the_o opposition_n of_o the_o time_n the_o worse_a they_o be_v the_o more_o they_o require_v our_o zeal_n to_o oppose_v and_o to_o reform_v they_o and_o it_o be_v never_o more_o seasonable_a to_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o when_o they_o be_v most_o disow_v let_v we_o but_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o god_n will_v do_v his_o work_n and_o let_v we_o not_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o trick_n and_o shift_n upon_o any_o pretence_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v of_o loss_n or_o danger_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n subsist_v upon_o no_o other_o politic_n than_o courage_n and_o integrity_n let_v we_o then_o be_v true_a to_o those_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o event_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n much_o less_o rome_n or_o geneva_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o postscript_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o adventure_v to_o state_n the_o case_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n thereby_o to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o dispute_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o recusant_n and_o dissenter_n for_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a what_o we_o oppose_v but_o what_o we_o assert_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o harm_n in_o error_n be_v it_o not_o for_o its_o contrariety_n to_o truth_n so_o that_o before_o we_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o define_v the_o true_a state_n of_o its_o cause_n otherwise_o we_o contend_v about_o we_o know_v not_o what_o for_o as_o for_o the_o general_a term_n of_o protestancy_n it_o be_v a_o indefinite_a thing_n so_o that_o if_o all_o the_o man_n in_o england_n that_o be_v enemy_n or_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v list_v under_o that_o name_n we_o have_v some_o protestant_n that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o some_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o some_o that_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o saviour_n and_o a_o soul_n to_o save_v and_o some_o that_o laugh_v at_o both_o there_o be_v hobbian_a protestant_n muggletonian_a protestant_n socinian_n protestant_n quaker_n protestant_n rebel_n protestant_n protestant_n of_o 41_o and_o protestant_n of_o 48._o all_o or_o most_o of_o which_o be_v as_o different_a as_o popery_n itself_o from_o the_o true_a protestancy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o stick_v close_o to_o that_o both_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n for_o unless_o we_o limit_v it_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o may_v in_o time_n have_v a_o church_n consist_v of_o nothing_o but_o protestant_n dissent_v from_o the_o establish_a religion_n that_o be_v a_o church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o itself_o and_o unless_o we_o derive_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v from_o the_o antecedent_n law_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v quick_o be_v as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v a_o reform_a church_n of_o protestant_a atheist_n that_o be_v a_o church_n without_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o must_v be_v build_v upon_o this_o one_o boâ—â—om_n that_o the_o church_n own_v by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n for_o unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n be_v original_o settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o divine_a authority_n we_o deny_v his_o supremacy_n over_o his_o own_o church_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v power_n to_o abett_v and_o ratify_v our_o saviour_n establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n we_o deny_v his_o majesty_n supremacy_n over_o his_o christian_a subject_n and_o therefore_o both_o together_o must_v be_v take_v in_o to_o the_o right_a state_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o do_v what_o we_o can_v will_v involve_v the_o leader_n of_o our_o present_a separation_n in_o the_o guilt_n both_o of_o schism_n and_o sedition_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o command_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n of_o sedition_n in_o the_o state_n in_o that_o they_o needless_o and_o without_o any_o justifiable_a pretence_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o dissension_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o for_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_a sedition_n but_o rebellion_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o disobey_v the_o law_n but_o disavow_v their_o obligation_n stand_v resolute_o upon_o that_o one_o principle_n that_o no_o magistrate_n whatsoever_o have_v any_o power_n of_o establish_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o faulty_a for_o the_o particular_a matter_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o for_o the_o unlawful_a and_o usurp_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o when_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o church_n they_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_n and_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o the_o chief_a ringleader_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a renunciation_n of_o their_o allegiance_n as_o well_o as_o conformity_n i_o can_v with_o all_o the_o streining_n of_o charity_n make_v no_o better_o of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v hearty_o glad_a if_o i_o can_v see_v they_o without_o shuffle_n and_o prevarication_n clear_v themselves_o of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o principle_n to_o conclude_v methinks_v religion_n have_v be_v long_o enough_o trifle_v with_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o sad_a experience_n of_o our_o folly_n it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o some_o sense_n of_o discretion_n and_o sobriety_n before_o the_o late_a barbarous_a war_n we_o have_v the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o presbytery_n to_o advance_v but_o now_o after_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n that_o cause_o have_v prove_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o that_o it_o be_v grow_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o however_o the_o pretence_n be_v great_a and_o solemn_a but_o at_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v drive_v into_o the_o same_o excess_n against_o the_o church_n no_o body_n know_v for_o what_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n among_o we_o be_v too_o proud_a or_o too_o peevish_a to_o recant_v their_o folly_n and_o therefore_o i_o conjure_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o without_o passion_n serious_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o they_o renounce_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n tear_n and_o rend_v it_o into_o numberless_a piece_n and_o faction_n scare_v multitude_n of_o silly_a and_o well-meaning_a people_n out_o of_o it_o as_o they_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n into_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o combustion_n about_o religion_n and_o when_o they_o have_v consider_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o bind_v it_o upon_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o answer_v it_o to_o themselves_o now_o as_o they_o hope_v to_o answer_v it_o to_o their_o saviour_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o for_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n i_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o four_o sea_n and_o concern_v only_o those_o that_o either_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o other_o church_n deviate_v from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n they_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o un-church_n they_o or_o renounce_v brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o or_o to_o think_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v withdraw_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o protection_n from_o they_o for_o if_o every_o defect_n from_o his_o institution_n shall_v forfeit_v the_o right_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n there_o never_o be_v as_o we_o may_v find_v by_o the_o apostle_n account_v of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n nor_o ever_o will_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o thing_n
say_n which_o be_v so_o triumphant_o insist_v on_o to_o blast_v the_o 4._o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v out_o who_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o word_n that_o the_o difficulty_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o deficiency_n but_o from_o the_o too_o great_a plenty_n of_o successor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o helper_n or_o as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v they_o fellow-soldier_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o assign_v who_o he_o appoint_v to_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n that_o he_o convert_v be_v because_o he_o have_v such_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o follower_n that_o who_o he_o set_v over_o what_o church_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o define_v than_o as_o himself_o have_v happen_v to_o name_v particular_a person_n as_o timothy_n titus_n crescens_n clemens_n epaphroditus_n etc._n etc._n which_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o apostle_n care_v to_o settle_v successor_n in_o the_o great_a church_n however_o this_o passage_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o blast_v the_o credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n because_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n but_o only_o of_o the_o person_n who_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o alone_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o the_o three_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n viz._n that_o grant_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n to_o be_v defective_a that_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o episcopal_a government_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o can_v find_v the_o bishop_n we_o can_v find_v some_o other_o form_n of_o government_n nay_o further_o those_o particular_n that_o we_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o the_o general_a truth_n that_o we_o assert_v in_o that_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o record_n that_o be_v remain_v and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a or_o impartial_a man_n especial_o when_o in_o the_o great_a and_o more_o know_v church_n we_o have_v as_o certain_a a_o account_n of_o the_o succession_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o england_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o viii_o to_o charles_n the_o ii_o but_o that_o concern_v the_o argument_n of_o personal_a succession_n which_o though_o i_o have_v prevent_v i_o may_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n at_o present_a in_o order_n to_o the_o confute_v of_o this_o objection_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o time_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o most_o curious_a and_o diffident_a enquirer_n can_v demand_v for_o his_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o first_o what_o can_v be_v more_o ancient_a or_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o testimony_n of_o clement_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o famous_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o exhort_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n in_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n one_o chief_a way_n that_o he_o propound_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n keep_v his_o order_n and_o station_n where_o beside_o the_o laity_n he_o reckon_v up_o three_o distinct_a order_n of_o the_o christian_a clergy_n which_o he_o express_v by_o a_o allusion_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o apostolical_a writer_n to_o the_o jewish_a hierarchy_n viz._n the_o office_n of_o high_a priest_n priest_n and_o levite_n the_o passage_n be_v very_o full_a and_o pregnant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a priest_n have_v his_o peculiar_a office_n assign_v he_o and_o the_o priest_n have_v his_o station_n bound_v and_o the_o levite_n have_v their_o proper_a ministry_n determine_v and_o the_o layman_n be_v oblige_v to_o his_o lay-office_n my_o brethren_n let_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n and_o order_n worship_n god_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n not_o transgress_v the_o settle_a canon_n of_o his_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o describe_v the_o several_a ministry_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n by_o allude_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n for_o why_o else_o shall_v he_o conclude_v with_o this_o exhortation_n and_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o keep_v his_o own_o order_n unless_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n concern_v the_o corinthian_a christian_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v express_v by_o allude_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a jewish_a institution_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n among_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o exhort_v they_o to_o keep_v those_o station_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o among_o they_o but_o the_o great_a witness_n in_o this_o cause_n be_v that_o brave_a martyr_n st._n ignatius_n pupil_n to_o st._n john_n and_o by_o he_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n and_o chief_a bishop_n of_o asia_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n to_o his_o martyrdom_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n to_o rome_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n in_o his_o journey_n write_v several_a epistle_n to_o several_a church_n in_o which_o he_o give_v such_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o his_o time_n by_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o plain_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o avoid_v the_o testimony_n but_o by_o flat_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o our_o adversary_n will_v upon_o no_o term_n allow_v these_o epistle_n to_o be_v genuine_a and_o take_v infinite_a pain_n to_o prove_v they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a supposititious_a so_o that_o this_o be_v become_v the_o great_a point_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o have_v be_v eager_o dispute_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n on_o both_o side_n the_o two_o last_o that_o engage_v in_o it_o be_v a_o learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o and_o the_o famous_a monsieur_fw-fr daillé_fw-fr in_o who_o book_n the_o whole_a cause_n be_v not_o only_o contain_v but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v decide_v for_o though_o daillé_n be_v a_o person_n of_o more_o judgement_n temper_n and_o learning_n than_o most_o of_o his_o brethren_n yet_o they_o be_v strange_o overbear_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o look_v into_o he_o that_o he_o be_v first_o resolve_v upon_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o right_a or_o wrong_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o because_o he_o be_v well_o aware_a that_o these_o epistle_n alone_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o apostolical_a antiquity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a order_n that_o they_o plain_o prevent_v all_o attempt_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o he_o therefore_o set_v himself_o with_o all_o vehemence_n and_o make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o destroy_v their_o credit_n and_o with_o infinite_a pain_n sift_v all_o the_o rubbish_n of_o antiquity_n to_o find_v out_o every_o shred_n and_o atom_n of_o a_o criticism_n that_o may_v any_o way_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o impair_v their_o reputation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o drudgery_n be_v his_o exception_n so_o plain_o disingenuous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o they_o will_v fall_v as_o well_o upon_o any_o other_o ancient_a record_n whatsoever_o not_o only_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v but_o that_o ever_o can_v have_v be_v though_o upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o pure_o that_o of_o its_o antiquity_n but_o this_o cause_n have_v breathe_v its_o last_o in_o this_o man_n and_o this_o advantage_n we_o have_v gain_v by_o his_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v and_o his_o ability_n to_o manage_v it_o that_o it_o have_v put_v a_o utter_a end_n to_o this_o controversy_n in_o that_o all_o his_o force_n have_v be_v rebuke_v and_o overthrow_v with_o such_o a_o irresistible_a strength_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o may_v rest_v secure_a that_o never_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n or_o ordinary_a learning_n or_o any_o modesty_n will_v dare_v to_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o helpless_a and_o baffle_v cause_n for_o the_o particular_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o learned_a author_n themselves_o but_o as_o to_o the_o general_a argument_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o it_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o
whereby_o he_o have_v oblige_v all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o communicate_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o society_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v the_o least_o dependence_n upon_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o erect_v not_o only_o without_o the_o allowance_n but_o against_o the_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o subsist_v so_o apart_o from_o all_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n for_o above_o 300_o year_n all_o which_o time_n though_o it_o borrow_v no_o force_n or_o assistance_n from_o the_o imperial_a law_n yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n it_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o embody_n together_o into_o a_o visible_a society_n which_o obligation_n be_v not_o only_o distinct_a from_o but_o antecedent_n to_o all_o humane_a law_n that_o require_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o christian_a state_n man_n be_v not_o christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n but_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o constitute_v the_o be_v and_o formality_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n now_o this_o be_v grant_v i_o which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o deny_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o whole_a cause_n of_o erastianism_n be_v run_v upon_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n for_o if_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n found_v upon_o divine_a right_n it_o must_v have_v at_o least_o as_o much_o power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o own_o peace_n and_o preservation_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o society_n much_o less_o of_o any_o divine_a appointment_n and_o if_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o government_n it_o must_v have_v a_o power_n of_o inflict_a penalty_n upon_o offender_n because_o without_o that_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o government_n be_v ineffectual_a and_o then_o as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v no_o civil_a society_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n own_o declaration_n that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o these_o man_n that_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n maintain_v it_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o any_o juridical_a authority_n from_o all_o which_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v a_o society_n but_o no_o civil_a society_n that_o every_o society_n must_v have_v government_n and_o all_o government_n a_o power_n of_o inflict_a penalty_n what_o can_v more_o demonstrative_o follow_v than_o that_o its_o penalty_n be_v distinct_a from_o those_o that_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o if_o so_o that_o then_o excommunication_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n whatever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o all_o civil_a infliction_n so_o that_o methinks_v mr._n hobbs_n his_o notion_n be_v much_o more_o coherent_a with_o itself_o for_o whilst_o he_o allow_v the_o church_n no_o right_n of_o society_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v it_o by_o the_o civil_a government_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o the_o power_n upon_o who_o charter_n it_o subsist_v shall_v retain_v to_o itself_o the_o authority_n of_o govern_v it_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o right_n of_o its_o own_o â—â—stitution_n but_o to_o derive_v all_o its_o rigâ—â—_n of_o society_n from_o god_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v it_o no_o power_n of_o government_n but_o from_o the_o state_n be_v that_o gross_a contradiction_n i_o charge_v they_o with_o in_o that_o society_n without_o government_n be_v no_o society_n so_o that_o this_o one_o notion_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n distinct_a from_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o antecedent_n to_o its_o be_v embody_v to_o it_o prevent_v and_o anticipate_v all_o the_o erastian_n argument_n because_o that_o alone_o plain_o infer_v that_o it_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o jurisdiction_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o indeed_o the_o main_a dispute_n depend_v upon_o this_o one_o principle_n whether_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n found_v by_o divine_a institution_n if_o it_o be_v that_o alone_o ve_v it_o with_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o struggle_v against_o conclusion_n when_o we_o have_v once_o own_a the_o premise_n for_o then_o be_v we_o clear_o return_v back_o to_o the_o church_n of_o leviathan_n that_o stand_v uponno_fw-mi other_o foundation_n than_o that_o of_o humane_a law_n now_o upon_o this_o immovable_a principle_n i_o join_v issue_n with_o our_o learned_a author_n and_o shall_v wait_v upon_o he_o through_o all_o part_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v divide_v they_o into_o six_o epochas_n 1_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n 2_o from_o moses_n to_o the_o captivity_n 3_o from_o the_o captivity_n to_o our_o saviour_n 4_o from_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n 5_o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n to_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n 6_o from_o constantine_n to_o our_o own_o age_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v endeavour_v several_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v either_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n in_o use_n or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n first_o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v 11._o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o punishment_n as_o consistorian_n excommunication_n in_o all_o the_o interval_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o moses_n for_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o some_o zealous_a man_n to_o fetch_v all_o thing_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n they_o have_v here_o it_o seem_v exemplify_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o fall_n of_o lucifer_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o expulsion_n of_o adam_n from_o paradise_n and_o in_o the_o banishment_n of_o cain_n from_o the_o society_n of_o mankind_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o these_o he_o reply_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o these_o punishment_n be_v not_o proper_o excommunication_n second_o that_o if_o they_o be_v example_n be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v free_o grant_v he_o both_o and_o yet_o infer_v from_o hence_o what_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n the_o necessity_n of_o government_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n and_o of_o inflict_a penalty_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o government_n when_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o even_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n have_v no_o other_o moral_a way_n but_o this_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o dispute_n can_v be_v material_a to_o our_o present_a argument_n for_o the_o dispute_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o punishment_n as_o excommunication_n and_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o inflict_v it_o be_v appropriate_a to_o certain_a officer_n of_o our_o saviour_n appointment_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o our_o saviour_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n institute_v a_o apostolical_a order_n of_o man_n for_o the_o government_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o here_o all_o the_o controversy_n that_o can_v be_v be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o some_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o for_o it_o we_o have_v our_o author_n be_v full_a suffrage_n prove_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n that_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o patriarch_n who_o live_v before_o the_o law_n must_v have_v have_v their_o court_n of_o judicature_n tam_fw-la circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la quam_fw-la profana_fw-la from_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o society_n in_o that_o without_o this_o power_n it_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n utrum_fw-la aurem_fw-la praefecturae_fw-la fuerint_fw-la illis_fw-la tunc_fw-la temporis_fw-la juridicae_fw-la tametsi_fw-la nulla_fw-la omnino_fw-la restarent_fw-la earundem_fw-la in_o sacris_fw-la literis_fw-la alibive_fw-la vestigia_fw-la non_fw-la magis_fw-la esset_fw-la dubitandum_fw-la quam_fw-la utrùm_fw-la in_o societatem_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la civilem_fw-la coalescerent_fw-la tunc_fw-la ipsi_fw-la atque_fw-la animalia_fw-la ut_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la reliquum_fw-la essent_fw-la politica_fw-la rectèque_fw-la ac_fw-la honestè_fw-fr pro_fw-la seculi_fw-la persuasione_n vivendi_fw-la rationem_fw-la omnino_fw-la inirent_fw-la atque_fw-la ut_fw-la dubia_fw-la lites_n controversiae_fw-la cum_fw-la effectu_fw-la civili_fw-la i._n e._n judiciorum_fw-la executione_fw-la dirimerentur_fw-la scelera_fw-la ac_fw-la delicta_fw-la cohiberentur_fw-la adeoque_fw-la in_o officiis_n contineretur_fw-la cuique_fw-la suis_fw-la curaret_fw-la and_o therefore_o he_o make_v all_o government_n to_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o humane_a society_n which_o
that_o passage_n of_o sozomen_n l._n 1._o c._n 9_o in_o which_o some_o learned_a man_n fancy_n they_o find_v some_o footstep_n of_o this_o law_n it_o be_v quite_o to_o the_o other_o purpose_n that_o i_o but_o now_o mention_v viz._n the_o bishop_n power_n of_o determine_v cause_n by_o the_o mutual_a consent_n of_o party_n when_o this_o edict_n be_v forge_v and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v uncertain_a but_o it_o be_v probable_o conjecture_v by_o gothofred_n from_o the_o barbarity_n of_o its_o stile_n and_o great_a likeness_n of_o it_o to_o that_o of_o constantine_n donation_n to_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o the_o same_o shop_n and_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n but_o if_o this_o edict_n be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o rest_n be_v which_o give_v bishop_n power_n to_o sentence_n cause_v praeeunte_fw-la vinculo_fw-la compromissi_fw-la yet_o where_o do_v we_o find_v any_o edict_n for_o enable_v they_o to_o enforce_v their_o decree_n by_o excommunication_n not_o one_o syllable_n of_o that_o in_o all_o the_o roman_a law_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o their_o officer_n be_v command_v to_o put_v the_o bishop_n sentence_n in_o execution_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o very_a force_a way_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o the_o roman_a emperor_n grant_v the_o christian_a bishop_n some_o jurisdiction_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v grant_v they_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o edict_n extant_a in_o all_o their_o law_n they_o confer_v many_o privilege_n upon_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o title_n de_fw-fr episcopis_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la clericis_fw-la &_o de_fw-la religione_fw-la yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o both_o the_o code_o and_o all_o the_o novel_n to_o vest_n they_o with_o any_o power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o therefore_o as_o those_o other_o they_o enjoy_v by_o the_o emperor_n favour_n not_o by_o any_o antecedent_n right_o so_o see_v they_o exercise_v this_o power_n and_o that_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o imperial_a grant_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o some_o other_o hand_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o pregnant_a argument_n against_o our_o author_n opinion_n than_o the_o body_n of_o the_o imperial_a law_n in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o one_o instance_n record_v that_o ever_o any_o emperor_n pretend_v to_o this_o power_n himself_o or_o grant_v it_o to_o his_o bishop_n for_o from_o thence_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o have_v it_o at_o all_o they_o have_v it_o from_o some_o other_o commission_n and_o thus_o be_o i_o come_v to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o precedent_n of_o latter_a time_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o justify_v what_o be_v do_v by_o huns_n goth_n and_o vandal_n who_o practice_n be_v the_o mere_a effect_n of_o ignorance_n and_o barbarity_n and_o oblige_v we_o rather_o to_o pity_v than_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n part_n ii_o have_v hitherto_o treat_v with_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o treat_v more_o amicable_o with_o some_o of_o its_o mistake_a friend_n and_o they_o be_v those_o that_o own_o a_o government_n in_o it_o but_o without_o governor_n allow_v indeed_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o government_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n but_o then_o they_o deny_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o divine_a right_n or_o apostolical_a constitution_n and_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o choice_n and_o determination_n of_o humane_a authority_n so_o that_o though_o the_o church_n of_o england_n happen_v to_o be_v at_o present_a govern_v by_o bishop_n and_o though_o upon_o that_o account_n we_o may_v owe_v duty_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o as_o our_o lawful_a superior_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o set_v over_o we_o by_o any_o divine_a commission_n but_o pure_o by_o his_o majesty_n be_v good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n who_o at_o his_o restitution_n to_o his_o kingdom_n may_v have_v forbear_v to_o restore_v the_o then_o abolish_v order_n of_o bishop_n and_o instead_o of_o that_o have_v establish_v some_o other_o form_n of_o government_n that_o he_o judge_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n which_o if_o he_o have_v do_v that_o then_o have_v be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o the_o birth_n of_o this_o opinion_n seem_v to_o have_v happen_v on_o this_o manner_n mr._n calvin_n have_v found_v his_o geneva_n platform_n upon_o divine_a institution_n as_o he_o particular_o do_v in_o the_o four_o book_n of_o his_o institution_n chap._n 11._o though_o some_o man_n that_o be_v more_o his_o disciple_n than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o own_o be_v please_v to_o deny_v it_o and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o decree_n beza_n and_o all_o the_o other_o first_o apostle_n of_o his_o church_n have_v spend_v all_o their_o pain_n in_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o good_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o learned_a man_n that_o come_v after_o they_o both_o in_o the_o french_a and_o dutch_a church_n because_o they_o must_v needs_o go_v beyond_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o proceed_v to_o advance_v the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n to_o antiquity_n and_o have_v with_o infinite_a industry_n sift_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o presbyter_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o next_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n the_o chief_a labourer_n in_o which_o cause_n among_o many_o other_o less_o learned_a be_v blondel_n salmasius_n and_o dallé_n who_o spend_v the_o great_a part_n both_o of_o their_o life_n and_o learning_n upon_o this_o argument_n but_o they_o proceed_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o a_o sceptical_a and_o destructive_a way_n not_o so_o much_o rely_v upon_o the_o testimony_n as_o impair_n the_o credit_n of_o antiquity_n which_o it_o seem_v they_o suppose_v the_o best_a way_n to_o maintain_v their_o argument_n this_o soon_o give_v occasion_n to_o some_o learned_a man_n conversant_a in_o their_o write_n to_o conclude_v against_o all_o pretence_n to_o the_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o any_o unalterable_a and_o perpetual_a form_n of_o church-government_n whatsoever_o and_o so_o to_o think_v of_o allay_v those_o controversy_n about_o a_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la that_o have_v be_v late_o and_o still_o be_v manage_v among_o we_o with_o so_o much_o heat_n and_o noise_n by_o leave_v it_o as_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v to_o the_o prudence_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o agree_v upon_o its_o own_o form_n as_o it_o judge_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n in_o that_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n as_o they_o determine_v it_o and_o the_o opinion_n be_v grow_v popular_a and_o plausible_a in_o great_a vogue_n both_o among_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o be_v almost_o become_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o our_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o there_o be_v many_o worthy_a gentleman_n as_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v in_o his_o ordinary_a conversation_n that_o be_v stout_a and_o loyal_a confessor_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o its_o suffering_n that_o at_o this_o time_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o my_o design_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o examine_v the_o reason_n and_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o establish_v church_n that_o it_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o be_v and_o settlement_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o here_o i_o have_v many_o learned_a worthy_a man_n for_o my_o adversary_n yet_o i_o hope_v to_o manage_v the_o dispute_n with_o that_o candour_n and_o integrity_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o more_o unkindness_n than_o what_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o my_o do_v right_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v give_v no_o offence_n to_o good_a man_n how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v chance_v to_o cross_v with_o their_o particular_a sentiment_n and_o opinion_n and_o as_o for_o bad_a man_n for_o there_o be_v of_o both_o sort_n engage_v in_o the_o opinion_n i_o be_v not_o true_a to_o my_o own_o integrity_n if_o i_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o least_o sway_v by_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a opinion_n for_o i_o write_v not_o to_o please_v but_o to_o convince_v they_o which_o i_o know_v as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v bad_a be_v but_o
in_o every_o epistle_n he_o so_o plain_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n pure_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o have_v i_o clear_v the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o ambiguity_n ground_v upon_o those_o four_o pretence_n that_o the_o succession_n may_v be_v only_o of_o a_o different_a degree_n that_o it_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o convince_a in_o all_o place_n that_o where_o it_o be_v clear_a it_o it_o mean_v of_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n and_o not_o of_o person_n and_o last_o that_o if_o it_o be_v of_o person_n yet_o presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n by_o which_o last_o we_o have_v already_o clear_v the_o next_o thing_n object_v to_o show_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n after_o the_o distinction_n between_o their_o office_n be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o church_n which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o utter_o destroy_v their_o argument_n of_o the_o identity_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n from_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o the_o name_n but_o because_o new_a instance_n be_v here_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o must_v follow_v and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o passage_n cite_v out_o of_o clemens_n romanus_n he_o be_v confess_v to_o have_v write_v before_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o name_n and_o therefore_o be_v here_o cite_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o the_o great_a and_o only_a testimony_n be_v that_o of_o the_o gallican_n church_n who_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o eleutherius_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n give_v irenaeus_n the_o title_n of_o presbyter_n though_o he_o have_v be_v nine_o year_n bishop_n of_o lion_n and_o this_o look_n very_o big_a if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a chronological_a blunder_n of_o blondel_n against_o the_o clear_a 23._o testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n for_o first_o the_o martyr_n of_o lion_n in_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n speak_v of_o their_o bishop_n pothinus_n they_o give_v give_v he_o that_o title_n but_o in_o this_o epistle_n to_o eleutherius_fw-la they_o or_o as_o blondel_n will_v have_v it_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n give_v irenaeus_n only_o the_o title_n of_o presbyter_n and_o both_o eusebius_n and_o st._n jerom_n affirm_v that_o he_o be_v no_o more_o at_o the_o write_n of_o it_o to_o all_o which_o blondel_n object_n that_o they_o both_o place_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o pothinus_n and_o his_o frenchmen_n immediate_o after_o that_o of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o asiatic_n which_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n and_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v about_o the_o same_o time_n so_o that_o when_o irenaeus_n go_v to_o rome_n with_o the_o letter_n to_o eleutherius_fw-la which_o be_v in_o the_o seventeen_o year_n of_o that_o emperor_n he_o have_v be_v so_o long_a bishop_n but_o to_o this_o it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o relation_n of_o these_o two_o martyrdom_n immediate_o follow_v one_o another_o in_o eusebius_n his_o cronicon_n and_o st._n jeroms_n translation_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o they_o immediate_o follow_v in_o time_n because_o these_o two_o martyrdom_n be_v all_o that_o they_o mention_v concern_v the_o four_o persecution_n which_o last_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n so_o that_o though_o one_o be_v in_o the_o seven_o the_o other_o may_v be_v in_o the_o seventeen_o of_o that_o emperor_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v eusebius_n his_o more_o accurate_a account_n in_o his_o history_n who_o there_o express_o place_n it_o in_o the_o seventeen_o year_n and_o withal_o affirm_v that_o irenaeus_n be_v then_o only_a presbyter_n rather_o than_o from_o so_o weak_a a_o surmise_n from_o the_o 4._o nearness_n of_o the_o story_n in_o his_o chronicon_fw-la to_o bring_v confusion_n upon_o the_o whole_a history_n especial_o when_o it_o so_o fair_o clear_v itself_o in_o that_o this_o letter_n be_v direct_v to_o eleutherius_fw-la who_o succeed_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o sixteen_o year_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n that_o he_o come_v to_o that_o see_v the_o gallican_n persecution_n begin_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o irenaeus_n can_v be_v advance_v to_o the_o bishopric_n before_o that_o time_n so_o that_o it_o be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o blondel_n stretch_v to_o infer_v from_o a_o remote_a guess_n that_o the_o persecution_n be_v in_o the_o seven_o year_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o clear_a story_n that_o it_o be_v not_o till_o the_o sixteen_o or_o seventeeth_n and_o now_o this_o chronological_a mistake_n be_v remove_v this_o testimony_n be_v clear_o evacuate_v and_o so_o this_o business_n be_v whole_o end_v the_o last_o thing_n allege_v to_o prove_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o own_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o divine_a institution_n but_o ecclesiastical_a but_o of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v choose_v to_o discourse_v in_o the_o last_o place_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o sententiae_fw-la hieronymi_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a positive_a argument_n that_o they_o produce_v in_o their_o own_o behalf_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o last_o place_n that_o when_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o except_v against_o what_o they_o oppose_v i_o may_v then_o show_v that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a to_o confirm_v what_o they_o assert_v and_o both_o together_o will_v prove_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o controversy_n as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o thing_n that_o remain_v to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n viz._n its_o partiality_n and_o repugnancy_n little_a or_o no_o answer_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n for_o as_o for_o the_o partiality_n all_o the_o proof_n that_o be_v material_a to_o our_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o father_n judge_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o because_o they_o conform_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o time_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o our_o adversary_n will_v infer_v that_o the_o father_n have_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o judge_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o mere_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o custom_n it_o be_v only_o a_o precarious_a assertion_n and_o a_o direct_a impeach_v they_o of_o a_o more_o than_o vulgar_a folly_n and_o ignorance_n but_o the_o father_n here_o glance_v at_o be_v st._n chrysostom_n and_o the_o greek_a commentator_n that_o follow_v he_o thus_o who_o can_v imagine_v any_o force_n in_o chrysostoms_n argument_n that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n must_v needs_o be_v bishop_n because_o none_o do_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n but_o bishop_n unless_o he_o make_v this_o the_o medium_n of_o his_o argument_n that_o whatever_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o his_o day_n be_v so_o in_o apostolical_a time_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o that_o poor_a medium_n to_o enforce_v his_o argument_n the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o that_o mere_a presbyter_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o the_o mere_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n that_o those_o that_o have_v it_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o presbyter_n and_o even_o st._n hierom_n himself_o who_o will_v have_v they_o sometime_o though_o when_o he_o know_v not_o to_o have_v share_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o all_o other_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o jurisdiction_n except_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o peculiar_a to_o the_o episcopal_a order_n and_o there_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o st._n chrysostoms_n argument_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n not_o in_o in_o the_o custom_n of_o his_o own_o and_o when_o he_o be_v vindicate_v it_o be_v not_o to_o much_o purpose_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o greek_a commentator_n because_o they_o all_o follow_v he_o and_o though_o they_o may_v sometime_o fall_v short_a in_o their_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o believe_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o catholic_n tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o deposition_n they_o be_v capable_a to_o give_v in_o this_o cause_n the_o last_o thing_n object_v be_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v from_o
to_o put_v a_o abuse_n upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n as_o to_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o there_o once_o be_v such_o a_o season_n in_o which_o all_o the_o world_n agree_v though_o no_o body_n know_v when_o or_o where_o to_o make_v a_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n but_o to_o conclude_v grant_v these_o man_n all_o that_o they_o contend_v for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a advantage_n any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v either_o to_o make_v good_a the_o title_n or_o to_o enhance_v the_o excellency_n of_o episcopal_a government_n than_o st._n hierom_n and_o blondel_n give_v we_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o upon_o their_o decease_n their_o authority_n devolve_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o presbyter_n which_o form_n of_o government_n be_v every_o where_o find_v so_o incompetent_a and_o inconvenient_a that_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o five_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o retrieve_v the_o old_a apostolical_a inequality_n as_o they_o ever_o intend_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v pretty_a well_o and_o advantage_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o modest_a or_o reasonable_a man_n and_o therefore_o with_o it_o i_o shall_v rest_v content_v only_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n the_o strange_a partiality_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n not_o only_o to_o set_v up_o this_o absurd_a suggestion_n of_o st._n jerom_n concern_v the_o unknown_a time_n of_o a_o universal_a alteration_n of_o church-government_n and_o that_o not_o only_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o record_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o then_o it_o have_v not_o be_v unknown_a but_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o history_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o succession_n of_o single_a person_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o his_o own_o age_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a church_n such_o as_o rome_n jerusalem_n antiochia_n and_o alexandria_n so_o that_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o universal_a change_n as_o st._n jerom_n dream_v of_o when_o in_o these_o great_a church_n episcopacy_n be_v establish_v antecedent_o to_o any_o such_o suppose_a alteration_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o oppose_v the_o custom_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o attest_v only_o by_o one_o author_n to_o the_o know_a practice_n not_o only_o of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n itself_o thus_o because_o the_o same_o st._n jerom_n say_v with_o the_o same_o haste_n and_o inconsideration_n that_o there_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n from_o st._n mark_v down_o to_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o the_o vacancy_n of_o the_o see_v to_o choose_v one_o out_o of_o their_o own_o number_n and_o from_o thenceforward_a call_v he_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o a_o army_n make_v their_o own_o general_n or_o the_o deacon_n may_v choose_v one_o out_o of_o themselves_o and_o constitute_v he_o their_o archdeacon_n now_o i_o say_v suppose_v this_o story_n to_o be_v true_a be_v it_o not_o very_o severe_a by_o the_o singular_a practice_n of_o one_o church_n to_o overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o other_o church_n for_o what_o if_o at_o alexandria_n they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a or_o a_o corrupt_a custom_n do_v that_o impair_n or_o destroy_v the_o catholic_n practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v possible_a not_o only_o for_o one_o particular_a church_n to_o deviate_v in_o some_o circumstance_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o certain_a right_n yes_o but_o say_v they_o this_o custom_n be_v derive_v from_o st._n mark_v himself_o but_o that_o will_v require_v some_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o st._n jerom_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o preposterous_a practice_n in_o aftertime_n which_o he_o to_o give_v the_o more_o authority_n to_o it_o may_v in_o his_o lavish_a heat_n ascribe_v to_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o but_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n what_o be_v this_o custom_n be_v it_o for_o presbyter_n to_o ordain_v their_o bishop_n st._n jerom_n seem_v willing_a to_o say_v so_o but_o dare_v not_o and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o in_o odd_a ambiguous_a and_o general_a term_n unum_n ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_o excelsiori_fw-la gradu_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la which_o signify_v nothing_o certain_a but_o that_o he_o intend_v not_o ordination_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n that_o immediate_o follow_v quid_fw-la enim_fw-la facit_fw-la exceptâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la which_o word_n upon_o whatsoever_o account_n they_o be_v add_v come_v in_o here_o very_o impertinent_o if_o he_o have_v by_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o ordination_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o general_a word_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v collect_v than_o their_o right_n or_o custom_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o bishop_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o cathedral_n church_n afterward_o nay_o that_o too_o be_v more_o than_o be_v true_a or_o can_v be_v prove_v for_o st._n jerom_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o presbyter_n but_o out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o right_n of_o election_n but_o only_a appropriate_n to_o they_o the_o capacity_n of_o be_v elect_v and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n that_o they_o alone_o be_v qualify_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o see_v and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v from_o hence_o infer_v as_o mr._n selden_n be_v please_v to_o do_v 27._o their_o power_n not_o only_o of_o election_n but_o ordination_n he_o may_v thank_v himself_o and_o not_o st._n jerom_n for_o his_o conclusion_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o the_o inference_n beside_o the_o learned_a gentleman_n resolution_n to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o several_a both_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n that_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o this_o passage_n than_o mere_o capitular_a election_n he_o confute_v they_o with_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o only_o by_o say_v positive_o that_o they_o be_v ip_v hieronymo_n adversissimi_fw-la but_o alas_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o quit_v their_o own_o opinion_n only_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o confidence_n of_o other_o man_n assertion_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v either_o to_o have_v prove_v more_o or_o to_o have_v say_v nothing_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o have_v any_o power_n of_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o of_o election_n when_o it_o be_v so_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n be_v of_o old_a time_n choose_v not_o by_o the_o presbyter_n but_o by_o the_o people_n so_o that_o to_o ascribe_v their_o election_n to_o the_o presbyter_n be_v plain_o to_o contradict_v the_o know_a custom_n of_o that_o church_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v too_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a as_o mr._n selden_n 6._o himself_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v the_o least_o footstep_n of_o this_o alexandrian_a custom_n in_o any_o legitimate_a ancient_a author_n but_o only_a st._n jerom._n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o custom_n in_o this_o church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v as_o good_a and_o as_o many_o record_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a but_o that_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o some_o writer_n shall_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o so_o universal_a a_o silence_n can_v but_o bring_v a_o very_a great_a suspicion_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o st._n jeroms_n relation_n at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a upon_o the_o single_a report_n of_o one_o hasty_a man_n concern_v the_o peculiar_a custom_n of_o one_o church_n to_o renounce_v as_o our_o adversary_n do_v the_o know_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o to_o avoid_v this_o heavy_a objection_n of_o singularity_n our_o learned_a adversary_n have_v take_v vast_a pain_n to_o find_v out_o a_o second_o witness_n and_o then_o two_o witness_n we_o know_v according_a to_o our_o law_n can_v prove_v any_o thing_n and_o at_o length_n he_o have_v discover_v a_o arabian_a author_n and_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a joy_n and_o transport_v immediate_o publish_v the_o particular_a story_n by_o itself_o with_o large_a and_o learned_a note_n upon_o it_o but_o
settle_n of_o church-government_n but_o july_n 9_o that_o nine_o of_o the_o laity_n and_o three_o or_o the_o clergy_n in_o every_o diocese_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o shall_v be_v order_v by_o parliament_n and_o to_o have_v their_o monthly_a meeting_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o five_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v a_o quorum_fw-la and_o have_v full_a power_n to_o try_v all_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o to_o appoint_v deputy_n under_o they_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o nine_o commissioner_n shall_v die_v or_o resign_v that_o five_o or_o more_o of_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v another_o present_o thus_o far_o they_o proceed_v under_o the_o government_n of_o midsummer-moon_n but_o about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o dog-day_n they_o vote_v that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o commission_n and_o that_o the_o committee_n shall_v be_v empower_v to_o appoint_v five_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o every_o county_n under_o they_o to_o grant_v ordination_n now_o all_o these_o proceed_n as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o church_n yet_o have_v the_o king_n join_v with_o his_o parliament_n have_v upon_o this_o principle_n be_v justifiable_a and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o vote_n up_o and_o down_z what_o order_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o please_v to_o day_n episcopacy_n to_o morrow_n presbytery_n next_o day_n independency_n than_o a_o committee_n and_o that_o of_o layman_n too_o and_o if_o they_o please_v at_o last_o to_o abolish_v all_o order_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o that_o there_o be_v none_o by_o this_o principle_n establish_v by_o divine_a right_n these_o be_v excellent_a model_n of_o church-government_n and_o admirable_a method_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o trust_n be_v vest_v in_o the_o people_n beside_o that_o this_o too_o will_v require_v some_o proof_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n before_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o that_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o former_a inconvenience_n in_o that_o the_o put_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n into_o their_o hand_n make_v the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o it_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o most_o giddy_a most_o ignorant_a and_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o say_v this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v any_o divine_a and_o unalterable_a form_n of_o church-government_n that_o it_o set_v up_o the_o socinian_n model_n of_o independency_n for_o f._n socinus_n be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o by_o divine_a right_n in_o that_o according_a to_o it_o all_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v by_o our_o saviour_n entrust_v with_o a_o power_n within_o themselves_o of_o elect_v of_o church-officer_n and_o govern_v church-affair_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o conducible_a to_o peace_n order_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v the_o exact_a model_n of_o independent_a government_n now_o this_o model_n if_o they_o will_v own_v it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o they_o plead_v for_o but_o independency_n and_o if_o it_o be_v that_o they_o assert_v let_v they_o say_v so_o and_o not_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o if_o they_o disavow_v it_o as_o they_o all_o do_v i_o shall_v only_o challenge_v they_o how_o to_o avoid_v it_o but_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n in_o this_o one_o principle_n do_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n lie_v their_o groundwork_n that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a and_o settle_a seat_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o therefore_o that_o whoever_o happen_v to_o have_v its_o present_a possession_n see_v he_o never_o receive_v it_o by_o any_o commission_n from_o our_o saviour_n he_o may_v without_o any_o offence_n against_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o christianity_n be_v depose_v from_o it_o the_o inconvenience_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o very_a forcible_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o some_o certain_a divine_a establishment_n of_o church-government_n in_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a either_o to_o secure_v any_o peace_n or_o exercise_v any_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n because_o whoever_o obtain_v it_o have_v it_o not_o from_o any_o divine_a commission_n and_o if_o no_o commission_n than_o no_o authority_n however_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o those_o learned_a man_n who_o take_v away_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o some_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n have_v not_o all_o this_o while_n be_v aware_a that_o they_o run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o exorbitancy_n and_o confusion_n of_o independency_n in_o that_o when_o they_o have_v once_o remove_v the_o settlement_n by_o divine_a right_n they_o leave_v it_o do_v what_o they_o can_v entire_o in_o the_o people_n power_n to_o set_v up_o their_o own_o form_n of_o government_n see_v then_o that_o unless_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v subject_a to_o government_n it_o can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o rabble_n and_o a_o riot_n see_v unless_o the_o government_n thereof_o be_v vest_v in_o some_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n it_o must_v be_v for_o ever_o obnoxious_a to_o unavoidable_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o see_v it_o be_v with_o particular_a care_n settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n on_o his_o apostle_n and_o convey_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o christian_a bishop_n as_o their_o proper_a successor_n i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v design_v to_o make_v it_o unquestionable_a can_v have_v be_v make_v more_o evident_a either_o from_o common_a reason_n or_o catholic_n tradition_n but_o second_o as_o the_o take_n away_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o perpetual_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v on_o one_o hand_n open_v a_o door_n for_o independency_n so_o it_o do_v on_o the_o other_o for_o popery_n for_o next_o to_o rescue_v the_o king_n of_o england_n from_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n upon_o their_o crown_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o oblique_a or_o direct_a supremacy_n over_o they_o and_o the_o reform_v of_o many_o superstition_n both_o in_o worship_n and_o doctrine_n the_o main_a design_n of_o our_o endeavour_v reformation_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o retrieve_v the_o right_n of_o the_o episcopal_a order_n against_o his_o illegal_a encroachment_n for_o whereas_o the_o original_a government_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v vest_v in_o the_o apostolical_a order_n whereby_o as_o every_o bishop_n have_v supreme_a ordinary_a power_n within_o his_o own_o diocese_n so_o a_o general_a council_n of_o bishop_n have_v supreme_a power_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o that_o whatever_o privilege_n or_o preeminence_n be_v grant_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclefiastical_a constitution_n yet_o their_o essential_a power_n be_v equal_a and_o can_v no_o way_n exert_v itself_o as_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o council_n and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n till_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n take_v advantage_n of_o those_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o preeminence_n that_o be_v grant_v to_o his_o see_n as_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n do_v by_o degree_n assume_v to_o himself_o a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n transfer_v all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n where_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o officer_n with_o all_o the_o art_n of_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n and_o here_o first_o begin_v the_o breach_n our_o reform_a bishop_n at_o first_o not_o dispute_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o his_o see_n because_o that_o concern_v not_o they_o which_o he_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n enjoy_v in_o most_o other_o part_n of_o the_o western_a world_n and_o perhaps_o may_v still_o have_v do_v will_v he_o have_v be_v content_v with_o it_o but_o alas_o they_o be_v no_o more_o fond_a even_o of_o the_o title_n of_o patriarch_n as_o great_a as_o it_o be_v than_o they_o be_v of_o their_o mock_n title_n of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la domini_fw-la nothing_o less_o will_v satiate_v their_o ambition_n than_o a_o sole_a and_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o impudent_o apply_v all_o those_o promise_n that_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o present_a with_o and_o assistant_n to_o they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o pope_n person_n and_o they_o have_v once_o assume_v this_o power_n resolve_v to_o keep_v it_o and_o for_o many_o age_n reign_v absolute_a monarch_n over_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o here_o i_o say_v