yet_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n settle_a episcopacy_n in_o they_o all_o there_o be_v not_o in_o a_o monarchy_n episcopacy_n and_o in_o a_o republic_n presbytery_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o both_o and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o have_v great_a authority_n to_o attest_v it_o than_o any_o humane_a story_n of_o that_o antiquity_n which_o all_o mankind_n admit_v for_o truth_n and_o for_o to_o affirm_v that_o though_o this_o be_v true_a this_o government_n be_v alterable_a if_o the_o magistrate_n judge_v it_o not_o so_o conduce_v to_o piety_n as_o another_o he_o set_v up_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o foresee_v what_o contingency_n will_v fall_v out_o in_o succeed_a age_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o know_v what_o will_v advance_v true_a religion_n and_o piety_n in_o succeed_a age_n so_o well_o as_o magistrate_n that_o follow_v who_o be_v easy_o blind_v and_o deceive_v when_o it_o conduce_v to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n but_o if_o we_o must_v fancy_n nothing_o to_o have_v a_o last_a reason_n but_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o have_v so_o i_o doubt_v this_o atheistical_a age_n will_v quick_o lay_v aside_o all_o institution_n of_o christ_n by_o judge_v they_o as_o some_o open_o do_v of_o all_o religion_n not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o last_a necessity_n beside_o he_o that_o shall_v affirm_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o medium_fw-la to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o of_o divine_a right_a unalterable_o but_o what_o be_v found_v on_o divine_a testimony_n in_o some_o sense_n speak_v true_a but_o if_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o assertion_n that_o this_o must_v be_v obvious_a to_o every_o capacity_n that_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v this_o divine_a right_n it_o be_v false_a for_o upon_o that_o account_n the_o scripture_n itself_o shall_v not_o bind_v those_o who_o have_v not_o understanding_n enough_o to_o know_v how_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o such_o for_o to_o 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and_o do_v not_o this_o opinion_n destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n total_o for_o if_o the_o church_n delivery_n of_o such_o book_n as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o rational_a man_n to_o ground_v his_o assent_n that_o these_o book_n be_v their_o write_n and_o so_o divine_a unless_o we_o have_v assurance_n that_o she_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o those_o book_n we_o must_v either_o believe_v the_o church_n incapable_a of_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o scripture_n or_o else_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n to_o ground_v our_o assent_n now_o to_o believe_v a_o church_n incapable_a of_o error_n savour_v little_a of_o reason_n and_o to_o believe_v she_o only_o incapable_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o scripture_n savour_v much_o of_o partiality_n but_o if_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o church_n for_o by_o church_n here_o i_o mean_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o to_o be_v a_o wise_a sober_a body_n of_o pious_a and_o rational_a man_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n that_o they_o will_v receive_v no_o book_n as_o the_o write_n of_o inspire_a man_n but_o such_o of_o who_o authenticness_n they_o have_v rational_a ground_n as_o perhaps_o the_o very_a authentic_a letter_n under_o the_o apostle_n own_o hand_n which_o tertullian_n mention_n or_o some_o other_o good_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o gain_v our_o assent_n 36._o why_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o sufficient_a for_o the_o apostolical_a government_n as_o for_o the_o apostolical_a write_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v beyond_o my_o reach_n but_o if_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v then_o to_o affirm_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o bind_v continual_o unless_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v god_n mind_n it_o shall_v do_v so_o be_v either_o to_o say_v the_o apostle_n know_v not_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n or_o else_o will_v not_o reveal_v it_o for_o certain_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o say_v their_o practice_n bind_v unalterable_o than_o any_o one_o can_v have_v to_o say_v it_o do_v not_o for_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o demand_v of_o these_o man_n some_o mind_n of_o god_n why_o we_o shall_v change_v apostolical_a practice_n than_o they_o have_v of_o we_o why_o we_o constant_o practise_v what_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n do_v neither_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o a_o argument_n from_o apostolical_a practice_n must_v suppose_v a_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n than_o what_o they_o be_v when_o the_o apostle_n establish_v governor_n over_o church_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o imagine_v the_o apostle_n do_v constitute_v what_o they_o practise_v and_o certain_o he_o must_v be_v as_o infallible_a as_o the_o pope_n pretend_v too_o that_o be_v sure_a any_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n that_o contradict_v or_o concur_v not_o with_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v true_a if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o rational_a exposition_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o concur_v with_o that_o practice_n and_o he_o who_o shall_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o exposition_n and_o though_o not_o infallible_a yet_o sober_a and_o i_o dare_v say_v much_o sure_a than_o any_o to_o the_o contrary_a must_v condemn_v all_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o church_n as_o ignorant_a and_o irrational_a man_n and_o believe_v some_o new_a fancy_n of_o man_n of_o yesterday_n and_o the_o dote_n of_o some_o idle_a heretic_n of_o great_a authority_n than_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o now_o to_o argue_v from_o some_o few_o practice_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v lay_v aside_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a kiss_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o any_o constitution_n may_v be_v just_a such_o a_o argument_n that_o if_o a_o circumstance_n a_o ceremony_n may_v be_v change_v the_o whole_a substance_n may_v too_o unless_o a_o man_n will_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o a_o stand_a succession_n of_o church-governor_n than_o there_o be_v of_o the_o most_o minute_n practise_v in_o those_o day_n but_o here_o i_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v say_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o minister_n a_o ministry_n be_v necessary_a but_o to_o think_v that_o every_o minister_n must_v as_o some_o in_o derision_n say_v draw_v his_o pedigree_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n and_o fit_a only_o for_o bigot_n to_o believe_v and_o such_o as_o be_v easy_o deceive_v with_o the_o great_a name_n of_o antiquity_n and_o catholic_a tradition_n i_o confess_v i_o be_v sorry_a when_o i_o consider_v this_o opinion_n to_o find_v that_o the_o french_a minister_n when_o they_o maintain_v their_o vocation_n to_o be_v lawful_a unto_o which_o cardinal_n perron_n make_v his_o reply_n lay_v this_o down_o for_o their_o first_o argument_n 5._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o
write_v against_o that_o grand_a antiepiscopal_a presbyter_n aerius_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v found_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n videre_fw-la a_o author_n under_o the_o name_n of_o ambrose_n speak_v distinct_o of_o bishop_n sai_z that_o they_o hold_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o our_o behaviour_n before_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v as_o before_o the_o vicar_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o light_n of_o the_o church_n another_o under_o the_o name_n of_o seceritis_fw-la augustine_n as_o have_v be_v say_v judge_v it_o a_o matter_n that_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o bishop_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n who_o institute_v bishop_n when_o he_o ordain_v the_o apostle_n who_o successor_n the_o bishop_n be_v tenent_fw-la hierome_n thus_o far_o agree_v with_o he_o to_o wit_n that_o bishop_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o else_o mean_v that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o six_o hundred_o father_n in_o the_o general_a council_n of_o 〈◊〉_d chalcedon_n which_o judge_v the_o depression_n of_o a_o bishop_n down_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o sacrilege_n but_o do_v any_o protestant_n divine_n of_o remote_a church_n consent_n to_o any_o divine_a right_n sect_n iii_o that_o two_o eminent_a protestant_a divine_n grant_v this_o supposition_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o say_a truth_n this_o grant_n and_o concession_n be_v free_o yield_v unto_o we_o by_o beza_n who_o speak_v of_o episcopacy_n say_v tribuere_fw-la if_o it_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n then_o certain_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o attribute_v it_o whole_o as_o all_o other_o apostolical_a ordinance_n to_o divine_a disposition_n another_o who_o be_v also_o a_o profess_a advocate_n for_o the_o presbyterian_o grant_v as_o free_o as_o the_o former_a divini_fw-la that_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v from_o the_o apostle_n then_o doubtless_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n but_o that_o episcopacy_n have_v its_o apostolical_a institution_n have_v be_v sufficient_o ratify_v unto_o we_o through_o this_o whole_a discourse_n both_o from_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n from_o general_a consent_n of_o protestant_n of_o reform_a church_n and_o above_o all_o from_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o the_o repetition_n whereof_o will_v be_v superfluous_a the_o rather_o because_o these_o our_o foresay_a opposite_n will_v ease_v we_o of_o that_o labour_n for_o mr._n beza_n himself_o confess_v transfer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n not_o to_o be_v reprehend_v of_o set_v one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n over_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v use_v say_v he_o from_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n so_o he_o now_o than_o whether_o we_o say_v with_o hierome_n matth._n that_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o mark_n because_o the_o first_o bishop_n or_o in_o anianus_n who_o be_v constitute_v by_o mark_n as_o eutychus_n relate_v or_o with_o beza_n that_o it_o be_v from_o mark_n as_o a_o thing_n irreprehensible_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o divine_a we_o have_v yet_o somewhat_o more_o sect_n iv._o that_o episcopal_a prelacy_n have_v be_v direct_o acknowledge_v by_o protestant_n of_o remote_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n etc._n 1_o luther_n prove_v this_o direct_o and_o categorical_o say_v that_o every_o city_n ought_v to_o have_v its_o proper_a bishop_n by_o divine_a right_n ground_v his_o argument_n upon_o titus_n 2.5_o who_o be_v command_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n which_o elder_n say_v he_o be_v bishop_n as_o hierome_n witness_v and_o the_o subsequent_a text_n do_v manifest_a yea_o and_o st._n augustine_n describe_v a_o bishop_n concur_v with_o they_o say_v it_o be_v a_o city_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a presbyter_n but_o a_o bishop_n which_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o because_o bishop_n be_v over_o city_n thus_o far_o luther_n his_o tractate_n be_v a_o resolution_n his_o sentence_n the_o conclusion_n and_o his_o word_n plain_o distinguish_v bishop_n from_o mere_a presbyter_n and_o allege_v from_o scripture_n a_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopal_a function_n as_o clear_o as_o either_o our_o opposite_n can_v dislike_v or_o we_o desire_v according_o diacenorum_n buce_a a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o piety_n say_v that_o these_o three_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v for_o institution_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o for_o continuance_n perpetual_a even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o learned_a professor_n in_o the_o palatinate_n praelaeris_fw-la scultetus_n have_v profess_o and_o positive_o conclude_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n by_o as_o he_o say_v efficacious_a reason_n clear_a example_n and_o excellent_a authority_n and_o he_o have_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n as_o in_o divers_a forego_v section_n have_v be_v make_v manifest_a upon_o which_o subject_n likewise_o a_o most_o learned_a tatum_fw-la belgic_a doctor_n write_v a_o whole_a book_n urge_v therein_o very_a many_o argument_n both_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n and_o assoil_v the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n aegidius_n hunnius_n divinity_n professor_n in_o the_o university_n of_o marpurg_n speak_v of_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v fuit_fw-la that_o paul_n do_v ordain_v titus_n general_n superintendent_n that_o be_v archbishop_n of_o all_o the_o cretian_a church_n and_o thereupon_o conclude_v that_o the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o late_o invent_v but_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o he_o be_v second_v by_o oriatur_fw-la hemingius_n a_o very_a learned_a divine_a who_o observation_n upon_o titus_n 1._o v_o 5._o be_v that_o to_o the_o end_n that_o anarchy_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o all_o thing_n do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v some_o one_o to_o ordain_v minister_n to_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o take_v care_n lest_o heresy_n shall_v arise_v the_o worthy_o renown_a doctor_n gerard_n speak_v no_o less_o than_o the_o former_a prove_v constituantur_fw-la episcopacy_n as_o distinct_a from_o presbytery_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_a not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o original_a as_o proceed_v from_o the_o diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o end_n the_o avoid_n of_o dissension_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o even_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n itself_o will_v afford_v we_o a_o testimony_n or_o two_o from_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o mirror_n of_o learning_n mr._n isaac_n causabon_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o three_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o plain_a scripture_n and_o again_o that_o bishop_n be_v the_o vicegerent_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o these_o learned_a protestant_n nothing_o now_o remain_v but_o that_o nam_fw-la finis_fw-la coronat_fw-la opus_fw-la we_o have_v as_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n himself_o episcopi_fw-la sect_n v._o that_o episcopal_a prelacy_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n himself_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n never_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o deny_v but_o that_o every_o of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n have_v the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n himself_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n that_o book_n wherein_o they_o be_v mention_v be_v call_v the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o author_n deliver_v by_o a_o angel_n to_o john_n as_o unto_o christ_n scribe_n command_v he_o to_o write_v the_o seven_o epistle_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n etc._n two_o of_o which_o angel_n christ_n commend_v in_o the_o same_o epistle_n for_o the_o good_a discharge_n of_o their_o function_n and_o be_v not_o commendation_n testimonial_a enough_o and_o a_o argument_n of_o his_o approbation_n the_o other_o five_o bishop_n be_v more_o or_o less_o delinquent_n be_v reprehend_v for_o neglect_v of_o their_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o reproof_n of_o the_o neglect_v of_o duty_n in_o the_o officer_n a_o justification_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o office_n final_o as_o those_o which_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o office_n be_v continue_v so_o they_o that_o be_v obnoxious_a be_v threaten_v to_o be_v remove_v except_o they_o do_v repent_v so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o displace_v of_o any_o for_o a_o first_o offence_n nor_o yet_o a_o eradicate_v the_o whole_a order_n for_o the_o particular_a abuse_n of_o some_o for_o he_o that_o call_v for_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o
it_o be_v own_v by_o he_o for_o he_o but_o afterward_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v hot_o press_v and_o a_o compliance_n to_o foreign_a reform_a church_n pretend_v our_o bishop_n renew_v his_o former_a discourse_n make_v several_a addition_n to_o it_o and_o where_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a take_v occasion_n to_o answer_v both_o salmasius_n and_o blondel_n and_o so_o it_o swell_v to_o the_o volume_n it_o now_o be_v this_o be_v by_o his_o lordship_n commit_v to_o my_o charge_n either_o to_o publish_v or_o not_o as_o i_o think_v fit_a and_o true_o i_o have_v once_o determine_v still_o to_o have_v keep_v it_o by_o i_o hope_v that_o the_o wonderful_a restauration_n both_o of_o our_o king_n and_o church_n will_v have_v make_v all_o disourse_n of_o this_o nature_n unnecessary_a but_o since_o it_o have_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v these_o troubler_n of_o israel_n still_o to_o continue_v among_o we_o their_o disturbance_n and_o separation_n i_o think_v it_o a_o duâ—â—_n i_o owe_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o bless_a bishop_n to_o publish_v this_o discourse_n which_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o may_v do_v god_n and_o his_o church_n some_o service_n but_o before_o i_o will_v attempt_v so_o great_a a_o work_n i_o communicate_v both_o my_o design_n and_o book_n to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n gilbert_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o approve_v the_o work_n but_o command_v the_o speedy_a publish_n of_o it_o this_o immediate_o put_v i_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o several_a quotation_n i_o find_v in_o it_o have_v most_o of_o the_o author_n by_o i_o fear_v that_o either_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o his_o lordship_n hand_n which_o be_v not_o very_o easy_a to_o be_v read_v or_o the_o negligence_n of_o the_o transcriber_n some_o error_n may_v creep_v in_o the_o place_n cite_v and_o i_o dare_v assure_v the_o reader_n that_o for_o all_o the_o work_n which_o i_o have_v by_o i_o and_o i_o 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the_o most_o pure_a primitive_a church_n i_o find_v not_o in_o all_o my_o little_a read_v any_o that_o set_v himself_o against_o that_o sacred_a order_n till_o aerius_n deum_fw-la who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o epiphanius_n say_v who_o give_v we_o the_o most_o ample_a relation_n of_o he_o this_o his_o error_n arise_v out_o of_o emulation_n that_o eustathius_n be_v prefer_v to_o a_o bishopric_n before_o he_o who_o most_o of_o all_o desire_v it_o and_o true_o i_o can_v wish_v secular_a interest_n such_o as_o want_v of_o a_o bishopric_n applause_n with_o a_o party_n self-justification_n in_o former_a mistake_n and_o a_o unwillingness_n to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v they_o be_v former_o deceive_v do_v not_o withhold_v many_o among_o we_o from_o do_v that_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o they_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_o convince_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v since_o conscience_n be_v the_o thing_n pretend_v that_o they_o give_v some_o assurance_n it_o be_v conscience_n and_o not_o interest_n prevail_v with_o they_o by_o their_o peaceable_a passive_a obedience_n to_o our_o law_n and_o not_o to_o fill_v our_o street_n with_o their_o unreasonable_a complaint_n against_o our_o government_n and_o governor_n and_o still_o to_o seduce_v a_o sort_n of_o empty_a people_n of_o great_a faith_n and_o little_a sense_n who_o be_v in_o the_o right_a only_o because_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o although_o 1600_o year_n possession_n be_v more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a lawful_a title_n for_o any_o to_o plead_v a_o thing_n so_o unquestionable_a that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o produce_v any_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o the_o contrary_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o learned_a pen_n salmasius_n and_o blondel_n who_o have_v attempt_v rather_o to_o show_v their_o wit_n and_o read_v than_o their_o reason_n in_o this_o controversy_n the_o first_o of_o these_o when_o he_o undertake_v the_o task_n write_v not_o under_o his_o own_o name_n as_o if_o it_o be_v what_o he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v a_o thing_n frequent_a to_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n than_o what_o he_o himself_o either_o believe_v or_o will_v persuade_v other_o to_o do_v and_o in_o all_o his_o discourse_n he_o be_v in_o that_o violent_a heat_n that_o he_o hardly_o give_v dionysius_n petavius_n that_o learned_a jesuit_n any_o other_o name_n than_o inepte_n &_o fatue_n he_o answer_v the_o greek_a father_n who_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o bishop_n be_v superior_a to_o a_o presbyter_n 82._o that_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n and_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o because_o he_o expound_v the_o apostle_n word_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o what_o antiquity_n do_v and_o in_o any_o controversy_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n he_o continue_v this_o temper_n for_o to_o the_o learned_a doctor_n hammond_n who_o calm_o defend_v the_o church_n power_n of_o the_o key_n against_o some_o of_o his_o objection_n 19_o he_o give_v no_o other_o title_n but_o nebulo_n in_o anglia_fw-it show_v neither_o respect_n to_o the_o learning_n nor_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o doctor_n who_o as_o he_o confess_v be_v chaplain_n to_o his_o late_a majesty_n and_o yet_o this_o great_a magisterial_a man_n with_o the_o same_o confidence_n as_o he_o deny_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n so_o he_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o 2d_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n 14._o affirm_v the_o first_o only_o for_o genuine_a and_o true_o i_o wonder_v not_o much_o at_o it_o for_o certain_o he_o who_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n 398._o take_v away_o the_o only_a argument_n to_o prove_v any_o book_n to_o be_v canonical_a when_o any_o sect_n or_o heresy_n shall_v question_v it_o but_o i_o the_o more_o willing_o pass_v this_o over_o since_o in_o his_o own_o name_n in_o his_o defensio_fw-la regius_fw-la he_o seem_v to_o alter_v his_o opinion_n for_o d._n blondel_n he_o who_o shall_v look_v into_o his_o discourse_n will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a collection_n of_o various_a readins_n and_o if_o fame_n be_v true_a collect_v at_o first_o to_o be_v the_o material_n of_o a_o discourse_n he_o intend_v for_o episcopacy_n but_o the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o church_n turn_v his_o weapon_n another_o way_n but_o after_o all_o 7._o he_o only_o affirm_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v equal_a in_o degree_n till_o the_o 136._o of_o christ_n which_o if_o you_o consider_v be_v a_o very_a small_a time_n after_o the_o apostle_n 25._o for_o st._n john_n die_v froben_n as_o both_o eusebius_n and_o st._n hierome_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o 102._o of_o christ_n so_o then_o according_a to_o he_o their_o be_v but_o 34_o year_n distance_n but_o to_o i_o true_o he_o prove_v not_o that_o for_o he_o who_o will_v consider_v the_o epistle_n before_o his_o book_n will_v find_v all_o he_o affirm_v be_v that_o in_o that_o short_a time_n the_o senior_a presbyter_n in_o the_o college_n be_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o president_n and_o that_o when_o he_o die_v the_o next_o in_o age_n succeed_v he_o what_o then_o i_o pray_v do_v this_o make_v to_o his_o purpose_n if_o he_o have_v give_v we_o any_o testimony_n that_o though_o this_o office_n fall_v to_o he_o by_o his_o age_n he_o immediate_o enter_v upon_o it_o without_o any_o consecration_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o episcopal_a hand_n he_o have_v do_v something_o but_o of_o this_o not_o one_o word_n he_o only_o tell_v we_o this_o course_n be_v alter_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n velut_fw-la conspiration_n factâ_fw-la as_o if_o do_v by_o a_o conspiracy_n and_o what_o be_v this_o alteration_n this_o he_o tell_v we_o out_o of_o hilary_n comment_n on_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n which_o common_o
as_o he_o do_v have_v note_v 2.1_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n last_o fredericus_fw-la spanhemius_fw-la professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o same_o church_n may_v well_o stand_v for_o another_o witness_n who_o after_o his_o ample_a commendation_n and_o that_o worthy_o of_o the_o late_a primate_n of_o ireland_n manifest_o extoll_v autoritas_fw-la the_o bishop_n and_o divine_n of_o our_o english_a church_n for_o their_o accurate_a write_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o orthodox_n religion_n and_o their_o dexterity_n in_o confute_v romish_a subtlety_n after_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n their_o embrace_v our_o pastor_n and_o prelate_n with_o christian_a affection_n pray_v for_o the_o prosperity_n of_o they_o that_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o this_o church_n that_o their_o prelatical_a authority_n may_v continue_v unto_o they_o so_o they_o and_o somewhat_o more_o pertinent_a to_o our_o question_n in_o hand_n as_o now_o follow_v sect_n ii_o that_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n disclaim_v the_o opinion_n of_o think_v that_o their_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v a_o pattern_n for_o other_o church_n the_o 182._o smectymnian_o our_o opposite_n by_o instance_v in_o that_o church_n may_v seem_v in_o the_o same_o book_n dedicate_v to_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n that_o the_o same_o church_n of_o geneva_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v essential_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o all_o other_o protestant_a church_n we_o have_v a_o contrary_a certificate_n from_o putant_fw-la theodore_n beza_n speak_v of_o bishop_n as_o the_o celebrious_a mouth_n of_o that_o church_n we_o say_v he_o do_v embrace_v all_o faithful_a bishop_n with_o all_o reverence_n neither_o do_v we_o as_o some_o false_o object_n against_o we_o propose_v our_o example_n to_o any_o other_o church_n to_o be_v follow_v so_o he_o hitherto_o of_o the_o justification_n of_o our_o english_a episcopacy_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o most_o judicious_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o like_a testimony_n from_o other_o protestant_a church_n sect_n iii_o that_o also_o other_o protestant_a divine_n of_o reform_a church_n have_v observe_v the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o episcopal_a government_n in_o england_n mr._n moulin_n who_o name_n be_v venerable_a among_o all_o orthodox_n divine_v acknowledge_v luce_n that_o our_o english_a bishop_n that_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n mary_n be_v for_o zeal_n nothing_o inferior_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n which_o germany_n or_o france_n ever_o have_v which_o none_o say_v he_o will_v deny_v if_o not_o blind_v in_o daylight_n and_o lest_o that_o worthy_a divine_a shall_v be_v think_v to_o approve_v of_o such_o of_o our_o english_a bishop_n only_o as_o then_o suffer_v martyrdom_n we_o have_v furthermore_o his_o indefinite_a large_a testimony_n episcopi_fw-la we_o affirm_v say_v he_o speak_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o french_a church_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o england_n after_o the_o reformation_n be_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o desert_n their_o office_n or_o title_n of_o bishop_n augeas_fw-la hierome_n zanchie_a among_o excellent_a divine_n in_o his_o time_n exhort_v queen_n elizabeth_n with_o a_o imprimis_fw-la and_o especial_o to_o extend_v her_o care_n and_o authority_n to_o have_v godly_a and_o learned_a bishop_n whereof_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n say_v he_o you_o have_v very_o many_o and_o to_o cherish_v they_o and_o again_o he_o congratulate_v the_o episcopal_a dignity_n of_o jewel_n bishop_n of_o salisbury_n 1577._o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o prosperous_a success_n in_o his_o function_n and_o of_o all_o other_o the_o pious_a bishop_n of_o england_n and_o all_o this_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o colleage_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o heidelburgh_n haberemus_fw-la sarania_n a_o belgic_a doctor_n though_o a_o great_a favourer_n of_o the_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n yet_o a_o earnest_n inveigh_o against_o the_o roman_a hierarchy_n confess_v himself_o to_o wonder_v often_o at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o reformer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o way_n deviate_a from_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o epiphonema_n say_v i_o hold_v it_o a_o part_n of_o her_o happiness_n that_o she_o have_v retain_v with_o she_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n mr._n moulin_n again_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o epilogue_n who_o be_v the_o prologue_n conclude_v for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n say_v 345._o that_o their_o agreement_n be_v such_o that_o england_n have_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o our_o persecute_a church_n and_o correspondent_o the_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o our_o church_n say_v he_o peter_n martyr_n calvin_n beza_n and_o zanchie_a have_v often_o write_v letter_n full_a of_o respect_n and_o amity_n to_o the_o prelate_n of_o england_n so_o he_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v the_o late_a dedicate_v book_n to_o some_o of_o our_o bishop_n of_o these_o time_n together_o with_o other_o refer_v their_o controversy_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o their_o judgement_n if_o we_o think_v that_o such_o instance_n can_v be_v of_o easy_a digestion_n with_o some_o hitherto_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o particular_a english_a church_n we_o be_v now_o to_o prosecute_v the_o justification_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o general_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v good_a the_o title_n of_o this_o treatise_n inscribe_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o cause_n as_o well_o for_o the_o necessary_a use_n as_o also_o for_o the_o just_a right_o thereof_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o begin_v to_o consult_v with_o gray-headed_a antiquity_n for_o the_o manifestation_n hereof_o sect_n iv._o that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o necessary_a use_v the_o best_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n general_o the_o bestness_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v so_o call_v it_o be_v best_a discern_v by_o the_o necessary_a use_n whereof_o antiquity_n have_v testify_v by_o hierome_n tollerentur_fw-la that_o the_o original_a reason_n of_o constitute_v one_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o presbyter_n to_o who_o all_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v belong_v be_v say_v he_o so_o decree_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o schism_n may_v be_v remove_v which_o from_o the_o continual_a experimental_a success_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n he_o himself_o hold_v to_o be_v such_o sacerdotes_fw-la as_o whereupon_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v 17._o tertullian_n yet_o himself_o no_o bishop_n neither_o will_v not_o have_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o baptise_v without_o authority_n from_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v observe_v peace_n say_v he_o will_v be_v preserve_v 〈◊〉_d chrysostom_n illustrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o episcopal_a government_n by_o resemble_v the_o bishop_n to_o the_o head_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n to_o a_o shepherd_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sheep_n to_o a_o master_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o scholar_n and_o to_o a_o captain_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o soldier_n with_o who_o membrerum_fw-la ambrose_n agree_v in_o the_o first_o resemblance_n call_v likewise_o the_o bishop_n the_o head_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n esâ—_n augustine_n compare_v the_o bishop_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n as_o be_v head_n of_o the_o house_n 〈◊〉_d nazianzen_n radiatur_fw-la ambrose_n invisiâ—_n nicetas_n decipher_v he_o as_o the_o eye_n in_o that_o head_n who_o office_n be_v to_o look_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n whence_o they_o have_v their_o name_n episcopi_fw-la or_o bishop_n etc._n basil_n yet_o high_o compare_v the_o church_n to_o the_o body_n and_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o soul_n say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o episcopal_a dignity_n as_o by_o one_o soul_n be_v reduce_v to_o concord_n and_o communion_n etc._n cyprian_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n do_v more_o than_o once_o complain_v of_o the_o contempt_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n and_o people_n against_o their_o bishop_n as_o the_o original_a spring_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n we_o have_v do_v with_o the_o father_n who_o we_o have_v find_v general_o assert_v the_o necessary_a use_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o who_o iâ—_n the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v find_v second_v by_o the_o ingenious_a confession_n of_o judicious_a protestant_n of_o remoâ—â—_n church_n sect_n v._o the_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remoâ—â—_n church_n have_v general_o acknowledge_v episcopal_a government_n to_o for_o necessary_a use_v the_o best_a the_o protestant_a witness_n whicâ—_n we_o shall_v here_o alleadg_n be_v 〈◊〉_d two_o class_n the_o one_o lutheram_n with_o
of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v confess_o acknowledge_v before_o by_o that_o worthy_a and_o learned_a scultetus_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v we_o have_v full_o satisfy_v the_o reader_n until_o we_o show_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o episcopal_a degree_n be_v furthermore_o actual_o exercise_v even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o therefore_o our_o opposite_n be_v willing_a to_o consult_v with_o bucer_n he_o will_v tell_v they_o licet_fw-la that_o the_o father_n before_o hierome_n do_v clear_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o chief_a church_n one_o be_v choose_v and_o place_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o charge_n of_o soul_n and_o episcopal_a function_n over_o they_o in_o chief_a as_o james_n be_v describe_v by_o luke_n act_v 15._o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o like_a ordinance_n be_v perpetual_o observe_v in_o other_o church_n so_o he_o and_o if_o we_o ask_v their_o most_o exact_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n accepit_fw-la scultetus_n he_o will_v testify_v no_o less_o concern_v this_o james_n brother_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o which_o he_o allege_v not_o few_o or_o mean_a author_n then_o 1._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n eccles._n eusebius_n jacobo_n chrysostome_n epiâ—copus_fw-la ambrose_n 〈◊〉_d epiphanius_n yea_o and_o hierome_n himself_o beside_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n in_o a_o council_n but_o that_o which_o make_v all_o questionless_a be_v the_o personal_a line_n of_o successor_n set_v down_o by_o epiphanius_n supra_fw-la from_o james_n in_o the_o same_o sea_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o simeon_n judas_n mathias_n etc._n etc._n unto_o hilarion_n who_o be_v bishop_n in_o epiphanius_n his_o own_o time_n rexit_fw-la est_fw-la 〈◊〉_d alexandria_n be_v another_o episcopal_a seat_n whereof_o beza_n faciâ—_n have_v take_v especial_a notice_n as_o also_o calvin_n do_v jâ—st_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o v._n 2._o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o hierome_n concern_v mark_n the_o evangelist_n that_o even_o from_o his_o time_n there_o wâ—s_v one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n by_o they_o elect_v as_o a_o army_n do_v their_o general_n who_o be_v place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n and_o be_v term_v bishop_n this_o be_v further_a confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o eutychius_n a_o author_n late_o translate_v and_o publish_v by_o mr._n selden_n the_o ornament_n of_o our_o nation_n for_o exotic_a learning_n who_o say_v express_o alexandria_n that_o mark_v constitute_v anianus_n patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o say_v learned_a publisher_n in_o his_o commentary_n thereupon_o have_v deduce_v the_o immediate_a succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o anianus_n for_o almost_o 300._o year_n wherein_o according_a to_o exact_a chronology_n he_o have_v recount_v eighteen_o bishop_n and_o tell_v we_o moreover_o that_o this_o author_n eutychius_n himself_o be_v patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n albeit_o he_o live_v not_o till_o almost_o 1000_o year_n after_o antioch_n be_v a_o three_o and_o therein_o ignatius_n will_v stand_v for_o a_o example_n irrefragable_a of_o who_o antiquity_n have_v thus_o large_o testify_v namely_o eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o be_v after_o peter_n the_o second_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n theodoret_n 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o peter_n and_o before_o he_o according_o athanasius_n 〈◊〉_d that_o after_o the_o apostle_n he_o become_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ._n we_o conclude_v with_o the_o encornium_n of_o chrysostome_n g_o ignatius_n be_v familiar_o conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o enjoy_v spiritual_a grace_n flow_v from_o they_o and_o receive_v his_o dignity_n from_o the_o racred_a hand_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n so_o he_o 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a have_v be_v ancient_o witness_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o though_o the_o course_n of_o personal_a succession_n therein_o and_o especial_o about_o the_o beginning_n seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o perplex_v yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o more_o sure_a in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a personal_a succession_n in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o course_n be_v assoil_v from_o cleto_n vedelius_fw-la a_o most_o exquisite_a professor_n at_o geneva_n in_o that_o kind_n who_o speak_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o ancient_a time_n that_o 6._o irenaeus_n be_v able_a to_o recount_v those_o that_o have_v be_v institute_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n even_o until_o his_o own_o time_n as_o one_o that_o have_v his_o reckon_n at_o his_o finger_n end_n say_v but_o because_o it_o will_v be_v very_o long_o in_o so_o small_a a_o volumn_n to_o recount_v the_o succession_n of_o all_o church_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o he_o set_v down_o a_o exact_a succession_n of_o twelve_o bishop_n the_o last_o whereof_o elutherius_n by_o name_n be_v then_o alive_a when_o he_o write_v this_o book_n vocavit_fw-la mr._n blundel_n the_o french_a divine_a be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o series_n and_o line_n of_o succession_n of_o those_o who_o he_o call_v praepositos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la even_o of_o the_o same_o time_n those_o ecclesiastical_a testimony_n be_v so_o manifold_a so_o pertinent_a so_o perspicuous_a and_o so_o free_o confess_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o ingenuous_a reader_n will_v prefer_v antiquity_n before_o novelty_n universality_n before_o paucity_n solemnity_n of_o profession_n before_o obscurity_n and_o this_o full_o testify_v apostolical_a practical_a succession_n before_o the_o refactoriness_n of_o any_o whosoever_o the_o rather_o because_o they_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 400_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o have_v any_o famous_a and_o absolute_a patron_n of_o a_o presbyterial_a parity_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n except_v that_o one_o swallow_v aerius_n who_o the_o church_n christian_n then_o reject_v as_o a_o man_n schismatical_a brand_a he_o with_o the_o note_n of_o ambition_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o opposition_n to_o episcopacy_n even_o for_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o competition_n for_o a_o bishopric_n do_v miss_v thereof_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o now_o leave_v the_o humour_n of_o some_o in_o hear_v of_o pope_n of_o rome_n to_o have_v be_v bishop_n shall_v boggle_v and_o startle_v at_o it_o to_o make_v the_o episcopal_a dignity_n no_o better_o than_o popish_a according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v now_o hold_v popedom_n we_o add_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o footstep_n out_o of_o the_o way_n the_o next_o section_n sect_n x._o that_o the_o whole_a church_n christian_n do_v profess_v and_o practice_v the_o apostolical_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o wonder_n to_o any_o man_n of_o judgement_n to_o see_v such_o a_o averseness_n in_o our_o opposite_n as_o not_o only_o to_o object_v the_o testimony_n of_o these_o father_n who_o have_v give_v their_o common_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopal_n prelacy_n but_o much_o more_o that_o they_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o by_o instance_v in_o some_o few_o father_n in_o contradiction_n to_o episcopacy_n do_v thereby_o grant_v their_o assent_n for_o it_o in_o the_o rest_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n indeed_o do_v accord_n thereunto_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n long_o before_o that_o time_n whereof_o their_o pretend_a patron_n st._n hierome_n be_v a_o plentiful_a witness_n who_o testify_v of_o the_o more_o primitive_a time_n before_o he_o tell_v our_o opposite_n plain_o and_o round_o pertineret_fw-la that_o it_o be_v decree_v through_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n that_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v appertain_v so_o he_o of_o many_o who_o give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n among_o who_o as_o captain_n of_o the_o innumerable_a host_n of_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o bishop_n in_o the_o day_n of_o heathenish_a persecution_n of_o who_o it_o be_v record_v by_o pervenire_fw-la antiquity_n and_o confess_v by_o one_o of_o our_o opposite_n erunt_fw-la that_o above_o all_o other_o christian_n enquiry_n be_v make_v for_o bishop_n bishop_n be_v rather_o apprehend_v than_o other_o bishop_n be_v afflict_v with_o torture_n and_o as_o leader_n to_o all_o other_o constant_o endure_v whatsoever_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o it_o have_v be_v good_a therefore_o our_o opposite_n have_v make_v conscience_n of_o their_o say_n before_o they_o have_v burst_v out_o into_o so_o contumelious_a detraction_n and_o have_v follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o french_a divine_a mr._n moulin_n constitutio_fw-la i_o be_o not_o so_o hard_o face_v say_v he_o against_o the_o light_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n ignatius_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n bishop_n as_o to_o think_v they_o
witness_v add_v that_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o hierome_n be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v a_o city_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v say_v he_o be_v understand_v of_o mere_a presbyter_n but_o of_o bishop_n who_o be_v set_v over_o city_n thus_o far_o luther_n concern_v the_o episcopacy_n of_o titus_n and_o he_o be_v second_v by_o a_o learned_a doctor_n of_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la etc._n gerard_n by_o name_n who_o do_v not_o only_o confess_v titus_n to_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o crete_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o timothy_n of_o ephesus_n crescens_n of_o galatia_n linus_n of_o rome_n dionysius_n of_o athens_n etc._n etc._n and_o justinus_n beza_n himself_o confess_v the_o same_o direct_o of_o timothy_n say_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o ephesus_n that_o be_v say_v he_o antistes_fw-la or_o prelate_n as_o justin_n martyr_n use_v the_o word_n mr._n moulin_n praeeminentiae_fw-la join_v both_o timothy_n and_o titus_n together_o say_v that_o howsoever_o we_o term_v they_o bishop_n or_o evangelist_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v bishop_n for_o their_o successor_n who_o after_o they_o have_v the_o like_a preeminence_n in_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v conclude_v this_o section_n with_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o learned_a &_o judicious_a pâ—aefectus_fw-la scultetus_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o at_o first_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v evangelist_n yet_o afterward_o timothy_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o titus_n of_o crete_n which_o thing_n say_v he_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a father_n do_v abundant_o confirm_v so_o these_o famous_a divine_n beside_o those_o who_o have_v be_v above_o former_o allege_v by_o we_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o contrary_a objection_n in_o three_o full_a section_n after_o this_o our_o first_o evidence_n out_o of_o scripture_n there_o follow_v sect_n viii_o the_o second_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n for_o proof_n of_o episcopal_a prelaâ—y_n be_v out_o of_o christ_n epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v etc._n etc._n cap._n 2.1_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o main_a question_n be_v whether_o the_o word_n angel_n in_o every_o epistle_n do_v signify_v collective_o either_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o the_o whole_a company_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o else_o singular_o a_o individual_a person_n our_o opposite_n be_v distract_v into_o the_o two_o former_a opinion_n we_o shall_v pursue_v they_o in_o order_n confute_v their_o first_o exposition_n first_o and_o then_o the_o other_o that_o their_o mist_n be_v dispel_v we_o may_v see_v more_o clear_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o which_o be_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n of_o every_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o singular_a person_n have_v preeminence_n over_o other_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n sect_n ix_o that_o the_o first_o exposition_n of_o our_o opposite_n by_o angel_n understand_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v flat_o repugnant_a to_o the_o context_n in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n cap._n 2._o christ_n by_o his_o angel_n proper_o so_o call_v write_v unto_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n vers_fw-la 2._o tell_v st._n john_n mystical_o of_o seven_o goldâ—n_a candlestick_n vers_fw-la 13._o signify_v the_o seven_o church_n and_o of_o seven_o star_n signify_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n vers_fw-la 20._o after_o more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o cap._n 2._o &_o 3_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o which_o epistle_n to_o ease_v our_o opposite_n of_o a_o trouble_n we_o confess_v that_o although_o the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o church_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o concern_v also_o other_o because_o of_o the_o common_a epiphonema_n in_o every_o one_o thus_o he_o that_o hathan_fw-ge car_n to_o hear_v let_v he_o hear_v but_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o first_o exposition_n of_o our_o opposite_n be_v set_v down_o by_o ecclesias_fw-la walo_n messalinus_n a_o destinate_a adversary_n to_o episcopacy_n as_o in_o other_o point_n so_o in_o this_o for_o let_v it_o be_v hold_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o fix_a truth_n say_v he_o that_o by_o the_o angel_n of_o every_o city_n st._n john_n intend_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o church_n themselves_o so_o he_o but_o if_o we_o consult_v with_o the_o context_n cap._n 1.20_o where_o first_o the_o angel_n be_v express_o call_v star_n and_o the_o church_n be_v name_v candlestick_n we_o must_v therefore_o tell_v this_o great_a clerk_n that_o he_o must_v first_o turn_v star_n into_o candlestick_n before_o he_o can_v make_v angel_n to_o signify_v the_o church_n second_o in_o the_o text_n itself_o cap._n 2.1_o it_o be_v say_v write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n here_o again_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n must_v betoken_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o congregation_n then_o must_v this_o be_v the_o construction_n of_o the_o word_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o these_o speech_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o can_v not_o mean_v absurd_o enough_o of_o our_o opposite_n first_o exposition_n sect_n x._o that_o the_o second_o exposition_n be_v in_o interpret_n the_o word_n angel_n to_o signify_v the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n the_o state_n of_o which_o question_n be_v set_v down_o by_o our_o opposite_n this_o indeed_o be_v with_o our_o opposite_n their_o common_a exposition_n comprehenduntur_fw-la the_o epistle_n say_v mr._n brightman_n be_v not_o send_v to_o any_o one_o but_o that_o i_o may_v so_o say_v to_o the_o college_n of_o pastor_n so_o he_o who_o notwithstanding_o will_v be_v find_v to_o contradict_v himself_o in_o the_o next_o section_n yea_o and_o after_o he_o out_o hereafter_o smectymnian_o by_o angel_n be_v not_o mean_v say_v they_o any_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o presbyter_n so_o they_o caetu_fw-la wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v sect_n xi_o that_o the_o objection_n make_v for_o this_o exposition_n be_v confute_v by_o their_o own_o best_a approve_v protestant_a author_n the_o confutation_n of_o their_o first_o reason_n our_o first_o argument_n say_v they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n 139._o rev._n 2.24_o where_o after_o he_o have_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n i_o have_v something_o against_o thou_o add_v in_o the_o plural_a i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n here_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n say_v they_o between_o the_o governor_n and_o govern_v which_o apparent_o prove_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v collective_a so_o they_o our_o first_o answer_n must_v be_v by_o a_o genuine_a interpretation_n to_o wit_n that_o after_o the_o word_n thou_n the_o addition_n of_o the_o word_n you_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v a_o familiar_a figurative_a speech_n call_v apostrophe_n which_o be_v a_o aversion_n of_o speech_n from_o one_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o another_o as_o any_o lord_n write_v to_o his_o chief_a steward_n of_o matter_n concern_v he_o and_o any_o subordinate_a officer_n and_o whole_a family_n say_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o look_v to_o thy_o charge_n and_o that_o you_o forbear_v to_o go_v to_o the_o market_n and_o the_o rest_v to_o apply_v their_o business_n at_o home_n but_o we_o promise_v that_o their_o own_o dear_a doctor_n and_o divine_n shall_v be_v their_o confuter_n first_o beza_n upon_o the_o very_a word_n object_v ecclesiam_fw-la against_o themselves_o that_o be_v say_v he_o the_o precedent_n and_o unto_o you_o that_o be_v his_o colleague_n mean_v the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v â—o_z the_o whole_a flock_n so_o he_o in_o the_o exposition_n of_o this_o text._n mr._n brightman_n explanavit_fw-la albeit_o the_o man_n who_o but_o even_o now_o interpret_v the_o word_n angel_n not_o to_o signify_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o a_o whole_a multitude_n of_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n collective_o yet_o here_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o text_n he_o as_o it_o be_v sup_v up_o his_o own_o breath_n and_o of_o this_o object_v text_n paraphrase_v say_v to_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o the_o angel_n and_o to_o you_o mean_v pastor_n and_o colleague_n of_o thyatira_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o people_n as_o theodore_n beza_n have_v excellent_o expound_v it_o so_o he_o such_o we_o see_v be_v the_o force_n of_o truth_n in_o despite_n of_o opposition_n to_o exact_v from_o he_o a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o which_o form_n of_o speech_n may_v be_v parallel_v with_o the_o like_a example_n in_o the_o chronicle_n 28.5_o where_o there_o be_v he_o the_o king_n and_o they_o
signify_v the_o king_n army_n as_o well_o as_o in_o this_o text_n thou_n and_o they._n sect_n xii_o their_o second_o reason_n confute_v by_o their_o own_o allege_v author_n our_o second_o argument_n say_v they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o like_a phrase_n in_o this_o very_a book_n of_o the_o revelation_n 142._o wherein_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o express_v a_o company_n under_o one_o single_a person_n as_o the_o civil_a state_n of_o rome_n a_o beast_n with_o ten_o horn_n etc._n etc._n whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n may_v be_v take_v collective_o and_o that_o be_v say_v they_o the_o likely_a interpretation_n r_o especial_o consider_v that_o mr._n mede_n who_o be_v better_o skill_v in_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o the_o remonstrant_a say_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v common_o if_o not_o always_o take_v collective_o so_o they_o cite_v no_o place_n out_o of_o mr._n meade_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o they_o have_v allege_v in_o their_o first_o 143._o book_n whereunto_o they_o often_o refer_v their_o reader_n where_o mr._n meade_n teach_v to_o this_o purpose_n 6._o that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n work_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n the_o motion_n and_o revolution_n of_o thing_n among_o man_n with_o their_o event_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o angel_n as_o captain_n over_o the_o rest_n so_o he_o that_o be_v even_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v wish_v like_a as_o we_o find_v it_o here_o in_o the_o text_n wherein_o the_o epistle_n though_o dedicate_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v inscribe_v to_o this_o and_o that_o angel_n each_o one_o be_v over_o other_o thus_o it_o become_v our_o opposite_n when_o they_o think_v to_o oppose_v we_o to_o be_v catch_v in_o their_o own_o snare_n yea_o even_o in_o the_o same_o sentence_n where_o mr._n meade_n inform_v his_o reader_n scribitur_fw-la that_o this_o other_o like_o speech_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v namely_o by_o angel_n a_o singular_a person_n as_o we_o have_v admonish_v say_v he_o again_o and_o again_o which_o caution_n of_o he_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a we_o shall_v think_v to_o have_v keep_v these_o advers._fw-la man_n from_o wander_a the_o rather_o see_v that_o this_o manner_n of_o speech_n be_v none_o other_o than_o which_o be_v most_o usual_a as_o when_o a_o defeat_n or_o victory_n achieve_v in_o war_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o whole_a host_n be_v notwithstanding_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o one_o general_n final_o because_o they_o have_v extol_v mr._n meade_n his_o skill_n in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v oppugn_v the_o apostolical_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n thereby_o we_o crave_v the_o reader_n attention_n to_o this_o their_o own_o author_n 4.6.7_o declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n of_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n that_o compass_v the_o throne_n round_o about_o these_o say_v he_o resemble_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n this_o any_o one_o may_v read_v in_o his_o book_n late_o authorize_v to_o be_v translate_v into_o english_a sect_n xiii_o their_o three_o argument_n likewise_o confute_v by_o their_o own_o chief_a author_n 143._o our_o three_o argument_n say_v they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n angel_n which_o be_v a_o common_a name_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o messenger_n etc._n etc._n and_o sure_o have_v christ_n intend_v to_o point_n out_o one_o individual_a person_n by_o the_o angel_n he_o will_v have_v use_v some_o distinguish_a name_n to_o set_v he_o out_o by_o as_o rector_n president_n superintendent_n so_o they_o as_o if_o by_o their_o sure_o they_o will_v assure_v we_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a who_o have_v every_o where_o teach_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n speak_v in_o the_o better_a sense_n have_v always_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o dignity_n of_o their_o office_n and_o according_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n whensoever_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o they_o in_o which_o case_n they_o be_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o their_o own_o mr._n brightman_n who_o teach_v they_o to_o consider_v by_o these_o same_o text_n deum_fw-la how_o great_a the_o dignity_n be_v of_o the_o true_a pastor_n of_o christ_n by_o who_o say_v he_o they_o be_v entitle_v both_o star_n and_o angel_n who_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o regard_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o wicked_a see_v they_o be_v in_o so_o high_a estimation_n with_o christ_n himself_o so_o he_o so_o flat_o against_o those_o other_o as_o if_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o do_v from_o that_o scripture_n in_o a_o manner_n vilify_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o same_o name_n angel_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v dignify_v and_o honour_v they_o if_o our_o opposite_n have_v speak_v as_o they_o pretend_v than_o they_o shall_v have_v give_v we_o but_o one_o example_n of_o that_o kind_n yet_o we_o for_o more_o easy_a illustration_n hereof_o shall_v add_v a_o parallel_n in_o the_o word_n apostle_n whereof_o mr._n calvin_n have_v give_v they_o this_o observation_n etc._n that_o although_o the_o word_n apostles_n in_o the_o propriety_n thereof_o signify_v those_o that_o be_v send_v namely_o messenger_n and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o other_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o send_v by_o he_o yet_o be_v it_o meet_v that_o his_o twelve_o apostle_n shall_v be_v so_o iustile_v as_o they_o who_o shall_v publish_v and_o promulgate_v the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n so_o he_o even_o for_o the_o amplify_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o twelve_o under_o the_o title_n of_o apostle_n whereas_o if_o the_o former_a object_v reason_n may_v prevail_v it_o may_v be_v lawful_a not_o only_o to_o call_v every_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n proper_o a_o apostle_n but_o also_o to_o term_v every_o footboy_n send_v on_o a_o errand_n a_o angel_n sect_n fourteen_o their_o four_o argument_n confute_v by_o the_o same_o their_o own_o much_o applaud_v author_n 146._o our_o four_o argument_n say_v the_o same_o opposite_n stand_v thus_o cap._n 1.20_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n which_o thou_o see_v be_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o same_o church_n but_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n omit_v not_o without_o a_o mystery_n the_o number_n of_o the_o angel_n lest_o we_o shall_v understand_v by_o angel_n one_o minister_n alone_o and_o not_o a_o company_n so_o they_o we_o be_v first_o to_o unriddle_v the_o mystery_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o mystical_a and_o obscure_a thus_o then_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o which_o be_v use_v in_o repeat_v the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n omit_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o omission_n forsooth_o there_o must_v be_v a_o mystery_n yea_o and_o also_o the_o mystery_n must_v be_v this_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o omit_v of_o the_o repetition_n of_o seven_o must_v signify_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v singular_o for_o any_o one_o person_n but_o collective_o for_o many_o this_o be_v their_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o their_o mystery_n their_o great_a friend_n mr._n brightman_n will_v have_v call_v a_o mistake_n who_o interprete_v the_o omission_n thus_o minister_n the_o star_n of_o the_o church_n they_o signify_v seven_o angel_n so_o he_o as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v although_o the_o word_n seven_o be_v not_o add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v understand_v by_o that_o know_a figure_n ellipsis_n which_o according_a to_o all_o grammar_n learning_n in_o every_o language_n be_v when_o a_o word_n omit_v do_v follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o course_n or_o as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v accord_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o every_o intelligent_a reader_n as_o for_o example_n if_o any_o one_o of_o our_o opposite_n have_v command_v his_o servant_n say_v make_v ready_a for_o i_o two_o horse_n the_o white_a horse_n and_o the_o bay_n where_o in_o repeat_v the_o word_n bay_fw-mi be_v omit_v the_o word_n horse_n will_v it_o be_v a_o excuse_n in_o his_o servant_n for_o not_o make_v ready_a the_o bay_n to_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o word_n horse_n be_v mystical_a now_o to_o the_o mystery_n itself_o which_o be_v say_v they_o that_o therefore_o by_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o understand_v one_o minister_n alone_o which_o in_o our_o scan_n be_v no_o more_o consequent_a than_o in_o the_o former_a example_n to_o conclude_v from_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o word_n horse_n that_o therefore_o the_o bay_n be_v but_o a_o mare_n sect_n xv._n the_o