this_o as_o a_o fresh_a devise_n of_o their_o own_o will_v be_v some_o what_o odious_a and_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n as_o well_o with_o example_n as_o authority_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v ancient_a for_o the_o better_a accomplish_n of_o their_o desire_n first_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o jewish_a synedrion_fw-mi which_o have_v lay_v elder_n mix_v with_o levites_n in_o every_o city_n to_o determine_v the_o people_n cause_n and_o that_o order_n be_v establish_v by_o moses_n they_o enforce_v it_o as_o a_o perpetual_a pattern_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v to_o that_o end_n they_o bring_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 18._o tell_v it_o the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o ethnic_a and_o publican_n next_o they_o peruse_v the_o apostle_n writing_n to_o see_v what_o mention_n may_v be_v there_o find_v of_o elder_n and_o governor_n and_o light_v on_o this_o sentence_n of_o saint_n paul_n 4._o the_o elder_n which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n they_o resolutelie_o conclude_v there_o be_v some_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n that_o govern_v and_o yet_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o those_o be_v lay_v presbyter_n after_o this_o place_n they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o lay_v elder_n be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o settle_v their_o judgement_n in_o that_o behalf_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n thirdlie_o because_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a that_o lay_v elder_n every_o where_o govern_v the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n no_o council_n story_n nor_o father_n do_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o name_v they_o or_o remember_v they_o or_o so_o conceive_v the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n until_o our_o age_n they_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v some_o show_n of_o they_o in_o the_o father_n writing_n lest_o otherwise_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v marvel_v to_o see_v a_o new_a sort_n of_o governor_n wrench_v and_o force_v out_o of_o s._n paul_n word_n who_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o therefore_o certain_a doubtful_a speech_n of_o the_o father_n be_v draw_v to_o that_o intent_n as_o where_o they_o say_v 1._o the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o presbyter_n and_o 5._o the_o church_n have_v her_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o and_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o their_o lie_v presbyter_n that_o wheresoever_o any_o council_n or_o father_n mention_v presbyter_n they_o straightway_o skor_v up_o the_o place_n for_o lay_v elder_n this_o be_v the_o warp_n and_o web_n of_o the_o lie_v presbytery_n that_o have_v so_o enfold_v some_o man_n wit_n that_o they_o can_v unreave_v their_o cogitation_n from_o admire_v their_o new_a find_a consistory_n and_o in_o deed_n the_o credit_n of_o their_o first_o deviser_n do_v somewhat_o amuse_v i_o as_o i_o think_v it_o do_v other_o till_o partly_o incline_v for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a and_o partly_o require_v where_o i_o may_v not_o refuse_v i_o begin_v more_o serious_o to_o rip_v up_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o i_o find_v both_o the_o slenderness_n of_o the_o stuff_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o work_n that_o have_v deceive_v so_o many_o man_n eye_n as_o first_o for_o the_o jewish_a synedrion_n i_o see_v it_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o judicial_a part_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v abolish_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremonial_a the_o tribunal_n of_o moses_n must_v no_o more_o remain_v than_o the_o priesthood_n do_v moses_n judge_n be_v appoint_v to_o execute_v moses_n law_n the_o punishment_n therefore_o and_o judgement_n of_o moses_n law_n cease_v as_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o they_o do_v all_o such_o consistory_n as_o moses_n erect_v must_v needs_o be_v therewith_o end_v &_o determine_v again_o they_o be_v civil_a magistrate_n that_o moses_n place_v in_o every_o city_n to_o judge_v the_o people_n and_o have_v the_o sword_n to_o punish_v as_o the_o law_n do_v limit_v levites_n be_v admix_v with_o they_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o law_n such_o presbytery_n if_o they_o frame_v we_o in_o every_o parish_n without_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o leave_v they_o make_v a_o fair_a entry_n upon_o the_o prince_n sword_n and_o sceptre_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o consistory_n which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v well_o advise_v before_o they_o adventure_n last_o that_o lie_v elder_n in_o moses_n law_n do_v meddle_v with_o discern_v or_o judge_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thing_n holy_a and_o unholy_a person_n clean_a and_o unclean_a or_o do_v intermeddle_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n or_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n i_o do_v not_o read_v but_o rather_o the_o execution_n and_o superuision_n of_o sacred_a thing_n and_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o prophet_n priest_n and_o levite_n so_o that_o lie_v presbytery_n under_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v no_o agreement_n with_o the_o synedricall_a court_n of_o moses_n much_o less_o any_o derivement_n from_o they_o unless_o they_o will_v tie_v all_o christian_a kingdom_n to_o the_o tribunal_n and_o judicial_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o give_v their_o elder_n the_o sword_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o prince_n and_o not_o to_o presbyter_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n if_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o magistrate_n as_o moses_n appoint_v and_o to_o who_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o his_o law_n be_v to_o make_v their_o complaint_n then_o pertain_v they_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o special_a direction_n for_o those_o time_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n live_v and_o those_o person_n that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n if_o they_o be_v take_v as_o a_o perpetual_a rule_n to_o strengthen_v the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n church_n then_o touch_v they_o no_o way_n the_o synedrion_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o any_o other_o court_v establish_v by_o moses_n let_v they_o choose_v which_o they_o will_v neither_o hurt_v we_o nor_o help_v they_o the_o place_n of_o saint_n paul_n at_o a_o glimce_n seem_v to_o make_v for_o they_o but_o when_o i_o advise_o look_v into_o it_o i_o find_v the_o text_n so_o little_o favour_v they_o that_o in_o precise_a term_n it_o exclude_v lay_v elder_n as_o no_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n there_o charge_v that_o all_o presbyter_n which_o rule_v well_o shall_v have_v double_a honour_n his_o word_n be_v plain_a 5._o the_o presbyter_n that_o rule_n well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n honour_n in_o this_o place_n be_v apparent_o take_v for_o maintenance_n as_o the_o proof_n follow_v do_v import_n 5._o thou_o shall_v not_o mussel_n the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o thy_o corn_n and_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n now_o by_o no_o precept_n nor_o example_n will_v it_o ever_o be_v prove_v that_o lay_v presbyter_n have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n double_a honour_n and_o
special_a charge_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o their_o singularity_n in_o succeed_v and_o superiority_n in_o ordain_v have_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o the_o peculiar_a and_o substantial_a mark_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o calling_n i_o know_v some_o late_a writer_n vehement_o spurn_v at_o this_o and_o hardly_o endure_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o custom_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o in_o no_o case_n by_o any_o order_n or_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o opinion_n together_o with_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o build_v i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o small_a skill_n examine_v and_o find_v they_o no_o way_n able_a to_o rebate_v the_o full_a and_o sound_a evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o contrary_n for_o what_o more_o pregnant_a probation_n can_v be_v require_v then_o that_o the_o same_o power_n and_o precept_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o he_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o ephesus_n remain_v in_o all_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n to_o certain_a special_a and_o try_a person_n authorize_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o they_o derive_v to_o their_o after-commer_n by_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a succession_n in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n without_o conference_n to_o enlarge_v it_o or_o council_n to_o decree_v it_o the_o continue_v where_o of_o for_o three_o descent_n the_o apostle_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n confirm_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o saint_n john_n among_o other_o witness_v with_o his_o pen_n as_o a_o order_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o express_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o original_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n mouth_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o famous_a place_n and_o church_n of_o christendom_n where_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o while_o they_o live_v can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o that_o course_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v apostolic_a for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o neither_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o overreach_v it_o with_o policy_n nor_o so_o wayward_a as_o to_o withstand_v it_o with_o obstinacy_n against_o so_o main_a and_o clear_a proof_n as_o i_o dare_v undertake_v will_v content_v even_o a_o contentious_a mind_n when_o he_o read_v they_o be_v pretend_v two_o poor_a place_n the_o one_o of_o ambrose_n the_o other_o of_o jerome_n the_o first_o avouch_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n go_v by_o 4._o order_n before_o it_o come_v by_o way_n of_o election_n unto_o desert_n the_o other_o resolve_v that_o bishop_n be_v titum_fw-la great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n both_o these_o authority_n i_o have_v thorough_o discuss_v and_o lay_v forth_o the_o right_a intent_n of_o those_o father_n not_o only_o by_o comparison_n of_o other_o writer_n but_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v i_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o foreign_a sense_n beside_o their_o true_a meaning_n for_o when_o jerome_n and_o austen_n allege_v the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o name_n and_o obtinuit_fw-la title_n of_o honour_n which_o at_o first_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o after_o divide_v by_o the_o obtinuit_fw-la use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o austen_n express_v we_o can_v absolute_o grant_v the_o place_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o power_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o jerome_n say_v presbyter_n be_v subject_a in_o such_o fort_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n observe_v rather_o by_o custom_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n jerome_n possidonius_fw-la and_o other_o may_v neither_o luciferianos_fw-la baptize_v 88_o preach_v nor_o 9_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n especial_o in_o his_o presence_n which_o indeed_o grow_v rather_o by_o custom_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n then_o by_o any_o rule_n or_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o which_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v save_o impose_v of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v that_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n in_o the_o scripture_n betwixt_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n as_o euagr._fw-la jerome_n and_o timotheum_n chrysostome_n affirm_v other_o difference_n which_o the_o church_n keep_v many_o as_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o the_o baptize_v and_o convert_v to_o reconcile_v penitent_n and_o such_o like_a be_v rather_o peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o call_n then_o for_o any_o necessity_n of_o god_n law_n if_o any_o man_n urge_v further_o out_o of_o jerome_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n at_o all_o nor_o chief_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n of_o each_o place_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o answer_v he_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o their_o new_a discipline_n 23._o non_fw-la ita_fw-la desipuisse_fw-la existimandus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la somniaretneminem_fw-la illi_fw-la coetui_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la icrome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o dream_v the_o presbytery_n have_v no_o chief_a ruler_n or_o precedent_n m._n it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v govern_v each_o action_n or_o meeting_n and_o again_o 21._o tales_n episcopos_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la christi_fw-la voce_fw-la constitutos_fw-la absit_fw-la ut_fw-la unquam_fw-la simus_fw-la inficiati_fw-la that_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v pastor_n in_o every_o city_n and_o chief_a of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v appoint_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v ever_o deny_v this_o say_v he_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a discipline_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v urge_v any_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v pastor_n over_o their_o church_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n under_o they_o if_o we_o thus_o far_o agree_v what_o cause_n then_o have_v those_o turbulent_a head_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o all_o which_o to_o ease_v their_o stomach_n or_o to_o please_v their_o maintainer_n jest_v and_o rail_v rather_o like_v stage-player_n than_o divine_n on_o those_o who_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o if_o their_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o strong_a and_o weighty_a howsoever_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o fluary_n let_v they_o remember_v who_o say_v 10._o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o they_o will_v haply_o save_v themselves_o for_o that_o our_o bishop_n differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a bishop_n in_o many_o thing_n as_o namely_o they_o 156._o succeed_v in_o order_n we_o by_o election_n the_o dignity_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 156._o common_a to_o every_o presbyter_n in_o his_o course_n now_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o one_o with_o they_o it_o 156._o dure_v for_o a_o season_n as_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n with_o we_o for_o life_n except_o by_o just_a cause_n any_o deserve_v to_o be_v remoove_v last_o they_o have_v but_o 156._o priority_n of_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o moderate_v the_o meeting_n and_o consulting_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n over_o their_o fellow-presbyter_n these_o be_v precise_o the_o point_n wherein_o one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a of_o that_o side_n contend_v the_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a institution_n of_o bishop_n be_v change_v by_o process_n of_o time_n into_o a_o other_o form_n establish_v by_o custom_n and_o confirm_v by_o consent_n of_o man_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v not_o alter_v or_o invert_v the_o sense_n or_o sentence_n if_o any_o of_o these_o difference_n be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o no_o cause_n to_o discredit_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o elect_v her_o bishop_n to_o hold_v their_o place_n so_o long_o as_o they_o govern_v well_o for_o the_o same_o writer_n pronounce_v of_o these_o very_a thing_n set_v the_o last_o aside_o supra_fw-la neque_fw-la in_fw-la istis_fw-la quicquam_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la reprehendi_fw-la possit_fw-la neither_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v there_o aught_o that_o can_v be_v mislike_v but_o in_o deed_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o these_o diversity_n that_o can_v be_v just_o prove_v either_o by_o scripture_n
presbytery_n let_v they_o read_v if_o they_o bring_v better_a i_o be_o willing_a to_o learn_v but_o i_o like_v no_o selfe-set_a assertion_n as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o very_a breath_n of_o our_o mouth_n or_o dash_n of_o our_o pen_n without_o any_o other_o text_n or_o interpreter_n if_o i_o have_v say_v aught_o that_o be_v not_o allow_v by_o the_o word_n or_o not_o witness_v by_o the_o continual_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o christ_n church_n i_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v i_o look_v for_o the_o like_a measure_n if_o any_o man_n reply_n not_o to_o hear_v the_o conjectural_a and_o opinative_a ghess_n of_o some_o that_o live_v in_o our_o age_n but_o such_o effectual_a reason_n and_o substantial_a authority_n as_o may_v press_v the_o gaine-say_a and_o settle_v the_o consenter_n god_n make_v we_o zealous_a for_o his_o not_o for_o our_o will_n and_o so_o guide_v our_o labour_n that_o we_o may_v lessen_v the_o trouble_n and_o not_o ripen_v the_o danger_n of_o zion_n seek_v rather_o how_o to_o amend_v then_o how_o to_o multiply_v the_o rend_v and_o breach_n of_o jerusalem_n amen_n chap._n i._n the_o original_a and_o domestical_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o law●_n chap._n ii_o the_o leviticall_a and_o nationall_n regiment_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n chap._n iii_o the_o personal_a and_o perpetual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n after_o he_o t●●●e_v fl●sh_a chap._n four_o the_o synedricall_a jurisdiction_n which_o some_o man_n th●nk●_n ou●_n saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n restore_v and_o recommend_v to_o his_o church_n chap._n v._o the_o apostolical_a preeminence_n and_o authority_n before_o and_o after_o christ_n scension_n chap._n vi_o what_o dominion_n and_o title_n christ_n interdict_v his_o apostle_n chap._n vii_o who_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o election_n of_o elder_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n chap._n viii_o the_o apostolic_a power_n in_o determine_v doubt_n of_o faith_n and_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n chap._n ix_o what_o part_n of_o the_o apostolic_a power_n and_o charge_n be_v to_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v chap._n x._o what_o the_o presbytery_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n mention_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o whether_o lay_v elder_n be_v of_o that_o number_n or_o no._n chap._n xi_o what_o presbytery_n the_o primitive_a church_n and_o catholic_a father_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o whether_o lay_v elder_n be_v any_o part_n thereof_o or_o no._n chap._n xii_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n depart_v or_o die_v lest_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o equal_o to_o all_o presbyter_n or_o chief_o to_o some_o and_o how_o far_o the_o conceit_n of_o late_a writer_n herein_o vary_v from_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o word_n they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v chap._n xiii_o that_o some_o chief_a ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n by_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o right_n of_o succession_n who_o the_o father_n before_o u●_n do_v and_o we_o after_o their_o example_n do_v call_v bishop_n chap._n xiiii_o the_o fatherly_a power_n and_o pastourall_a care_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n and_o other_o in_o their_o church_n and_o dioeceses_n chap._n xv._o to_o who_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n do_v right_o belong_v and_o whether_o by_o god_n law_n the_o people_n must_v elect_v their_o pastor_n or_o no._n chap._n xvi_o the_o meeting_n of_o bishop_n in_o synod_n and_o who_o do_v call_v and_o moderate_v those_o assembly_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o perpetval_a government_n of_o christ_n church_n chap._n i._n the_o original_a and_o domestical_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o law_n what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o order_n and_o government_n as_o in_o all_o assembly_n of_o man_n that_o will_v live_v together_o so_o namely_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v many_o way_n witness_v unto_o we_o both_o by_o the_o proportion_n of_o those_o natural_a and_o civil_a society_n to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v and_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o fellowship_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v have_v among_o themselves_o in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n even_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n have_v prevail_v the_o first_o root_n of_o all_o humane_a consort_n and_o communion_n i_o mean_v private_a house_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n distinguish_v by_o diverse_a degree_n and_o prerogative_n of_o husband_n parent_n and_o master_n above_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n and_o yet_o link_v they_o all_o together_o in_o mutual_a correspondence_n with_o duty_n according_a the_o branch_n that_o thence_o rise_v as_o city_n country_n and_o kingdom_n have_v they_o not_o their_o law_n to_o prescribe_v and_o magistrate_n to_o execute_v thing_n needful_a for_o their_o common_a estate_n god_n ordain_v power_n and_o deliver_v the_o sword_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o innocent_a and_o repressall_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o injurious_a be_v we_o willing_a or_o constant_a in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a discipline_n be_v not_o so_o requisite_a but_o because_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o we_o be_v soon_o deceive_v of_o ourselves_o soon_o seduce_v by_o other_o and_o soon_o of_o all_o averted_a and_o pervert_v with_o fear_n and_o desire_v to_o settle_v the_o unsted_o fastness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o bridle_v the_o unrulinesse_n of_o our_o affection_n the_o lord_n have_v provide_v for_o all_o society_n the_o line_n of_o direction_n and_o rod_n of_o correction_n as_o well_o to_o guide_v the_o tractable_a as_o to_o repress_v the_o obstinate_a lest_o disorder_n endure_v shall_v breed_v confusion_n the_o forerunner_n of_o all_o ruin_n since_o then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v 3._o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o 12._o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o the_o 1._o kingdom_n of_o his_o belove_a son_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n be_v careful_a for_o other_o s_o and_o careless_a for_o his_o own_o or_o that_o confusion_n ought_v to_o be_v less_o doubt_v and_o fear_v in_o heavenly_a then_o in_o earthly_a thing_n god_n be_v not_o where_o author_n of_o 14._o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n especial_o in_o his_o church_n in_o which_o he_o command_v ibidem_fw-la all_o thing_n to_o be_v decent_o &_o orderly_o do_v where_o no_o man_n do_v govern_v what_o order_n can_v be_v keep_v where_o no_o man_n do_v moderate_a what_o peace_n can_v be_v have_v yea_o what_o great_a dissipation_n can_v befall_v the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o for_o every_o man_n to_o intrude_v where_o he_o listen_v and_o obtrude_v what_o he_o will_v without_o restraint_n or_o reproof_n wherefore_o god_n have_v appoint_v 4._o steward_n over_o his_o household_n 13._o watchman_n and_o leader●_n over_o his_o flock_n 10._o labourer_n in_o his_o harvest_n 3._o husbandman_n in_o his_o tillage_n 12._o diverse_a administration_n as_o well_o for_o the_o 4._o preservation_n as_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o answer_v the_o frame_n of_o man_n body_n that_o as_o there_o so_o in_o the_o church_n 33._o god_n have_v set_v some_o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o eye_n ear_n tongue_n and_o hand_n that_o be_v to_o be_v principal_a member_n for_o the_o guide_n and_o direct_v of_o the_o whole_a which_o without_o they_o be_v maim_v and_o unable_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o safety_n and_o security_n of_o itself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v that_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o people_n in_o god_n church_n and_o needless_a for_o the_o pastor_n that_o be_v to_o guard_v the_o foot_n and_o leave_v the_o head_n open_a to_o a_o more_o deadly_a wound_n but_o rather_o as_o the_o more_o principal_a the_o part_n the_o more_o perilous_a the_o disease_n so_o the_o more_o disorder_v the_o pastor_n the_o likely_a the_o people_n to_o perish_v by_o their_o dissension_n the_o house_n can_v stand_v which_o the_o builder_n subvert_v the_o harvest_n be_v lose_v where_o the_o labourer_n do_v rather_o scatter_v then_o gather_v if_o the_o eye_n lack_v light_a how_o dark_a be_v the_o body_n if_o the_o salt_n be_v unsavourie_a where_o withal_o shall_v the_o rest_n he_o season_v the_o follower_n can_v go_v right_a where_o the_o guide_n go_v astray_o and_o force_v distract_v be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a be_v soon_o defeat_v discord_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o pastor_n rend_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n where_o as_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o teacher_n confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n if_o they_o strive_v that_o sit_v at_o stern_a the_o ship_n of_o christ_n can_v hold_v a_o straight_a and_o safe_a course_n in_o the_o
of_o the_o people_n with_o he_o &_o assist_v he_o in_o hear_v &_o order_v all_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n beside_o these_o god_n name_v twelve_o prince_n of_o every_o tribe_n one_o for_o often_o meeting_n &_o quick_a dispatch_n to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o aaron_n and_o moses_n that_o be_v with_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o magistrate_n thus_o have_v every_o tribe_n their_o judge_n and_o officer_n elder_n and_o prince_n to_o direct_v and_o rule_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o same_o order_n be_v by_o moses_n prescribe_v against_o they_o shall_v recover_v and_o enter_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o be_v likewise_o there_o observe_v 16._o judge_n &_o officer_n shall_v thou_o make_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o city_n throughout_o thy_o tribe_n &_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o people_n with_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o 17._o if_o there_o arise_v a_o matter_n too_o hard_o for_o thou_o in_o judgement_n within_o thy_o gate_n thou_o shall_v arise_v &_o go_v up_o to_o the_o place_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n shall_v choose_v where_o the_o seventie_o elder_n be_v to_o abide_v and_o attend_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n both_o civil_a &_o sacred_a and_o their_o sentence_n by_o god_n law_n no_o man_n may_v refuse_v without_o punishment_n of_o death_n this_o manner_n of_o government_n jehosaphat_n restore_v together_o with_o religion_n when_o he_o 19_o set_v judge_n in_o the_o land_n throughout_o all_o the_o strong_a city_n of_o judah_n city_n by_o city_n moreover_o in_o jerusalem_n he_o place_v of_o the_o levite_n and_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o family_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o judgement_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v behold_v amariah_n the_o priest_n be_v chief_a over_o you_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o zebediah_n the_o son_n of_o ishmael_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n for_o all_o the_o king_n affair_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v officer_n in_o your_o presence_n josephus_n repeat_v the_o sum_n of_o these_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o this_o sort_n 8._o in_o every_o city_n let_v there_o be_v seven_o ruler_n man_n chief_o regard_v virtue_n &_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n to_o every_o magistracy_n let_v there_o be_v allot_v two_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n for_o assistance_n if_o these_o judge_n can_v pronounce_v of_o any_o matter_n bring_v before_o they_o let_v the_o whole_a cause_n be_v send_v to_o the_o holy_a city_n &_o the_o high_a priest_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o senate_n or_o council_n of_o elder_n assemble_v determine_v what_o they_o think_v right_a the_o jewish_a thalmud_n vari_v from_o josephus_n in_o the_o number_n of_o their_o judge_n and_o say_v that_o on_o small_a and_o pecuniary_a matter_n in_o every_o city_n sit_v three_o judge_n on_o criminal_a and_o capital_a three_o and_o twenty_o on_o the_o high_a affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o cause_v send_v from_o other_o city_n sit_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o lxxi_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n witness_v that_o 4._o ten_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o city_n sit_v with_o boaz_n in_o the_o gate_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v end_v betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o kinsman_n for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o elimelech_n and_o marriage_n of_o ruth_n the_o prince_n and_o elder_n of_o 8._o succoth_n even_o of_o one_o city_n be_v 77._o who_o flesh_n gede_n on_o do_v tear_v with_o thorn_n for_o refuse_v to_o relieve_v his_o weary_a soldier_n the_o jar_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o judge_n i_o labour_v not_o to_o reconcile_v they_o may_v speak_v of_o diverse_a time_n and_o place_n without_o repugnance_n of_o each_o to_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v that_o moses_n appoint_v neither_o judge_n nor_o elder_n in_o city_n or_o synedrion_n but_o they_o be_v magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n and_o have_v the_o sword_n to_o chastise_v the_o body_n and_o punish_v with_o death_n the_o supreme_a synedrion_n of_o jerusalem_n hear_v and_o decide_v matter_n pertain_v to_o god_n and_o the_o king_n and_o the_o man_n that_o presumptuous_o disobey_v they_o be_v by_o god_n law_n to_o die_v under_o esdras_n the_o punishment_n of_o he_o that_o neglect_v their_o commandment_n be_v the_o 10._o forfeiture_n of_o all_o his_o good_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o elder_n of_o their_o city_n be_v to_o 21._o inquire_v and_o swear_v for_o unknowen_a murder_n to_o 19_o deliver_v the_o wilful_a murderer_n unto_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o avenger_n of_o blood_n to_o 21._o adjudge_v to_o death_n disobedient_a child_n to_o 22._o a_o merce_v and_o chastise_v the_o slanderer_n of_o his_o wife_n virginity_n and_o to_o stone_n the_o adulteress_n to_o death_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o perform_v all_o the_o punishment_n and_o penalty_n of_o moses_n law_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o their_o elder_n in_o every_o city_n be_v the_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n and_o may_v inflict_v both_o loss_n of_o limb_n and_o life_n and_o determine_v all_o cause_n save_o such_o as_o for_o distinction_n of_o holy_a and_o unholy_a be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o priest_n or_o for_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n though_o many_o thing_n be_v corrupt_v and_o alter_v from_o moses_n law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o sanhedrin_n much_o decrease_v first_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o herode_fw-la then_o by_o the_o roman_a precedent_n who_o not_o regard_v moses_n law_n can_v not_o endure_v the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n so_o near_o their_o nose_n yet_o for_o the_o better_a contain_v the_o people_n in_o obedience_n to_o their_o country_n rite_n and_o law_n without_o which_o they_o will_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v govern_v or_o quiet_v the_o elder_n of_o each_o place_n be_v suffer_v to_o retain_v some_o show_n of_o their_o former_a power_n as_o to_o hear_v and_o redress_v the_o private_a wrong_n and_o injury_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v authority_n leave_v they_o to_o imprison_v and_o chastise_v with_o rod_n the_o contemner_n and_o disturber_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o 26._o bind_n and_o 26._o buffe●ing_v of_o christ_n and_o 5._o beat_v his_o apostle_n as_o also_o by_o paul_n letter_n from_o the_o 22._o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n to_o prison_n and_o beat_v in_o every_o synagogue_n such_o as_o believe_v 10._o i_o send_v you_o say_v christ_n to_o his_o disciple_n as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o council_n and_o scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n yea_o by_o show_v themselves_o zealous_a for_o caesar_n and_o by_o false_a suggest_v that_o the_o apostle_n under_o colour_n of_o religion_n labour_v to_o 24._o stir_v sedition_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o theudas_n and_o judas_n not_o long_o before_o have_v do_v the_o elder_n so_o prevail_v with_o the_o roman●s_n that_o not_o only_o the_o precedent_n themselves_o persecute_v the_o faithful_a to_o content_v and_o gratify_v the_o people_n but_o suffer_v the_o synedrion_fw-mi at_o jerusalem_n to_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n when_o they_o same_o cause_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o same_o in_o case_n of_o defection_n from_o their_o law_n or_o rebellion_n against_o their_o law_n our_o saviour_n say_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharise_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n 23._o fulfil_v you_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o kill_v and_o crucify_v and_o some_o shall_v you_o scourge_v in_o your_o synagogue_n and_o pursue_v from_o city_n to_o city_n paul_n confess_v how_o hot_a he_o be_v against_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o ignorance_n say_v 22._o i_o persecute_v this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o imprison_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o 22._o when_o the_o blood_n of_o steven_n the_o martyr_n be_v shed_v he_o stand_v by_o and_o consent_v unto_o his_o death_n and_o 7._o keep_v the_o clothes_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o slay_v he_o 8._o at_o that_o time_n also_o when_o steven_n be_v stone_v there_o be_v a_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o saul_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n and_o draw_v out_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o put_v they_o in_o prison_n 9_o breathe_v out_o threat_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v havoc_n of_o his_o church_n the_o ston_a of_o steven_n some_o man_n suppose_v be_v do_v in_o a_o tumult_n without_o all_o lawful_a authority_n because_o the_o chief_a priest_n not_o long_o before_o say_v to_o
be_v trouble_v 147._o man_n say_v he_o desire_v to_o finish_v their_o secular_a cause_n by_o our_o judgement_n call_v we_o holy_a and_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n about_o gold_n and_o silver_n land_n and_o chattel_n quotidie_fw-la submisso_fw-la capite_fw-la salutamur_fw-la we_o be_v every_o day_n salute_v with_o low_o bow_v the_o head_n to_o determine_v the_o strife_n of_o man_n i_o allege_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o have_v they_o reviue_v too_o much_o honour_n inflame_v ambition_n as_o too_o little_a engender_v contempt_n i_o only_o observe_v in_o the_o best_a age_n how_o careful_a good_a prince_n be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o honour_v the_o bishop_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o by_o their_o law_n to_o make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o the_o people_n where_o as_o in_o our_o day_n some_o wayward_a spirit_n think_v it_o a_o great_a point_n of_o piety_n by_o despise_v and_o reproach_v their_o state_n and_o calling_n as_o unchristian_a and_o ungodly_a to_o make_v they_o contemptible_a &_o odious_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o multitude_n a_o better_a way_n to_o reform_v the_o fault_n of_o bishop_n be_v that_o admonition_n which_o ambrose_n give_v they_o when_o he_o say_v 3_o ne_o sit_v honour_n sublimis_fw-la &_o vita_fw-la deformis_fw-la ne_o sit_v deifica_fw-la professio_fw-la &_o illicita_fw-la actio_fw-la ne_o sit_v gradus_fw-la excelsus_fw-la &_o deformis_fw-la excessus_fw-la nam_fw-la quanto_fw-la prae_fw-la caeteris_fw-la gradus_fw-la episcopalis_fw-la altior_fw-la est_fw-la tanto_fw-la si_fw-la per_fw-la negligentiam_fw-la dilabatur_fw-la ruina_fw-la gravior_fw-la est_fw-la magna_fw-la sublimitas_fw-la magnam_fw-la debet_fw-la habere_fw-la cautelam_fw-la honour_v grandis_fw-la grandiori_fw-la debet_fw-la solicitudine_fw-la circumuallari_fw-la let_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o bishop_n be_v lofty_a and_o their_o life_n loathsome_a their_o profession_n divine_a and_o their_o action_n unlawful_a their_o state_n high_a and_o their_o excess_n shameful_a for_o the_o high_a a_o bishop_n degree_n be_v above_o the_o rest_n the_o greevouser_n be_v his_o fall_n if_o he_o slide_v by_o negligence_n great_a dignity_n ought_v to_o have_v great_a wariness_n much_o honour_n shall_v be_v keep_v with_o much_o carefulness_n to_o who_o more_o be_v commit_v of_o he_o more_o shall_v be_v require_v he_o impeach_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o call_n but_o assure_v they_o their_o judgement_n shall_v be_v increase_v and_o punishment_n aggravate_v if_o their_o care_n and_o diligence_n do_v not_o answer_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n above_o their_o brethren_n then_o as_o they_o that_o 3._o affect_v this_o dignity_n because_o they_o will_v be_v honour_v before_o man_n be_v condemn_v before_o god_n so_o this_o timoth._n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o evil_a say_v chrysostome_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n be_v decay_v and_o no_o reverence_n no_o honour_n no_o fear_n be_v yield_v to_o they_o he_o that_o be_v religious_o affect_v to_o the_o priest_n will_v with_o great_a piety_n reverence_n god_n and_o he_o that_o despise_v the_o priest_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o this_o at_o last_o that_o he_o wax_v contumelious_a against_o god_n himself_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v first_o that_o our_o saviour_n interdict_v his_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o claim_v any_o civil_a dominion_n to_o command_v and_o compel_v which_o be_v the_o power_n that_o prince_n and_o lord_n use_v over_o their_o subject_n and_o servant_n next_o they_o must_v neither_o desire_v nor_o delight_v any_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o praise_n from_o man_n but_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o archpastour_a when_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v praise_n from_o god_n three_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v they_o must_v serve_v the_o low_a of_o their_o brethren_n to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o watch_v over_o they_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n yet_o this_o nothing_o hinder_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n that_o pastor_n have_v over_o their_o flock_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v it_o bar_v they_o or_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o honour_n and_o obedience_n which_o in_o heart_n word_n and_o deed_n be_v due_a to_o the_o 4._o father_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o god_n household_n chap._n vii_o who_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o election_n of_o presbyter_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o choose_v of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o many_o think_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o at_o least_o the_o presbytery_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o that_o end_n sundry_a precedent_n be_v allege_v as_o namely_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o other_o church_n in_o the_o 14._o of_o the_o act_n and_o of_o timothy_n all_o which_o seem_v to_o prove_v the_o apostle_n do_v nothing_o of_o themselves_o but_o with_o the_o consent_n &_o concurrence_n of_o other_o to_o come_v by_o thetrueth_n what_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v in_o these_o two_o point_n the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v to_o examine_v the_o place_n in_o order_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n it_o be_v not_o express_v that_o the_o church_n intermedle_v peter_n acquaint_v all_o the_o disciple_n that_o one_o must_v supply_v y_o ●_o room_n of_o judas_n but_o who_o name_v those_o two_o that_o be_v appoint_v whether_o the_o apostle_n or_o all_o the_o disciple_n it_o be_v not_o decide_v in_o the_o text_n the_o force_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n convince_v neither_o for_o thus_o they_o stand_v 1._o and_o they_o appoint_v two_o and_o they_o pray_v say_v and_o they_o cast_v lot_n if_o prayer_n and_o lot_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o principal_a director_n of_o that_o action_n and_o thereto_o lead_v by_o the_o instinct_n of_o god_n spirit_n consequent_o it_o be_v their_o deed_n to_o present_v they_o both_o to_o god_n that_o he_o may_v they_o which_o of_o they_o he_o have_v choose_v beside_o a_o apostle_n may_v not_o be_v choose_v by_o man_n much_o less_o by_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o no_o question_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n make_v this_o election_n and_o the_o disciple_n afterward_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o god_n do_v and_o account_v mathias_n with_o the_o eleven_o but_o chrysostome_n say_v ibid._n non_fw-la ipse_fw-la ●os_v statuit_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la pèter_n himself_o do_v not_o appoint_v those_o two_o but_o all_o do_v it_o yea_o he_o say_v further_o considera_fw-la quàm_fw-la petrus_n agit_fw-fr omne_fw-la ex_fw-la communi_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la sententia_fw-la nihil_fw-la authoritate_fw-la sva_fw-la nihil_fw-la cum_fw-la imperio_fw-la mark_v how_o peter_n do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o the_o disciple_n nothing_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n nothing_o by_o commandment_n he_o say_v so_o in_o deed_n but_o the_o text_n say_v not_o so_o only_o the_o verb_n be_v the_o plural_a number_n which_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o the_o apostle_n aswell_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n yet_o the_o reason_n why_o peter_n do_v it_o not_o be_v not_o for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o he_o without_o the_o multitude_n to_o do_v it_o but_o as_o chrysostome_n note_v lest_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o gratify_v the_o one_o and_o not_o the_o other_o as_o also_o that_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n ibidem_fw-la an_fw-mi non_fw-la licebat_fw-la ipsi_fw-la eligere_fw-la licebat_fw-la &_o quidem_fw-la maximè_fw-la verum_fw-la id_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la ne_fw-la cvi_fw-la videretur_fw-la gratificari_fw-la quanquam_fw-la alioqui_fw-la nondum_fw-la erat_fw-la particeps_fw-la spiritus_fw-la may_v not_o peter_n have_v choose_v he_o he_o may_v most_o lawful_o but_o he_o do_v it_o not_o lest_o he_o shall_v seem_v to_o gratify_v either_o part_n aibeit_n as_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o chrysostome_n think_v they_o cast_v lot_n ibidem_fw-la quontam_fw-la non-erat_a spiritus_fw-la sortibus_fw-la rem_fw-la peragunt_fw-la because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o pour_v on_o they_o therefore_o they_o determine_v the_o matter_n by_o lot_n the_o choice_n of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o multitude_n the_o approbation_n of_o they_o reserve_v to_o the_o twelve_o and_o that_o not_o without_o cause_n for_o by_o this_o choice_n the_o deacon_n as_o they_o say_v receive_v not_o charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o a_o care_n to_o see_v the_o saint_n provide_v for_o and_o the_o collection_n and_o contribution_n of_o the_o faithful_a sincere_o and_o upright_o employ_v according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o person_n now_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v very_o well_o like_a and_o full_o trust_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v steward_n of_o their_o good_n and_o dispenser_n of_o their_o
accipiat_fw-la satisfactionis_fw-la suae_fw-la modum_fw-la let_v he_o come_v to_o the_o precedent_n by_o who_o the_o key_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n 2_o it_o seem_v unpossible_a that_o by_o repentance_n sin_n shall_v be_v remit_v say_v ambrose_n but_o christ_n grant_v this_o to_o his_o apostle_n &_o from_o the_o apostle_n it_o descend_v to_o the_o priest_n function_n 26._o loe_o say_v gregory_n the_o apostle_n which_o fear_v the_o district_n judgement_n of_o god_n be_v make_v judge_n of_o soul_n their_o place_n now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n keep_v they_o have_v authority_n to_o bind_v &_o loose_v that_o be_v call_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o regiment_n a_o great_a honour_n but_o a_o great_a burden_n follow_v this_o honour_n let_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n fear_v undiscrete_o to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o whether_o the_o pastor_n bind_v just_o or_o unjust_o the_o pastors_n sentence_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v of_o the_o flock_n the_o council_n general_a &_o provincial_a reserve_v both_o excommunication_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o the_o judgement_n &_o conscience_n of_o the_o pastout_a &_o bishop_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n impart_v either_o of_o they_o to_o the_o people_n or_o laie-elders_a the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a 5._o touch_v such_o as_o be_v put_v from_o the_o communion_n whether_o they_o be_v clergy_n man_n or_o lay_v by_o the_o bishop_n in_o every_o place_n let_v this_o rule_n be_v keep_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n that_o they_o which_o be_v reject_v by_o some_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o other_o but_o let_v it_o be_v careful_o examine_v that_o they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o weakness_n waspishnes_n forwardness_n or_o rashness_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o y_o ●_o this_o matter_n may_v the_o better_o be_v inquire_v of_o we_o like_v it_o well_o y_fw-fr ●_o twice_o every_o year_n there_o shall_v be_v keep_v a_o synod_n in_o every_o province_n y_fw-fr ●_o all_o the_o bb._n of_o the_o province_n meet_v together_o may_v examine_v those_o matter_n &_o such_o as_o have_v clear_o offend_v their_o bishop_n let_v they_o be_v hold_v just_o excommunicate_a by_o all_o until_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o bishop_n in_o common_a to_o give_v a_o easy_a judgement_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o universal_a rule_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o admit_v and_o remove_v from_o the_o sacrament_n such_o as_o deserve_v it_o and_o for_o the_o examination_n and_o moderation_n of_o their_o do_n neither_o people_n nor_o laie-presbyter_n be_v join_v with_o they_o but_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o province_n every_o half_a year_n hear_v the_o matter_n when_o any_o find_v himself_o grieve_v with_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o bishop_n and_o they_o according_a to_o the_o right_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o reverse_v or_o ratify_v the_o former_a judgement_n yea_o the_o bishop_n have_v power_n at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n or_o otherwise_o upon_o the_o unfeigned_a repentance_n of_o the_o party_n to_o mitigate_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o canon_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o 12._o and_o 13._o of_o the_o same_o council_n 12._o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o bishop_n to_o deal_v more_o gentle_o with_o they_o and_o again_o 13._o general_o for_o every_o excommunicate_a person_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o depart_v this_o life_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o eucharist_n let_v the_o bishop_n upon_o trial_n give_v he_o the_o communion_n and_o so_o the_o general_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n 16._o we_o determine_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o deal_v more_o favourablie_o with_o such_o as_o by_o the_o canon_n shall_v stand_v excommunicate_a the_o council_n of_o antioch_n 6._o if_o any_o be_v deprive_v the_o communion_n by_o his_o own_o bishop_n let_v he_o not_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o other_o afore_o he_o appear_v and_o make_v his_o defence_n at_o the_o next_o synod_n and_o obtain_v from_o they_o another_o judgement_n except_o his_o own_o bishop_n or_o dioecesan_n be_v content_a to_o receive_v he_o this_o rule_n to_o be_v keep_v touch_v laie-man_n priest_n &_o deacon_n and_o all_o other_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o canon_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n 14._o if_o a_o bishop_n be_v over_o carry_v with_o anger_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o man_n and_o hasty_o move_v against_o a_o priest_n or_o deacon_n will_v cast_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v provide_v that_o he_o be_v not_o condemn_v when_o he_o be_v innocent_a nor_o deprive_v the_o communion_n and_o the_o bishop_n that_o have_v put_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n must_v be_v content_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v hear_v that_o his_o sentence_n may_v be_v confirm_v or_o correct_v but_o before_o the_o perfect_a &_o exact_a hear_n &_o look_v into_o the_o cause_n he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v not_o challenge_v the_o communion_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n 32._o let_v the_o time_n of_o repentance_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o bishop_n unto_o y_fw-es ●_o pendents_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o no_o presbyter_n reconcile_v a_o penitent_a without_o the_o like_n of_o the_o bishop_n unless_o necessity_n force_v in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o if_o the_o fault_n be_v public_a &_o blaze_v abroad_o and_o offend_v the_o whole_a church_n let_v hand_n be_v impose_v on_o he_o before_o the_o rail_n or_o arch_n which_o sever_v the_o people_n from_o the_o minister_n concern_v those_o which_o worthy_o for_o their_o offence_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n augustine_n then_o legate_n for_o numidia_n say_v may_v it_o please_v you_o to_o decree_n that_o if_o any_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n receive_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n which_o be_v worthy_o throw_v out_o of_o the_o church_n for_o crime_n commit_v he_o himself_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o challenge_n that_o they_o be_v decline_v the_o lawful_a sentence_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n sozomene_n declare_v after_o what_o penitential_a manner_n the_o excommunicate_a person_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n stand_v in_o a_o open_a place_n whence_o the_o whole_a assembly_n may_v see_v they_o add_v that_o in_o this_o sort_n 16._o every_o one_o of_o they_o abide_v the_o time_n how_o long_o soever_o which_o the_o bishop_n have_v appoint_v he_o a_o thousand_o other_o place_n may_v be_v note_v both_o in_o father_n and_o council_n to_o show_v that_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o day_n no_o late_a person_n be_v ever_o admit_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v with_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o key_n and_o therefore_o the_o father_n have_v exceed_o wrong_n to_o be_v make_v favourer_n and_o upholder_n of_o the_o late_a discipline_n and_o lay_v presbytery_n cyprian_n confess_v the_o people_n consent_v and_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o the_o receive_n of_o schismatic_n &_o such_o lewd_a offender_n to_o the_o church_n and_o communion_n upon_o repentance_n his_o word_n to_o cornelius_n be_v these_o ●_z o_o if_o you_o may_v be_v present_a here_o with_o we_o when_o perverse_a person_n return_v from_o their_o schism_n you_o shall_v see_v what_o labour_n i_o have_v to_o persuade_v patience_n to_o our_o brethren_n that_o suppress_v their_o grief_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v consent_v to_o the_o receive_n and_o cure_v of_o these_o evil_a member_n i_o hardly_o persuade_v the_o people_n yea_o i_o be_o force_v to_o wrest_v it_o from_o they_o before_o they_o will_v suffer_v such_o to_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v some_o show_n of_o contradiction_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n diverse_a occasion_n lead_v they_o to_o speak_v diverslie_o but_o it_o will_v never_o be_v prove_v they_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o lay_v man_n to_o challenge_v the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n and_o time_n of_o repentance_n be_v whole_o refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o such_o as_o have_v the_o chief_a charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o we_o mayperceive_v by_o the_o former_a authority_n yet_o in_o notorious_a and_o scandalous_a offence_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v grieve_v or_o when_o a_o schism_n be_v fear_v the_o godly_a father_n do_v both_o in_o remove_v and_o reconcile_n of_o such_o person_n stay_v for_o the_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o not_o to_o warrant_v or_o confirm_v the_o sentence_n that_o
bishop_n must_v be_v unreprovable_a as_o god_n steward_n hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n of_o doctrine_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v with_o find_a doctrine_n and_o convince_v the_o goinesayer_n no_o teacher_n no_o elder_n by_o this_o rule_n for_o they_o be_v god_n steward_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v with_o find_a doctrine_n before_o they_o take_v that_o name_n elder_n may_v not_o be_v appoint_v in_o any_o city_n but_o so_o qualify_v as_o be_v here_o prescribe_v there_o be_v no_o place_n then_o in_o crete_n for_o your_o new_a find_a elder_n and_o as_o for_o lay_v governor_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n to_o be_v mention_v by_o saint_n paul_n in_o the_o 1._o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o twelve_o chapter_n the_o ancient_a and_o learned_a father_n be_v further_o from_o admit_v any_o such_o than_o i_o be_o howsoever_o our_o late_a writer_n be_v light_v on_o they_o nazianzene_n expound_v the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n which_o our_o man_n imagine_v concern_v lay_v governor_n say_v seruandae_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d governement_n that_o be_v overruling_a the_o flesh_n chrysostome_n make_v help_v and_o governement_n all_o one_o and_o say_v 12._o it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o have_v a_o helper_n and_o exhorte_a ambrose_n say_v 12._o in_o the_o five_o place_n be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o understanding_n for_o they_o be_v governor_n that_o with_o spiritual_a reins_n do_v guide_v man_n theophilact_fw-mi refer_v it_o to_o the_o deacon_n 12._o help_v governement_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sick_a and_o guide_n and_o dispense_v the_o good_n of_o our_o brethren_n then_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n any_o where_o mention_n lay_v presbyter_n nor_o the_o father_n expound_v the_o place_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o do_v ever_o give_v so_o much_o as_o a_o inkeling_n of_o any_o such_o person_n the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v not_o only_o clear_v from_o they_o by_o diverse_a sound_a interpretation_n but_o produce_v against_o they_o for_o they_o admit_v no_o elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n maintain_v at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v never_o any_o lay_v presbyter_n the_o two_o other_o place_n name_v ruler_n and_o governor_n but_o express_v neither_o what_o person_n or_o thing_n they_o govern_v neither_o who_o they_o be_v that_o do_v govern_v whether_o lay_v man_n or_o pastor_n lay_v man_n have_v christian_a governement_n but_o over_o their_o family_n over_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n none_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o we_o read_v save_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o do_v feed_v and_o watch_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o magistrate_n to_o uphold_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o punish_v the_o disorder_n and_o offence_n of_o loose_a brethren_n there_o be_v certain_a grave_n and_o wise_a elder_n join_v with_o the_o prophet_n and_o pastor_n to_o admonish_v the_o unrulie_a examine_v the_o guilty_a and_o exclude_v infamous_a and_o scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o common_a society_n of_o christian_n be_v it_o any_o consequent_a the_o like_a must_v be_v use_v with_o we_o in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n under_o a_o believe_a prince_n the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v plant_v in_o populous_a city_n where_o they_o can_v not_o lack_v meet_a man_n to_o sustain_v that_o charge_n we_o be_v disperse_v in_o rural_a hamlet_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n to_o find_v so_o many_o fit_a governor_n as_o shall_v be_v requisite_a to_o the_o first_o church_n come_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a and_o zealous_a without_o all_o compulsion_n to_o we_o come_v all_o force_n atheist_n hypocrite_n and_o how_o many_o rather_o force_v by_o law_n then_o lead_v with_o devotion_n yea_o will_v god_n it_o do_v not_o often_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o many_o place_n the_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n either_o regard_n no_o religion_n or_o secret_o lean_a to_o the_o worst_a every_o church_n with_o they_o have_v many_o prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o number_n and_o need_v of_o the_o people_n and_o time_n so_o require_v so_o that_o their_o presbytery_n may_v be_v indifferent_o weigh_v without_o overbear_v either_o side_n we_o have_v but_o one_o in_o each_o parish_n and_o to_o exact_a maintenance_n for_o more_o at_o the_o people_n hand_n in_o every_o uillage_n will_v breed_v that_o sore_n which_o no_o plaster_n will_v heal_v to_o give_v that_o one_o a_o negative_a voice_n in_o all_o thing_n against_o the_o lay_v elder_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o whole_a realm_n with_o infinite_a contention_n and_o question_n to_o give_v he_o no_o voice_n but_o as_o one_o amongst_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o shake_v the_o church_n in_o sunder_o with_o every_o faction_n and_o fancy_n of_o the_o multitude_n last_o those_o church_n under_o persecution_n have_v none_o that_o can_v just_o challenge_v to_o rule_v the_o rest_n we_o have_v a_o lawful_a monarch_n profess_v the_o faith_n to_o who_o by_o god_n law_n the_o government_n of_o all_o crime_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a do_v right_o belong_v and_o therefore_o the_o private_a and_o popular_a regiment_n of_o the_o afflict_a church_n must_v cease_v since_o god_n have_v bless_v this_o realm_n with_o a_o public_a peaceable_a and_o princely_a government_n the_o great_a and_o strong_a power_n do_v always_o determine_v and_o frustrate_v the_o lesser_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o same_o kind_n what_o need_v we_o private_a man_n to_o punish_v vice_n when_o we_o have_v prince_n to_o do_v it_o what_o need_v we_o suffrage_n of_o lay_v elder_n to_o reform_v disorder_n and_o abuse_n in_o pastor_n when_o we_o have_v open_a and_o know_v law_n to_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n with_o more_o force_n and_o better_a speed_n in_o popular_a state_n and_o persecute_v church_n some_o pretence_n may_v be_v make_v for_o that_o kind_n of_o discipline_n in_o christian_n kingdom_n i_o see_v neither_o need_n nor_o use_v of_o lay_v elder_n howbeit_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o lay_v elder_n be_v use_v in_o the_o apostl_v time_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n remission_n of_o sin_n distribution_n of_o sacrament_n i_o be_o right_o assure_v no_o just_a proof_n can_v be_v make_v they_o do_v or_o shall_v intermeddle_v yea_o the_o oversight_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v not_o belong_v while_o the_o apostle_n live_v to_o lay_v man_n and_o after_o their_o death_n the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o and_o age_n succeed_v they_o never_o use_v nor_o acknowledge_v any_o lay_v elder_n which_o be_v to_o i_o a_o invincible_a demonstration_n that_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o none_o for_o will_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n with_o one_o consent_n immediate_o upon_o the_o apostle_n death_n reject_v that_o form_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o lay_v elder_n which_o be_v settle_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o embrace_v a_o new_a and_o strange_a kind_n of_o government_n without_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o their_o so_o do_v how_o other_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n feel_v so_o general_o and_o present_o to_o a_o wilful_a apostasy_n i_o know_v not_o for_o myself_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v rather_o forsake_v the_o devise_n and_o conceit_n of_o some_o late_a writer_n be_v they_o in_o number_n more_o than_o they_o be_v before_o i_o will_v proclaim_v so_o many_o apostolic_a man_n and_o ancient_a and_o learned_a father_n to_o be_v manifest_a despiser_n of_o the_o apostolic_a discipline_n and_o voluntary_a supporter_n if_o not_o inventor_n of_o antichrist_n pride_n and_o tyranny_n wherefore_o if_o they_o show_v i_o lie_v elder_n universal_o receive_v for_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n and_o age_n next_o follow_v the_o apostle_n i_o will_v agnise_v they_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o after_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v believe_v they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n chap._n xi_o what_o presbytery_n the_o primitive_a church_n and_o catholic_a father_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o whether_o lay_v elder_n be_v any_o part_n thereof_o or_o no._n many_o man_n think_v and_o write_v that_o the_o first_o church_n and_o father_n after_o the_o apostle_n retain_v and_o use_v lay_v elder_n for_o governor_n and_o so_o witness_v as_o they_o say_v obscure_o ignatius_n tertullian_n cyprian_n augustine_n more_o clear_o ambrose_n hierome_n possidonius_fw-la and_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o well_o in_o their_o opinion_n to_o pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n church_n against_o they_o if_o all_o these_o father_n or_o any_o of_o they_o do_v clear_o mention_v or_o witness_n lay_v elder_n
discipline_n exercise_v against_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a liver_n 5._o cùm_fw-la eye_n per_fw-la quos_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la regitur_fw-la adest_fw-la salua_fw-la pace_fw-la potestas_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la adversus_fw-la improbos_fw-la au●_n nefarios_fw-la exercendae_fw-la etc._n etc._n when_o they_o that_o rule_v the_o church_n may_v without_o breach_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v danger_n of_o schism_n exercise_v discipline_n upon_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a offender_n then_o be_v we_o to_o be_v stir_v up_o with_o the_o sharpness_n of_o those_o precept_n that_o lead_v to_o severity_n of_o repress_v evil_a that_o direct_v our_o step_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o neither_o slack_a under_o the_o name_n of_o patience_n nor_o rage_n under_o the_o show_n of_o diligence_n but_o saint_n austen_n in_o his_o hundred_o thirty_o and_o seven_o epistle_n write_v clero_fw-la senioribus_fw-la &_o universae_fw-la plebi_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la hipponens●●_n to_o the_o clergy_n elder_n and_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o hippo_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v reckon_v by_o themselves_o as_o no_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n if_o name_v elder_n by_o themselves_o make_v they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o that_o consequent_a they_o be_v likewise_o no_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o they_o be_v reckon_v asimder_n from_o the_o people_n but_o these_o inference_n have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n they_o must_v be_v either_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o people_n and_o yet_o here_o they_o be_v name_v betwixt_o they_o the_o rule_n of_o civility_n be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n they_o that_o have_v preeminence_n above_o other_o may_v be_v salute_v apart_o from_o other_o though_o the_o general_a salutation_n before_o or_o after_o by_o force_n of_o reason_n do_v include_v they_o wherefore_o if_o any_o man_n answer_n that_o austen_n name_v the_o whole_a clergy_n of_o his_o church_n in_o that_o epistle_n think_v to_o make_v a_o more_o special_a remembrance_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o they_o by_o the_o title_n of_o elder_n it_o can_v not_o be_v refute_v the_o word_n do_v well_o endure_v it_o if_o any_o dislike_n that_o exposition_n let_v he_o take_v elder_n in_o god_n name_n for_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o the_o laity_n i_o mean_v for_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o people_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v write_v to_o the_o clergy_n alderman_n and_o commons_o of_o any_o good_a city_n for_o a_o alderman_n be_v the_o right_a english_a for_o senior_n in_o latin_a when_o it_o do_v not_o import_v a_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o austen_n then_o absent_a and_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a city_n divide_v the_o superior_a sort_n of_o the_o laity_n from_o the_o inferior_a by_o that_o stile_n howsoever_o you_o bestow_v the_o word_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o epistle_n those_o elder_n have_v no_o power_n in_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n yea_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n then_o in_o question_n about_o the_o accusation_n of_o bonifacius_n a_o priest_n for_o a_o foul_a crime_n object_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o other_o of_o the_o clergy_n do_v so_o little_o concern_v they_o that_o austen_n hear_v the_o matter_n himself_o alone_o and_o take_v order_n in_o it_o as_o he_o think_v good_a and_o keep_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o and_o in_o this_o epistle_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o remove_v bonifacius_n from_o his_o degree_n at_o the_o first_o examine_v of_o the_o matter_n he_o say_v 137._o nomen_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la proptereà_fw-la non_fw-la sum_fw-la ausus_fw-la de_fw-la numero_fw-la collegarum_fw-la eius_fw-la vel_fw-la supprimere_fw-la vel_fw-la delere_fw-la ne_fw-la divinae_fw-la potestati_fw-la sub_fw-la cvius_fw-la examine_v causa_fw-la adhuc_fw-la pendet_fw-la facere_fw-la viderer_fw-la iniuriam_fw-la si_fw-la illius_fw-la iudicium_fw-la meo_fw-la vellem_fw-la iudicio_fw-la praevenire_fw-la the_o name_n of_o his_o priest_n i_o dare_v not_o suppress_v or_o strike_v out_o from_o the_o number_n of_o the_o colleague_n lest_o i_o shall_v seem_v to_o offer_v wrong_a to_o god_n judgement_n under_o who_o trial_n the_o matter_n yet_o depend_v if_o i_o shall_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n with_o my_o censure_n read_v the_o epistle_n if_o he_o attribute_v any_o more_o to_o those_o elder_n than_o he_o do_v to_o the_o low_a of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n if_o he_o do_v not_o take_v the_o whole_a cause_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o set_v a_o order_n in_o it_o without_o their_o consent_n or_o privity_n i_o will_v agnise_v your_o lay_n elder_n happy_o you_o think_v saint_n austen_n do_v the_o lay_n elder_n wrong_v to_o keep_v this_o cause_n from_o they_o and_o to_o deal_v in_o it_o without_o they_o i_o can_v not_o let_v you_o from_o so_o think_v but_o all_o that_o be_v well_o advise_v will_v rather_o suppose_v lay_v elder_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o such_o case_n in_o saint_n austin_n time_n and_o that_o the_o good_a bishop_n do_v not_o close_o up_o such_o horrible_a offence_n by_o wrongful_a withhold_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o who_o by_o order_n of_o the_o church_n it_o then_o appertain_v but_o he_o keep_v it_o from_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n with_o good_a conscience_n use_v his_o own_o right_n epist_n ne_fw-la atrociter_fw-la &_o inaniter_fw-la contristando_fw-la turbaret_fw-la as_o himself_o say_v lest_o he_o shall_v trouble_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o grievous_a sorrow_n to_o no_o purpose_n gregory_n authority_n be_v quote_v out_o of_o the_o quid_fw-la canon_n law_n for_o name_n of_o lay_v elder_n which_o sure_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o lay_v elder_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o name_n all_o this_o while_n not_o hear_v of_o but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v find_v no_o more_o here_o than_o we_o do_v before_o 49._o if_o say_v gregory_n any_o thing_n come_v to_o thy_o ear_n of_o any_o clerk_n whosoever_o which_o may_v just_o offend_v thou_o believe_v it_o not_o easy_o sed_fw-la praesentibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la tuus_fw-la senioribus_fw-la but_o in_o the_o prefence_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o thy_o church_n search_v out_o the_o truth_n diligent_o and_o if_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o matter_n shall_v so_o require_v let_v the_o offendor_n be_v punish_v according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o canon_n elder_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v lay_v elder_n i_o hear_v not_o and_o by_o the_o law_n imperial_a long_a before_o this_o establish_a even_o in_o ambrose_n time_n a_o clergy_n man_n cause_n can_v not_o be_v examine_v and_o determine_v but_o by_o man_n of_o the_o same_o right_a and_o the_o same_o call_n and_o of_o all_o other_o gregory_n be_v the_o unfit_a man_n to_o prove_v that_o lay_v elder_n shall_v have_v the_o hear_n and_o decide_v of_o clergy_n man_n cause_n who_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o pertain_v to_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o lay_v man_n 66._o cavendum_fw-la est_fw-la à_fw-la fratern●●ate_fw-la vestra_fw-la ne_fw-la secularibus_fw-la viris_fw-la at_o que_fw-la non_fw-la sub_fw-la regula_fw-la nostra_fw-la degentibus_fw-la res_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la committantur_fw-la your_o brotherhood_n must_v beware_v that_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n be_v not_o commit_v to_o secular_a man_n and_o such_o as_o live_v not_o under_o our_o profession_n the_o punishment_n which_o by_o the_o very_a word_n must_v be_v canonical_a or_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n show_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v the_o discreet_a and_o wise_a of_o his_o clergy_n for_o what_o have_v lay_v man_n to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o knowledge_n or_o execution_n of_o the_o canon_n what_o reason_n to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o canon_n to_o who_o the_o canon_n be_v not_o write_v he_o mean_v therefore_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o church_n that_o be_v such_o clergy_n man_n as_o be_v of_o best_a account_n and_o great_a experience_n in_o his_o church_n and_o so_o the_o council_n of_o turon_n decree_v 7._o quem_fw-la negligentia_fw-la eijcit_fw-la cum_fw-la omnium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la re●utetur_fw-la who_o negligence_n make_v unworthy_a of_o his_o place_n let_v he_o be_v remoove_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o gregory_n himself_o say_v 110._o lest_o there_o be_v any_o dissension_n among_o brethren_n lest_o any_o discord_n be_v nourish_v inter_fw-la praepositos_fw-la &_o subiectos_fw-la between_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o they_o in_o unum_fw-la convenir●_n sacerdotes_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n together_o that_o they_o may_v discuss_v such_o cause_n as_o happen_v and_o wholesome_o confer_v about_o ecclesiastic_a all_o rule_n so_o as_o thing_n past_a may_v be_v amend_v and_o a_o order_n set_v for_o thing_n to_o
shall_v show_v themselves_o penitent_a &_o no_o man_n hasty_o give_v peace_n to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o penitence_n yet_o they_o sacrilegious_a against_o god_n carry_v headlong_o with_o a_o wicked_a rage_n against_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n forsake_v the_o church_n and_o lift_v up_o particidiall_a arm_n against_o the_o church_n do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o accomplish_v their_o intent_n with_o a_o devilish_a malice_n that_o god_n mercy_n shall_v not_o cure_v in_o his_o church_n such_o as_o be_v wound_v and_o again_o 14._o what_o danger_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v when_o some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n neither_o remember_v their_o place_n neither_o think_v there_o be_v a_o bishop_n over_o they_o with_o the_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o chief_a challenge_v the_o whole_a unto_o they_o the_o disgrace_n of_o my_o office_n i_o can_v dissemble_v and_o bear_v as_o i_o always_o have_v but_o now_o be_v no_o time_n to_o dissemble_v when_o our_o brethren_n be_v deceive_v by_o some_o of_o you_o which_o seek_v to_o be_v plausible_a without_o regard_n of_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o health_n of_o their_o soul_n what_o marvel_v if_o cyprian_n thus_o besiege_v thus_o impugn_a and_o banish_v from_o his_o church_n and_o charge_n do_v not_o only_a purpose_n and_o profess_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n but_o persist_v in_o that_o course_n which_o he_o see_v to_o be_v safe_a for_o himself_o and_o sure_a against_o his_o maligner_n to_o decrease_v their_o number_n and_o defeat_v their_o expectance_n but_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n so_o to_o do_v and_o all_o other_o tie_v to_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v but_o a_o private_a moderation_n and_o provision_n for_o his_o own_o security_n no_o man_n be_v oblige_v by_o his_o example_n to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o it_o be_v a_o general_a form_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n prescribe_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o neither_o might_n cyprian_n nor_o any_o man_n else_o swerve_v from_o that_o direction_n without_o transgress_v the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n then_o all_o council_n both_o provincial_a and_o general_n that_o assemble_v and_o conclude_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n without_o the_o like_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n do_v wilful_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o all_o christian_a prince_n that_o in_o former_a age_n by_o their_o law_n and_o edict_n intermedle_v with_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o subject_n presume_v without_o warrant_n and_o offer_v open_a wrong_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n yea_o cyprian_n himself_o be_v the_o first_o that_o cassier_v his_o own_o confession_n and_o when_o cause_n so_o require_v yea_o sometime_o without_o cause_n exclude_v and_o overruled_n the_o people_n just_a desire_n one_o example_n may_v seruc_a for_o the_o present_a your_o own_o allegation_n will_v afterward_o more_o at_o large_a evince_n as_o much_o ●_o vix_fw-la plebi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la imo_fw-la extorqueo_fw-la ut_fw-la tale_n patiantur_fw-la admitti_fw-la &_o iusti●r_o factus_fw-la est_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la dolour_n ex_fw-la eo_fw-la quòd_fw-la unus_fw-la atque_fw-la alius_fw-la obnitente_fw-la plebe_fw-la &_o contradicente_fw-la mea_fw-la tamen_fw-la facilitate_v suscepti_fw-la peiores_fw-la extiterunt_fw-la quàm_fw-la prius_fw-la fuerant_fw-la with_o much_o ado_n persuade_v i_o the_o people_n yea_o rather_o extort_v from_o they_o to_o suffer_v such_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v the_o just_a for_o that_o one_o or_o two_o be_v by_o my_o facility_n receyve_v the_o people_n strive_v against_o it_o and_o contradict_v it_o wax_v worse_a than_o they_o be_v before_o cyprian_n admit_v some_o to_o the_o church_n after_o repentance_n when_o the_o people_n withstand_v it_o and_o gainesay_v it_o and_o be_v justly_o grieve_v with_o his_o over_o much_o remissness_n wherein_o cyprian_n do_v not_o violate_v the_o duty_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o god_n nor_o tyrannize_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o contempt_n of_o his_o brethren_n but_o relent_v from_o his_o purpose_n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o people_n consent_n for_o reason_n then_o move_v he_o or_o of_o his_o own_o iuclination_n lead_v he_o to_o hope_v their_o amendment_n that_o be_v thus_o admit_v with_o favour_n and_o facility_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n see_v whether_o your_o own_o example_n do_v not_o prove_v as_o much_o the_o first_o place_n you_o allege_v be_v this_o 5._o in_o ordinandis_fw-la clericis_fw-la fra●res_fw-la charissimi_fw-la solemus_fw-la vos_fw-la antè_fw-la consulere_fw-la &_o mores_fw-la ac_fw-la merita_fw-la singulorum_fw-la communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la ponderare_fw-la in_o order_v of_o clerk_n most_o dear_a brethren_n our_o manner_n be_v to_o consult_v you_o first_o and_o to_o weigh_v the_o behaviour_n and_o desert_n of_o every_o one_o with_o common_a advice_n this_o use_n notwithstanding_o where_o just_a occasion_n serve_v he_o order_v clerk_n without_o their_o consent_n and_o so_o much_o be_v express_v in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n ibidem_fw-la sed_fw-la expectanda_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la testimonia_fw-la humana_fw-la eumpraecedant_fw-la divina_fw-la suffragia_fw-la but_o the_o witness_n of_o man_n must_v not_o be_v expect_v when_o god_n approbation_n be_v precedent_n the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o where_o one_o aurelius_n a_o youth_n have_v twice_o in_o stock_n and_o torment_n profess_v christ_n cyprian_n &_o his_o colleague_n that_o be_v present_a with_o he_o for_o he_o be_v not_o then_o at_o carthage_n have_v make_v the_o say_a aurelius_n think_v young_a in_o year_n a_o reader_n in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o much_o he_o signify_v by_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n of_o carthage_n not_o doubt_v but_o they_o will_v embrace_v he_o though_o they_o give_v no_o consent_n to_o his_o order_n ibidem_fw-la he_o deserve_v a_o further_a degree_n of_o clericall_a ordination_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o have_v please_v we_o he_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o office_n of_o a_o reader_n know_v you_o therefore_o most_o belove_a brethren_n that_o i_o and_o my_o colleague_n which_o be_v here_o with_o i_o have_v order_v he_o a_o reader_n which_o i_o know_v you_o will_v glad_o accept_v and_o wish_v many_o such_o to_o be_v order_v in_o our_o church_n cyprian_n be_v absent_a from_o his_o own_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n then_o rage_v and_o without_o the_o consent_n either_o of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n he_o do_v order_n aurelius_n and_o send_v he_o with_o letter_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o reader_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n the_o like_a he_o do_v for_o optatus_n satyrus_n caelerinus_n and_o numidicus_n as_o your_o own_o authority_n do_v witness_v for_o as_o by_o they_o you_o prove_v cyprian_n be_v wont_v to_o take_v the_o good_a report_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o with_o common_a advice_n to_o examine_v their_o worthiness_n so_o by_o the_o self_n same_o place_n i_o she_o we_o that_o cyprian_n break_v that_o custom_n when_o he_o see_v time_n and_o cause_n require_v and_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o people_n or_o clergy_n order_v such_o as_o he_o find_v to_o be_v meet_a for_o that_o call_n whereby_o we_o collect_v that_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n be_v no_o essential_a point_n in_o order_v minister_n without_o the_o which_o they_o may_v not_o be_v call_v but_o a_o very_a christian_a and_o commendable_a course_n to_o keep_v off_o all_o notorious_a and_o enormous_a person_n from_o that_o function_n and_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o save_v the_o bishop_n from_o communicate_v with_o other_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o trust_v not_o his_o own_o judgement_n or_o knowledge_n but_o use_v the_o eye_n ear_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o better_a view_n search_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o integrity_n gravity_n and_o industry_n to_o who_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v this_o which_o i_o say_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a even_o by_o your_o own_o authority_n because_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n of_o carthage_n be_v want_v and_o those_o few_o that_o remain_v do_v scant_a suffice_v for_o the_o daily_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o which_o cause_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o have_v more_o 22_o know_v you_o say_v cyprian_n write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o his_o church_n that_o i_o have_v make_v satyrus_n a_o reader_n and_o optatus_n a_o subdeacon_n who_o a_o good_a while_n since_o by_o common_a advice_n we_o appoint_v to_o be_v feceramus_fw-la next_o place_v in_o the_o clergy_n i_o have_v then_o in_o your_o absence_n do_v no_o new_a thing_n but_o that_o which_o long_o ago_o take_v a_o beginning_n with_o all_o our_o advice_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o both_o himself_n and_o his_o charge_n be_v subject_a the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n command_v the_o rural_a bishop_n ●6_n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o like_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n so_o that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n rule_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o their_o city_n under_o who_o they_o be_v and_o not_o direct_v by_o any_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n shall_v endure_v the_o name_n &_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v give_v to_o who_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v not_o give_v he_o must_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_v they_o first_o permit_v rural_a bishop_n to_o be_v make_v the_o one_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o absence_n or_o sickness_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o which_o case_n be_v but_o vicegerent_n in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o prerogative_n the_o right_a bishop_n have_v without_o their_o leave_n or_o like_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o erect_v another_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o diocese_n beside_o and_o against_o the_o true_a bishop_n and_o not_o to_o place_v a_o substitute_n under_o he_o the_o next_o cause_n be_v to_o content_v such_o as_o be_v bishop_n amongst_o schismatic_n who_o will_v rather_o persist_v in_o their_o faction_n then_o return_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o honour_n and_o calling_n they_o have_v before_o and_o therefore_o to_o such_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n may_v either_o allow_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o bishop_n if_o it_o so_o please_v he_o or_o else_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n and_o charge_n of_o rural_a bishop_n and_o so_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a decree_v 8._o if_o any_o of_o the_o novatians_n will_v return_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n either_o in_o village_n or_o city_n where_o there_o be_v already_o a_o bishop_n or_o priest_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v the_o authority_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o he_o that_o be_v repute_v a_o bishop_n among_o the_o novatians_n shall_v retain_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o priest_n unless_o it_o please_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n to_o impart_v with_o he_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o title_n if_o he_o like_v not_o so_o to_o do_v let_v some_o place_n of_o a_o rural_a bishop_n or_o priest_n be_v provide_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o clergy_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n touch_v presbytery_n then_o though_o they_o be_v needful_a for_o great_a city_n where_o they_o may_v well_o be_v maintain_v yet_o in_o village_n and_o small_a town_n there_o be_v neither_o use_n of_o they_o nor_o provision_n for_o they_o by_o reason_n the_o country_n church_n be_v small_a and_o can_v not_o find_v many_o and_o the_o party_n that_o live_v in_o such_o place_n be_v subject_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n direct_v by_o he_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o have_v under_o one_o 43._o bishop_n 46._o priest_n 7._o deacon_n 7._o subdeacons_n 42._o acoluthe_n exorcist_n reader_n and_o sexten_v 52._o in_o the_o whole_a 155._o all_o find_v through_o the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n there_o beside_o 1500._o widow_n and_o afflict_a person_n in_o like_a sort_n sustain_v by_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o people_n the_o number_n of_o priest_n so_o increase_v afterward_o that_o jerome_n say_v of_o they_o 2._o diaconospaucitas_fw-la honorabiles_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la turba_fw-la contemptibiles_fw-la facit_fw-la the_o scarcity_n of_o deacon_n make_v they_o to_o be_v more_o esteem_v the_o multitude_n of_o priest_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v less_o regard_v in_o constantinople_n the_o number_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a y_z ●_o the_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o &_o therefore_o the_o emperor_n by_o his_o law_n be_v force_v to_o limit_v how_o many_o there_o shall_v be_v of_o every_o degree_n and_o so_o he_o cleric●rum_fw-la appoint_v 60._o priest_n 100_o deacons_n 90._o subdeacons_n 110._o reader_n 25._o singer_n 100_o sexten_n in_o sum_n 485._o clergy_n man_n to_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o bishop_n the_o number_n of_o clergy_n man_n that_o be_v in_o other_o city_n be_v not_o so_o precise_o describe_v but_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v every_o where_o occurrent_a the_o presbytery_n of_o alexandria_n euagrium_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n to_o the_o lib._n kill_n of_o proterius_n after_o the_o great_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o of_o antioch_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o 9_o burn_a of_o the_o say_a city_n by_o the_o persian_n be_v often_o remember_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a 32._o history_n and_o diverse_a presbyter_n of_o either_o church_n that_o be_v famous_a man_n and_o writer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n name_v by_o 5._o eusebius_n ecclesiast_fw-la jerome_n and_o illustribus_fw-la gennadius_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n among_o other_o clemens_n origen_n heraclas_n 327._o pierius_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n geminus_n 327._o malchion_n 327._o lucianus_n chrysostome_n and_o diverse_a such_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n have_v ecclesiast_fw-la tertullian_n and_o ecclesiast_fw-la cyprian_n who_o be_v after_o make_v bishop_n of_o the_o same_o city_n and_o force_v to_o be_v absent_a write_v 24._o many_o letter_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n be_v irenaeus_n a_o presbyter_n under_o pothynus_n who_o he_o succeed_v in_o the_o bishopric_n at_o hippo_n saint_n austen_n be_v first_o 148._o a_o presbyter_n under_o talerius_fw-la and_o be_v bishop_n himself_o have_v under_o he_o 137._o a_o number_n of_o presbyter_n that_o be_v 110._o colleague_n and_o clerk_n ignatius_n remember_v the_o presbytery_n of_o smyrna_n philodelphia_n philippi_n magnesia_n trallis_n and_o ephesus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o same_o church_n of_o other_o city_n and_o age_n the_o like_a may_v be_v show_v but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n rather_o urge_v then_o doubt_v by_o you_o i_o will_v spare_v that_o pain_n as_o superfluous_a he_o that_o read_v either_o the_o counsel_n or_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v soon_o perceive_v every_o bishop_n have_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o same_o city_n with_o he_o and_o under_o he_o we_o be_v far_o from_o deny_v there_o be_v presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n but_o that_o they_o consist_v only_o of_o clergy_n man_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o nor_o can_v you_o prove_v it_o we_o never_o learn_v to_o prove_v the_o negative_a we_o affirm_v they_o be_v clergy_n man_n and_o that_o we_o prove_v you_o think_v there_o be_v also_o lay_v man_n among_o they_o which_o we_o deny_v that_o must_v you_o prove_v your_o want_n of_o proof_n in_o that_o point_n make_v our_o assertion_n good_a you_o have_v all_o this_o while_n scan_v the_o father_n and_o over-looked_n the_o counsel_n bring_v now_o but_o one_o for_o lay_v elder_n we_o give_v you_o the_o rest_n their_o general_a silence_n be_v a_o full_a inference_n against_o you_o which_o avouch_v they_o have_v such_o and_o can_v not_o show_v where_o they_o mention_v any_o such_o yet_o this_o will_v i_o do_v name_v i_o but_o one_o father_n or_o council_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o presbyter_n and_o you_o shall_v present_o see_v he_o mean_v clergy_n man_n or_o if_o that_o please_v you_o not_o look_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o admit_v presbyter_n into_o the_o church_n their_o sit_v serve_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o church_n their_o maintain_v by_o the_o church_n and_o their_o remove_n from_o the_o church_n and_o you_o shall_v clear_o find_v there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n ioyve_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n but_o clergy_n man_n they_o be_v ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o so_o be_v not_o lay_v elder_n they_o sit_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o chancel_v apart_o from_o all_o lay_v man_n they_o baptize_v and_o consecrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o may_v not_o lay_v man_n they_o live_v under_o strict_a rule_n than_o lay_v man_n do_v as_o not_o to_o have_v strange_a woman_n about_o they_o not_o to_o change_v city_n not_o to_o resort_v to_o spectacle_n or_o vittail_v house_n not_o to_o travel_v without_o letter_n of_o licence_n and_o such_o like_a which_o all_o lay_v man_n be_v free_a from_o they_o be_v maintain_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v not_o lay_v man_n and_o when_o they_o
be_v deprive_v of_o their_o honour_n and_o office_n they_o be_v suffer_v to_o communicate_v among_o lay_v man_n these_o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o than_o these_o no_o council_n no_o father_n do_v any_o where_o mention_n that_o be_v unite_v or_o associate_v unto_o the_o bishop_n and_o these_o in_o sight_n can_v be_v no_o lay_v man_n proof_n if_o you_o require_v i_o protest_v without_o vaunt_v a_o whole_a volume_n may_v soon_o be_v make_v of_o they_o some_o you_o have_v more_o you_o shall_v have_v if_o they_o seem_v tedious_a i_o must_v be_v pardon_v your_o importunity_n have_v thereto_o force_v i_o of_o origen_n eusebius_n say_v the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o cesaria_n 8._o manus_fw-la illi_fw-la ad_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la imposuerunt_fw-la have_v lay_v hand_n on_o he_o to_o make_v he_o one_o of_o the_o presbytery_n cornelius_n say_v novatus_fw-la 4●_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o presbytery_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o bishop_n qui_fw-la manus_fw-la ipsi_fw-la ad_fw-la sortem_fw-la presbyterij_fw-la imposuit_fw-la that_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o to_o give_v he_o the_o lot_n of_o the_o presbytery_n the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n show_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v ordain_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 3._o presbyter_n quum_fw-la ordinatur_fw-la episcopo_fw-la benedicente_fw-la &_o manum_fw-la super_fw-la caput_fw-la eius_fw-la tene●te_fw-la etiam_fw-la omnes_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la fast_o ant_n manus_fw-la svas_fw-la tuxta_fw-la manum_fw-la episcop●_n super_fw-la caput_fw-la illius_fw-la teneant_fw-la when_o a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v the_o bishop_n blessing_n the_o party_n and_o hold_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o party_n head_n let_v all_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v present_a hold_v their_o hand_n on_o his_o head_n near_o the_o bishop_n hand_n of_o sabatius_n when_o he_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o presbyter_n marcian_n say_v 21._o satius_fw-la fuisse●_n sispinis_fw-la manum_fw-la imposuissem_fw-la quam_fw-la quòd_fw-la sabbatium_fw-la ad_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la evexi_fw-la i_o have_v be_v better_o have_v lay_v my_o hand_n on_o thorn_n then_o on_o sabbatius_n when_o i_o make_v he_o presbyter_n ordination_n they_o with_o the_o latin_a father_n import_v as_o much_o as_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n do_v with_o the_o greek_a and_o be_v a_o essential_a ceremony_n take_v from_o the_o apostle_n word_n and_o use_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o make_v of_o presbyter_n and_o call_v any_o to_o be_v of_o the_o presbytery_n which_o if_o your_o elder_n must_v receive_v they_o be_v no_o lay_v man_n if_o they_o must_v not_o they_o be_v no_o presbyter_n more_o authority_n that_o presbyter_n be_v make_v with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n if_o any_o desire_n let_v he_o read_v the_o 13._o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n the_o 9_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o neocefaria_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n the_o 6._o of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n the_o 10._o of_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n the_o 27._o and_o 56._o of_o the_o african_a council_n in_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n be_v like_o wise_a sever_v from_o the_o people_n for_o they_o have_v a_o place_n enclose_v from_o all_o the_o laity_n where_o the_o lord_n table_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n the_o bishop_n chair_n and_o the_o presbyter_n seat_n be_v round_o about_o this_o place_n sozomene_n call_v 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sacrarie_a which_o divide_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n from_o the_o people_n and_o of_o this_o cyprian_a say_v 10._o let_v numidicus_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n and_o sit_v with_o we_o among_o the_o clergy_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o reason_n it_o be_v somewhat_o high_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o the_o people_n may_v behold_v it_o and_o say_v 55._o the_o presbyter_n must_v not_o go_v and_o sit_v in_o their_o stall_n before_o the_o bishop_n come_v but_o enter_v in_o with_o the_o bishop_n unless_o the_o bishop_n be_v sick_a or_o from_o home_n the_o canon_n law_n call_v it_o sacerdotum_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la the_o place_n for_o presbyter_n into_o this_o place_n when_o theodosius_n the_o emperor_n will_v have_v enter_v to_o receive_v the_o communion_n s._n ambrose_n then_o busy_a in_o divine_a service_n send_v he_o this_o word_n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o enclosure_n o_o king_n only_a priest_n may_v enter_v they_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o exempt_v from_o all_o other_o 18._o the_o deacon_n may_v not_o sit_v amongst_o the_o presbyter_n but_o stand_v as_o the_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a tell_v we_o much_o less_o be_v there_o any_o place_n there_o for_o lay_v elder_n the_o service_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n declare_v also_o there_o be_v no_o lay_v man_n amongst_o they_o for_o they_o bless_v baptize_v and_o minister_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o assist_v he_o be_v present_a in_o those_o action_n 18._o it_o be_v come_v to_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o sacred_a and_o great_a synod_n say_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a that_o in_o some_o place_n and_o city_n the_o deacon_n deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o presbyter_n this_o neither_o the_o canon_n nor_o custom_n allow_v that_o they_o which_o have_v no_o power_n to_o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n shall_v give_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o that_o offer_v euagri●_n i_o hear_v say_v jerom_o that_o some_o be_v grow_v so_o senseless_a that_o they_o prefer_v deacon_n before_o presbyter_n what_o mean_v the_o servant_n of_o table_n and_o widow_n to_o extol_v himself_o above_o they_o at_o who_o prayer_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v consecrate_v to_o all_o lay_v man_n the_o deacon_n may_v deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o presbyter_n they_o may_v not_o the_o presbyter_n therefore_o be_v no_o lay_v man_n and_o if_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o better_o than_o the_o deacon_n because_o they_o do_v offer_v the_o sacrifice_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o the_o deacon_n may_v not_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o lay_v man_n beside_o this_o the_o presbyter_n be_v tie_v to_o many_o rule_n to_o which_o no_o lay_n man_n be_v tie_v for_o example_n no_o presbyter_n may_v go_v from_o his_o own_o church_n and_o city_n to_o any_o other_o place_n by_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a ca._n 15._o and_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n ca._n 3._o but_o lay_v man_n i_o trust_v may_v change_v their_o dwelling_n again_o 3._o no_o presbyter_n by_o any_o mean_n may_v have_v any_o strange_a woman_n in_o his_o house_n that_o be_v not_o his_o mother_n sister_n aunt_n or_o such_o like_a but_o lay_v man_n in_o that_o case_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n there_o be_v a_o number_n of_o such_o rule_n to_o which_o all_o presbyter_n be_v bind_v and_o from_o which_o all_o lay_v man_n be_v free_a the_o council_n therefore_o never_o comprise_v any_o lay_v m●n_z under_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n for_o their_o maintenance_n the_o case_n be_v first_o rule●_n by_o saint_n paul_n as_o i_o have_v touch_v before_o and_o after_o due_o observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o the_o allowance_n yield_v to_o presbyter_n in_o 5._o cyprian_n time_n by_o 43_o cornelius_n letter_n report_v the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n that_o be_v maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n &_o likewise_o by_o y_fw-fr ●_o emperor_n clericoris_n law_n limit_v what_o number_n shall_v be_v maintain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o constantinople_n this_o maintenance_n since_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ●ie_v church_n have_v 〈◊〉_d lay_v man_n neither_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n have_v nor_o by_o god_n law_n can_v have_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o ancient_a counsel_n and_o father_n do_v not_o attribute_v the_o honour_n and_o place_n of_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v elder_n and_o when_o presbyter_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o office_n and_o function_n for_o any_o fault_n commit_v they_o may_v upon_o their_o submission_n be_v receive_v amongst_o lay_n man_n to_o the_o communion_n as_o 2_o cyprian_n and_o 2._o athanasius_n testify_v but_o in_o no_o wise_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o degree_n and_o call_n of_o presbyter_n and_o consequent_o they_o may_v be_v lay_v man_n when_o they_o can_v not_o be_v presbyter_n by_o the_o canon_n but_o why_o labour_n i_o so_o much_o to_o exclude_v lay_v elder_n from_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o as_o you_o have_v neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n to_o include_v they_o it_o may_v suffice_v any_o sober_a mind_n that_o where_o presbyter_n be_v so_o many_o thousand_o time_n name_v in_o counsel_n father_n and_o story_n and_o so_o sundry_a rule_n and_o canon_n extant_a describe_v and_o limit_v every_o part_n of_o
to_o rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o reject_v or_o decline_v jeromes_n authority_n in_o this_o point_n though_o he_o seem_v very_o favourable_a to_o you_o that_o if_o you_o will_v stand_v to_o his_o censure_n i_o will_v do_v the_o like_a but_o before_o we_o wade_v deep_o let_v we_o lay_v forth_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o perceive_v what_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a father_n do_v confess_v or_o confute_v chap._n xii_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n depart_v or_o die_v leave_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o equal_o to_o all_o presbyter_n or_o chief_o to_o some_o and_o how_o far_o the_o conceit_n of_o late_a writer_n herein_o vary_v from_o the_o ancient_a father_n who_o word_n they_o pretend_v to_o follow_v that_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v not_o only_o profitefull_a but_o also_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o as_o well_o among_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o learner_n and_o hearer_n may_v many_o way_n be_v confirm_v if_o it_o be_v not_o on_o all_o side_n concord_v they_o that_o most_o dissent_n in_o the_o kind_n of_o government_n do_v first_o agree_v on_o the_o use_n of_o government_n they_o will_v else_o not_o strive_v for_o that_o which_o may_v still_o be_v want_v and_o never_o miss_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n seruanda_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d order_n say_v nazianzene_n be_v the_o mother_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o utility_n and_o necessity_n whereof_o as_o in_o all_o state_n and_o creature_n so_o special_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n thereof_o he_o that_o like_v at_o large_a to_o examine_v let_v he_o read_v nazianzens_n oration_n plentiful_o and_o purposely_o write_v of_o that_o argument_n only_o i_o advise_v with_o he_o that_o under_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o zeal_n supra_fw-la no_o man_n be_v wise_a than_o he_o shall_v no_o man_n upright_a than_o the_o law_n clear_a than_o the_o light_n straight_a than_o the_o rule_n nor_o forward_a than_o the_o commandment_n if_o order_n and_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a for_o all_o person_n and_o age_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o government_a of_o the_o church_n must_v not_o cease_v with_o the_o apostle_n but_o dure_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n continue_v that_o be_v to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o consequent_o so_o much_o of_o the_o apostolic_a power_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o perpetual_a regiment_n of_o the_o church_n must_v remain_v to_o those_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n supply_v the_o apostle_n charge_v and_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostle_n room_n afore_o we_o enter_v to_o entreat_v of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o bishop_n we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v these_o there_o point_v the_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n to_o their_o helper_n and_o successor_n in_o all_o age_n and_o church_n the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v and_o the_o time_n when_o if_o we_o wander_v in_o these_o we_o shall_v never_o get_v any_o certain_a resolution_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o must_v abide_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o church_n i_o show_v 107._o before_o it_o shall_v suffice_v now_o to_o rehearse_v they_o namely_o power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o key_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o place_n of_o fit_a man_n to_o undertake_v the_o cure_n of_o soul_n and_o remove_v of_o unfaithful_a and_o unfit_a man_n from_o infect_v and_o offend_v the_o church_n these_o must_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o church_n for_o the_o want_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o confusion_n if_o not_o subversion_n of_o the_o church_n these_o four_o part_n in_o this_o chapter_n for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o often_o reduce_v to_o two_o branch_n which_o be_v doctrine_n and_o discipline_n comprise_v in_o doctrine_n the_o devide_v of_o the_o word_n and_o dispense_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o refer_v the_o rest_n i_o mean_v the_o public_a use_n of_o the_o key_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o the_o discipline_n or_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n the_o party_n to_o who_o these_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n may_v possible_o be_v commit_v we_o then_o also_o number_v and_o find_v four_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o people_n the_o lie_v elder_n the_o presbyter_n &_o the_o bishop_n the_o people_n must_v needs_o be_v exclude_v from_o intermeddle_v with_o pastoral_n duty_n for_o if_o all_o shall_v be_v teacher_n who_o shall_v be_v hearer_n if_o there_o be_v none_o but_o shepherd_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o the_o flock_n he_o that_o have_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o 24._o steward_n and_o the_o household_n the_o 10._o labourer_n and_o the_o harvest_n the_o 33._o watchman_n and_o the_o citizen_n the_o 2._o builder_n and_o the_o stone_n the_o 13._o sour_a and_o the_o ground_n the_o 3._o husbandman_n and_o the_o tillage_n the_o 13._o leader_n and_o the_o follower_n even_o the_o same_o lord_n have_v prohibit_v these_o degree_n to_o be_v confound_v which_o he_o have_v distinguish_v 12._o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n i_o think_v not_o if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v the_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n if_o the_o whole_a be_v hear_v where_o be_v the_o smell_v intrusion_n upon_o man_n be_v injurious_a upon_o god_n be_v sacrilegious_a the_o example_n of_o 16._o korah_n who_o the_o earth_n swallow_a of_o 6._o vzzah●●ri●en_o ●●ri●en_z to_o death_n and_o vzziah_n plague_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o affect_v and_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n be_v well_o know_v chrysostome_n say_v of_o the_o last_o dominum_fw-la he_o enter_v the_o temple_n to_o usurp_v the_o priesthood_n and_o he_o lose_v his_o kingdom_n he_o enter_v to_o become_v more_o ●ener_n able_a and_o he_o become_v more_o execrable_a so_o evil_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o to_o abide_v within_o the_o bound_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o either_o of_o honour_n or_o knowledge_n what_o i_o say_v of_o the_o people_n i_o say_v likewise_o of_o lay_v elder_n for_o so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o look_v what_o the_o whole_a be_v prohibit_v every_o part_n be_v interdict_v if_o lay_v man_n may_v intermeddle_v with_o ecclesiastical_a function_n why_o not_o the_o people_n if_o the_o people_n may_v not_o why_o shall_v the_o elder_n since_o both_o be_v lay_v if_o they_o renounce_v the_o execution_n and_o challenge_v the_o superuision_n of_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n they_o fly_v from_o one_o rock_n and_o fall_v on_o another_o they_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o word_n and_o entangle_v themselves_o with_o the_o sword_n governor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v neither_o minister_n nor_o magistrate_n i_o yet_o conceive_v none_o if_o any_o man_n skill_n be_v so_o good_a that_o he_o can_v describe_v we_o a_o government_n betwixt_o both_o that_o shall_v wrong_v neither_o i_o will_v glad_o give_v he_o audience_n howbeit_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v our_o head_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n that_o lie_v elder_n must_v have_v distinct_a from_o the_o priest_n and_o prince_n call_v before_o we_o have_v better_a proof_n for_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v enjoy_v this_o privilege_n when_o you_o make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o will_v then_o entreat_v you_o to_o bound_v out_o their_o office_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o writing_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n till_o than_o we_o stand_v resolve_v there_o be_v never_o such_o governor_n nor_o government_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n nor_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o after-commer_n in_o christ_n church_n the_o place_n pretend_v both_o in_o scripture_n and_o father_n for_o such_o elder_n we_o have_v leasurablie_o peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o we_o find_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o footstep_n of_o any_o lay_v elder_n presbyter_n we_o find_v and_o ruler_n but_o no_o reason_n to_o lead_v they_o be_v lay_v presbyter_n or_o ruler_n against_o they_o we_o find_v all_o the_o christian_n &_o ancient_a council_n law_n and_o father_n y_o it_o ever_o mention_v any_o presbyter_n if_o i_o shuffle_v any_o writer_n word_n or_o dazzle_v the_o reader_n eye_n show_v i_o the_o place_n i_o will_v yield_v to_o my_o error_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o take_v he_o to_o witness_v that_o be_v judge_n of_o all_o secret_n i_o endeavour_v to_o walk_v sound_o and_o simple_o without_o sway_v or_o lean_v to_o either_o side_n more_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n enforce_v i_o two_o sort_n be_v leave_v for_o i_o still_o profess_v that_o lie_v elder_n be_v never_o admit_v to_o meddle_v with_o any_o such_o
with_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o erect_v thereof_o be_v that_o which_o epiphanius_n remember_v and_o paul_n touch_v in_o many_o place_n 2._o i_o trust_v to_o send_v timotheus_n short_o unto_o you_o i_o have_v no_o man_n like_o mind_a who_o will_v faithful_o care_v for_o your_o matter_n for_o all_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o timothy_n 1_o this_o thou_o know_v that_o all_o they_o which_o be_v in_o asia_n be_v turn_v from_o i_o 4._o at_o my_o first_o answer_v no_o man_n assist_v i_o but_o all_o forsake_v i_o demas_n have_v forsake_v i_o and_o embrace_v this_o present_a world_n wherefore_o epiphanius_n surmise_n that_o the_o scarcity_n of_o try_a and_o approve_a man_n be_v some_o cause_n why_o every_o place_n be_v not_o furnish_v at_o the_o first_o with_o a_o bishop_n be_v neither_o unlikelie_a nor_o unpertain_v to_o the_o purpose_n the_o three_o reason_n i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o that_o as_o presbyter_n to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o augment_v the_o church_n be_v present_o needful_a the_o harvest_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o bishop_n to_o moderate_v the_o number_n of_o teacher_n and_o to_o oversee_v as_o well_o the_o feeder_n as_o the_o flock_n be_v not_o so_o requisite_a while_o the_o apostle_n who_o take_v care_n of_o those_o thing_n themselves_o preach_v in_o or_o near_o the_o place_n so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o impose_v that_o form_n of_o government_n on_o the_o church_n but_o after_o long_a trial_n and_o good_a experience_n what_o need_v the_o church_n shall_v have_v of_o it_o this_o course_n he_o observe_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n not_o straightway_o to_o associate_v the_o seventie_o elder_n unto_o moses_n but_o to_o let_v they_o alone_o until_o moses_n be_v weary_v with_o the_o burden_n and_o the_o multitude_n grieve_v for_o want_n of_o dispatch_n and_o jethro_n see_v the_o judge_n afflict_v with_o pain_n and_o the_o people_n discontent_v with_o delay_n advise_v a_o other_o way_n which_o the_o whole_a assembly_n like_v god_n confirm_v and_o moses_n execute_v in_o like_a manner_n christ_n suffer_v his_o church_n to_o try_v while_o his_o apostle_n yet_o live_v what_o equality_n and_o plenty_n of_o governor_n will_v work_v in_o every_o place_n and_o when_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o proof_n upon_o the_o apostle_n absence_n that_o so_o many_o leader_n so_o many_o follower_n so_o many_o ruler_n so_o many_o faction_n out_o every_o church_n in_o sunder_o the_o apostle_n be_v force_v the_o world_n as_o jerom_n faith_n decre_v it_o that_o be_v the_o faithful_a throughout_o the_o world_n be_v therewith_o content_v and_o thereof_o desirous_a to_o commit_v their_o place_n and_o church_n not_o to_o presbyter_n in_o common_a and_o equal_a authority_n but_o to_o their_o disciple_n and_o follower_n who_o afterward_o they_o call_v bishop_n in_o a_o superiority_n leave_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o successor_n the_o chief_a honour_n and_o power_n of_o impose_v hand_n and_o use_v the_o key_n and_o rest_v special_o on_o their_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o oversee_v both_o teacher_n and_o believer_n though_o the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o feed_v and_o guide_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o you_o say_v but_o jerome_n say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n disposition_n by_o his_o apostle_n but_o rather_o a_o decree_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o first_o make_v bishop_n to_o differ_v from_o presbyter_n jerome_n say_v it_o be_v decree_v throughout_o the_o world_n to_o change_v the_o equality_n of_o presbyter_n into_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n by_o who_o it_o be_v so_o decree_v he_o do_v not_o mention_v in_o this_o place_n but_o if_o i_o prove_v as_o well_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o by_o jerome_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n that_o this_o change_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o be_v both_o see_v and_o approve_v by_o they_o i_o evince_v it_o to_o be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n then_o must_v it_o also_o be_v divine_a which_o jerome_n deny_v what_o jerom_n mean_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n i_o will_v after_o examine_v i_o must_v prove_v in_o order_n i_o shall_v else_o but_o confound_v both_o myself_o and_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o make_v this_o reason_n out_o of_o jerome_n when_o the_o schism_n of_o presbyter_n begin_v dangerous_o to_o tear_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n than_o be_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o the_o chief_a and_o preeminent_a charge_n of_o one_o but_o those_o schism_n and_o faction_n trouble_v all_o the_o church_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n under_o they_o therefore_o begin_v the_o change_n of_o government_n which_o jerome_n speak_v of_o at_o corinth_n indeed_o there_o be_v contention_n who_o be_v baptize_v of_o the_o great_a man_n which_o jerome_n do_v exemplify_v but_o the_o faction_n must_v be_v more_o general_a and_o deadly_a that_o shall_v cause_v a_o alteration_n of_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o there_o be_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o those_o of_o corinth_n he_o say_v 11._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n i_o hear_v there_o be_v dissension_n amongst_o you_o and_o i_o believe_v it_o in_o part_n for_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n even_o among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v among_o you_o may_v beknowen_a and_o when_o he_o say_v there_o must_v be_v heresy_n among_o you_o to_o manifest_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a he_o mean_v not_o only_o at_o corinth_n but_o every_o where_o which_o come_v to_o pass_v according_o to_o the_o roman_n he_o say_v 16._o mark_v they_o diligent_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o have_v learn_v and_o avoid_v they_o amongst_o the_o galathian_o be_v 3_o some_o that_o intend_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o carry_v they_o into_o a_o other_o doctrine_n bewitch_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o philippian_n 3._o beware_v of_o dog_n beware_v of_o evil_a workman_n many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o tell_v you_o often_o and_o tell_v you_o now_o weep_a that_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v damnation_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n and_o glory_n to_o their_o shame_n which_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n with_o the_o colossian_n be_v some_o that_o 2._o burden_v the_o church_n with_o tradition_n even_o with_o the_o commandment_n and_o doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o hold_v not_o the_o head_n advance_v themselves_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o never_o see_v and_o rash_o puff_v up_o with_o fleshly_a mind_n beguile_v the_o simple_a with_o a_o show_n of_o humbleness_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n at_o thessalonica_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v impugn_a and_o some_o 4._o trouble_v the_o people_n with_o vision_n with_o feign_a message_n and_o forge_a letter_n in_o the_o apostle_n name_n 2._o as_o if_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o hand_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o every_o place_n which_o paul_n foretell_v the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n 20._o this_o i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o after_o my_o departure_n shall_v grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o you_o not_o spare_v the_o flock_n yea_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v rise_v man_n speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o neither_o be_v the_o gentile_n only_o subject_a to_o this_o danger_n but_o the_o jew_n also_o as_o peter_n forewarn_v they_o 2._o there_o be_v false_o teacher_n among_o you_o which_o privy_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v buy_v they_o &_o many_o shall_v follow_v their_o damnable_a way_n &_o through_o covetousness_n with_o feign_a wordsshal_n they_o make_v merchandise_n of_o you_o and_o so_o john_n &_o even_o now_o there_o be_v many_o antichrist_n 4._o many_o false_a prophet_n and_o 2._o deceiver_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v these_o deceiver_n and_o repress_v these_o perverse_a teacher_n paul_n be_v force_v while_o he_o live_v &_o labour_v in_o other_o place_n to_o send_v special_a substitute_n to_o the_o church_n most_o endanger_v and_o by_o their_o pain_n &_o oversight_n to_o cure_v the_o sore_n &_o heal_v the_o wound_n which_o these_o pestilent_a and_o unquiet_a spirit_n have_v make_v so_o at_o ephesus_n when_o the_o teacher_n and_o doctor_n begin_v to_o 1._o affirm_v they_o know_v not_o what_o even_o 4._o profane_a and_o dote_a fable_n 2._o who_o word_n do_v fret_v as_o a_o canker_n and_o 3._o creep_v into_o house_n lead_v captive_a simple_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n and_o lead_v with_o diverse_a lust_n and_o other_o 4._o have_v itch_a ear_n gate_n they_o teacher_n after_o
as_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o they_o our_o answer_n be_v easy_a and_o ready_a to_o all_o that_o you_o have_v bring_v first_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o succeed_v one_o another_o in_o every_o place_n be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n as_o jerome_n tell_v you_o and_o then_o we_o grant_v without_o exception_n all_o that_o you_o have_v allege_v out_o of_o these_o ancient_a father_n and_o writer_n next_o ●hen_o they_o make_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o sometime_o they_o do_v by_o bishop_n they_o understand_v all_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o by_o presbyter_n they_o mean_v the_o lay_v elder_n which_o we_o seek_v to_o restore_v three_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o bishop_n be_v above_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o that_o superiority_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o power_n to_o call_v the_o rest_n together_o to_o propose_v matter_n in_o doubt_n unto_o they_o and_o to_o ask_v their_o voice_n and_o consent_n by_o which_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o time_n be_v direct_v and_o from_o which_o they_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n divert_v to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n i_o know_v how_o easy_a &_o ready_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v with_o you_o to_o say_v what_o you_o listen_v if_o you_o may_v be_v trust_v without_o any_o further_a trial_n but_o if_o it_o please_v you_o substantial_o to_o prove_v these_o thing_n which_o you_o afffirme_v or_o but_o any_o one_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o long_a study_n than_o you_o take_v it_o for_o do_v you_o plead_v before_o the_o poor_a jury_n that_o be_v for_o earthly_a trifle_n they_o will_v not_o credit_n your_o word_n without_o some_o witness_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o touch_v the_o peace_n &_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n do_v you_o look_v your_o voluntary_n shall_v be_v receive_v without_o all_o authority_n or_o testimony_n to_o warrant_v it_o if_o your_o folly_n be_v such_o as_o to_o expect_v so_o much_o at_o other_o man_n hand_n their_o simplicity_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o yield_v it_o in_o deed_n to_o my_o conceive_v the_o sum_n of_o your_o answer_n be_v very_a like_o the_o form_n of_o your_o discipline_n for_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v any_o proof_n possibility_n nor_o coherencie_n toproove_v the_o bishop_n call_v to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o presbyter_n that_o yet_o help_v in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n i_o show_v that_o bishop_n ordain_v minister_n which_o presbyter_n by_o the_o judgement_n and_o assertion_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n may_v not_o do_v and_o that_o in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v many_o presbyter_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o place_n but_o no_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o every_o church_n do_v or_o may_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o chair_n hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o bishop_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o presbyter_n that_o assist_v the_o pastor_n of_o each_o place_n in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n you_o answer_v that_o either_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o presbyter_n than_o be_v lay_v elder_n in_o which_o word_n you_o close_v not_o only_o a_o monstrous_a falsity_n but_o a_o manifest_a contrariety_n for_o in_o effect_v you_o say_v presbyter_n be_v bishop_n and_o no_o bishop_n presbyter_n be_v no_o lay_v man_n and_o yet_o lay_v man_n if_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n they_o be_v no_o lay_v elder_n if_o they_o be_v lay_v elder_n they_o be_v no_o bishop_n you_o must_v therefore_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o refuse_v the_o other_o as_o false_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o former_a take_v which_o you_o will_v the_o choice_n must_v be_v you_o what_o you_o will_v answer_v the_o bishop_n which_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n be_v the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o every_o parish_n the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o lay_v elder_n that_o together_o with_o the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n in_o common_a can_v you_o make_v any_o proof_n for_o lay_v elder_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o father_n you_o have_v some_o show_n to_o mistake_v presbyter_n for_o lay_v elder_n but_o i_o have_v already_o peruse_v the_o weakness_n of_o your_o ghess_n and_o withal_o make_v just_a and_o fullproofe_a for_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o presbyter_n but_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n if_o you_o be_v loath_a to_o turn_v back_o to_o the_o place_n hear_v what_o the_o great_a african_a council_n say_v wherein_o sit_v beside_o s._n augustine_n 216._o bishop_n 4._o in_o the_o former_a council_n say_v aurelius_n we_o think_v meet_v that_o these_o three_o degree_n tie_v to_o a_o kind_n of_o continency_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o consecration_n i_o mean_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o become_v bishop_n &_o priest_n of_o god_n &_o levites_n &_o servitor_n about_o the_o divine_a sacrament_n shall_v be_v continent_n in_o all_o thing_n all_o the_o bishop_n answer_v we_o like_v well_o that_o all_o which_o stand_v or_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n shall_v be_v continent_n then_o presbyter_n be_v consecrate_v and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o approach_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o minister_v the_o divine_a sacrament_n the_o imperial_a law_n say_v as_o much_o rend●ssimi●_n touch_v the_o most_o reverend_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o give_v false_a evidence_n in_o a_o pecuniary_a cause_n sufficiat_fw-la pro_fw-la verberibus_fw-la tribus_fw-la annis_fw-la separari_fw-la à_fw-la sacro_fw-la ministeria_fw-la it_o shall_v suffice_v for_o they_o in_o stead_n of_o whip_v to_o be_v three_o year_n separate_v from_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n but_o if_o in_o criminal_a cause_n they_o bear_v false_a witness_n clero_fw-la nudato●_n legitimis_fw-la poenis_fw-la sub_fw-la di_fw-it praecipimus_fw-la we_o command_v they_o to_o be_v degrade_v of_o their_o clergy_n and_o subject_v to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o law_n then_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v both_o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o sacred_a ministry_n as_o the_o very_a law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n do_v testify_v jerome_n on_o who_o word_n you_o so_o much_o depend_v say_v titum_fw-la hac_fw-la ut_fw-la ostenderemus_fw-la apud_fw-la veteres_fw-la eosdem_fw-la fuisse_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la quos_fw-la &_o episcopos_fw-la all_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v all_o one_o and_o again_o titum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la &_o diaconi_fw-la debent_fw-la magnoperè_fw-la providere_fw-la ut_fw-la cunctum_fw-la populum_fw-la cvi_fw-la president_n conversatione_n &_o sermone_fw-la praecedant_fw-la quia_fw-la uchementer_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la christi_fw-la destruit_fw-la meliores_fw-la esse_fw-la laicos_fw-la quàm_fw-la clericos_fw-la the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ought_v great_o to_o provide_v that_o they_o excel_v all_o the_o people_n which_o be_v under_o they_o in_o conversation_n and_o doctrine_n because_o it_o vehement_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v the_o lay_v man_n better_o than_o the_o clergy_n man_n and_o augustine_n apocal._n quicunque_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopus_fw-la aut_fw-la presbyter_n aut_fw-la laicus_fw-la etc._n etc._n whosoever_o either_o bishop_n presbyter_n or_o lay_v man_n do_v declare_v how_o eternal_a life_n may_v be_v get_v he_o be_v worthy_o call_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n then_o if_o bishop_n be_v no_o lay_v man_n no_o more_o be_v presbyter_n you_o must_v therefore_o send_v your_o lie_v elder_n to_o the_o new-found_a land_n the_o christian_a world_n never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n before_o some_o man_n in_o our_o age_n begin_v to_o set_v that_o fancy_n on_o foot_n as_o for_o presbyter_n that_o be_v clergy_n man_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n we_o show_v you_o both_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o story_n they_o be_v many_o in_o one_o church_n and_o yet_o be_v there_o in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n but_o one_o of_o they_o that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n as_o pastor_n of_o y_fw-es ●_o place_n with_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n for_o the_o ordain_v of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n those_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n age_n have_v distinguish_v from_o other_o presbyter_n by_o the_o two_o proper_a mark_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o function_n i_o mean_v succession_n &_o ordination_n and_o call_v they_o bishop_n thus_o much_o be_v main_o prove_v unto_o you_o by_o all_o those_o apostolic_a church_n that_o have_v many_o presbyter_n as_o helper_n in_o the_o word_n and_o never_o but_o one_o bishop_n that_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostolic_a chair_n at_o alexandria_n this_o succession_n begin_v from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n and_o
that_o be_v you_o shall_v hear_v his_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o thereby_o perceive_v that_o many_o of_o the_o point_n which_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o sure_a that_o no_o man_n learned_a can_v with_o any_o truth_n resist_v they_o 2_o habebant_fw-la ergo_fw-la singulae_fw-la civitates_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la collegium_fw-la qui_fw-la pastor_n erant_fw-la ac_fw-la doctores_fw-la no_o &_o apud_fw-la populum_fw-la munus_fw-la docendi_fw-la exhortandi_fw-la &_o corrigendi_fw-la quod_fw-la paulus_n episcopis_fw-la iniungit_fw-la omnes_fw-la obibant_fw-la quibus_fw-la docendi_fw-la munus_fw-la iniunctum_fw-la erat_fw-la eos_fw-la omnes_fw-la nominabant_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la illi_fw-la ex_fw-la svo_fw-la numero_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la unum_fw-la eligebant_fw-la cvi_fw-la specialiter_fw-la dabant_fw-la titulum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ne_fw-la ex_fw-la aequalitate_fw-la ut_fw-la fieri_fw-la solet_fw-la dissidia_fw-la nascerentur_fw-la unicuique_fw-la civitati_fw-la attributa_fw-la erat_fw-la regio_fw-la quae_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la inde_fw-la sumeret_fw-la &_o velu●_fw-la corpori_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la illius_fw-la accenseretur_fw-la every_o city_n have_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o they_o all_o have_v the_o function_n of_o teach_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v in_o the_o congregation_n which_o paul_n enjoin_v unto_o bishop_n to_o who_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v allot_v they_o be_v all_o call_v presbyter_n these_o in_o every_o city_n choose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o special_a title_n of_o a_o bishop_n lest_o by_o a_o equality_n as_o be_v usual_o find_v division_n shall_v arise_v to_o every_o city_n be_v appoint_v a_o certain_a region_n which_o take_v their_o presbyter_n from_o the_o city_n and_o be_v count_v part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n first_o then_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o be_v not_o have_v but_o in_o city_n next_o lest_o equality_n shall_v breed_v confusion_n over_o these_o presbyter_n in_o each_o city_n as_o well_o as_o over_o the_o flock_n be_v a_o bishop_n who_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n be_v above_o they_o three_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o region_n or_o dioecese_n beside_o his_o city_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v design_v for_o such_o country_n parish_n as_o be_v within_o his_o circuit_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o city_n and_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o they_o be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o caluin_n himself_o confess_v you_o shall_v take_v all_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v no_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n but_o as_o a_o consul_n in_o the_o senate_n shall_v propose_v matter_n ask_v voice_n go_v before_o other_o in_o advise_v warning_n exhort_v and_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n with_o his_o authority_n and_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v decree_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o regiment_n he_o say_v the_o father_n acknowledge_v first_o enter_v humano_fw-la consensu_fw-la by_o the_o consent_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n though_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a as_o at_o alexandria_n ever_o since_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n i_o honour_v caluin_n for_o his_o wonderful_a gift_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o can_v easy_o be_v enduce_v to_o embrace_v his_o judgement_n be_v it_o not_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o manifest_a truth_n confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n father_n and_o by_o himself_o enforce_v i_o to_o the_o contrary_n jeromes_n word_n i_o have_v examine_v before_o they_o do_v not_o import_v that_o bishop_n first_o begin_v by_o humane_a devise_n and_o policy_n ignatius_n irenaeus_n egesippus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n dionysius_n of_o corinth_n origen_n tertullian_n eusebius_n methodius_n and_o jerom_n himself_o affirm_v the_o first_o bishop_n be_v make_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n saint_n john_n in_o his_o revelation_n write_v to_o the_o seven_o pastor_n or_o chief_a moderatour_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n while_o saint_n john_n live_v as_o eusebius_n record_v there_o succeed_v at_o antioch_n interpret_v ignatius_n after_o interpret_v euodius_n at_o alexandria_n interpret_v abilius_n after_o interpret_v amianus_n at_o rome_n interpret_v clemens_n after_o interpret_v anacletus_fw-la and_o interpret_v linus_n at_o jerusalem_n interpret_v simeon_n after_o interpret_v james._n yea_o saint_n john_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n make_v ignatio_n polycarpe_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n as_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n eusebius_n and_o jerome_n affirm_v and_o that_o next_o after_o 22._o eucharius_n as_o socrates_n note_v he_o do_v the_o like_a in_o many_o 3._o other_o place_n as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n write_v i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n forsake_v so_o many_o ancient_a and_o assure_a witness_n whereof_o some_o live_v with_o polycarpe_n and_o be_v his_o scholar_n to_o follow_v the_o mistake_n of_o a_o few_o word_n in_o jerome_n by_o whosoever_o yea_o caluin_n himself_o say_v 7._o nec_fw-la humanum_fw-la est_fw-la inventum_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la ipsius_fw-la institutum_fw-la quod_fw-la singulis_fw-la svas_fw-la assignamus_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la paulus_n ipse_fw-la archippum_fw-la colossensium_fw-la episcopum_fw-la commemorate_fw-la it_o be_v not_o man_n devise_n but_o the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o assign_v to_o every_o man_n his_o church_n paul_n himself_o mention_v archippus_n bishop_n of_o colossus_n that_o be_v pastor_n of_o colossus_n and_o so_o we_o grant_v each_o church_n ought_v by_o god_n law_n to_o have_v a_o pastor_n we_o must_v ask_v further_a whether_o by_o god_n law_n each_o church_n must_v have_v one_o or_o many_o if_o one_o we_o have_v our_o desire_n if_o many_o there_o must_v yet_o be_v one_o chief_a to_o avoid_v confusion_n 4._o equality_n as_o caluin_n note_v breed_v faction_n jerome_n say_v euagrium_n to_o suppress_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n one_o be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v luciferianos_fw-la as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n beza_n make_v it_o a_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o have_v one_o chief_a in_o each_o presbytery_n his_o word_n be_v 153._o essentiale_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la hic_fw-la agimus_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la perpetua_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuit_fw-la est_fw-la &_o erit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o presbyterio_n quispiam_fw-la &_o loco_fw-la &_o dignitate_fw-la primus_fw-la actioni_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la praesit_fw-la cum_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsidivinitus_fw-la attributum_fw-la est_fw-la jure_fw-la this_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n which_o must_v always_o endure_v it_o have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v needful_a that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v moderate_v and_o rule_v every_o action_n with_o that_o right_n which_o be_v allow_v he_o by_o god_n law_n and_o in_o this_o he_o say_v right_a for_o a_o multitude_n ungoverned_a must_v needs_o be_v confuse_v which_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o government_n there_o can_v be_v none_o where_o all_o be_v equal_a when_o the_o shepehearde_n lead_v into_o diverse_a pasture_n who_o shall_v the_o sheep_n follow_v when_o sundry_a lord_n make_v sundry_a law_n which_o shall_v the_o subject_n obey_v sure_o if_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n no_o church_n can_v endure_v two_o pastor_n while_o they_o consent_v they_o have_v but_o one_o mind_n though_o many_o man_n when_o they_o dissent_v which_o in_o all_o person_n be_v casual_a and_o in_o all_o place_n usual_a then_o will_v there_o be_v as_o many_o side_n as_o there_o be_v leader_n you_o be_v as_o good_a set_v two_o head_n on_o one_o body_n as_o two_o chief_a ruler_n over_o one_o company_n if_o you_o confess_v there_o must_v by_o god_n law_n be_v one_o chief_a pastor_n in_o one_o church_n then_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o each_o city_n be_v the_o bishop_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o he_o by_o your_o own_o position_n be_v authorize_v as_o pastor_n of_o the_o place_n by_o god_n ordinance_n this_o you_o shall_v never_o avoid_v do_v what_o you_o can_v each_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v many_o presbyter_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o witness_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o v._n 6._o and_o 23_o of_o antioch_n act._n 13._o v._n 1_o of_o ephesus_z act._n 20._o v._n 17._o and_o 28_o of_o rome_n rom._n 16_o of_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 14._o v._n 29_o of_o philippi_n philip._n 1._o v._n 1_o of_o thessalonica_n 1._o thess._n 5._o v._n 12_o of_o other_o church_n the_o like_a be_v affirm_v hebr._n 13._o v._o 17_o jame_v 5._o v._o 14_o 1._o pet._n 5._o v._n 1._o now_o by_o god_n essential_a and_o
touch_v church_n cause_n from_o the_o aposiles_n age_n to_o we_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o episcopal_a audience_n and_o execution_n the_o question_n be_v for_o god_n law_n who_o shall_v be_v trust_v with_o the_o execution_n thereof_o and_o who_o rather_o say_v we_o than_o he_o that_o be_v authorize_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n and_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n at_o who_o mouth_n the_o rest_n shall_v ask_v the_o law_n and_o be_v rather_o subject_a unto_o he_o than_o perch_n over_o he_o the_o execution_n of_o god_n law_n by_o no_o mean_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o bishop_n for_o than_o we_o yield_v he_o all_o but_o in_o that_o case_n though_o each_o presbyter_n be_v inferior_a to_o he_o yet_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v above_o he_o and_o may_v both_o over-rule_v he_o and_o censure_v he_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o you_o have_v say_v when_o the_o sheep_n listen_v to_o agree_v i_o will_v not_o say_v conspire_v they_o must_v lead_v their_o shepherd_n and_o when_o the_o child_n be_v wilful_a they_o must_v rule_v their_o father_n otherwise_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v pastor_n and_o father_n to_o each_o presbyter_n he_o be_v the_o like_a to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n &_o consequent_o they_o must_v hear_v &_o obey_v he_o as_o god_n angel_n so_o long_o as_o he_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o his_o message_n nay_o every_o presbyter_n be_v a_o pastor_n and_o father_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o equal_a with_o he_o neither_o have_v he_o by_o god_n law_n any_o right_n over_o they_o but_o only_o by_o man_n devise_n fie_o on_o this_o waver_a sometime_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v chief_a over_o the_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n sometime_o again_o every_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v equal_a and_o even_o with_o he_o and_o he_o not_o chief_a over_o they_o and_o when_o you_o be_v a_o little_a angry_a he_o shall_v be_v subject_a unto_o they_o and_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o this_o tapese_n to_o and_o fro_o i_o impute_v rather_o to_o the_o rawness_n of_o your_o discipline_n not_o yet_o digest_v then_o to_o the_o giddiness_n of_o your_o head_n this_o it_o be_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o desert_n of_o your_o own_o devise_n without_o the_o line_n of_o god_n word_n or_o level_v of_o his_o church_n to_o direct_v you_o but_o can_v you_o show_v we_o by_o what_o authority_n you_o claim_v this_o power_n of_o your_o presbytery_n above_o and_o against_o their_o bishop_n if_o by_o scripture_n produce_v they_o if_o by_o father_n then_o shrink_v not_o from_o they_o when_o they_o tell_v you_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o power_n the_o bishop_n have_v &_o shall_v have_v over_o his_o presbyter_n we_o have_v both_o scripture_n and_o father_n but_o special_o scripture_n first_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n acknowledge_v the_o presbyter_n to_o be_v pastor_n and_o give_v they_o the_o feed_n overseeing_a and_o rule_v the_o flock_n next_o the_o presbytery_n do_v excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a and_o impose_v hand_n on_o timothy_n thirdlie_o they_o be_v the_o church_n which_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o he_o must_v be_v take_v for_o a_o publican_n and_o a_o ethnic_n by_o christ_n commandment_n four_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n have_v apparent_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o alter_v last_o the_o father_n confess_v the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v govern_v with_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o without_o their_o advice_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n these_o be_v the_o fort_n of_o your_o late_a erect_a consistory_n if_o these_o be_v take_v from_o you_o you_o have_v no_o place_n leave_v whither_o your_o maim_a discipline_n may_v retreat_v and_o these_o be_v most_o easy_o raze_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o order_n as_o they_o stand_v for_o first_o the_o same_o power_n which_o you_o claim_v by_o peter_n and_o paul_n word_n unto_o presbyter_n as_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n you_o must_v yield_v unto_o bishop_n as_o chief_a pastor_n in_o comparison_n both_o of_o presbyter_n and_o people_n and_o so_o you_o prove_v against_o yourselves_o for_o the_o bishop_n be_v as_o well_o chief_a in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v god_n angel_n as_o in_o the_o consistory_n where_o he_o govern_v the_o presbytery_n next_o you_o can_v convince_v that_o the_o presbytery_n do_v either_o excommunicate_a the_o malefactor_n of_o corinth_n or_o lie_v hand_n on_o timothy_n i_o have_v clear_v the_o inferment_n of_o both_o place_n before_o and_o if_o you_o can_v conclude_v any_o such_o thing_n which_o you_o can_v yet_o most_o apparent_o the_o apostle_n paul_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n 3._o adjudge_v the_o one_o and_o 6._o with_o his_o own_o hand_n ordain_v the_o other_o thirdlie_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n in_o those_o word_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o ethnic_n unto_o thou_o i_o have_v already_o discuss_v i_o need_v not_o reiterate_v if_o you_o will_v with_o the_o father_n apply_v that_o censure_n to_o excommunication_n you_o must_v with_o the_o father_n understand_v by_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n &_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n fourthly_a neither_o have_v the_o jew_n that_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o you_o will_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ne●did_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n or_o his_o disciple_n ever_o prescribe_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o iudiciass_n part_n or_o form_n of_o moses_n jaw_n more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o ceremonial_a if_o moses_n policy_n be_v abrogate_a moses_n consistor_n be_v may_v not_o be_v continue_v the_o judge_n cease_v where_o the_o law_n fail_v the_o change_n of_o the_o law_n ceremonial_a work_v as_o the_o apostle_n reason_v a_o change_n of_o the_o priesthood_n and_o even_o so_o the_o disannul_n of_o their_o penal_a judgement_n discharge_v all_o their_o judge_n and_o consistory_n and_o be_v it_o otherwise_o what_o win_v you_o by_o that_o against_o bishop_n if_o your_o presbyter_n must_v be_v the_o jew_n elder_n your_o precedent_n must_v answer_v to_o their_o chief_a priest_n and_o then_o have_v you_o spin_a afair_n thread_n for_o where_o you_o think_v to_o diminish_v the_o power_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n you_o triple_a it_o by_o this_o argument_n it_o must_v be_v death_n 12._o to_o disobey_v the_o chief_a priest_n in_o all_o point_n and_o part_n of_o god_n jaw_n will_v you_o stand_v to_o your_o tackle_n i_o will_v never_o wish_v a_o better_a reason_n against_o you_o for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n than_o your_o own_o comparison_n but_o you_o use_v to_o give_v back_o so_o fast_o when_o you_o be_v press_v that_o my_o labour_n will_v be_v but_o lose_v to_o follow_v you_o in_o deed_n cyprian_n do_v vehement_o urge_v that_o precept_n of_o deuteronomie_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v to_o himself_o and_o other_o bishop_n as_o well_o by_o presbyter_n as_o people_n he_o that_o will_v may_v see_v the_o 9_o place_n last_o for_o father_n as_o your_o fashion_n be_v you_o take_v a_o pare_n of_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o where_o they_o speak_v to_o your_o like_n but_o reject_v both_o the_o same_o and_o all_o other_o ancient_a writer_n whenthey_v main_o depose_v against_o your_o new_a discipline_n that_o the_o advice_n of_o presbyter_n be_v at_o first_o use_v in_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n jerome_n and_o ambrose_n seem_v towitnesse_n but_o that_o they_o may_v over-rule_v or_o censure_v the_o bishop_n they_o never_o say_v nor_o mean_v luciferianos_fw-la the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n as_o jerome_n think_v stand_v on_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n or_o bishop_n to_o who_o except_o there_o be_v give_v a_o power_n without_o any_o equal_a and_o eminent_a above_o all_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n and_o so_o cyprian_a 9_o thou_o make_v thyself_o judge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n which_o say_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o thereby_o to_o all_o ruler_n that_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o be_v ordain_v their_o substitute_n he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o reject_v you_o reject_v i_o for_o whence_o have_v heresy_n and_o schism_n heretofore_o rise_v and_o dailyrise_v but_o while_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v but_o one_o &_o rule_v the_o church_n be_v despise_v by_o the_o proud_a presumption_n of_o some_o and_o that_o one_o bishop_n he_o call_v ibidem_fw-la the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n of_o christ_n and_o priest_n of_o god_n infinite_a be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_a father_n against_o the_o
clergy_n and_o our_o nazarite_n to_o who_o either_o whole_o or_o chief_o such_o choice_n ought_v to_o be_v refer_v so_o shall_v the_o church_n never_o take_v harm_n and_o not_o to_o to_o the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a and_o to_o the_o throng_n and_o indiscretion_n of_o the_o multitude_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o base_a person_n among_o they_o the_o emperor_n at_o last_o be_v force_v by_o public_a law_n to_o restrain_v the_o people_n and_o take_v the_o election_n of_o bishop_n from_o they_o and_o give_v it_o to_o the_o clergy_n and_o certain_a chief_a man_n of_o every_o city_n 123._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o decree_v say_v justinian_n that_o as_o often_o as_o need_n require_v to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o principal_a man_n of_o the_o city_n for_o which_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v provide_v shall_v meet_v together_o and_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n three_o person_n and_o take_v their_o oath_n upon_o the_o holy_a euangile_n shall_v express_v in_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o have_v choose_v they_o neither_o for_o reward_n promise_n favour_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o know_v the_o person_n to_o be_v of_o the_o right_n and_o catholic_a faith_n and_o of_o honest_a life_n etc._n etc._n that_o of_o those_o three_o so_o name_v the_o best_a may_v be_v ordain_v at_o the_o election_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o ordainer_n if_o any_o man_n be_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n and_o this_o not_o observe_v we_o command_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v remoove_v from_o his_o bishopric_n and_o likewise_o the_o other_o that_o presume_v to_o impose_v hand_n against_o this_o our_o law_n if_o three_o sufficient_a person_n can_v not_o be_v find_v in_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o city_n which_o want_v a_o bishop_n the_o electour_n may_v name_v two_o or_o one_o so_o it_o be_v d●one_v within_o six_o month_n and_o the_o man_n such_o as_o the_o law_n require_v otherwise_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o choose_v for_o they_o a_o lay_v man_n amongst_o other_o the_o emperor_n say_v they_o may_v name_v but_o the_o canon_n do_v not_o permit_v a_o lay_v man_n to_o be_v elect_v but_o only_o to_o be_v desire_v i_o do_v not_o think_v the_o people_n presence_n or_o testimony_n be_v debar_v by_o this_o law_n for_o that_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n after_o i_o take_v it_o rather_o the_o electour_n may_v offer_v none_o without_o the_o people_n like_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o multitude_n be_v exclude_v from_o elect_v who_o they_o will_v and_o the_o power_n thereof_o translate_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o governor_n of_o each_o city_n to_o name_v certain_a if_o the_o people_n can_v like_v of_o their_o choice_n otherwise_o within_o six_o month_n the_o right_a to_o devolue_v to_o the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o the_o province_n then_o begin_v this_o rule_n to_o be_v more_o straite_o urge_v docendus_fw-la docendus_fw-la est_fw-la populus_fw-la non_fw-la sequendus_fw-la the_o people_n in_o elect_v of_o bishop_n must_v be_v teach_v and_o guide_v not_o obey_v and_o follow_v for_o pope_n themselves_o can_v say_v though_o the_o nosse_fw-la election_n belong_v to_o priest_n yet_o the_o consent_n of_o god_n people_n must_v be_v have_v 5._o when_o say_v leo_n you_o go_v about_o the_o election_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n or_o bishop_n let_v he_o be_v advance_v before_o all_o who_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n desire_v if_o their_o voice_n be_v divide_v betwixt_o twain_o let_v he_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o other_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a which_o have_v more_o voice_n and_o merit_n only_o let_v none_o be_v ordain_v against_o their_o will_n and_o petition_n lest_o the_o people_n despise_v or_o hate_v the_o bishop_n which_o they_o never_o affect_v and_o they_o less_o care_n for_o religion_n when_o their_o desire_n be_v not_o satisfy_v the_o like_a regard_n of_o the_o people_n desire_n and_o petition_n be_v have_v in_o gregory_n time_n &_o long_o after_o 6●_n if_o it_o be_v true_a say_v gregory_n to_o antonius_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o salona_n be_v dead_a hasten_v to_o admonish_v the_o clergy_n and_o people_n of_o that_o city_n to_o choose_v a_o priest_n with_o one_o consent_n that_o may_v be_v ordain_v for_o they_o and_o to_o magnus_n about_o the_o election_n of_o y_fw-fr t_o bishop_n of_o milan_n 66._o warde_n say_v he_o the_o 48._o clergy_n &_o 48._o people_n that_o they_o dissent_v ●ot_n in_o choose_v their_o priest_n but_o with_o one_o accord_n elect_v some_o such_o as_o may_v be_v consecrate_v their_o bishop_n the_o order_n of_o choose_v their_o bishop_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n be_v never_o so_o much_o respect_v but_o that_o they_o may_v many_o way_n forsake_v and_o loose_v their_o right_n as_o by_o petition_n when_o they_o have_v none_o of_o their_o own_o by_o compromise_n when_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v by_o devolution_n when_o they_o neglect_v their_o time_n above_o six_o month_n or_o transgress_v the_o law_n or_o canon_n either_o in_o the_o form_n of_o their_o election_n or_o in_o the_o person_n elect_v special_o upon_o any_o corruption_n disorder_n or_o violence_n the_o election_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o the_o party_n deprive_v of_o all_o power_n to_o elect_v for_o that_o turn_n and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o agree_v they_o be_v to_o send_v some_o to_o the_o metropolitan_a to_o yield_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o dissent_v on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o to_o 91._o strike_v the_o stroke_n betwixt_o they_o or_o else_o they_o do_v refer_v their_o consent_n to_o two_o or_o three_o that_o shall_v repair_v to_o the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o the_o province_n and_o there_o make_v choice_n with_o his_o advice_n and_o consent_n for_o the_o whole_a city_n 54._o if_o you_o can_v find_v say_v gregory_n no_o fit_a person_n among_o yourselves_o on_o who_o you_o can_v agree_v then_o choose_v three_o wise_a and_o in_o different_a man_n and_o send_v they_o to_o this_o city_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o who_o judgement_n the_o people_n will_v stand_v and_o again_o 74._o convent_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o naples_n to_o choose_v 2._o or_o 3._o of_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o slack_v to_o send_v they_o hither_o about_o the_o election_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o in_o their_o certificate_n to_o we_o let_v they_o signify_v that_o those_o who_o they_o send_v have_v authority_n to_o supply_v all_o their_o place_n in_o this_o election_n so_o that_o the_o people_n right_a to_o elect_v their_o bishop_n never_o depend_v on_o god_n express_a commandment_n but_o on_o the_o foundation_n &_o reason_n of_o humane_a government_n &_o be_v subject_a both_o to_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n and_o law_n of_o prince_n &_o may_v be_v moderate_v and_o restrain_v by_o either_o of_o they_o &_o by_o the_o people_n consent_n default_n or_o abuse_v be_v transfer_v relinquish_v or_o forfeit_v and_o without_o their_o will_n by_o superior_a power_n and_o public_a law_n for_o just_a cause_n be_v abridge_v alter_v or_o abrogate_a for_o the_o power_n &_o freedom_n of_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o submit_v to_o the_o sword_n which_o god_n have_v authorize_v but_o whole_o close_v in_o y_z t_z sword_n neither_o be_v any_o thing_n lawful_a for_o the_o people_n set_v aside_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o mortal_a man_n will_n or_o power_n which_o the_o law_n of_o their_o country_n restrain_v or_o prohibit_v wherefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o people_n may_v willing_o forsake_v and_o worthy_o loose_v the_o right_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o prince_n either_o way_n be_v lawful_o possess_v of_o the_o people_n interest_n you_o must_v rather_o if_o you_o will_v needs_o be_v so_o inquisitive_a examine_v the_o cause_n that_o induce_v the_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v just_a or_o no_o and_o so_o shall_v you_o see_v whether_o this_o manner_n of_o election_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a prevention_n of_o such_o corrupt_a faction_n and_o fearful_a tumult_n as_o our_o desperate_a age_n will_v easy_o breed_v or_o a_o rigorous_a encrochment_n on_o the_o people_n right_a without_o cause_n or_o consent_n which_o you_o can_v not_o offer_v to_o think_v without_o evident_a wrong_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o realm_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o prince_n of_o right_n have_v and_o ever_o have_v as_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o bishop_n as_o the_o people_n there_o can_v no_o reason_n be_v pretend_v for_o the_o multitude_n but_o it_o conclude_v more_o strong_o for_o the_o magistrate_n if_o the_o people_n by_o god_n law_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o bishop_n the_o king_n as_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o head_n of_o the_o people_n by_o the_o same_o law_n must_v be_v
form_n of_o election_n it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o prince_n be_v y_o ●_o first_o founder_n of_o church_n and_o endower_n of_o bishoprike_n have_v have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o 5._o custody_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o vacancy_n and_o the_o westminster_n presentment_n and_o collation_n of_o those_o prelacy_n as_o lord_n and_o aduowees_n of_o all_o the_o land_n and_o possession_n that_o belong_v either_o to_o cathedral_n church_n or_o bishop_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o former_a age_n when_o as_o yet_o bishop_n live_v on_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o faithful_a i_o have_v then_o likewise_o show_v by_o the_o example_n of_o theodosius_n and_o other_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o prince_n though_o not_o as_o patroness_n yet_o as_o high_a power_n make_v election_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o reserve_v all_o election_n to_o their_o personal_a and_o royal_a assent_n yet_o in_o their_o stead_n the_o 20._o magistrate_n and_o chief_a man_n of_o each_o city_n be_v to_o consent_v before_o the_o election_n can_v be_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v to_o 123._o make_v the_o election_n joint_o with_o the_o clergy_n as_o we_o find_v confirm_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n not_o only_o princesbut_a patroness_n be_v suffer_v in_o every_o church_n to_o present_v who_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o take_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o the_o people_n be_v every_o way_n defeat_v of_o their_o choice_n call_v not_o that_o the_o defeat_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n which_o be_v begin_v with_o so_o great_a reason_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n and_o have_v now_o continue_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n warrant_v by_o the_o law_n and_o practise_v with_o the_o like_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n know_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o patronage_n &_o aduocation_n &_o 13._o presentation_n be_v remember_v in_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la as_o thing_n long_o before_o currant_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n marlebridge_n the_o plea_n of_o quare_fw-la impedit_fw-la when_o the_o bishop_n refuse_v the_o patroness_n clerk_n as_o well_o for_o the_o summonition_n as_o for_o the_o return_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o marlebridge_n anno_fw-la 52._o henrici_fw-la 3._o the_o law_n of_o foreign_a country_n be_v far_o elder_a than_o we_o that_o be_v extant_a among_o the_o law_n of_o charles_n the_o great_a make_v for_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o collect_v by_o ansegisus_fw-la in_o the_o yecre_n 827._o this_o be_v one_o 84._o statutum_n est_fw-la ut_fw-la sine_fw-la authoritate_fw-la &_o consensu_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la presbyteriin_n quibuslibet_fw-la ecclesijs_fw-la nec_fw-la constituantur_fw-la nec_fw-la expellantur_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la laici_fw-la clericos_fw-la probabilis_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la &_o doctrinae_fw-la episcopis_fw-la consecrandos_fw-la suisque_fw-la in_o ecolesijs_fw-la constituendos_fw-la obtulerint_fw-la nulla_fw-la qualibet_fw-la occasione_n eosreijciant_fw-la it_o be_v decree_v that_o presbyter_n shall_v not_o be_v appoint_v in_o any_o church_n nor_o remoove_v from_o thence_o without_o the_o authority_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o if_o lay_v man_n offer_v clerk_n of_o tolerable_a life_n and_o learning_n unto_o bishop_n to_o be_v place_v in_o their_o own_o church_n that_o be_v where_o lie_v man_n be_v patroness_n the_o bishop_n upon_o no_o manner_n of_o occasion_n shall_v reject_v they_o neither_o may_v the_o patron_n place_n a_o clerk_n without_o the_o bishop_n neither_o can_v the_o bishop_n refuse_v the_o patroness_n clarke_n if_o he_o be_v such_o as_o the_o canon_n do_v tolerate_v in_o spain_n about_o the_o 7._o year_n of_o king_n reccesiunthus_fw-la and_o the_o 654._o year_n of_o christ_n the_o council_n of_o coledo_n make_v this_o canon_n 2._o we_o decree_v that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o founder_n of_o church_n remain_v in_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a and_o continual_a care_n of_o the_o say_a place_n atque_fw-la rectores_fw-la idoneos_fw-la in_o eisdem_fw-la basilicis_fw-la ijdem_fw-la ipsi_fw-la offerant_fw-la episcopo_fw-la ordinandos_fw-la and_o themselves_o shall_v offer_v meet_a rector_n unto_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v ordain_v in_o those_o very_a church_n quod_fw-la si_fw-la spretis_fw-la eisdem_fw-la fundatoribus_fw-la rectores_fw-la ibidem_fw-la praesumpserit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinare_fw-la &_o ordinationem_fw-la svam_fw-la irritam_fw-la esse_fw-la noverit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la verecundiam_fw-la svam_fw-la alios_fw-la in_o eorum_fw-la loco_fw-la quos_fw-la ijsdem_fw-la ipsi_fw-la fundatores_fw-la condignos_fw-la elegerint_fw-la ordinari_fw-la and_o if_o the_o bishop_n neglect_v the_o founder_n shall_v presume_v to_o place_v any_o other_o let_v he_o know_v that_o his_o admission_n shall_v be_v void_a and_o to_o his_o shame_n other_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o their_o stead_n even_o such_o as_o the_o founder_n shall_v choose_v being_z not_o unworthy_a long_o before_o this_o the_o roman_a law_n determine_v the_o like_a throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n 18._o if_o any_o man_n build_v a_o church_n or_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o will_v have_v clerk_n to_o be_v place_v there_o he_o or_o his_o heir_n if_o he_o allow_v maintenance_n for_o those_o clerk_n and_o name_v such_o as_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o be_v ordain_v upon_o his_o nomination_n but_o if_o such_o as_o they_o choose_v be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o canon_n as_o unworthy_a then_o let_v the_o bishop_n take_v care_n to_o promote_v some_o who_o he_o think_v more_o worthy_a this_o law_n give_v two_o reason_n for_o patronage_n which_o i_o take_v indeed_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o that_o interest_n they_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o wit_n build_v the_o church_n &_o maintain_v the_o minister_n before_o the_o law_n for_o tithe_n be_v make_v in_o city_n the_o clergy_n line_v of_o the_o voluntary_a oblation_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o country_n village_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o discretion_n to_o yield_v what_o allowance_n he_o think_v good_a out_o of_o his_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v but_o his_o husbandman_n and_o servant_n have_v neither_o wealth_n to_o build_v church_n nor_o right_a to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o profit_n of_o their_o lord_n land_n so_o that_o either_o church_n must_v not_o at_o all_o have_v be_v build_v in_o country_n town_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o each_o place_n be_v to_o be_v provoke_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o church_n and_o allow_v convenient_a proportion_n with_o the_o honour_n and_o pre-eminence_n to_o dispose_v their_o own_o to_o their_o like_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n law_n against_o it_o for_o when_o you_o affirm_v the_o people_n shall_v elect_v their_o pastor_n i_o trust_v you_o do_v not_o include_v in_o that_o word_n child_n servant_n beggar_n or_o bondman_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o discretion_n to_o choose_v &_o ability_n to_o maintain_v their_o pastor_n put_v then_o the_o case_n which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o villager_n &_o husbandman_n of_o each_o place_n have_v no_o state_n nor_o interest_n in_o the_o land_n which_o they_o till_v but_o serve_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n &_o have_v allowance_n for_o their_o pain_n out_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o his_o pleasure_n what_o assurance_n or_o maintenance_n can_v those_o man_n yield_v unto_o their_o pastor_n call_v to_o mind_n but_o y_z t_z conquest_n of_o this_o land_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o freeholder_n nor_o copie-holder_n but_o all_o bond_n beside_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v then_o elect_v a_o clerk_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o place_n since_o no_o man_n be_v free_a but_o he_o alone_o wherefore_o patronage_n &_o presentation_n be_v far_o ancient_a in_o this_o &_o all_o other_o christian_a realm_n then_o either_o the_o liberty_n or_o hability_n of_o husbandman_n &_o copie-holders_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o village_n have_v erect_v church_n &_o allot_v out_o portion_n for_o divine_a service_n make_v afterward_o some_o free_a &_o some_o bond_n tenant_n do_v either_o god_n or_o man_n law_n command_v or_o intend_v that_o their_o latter_a grant_n shall_v overthrow_v their_o former_a right_n that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v settle_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o the_o remembrance_n &_o inheritance_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n or_o donour_n of_o every_o church_n shall_v a_o few_o curious_a head_n make_v the_o world_n now_o believe_v it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o your_o eager_a impugn_v of_o patronage_n without_o understand_v either_o the_o intent_n or_o effect_v of_o they_o wise_a man_n may_v soon_o see_v what_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n the_o rest_n of_o your_o discipline_n be_v likely_a to_o carry_v to_o close_v up_o this_o question_n if_o the_o allowance_n give_v
if_o that_o be_v their_o first_o original_n they_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o all_o christendom_n these_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n have_v reverence_v and_o follow_v the_o decree_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n the_o founder_n of_o your_o new_a discipline_n compare_v with_o they_o in_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n come_v a_o great_a way_n behind_o they_o but_o if_o you_o look_v better_o about_o you_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o metropolitanes_n be_v far_o elder_a than_o the_o nicene_n council_n they_o be_v not_o devise_v but_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a by_o these_o word_n 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o ancient_a usage_n continue_v still_o in_o egypt_n libya_n &_o pentapolis_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n over_o all_o these_o place_n likewise_o at_o antioch_n and_o in_o other_o province_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o church_n keep_v their_o prerogative_n what_o those_o prerogative_n be_v which_o ancient_o belong_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a church_n and_o their_o bishop_n though_o the_o council_n do_v not_o express_v they_o all_o yet_o these_o two_o be_v there_o mention_v in_o the_o 4._o canon_n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a authority_n or_o ratification_n of_o thing_n do_v must_v belong_v in_o every_o province_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a and_o in_o this_o very_a canon_n the_o next_o word_n be_v 6._o in_o all_o place_n or_o province_n this_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v make_v a_o bishop_n without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a this_o great_a council_n determine_v he_o must_v be_v no_o bishop_n so_o that_o neither_o can_v synod_n be_v call_v nor_o bishop_n ordain_v without_o y_fw-es ●_o metropolitan_a by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n &_o their_o power_n &_o prerogative_n within_o their_o own_o province_n begin_v not_o first_o in_o that_o council_n but_o be_v there_o witness_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ancient_a use_n &_o as_o they_o speak_v in_o the_o 7._o canon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o assemble_v fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a conclude_v as_o much_o as_o i_o do_v out_o of_o the_o nicene_n canon_n 19_o a_o bishop_n must_v not_o be_v ordain_v without_o a_o synod_n and_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a the_o bishop_n of_o each_o province_n to_o make_v a_o synod_n the_o metropolitan_a by_o his_o letter_n must_v call_v together_o 20._o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o in_o every_o province_n council_n be_v keep_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n to_o the_o which_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o other_o that_o think_v they_o have_v wrong_v may_v repair_v to_o receive_v justice_n from_o the_o synod_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o assemble_v synod_n of_o themselves_o without_o those_o to_o who_o the_o in_o other_o city_n be_v commit_v 16._o for_o that_o be_v a_o perfect_a council_n where_o the_o metropolitan_a be_v present_a what_o power_n the_o metropolitan_a have_v above_o the_o rest_n they_o likewise_o express_v 9_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n must_v agnise_v the_o metropolitan_a to_o have_v the_o overfight_a and_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n wherefore_o we_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o in_o honour_n he_o be_v afore_o they_o &_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o without_o he_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o our_o father_n that_o have_v ancient_o prevail_v but_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o pertain_v to_o their_o own_o charge_n and_z dioecese_n further_o they_o shall_v enterprise_v nothing_o without_o the_o metropolitan_a nor_o the_o metropolitan_a without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n affirm_v that_o metropolitanes_n have_v their_o preeminence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n cypri_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o sacred_a &_o occumenicall_a council_n to_o reserve_v unto_o every_o province_n untouched_a and_o undiminish_v the_o right_n which_o they_o have_v have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o first_o beginning_n every_o metropolitan_a have_v liberty_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o take_v the_o copy_n of_o our_o act_n for_o his_o own_o security_n according_a to_o the_o use_n ancient_o confirm_v these_o 3._o council_n confess_v that_o metropolitanes_n be_v not_o late_a nor_o new_a devise_n first_o authorize_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a but_o their_o right_a and_o preeminence_n be_v a_o ancient_a usage_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n now_o that_o all_o christendom_n ever_o after_o the_o nicene_n council_n embrace_v this_o kind_n of_o government_n by_o metropolitanes_n be_v a_o case_n so_o clear_a that_o no_o shift_n can_v refuse_v it_o the_o second_o council_n of_o arle_n in_o france_n that_o immediate_o follow_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a say_v 5._o nullus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la sine_fw-la metropolitani_n per_fw-la missa_fw-la nec_fw-la episcopus_fw-la metropolitanus_n sine_fw-la tribus_fw-la episcopis_fw-la comprovincialibus_fw-la praesumat_fw-la episcopum_fw-la ordinare_fw-la let_v no_o bishop_n presume_v to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n without_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a nor_o the_o metropolitan_a himself_o without_o three_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n 6._o for_o this_o be_v first_o evident_a that_o he_o which_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n sine_fw-la conscientia_fw-la metropolitani_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a and_o so_o for_o synod_n 18._o the_o synod_n shall_v be_v assemble_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o arle_n and_o if_o any_o be_v summon_v can_v come_v by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n he_o shall_v send_v another_o to_o supply_v his_o place_n 19_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v neglect_v to_o be_v present_a or_o depart_v before_o the_o council_n be_v dissolve_v let_v he_o know_v he_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v unless_o he_o be_v absolve_v in_o the_o next_o synod_n the_o council_n of_o laodieea_n in_o phrygia_n 12._o let_v bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a and_o the_o bishop_n adjoin_v &_o 40._o be_v call_v to_o the_o synod_n they_o must_v not_o neglect_v it_o but_o go_v thither_o and_o teach_v or_o learn_v what_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o second_o council_n of_o carthage_n in_o africa_n 12._o we_o all_o think_v good_a that_o the_o primate_n of_o every_o province_n be_v not_o first_o consult_v no_o man_n presume_v though_o with_o many_o bishop_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o without_o his_o precept_n to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n but_o if_o necessity_n force_n three_z bishop_n wheresoever_o with_o the_o primate_fw-la precept_n may_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n the_o five_o council_n of_o carthage_n 7._o we_o think_v good_a that_o the_o primate_fw-la of_o every_o province_n be_v write_v unto_o that_o when_o they_o assemble_v council_n in_o their_o own_o province_n they_o hinder_v not_o the_o day_n limit_v for_o the_o general_a meeting_n the_o milevitane_n council_n 13._o aurelius_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n say_v this_o be_v a_o common_a cause_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o order_n allow_v he_o by_o god_n and_o the_o low_a bishop_n yield_v to_o those_o that_o be_v above_o they_o and_o not_o presume_v to_o do_v anything_o without_o they_o wherefore_o they_o which_o attempt_n to_o do_v aught_o without_o regard_n of_o their_o superior_n must_v be_v according_o repress_v by_o the_o whole_a synod_n all_o the_o bishop_n answer_v this_o order_n have_v be_v keep_v by_o our_o father_n and_o forefather_n and_o by_o god_n grace_n shall_v be_v keep_v of_o us._n the_o council_n of_o rhegium_n in_o italy_n 1._o the_o ordination_n which_o the_o canon_n define_v to_o be_v void_a we_o also_o determine_v to_o be_v frustrate_a wherein_o since_o there_o be_v neither_o three_o present_a nor_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o comprovinciall_a bishop_n nor_o the_o metropolitanes_n good_a will_v obtain_v there_o be_v utter_o nothing_o that_o shall_v make_v a_o bishop_n and_o again_o 6._o let_v not_o bishop_n repair_v to_o the_o church_n which_o have_v not_o her_o chief_a priest_n except_o he_o be_v invite_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a lest_o he_o be_v circumvent_v by_o the_o people_n the_o council_n of_o tarracon_n in_o spain_n 6._o if_o any_o bishop_n warn_v by_o the_o metropolitan_a neglect_v to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n except_o he_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o corporal_a necessity_n let_v he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n
until_o the_o next_o council_n as_o the_o canon_n of_o our_o father_n have_v decree_v the_o epaunine_a council_n epa●nens●ca●●_n prima_fw-la &_o immutabili_fw-la constitutione_n decretum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la cùm_fw-la metropolitanus_n fratres_fw-la vel_fw-la comprovinciales_fw-la suos_fw-la ad_fw-la concilium_fw-la vel_fw-la ad_fw-la ordinationem_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la consacerdotis_fw-la crediderit_fw-la vocandos_fw-la nisi_fw-la causa_fw-la evidens_fw-la extiterit_fw-la nullus_fw-la excuset_fw-la by_o a_o immutable_a constitution_n we_o first_o decree_n that_o when_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v think_v good_a to_o call_v his_o brethren_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n either_o to_o a_o synod_n or_o to_o the_o ordination_n of_o any_o of_o his_o fellow_n bishop_n none_o shall_v excuse_v without_o a_o evident_a cause_n the_o like_a aswell_o for_o ordain_v of_o bishop_n as_o calling_z of_o synod_n by_o the_o metropolitan_a may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o council_n of_o agatha_n ca._n 35._o of_o taurine_a ca._n 1._o of_o aurelia_n the_o second_o ca._n 1._o 2._o the_o five_o ca._n 18._o of_o turon_n the_o second_o ca._n 1._o 9_o of_o paris_n ca._n 8._o of_o toledo_n the_o three_o ca._n 18._o the_o four_o ca._n 3._o and_o in_o diverse_a other_o all_o which_o testify_v that_o as_o the_o metropolitanes_n power_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n receive_v and_o confirm_v by_o use_n long_o before_o the_o nicene_n council_n so_o it_o continue_v throughout_o christendom_n till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n whole_o subvert_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o church_n and_o recall_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o disposition_n the_o power_n of_o metropolitanes_n be_v rather_o lengthen_v then_o shorten_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o who_o suppress_v provincial_a synod_n and_o bring_v bishop_n and_o archbishop_n to_o this_o height_n of_o pride_n they_o be_v at_o but_o only_o the_o romish_a decretal_n of_o antichrist_n if_o your_o wisdom_n serve_v you_o to_o call_v that_o antichrist_n pride_n whereto_o godly_a council_n be_v force_v for_o their_o own_o ease_n &_o wherewith_o religious_a prince_n be_v content_v for_o the_o better_a execution_n of_o their_o law_n my_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o magistrate_n stay_v i_o from_o reveil_v or_o dislike_n that_o course_n which_o i_o see_v both_o council_n and_o prince_n by_o long_a and_o good_a experience_n be_v drive_v unto_o as_o for_o antichrist_n he_o usurp_v all_o man_n place_n and_o subject_v all_o man_n right_n to_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o find_v what_o increase_n he_o give_v to_o the_o power_n of_o metropolitanes_n let_v they_o eni●y_v that_o which_o the_o council_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o trial_n see_v needful_a to_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n and_o we_o strive_v for_o no_o more_o i_o trust_v you_o will_v not_o call_v that_o antichristian_a pride_n when_o they_o be_v require_v by_o christian_n prince_n to_o see_v their_o law_n and_o edict_n touch_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a put_v in_o practice_n the_o fault_n we_o find_v be_v that_o archbishop_n have_v suppress_v the_o liberty_n of_o synod_n and_o reserve_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o jurisdiction_n a_o great_a fault_n than_o that_o be_v you_o be_v so_o inflame_v with_o disdain_n that_o you_o know_v not_o what_o you_o say_v who_o i_o pray_v you_o prohibit_v the_o use_n or_o abridge_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n to_o make_v rule_n &_o determine_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a the_o metropolitan_a or_o the_o prince_n take_v good_a heed_n lest_o by_o eager_a and_o often_o call_v for_o the_o indiction_n and_o decision_n of_o synod_n at_o the_o metropolitan_o hand_n without_o the_o prince_n leave_v you_o erect_v a_o new_a form_n of_o synod_n not_o to_o advise_v &_o guide_v the_o magistrate_n when_o they_o be_v thereto_o require_v but_o to_o straighten_v or_o forestall_v the_o prince_n power_n true_a it_o be_v that_o with_o we_o no_o synod_n may_v assemble_v without_o the_o prince_n warrant_v as_o well_o to_o meet_v as_o to_o consult_v of_o any_o matter_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o why_o they_o be_v no_o court_n separate_v from_o the_o prince_n nor_o superior_a to_o the_o prince_n but_o subject_v in_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o prince_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o truth_n and_o godliness_n to_o assist_v and_o direct_v the_o prince_n when_o and_o where_o they_o shall_v be_v will_v to_o assemble_v otherwise_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o themselves_o to_o make_v decree_n when_o there_o be_v a_o christian_n magistrate_n neither_o may_v they_o challenge_v the_o judicial_a hear_n or_o end_v of_o ecclesiastical_a controversy_n without_o or_o against_o the_o princess_n like_n now_o judge_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o do_v not_o gross_o betray_v your_o own_o ignorance_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o say_v malice_n when_o you_o declaim_v against_o the_o metropolitan_a for_o want_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v but_o in_o the_o prince_n and_o be_v more_o silent_a hereafter_o in_o these_o case_n if_o you_o be_v wise_a lest_o you_o traduce_v the_o prince_n power_n under_o the_o metropolitanes_n name_n if_o waspishnesse_n will_v suffer_v you_o sober_o to_o consider_v not_o only_o what_o thing_n be_v change_v in_o our_o time_n but_o also_o why_o and_o by_o who_o you_o shall_v better_o satisfy_v yourselves_o and_o less_o trouble_v the_o realm_n then_o now_o you_o do_v afore_o prince_n begin_v to_o profess_v christianity_n the_o church_n have_v no_o way_n as_o i_o note_v before_o to_o discuss_v right_a and_o wrong_n in_o faith_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n but_o by_o synod_n and_o assembly_n of_o religious_a &_o wise_a pastor_n that_o course_n always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n even_o when_o the_o sword_n most_o sharp_o pursue_v the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n death_n to_o constantine_n reign_n and_o be_v ever_o find_v in_o the_o church_n when_o christian_n prince_n be_v not_o those_o synod_n be_v assemble_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n in_o every_o province_n who_o by_o the_o ancient_a council_n be_v call_v metropolitan_n when_o prince_n embrace_v the_o faith_n they_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o synod_n and_o confirm_v not_o only_o the_o canon_n of_o general_a council_n but_o also_o the_o judgement_n and_o decision_n of_o provincial_a synod_n as_o the_o best_a mean_n they_o can_v devise_v to_o procure_v peace_n and_o advance_v religion_n in_o every_o place_n for_o as_o by_o their_o law_n they_o refer_v ecclesiastical_a cause_n to_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n so_o lest_o matter_n shall_v hang_v long_o in_o strife_n they_o charge_v each_o metropolitan_a to_o assemble_v the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n twice_o every_o year_n and_o there_o to_o examine_v and_o order_v all_o matter_n of_o doubt_n and_o wrong_v within_o the_o church_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n touch_v that_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n constantine●atified_v ●atified_z as_o eusebius_n witness_v and_o like_o wise_a the_o sentence_n of_o bishop_n in_o their_o synod_n keep_v according_a to_o that_o appointment_n 3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o decree_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n constantine_n confirm_v with_o his_o consent_n seal_v or_o authority_n and_o report_v the_o law_n make_v by_o he_o in_o favour_n of_o christian_n eusebius_n say_v constantini_n the_o determination_n of_o bishop_n deliver_v in_o their_o synod_n he_o seal_v or_o ratify_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o ruler_n of_o nation_n to_o infringe_v their_o decree_n since_o the_o priest_n of_o god_n as_o he_o think_v be_v more_o approve_v or_o better_a to_o be_v trust_v then_o any_o judge_n yea_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n of_o bishop_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o say_v constantine_n must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o heavenly_a will_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n justinian_n say_v conciliis_fw-la we_o decree_v that_o the_o sacred_a ecclesiastical_a rule_n which_o be_v make_v and_o agree_v on_o in_o the_o four_o first_o holy_a council_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nicene_n constantinopolitan_a ephesine_n and_o chalcedon_n shall_v have_v the_o force_n of_o empertall_a law_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o four_o above_o name_v council_n we_o observe_v as_o law_n in_o tract_n of_o time_n when_o cause_n multiply_v and_o bishop_n can_v neither_o support_v the_o charge_n they_o be_v at_o in_o be_v abroad_o nor_o be_v absent_a so_o long_o from_o their_o church_n as_o the_o hear_n and_o conclude_v of_o every_o private_a matter_n will_v require_v they_o be_v constrain_v to_o assemble_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a space_n to_o commit_v such_o cause_n as_o can_v abide_v no_o such_o delay_n or_o be_v too_o tedious_a for_o their_o
consist_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o some_o grave_n &_o wise_a lay_v elder_n there_o dwell_v to_o determine_v matter_n emergent_a within_o a_o circuit_n to_o be_v appoint_v unto_o they_o and_o from_o they_o appeal_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o synod_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n reside_v in_o some_o principal_a and_o chief_a city_n within_o this_o realm_n so_o that_o unless_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o very_o great_a weight_n the_o pastor_n at_o large_a shall_v not_o be_v trouble_v to_o assemble_v together_o and_o when_o they_o assemble_v their_o abode_n not_o to_o be_v long_o for_o save_v of_o time_n and_o charge_n which_o man_n of_o their_o calling_n neither_o shall_v loose_v nor_o can_v spare_v lest_o we_o busy_v they_o rather_o as_o judge_n of_o man_n quarrel_n than_o steward_n of_o god_n mystery_n the_o chief_a ground_n of_o your_o discipline_n be_v your_o own_o devise_n as_o may_v well_o appear_v in_o that_o no_o part_n of_o it_o be_v ancient_a or_o be_v ever_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o jointe_n of_o it_o hang_v together_o like_o sick_a man_n dream_n the_o pastor_n and_o lay_v elder_n of_o every_o church_n serve_v at_o first_o to_o fill_v up_o your_o presbytery_n and_o now_o your_o bessel_n be_v so_o low_o draw_v that_o you_o use_v they_o for_o synod_n and_o where_o you_o can_v not_o abide_v that_o bishop_n shall_v have_v diocese_n now_o you_o be_v please_v that_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v circuit_n and_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n without_o their_o church_n and_o city_n metropolitanes_n be_v not_o long_o since_o the_o height_n of_o antichristes_n pride_n and_o now_o you_o be_v force_v for_o repress_v of_o disorder_n and_o enormity_n in_o every_o parish_n to_o allow_v some_o chief_a and_o mother_n city_n and_o to_o yield_v their_o presbytery_n metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n over_o whole_a province_n and_o all_o this_o yourselves_o be_v private_a man_n take_v upon_o you_o to_o devise_v and_o establish_v without_o precedent_a to_o induce_v or_o authority_n to_o warrant_v your_o do_n and_o yet_o you_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o whole_a realm_n to_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o to_o follow_v the_o step_n of_o religious_a and_o godly_a emperor_n that_o appoint_v metropolitanes_n to_o call_n and_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n and_o for_o ease_v of_o all_o side_n to_o examine_v such_o matter_n before_o hand_n as_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o molest_v and_o trouble_v full_a synod_n wherein_o what_o else_o do_v you_o but_o show_v your_o inconstant_a and_o inconsiderate_a humour_n that_o will_v have_v the_o church_n guide_v by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n parochial_a and_o provincial_a and_o admit_v precedent_n and_o chief_a governor_n of_o either_o and_o yet_o can_v abide_v that_o prince_n shall_v retain_v the_o ancient_a and_o accustom_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n by_o bishop_n and_o metropolitanes_n settle_v so_o long_o ago_o in_o the_o church_n and_o ever_o since_o continue_v without_o interruption_n but_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o place_n or_o voice_n have_v lay_v elder_n in_o synod_n what_o example_n or_o reason_n can_v you_o pretend_v for_o it_o if_o they_o may_v judge_v in_o presbytery_n why_o not_o in_o synod_n belike_o you_o will_v have_v none_o but_o bishop_n have_v decisive_a voice_n in_o council_n according_a to_o the_o romish_a order_n of_o celebrate_v synod_n if_o you_o be_v as_o far_o from_o novelty_n as_o i_o be_o from_o popery_n we_o shall_v soon_o agree_v howbeit_o every_o thing_n use_v or_o believe_v in_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v not_o rash_o to_o be_v disclaim_v you_o make_v it_o a_o resolute_a conclusion_n that_o lay_v elder_n be_v part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v your_o proof_n we_o find_v they_o as_o weak_a as_o your_o imagination_n be_v strong_a now_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o each_o parish_n when_o they_o be_v single_a may_v happy_o need_v as_o you_o think_v the_o advice_n and_o assistance_n of_o lay_v presbyter_n yet_o that_o pastor_n assemble_v in_o synod_n where_o their_o number_n be_v great_a &_o their_o gift_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v stand_v in_o like_a need_n of_o lay_v elder_n to_o lead_v or_o direct_v they_o be_v neither_o consequent_a to_o reason_n nor_o coherent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o to_o who_o have_v the_o lord_n commit_v 28._o the_o teach_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o pastor_n or_o to_o lay_v presbyter_n who_o by_o god_n law_n be_v appoint_v 3_o watchman_n in_o y_fw-fr ●_o house_n of_o israel_n 4._o steward_n over_o his_o family_n 20._o bishop_n over_o his_o church_n and_o 13._o leader_n of_o his_o flock_n lay_v elder_n or_o christ_n minister_n if_o in_o the_o church_n the_o sheep_n must_v 10._o hear_v and_o follow_v their_o shepherd_n as_o well_o for_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n as_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o what_o commission_n bring_v you_o lay_v presbyter_n into_o synod_n where_o the_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n of_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n be_v assemble_v shall_v your_o lay_n elder_n by_o christ_n commandment_n be_v scholar_n in_o the_o church_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o synod_n or_o do_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o preacher_n so_o change_v that_o in_o pulpit_n each_o one_o must_v be_v believe_v and_o obey_v in_o council_n all_o join_v together_o must'be_v restrain_v and_o direct_v by_o lay_v elder_n if_o you_o have_v reason_n or_o authority_n for_o it_o let_v we_o hear_v it_o if_o neither_o you_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o a_o pang_n of_o your_o wilful_a contradiction_n and_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o over-rule_v christian_a prince_n and_o church_n with_o great_a surlines_n than_o ever_o do_v patriarch_n or_o pope_n in_o the_o apostle_n council_n be_v not_o only_o the_o 15._o presbyter_n but_o all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o resolution_n be_v write_v in_o all_o their_o name_n and_o now_o you_o disdain_v that_o any_o lay_v man_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o your_o provincial_a synod_n and_o council_n which_o you_o see_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v present_a at_o synod_n be_v one_o thing_n to_o deliberate_v and_o determine_v in_o synod_n be_v a_o other_o thing_n if_o you_o think_v that_o either_o presbyter_n or_o brethren_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o apostle_n council_n to_o help_v and_o aid_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o debate_n or_o decide_v the_o matter_n there_o question_v you_o be_v much_o deceive_v the_o apostle_n single_v be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v a_o great_a doubt_n than_o that_o be_v much_o more_o then_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o apostle_n able_a to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n thereof_o without_o their_o assistance_n the_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o church_n be_v admit_v to_o be_v present_a &_o to_o join_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o send_v those_o letter_n i_o note_v before_o not_o only_o the_o gainsayer_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o a_o case_n that_o touch_v they_o all_o otherwise_o aswell_o the_o people_n as_o the_o teacher_n of_o y_o ●_o jew_o will_v s●il_o have_v abhor_v the_o gentile_n though_o believer_n as_o profane_a person_n until_o they_o have_v be_v circumcisęd_v which_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o evacuate_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o frustrate_v his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o not_o for_o deliberation_n or_o for_o determination_n but_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o contradictor_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o whole_a church_n assemble_v and_o upon_o the_o full_a hear_n and_o conclude_v of_o the_o question_n by_o the_o apostle_n the_o rest_n join_v with_o they_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o letter_n and_o messenger_n that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o gentile_n shall_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o circumcision_n nor_o the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n but_o that_o the_o partition_n wall_n betwixt_o they_o be_v break_v down_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o which_o be_v 2._o alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n &_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v now_o citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n &_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o legal_a observance_n of_o moses_n law_n s._n luke_n himself_o witness_v that_o to_o 6._o discuss_v the_o matter_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o after_o great_a disputation_n on_o either_o side_n peter_n and_o james_n conclude_v the_o cause_n whereto_o the_o rest_n consent_v yet_o than_o elder_n be_v admit_v to_o deliberate_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o synod_n whereas_o you_o suffer_v none_o but_o bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o presbyter_n sit_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o synod_n to_o consult_v of_o
the_o presbyter_n succeed_v in_o order_n when_o the_o place_n be_v void_a but_o that_o they_o change_v by_o course_n he_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a oversight_n i_o will_v say_v no_o worse_o in_o he_o that_o first_o wrest_v ambrose_n word_n to_o that_o conceit_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v master_n bezaes_n full_a confession_n that_o the_o go_v round_o by_o course_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v maintain_v disorder_n and_o faction_n and_o no_o whit_n decrease_v ambition_n and_o the_o choose_n of_o one_o to_o continue_v chief_a for_o his_o life_n begin_v at_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n six_o year_n before_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v martyr_v and_o six_o and_o thirty_o before_o the_o death_n of_o saint_n john_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v mislike_v how_o true_o he_o speak_v if_o he_o shall_v recall_v or_o you_o refuse_v his_o word_n reason_n and_o experience_n will_v easy_o teach_v us._n for_o first_o in_o this_o circular_a change_n it_o be_v not_o casual_a but_o essential_a that_o all_o in_o their_o course_n be_v they_o fit_a or_o unfit_a must_v have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o to_o choose_v one_o good_a among_o many_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n how_o impossible_a then_o be_v it_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v good_a and_o yet_o by_o your_o roll_a regiment_n all_o be_v they_o never_o so_o wicked_a or_o unworthy_a must_v have_v as_o much_o time_n and_o power_n to_o neglect_v and_o hurt_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o well_o mind_v and_o godly_a pastor_n shall_v have_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v the_o same_o again_o what_o good_a can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o when_o in_o every_o action_n one_o must_v begin_v and_o another_o proceed_v and_o a_o three_o conclude_v if_o a_o evil_a man_n light_n on_o the_o beginning_n middle_a or_o end_a he_o may_v soon_o mar_v all_o and_o be_v the_o man_n not_o evil_a except_o they_o be_v like_v affect_v and_o like_a instruct_v when_o will_v they_o agree_v in_o judgement_n or_o tread_v one_o in_o another_o step_n if_o any_o faction_n arise_v i_o need_v not_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n what_o contradict_v and_o reverse_v will_v be_v offer_v by_o your_o weekly_a or_o monthly_a governor_n who_o shall_v dare_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n but_o he_o must_v look_v for_o the_o like_a measure_n when_o their_o course_n come_v what_o can_v be_v one_o week_n make_v so_o sure_a but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o next_o week_n undo_v by_o he_o that_o present_o follow_v this_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o make_v a_o mockery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o permit_v it_o to_o every_o man_n humour_n and_o pleasure_n while_o his_o time_n last_v if_o you_o trust_v not_o i_o distrust_v not_o yourselves_o it_o breed_v contempt_n and_o open_v the_o high_a way_n to_o faction_n as_o for_o ambition_n which_o be_v a_o other_o of_o the_o mischief_n that_o you_o will_v amend_v by_o your_o changeable_a government_n you_o cure_v that_o as_o he_o do_v which_o to_o cool_v the_o heat_n of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o body_n set_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o burn_a fever_n to_o quench_v the_o desire_n of_o dignity_n in_o one_o man_n you_o inflame_v all_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o province_n with_o the_o same_o disease_n for_o you_o propose_v the_o like_a honour_n and_o power_n for_o the_o time_n unto_o all_o which_o we_o do_v to_o one_o and_o so_o you_o heal_v ambition_n by_o make_v it_o common_a as_o if_o patient_n be_v the_o less_o sick_a because_o other_o be_v touch_v with_o you_o ●_o same_o infection_n for_o if_o one_o man_n can_v have_v this_o metropolitical_a preeminence_n without_o some_o note_n of_o pride_n the_o rest_n can_v neither_o expect_v it_o nor_o enjoy_v it_o in_o their_o course_n but_o with_o some_o taint_n of_o the_o same_o corruption_n fruition_n and_o expectation_n of_o one_o &_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v so_o near_a neighbour_n that_o if_o one_o be_v vicious_a the_o other_o can_v be_v virtuous_a wherefore_o either_o grant_n the_o superiority_n and_o dignity_n of_o bishop_n and_o metropolitanes_n may_v be_v christian_o support_v by_o one_o in_o every_o presbytery_n and_o province_n as_o we_o affirm_v or_o else_o we_o conclude_v it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v and_o enjoy_v of_o all_o every_o where_n by_o course_n as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o but_o very_o unchristianly_a you_o give_v more_o to_o your_o bishop_n and_o metropolitanes_n than_o we_o do_v and_o that_o increase_v their_o pride_n we_o give_v they_o no_o power_n nor_o honour_n by_o god_n law_n but_o what_o you_o must_v yield_v to_o your_o pastor_n &_o precedent_n if_o you_o will_v have_v any_o and_o as_o for_o magistrate_n we_o may_v not_o limit_v they_o on_o who_o they_o shall_v lay_v the_o execution_n of_o their_o law_n nor_o what_o honour_n they_o shall_v allow_v to_o such_o as_o they_o put_v in_o trust_n so_o no_o part_n thereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n agnise_v first_o their_o calling_n &_o then_o measure_v their_o office_n by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v any_o other_o or_o further_a authority_n than_o stand_v with_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o manifest_a example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o strive_v not_o for_o it_o reserve_v always_o to_o christian_n prince_n their_o liberty_n to_o use_v who_o advice_n and_o help_v they_o think_v good_a and_o to_o bestow_v their_o favour_n where_o they_o see_v cause_n without_o cross_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o not_o that_o they_o shall_v alter_v and_o overthrow_v the_o main_a foundation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v careful_o and_o wise_o use_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n church_n and_o good_a of_o their_o people_n for_o which_o they_o must_v give_v account_n to_o the_o dreadful_a judge_n it_o be_v long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n before_o province_n be_v divide_v and_o mother_n city_n appoint_v and_o therefore_o metropolitanes_n be_v not_o so_o ancient_a as_o you_o make_v they_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o 33._o canon_n call_v apostolic_a where_o the_o chief_a dignity_n over_o each_o province_n be_v not_o attribute_v to_o any_o certain_a place_n or_o city_n i_o stand_v not_o precise_o for_o the_o time_n when_o mother_n city_n be_v first_o appoint_v in_o every_o province_n howbeit_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n say_v cypr●_n every_o province_n shall_v keep_v his_o right_n untouched_a and_o unuiolated_a which_o it_o have_v have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o beginning_n upward_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n that_o have_v ancient_o prevail_v every_o metropolitan_a have_v liberty_n to_o take_v a_o copy_n of_o our_o act_n for_o his_o own_o security_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v well_o be_v interpret_v though_o some_o embrace_v another_o sense_n yet_o if_o in_o this_o point_n you_o press_v those_o canon_n call_v apostolic_a i_o will_v not_o reject_v they_o not_o that_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o they_o must_v be_v part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o express_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o obtain_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o whosoever_o they_o be_v collect_v though_o many_o thing_n since_o be_v insert_v and_o corrupt_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v justly_o refuse_v further_o than_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o story_n of_o the_o first_o time_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o elder_a council_n the_o canon_n which_o you_o quote_v be_v this_o 33._o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o nation_n must_v know_v or_o acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v first_o or_o chief_a among_o they_o and_o esteem_v he_o as_o their_z head_n and_o attempt_v no_o matter_n of_o weight_n without_o his_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n neither_o let_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o all_o their_o advice_n and_o consent_n hereby_o you_o will_v prove_v there_o be_v a_o time_n after_o the_o apostle_n death_n when_o as_o yet_o the_o first_o place_n among_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n be_v not_o affix_v to_o any_o certain_a church_n or_o city_n grant_v it_o be_v so_o though_o this_o canon_n do_v not_o exact_o prove_v so_o much_o then_o yet_o in_o every_o nation_n there_o be_v a_o primate_n before_o there_o be_v a_o metropolitan_a and_o consequent_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o to_o be_v chief_a in_o a_o province_n be_v elder_a the●_n the_o privilege_n
if_o i_o seem_v to_o take_v a_o nice_a advantage_n of_o the_o time_n let_v jerome_n express_v his_o own_o meaning_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o euagrius_n debate_v at_o large_a that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o allege_v both_o the_o same_o and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n for_o his_o intent_n he_o add_v 329._o quod_fw-la autem_fw-la postea_fw-la unus_fw-la electus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la caeteris_fw-la praeponeretur_fw-la in_fw-la schismatis_fw-la remedium_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la ●rahen●_fw-mi christ_n ecclesiam_fw-la rumperet_fw-la no_o &_o alexandria_n à_fw-fr marco_n euangelista_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la heraclam_fw-la &_o dionysium_fw-la episcopos_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la semper_fw-la unum_fw-la exse_fw-la electum_fw-la in_o excelsiori_fw-la graducollocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la that_o after_o one_o be_v elect_v and_o advance_v above_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v to_o remedy_v schism_n lest_o every_o man_n draw_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o himself_o shall_v rend_v it_o in_o piece_n so_o at_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n to_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n there_o the_o presbyter_n always_o choose_v one_o of_o themselves_o and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o call_v he_o a_o bishop_n lay_v elder_n jerome_n never_o know_v any_o to_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n that_o under_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n by_o common_a advice_n be_v force_v for_o the_o prevent_n and_o repress_v of_o schisine_n to_o transfer_v the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o one_o who_o they_o call_v a_o bishop_n this_o begin_v at_o alexandria_n even_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n jeromes_n testimony_n you_o have_v hear_v now_o choose_v whether_o ambrose_n shall_v contradict_v he_o and_o give_v he_o the_o lie_n or_o rather_o be_v reconcile_v and_o expound_v by_o he_o ambrose_n say_v the_o church_n have_v 1._o seniores_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la ag●batur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n these_o say_v you_o be_v lay_v elder_n if_o we_o ask_v you_o how_o you_o prove_v they_o be_v lay_v you_o be_v at_o a_o non_fw-la plus_fw-la they_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n say_v we_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o we_o prove_v our_o assertion_n we_o first_o show_v you_o the_o judgement_n of_o ambrose_n else_o where_o that_o in_o 32._o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a order_n lay_v man_n shall_v not_o judge_v and_o govern_v priest_n which_o yet_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n must_v do_v i_o speak_v still_o of_o the_o private_a regiment_n of_o elder_n not_o of_o the_o public_a power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n next_o we_o show_v you_o the_o verdict_n of_o jerome_n confirm_v his_o resolution_n by_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n at_o the_o first_o be_v govern_v by_o presbyter_n which_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n make_v we_o no_o further_a proof_n than_o this_o i_o convent_n your_o own_o conscience_n which_o of_o our_o avoury_n stand_v on_o the_o sure_a ground_n you_o that_o lean_v only_o to_o your_o own_o will_n and_o word_n or_o we_o that_o beside_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o same_o father_n have_v a_o most_o evident_a attestation_n of_o another_o father_n as_o ancient_a and_o learned_a as_o the_o former_a you_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o wise_a craze_v not_o your_o credit_n with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la that_o your_o fancy_n must_v prevail_v whatsoever_o council_n or_o father_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n for_o the_o rest_n we_o need_v no_o better_a expositor_n than_o jerome_n in_o the_o very_a place_n which_o yourselves_o allege_v 3._o nos_fw-la habemus_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la senatum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la coetum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la we_o have_v in_o the_o church_n our_o senate_n even_o the_o assembly_n of_o presbyter_n else_o where_o he_o say_v 3._o judices_fw-la dòm●s_fw-la israel_n non_fw-la sunt_fw-la alij_fw-la nisi_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la &_o diaconi_fw-la the_o judge_n over_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o these_o three_o word_n when_o they_o come_v together_o import_v the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n 1._o episcopus_fw-la presbyter_n &_o deaconus_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la meritorum_fw-la nomina_fw-la sed_fw-la officiorum_fw-la bishop_n presbyter_n &_o deacon_n be_v not_o name_n of_o desert_n but_o of_o office_n and_o those_o clericall_a not_o laical_a nepotian●_n fit_a clericus_fw-la &_o per_fw-la solitos_fw-la gradus_fw-la presbyter_n say_v jerome_n of_o nepotianus_n he_o become_v a_o clergy_n man_n and_o so_o a_o presbyter_n by_o the_o accustom_a degree_n and_o again_o 6._o qui_fw-la pascitis_fw-la greges_fw-la episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la ordo_fw-la ecclesi●sticus_fw-la you_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n which_o feed_v your_o flock_n if_o therefore_o gregory_n call_v the_o presbyter_n seniores_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o if_o austen_n write_v unto_o they_o clero_fw-la &_o senioribus_fw-la to_o the_o clergy_n and_o elder_n or_o if_o tertullian_n write_v to_o the_o ethnike_n who_o understand_v not_o the_o order_n and_o office_n of_o the_o church_n say_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o christian_a meeting_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la the_o ruler_n of_o our_o assembly_n be_v certain_a approve_a elder_n what_o inference_n can_v hence_o be_v make_v that_o they_o mean_v lay_v elder_n since_o they_o use_v neither_o word_n nor_o circumstance_n but_o such_o as_o will_v agree_v to_o the_o grave_a wise_a and_o elder_a sort_n of_o the_o clergy_n otherwise_o call_v presbyter_n yea_o ambrose_n himself_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o among_o the_o clergy_n the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v seniores_fw-la the_o elder_n as_o next_o in_o honour_n age_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o bishop_n speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n and_o minister_n he_o say_v 20._o viduarum_fw-la ●●_o virginum_fw-la domos_fw-la nisi_fw-la visit_n and_o gratia_fw-la i●n●●tos_fw-la adire_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ●p●is_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la cum_fw-la seniori●as_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopo_fw-la vel_fw-la sigravior_fw-la est_fw-la causa_fw-la cum_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la quid_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la demus_fw-la obtrectandi_fw-la locum_fw-la secularibus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o cause_n for_o the_o younger_n to_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o widow_n &_o virgin_n except_o it_o be_v to_o visit_v they_o and_o that_o with_o the_o elder_n i_o mean_v with_o the_o bishop_n or_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v urgent_a with_o the_o presbyter_n what_o need_v we_o give_v occasion_n to_o secular_a or_o lay_v man_n to_o backbite_v how_o think_v you_o be_v there_o not_o elder_n among_o the_o clergy_n and_o those_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o call_v presbyter_n yet_o my_o demonstration_n be_v unanswered_a your_o mistake_n of_o ambrose_n both_o meaning_n &_o word_n be_v a_o very_a simple_a kind_n of_o demonstration_n you_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o text_n which_o you_o bring_v ambrose_n do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n have_v once_o elder_n which_o now_o be_v vanish_v but_o nothing_o at_o the_o first_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o their_o advice_n which_o now_o be_v out_o of_o use_n while_o the_o pastor_n will_v seem_v alone_o to_o be_v wise_a the_o man_n remain_v that_o be_v before_o but_o less_o regard_v and_o less_o consult_v then_o at_o first_o and_o so_o your_o demonstration_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o misconstruction_n of_o your_o author_n word_n since_o you_o leave_v i_o no_o better_o handfast_a in_o jerome_n and_o ambrose_n for_o lay_v elder_n i_o will_v requite_v you_o with_o the_o like_a for_o bishop_n which_o be_v this_o that_o as_o the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v govern_v by_o presbyter_n without_o lay_v elder_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o without_o bishop_n if_o i_o forgo_v the_o one_o you_o must_v also_o forgo_v the_o other_o and_o then_o gain_v you_o little_a if_o bishop_n must_v be_v remoove_v from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o late_a elder_n and_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o no_o cunning_a can_v obscure_v it_o i_o do_v all_o this_o while_o look_v when_o you_o will_v revive_v your_o spirit_n with_o this_o mythr●_n date_n you_o be_v even_o at_o last_o cast_v with_o your_o lie_v elder_n but_o if_o we_o can_v justify_v the_o state_n of_o bishop_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o father_n better_a than_o you_o do_v lay_v elder_n we_o will_v quiet_o disclaim_v they_o jeromes_n word_n be_v wonderful_a plain_n that_o bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v not_o differ_v from_o presbyter_n and_o be_v now_o above_o they_o rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n and_o aught_o
of_o his_o labour_n they_o that_o beget_v we_o nourish_v we_o and_o continue_v we_o in_o christ_n deserve_v far_o great_a honour_n than_o they_o that_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v only_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o in_o our_o body_n so_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o member_n have_v a_o common_a care_n for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o principal_a part_n must_v direct_v and_o guide_v the_o rest_n namely_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n such_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v place_v to_o be_v the_o 13._o watchman_n &_o leader_n 5._o the_o light_n and_o salt_n of_o his_o church_n must_v not_o only_o warn_v and_o guide_v but_o also_o lighten_v and_o season_v in_o their_o measure_n the_o whole_a body_n for_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n sever_v &_o single_a in_o their_o proper_a charge_n the_o same_o they_o must_v needs_o retain_v assemble_v and_o join_v throughout_o their_o circuit_n yea_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o tender_v the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o brotherlie_a concord_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o they_o come_v together_o not_o to_o accomplish_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o detect_v error_n resist_v wolf_n maintain_v truth_n cure_v the_o sore_n and_o malady_n that_o pester_v and_o poison_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n celestinus_fw-la writing_n to_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n say_v ephesinum_fw-la the_o assembly_n of_o priest_n testify_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v write_v since_o the_o truth_n can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o word_n wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o if_o so_o small_a a_o number_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o where_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v assemble_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n apply_v the_o same_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 3._o we_o see_v say_v they_o as_o we_o think_v the_o heavenly_a spouse_n conversant_a among_o us._n for_o if_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o peculiar_a regard_n think_v we_o have_v he_o show_v towards_o those_o priest_n which_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o confession_n before_o country_n and_o child_n so_o reccaredus_n king_n of_o spain_n that_o first_o abjure_v the_o arrian_n heresio_fw-la 589._o year_n after_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n 2._o i_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o your_o blessedness_n shall_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n give_v trust_n to_o the_o lord_n word_n when_o he_o say_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o i_o believe_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o sacred_a synod_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v present_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o course_n the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v by_o their_o example_n when_o about_o the_o question_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 15._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o verify_v their_o master_n word_n to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o whole_a assembly_n write_v thus_o in_o their_o letter_n 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o to_o us._n for_o if_o it_o be_v sure_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 20._o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n and_o if_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v when_o he_o say_v 11._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o etc._n etc._n this_o must_v be_v verify_v as_o well_o of_o pastor_n assemble_v as_o single_v yea_o pastor_n gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n be_v rather_o assure_v of_o his_o direction_n and_o assistance_n then_o when_o they_o be_v sever_v celestinum_n unless_o there_o be_v any_o that_o think_v god_n inspire_v one_o particular_a person_n with_o righteousness_n and_o forsake_v a_o number_n of_o priest_n assemble_v in_o synod_n which_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n repute_v to_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o christ_n promise_n so_o long_o as_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o not_o to_o deface_v his_o truth_n nor_o oppress_v their_o brethren_n this_o have_v in_o all_o age_n as_o well_o before_o as_o since_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a be_v approve_a and_o practise_v as_o the_o lawfull_a and_o sure_a mean_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n to_o decide_v doubt_n end_v strife_n and_o redress_v wrong_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a yea_o when_o there_o be_v no_o believe_v magistrate_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o cleanse_v the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o loathsome_a vessel_n of_o dishonour_n and_o after_o christian_a prince_n begin_v to_o profess_v and_o protect_v the_o truth_n they_o never_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o better_a or_o safe_a direction_n among_o man_n then_o by_o the_o synod_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n a_o synod_n at_o antioch_n about_o three_o score_n year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a condemn_v and_o depose_v paulus_n samosatonus_fw-la for_o heresy_n and_o when_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v the_o church_n but_o keep_v it_o by_o violence_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o aurelianus_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v a_o ethnic_n samosatenus_fw-la 30_o be_v with_o extreme_a shame_n drive_v from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o worldly_a prince_n three_o score_n and_o ten_o year_n before_o that_o many_o synod_n be_v assemble_v in_o diverse_a place_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n as_o in_o 24._o palestine_n under_o theophilus_n and_o narcissus_n in_o 24._o rome_n under_o victor_n in_o 24._o pontus_n under_o palinas_fw-la in_o 24._o france_n under_o irenaeus_n in_o 7._o asia_n under_o polycrates_n the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n of_o 43_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n of_o cypriano_n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o like_v no_o doubt_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o necessity_n force_v and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o time_n permit_v the_o great_a nicene_n council_n perceive_v and_o by_o their_o decree_n witness_v how_o needful_a the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 5._o it_o seem_v unto_o we_o very_o requisite_a say_v they_o that_o in_o every_o province_n twice_o every_o year_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o synod_n that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n meet_v together_o may_v in_o common_a examine_v such_o question_n as_o be_v occurrent_a in_o every_o place_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n continue_v the_o same_o course_n 20._o for_o ecclesiastical_a business_n and_o the_o determine_n of_o matter_n in_o controversy_n we_o think_v it_o very_o fit_a that_o in_o every_o province_n synod_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v assemble_v twice_o every_o year_n so_o do_v the_o general_a council_n of_o constantinople_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n in_o every_o province_n must_v govern_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o province_n according_a as_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o great_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n reproove_v the_o slackness_n of_o bishop_n in_o omit_v the_o prescribe_a number_n of_o synod_n 19_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o ear_n that_o in_o some_z province_n the_o synod_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o keep_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n and_o thereby_o many_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n which_o need_v reformation_n be_v neglect_v this_o sacred_a council_n therefore_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o our_o godly_a father_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n shall_v twice_o every_o year_n assemble_v together_o at_o the_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o mother_n city_n that_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v to_o amend_v all_o matter_n emergent_a within_o their_o province_n the_o tedious_a length_n of_o the_o journey_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o