a_o defence_n of_o plurality_n or_o hold_v two_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n as_o now_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavel_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1692._o a_o defence_n of_o plurality_n or_o hold_v two_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n as_o now_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n introduction_n the_o use_n and_o continuance_n of_o plurality_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v much_o inveigh_v against_o ever_o since_o the_o rise_n of_o puritanism_n and_o represent_v as_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o subservient_fw-fr only_o to_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o the_o puritan_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o heat_n oppose_v it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v because_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o opposition_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o apparent_a show_n of_o religious_a zeal_n to_o that_o waspish_a generation_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o oppose_v any_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v practise_v or_o permit_v by_o the_o church_n however_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a or_o perhaps_o decent_a and_o necessary_a and_o no_o artisice_n be_v think_v unlawful_a which_o may_v create_v to_o they_o a_o opinion_n of_o sanctity_n among_o the_o people_n but_o that_o a_o accusation_n raise_v against_o the_o church_n by_o her_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v be_v continue_v and_o prosecute_v by_o she_o own_o member_n we_o shall_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o wonder_v if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v by_o frequent_a example_n to_o what_o intemperancy_n mankind_n may_v be_v betray_v by_o the_o use_n of_o false_a principle_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a what_o clamour_n have_v in_o late_a year_n be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o against_o plurality_n what_o accusatious_a have_v be_v form_v against_o they_o in_o the_o write_n and_o discourse_n of_o many_o otherwise_o deserve_o eminent_a how_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a relic_n of_o popery_n that_o they_o be_v traduce_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o many_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o church_n affirm_v to_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o little_o less_o than_o such_o obstruct_v the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o destroy_v the_o honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o great_a load_n upon_o they_o all_o the_o violent_a exclamation_n bring_v former_o by_o good_a and_o zealous_a man_n against_o those_o enormous_a plurality_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a permission_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v practise_v among_o we_o without_o any_o restraint_n or_o limitation_n the_o clergy_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n assure_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o impertinence_n of_o these_o exclamation_n have_v remain_v silent_a expect_v that_o this_o unreasonable_a accusation_n shall_v cease_v with_o time_n or_o at_o least_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o those_o who_o the_o solly_n of_o puritanism_n have_v not_o yet_o infect_v but_o when_o many_o person_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o quarrel_n and_o public_o desame_a the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o injure_a clergy_n shall_v any_o long_o continue_v their_o silence_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v a_o confession_n of_o gild_n or_o give_v way_n to_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o a_o hasty_a and_o imprudent_a change_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v probable_o produce_v to_o the_o church_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a what_o a_o difficult_a province_n i_o have_v undertake_v what_o opposition_n and_o censure_n will_v attend_v it_o many_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o paradox_n and_o most_o will_v conclude_v it_o a_o rash_a undertake_n to_o oppose_v reason_n to_o a_o popular_a cry_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v what_o almost_o all_o man_n by_o hear_v only_o one_o side_n have_v be_v long_o since_o induce_v to_o condemn_v many_o good_a man_n real_o zealous_a and_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n will_v perhaps_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o apologise_v for_o what_o they_o have_v hitherto_o believe_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o evil._n to_o these_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o give_v entire_a satisfaction_n if_o they_o will_v judge_v with_o candour_n and_o indifferency_n other_o who_o be_v far_o the_o most_o violent_a adversary_n only_o zealous_a in_o pretence_n affect_v to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n not_o real_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n but_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o will_v decry_v the_o author_n of_o this_o apology_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o purity_n as_o a_o ungodly_a pluralist_n who_o prefer_v his_o interest_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o nor_o will_v perhaps_o stop_v here_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o anger_n if_o he_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v discover_v indeed_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o withal_o so_o advantageous_a a_o subject_n to_o expose_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o especial_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n of_o a_o national_a church_n that_o the_o inclination_n of_o ambitious_a man_n to_o oppose_v this_o innocent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n may_v easy_o be_v account_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o unwary_a person_n to_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o exalt_a sanctity_n to_o oppugn_v the_o receive_a discipline_n of_o any_o communion_n since_o this_o insinuate_v as_o if_o they_o be_v more_o religious_a and_o know_v than_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o to_o be_v tie_v down_o to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o government_n since_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o the_o common_a way_n will_v never_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n somewhat_o must_v be_v continual_o attempt_v by_o they_o which_o may_v make_v the_o credulous_a part_n of_o mankind_n cry_v out_o see_v a_o man_n more_o religious_a than_o all_o the_o clergy_n who_o go_v before_o or_o be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o they_o all_o practise_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v a_o scandalous_a custom_n this_o man_n piety_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o qualifi_v he_o beyond_o other_o to_o be_v a_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v lamentable_a indeed_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v so_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o by_o design_v man_n and_o that_o impostor_n of_o this_o kind_n shall_v seldom_o want_v success_n such_o exclamation_n against_o the_o receive_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o common-place_n to_o all_o ambitious_a clergyman_n desire_v to_o appear_v zealous_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o discover_v vice_n in_o another_o or_o corruption_n in_o a_o society_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a which_o will_v afford_v constant_a matter_n to_o public_a harangue_n and_o can_v never_o be_v exhaust_v at_o the_o same_o time_n nothing_o be_v more_o popular_a in_o that_o it_o quali_v the_o perverse_a nature_n of_o man_n who_o general_o love_v to_o hear_v thing_n and_o person_n of_o public_a esteem_n decry_v and_o secure_v to_o the_o pretend_a zealot_n the_o reputation_n of_o a_o more_o elevate_a piety_n than_o that_o which_o appear_v in_o any_o of_o those_o who_o he_o oppose_v with_o this_o artifice_n a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o create_v authority_n to_o himself_o but_o cover_v his_o own_o fault_n however_o gross_a and_o numerous_a by_o divert_v and_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o or_o if_o his_o own_o crime_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v dissemble_v compensate_v for_o they_o by_o a_o wonderful_a appearance_n of_o zeal_n he_o that_o will_v vehement_o exclaim_v against_o plurality_n and_o the_o other_o suppose_a imperfection_n of_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o neglect_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n may_v be_v nonresident_a may_v sordid_o enrich_v himself_o and_o his_o relation_n may_v injure_v his_o equal_n oppress_v his_o inferior_n and_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v easy_o forgive_v in_o consideration_n of_o his_o zeal_n if_o i_o will_v recommend_v myself_o to_o a_o lecture_n in_o the_o city_n i_o can_v take_v no_o more_o successful_a method_n than_o to_o inveigh_v against_o plurality_n to_o accuse_v the_o clergy_n of_o negligence_n and_o covetousness_n the_o name_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n will_v set_v i_o beyond_o all_o competition_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o learning_n if_o i_o desire_v to_o excuse_v any_o scandalous_a immorality_n which_o can_v be_v dissemble_v i_o will_v arraign_v all_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o
church_n exclaim_v powerful_o against_o her_o governor_n and_o cry_v up_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n to_o so_o warm_a a_o zeal_n for_o public_a good_a private_a sin_n will_v easy_o be_v permit_v those_o who_o know_v the_o town_n have_v see_v example_n of_o both_o kind_n within_o this_o year_n this_o air_n of_o popularity_n have_v be_v the_o great_a pest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n when_o churchman_n employ_v their_o design_n not_o so_o much_o to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o acquire_v to_o themselves_o a_o name_n and_o interest_n among_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o that_o end_n stick_v not_o to_o betray_v her_o constitution_n and_o to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o her_o disgrace_n doubtless_o in_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v think_v any_o great_a recommendation_n of_o a_o catholic_n clergyman_n to_o have_v seek_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o donatist_n to_o admit_v and_o second_v those_o heavy_a imputation_n which_o they_o cast_v upon_o the_o catholic_n to_o call_v they_o brethren_n and_o treat_v the_o sincere_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o enemy_n how_o can_v it_o ever_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o laity_n shall_v conscientious_o obey_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o retain_v their_o duty_n to_o she_o when_o the_o clergy_n make_v light_n of_o her_o authority_n vilify_v her_o constitution_n court_v the_o friendship_n of_o those_o who_o have_v divide_v themselves_o from_o her_o communion_n and_o seek_v her_o ruin_n when_o for_o their_o sake_n they_o will_v slight_v her_o sacred_a office_n mutilate_v or_o disuse_n her_o ceremony_n prostitute_v her_o honour_n and_o betray_v her_o cause_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o this_o great_a cry_n against_o plurality_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n the_o puritan_n in_o the_o last_o age._n before_o the_o reformation_n the_o same_o clamour_n be_v raise_v against_o plurality_n by_o the_o mendicant_a order_n the_o artifices_fw-la and_o hypocrisy_n of_o both_o be_v so_o like_a that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v by_o without_o some_o reflection_n these_o mendicant_a order_n arise_v and_o chief_o infest_a the_o church_n in_o the_o thirteen_o age._n they_o pretend_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n from_o god_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o correct_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o secular_a clergy_n to_o this_o end_n they_o put_v on_o a_o mighty_a show_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n accuse_v the_o secular_a clergy_n of_o famish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n call_v they_o dumb_a dog_n and_o curse_a hireling_n maintain_v that_o evangelical_n poverty_n become_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o possess_v any_o thing_n or_o to_o retain_v propriety_n in_o any_o worldly_a good_n as_o for_o the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v not_o be_v tie_v to_o they_o allege_v that_o themselves_o be_v whole_o spiritual_a can_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o any_o carnal_a ordinance_n they_o break_v in_o every_o where_o upon_o the_o parochial_a clergy_n usurp_v their_o office_n in_o all_o populous_a and_o rich_a place_n set_v up_o altar_n of_o their_o own_o withdraw_v the_o people_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o parish-priest_n will_v scarce_o allow_v the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n to_o any_o but_o their_o own_o disciple_n who_o they_o bewitch_v with_o great_a pretence_n of_o sanctity_n and_o assiduity_n in_o preach_v these_o artifices_fw-la have_v raise_v their_o reputation_n and_o interest_n so_o high_a in_o a_o few_o year_n that_o they_o want_v very_o little_a to_o ruin_v the_o secular_a clergy_n and_o therewith_o the_o church_n but_o in_o less_o than_o a_o age_n the_o cheat_n of_o these_o impostor_n become_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n they_o procure_v to_o their_o society_n incredible_a riches_n build_v to_o themselves_o stately_a palace_n infinite_o surpass_v that_o viciousness_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v perhaps_o unjust_o accuse_v the_o secular_a clergy_n and_o long_o before_o the_o reformation_n become_v the_o most_o infamous_a and_o contemptible_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n after_o the_o decay_n of_o their_o reputation_n the_o jesuit_n arise_v that_o last_o and_o great_a scourge_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o pretence_n carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n and_o still_o prosecute_v it_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clergy_n where_o ever_o they_o be_v plant_v although_o the_o world_n be_v no_o less_o convince_v of_o their_o fraud_n than_o of_o their_o predecessor_n who_o after_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o evangelical_n poverty_n and_o simplicity_n they_o have_v far_o exceed_v in_o riches_n and_o worldly_a interest_n after_o all_o this_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o judge_v how_o little_a authority_n their_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n ought_v to_o bear_v and_o how_o unfair_a it_o be_v to_o allege_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o regulars_n against_o the_o secular_a clergy_n to_o cite_v the_o opinion_n of_o they_o in_o this_o case_n of_o plurality_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o baxter_n or_o owen_n against_o episcopacy_n or_o of_o milton_n and_o ferguson_n against_o monarchy_n such_o be_v the_o opposer_n of_o plurality_n in_o our_o church_n before_o the_o reformation_n i_o mean_v the_o opposer_n of_o the_o simple_a use_n of_o they_o as_o for_o the_o opposer_n of_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o they_o many_o of_o they_o be_v excellent_a man_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v hereafter_o since_o the_o reformation_n although_o the_o abuse_n of_o they_o be_v not_o continue_v they_o have_v be_v vehement_o decry_v by_o the_o puritan_n who_o agreement_n with_o the_o mendicant_n in_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o design_n be_v so_o evident_a from_o the_o precedent_a account_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o i_o need_v not_o make_v any_o minute_n comparison_n every_o one_o know_v what_o be_v the_o first_o pretence_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o dissenter_n and_o what_o be_v their_o modern_a practice_n how_o they_o inveigh_v against_o our_o secular_a clergy_n maintain_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o their_o possession_n set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n withdraw_v the_o laity_n from_o their_o communion_n put_v on_o a_o specious_a appearance_n of_o mortification_n and_o unusual_a sanctity_n have_v long_o since_o quit_v their_o precise_a strictness_n but_o still_o retain_v the_o pretence_n and_o their_o quarrel_n to_o the_o clergy_n thus_o a_o harden_a hypocrisy_n will_v obstinate_o persist_v although_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o cheat_n have_v be_v long_o since_o discover_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o a_o more_o licentious_a practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o themselves_o have_v condemn_v in_o other_o particular_o in_o this_o case_n of_o plurality_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o the_o dissenter_n have_v by_o a_o successful_a rebellion_n eject_v all_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n together_o with_o their_o lawful_a king_n and_o usurp_v the_o authority_n and_o revenue_n of_o both_o their_o leader_n and_o favourite_n seize_v on_o and_o retain_v to_o themselves_o more_o benefice_n than_o have_v be_v late_o unite_v in_o any_o clergyman_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o at_o this_o day_n many_o of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o separation_n hold_v plurality_n of_o conventicle_n as_o the_o presbyterian_o of_o scotland_n do_v of_o benefice_n to_o these_o open_a and_o profess_v enemy_n of_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v those_o secret_a one_o those_o unfaithful_a clergyman_n those_o traditores_fw-la who_o seek_v to_o oblige_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n by_o betray_v her_o outguard_n to_o they_o although_o i_o will_v not_o lay_v the_o imputation_n of_o infidelity_n upon_o all_o some_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v act_v upon_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o false_a prejudices_fw-la but_o upon_o whatever_o principle_n they_o proceed_v it_o be_v long_o since_o observe_v of_o they_o 337._o that_o with_o insatiable_a greediness_n they_o heap_v up_o plurality_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o prebend_n in_o cathedral_n and_o collegiate_n church_n and_o there_o grow_v fat_a inveigh_v against_o the_o duality_n of_o the_o parochial_a clergy_n as_o a_o mortal_a sin_n among_o all_o our_o bishop_n since_o the_o reformation_n none_o have_v so_o much_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o dissenter_n as_o hooper_n and_o williams_n the_o first_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n the_o other_o through_o a_o violent_a ambition_n which_o prompt_v he_o to_o oppose_v whatsoever_o his_o rival_n archbishop_n laud_n shall_v undertake_v of_o these_o hooper_n hold_v two_o bishopric_n those_o of_o gloucester_n and_o worcester_n for_o many_o year_n together_o a_o abuse_n which_o this_o church_n have_v never_o see_v from_o the_o time_n of_o stigand_n to_o cardinal_n wolsey_n and_o
more_o to_o be_v continue_v one_o year_n than_o fifty_o if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o they_o enjoy_v not_o the_o temporal_a revenue_n but_o only_o the_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n of_o these_o diocese_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v all_o which_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o constitute_v the_o character_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o temporalty_n be_v no_o essential_a part_n of_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v that_o s._n paul_n pronounce_v it_o unlawful_a to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o 8._o and_o that_o if_o plurality_n be_v in_o its_o nature_n unlawful_a no_o good_a design_n can_v take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o it_o appear_v then_o plain_o how_o false_a and_o pernicious_a the_o principle_n be_v of_o these_o anti-pluralists_a that_o they_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o continue_v the_o government_n or_o service_n of_o the_o church_n without_o inevitable_a sin_n or_o to_o secure_v the_o reputation_n of_o so_o many_o excellent_a prelate_n from_o partake_v in_o this_o sin_n it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a safe_a and_o charitable_a to_o suppose_v that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n of_o plurality_n and_o nonresidence_n the_o principle_n by_o which_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o direct_v himself_o be_v the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a resolution_n of_o the_o case_n bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v not_o ordain_v only_o to_o serve_v this_o diocese_n or_o that_o parish_n in_o particular_a but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o general_n good_a order_n and_o discipline_n indeed_o require_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n be_v confine_v to_o some_o certain_a limit_n and_o place_n but_o he_o still_o remain_v a_o bishop_n or_o priest_n not_o of_o that_o place_n only_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o may_v execute_v his_o office_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o his_o own_o limit_n if_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o require_v whether_o any_o man_n private_a case_n be_v such_o he_o ought_v to_o judge_v by_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n take_v especial_a care_n that_o he_o do_v not_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v himself_o herein_o by_o a_o false_a judgement_n and_o after_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n aught_o to_o be_v direct_v herein_o by_o his_o superior_n the_o priest_n by_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n by_o their_o metropolitan_a and_o when_o such_o case_n happen_v the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n allow_v bishop_n and_o priest_n either_o to_o be_v nonresident_a or_o to_o retain_v the_o administration_n of_o more_o than_o one_o diocese_n or_o parish_n thus_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n it_o be_v always_o think_v lawful_a for_o bishop_n or_o priest_n to_o be_v nonresident_a and_o to_o execute_v their_o office_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n wherever_o they_o shall_v come_v in_o time_n of_o infection_n i_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v always_o think_v lawful_a to_o be_v nonresident_a but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v always_o think_v lawful_a for_o any_o parish_n priest_n in_o that_o case_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o care_n of_o any_o neighbour_n parish_n desert_v by_o the_o proper_a priâ—â—t_n upon_o occasion_n of_o general_n patriarchal_a or_o provincial_a council_n it_o be_v always_o account_v lawful_a for_o bishop_n to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o their_o diocese_n and_o attend_v the_o council_n although_o it_o shall_v last_v for_o many_o month_n or_o year_n together_o all_o these_o case_n become_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o require_v upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o prelate_n of_o our_o church_n to_o attend_v continual_o their_o majesty_n in_o council_n or_o parliament_n or_o any_o weighty_a office_n or_o affair_n wherein_o they_o shall_v please_v to_o employ_v they_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n to_o be_v nonresident_a because_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o national_a church_n that_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n shall_v reside_v near_o the_o court_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o advise_v their_o majesty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o more_o ready_o receive_v appeal_n and_o give_v direction_n to_o his_o whole_a province_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v tie_v down_o in_o constant_a residence_n in_o his_o own_o diocese_n for_o this_o reason_n all_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n since_o the_o reformation_n have_v for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o year_n and_o all_o for_o these_o sixty_o year_n last_o pass_v during_o the_o whole_a year_n reside_v at_o lambeth_n for_o this_o reason_n all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n be_v wâ—nt_a to_o give_v attendance_n in_o parliament_n although_o sometime_o their_o session_n continue_v a_o whole_a year_n together_o because_o the_o church_n reap_v great_a benefit_n by_o their_o presence_n there_o than_o it_o suffer_v detriment_n by_o a_o temporary_a absence_n from_o their_o diocese_n for_o this_o reason_n many_o excellent_a prelate_n have_v attend_v whole_a year_n together_o at_o court_n because_o it_o be_v always_o of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n to_o secure_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o prince_n to_o it_o and_o direct_v his_o conscience_n than_o continual_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o care_n of_o any_o particular_a diocese_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o this_o principle_n of_o these_o anti-pluralists_a be_v allow_v if_o plurality_n be_v always_o sinful_a and_o in_o its_o nature_n if_o residence_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o consequent_o in_o all_o case_n indispensable_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o those_o holy_a and_o learned_a bishop_n who_o in_o all_o age_n have_v appear_v in_o council_n that_o all_o who_o have_v absent_v themselves_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o in_o that_o and_o like_o case_n have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o care_n of_o other_o diocese_n or_o parish_n that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o church_n who_o have_v attend_v parliament_n since_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o king_n lord_n and_o commons_o of_o this_o nation_n who_o have_v by_o public_a law_n require_v their_o attendance_n therein_o that_o all_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n since_o the_o reformation_n and_o other_o excellent_a prelate_n alive_a and_o dead_a who_o have_v absent_v themselves_o from_o their_o diocese_n to_o attend_v the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n at_o court_n have_v commit_v mortal_a sin_n and_o do_v still_o continue_v in_o it_o that_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o case_n of_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o will_v subjoin_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o bishop_n to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o consequence_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o particular_o as_o to_o residence_n be_v far_o great_a than_o that_o of_o parochial_a priest_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v of_o great_a concern_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v also_o impose_v on_o they_o by_o divine_a institution_n if_o therefore_o a_o priest_n ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v his_o charge_n much_o less_o a_o bishop_n and_o if_o the_o absence_n of_o a_o parochial_a priest_n ought_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o a_o curate_n much_o more_o do_v it_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o the_o absence_n of_o a_o bishop_n if_o it_o be_v long_a or_o frequent_a shall_v be_v supply_v by_o a_o suffragan_n bishop_n it_o be_v a_o fatal_a mistake_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o laity_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o only_o to_o govern_v the_o clergy_n or_o that_o a_o diocese_n do_v not_o more_o want_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o a_o bishop_n than_o any_o private_a parish_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o priest_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o the_o reformation_n even_o in_o the_o most_o corrupt_a time_n of_o popery_n the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o all_o other_o bishop_n attend_v at_o court_n or_o employ_v by_o the_o king_n in_o public_a service_n constant_o maintain_v suffragan_n bishop_n in_o their_o diocese_n this_o practice_n be_v confirm_v and_o entire_o settle_v by_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n viii_o and_o from_o that_o time_n suffragan_n bishop_n be_v without_o interruption_n continue_v in_o the_o diocese_n of_o canterbury_n till_o the_o end_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n and_o in_o some_o diocese_n till_o the_o middle_n of_o king_n james_n it_o
sufficient_a revenue_n for_o a_o clergyman_n impose_v a_o tax_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mulct_n upon_o pluralist_n possess_v more_o will_v contribute_v very_o little_a and_o if_o the_o necessary_a help_n to_o learning_n be_v deny_v to_o the_o clergy_n they_o can_v maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o the_o church_n nor_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n or_o of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o clergyman_n however_o learned_a and_o industrious_a when_o through_o want_n of_o a_o proportionable_a estate_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o obtain_v the_o instrument_n of_o do_v good_a of_o perform_v eminent_a service_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o the_o world_n when_o his_o library_n must_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o concordance_n a_o postil_n and_o a_o polyanthea_n and_o his_o purse_n will_v reach_v no_o further_o tithe_n of_o these_o indeed_o mr._n selden_n have_v say_v the_o library_n of_o a_o clergyman_n do_v consist_v and_o from_o thence_o take_v occasion_n to_o upbraid_v they_o of_o ignorance_n the_o charge_n indeed_o then_o be_v false_a for_o the_o clergy_n be_v then_o in_o a_o flourish_a condition_n and_o have_v arrive_v to_o as_o great_a a_o height_n of_o learning_n as_o be_v ever_o know_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o if_o by_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o encouragement_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o clergy_n their_o library_n shall_v be_v indeed_o reduce_v to_o such_o a_o condition_n they_o will_v soon_o give_v just_a occasion_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n to_o upbraid_v they_o of_o ignorance_n and_o to_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o it_o if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o famous_a write_n of_o our_o clergy_n publish_v since_o the_o reformation_n to_o the_o increase_n and_o support_v of_o religion_n the_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o be_v almost_o all_o write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v well_o prefer_v in_o the_o church_n a_o soul_n oppress_v with_o poverty_n can_v never_o raise_v itself_o to_o attempt_v any_o great_a design_n in_o this_o nature_n or_o if_o it_o shall_v attempt_v it_o in_o a_o condition_n unable_a to_o purchase_v the_o necessary_a help_n of_o learning_n the_o attempt_n will_v be_v but_o vain_a i_o know_v that_o the_o case_n of_o mr._n hooker_n will_v be_v object_v against_o this_o assertion_n but_o it_o be_v a_o vulgar_a error_n which_o the_o author_n of_o his_o life_n have_v also_o take_v up_o that_o he_o be_v but_o mean_o prefer_v for_o to_o my_o certain_a knowledge_n at_o the_o time_n when_o he_o write_v his_o celebrate_a book_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n he_o have_v very_o great_a preferment_n of_o which_o he_o die_v possess_v it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o religion_n that_o a_o clergyman_n be_v able_a to_o give_v alm_n liberal_o and_o to_o maintain_v some_o sort_n of_o hospitality_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v as_o well_o to_o give_v example_n to_o the_o laity_n as_o to_o oblige_v the_o poor_a sort_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o that_o influence_n which_o the_o application_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o shall_v obtain_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o so_o obvious_a in_o great_a city_n but_o whoever_o know_v the_o state_n of_o country_n parish_n and_o the_o condition_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o poor_a sort_n there_o will_v confess_v that_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n can_v hardly_o be_v keep_v up_o among_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o parish-priest_n to_o oblige_v they_o by_o charity_n and_o hospitality_n above_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o clergy_n do_v not_o want_v those_o help_n which_o will_v give_v to_o they_o respect_n and_o authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o a_o bare_a competence_n can_v never_o do_v unless_o they_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v themselves_o in_o a_o condition_n above_o the_o common_a rank_n of_o men._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o force_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o maintain_v religion_n among_o many_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a sort_n as_o the_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o pastor_n and_o the_o deference_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v to_o pay_v to_o their_o judgement_n and_o direction_n if_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o bare_a subsistence_n all_o this_o authority_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o their_o person_n thereby_o become_v contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v with_o they_o even_o among_o person_n of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o better_a education_n piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o that_o case_n can_v scarce_o be_v maintain_v when_o such_o will_v scorn_v to_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o poverty_n make_v they_o far_o inferior_a to_o their_o quality_n man_n may_v frame_v to_o themselves_o what_o system_n they_o please_v in_o their_o closet_n and_o in_o speculation_n and_o imagine_v that_o the_o clergy_n however_o poor_a will_v still_o be_v honour_v for_o their_o work_n sake_n that_o virtue_n and_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v procure_v to_o they_o everlasting_a respect_n and_o authority_n but_o when_o these_o system_n be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n experience_n demonstrate_v the_o folly_n of_o they_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o ministerial_a office_n if_o he_o abstain_v from_o work_a miracle_n he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o procure_v any_o great_a respect_n to_o himself_o or_o do_v eminent_a service_n to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o religion_n unless_o he_o may_v converse_v with_o the_o gentry_n upon_o equal_a ground_n and_o be_v raise_v a_o degree_n above_o the_o commonalty_n let_v any_o gentleman_n fancy_v himself_o strip_v of_o his_o large_a possession_n and_o reduce_v to_o a_o bare_a subsistence_n and_o then_o let_v he_o imagine_v if_o he_o can_v that_o his_o virtue_n will_v secure_v that_o authority_n among_o his_o neighbour_n which_o a_o large_a estate_n and_o power_n delegated_a to_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o do_v before_o procure_v to_o he_o in_o the_o last_o place_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o additional_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o reward_n of_o those_o clergyman_n who_o by_o extraordinary_a learning_n and_o industry_n shall_v deserve_v more_o than_o other_o for_o without_o this_o the_o church_n will_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a labour_n of_o her_o clergy_n since_o scarce_o any_o will_v be_v find_v willing_a to_o undertake_v any_o unnecessary_a pain_n if_o after_o all_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o who_o labour_v not_o so_o much_o as_o well_o by_o their_o preferment_n as_o by_o their_o merit_n it_o be_v common_o say_v indeed_o that_o prebend_n and_o other_o dignity_n in_o cathedral_n church_n be_v intend_v for_o reward_n of_o extraordinary_a merit_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o that_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o be_v give_v promiscuous_o as_o benefice_n be_v to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a as_o extraordinary_a worth_n and_o that_o it_o never_o do_v or_o can_v happen_v otherwise_o that_o the_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a worth_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v be_v general_o those_o who_o ply_v next_o at_o court_n that_o reward_n of_o extraordinary_a merit_n aught_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o clergy_n of_o other_o diocese_n as_o well_o as_o for_o they_o that_o many_o bishop_n have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o one_o prebend_n wherewith_o to_o reward_v their_o chaplain_n and_o deserve_a clergy_n and_o the_o archbishop_n himself_o of_o no_o more_o than_o three_o and_o consequent_o that_o no_o constant_a provision_n can_v be_v make_v for_o extraordinary_a merit_n otherwise_o than_o by_o plurality_n other_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o will_v arise_v from_o confine_v the_o revenue_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o a_o bare_a subsistence_n may_v be_v urge_v as_o that_o it_o will_v reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v soon_o introduce_v a_o general_a ignorance_n that_o it_o will_v induce_v they_o to_o follow_v a_o secular_a life_n that_o it_o will_v tempt_v they_o to_o prevaricate_v to_o flatter_v vice_n in_o rich_a man_n and_o to_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n such_o as_o we_o late_o see_v these_o and_o the_o abovementioned_a consideration_n make_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v endow_v with_o and_o permit_v to_o enjoy_v ample_a possession_n and_o revenue_n god_n therefore_o foretell_v it_o as_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o his_o church_n which_o shall_v be_v found_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v her_o