because_o it_o can_v be_v see_v without_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n no_o more_o may_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n judge_v invisible_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o visible_a and_o invisible_a in_o this_o subject_n be_v to_o be_v not_o only_o the_o object_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n or_o other_o external_a sense_n but_o also_o of_o any_o humane_a intuition_n or_o certain_a perception_n or_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n and_o judgement_n §_o 9_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o as_o secular_a kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n be_v autonomical_a that_o be_v have_v within_o itself_o that_o power_n of_o its_o own_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o of_o the_o law_n and_o officer_n and_o administration_n belong_v to_o it_o as_o a_o church_n or_o spiritual_a polity_n but_o it_o have_v receive_v all_o these_o from_o christ_n its_o head_n king_n and_o law_n giver_n indeed_o as_o it_o include_v christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o he_o autonomical_a but_o here_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n visible_a upon_o earth_n and_o abstract_v from_o its_o head_n nevertheless_o it_o have_v according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o its_o act_n that_o be_v in_o its_o several_a part_n a_o power_n of_o secondary_a law_n or_o canon_n either_o to_o impress_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o its_o member_n or_o to_o regulate_v circumstantial_o and_o accidental_n in_o religion_n by_o determine_v thing_n necessary_a in_o genere_fw-la and_o not_o determine_v of_o christ_n in_o spâ—câ—â—_n but_o leave_v to_o humane_a determination_n the_o spiritual_a authority_n seat_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n so_o as_o to_o descend_v from_o it_o by_o way_n of_o derivation_n and_o communication_n to_o particular_a church_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o seat_v in_o the_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o similar_v part_n of_o one_o political_a body_n the_o church_n catholic_n the_o church_n catholic_n be_v as_o one_o universal_a or_o ecumenical_a kingdom_n have_v one_o supreme_a lord_n one_o body_n of_o lawâ—_n one_o form_n of_o government_n one_o way_n of_o enrollment_n into_o it_o and_o subject_n who_o have_v freedom_n throughout_o the_o whole_a extent_n thereof_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o always_o and_o actual_o to_o be_v use_v according_a to_o their_o occasion_n and_o capacity_n but_o have_v no_o terrene_a universal_a administrator_n or_o vicegerent_n personal_a or_o collective_a but_o several_a administrator_n in_o the_o several_a province_n or_o part_n thereof_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o authority_n respect_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n radical_o or_o fundamental_o but_o to_o be_v exercise_v ordinary_o in_o their_o own_o state_v limit_n and_o occasional_o any_o where_n else_o according_a to_o a_o due_a call_n and_o order_n wherefore_o though_o it_o be_v one_o political_a society_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o have_v one_o terrestrial_a vicarious_a head_n personal_a or_o collective_a have_v legislation_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o indeed_o no_o terrestrial_a head_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o government_n and_o christ_n the_o supreme_a head_n and_o lord_n be_v powerful_o present_a throughout_o the_o whole_a by_o his_o spirit_n cause_v that_o such_o a_o vicarious_a head_n be_v not_o want_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n as_o such_o be_v universal_a officer_n have_v apostolic_a authority_n not_o only_o radical_o or_o habitual_o but_o actual_o also_o over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o immediate_o commission_v by_o christ_n under_o he_o to_o erect_v his_o church_n and_o to_o establish_v his_o religion_n even_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o this_o office_n be_v but_o temporary_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o so_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n or_o a_o constitutive_a part_n of_o this_o society_n §_o 10._o the_o headship_n of_o a_o general_n council_n examine_v by_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n in_o this_o inquiry_n be_v not_o mean_v a_o dominion_n and_o desporick_n power_n over_o it_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o lord_n but_o christ_n nor_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o it_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o final_a decisive_a judgement_n by_o which_o man_n stand_v or_o fall_v final_o for_o the_o church_n have_v no_o king_n but_o christ_n i_o exclude_v headship_n in_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o not_o fit_a to_o come_v under_o consideration_n but_o the_o query_n be_v whether_o a_o general_a council_n be_v supreme_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v only_o ministerial_a and_o dispensatory_a that_o be_v whether_o it_o have_v a_o supreme_a ministry_n or_o geconomy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o all_o church_n and_o minister_n have_v their_o power_n convey_v to_o they_o from_o the_o same_o not_o as_o from_o the_o fountain_n which_o be_v christ_n alone_a but_o as_o from_o the_o first_o receptacle_n thereof_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o its_o authoritative_a regulation_n and_o determination_n and_o final_o accountable_a to_o it_o for_o their_o administration_n who_o can_v affirm_v that_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n right_o so_o name_v be_v ever_o in_o be_v the_o council_n that_o have_v bear_v that_o name_n be_v convention_n of_o bishop_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n except_o some_o very_o few_o that_o be_v without_o it_o and_o those_o live_n near_o the_o confine_n of_o it_o whereupon_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v true_o ecumenical_a or_o just_a representative_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o no_o bishop_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o right_n of_o vote_v therein_o but_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o may_v come_v to_o they_o as_o rightful_a member_n of_o they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o what_o if_o no_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n meet_v upon_o a_o summons_n to_o a_o general_n council_n than_o do_v at_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n may_v such_o a_o convention_n be_v call_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n because_o all_o may_v come_v that_o will_v when_o so_o small_a a_o number_n come_v as_o be_v comparative_o nothing_o to_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o can_v the_o convention_n of_o a_o great_a number_n suppose_v as_o many_o as_o meet_v in_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n be_v just_o call_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o carry_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o when_o it_o bear_v no_o more_o proportion_n to_o it_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o their_o freedom_n of_o access_n but_o their_o actual_a convening_n at_o least_o in_o a_o proportionable_a number_n that_o can_v just_o give_v the_o denomination_n and_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n will_v not_o come_v to_o a_o general_n council_n call_v by_o the_o mandate_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n especial_o they_o that_o live_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n as_o ethiopia_n and_o india_n &_o c_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o come_v to_o a_o general_a council_n in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v summon_v in_o another_o especial_o a_o remote_a empire_n or_o dominionâ—_n moreover_o what_o if_o they_o can_v not_o come_v which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o restraint_n of_o their_o several_a prince_n or_o the_o length_n of_o the_o journey_n or_o insuperable_a difficulty_n or_o utter_a incapacity_n though_o the_o most_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o roman_a empire_n yet_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o can_v no_o more_o make_v a_o representative_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o they_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o assembly_n beside_o the_o ancient_a general_n council_n be_v usual_o call_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o part_n may_v convene_v in_o a_o considerable_a number_n yet_o the_o number_n from_o the_o western_a part_n be_v inconsiderable_a and_o as_o none_o comparative_o to_o a_o just_a proportion_n let_v it_o be_v hereupon_o consider_v whether_o the_o say_v council_n be_v a_o just_a representative_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o be_v include_v in_o that_o empire_n and_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v not_o of_o little_a moment_n to_o observe_v what_o number_n of_o bishop_n be_v ordinary_o congregat_v in_o the_o many_o provincial_a assembly_n and_o that_o within_o
more_o prevalent_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n than_o the_o superadded_a error_n and_o corruption_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o renounce_v those_o error_n and_o corruption_n if_o they_o see_v their_o inconsistence_n with_o the_o essential_o be_v true_a christian_n otherwise_o they_o be_v not_o such_o the_o same_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o false_a church_n in_o different_a respect_n or_o formal_a consideration_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a faith_n worship_n and_o ministry_n it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o devise_a church-form_n superad_v by_o which_o over_o and_o above_o the_o say_a essential_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o denominate_v it_o may_v be_v in_o that_o distinct_a formal_a consideration_n a_o false_a church_n of_o the_o ministry_n §_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n in_o general_n the_o holy_a ministry_n be_v a_o state_n of_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o perform_v some_o special_a holy_a work_n and_o service_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la authorize_v and_o oblige_v to_o the_o work_n and_o service_n that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o whosoever_o stated_o and_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la do_v the_o work_n and_o service_n appropriate_v to_o a_o holy_a order_n be_v real_o in_o or_o of_o that_o order_n although_o man_n may_v not_o give_v he_o the_o name_n thereof_o whether_o the_o magistratical_a and_o ministerial_a office_n may_v reside_v together_o in_o the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o here_o consider_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o may_v they_o will_v essential_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o the_o magistrate_n as_o such_o have_v receive_v no_o authority_n formal_o ministerial_a nor_o have_v any_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o power_n of_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n some_o thus_o distinguish_v between_o the_o magistratical_a and_o ministerial_a authority_n that_o the_o one_o be_v directive_n and_o the_o other_o imperative_fw-it i_o take_v not_o this_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a distinction_n for_o that_o authority_n that_o infer_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o subject_n to_o obey_v be_v proper_o imperative_fw-it and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n do_v so_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v express_o heb._n 13.17_o paul_n be_v no_o magistrate_n but_o as_o a_o minister_n he_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 10.6_o have_v in_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n and_o he_o express_o declare_v his_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o be_v imperative_fw-it phil._n v._n 8._o the_o i_o may_v make_v hold_n in_o christ_n to_o enjoin_v thou_o that_o which_o be_v convenient_a etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 21._o have_v confidence_n in_o thy_o obedience_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o now_o they_o have_v right_o distinguish_v if_o instead_o of_o imperative_fw-it they_o have_v put_v coercive_a coactive_a or_o imperial_a for_o all_o directive_n authority_n by_o special_a office_n be_v imperative_fw-it whosoever_o do_v by_o special_a office_n direct_v unto_o duty_n in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o king_n and_o according_a to_o his_o will_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n do_v therein_o command_v but_o a_o coactive_a power_n be_v something_o more_o an_o belong_v not_o to_o a_o minister_n as_o such_o the_o magistrate_n rule_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o minister_n by_o the_o word_n §_o 2._o of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o its_o authority_n as_o christ_n alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v the_o work_n or_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n to_o be_v do_v in_o his_o name_n either_o towards_o believer_n or_o the_o unbelieving_a towards_o the_o church_n joint_o or_o towards_o particular_a person_n several_o so_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o power_n of_o appoint_v the_o holy_a order_n or_o office_n that_o contain_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o and_o see_v christ_n have_v already_o appoint_v all_o the_o ministerial_a work_n and_o appropriate_v the_o same_o to_o certain_a ministerial_a order_n no_o new_a order_n or_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a ministry_n can_v be_v institute_v by_o man_n for_o they_o can_v institute_v other_o ministerial_a work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o christ_n name_n than_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o the_o circumstance_n and_o accidental_a mode_n and_o subservient_fw-fr office_n about_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o well_o may_v be_v appoint_v by_o man_n and_o according_o the_o officer_n for_o the_o management_n thereof_o may_v be_v so_o appoint_v and_o such_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n be_v necessary_o subject_a to_o great_a variation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o occasion_n can_v well_o be_v pre-defined_n the_o holy_a ministry_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v confer_v neither_o by_o magistrate_n nor_o by_o prelate_n nor_o by_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n or_o officer_n as_o the_o proper_a giver_n thereof_o but_o by_o christ_n alone_o and_o though_o christ_n give_v it_o in_o some_o respect_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o man_n yet_o not_o by_o they_o as_o give_v the_o office_n power_n but_o as_o instrument_n either_o of_o design_v the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o or_o of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o that_o person_n therein_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o immediate_a giver_n of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mayor_n in_o a_o town_n corporate_a when_o he_o give_v it_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o elector_n not_o as_o give_v the_o power_n but_o design_v the_o person_n to_o be_v invest_v with_o it_o or_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o some_o other_o officer_n as_o instrument_n of_o the_o solemn_a investiture_n neither_o magistrate_n nor_o prelate_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a officer_n or_o officer_n can_v dsiannul_v or_o take_v away_o that_o spiritual_a office_n whereof_o they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n nor_o in_o proper_a sense_n the_o giver_n nor_o can_v they_o enlarge_v or_o lessen_v it_o as_o to_o its_o essential_a state_n or_o define_v it_o otherwise_o than_o christ_n have_v define_v it_o and_o if_o the_o ordainer_n in_o convey_v the_o holy_a office_n or_o order_n shall_v use_v any_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o import_v the_o lessen_v thereof_o in_o its_o essential_a state_n they_o be_v void_a and_o null_a as_o if_o a_o minister_n that_o join_v a_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o marriage_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n of_o that_o ordinance_n shall_v add_v some_o word_n that_o forbid_v the_o husband_n the_o government_n of_o his_o wife_n that_o addition_n be_v a_o nullity_n §_o 3._o of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n the_o ministry_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v either_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a as_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n also_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v only_o the_o itinerary_a assistant_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a as_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o word_n elder_a bishop_n pastor_n be_v name_n of_o the_o same_o sacred_a office_n as_o appear_v act_n 20.17_o 28._o where_o their_o ministry_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o paul_n word_n to_o the_o elder_n which_o he_o send_v for_o from_o ephesus_n to_o miletum_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n the_o apostle_n beside_o their_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n have_v also_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o to_o speak_v peradventure_o more_o proper_o they_o have_v these_o ordinary_a office_n include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n christ_n say_v to_o peter_n feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o and_o john_n in_o his_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n so_o call_v himself_o and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o successor_n or_o partaker_n howbeit_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o no_o evidence_n of_o their_o be_v fix_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o name_n the_o word_n bishop_n import_v a_o overseer_n elder_n be_v a_o name_n of_o authority_n borrow_v from_o age_n and_o apply_v to_o a_o ruling-officer_n the_o word_n pastor_n be_v metaphorical_a signify_v that_o this_o officer_n be_v to_o the_o congregation_n of_o god_n as_o a_o shepherd_n to_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n to_o feed_v they_o this_o feed_n consist_v in_o teach_v and_o rule_v so_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n a_o teacher_n and_o he_o feed_v by_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o pastoral_a ruling_n be_v by_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o 57th_o canon_n of_o the_o laodicean_n council_n do_v show_v that_o bishop_n with_o their_o church_n have_v be_v constitute_v in_o village_n though_o in_o some_o dependence_n on_o the_o city-bishop_n mr._n beverege_n in_o his_o annotation_n on_o council_n anchyram_n c._n 13._o show_n that_o the_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v true_o bishop_n though_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o episcopal_a function_n be_v deny_v they_o by_o the_o canon_n and_o by_o the_o canon_n last_o mention_v they_o be_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacons_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o without_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o city-bishop_n under_o who_o they_o be_v §_o 3._o of_o divers_a city_n have_v two_o bishop_n at_o once_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o two_o bishop_n allow_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o city_n narcissus_n and_o alexander_n be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o same_o time_n euseb_n hist_o l._n 6._o c._n 9_o 10._o ignatius_n and_o euodius_n be_v both_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n at_o the_o same_o time_n clemens_n con_v l._n 7.46_o at_o rome_n linus_n and_o clâ—tus_n be_v fellow_n bishop_n in_o peter_n day_n platina_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n peter_n epiphanius_n heresy_n 68_o concern_v meletius_n say_v alexandria_n have_v not_o ancient_o two_o bishop_n as_o other_o city_n have_v austin_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o hippo_n in_o the_o day_n of_o valerius_n and_o join_v with_o he_o as_o his_o colleague_n in_o the_o episcopal_a function_n aug._n epist_n 34._o to_o paulinus_n and_o some_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o hierarchical_a way_n conceive_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o one_o of_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o other_o of_o the_o uncircumcision_n the_o nicene_n council_n be_v the_o first_o that_o decree_v that_o universal_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n can._n 8._o if_o any_o that_o come_v from_o the_o novation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o bishop_n let_v he_o have_v the_o dignity_n of_o priesthood_n unless_o it_o please_v the_o catholic_n bishop_n to_o give_v he_o also_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o episcopal_a name_n if_o it_o do_v not_o please_v he_o let_v he_o find_v a_o place_n for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o chorepiscopus_n in_o the_o parish_n or_o a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o clergy_n that_o there_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n as_o concern_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n in_o great_a city_n wherein_o the_o succession_n be_v by_o one_o single_a person_n after_o another_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o historian_n be_v of_o late_a age_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o own_o time_n wherein_o the_o episcopacy_n reside_v in_o one_o and_o when_o ancient_o there_o be_v two_o or_o more_o equal_a in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o survivor_n be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n whenas_o he_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o survive_a colleague_n some_o do_v thus_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o contradiction_n of_o historian_n touch_v the_o order_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n linus_n cletus_n anacletus_fw-la etc._n etc._n by_o suppose_v that_o these_o or_o some_o of_o they_o be_v presbyter_n or_o bishop_n at_o the_o same_o time_n rule_v that_o church_n in_o common_a and_o that_o the_o follow_a writer_n fancy_v to_o themselves_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n fall_v into_o those_o diversity_n of_o tradition_n §_o 4._o of_o the_o more_o late_a erection_n of_o many_o parish_n under_o one_o bishop_n it_o be_v acknowedge_v by_o all_o party_n that_o christian_n in_o great_a city_n be_v not_o divide_v into_o divers_a fix_a congregation_n or_o parish_n till_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o tho_o when_o they_o be_v multiply_v they_o have_v divers_a meeting-place_n yet_o those_o place_n be_v promiscuous_o frequent_v and_o the_o people_n be_v teach_v and_o govern_v by_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o common_a and_o be_v call_v but_o one_o church_n it_o be_v observe_v by_o epiphanius_n heres_fw-la 68_o n._n 6._o that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n only_o at_o alexandria_n to_o have_v one_o precedent_n in_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o to_o distribute_v the_o presbyter_n to_o teach_v several_o vid._n grot._n annot._n on_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o selden'_v comment_n on_o eutych_n origin_n alexand._n p._n 85._o and_o most_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o year_n after_o christ_n before_o parish_n be_v distinguish_v and_o there_o must_v be_v a_o distinction_n of_o parish_n before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o union_n of_o they_o into_o diocese_n §_o 5._o that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n the_o testimony_n of_o late_a time_n concern_v it_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o opinion_n only_o of_o those_o who_o be_v now_o call_v presbyterian_o let_v the_o testimony_n both_o of_o ancient_a and_o late_a time_n touch_v this_o point_n be_v consider_v i_o begin_v with_o those_o of_o late_a time_n the_o french_a and_o belgic_a confession_n assert_v the_o parity_n of_o order_n of_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n reynold_n peacock_n bishop_n of_o chichester_n write_v a_o book_n de_fw-fr ministrorum_fw-la aqualitate_fw-la which_o the_o papist_n cause_v to_o be_v burn_v vid._n erasmus_n his_o annotation_n on_o 1_o tim._n 4._o cassander_n consult_v article_n 14._o say_v it_o be_v agree_v among_o all_o that_o of_o old_a in_o the_o apostle_n day_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o avoid_v of_o schism_n a_o bishop_n be_v put_v before_o a_o presbyter_n this_o his_o opinion_n he_o deliver_v to_o the_o emperor_n of_o germany_n be_v send_v for_o by_o he_o to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n about_o such_o question_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o there_o be_v publish_v a_o book_n by_o cranmer_n and_o other_o call_v the_o bishop_n book_n wherein_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o device_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n an._n 1537._o in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n make_v by_o the_o clergy_n in_o a_o provincial_a synod_n and_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o parliament_n it_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o succeed_a church_n after_o the_o apostle_n institute_v certain_a inferior_a degree_n of_o ministry_n yet_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o any_o degree_n or_o distinction_n in_o order_n but_o only_o of_o deacon_n or_o minister_n and_o of_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n the_o parliament_n divine_v at_o the_o treaty_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o king_n say_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sameness_n of_o the_o order_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v publish_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o an._n 1543._o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o subject_n and_o be_v see_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o lord_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o by_o the_o low_a house_n of_o parliament_n the_o word_n of_o the_o book_n be_v the_o scripture_n mention_n these_o two_o order_n only_o to_o wit_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n mr._n mede_n discourse_n 5._o on_o 1_o cor._n 4_o 1._o say_v there_o be_v proper_o but_o two_o order_n ecclesiastical_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o divers_a degree_n of_o these_o two_o dr._n hammonds_n opinion_n concern_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v thus_o declare_v in_o his_o annotation_n on_o act_n 11._o although_o the_o title_n of_o elder_n have_v extend_v to_o a_o second_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o now_o be_v in_o use_n only_o for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o scripture-time_n it_o belong_v principal_o if_o not_o alone_o to_o the_o bishop_n there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o any_o of_o that_o second_o order_n be_v then_o institute_v in_o the_o church_n now_o if_o in_o scripture-time_n presbyter_n of_o a_o inferior_a order_n to_o bishop_n be_v not_o institute_v as_o this_o learned_a man_n suppose_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church-officer_n call_v presbyter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v bishop_n and_o if_o this_o inferior_a order_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o its_o divine_a institution_n many_o if_o not_o most_o papist_n acknowledge_v that_o presbytery_n be_v the_o high_a order_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v but_o a_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o it_o be_v
can_v be_v without_o some_o alteration_n here_o the_o question_n that_o concern_v i_o be_v whether_o there_o lie_v no_o secondary_a obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n that_o take_v it_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v to_o do_v viz._n to_o endeavour_v in_o his_o own_o place_n and_o calling_n and_o only_o by_o legal_a way_n that_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o renunciation_n require_v be_v to_o declare_v not_o only_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o the_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n to_o wit_n episcopacy_n but_o that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n thence_o to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o word_n do_v equal_o respect_v any_o change_n in_o any_o point_n though_o never_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v a_o point_n too_o high_a for_o i_o to_o judge_n of_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o who_o have_v take_v this_o covenant_n how_o far_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o bind_v thereby_o and_o put_v case_n i_o may_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o sure_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o to_o assert_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o i_o may_v also_o not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o sure_a therein_o as_o to_o renounce_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o as_o god_n moral_a law_n primary_o oblige_v to_o endeavour_v church-reformation_n while_o there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o church_n so_o a_o solemn_a swear_v or_o vow_v thereof_o infer_v a_o secondary_a or_o further_a obligation_n thereunto_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o oath_n or_o vow_n god_n be_v a_o party_n in_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n of_o duty_n direct_o respect_v he_o and_o antecedent_o require_v by_o his_o law_n no_o humane_a authority_n can_v nullify_v the_o obligation_n thereof_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o imposition_n and_o the_o defect_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o imposer_n or_o that_o it_o be_v take_v constrain_o or_o in_o sinful_a circumstance_n do_v not_o nullify_v the_o obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n when_o the_o matter_n thereof_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o duty_n the_o conjunction_n of_o thing_n unlawful_a in_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n do_v not_o make_v it_o null_a as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a this_o covenant_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n which_o be_v indeed_o for_o the_o matter_n so_o many_o several_a vow_n and_o those_o part_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a do_v not_o rise_v from_o nor_o depend_v upon_o those_o part_n that_o be_v object_v to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o stand_v entire_a by_o their_o own_o force_n and_o valour_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o part_n which_o be_v of_o thing_n lawful_a and_o necessary_a can_v be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o those_o other_o part_v object_v to_o be_v unlawful_a the_o obligation_n of_o this_o covenant_n can_v cease_v by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o the_o covenanter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o sole_o or_o chief_o a_o league_n between_o man_n but_o chief_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n to_o god_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o he_o and_o the_o union_n and_o association_n of_o man_n therein_o be_v in_o vow_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o party_n chief_o intend_v in_o it_o though_o a_o vow_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o arbitrary_a be_v make_v by_o such_o as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o may_v be_v disannul_v by_o he_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o vow_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v duty_n antecedent_o to_o be_v oblige_v by_o this_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v alteration_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o that_o alteration_n be_v just_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v be_v against_o no_o due_a of_o obedience_n to_o governor_n no_o just_a right_n of_o superior_n or_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o this_o covenant_n can_v oblige_v to_o any_o such_o endeavour_n of_o alteration_n as_o include_v the_o determine_n of_o matter_n of_o public_a government_n against_o the_o law_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o sovereign_n it_o be_v only_o a_o endeavour_n of_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a alteration_n by_o lawful_a way_n and_o mean_n which_o be_v here_o take_v into_o consideration_n several_a thing_n of_o moment_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v need_v reformation_n though_o episcopacy_n remain_v as_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a practice_n to_o make_v a_o alteration_n of_o law_n and_o so_o of_o government_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n from_o time_n to_o time_n so_o far_o as_o need_n require_v i_o free_o declare_v that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n to_o endeavour_v any_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n by_o rebellion_n sedition_n or_o any_o other_o unlawful_a mean_n there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n upon_o any_o person_n to_o endeavour_v by_o any_o mean_n any_o such_o alteration_n of_o government_n in_o church_n or_o state_n as_o may_v not_o lawful_o be_v make_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o king_n and_o parliament_n nor_o be_v endeavour_v by_o other_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o say_a authority_n i_o consent_v to_o the_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v of_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n tertullian_n or_o cyprian_a i_o consent_v to_o bishop_n vsher_n model_n of_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o archbishop_n with_o their_o presbyter_n which_o be_v present_v to_o his_o majesty_n by_o the_o divine_v call_v presbyterian_a for_o a_o groundwork_n of_o accommodation_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o exercise_v the_o ministry_n under_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o ordinary_a in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o honest_a if_o there_o be_v a_o relaxation_n about_o some_o injunction_n which_o i_o scruple_n or_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o scruple_n about_o they_o be_v remove_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o engage_v not_o to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n in_o its_o government_n by_o rebellious_a seditious_a or_o any_o unlawful_a way_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o engage_v also_o that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o way_n endeavour_v any_o point_n of_o alteration_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o king_n of_o parliament_n yea_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o couâ—d_v willing_o engage_v that_o i_o will_v not_o any_o way_n endeavour_v a_o change_n of_o church_n government_n from_o episcopâ—l_n to_o presbyterial_a the_o ancient_a conjunction_n of_o episcopacy_n with_o presbytrey_n be_v that_o which_o i_o wish_v may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n some_o have_v argue_v that_o the_o renounce_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o restrain_a sense_n viz._n that_o there_o lie_v no_o obligation_n from_o this_o covenant_n by_o seditious_a factious_a turbulent_a and_o tumultuous_a way_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o government_n now_o establish_v in_o church_n or_o state_n ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v hard_o to_o warrant_v this_o restrain_a sense_n of_o the_o declaration_n by_o sufficient_a proof_n or_o good_a authority_n 2._o when_o we_o intend_v to_o declare_v the_o non_fw-fr obligation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o vow_n only_o in_o a_o limit_a sense_n it_o be_v not_o saâ—e_v to_o declare_v it_o in_o such_o word_n as_o express_v its_o non-obligation_n in_o any_o sense_n whatsoever_o both_o the_o take_n and_o renounce_v of_o a_o oath_n have_v need_n be_v do_v in_o word_n of_o unexceptionable_a clearness_n at_o least_o in_o such_o word_n as_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o great_a exception_n not_o only_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o a_o oath_n but_o the_o expression_n thereof_o have_v need_n be_v warrantable_a 3._o this_o covenant_n have_v be_v so_o handle_v and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o renunciation_n be_v so_o express_v as_o that_o one_o will_v easy_o think_v that_o the_o lawmaker_n intend_v a_o utter_a renounce_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o obligation_n from_o it_o of_o divine_a worship_n in_o three_o part_n the_o first_o of_o the_o nature_n kind_n part_n and_o adjunct_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o second_o of_o idolatry_n the_o three_o of_o superstition_n less_o than_o idolatry_n to_o make_v diligent_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n i_o have_v judge_v myself_o concern_v as_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o minister_n and_o a_o sufferer_n for_o conscientious_a dissent_n and_o doubt_n about_o some_o point_n thereof_o in_o join_v by_o authority_n some_o delineation_n of_o what_o i_o discern_v in_o this_o