opinion_n of_o singularity_n and_o onelinesse_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o acknowledge_v in_o other_o remote_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o protestant_n not_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n long-ago_a that_o the_o word_n superintendent_n be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o the_o word_n bishop_n both_o from_o the_o same_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o some_o protestant_a church_n practise_v a_o prelacy_n vail_v it_o over_o with_o the_o word_n superintendency_n if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o 365._o zanchie_a will_v speak_v out_o and_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o tell_v we_o that_o episcopi_fw-la who_o we_o call_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o be_v word_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o thing_n signify_v there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o altercation_n and_o strife_n about_o word_n but_o what_o will_v he_o say_v to_o the_o practice_n he_o distinguish_v protestant_a church_n in_o this_o respect_n into_o three_o difference_n some_o whereof_o practice_n a_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o the_o clergy_n under_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o bishop_n another_o sort_n the_o same_o but_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o and_o general_n superintendent_o who_o we_o call_v archbishop_n last_o he_o disclose_v a_o three_o kind_n a_o circumstance_n very_o remarkable_a who_o although_o they_o avoid_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_o yet_o use_v they_o to_o be_v such_o primarii_fw-la as_o to_o say_v eminent_a in_o prelacy_n as_o in_o who_o for_o so_o he_o say_v the_o whole_a authority_n consist_v now_o therefore_o our_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o the_o church_n exercise_v prelacy_n or_o the_o other_o that_o only_o practise_v equality_n exceed_v in_o number_n the_o number_n of_o church_n which_o have_v prelate_n under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o of_o superintendent_o be_v in_o signification_n the_o same_o seem_v to_o greg._n de_fw-fr valentia_n the_o jesuit_n so_o many_o that_o he_o think_v all_o protestant_a church_n to_o have_v bishop_n a_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n doctor_n duraeus_n and_o a_o zealous_a hunter_n after_o the_o best_a game_n which_o be_v the_o general_a peace_n of_o protestant_a church_n among_o themselves_o have_v set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o church_n reform_v on_o both_o party_n and_o reckon_v if_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v seven_o bishop_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o swede_n in_o denmark_n bishop_n in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n superintendent_o and_o in_o all_o imperial_a city_n among_o the_o protestant_n beside_o divers_a other_o reform_a church_n the_o like_a which_o we_o suppose_v will_v rather_o keep_v their_o conformity_n with_o england_n then_o taste_v new_a wine_n with_o other_o see_v that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v 39_o the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o whether_o the_o episcopal_a form_n be_v not_o the_o only_a and_o apostolical_a come_v now_o to_o be_v discuss_v by_o inquire_v into_o antiquity_n vi_o thesis_n that_o the_o former_a reason_n of_o confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o episcopal_n prelacy_n for_o preservation_n of_o concord_n and_o prevent_v of_o schism_n be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o the_o ecchoing_n unto_o the_o sentence_n of_o ancient_a father_n among_o who_o hierome_n can_v tell_v we_o corrumpat_fw-la that_o the_o original_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o one_o presbyter_n in_o a_o degree_n above_o other_o be_v decree_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o take_v away_o schism_n which_o use_v thereof_o be_v hold_v so_o necessary_a in_o the_o day_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o say_v hierome_n spare_v not_o to_o affirm_v sacerdotes_fw-la that_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o who_o except_o some_o eminent_a authority_n be_v give_v there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n in_o the_o church_n so_o he_o and_o before_o he_o tertullian_n thus_o pax._fw-la the_o bishop_n be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o safety_n our_o peace_n will_v be_v also_o safe_a but_o how_o etc._n chrysostome_n and_o gregory_n nyssen_n do_v illustrate_v both_o affirm_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o precentor_n in_o a_o choir_n a_o governor_n in_o a_o camp_n and_o a_o pilot_n in_o a_o ship_n by_o which_o episcopal_a order_n say_v reducantur_fw-la basil_n the_o church_n be_v reduce_v as_o one_o soul_n into_o communion_n and_o concord_n yea_o and_o before_o all_o these_o rome_n cyprian_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n complain_v of_o such_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n against_o their_o bishop_n as_o be_v cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o a_o divine_a power_n of_o government_n so_o he_o these_o will_v some_o say_v be_v but_o their_o say_n and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o their_o say_n be_v not_o the_o symboll_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o meaning_n but_o we_o presume_v better_o of_o they_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o the_o rather_o for_o their_o further_a satisfaction_n which_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o next_o thesis_n vii_o thesis_n that_o bishop_n primitive_o be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a champion_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o also_o the_o great_a adversary_n to_o romish_a popedom_n as_o have_v also_o our_o english_a before_o we_o can_v begin_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o thesis_n we_o be_v confront_v by_o our_o opposite_n against_o primitive_a father_n in_o strange_a term_n vindication_n bishop_n by_o advance_v the_o authority_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v thereby_o say_v they_o but_o plead_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o make_v a_o stirrup_n for_o the_o romish_a antichrist_n to_o mount_v into_o his_o pontifical_a saddle_n so_o they_o which_o contumely_n against_o the_o reverend_a antiquity_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o call_v by_o its_o proper_a name_n be_v therefore_o not_o to_o reprove_v other_o but_o to_o prove_v what_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n which_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n live_v in_o the_o torrid_a zone_n of_o fiery_a persecution_n and_o other_o in_o a_o temperate_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o have_v it_o confess_v that_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n do_v above_o all_o other_o make_v their_o inquisition_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o fury_n most_o especial_o upon_o bishop_n we_o have_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o cyprian_a but_o much_o more_o in_o other_o ecclesiastical_a history_n wherein_o as_o be_v confess_v by_o stigmata_fw-la master_n brightman_n although_o dioclesian_n in_o his_o edict_n do_v especial_o command_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o that_o have_v take_v sacred_a order_n yet_o in_o a_o further_a habuerint_fw-la speciality_n the_o massacre_a of_o bishop_n he_o relate_v that_o one_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o of_o they_o be_v martyr_v in_o two_o place_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o be_v also_o reckon_v the_o number_n of_o 160._o bishop_n who_o be_v martyr_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o fancy_v that_o these_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v member_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o degree_n sake_n can_v pride_n it_o in_o their_o episcopal_a office_n will_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n they_o will_v rather_o think_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v prelate_n it_o as_o mariner_n use_v to_o frolic_v it_o rather_o in_o a_o calm_a of_o tranquillity_n but_o for_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v easy_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n beza_n who_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o pose_v whether_o he_o shall_v impute_v the_o note_n of_o pride_n unto_o these_o primitive_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o name_n have_v always_o be_v celebrious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n basil_n nysen_n nazianzen_n athanasius_n chrysostome_n ambrose_n and_o augustine_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v afterward_o have_v episcopal_a government_n in_o their_o several_a church_n answer_v say_v augustino_n i_o never_o hear_v any_o speak_v or_o read_v any_o write_v otherwise_o then_o honourable_o of_o those_o man_n as_o be_v meet_v so_o he_o of_o his_o time_n he_o can_v not_o prophesy_v of_o the_o future_a it_o be_v good_a that_o these_o who_o use_v this_o new_a and_o broad_a language_n have_v consider_v 20._o that_o bishop_n be_v then_o almost_o the_o only_a one_o who_o as_o occasion_n fall_v out_o either_o pull_v the_o romish_a pope_n out_o of_o his_o saddle_n when_o he_o be_v mount_v or_o else_o pluck_v away_o his_o stirrup_n that_o in_o those_o time_n he_o can_v not_o get_v up_o for_o whereas_o popedom_n be_v a_o double_a usurpation_n one_o of_o plenitude_n of_o authority_n throughout_o universal_a over_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o of_o a_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n in_o
all_o these_o apostolical_a relation_n concern_v episcopacy_n shall_v not_o amount_v unto_o so_o much_o as_o to_o make_v up_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n thereof_o the_o second_o object_v father_n be_v clement_n whereof_o their_o success_n will_v be_v no_o better_o if_o not_o much_o worse_o x._o thesis_n that_o clement_n a_o apostolical_a disciple_n to_o who_o arbitrement_n both_o our_o opposite_n and_o we_o offer_v to_o yield_v ourselves_o do_v patronize_v episcopacy_n as_o be_v apostolical_a we_o be_v earnest_o call_v upon_o to_o hearken_v unto_o clement_n 136._o talk_v of_o a_o prophecy_n of_o a_o future_a contention_n which_o shall_v happen_v about_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n next_o that_o there_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o antiquity_n of_o more_o esteem_n than_o the_o epistle_n of_o clement_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n then_o that_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o a_o learned_a gentleman_n mr._n patrick_n young_a and_o last_o for_o the_o matter_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v a_o common_a and_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o word_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n we_o shall_v answer_v punctual_o to_o every_o one_o viz._n the_o prophecy_n make_v for_o we_o the_o epistle_n much_o more_o the_o publisher_n also_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v and_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v scarce_o worthy_a the_o mention_n we_o begin_v with_o the_o prophecy_n the_o prophecy_n be_v only_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o time_n to_o come_v a_o contention_n about_o the_o word_n bishop_n if_o we_o shall_v ask_v our_o opposite_n when_o this_o contention_n be_v first_o know_v in_o time_n of_o old_a they_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o tell_v we_o know_v right_a well_o that_o it_o be_v first_o raise_v by_o one_o aerius_n of_o who_o epiphanius_n and_o austin_n have_v above_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o break_v out_o into_o schism_n and_o above_o because_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v to_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n do_v therefore_o spurn_v against_o episcopacy_n teach_v say_v st._n austin_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n therefore_o thus_o they_o may_v see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v both_o when_o and_o in_o who_o if_o they_o like_v it_o but_o if_o any_o shall_v boast_v that_o it_o be_v fulfil_v now_o by_o their_o present_a opposall_n against_o episcopacy_n after_o that_o it_o have_v have_v approbation_n with_o a_o continual_a use_n universal_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n then_o have_v we_o nothing_o else_o to_o reply_v but_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n put_v in_o our_o mouth_n if_o any_o be_v contentious_a say_v he_o we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o wilful_o contentious_a make_v himself_o a_o adversary_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o no_o way_n acceptable_a to_o god_n himself_o the_o second_o point_n which_o we_o be_v to_o discern_v be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v identity_n of_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o shall_v have_v call_v it_o community_n of_o name_n especial_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o identity_n in_o the_o word_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o letter_n of_o p._n and_o b._n but_o this_o be_v a_o lapse_n therefore_o to_o our_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o answer_v that_o mere_a name_n and_o word_n make_v but_o verbal_a consequence_n to_o which_o we_o oppose_v a_o real_a and_o logical_a consequence_n à _fw-la paribus_fw-la thus_o for_o of_o the_o very_a apostle_n of_o christ_n one_o instile_v himself_o co-presbyte_a another_o himself_n presbyter_n a_o three_o himself_o deacon_n who_o be_v all_o common_a name_n with_o other_o that_o be_v not_o apostle_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n and_o function_n be_v governor_n over_o presbyter_n which_o show_v that_o the_o enterchangeablenesse_n of_o name_n can_v conclude_v a_o indifferency_n of_o degree_n but_o this_o cram_n will_v be_v sod_v once_o again_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v occasion_v to_o give_v further_a satisfaction_n as_o for_o the_o present_a it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v what_o shall_v we_o need_v word_n when_o we_o see_v act_n and_o deed_n namely_o concern_v this_o clement_n not_o only_o that_o he_o maintain_v the_o distinct_a degree_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o that_o also_o he_o be_v distinct_o above_o presbyter_n a_o bishop_n himself_o yet_o shall_v not_o our_o opposite_n pose_v we_o in_o that_o where_fw-mi tributum_fw-la vedelius_fw-la a_o professor_n of_o geneva_n give_v they_o if_o they_o have_v read_v he_o some_o satisfaction_n show_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o clemens_n remain_v the_o sole_a adjutour_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o linus_n and_o cletus_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o attribute_v to_o any_o presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n so_o he_o be_v not_o this_o to_o the_o point_n the_o distinguish_n of_o time_n do_v solve_v many_o doubt_n it_o be_v meet_v now_o at_o length_n we_o hear_v clemens_n himself_o speak_v clement_n immediate_o after_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a prophecy_n add_v say_v concern_v the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o cause_n they_o have_v a_o perfect_a foreknowledge_n constitute_v the_o aforesaid_a and_o leave_v a_o description_n of_o officer_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o course_n who_o after_o that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v fall_v asleep_a other_o godly_a man_n may_v succeed_v and_o execute_v their_o function_n so_o clement_n whence_o it_o be_v evident_o collect_v that_o bishop_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o a_o role_n and_o catalogue_n of_o bishop_n be_v frequent_o have_v in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n lineal_o deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o most_o of_o the_o learned_a protestant_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v ever_o confess_v but_o if_o our_o opposite_n can_v prove_v the_o like_a catalogue_n of_o presbyter_n of_o a_o primitive_a and_o right_a line_n of_o descent_n then_o be_v they_o whole_o to_o yield_v the_o cause_n and_o that_o even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o clement_n which_o be_v now_o ready_a to_o be_v furthermore_o confess_v by_o the_o exact_a learning_n of_o the_o publisher_n of_o clement_n this_o gentleman_n our_o opposite_n call_v learned_a we_o owe_v he_o a_o high_a title_n even_o one_o exquisite_o learn_v he_o comment_v upon_o the_o same_o epistle_n of_o clement_n now_o object_v against_o episcopacy_n teach_v that_o the_o right_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d agree_v with_o the_o word_n census_fw-la in_o tertullian_n by_o who_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o apostolical_a church_n to_o make_v a_o role_n for_o this_o word_n he_o hold_v not_o unfit_a of_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n to_o bring_v they_o unto_o their_o first_o original_n even_o as_o say_v tertullian_n polycarpus_n be_v from_o john_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o clemens_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n from_o peter_n speak_v even_o of_o this_o our_o clemens_n and_o add_v of_o other_o and_o other_o say_v he_o who_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v bishop_n from_o who_o other_o may_v deduce_v their_o traduction_n and_o offspring_n what_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o inexpugnable_a convincement_n of_o our_o opposite_n to_o prove_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v of_o a_o apostolical_a ordination_n yet_o be_v not_o this_o all_o clement_n be_v further_o represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o same_o learned_a publisher_n as_o one_o register_v and_o enroll_v by_o antiquity_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o same_o bishop_n lineal_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n whether_o in_o the_o first_o second_o or_o three_o rank_n it_o matter_n not_o and_o the_o doubt_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v solve_v in_o the_o margin_n by_o our_o foresay_a geneva_n professor_n and_o for_o witness_n hereunto_o be_v cite_v optatus_n hierome_n ruffinus_n eucherius_n and_o photius_n set_v down_o express_o in_o the_o same_o book_n which_o our_o opposite_n have_v object_v against_o we_o which_o if_o you_o will_v not_o see_v or_o see_v not_o regard_n all_o we_o shall_v say_v be_v we_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o yet_o after_o this_o our_o retorsion_n of_o their_o object_v author_n upon_o themselves_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o further_o satisfaction_n from_o our_o select_a and_o express_a suffrage_n of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o apostolical_a succession_n of_o episcopacy_n xi_o thesis_n that_o other_o primitive_a father_n before_o hierome_n do_v unanimous_o testify_v a_o apostolical_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o manifest_a for_o the_o first_o three_o acceperunt_fw-la ireneus_fw-la habeant_fw-la tertullian_n and_o locum_fw-la origen_n to_o which_o we_o add_v diffunditur_fw-la augustine_n do_v all_o profess_v themselves_o ready_a to_o deduce_v
the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o principal_n see_v from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n next_o they_o instance_n in_o some_o apostolical_a church_n as_o namely_o from_o ja._n the_o b_o open_fw-mi of_o hiern_n &_o mark_v in_o alexandria_n what_o say_v our_o opposite_n to_o this_o a_o principal_a one_o etc._n salmasius_n by_o name_n call_v this_o alleadgment_n of_o james_n a_o bishop_n false_a and_o foolish_a his_o reason_n be_v because_o james_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o keep_v residence_n in_o one_o see_n first_o be_v it_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o this_o james_n be_v all_o antiquity_n render_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n viz._n accepit_fw-la eusebius_n hierosolymitanae_n epiphanius_n hierom_n jacobo_n egesippus_fw-la hieroolymitanae_n chrysostom_n and_o episcopus_fw-la ambrose_n the_o 21._o synod_n of_o trullo_n how_o then_o shall_v it_o become_v we_o but_o of_o yesterday_n birth_n thus_o to_o pull_v reverend_a antiquity_n by_o the_o beard_n and_o give_v they_o the_o fool_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v rational_a man_n from_o reason_v and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v that_o be_v it_o that_o ja._n have_v be_v a_o apostle_n yet_o other_o protestant_a divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o fool_n as_o dr._n plurimi_fw-la scultetus_n episcopus_fw-la zuinglius_fw-la and_o mr._n 7._o moulin_n each_o one_o can_v answer_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o visit_v of_o country_n after_o country_n for_o conversion_n of_o people_n and_o sound_v of_o church_n yet_o whether_o enfeeble_v by_o age_n or_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o may_v fix_v themselves_o to_o one_o province_n but_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o costrain_v to_o this_o answer_n but_o furthermore_o tell_v our_o opposite_n that_o which_o have_v be_v quarto_fw-la judicious_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v not_o james_n that_o apostle_n but_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o only_o a_o apostolical_a disciple_n which_o may_v satisfy_v our_o opposite_n until_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o their_o object_v timothy_n and_o titus_n call_v evangelist_n as_o for_o mark_n if_o in_o the_o line_n of_o succession_n of_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n he_o only_o be_v take_v exclusive_o yet_o must_v the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o see_v be_v necessary_o hold_v apostolical_a xii_o thesis_n that_o the_o apostolical_a antiquity_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v confess_o prove_v out_o of_o ignatius_n vedelius_n that_o learned_a divinity_n professor_n in_o the_o academy_n of_o geneva_n imperatore_n in_o his_o most_o elaborate_a work_n of_o exercitation_n upon_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n for_o vindicate_v his_o doctrine_n from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o bellarmine_n baronius_n and_o other_o romish_a writer_n be_v copious_a in_o manifest_v the_o direct_a judgement_n of_o ignatius_n in_o many_o notable_a point_n concern_v ignatius_n himself_o he_o render_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n a_o holy_a man_n and_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ._n 2._o concern_v the_o cause_n against_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o who_o will_n have_v bishop_n the_o first_o under_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v under_o christ_n this_o he_o confute_v out_o of_o ignatius_n who_o teach_v that_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o bishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o christ._n 3._o against_o papist_n who_o proclaim_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o bishop_n he_o confess_v ignatius_n hold_v the_o bishop_n in_o every_o church_n to_o be_v the_o next_o under_o christ_n and_o chief_a therein_o 4._o the_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o profess_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o bishop_n such_o as_o be_v polycarpus_n a_o disciple_n also_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o as_o ignatius_n require_v of_o the_o smyrnaean_n will_v willing_o yea_o necessary_o obey_v he_o so_o he_o in_o this_o maxim_n we_o behold_v two_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n ignatius_n and_o polycarpus_n both_o bishop_n distinct_o from_o presbyter_n and_o governor_n and_o this_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o well_o therefore_o may_v our_o opposite_n deny_v themselves_o to_o have_v depend_v natural_o from_o their_o own_o parent_n as_o bishop_n original_o from_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v to_o pursue_v this_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o xiii_o thesis_n that_o antiquity_n have_v give_v we_o rule_n of_o resolution_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o the_o case_n of_o episcopacy_n the_o rule_n give_v by_o antiquity_n be_v always_o hold_v catholic_n throughout_o all_o christian_a church_n of_o ancient_a time_n st._n augustine_n rule_n may_v be_v our_o first_o direction_n thus_o creditur_fw-la whatsoever_o the_o universal_a church_n hold_v and_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o counsel_n but_o always_o keep_v that_o must_v most_o right_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v from_o apostolical_a authority_n so_o he_o which_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v as_o much_o as_o dr._n scultetus_n most_o judicious_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o if_o no_o interim_n can_v be_v show_v between_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o day_n immediate_o succeed_v when_o there_o be_v no_o episcopal_a government_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n then_o must_v the_o same_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o apostle_n we_o hold_v this_o most_o reasonable_a even_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v what_o the_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o country_n adjoin_v unto_o we_o our_o next_o border_v neighbour_n to_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o competent_a witness_n of_o their_o manner_n such_o have_v be_v hitherto_o our_o proof_n even_o from_o such_o ancient_n as_o either_o have_v see_v the_o apostle_n or_o else_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o opposite_n not_o able_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o primitive_a church_n to_o the_o contrary_a only_a object_n a_o community_n of_o name_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n which_o shadow_n will_v vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o shall_v give_v light_n by_o proof_n of_o the_o apostolical_a original_a of_o episcopacy_n in_o diverse_a thesis_n follow_v by_o expression_n confession_n and_o authority_n fourteen_o thesis_n that_o protestant_a divine_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v hold_v it_o most_o equal_a to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_n for_o proof_n of_o a_o practice_n apostolical_a we_o plead_v no_o other_o equity_n in_o this_o cause_n tradiderunt_fw-la than_o what_o calvin_n hold_v necessary_a against_o anabaptisticall_a revelation_n argue_v negative_o in_o this_o manner_n these_o lie_n say_v he_o be_v easy_o confute_v because_o many_o be_v then_o live_v who_o have_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o he_o concern_v doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o convincent_fw-la mus_fw-la this_o argument_n be_v when_o our_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o as_o be_v daily_o do_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n for_o pâ—oof_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v of_o infant_n against_o the_o same_o anabaptisticall_a faction_n yea_o why_o not_o also_o for_o the_o like_a original_a practice_n of_o episcopacy_n even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n of_o excellent_a judgement_n observatus_fw-la beza_n must_v not_o be_v neglect_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n because_o this_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o alexandria_n so_o he_o this_o be_v well_o but_o he_o have_v not_o quite_o tell_v out_o his_o tale_n which_o he_o do_v elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o nominabant_fw-la hierome_n say_v namely_o that_o in_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n one_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n who_o they_o name_v bishop_n which_o be_v do_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o schism_n be_v it_o then_o that_o touch_v this_o series_n and_o order_n of_o succession_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o saint_n mark_v the_o apostle_n be_v it_o take_v inclusive_o or_o exclusive_o it_o necessary_o imply_v that_o the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n master_n moulin_n give_v we_o a_o loud_a accent_n say_v that_o hereafter_o he_o be_v never_o so_o hard_o face_v as_o to_o censure_v these_o bishop_n ignatius_n polycarpe_n augustine_n chrysostome_n and_o other_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v usurp_v a_o unlawful_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o allege_v among_o his_o ancient_n polycarpe_n and_o ignatius_n the_o first_o of_o which_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o
the_o apostle_n and_o as_o antiquity_n itself_o teach_v and_o consent_n of_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remote_a church_n will_v afterward_o grant_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o saint_n john_n the_o evangelist_n the_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n the_o other_o viz._n ignatius_n be_v also_o acquaint_v with_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n beside_o we_o have_v hear_v fratre_fw-la scultetus_n resolve_v that_o james_n not_o the_o apostle_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o plentiful_a testimony_n of_o antiquity_n itself_o we_o will_v conclude_v with_o this_o our_o proof_n from_o the_o same_o antiquity_n but_o what_o even_o that_o which_o presbyterorum_fw-la bucer_n find_v resolve_v upon_o as_o he_o say_v before_o hierom_n let_v we_o take_v his_o own_o word_n divine_a father_n more_o ancient_a than_o hierom._n cyprian_n ireneus_fw-la eusebius_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n show_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v one_o elect_v and_o ordain_v who_o shall_v have_v episcopal_a function_n and_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n so_o he_o instance_v in_o james_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v who_o be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n xv._n thesis_n that_o master_n beza_n himself_o be_v challengable_a to_o yield_v unto_o apostolical_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n from_o his_o own_o former_a confession_n master_n beza_n have_v already_o 12._o confess_v concern_v the_o famous_a church_n of_o alexandria_n that_o from_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n one_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v place_v in_o a_o degree_n above_o presbyter_n call_v bishop_n be_v according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o hierom._n the_o story_n hereof_o have_v be_v of_o late_o publish_v by_o master_n selden_n the_o ornament_n of_o our_o nation_n excellent_o conversant_a in_o ancient_a &_o exotic_a learning_n out_o of_o the_o relation_n of_o eutychâ—us_n that_o mark_v the_o eu._n place_v anianus_n patriarch_n or_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n in_o which_o book_n also_o there_o be_v set_v down_o the_o full_a catalogue_n of_o 18._o bishop_n successive_o unto_o dionysius_n that_o possess_v the_o same_o see_v which_o prove_v as_o plain_o a_o episcopal_a and_o personal_a succession_n by_o a_o apostolical_a constitution_n from_o anianus_n to_o alexandria_n in_o a_o lineal_a succession_n as_o be_v the_o filial_a and_o natural_a descent_n from_o adam_n to_o thara_n which_o make_v up_o eighteen_o generation_n what_o need_v then_o many_o word_n the_o most_o thesis_n which_o have_v be_v premise_v and_o almost_o all_o afterward_o to_o be_v propound_v do_v declare_v the_o same_o by_o joint_a accordance_n of_o protestant_a divine_n of_o reform_a church_n and_o suffrage_n of_o antiquity_n we_o hasten_v to_o our_o last_o proof_n but_o be_v arrest_v in_o our_o way_n by_o our_o opposite_n to_o answer_v two_o object_v testimony_n of_o antiquity_n xvi_o thesis_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o nazianzen_n and_o augustine_n be_v unworthy_o object_v to_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v urge_v to_o reckon_v these_o two_o excellent_a bishop_n although_o in_o true_a construction_n they_o have_v answer_v for_o themselves_o 88_o nazianzen_n say_v our_o opposite_n muster_v up_o the_o evil_n that_o have_v happen_v unto_o he_o reckon_v ejection_n out_o of_o his_o episcopacy_n hold_v it_o a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n to_o avoid_v it_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d place_n of_o president-ship_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o tyrannical_a prerogative_n in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v know_v only_o by_o virtue_n we_o have_v allege_v nazianzen_n according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n so_o they_o but_o so_o as_o usual_o in_o a_o heterogeneal_a sense_n to_o infer_v a_o necessary_a abnegation_n of_o episcopacy_n they_o who_o seek_v iugenuous_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o sentence_n in_o author_n must_v be_v janus-like_a face_v look_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d backward_o and_o forward_o both_o which_o property_n have_v be_v want_v to_o our_o opposite_n first_o because_o before_o the_o word_n object_v they_o lie_v before_o their_o eye_n this_o say_n of_o disiderabant_fw-la nazianzen_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o episcopacy_n be_v have_v in_o great_a admiration_n and_o desire_v of_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n and_o the_o second_o as_o not_o consider_v that_o be_v then_o speak_v only_o comparative_o against_o the_o tyrannical_a government_n of_o bishop_n which_o by_o all_o protestant_a bishop_n have_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o popish_a hierarchy_n beside_o that_o this_o be_v but_o the_o breath_n of_o vexatious_a passion_n upon_o occasion_n of_o one_o maximus_n who_o nazianzen_n call_v a_o cynic_n and_o doggish_a philosopher_n because_o whereas_o he_o himself_o have_v the_o general_n esteem_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v by_o way_n of_o excellence_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a notwithstanding_o he_o be_v vehement_o persecute_v by_o the_o same_o unworthy_a prelate_n and_o by_o his_o circumvention_n disturb_v out_o of_o his_o bishopric_n and_o therefore_o sensible_a of_o that_o iudignity_n do_v utter_v the_o language_n of_o his_o heart_n grief_n but_o why_o do_v not_o our_o opposite_n tell_v we_o that_o after_o this_o storm_n there_o fall_v a_o calm_a when_o the_o same_o godly_a bishop_n be_v with_o general_a applause_n receive_v to_o his_o bishopric_n again_o but_o especial_o we_o may_v complain_v that_o they_o have_v by_o their_o silence_n smother_v nazianzen_n judgement_n concern_v the_o cause_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o right_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o which_o he_o esteem_v the_o most_o perfect_a kind_n of_o government_n so_o he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o to_o have_v hold_v it_o the_o best_a which_o he_o further_o declare_v in_o his_o funeral_n oration_n which_o he_o have_v of_o three_o famous_a bishop_n basil_n athanasius_n and_o cyprian_a augustine_n write_v to_o hierome_n distinctio_fw-la say_v that_o custom_n have_v obtain_v that_o episcopacy_n shall_v be_v high_o than_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o word_n therefore_o say_v walo_n the_o distinction_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n be_v first_o constitute_v by_o the_o church_n so_o he_o who_o disciple_n our_o other_o opposite_n have_v learn_v this_o lesson_n say_v 87._o if_o augustine_n have_v know_v the_o majority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n to_o have_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n he_o may_v have_v say_v so_o much_o nay_o he_o will_v have_v say_v as_o much_o and_o we_o answer_v if_o any_o of_o our_o opposite_n have_v regard_v to_o search_v the_o judgement_n of_o augustine_n they_o will_v not_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o because_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o augustine_n do_v say_v as_o much_o as_o they_o require_v he_o shall_v have_v say_v as_o have_v be_v show_v say_v of_o himself_o and_o other_o bishop_n thus_o we_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o same_o power_n and_o that_o christ_n institute_v bishop_n when_o he_o ordain_v his_o apostle_n that_o we_o above_o repeat_v not_o his_o condemn_a aërius_n as_o epiphanius_n do_v for_o deny_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v a_o institution_n apostolical_a and_o now_o whether_o our_o reader_n think_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o supposition_n of_o what_o augustine_n will_v have_v do_v or_o the_o manifestation_n what_o he_o do_v we_o permit_v to_o his_o judgement_n this_o obstacle_n thus_o remove_v we_o fall_v now_o upon_o the_o last_o proof_n our_o last_o proof_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o apostolical_a right_n &_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o to_o this_o purpose_n two_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v allege_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n which_o be_v to_o be_v discuss_v according_a to_o our_o foreme_a method_n by_o the_o consonant_a testimony_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o consent_n of_o protestant_a divine_n of_o general_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n xii_o thesis_n that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n both_o have_v a_o prelacy_n over_o presbyter_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o community_n of_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v sufficient_o confess_v by_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remote_a church_n there_o can_v none_o be_v hold_v a_o more_o sufficient_a witness_n with_o our_o opposite_n than_o he_o who_o have_v profess_o plead_v this_o cause_n in_o their_o behalf_n &_o notwithstanding_o free_o &_o dear_o grant_v that_o successores_fw-la timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v indeed_o governor_n over_o their_o province_n and_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v appoint_v they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v over_o the_o presbyter_n a_o kind_n of_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o he_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n call_v extraordinary_a and_o we_o
take_v he_o at_o his_o own_o word_n in_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v some_o way_n a_o authoritative_a prelacy_n and_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o extraordinary_a it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o receive_v a_o ordinary_a but_o a_o true_a answer_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o press_v his_o confession_n as_o we_o may_v do_v his_o reason_n thereof_o deduct_v from_o the_o text_n themselves_o concern_v their_o prelatical_a power_n of_o order_v matter_n that_o be_v amiss_o tit._n 1._o 5._o of_o receive_a accusation_n against_o presbyter_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o and_o the_o like_a but_o our_o other_o opposite_n will_v needs_o pose_v we_o require_v we_o to_o answer_v their_o first_o objection_n videl_n smect_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o pedigree_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n then_o this_o be_v prove_v say_v they_o by_o two_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v the_o identity_n of_o their_o name_n which_o quoth_v they_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n we_o answer_v yea_o rather_o of_o none_o at_o all_o else_o be_v master_n beza_n but_o of_o small_a judgement_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v confess_v appellatione_fw-la that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v then_o a_o precedent_n over_o they_o yea_o when_o the_o community_n of_o name_n so_o he_o of_o presbyter_n and_o bpâ—_n remain_v among_o they_o according_o as_o 3._o dr_n reynolds_n have_v say_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v then_o one_o who_o be_v precedent_n over_o they_o when_o as_o yet_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o who_o furthermore_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o distinguish_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n whither_o soon_o or_o late_a here_o or_o there_o he_o say_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v afterward_o appropriate_v by_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o presidentship_n over_o the_o elder_n so_o he_o hereby_o grant_v that_o the_o presidentship_n by_o bishop_n be_v of_o force_n before_o the_o title_n and_o name_n be_v appropriate_v and_o allot_v unto_o they_o if_o our_o opposite_n have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o learned_a author_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v their_o pain_n in_o oppugn_v episcopacy_n how_o much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v consult_v with_o god_n own_o oracle_n in_o his_o word_n wherein_o we_o find_v which_o former_o we_o point_v at_o that_o saint_n peter_n entitle_v himself_o a_o co-presbyte_a 1._o pet._n 5._o &_o 1_o saint_n john_n himself_o a_o presbyter_n 1._o john_n 1_o and_o saint_n paul_n himself_o thrice_o he_o can_v then_o stoop_v no_o low_a a_o deacon_n col._n 1._o 23._o &_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 3._o &_o 6._o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o inferior_a appellation_n they_o hold_v still_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o apostelship_n we_o end_v this_o point_n in_o hope_n that_o our_o opposite_n will_v take_v out_o this_o lesson_n which_o calvin_n learn_v from_o the_o divine_a text_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o titus_n what_o be_v that_o even_o our_o full_a conclusion_n in_o this_o cause_n praeâ—sset_fw-la we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o a_o equality_n say_v he_o among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o one_o be_v with_o authority_n place_v over_o other_o their_o second_o convince_a objection_n will_v be_v discuss_v xviii_o thesis_n that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v have_v a_o prelacy_n as_o bishop_n over_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v call_v evangelist_n according_a to_o consent_v of_o protestant_n of_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o second_o and_o only_o other_o objection_n which_o our_o opposite_n enforce_v in_o this_o case_n to_o wit_n 115._o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n with_o all_o other_o such_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o assistant_n and_o immediate_a successor_n do_v take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o proper_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n who_o have_v no_o settle_a residence_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o but_o be_v encounter_v with_o other_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remote_a church_n in_o good_a number_n for_o praeerat_fw-la luther_n among_o his_o other_o resolution_n insert_v this_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n ground_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o text_n specify_v titus_n his_o government_n in_o crete_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o augustine_n 2._o their_o learned_a quadrent_fw-la scultetus_n show_v that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o assist_v the_o apostle_n for_o collect_v of_o church_n at_o evangelist_n but_o for_o govern_v of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v collect_v as_o the_o general_a precept_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o do_v prove_v thereby_o to_o become_v the_o example_n &_o type_n for_o the_o successor_n to_o follow_v and_o thereupon_o he_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o who_o otherwise_o be_v call_v evangeliste_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o their_o superintendency_n bishop_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n preminentiae_fw-la master_n moulin_n will_v have_v it_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v whether_o as_o bishop_n or_o evangelist_n it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o continual_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o other_o confess_v as_o james_n have_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o mark_v in_o alexandria_n which_o be_v episcopal_a titus_n say_v episcopus_fw-la tossahus_o after_o his_o peregrination_n with_o paul_n be_v appoint_v bishop_n of_o crect_n and_o before_o these_o utriusque_fw-la zuinglius_fw-la confess_v that_o tim._n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o paul_n advise_v he_o to_o pursue_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4._o be_v then_o bishop_n in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o by_o all_o consequence_n 5._o dr._n gerhard_n a_o late_a famous_a theological_a author_n be_v copious_a in_o this_o argument_n who_o in_o the_o same_o show_v that_o the_o word_n evangelist_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o paul_n write_v unto_o he_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a acceptation_n and_o not_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o assistant_n even_o as_o luther_n say_v he_o understand_v it_o beside_o he_o show_v out_o of_o scripture_n exact_o the_o several_a station_n which_o timothy_n have_v with_o saint_n paul_n in_o exercise_v his_o office_n before_o that_o time_n that_o he_o be_v place_v bishop_n in_o ephesus_n we_o forbear_v the_o full_a allegation_n of_o the_o like_a author_n cite_v by_o other_o that_o we_o may_v hearken_v to_o our_o english_a doctor_n reynolds_n nothing_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o tell_v we_o of_o that_o very_a time_n when_o paul_n assemble_v the_o ministry_n at_o miletum_n act._n 20._o 28._o 3._o one_o be_v choose_v as_o chief_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o gâ—â—d_v it_o the_o same_o who_o afterward_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n call_v bishop_n so_o he_o and_o for_o confirmation_n hereof_o show_v that_o which_o must_v indeed_o be_v impregnable_a to_o wit_n a_o lineal_a succession_n of_o 27._o bishop_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o timothy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o for_o surplus_n age_n to_o all_o this_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o object_v reason_n propound_v for_o timothy_n nonresidence_n in_o ephesus_n by_o that_o qualification_n which_o jurisconsulti_fw-la calvin_n have_v do_v in_o like_a case_n namely_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o tie_v to_o their_o glebe_n or_o charge_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o help_v other_o church_n upon_o necessary_a occasion_n as_o for_o the_o object_v term_n of_o evangelist_n we_o moreover_o answer_v from_o scripture_n where_o we_o find_v philip_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o samaria_n act._n 8._o 5._o call_v a_o evangelist_n act._n 21._o 8._o and_o yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o mean_v deacon_n act._n 6._o 5._o our_o quaere_fw-la be_v why_o timothy_n may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v a_o bishop_n as_o philip_n be_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n name_v in_o evangelist_n be_v a_o deacon_n we_o think_v all_o this_o shall_v be_v satisfactory_a although_o no_o more_o be_v say_v but_o more_o we_o have_v xix_o thesis_n that_o antiquity_n teach_v a_o episcopacy_n both_o in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n our_o strong_a opposite_a extitere_fw-la salmasius_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v concern_v antiquity_n although_o he_o spurn_v against_o it_o that_o chrysostome_n epiphaneus_n theophylact_fw-mi theodoret_n and_o other_o greek_a commentatour_n have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n that_o titus_n be_v very_o bishop_n of_o creeâ—e_n and_o that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v divers_a bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v our_o
unto_o the_o ten_o of_o trajan_n wherein_o ignatius_n in_o that_o last_o journey_n which_o he_o make_v for_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o glorious_a martyrdom_n at_o rome_n write_v another_o epistle_n unto_o the_o selfsame_a church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o their_o then_o bishop_n onesimus_n as_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o 〈◊〉_d eusebius_n cite_v this_o out_o of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o epistle_n itself_o yet_o extant_a in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ignatius_n have_v accknowledge_v that_o their_o ephes._n numerous_a multitude_n be_v receive_v by_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o their_o bishop_n onesimus_n and_o ibid._n bless_a god_n for_o grant_v unto_o they_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o be_v do_v afterward_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o ibid._n duty_n in_o concur_v with_o he_o as_o he_o show_v their_o worthy_a presbytery_n do_v be_v ibid._n so_o conjoin_v as_o he_o say_v with_o their_o bishop_n as_o the_o string_n be_v with_o the_o harp_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n exhort_v they_o to_o ibid._n obey_v both_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbytery_n with_o a_o undivided_a mind_n in_o the_o same_o journey_n write_v ignatius_n also_o a_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n another_o of_o the_o seven_o unto_o who_o those_o letter_n be_v direct_v in_o s._n john_n revelation_n wherein_o he_o also_o smyrn_n salute_v their_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n exhort_v all_o the_o people_n to_o ibid._n follow_v their_o bishop_n as_o christ_n jesus_n do_v his_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o ibid._n no_o man_n ought_v either_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o this_o bishop_n and_o what_o that_o presbytery_n be_v appear_v by_o another_o epistle_n write_v a_o little_a after_o from_o smyrna_n by_o philippens_n polycarpus_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v with_o he_o unto_o the_o philippian_n and_o that_o the_o same_o polycarpus_n be_v then_o also_o bishop_n there_o when_o s._n john_n write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o then_o irenaeus_n who_o do_v not_o only_o know_v those_o worthy_a man_n 3._o who_o succeed_v polycarpus_n in_o his_o see_n but_o also_o 〈◊〉_d be_v present_a when_o he_o himself_o do_v discourse_n of_o his_o conversation_n with_o s._n john_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o those_o who_o have_v see_v our_o lord_n jesus_n polycarpus_n 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o be_v not_o only_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v christ_n but_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v in_o asia_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n who_o we_o ourselves_o also_o do_v see_v in_o our_o young_a age_n for_o he_o continue_v long_o &_o be_v very_o age_v he_o most_o glorious_o and_o noble_o suffer_v martyrdom_n depart_v this_o life_n now_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n and_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n before_o s._n john_n the_o last_o survivor_n of_o they_o do_v write_v his_o revelation_n who_o but_o he_o can_v there_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n in_o which_o that_o he_o still_o hold_v his_o episcopal_a office_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n which_o fall_v out_o lxxiv_o year_n afterward_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o this_o testimony_n which_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o suffering_n give_v unto_o he_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v the_o most_o admirable_a man_n in_o our_o time_n a_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a doctor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v the_o like_a of_o polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n who_o live_v also_o in_o his_o time_n and_o in_o his_o neighbourhood_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d polycarpus_n to_o have_v be_v both_o bishop_n and_o martyr_n in_o smyrna_n so_o say_v he_o in_o his_o synodica_fw-la epistle_n direct_v unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o 27_o year_n after_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n he_o himself_o be_v at_o that_o time_n 65_o year_n of_o age_n about_o the_o very_a same_o time_n wherein_o polycrates_n write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o victor_n do_v tertullian_n publish_v his_o book_n of_o prescription_n against_o heretic_n wherein_o he_o avouch_v against_o they_o that_o 5._o as_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n have_v polycarpus_n place_v there_o by_o john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o peter_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n also_o do_v show_v what_o bishop_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o traduce_v the_o apostolical_a seed_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o before_o he_o do_v irenaeus_n urge_v against_o they_o 63._o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n in_o every_o place_n 20._o for_o all_o the_o heretic_n say_v he_o be_v much_o late_a than_o those_o bishop_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o church_n and_o 3._o we_o be_v able_a to_o number_v those_o who_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o successor_n unto_o our_o day_n who_o neither_o teach_v nor_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n dream_v of_o for_o proof_n whereof_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n from_o ibid._n liws_o unto_o who_o the_o bless_a apostle_n commit_v that_o episcopacy_n and_o anacletus_fw-la by_o other_o call_v cletus_n and_o clement_n who_o do_v both_o see_v the_o apostle_n and_o confer_v with_o they_o unto_o ibid._n eleutherius_fw-la who_o when_o irenaeus_n write_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o that_o bishopric_n in_o the_o twelve_o place_n after_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o integrity_n which_o then_o continue_v in_o each_o other_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n hegesippus_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v his_o history_n of_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d soter_n succeed_v anicetus_n and_o after_o he_o be_v eleutherius_fw-la now_o in_o every_o succession_n and_o in_o every_o city_n all_o thing_n so_o stand_v as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o lord_n do_v preach_v and_o more_o particular_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o by_o clement_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o some_o faction_n wherewith_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n much_o trouble_v which_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o junii_fw-la the_o apostle_n of_o who_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o hearer_n have_v perfect_a intelligence_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o contention_n that_o shall_v arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n he_o declare_v that_o after_o the_o appease_n of_o this_o tumult_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n continue_v in_o the_o right_a way_n until_o the_o day_n of_o primus_fw-la who_o he_o do_v visit_v in_o his_o sail_v towards_o rome_n which_o primus_n have_v for_o his_o successor_n that_o famous_a dionysius_n who_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o athenian_n have_v be_v before_o nominate_v wherein_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o bishop_n that_o have_v be_v place_v over_o they_o even_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n 34._o s._n paul_n own_o convert_n a_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o doubt_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v if_o any_o question_n be_v now_o make_v of_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v here_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o vi_o or_o queen_n maryes_fw-mi day_n i_o may_v also_o say_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n herself_o if_o with_o 120._o baronius_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o areopagite_n life_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n this_o hegesippus_n live_v next_o after_o the_o first_o succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o expressit_fw-la eusebius_n note_v and_o be_v himself_o a_o christian_n fin_fw-fr of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v careful_a to_o record_v unto_o posterity_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o alteration_n that_o follow_v after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n where_o first_o he_o show_v that_o 〈◊〉_d jame_v the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n surname_v the_o just_a do_v govern_v that_o church_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n yet_o so_o as_o 1._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o write_v some_o twenty_o year_n after_o he_o further_o add_v that_o he_o have_v this_o preferment_n even_o before_o the_o three_o prime_a apostle_n peter_n and_o
so_o he_o last_o now_o under_o our_o gracious_a sovereign_a king_n charles_n in_o the_o time_n of_o archbishop_n abbot_n who_o daily_a experience_n do_v testify_v the_o reciprocal_a correspondence_n between_o he_o and_o with_o other_o bishop_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n beyond_o the_o sea_n at_o what_o time_n likewise_o cyrill_a late_a greek_a patriarch_n of_o constatinople_n do_v so_o far_o honour_n both_o he_o and_o our_o english_a church_n as_o to_o profess_v his_o accordance_n therewith_o more_o special_o then_o with_o any_o other_o and_o if_o our_o bishop_n of_o late_a date_n have_v not_o be_v respect_v then_o sure_o will_v not_o the_o divine_n about_o breme_n in_o germany_n have_v send_v their_o controversy_n have_v among_o themselves_o only_o unto_o certain_a bishop_n in_o england_n as_o they_o do_v to_o have_v they_o moderate_v by_o their_o judgement_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o their_o dedication_n of_o some_o of_o their_o book_n unto_o bishop_n these_o last_o relation_n nothing_o but_o the_o importunity_n of_o these_o time_n can_v have_v extort_a from_o we_o thus_o much_o of_o particular_a respect_n have_v in_o special_a to_o our_o english_a episcopal_a government_n by_o singular_a approve_a divine_n of_o the_o reform_a protestant_a church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o the_o thread_n of_o our_o method_n lead_v we_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o will_v say_v touch_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n or_o lawfulness_n thereof_o in_o general_n ii_o thesis_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o visible_o constitute_v church_n in_o all_o christendom_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o 1500._o year_n and_o more_o which_o hold_v episcopacy_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o even_o at_o this_o time_n all_o episcopacy_n and_o prelacy_n of_o any_o one_o above_o presbytery_n be_v cry_v down_o by_o some_o as_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o discerni_fw-la notwithstanding_o our_o opposite_n can_v but_o know_v what_o beside_o epiphanius_n saint_n angustine_n record_v of_o one_o aerius_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o because_o he_o can_v not_o obtain_v to_o be_v make_v a_o bishop_n do_v therefore_o teach_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o bishop_n so_o he_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n they_o list_v he_o among_o the_o erroneous_a author_n of_o that_o age_n but_o he_o be_v except_v never_o any_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o we_o add_v nor_o yet_o any_o thus_o protest_v after_o he_o nor_o before_o these_o day_n of_o contradiction_n defend_v his_o opinion_n now_o whether_o the_o humour_n of_o desire_n to_o rule_v other_o and_o the_o unwillingness_n to_o be_v subject_a unto_o other_o may_v not_o equal_o transport_v some_o ecclesiastic_n to_o oppose_v against_o episcopacy_n they_o can_v best_o judge_v who_o it_o most_o concern_v we_o know_v beside_o infinite_a other_o who_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o episcopacy_n some_o protestant_n divine_v of_o remote_a church_n who_o have_v full_o condemn_v the_o opinion_n of_o aerius_n three_o may_v suffice_v for_o three_o hundred_o if_o they_o be_v learn_v and_o judicious_a author_n and_o not_o interest_v in_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v episcopal_a policy_n damnavi_fw-la master_n moulin_n come_v on_o roundly_o i_o have_v since_o my_o infancy_n say_v he_o abhor_v the_o opinion_n of_o aërius_n studebant_fw-la tylenus_n also_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o french_a church_n as_o pertinent_o and_o plain_o none_o ever_o before_o aërius_n endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o episcopacy_n nor_o yet_o after_o he_o any_o but_o some_o of_o geneva_n what_o some_o he_o may_v mean_v we_o know_v not_o but_o who_o he_o may_v not_o mean_v we_o have_v already_o show_v as_o calvin_n beza_n saddle_n and_o causabon_n who_o have_v give_v their_o ample_a suffrage_n for_o our_o english_a episcopacy_n but_o only_o speak_v against_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n and_o now_o for_o the_o generality_n of_o it_o prosequamur_fw-la beza_n be_v again_o at_o hand_n say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o as_o i_o think_v say_v he_o there_o be_v not_o who_o altogether_o reject_v the_o episcopal_a order_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o sound_a brain_n shall_v ever_o assent_v to_o their_o fury_n and_o beside_o protest_v his_o acknowledge_a observance_n and_o all_o reverence_n to_o all_o bishop_n reform_v hitherto_o against_o the_o object_v unlawfulnesse_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v some_o man_n except_o furthermore_o the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o may_v appear_v in_o that_o degree_n which_o be_v call_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o right_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o belong_v unto_o we_o to_o show_v this_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o divine_n of_o remote_a protestant_a church_n which_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v and_o more_o too_o iii_o thesis_n that_o episcopal_a prelacy_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remote_a church_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o consent_n therein_o unto_o primitive_a antiquity_n lvther_o may_v well_o be_v allow_v for_o the_o foreman_n among_o the_o reformer_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n esse_fw-la who_o prove_v the_o prelacy_n of_o episcopacy_n above_o simple_a presbyter_n for_o so_o he_o say_v by_o divine_a right_n and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o his_o tractâ—te_n call_v his_o reselution_n ground_v his_o judgement_n upon_o scripture_n whereof_o hereafter_o according_o bucer_n against_o the_o pope_n as_o antichrist_n vocantur_fw-la we_o see_v say_v he_o by_o their_o perpetual_a observation_n of_o church_n and_o from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o some_o singular_a one_o shall_v be_v appoint_v among_o the_o presbyter_n to_o govern_v in_o so_o sacred_a a_o order_n who_o have_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n the_o appellation_n of_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n scultetus_n the_o divine_a professor_n at_o heidelberg_n profess_v episcopal_a degree_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o profess_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v such_o by_o efficacious_a reason_n who_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n will_v be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n with_o who_o agree_v that_o admirable_a scholar_n episcopos_fw-la isaac_n casaubon_n the_o ornament_n of_o geneva_n who_o hold_v the_o same_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n these_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o present_a till_o we_o come_v to_o a_o large_a consent_n all_o these_o and_o other_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v the_o proper_a idiom_n and_o language_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n teach_v thus_o episcopacy_n be_v by_o the_o ordination_n of_o christ._n so_o titum_fw-la ignatius_n and_o again_o potestatem_fw-la reverence_n your_o bishop_n as_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v command_v you_o or_o thus_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n the_o resistancè_fw-la whereof_o be_v against_o god_n himself_o so_o cyprian_n and_o thus_o god_n place_v bishop_n over_o his_o family_n so_o etc._n origen_n and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v make_v bishop_n by_o christ_n who_o ordain_v other_o mean_v bishop_n in_o other_o place_n by_o who_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v episcopos_fw-la so_o augustine_n or_o thus_o 75._o bishop_n constitute_v over_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teacheh_o so_o epiphanius_n and_o thus_o etc._n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o bishop_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o make_v his_o apostle_n by_o who_o other_o shall_v be_v make_v bishop_n who_o we_o succeed_v and_o speak_v of_o bishop_n of_o who_o christ_n say_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o so_o again_o augustine_n before_o we_o end_v this_o point_n we_o shall_v desire_v our_o opposite_n to_o bethink_v themselves_o what_o they_o think_v may_v signify_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o chalcedon_n for_o antiquity_n one_o of_o the_o first_o four_o general_n and_o in_o this_o generality_n universal_o receive_v throughout_o christendom_n for_o amplitude_n consist_v of_o six_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o bishop_n and_o for_o averseness_n against_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n that_o which_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o romish_a popedom_n which_o be_v a_o pretence_n of_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o christ_n the_o universal_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n and_o equal_v another_o patriarch_n with_o he_o and_o show_v that_o all_o the_o primacy_n which_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v but_o from_o humane_a authority_n this_o 〈◊〉_d council_n concern_v episcopacy_n ordain_v that_o to_o depose_v a_o bishop_n down_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v sacrilege_n this_o so_o great_a a_o harmony_n between_o the_o former_a protestant_a divine_n and_o those_o eminent_a father_n how_o shall_v it_o not_o sound_v delightful_a unto_o every_o docible_a and_o unpreoccupated_a hearer_n these_o confession_n notwithstanding_o we_o have_v not_o discharge_v our_o
to_o who_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n and_o rome_n shall_v by_o their_o letter_n declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v which_o distinction_n aswell_o in_o the_o forecited_a suprà _fw-la act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n as_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o 588._o sardican_a synod_n and_o 640._o athanasius_n may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v the_o name_n of_o italy_n be_v in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n apply_v therein_o to_o the_o seven_o province_n which_o be_v under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la or_o lieutenant_n of_o italy_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a of_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n and_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o observe_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a afterward_o confirm_v this_o kind_n of_o primacy_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n rome_n and_o antioch_n and_o 6._o in_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o other_o province_n do_v make_v their_o entrance_n into_o that_o canon_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v which_o as_o it_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o confirm_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o conceive_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o alexandria_n to_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_o epistle_n unto_o servianus_n saturnino_n even_o the_o very_a patriarch_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v into_o egypt_n be_v by_o some_o compel_v to_o adore_v serapis_n and_o by_o other_o to_o worship_n christ._n as_o if_o upon_o his_o return_v into_o egypt_n either_o from_o his_o visitation_n of_o lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n which_o this_o same_o nicene_n canon_n show_v to_o have_v of_o old_a belong_v unto_o his_o care_n or_o from_o his_o flight_n in_o that_o present_a time_n of_o persecution_n he_o shall_v suffer_v this_o distraction_n the_o heathen_a labour_a to_o compel_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o serapis_n and_o his_o own_o christian_a flock_n on_o the_o other_o side_n strive_v to_o keep_v he_o constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n for_o that_o either_o the_o heathen_a have_v will_n or_o the_o christian_n power_n at_o that_o time_n to_o force_v the_o jewish_a patriarch_n of_o who_o some_o do_v understand_v the_o place_n to_o the_o adoration_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o probability_n in_o it_o that_o part_n also_o of_o the_o canon_n which_o ratify_v the_o ancient_a right_n of_o metropolitan_o of_o all_o other_o province_n may_v serve_v to_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o complaint_n which_o some_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o synod_n s._n cyprian_n make_v against_o novatianus_n for_o the_o confusion_n which_o by_o his_o schism_n he_o bring_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o 52._o whereas_o long_o since_o in_o all_o province_n and_o in_o all_o city_n bishop_n have_v be_v ordain_v in_o age_n ancient_a sound_a in_o faith_n try_v in_o affliction_n proscribe_v in_o persecution_n yet_o take_v he_o the_o boldness_n to_o create_v other_o false_a bishop_n over_o their_o head_n namely_o subordinate_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n and_o metropolitan_o in_o every_o province_n in_o africa_n at_o that_o time_n although_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a province_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o one_o ecclesiastical_a whereof_o cyprian_n himself_o be_v 2._o archbishop_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o trullan_n synod_n call_v he_o it_o please_v say_v he_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 40._o all_o the_o bishop_n constitute_v either_o in_o our_o province_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o all_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v on_o his_o side_n the_o sea_n do_v belong_v unto_o one_o province_n 45_o for_o our_o province_n say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n be_v spread_v more_o large_o have_v numidia_n also_o and_o both_o the_o mauritaniaes_n annex_v unto_o it_o whence_o that_o great_a council_n assemble_v by_o he_o for_o determine_v the_o question_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v cypriani_fw-la out_o of_o the_o province_n of_o africa_n numidia_n and_o mauritania_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o proconsular_a africa_n wherein_o carthage_n be_v seat_v numidia_n and_o both_o the_o mauritany_n sitifensis_n and_o caesariensis_n be_v account_v three_o distinct_a province_n yet_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o make_v but_o one_o province_n immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o prime_n see_v of_o carthage_n some_o threescore_o year_n before_o this_o african_a council_n be_v hold_v by_o cyprian_a those_o other_o provincial_n synod_n be_v assemble_v by_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o sundry_a nation_n fot_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o paschall_n controversy_n then_o hot_o pursue_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o in_o our_o neighbour_n country_n out_o of_o 23._o the_o parish_n for_o so_o in_o the_o ancient_a language_n of_o the_o church_n those_o precinct_n be_v name_v which_o now_o we_o call_v diocese_n of_o which_o irenaeus_n have_v the_o superintendency_n whence_o also_o he_o write_v that_o free_a epistle_n unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o brethren_n over_o who_o he_o be_v precedent_n at_o which_o time_n and_o before_o the_o 1._o most_o famous_a metropoles_fw-la of_o that_o country_n and_o so_o the_o ibid._n most_o eminent_a church_n therein_o be_v lion_n and_o vienna_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d be_v then_o no_o less_o renown_v a_o prelate_n than_o cyprian_n be_v afterward_o in_o africa_n dionysius_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o corinth_n be_v elder_a than_o they_o who_o among_o many_o other_o epistle_n direct_v one_o 23._o to_o the_o church_n of_o gortyna_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n wherein_o he_o salute_v their_o bishop_n philip._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o that_o time_n aswell_o as_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v 8._o gortyna_n be_v the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o whole_a island_n which_o kind_n of_o superintendency_n there_o eusebius_n the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o titus_n who_o out_o of_o the_o history_n that_o be_v before_o his_o time_n he_o relate_v to_o have_v hold_v 1._o the_o bishopric_n of_o the_o church_n in_o crete_n with_o who_o the_o grecian_n of_o after_o time_n do_v full_o concur_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o subscription_n annex_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d to_o titus_n ordain_v as_o there_o they_o say_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n and_o by_o the_o argument_n prefix_v by_o they_o before_o the_o same_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o 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unto_o he_o he_o will_v not_o have_v command_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o bishop_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v very_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o man_n and_o bishop_n jewel_n 5._o upon_o he_o again_o have_v the_o government_n of_o many_o bishop_n what_o may_v we_o call_v he_o but_o a_o archbishop_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o island_n stick_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o control_n to_o deduce_v the_o ordination_n of_o their_o metropolitan_a from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n for_o whereas_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antioch_n do_v claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o cyprus_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o island_n prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o 7._o from_o the_o time_n