the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v then_o so_o notorious_a as_o to_o be_v undeniable_a he_o reason_v from_o it_o as_o from_o a_o acknowledge_v postulate_v 2._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o in_o these_o time_n be_v vvn_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v priest_n in_o the_o language_n which_o be_v then_o current_a pastor_n in_o the_o present_a presbyterian_a dialect_n i._n e._n not_o rule_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o divine_a priesthood_n such_o as_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o clerical_a ministry_n such_o as_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o geminius_n faustinus_n 1._o such_o as_o god_n in_o his_o merciful_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o raise_v to_o the_o glorious_a station_n of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o numidicus_n 79._o such_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n go_v to_o the_o prison_n and_o give_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n to_o the_o confessor_n 11._o such_o as_o at_o carthage_n as_o st._n cyprian_n complain_v to_o cornelius_n presume_v to_o curtail_v the_o pennance_n of_o the_o lapser_n and_o give_v they_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n while_o their_o idolatry_n be_v so_o very_o recent_a that_o as_o it_o be_v their_o hand_n and_o mouth_n be_v still_o a_o smoke_n with_o the_o warm_a nidor_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v upon_o the_o devil_n altar_n 128._o such_o as_o contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n and_o order_n absolve_v the_o lapser_n and_o give_v they_o the_o communion_n without_o the_o bishop_n licence_n susâ—_n such_o as_o be_v join_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o sacerdotal_a honour_n 144_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v such_o presbyter_n as_o st._n cyprian_n describe_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o sometime_o raise_v altar_n against_o altar_n and_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n offer_v false_a and_o sacrilegious_a sacrifice_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v depose_v when_o they_o do_v so_o such_o as_o tho'_o they_o shall_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o lay-communion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v thereafter_o to_o act_v as_o man_n in_o holy_a order_n see_v it_o become_v the_o priest_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n those_o who_o attend_v the_o altar_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o blameless_a 197._o such_o presbyter_n they_o be_v i_o say_v who_o be_v then_o vvn_n from_o the_o bishop_n for_o as_o for_o your_o lay-elder_n your_o rule_v contra-distinct_a from_o teach_v presbyter_n now_o so_o much_o in_o vogue_n there_o be_v as_o profound_a a_o silence_n of_o they_o in_o st._n cyprian_n work_n and_o time_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n or_o the_o sanquhar_n declaration_n and_o yet_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n about_o the_o governor_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o presbyter_n then_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o miracle_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o have_v mention_v they_o 3._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o bishop_n power_n his_o authority_n his_o pastoral_a relation_n call_v it_o as_o you_o will_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n e._n g._n cornelius_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o rome_n and_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o fabius_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n dionysius_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n cyprian_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o carthage_n etc._n etc._n the_o bishop_n prelation_n whatever_o it_o be_v relate_v not_o sole_o to_o the_o clergy_n or_o sole_o to_o the_o laity_n but_o to_o both_o equal_o and_o formal_o how_o full_o may_v this_o point_n be_v prove_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a indeed_o st._n cyprian_n define_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o priest_n and_o a_o flock_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n and_o that_o by_o the_o term_n priest_n and_o pastoâ—_n he_o mean_v the_o bishop_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v for_o he_o tell_v florentius_n pupianus_n there_o that_o from_o that_o common_a and_o receive_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v learn_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o whoso_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n 168._o and_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n chastise_v the_o same_o florentius_n for_o call_v his_o title_n to_o his_o bishopric_n in_o question_n and_o speak_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o he_o reason_n thus_o what_o swell_v of_o pride_n what_o arrogance_n of_o spirit_n what_o haughtiness_n be_v this_o that_o thou_o shall_v arraign_v bishop_n before_o thy_o tribunal_n and_o unless_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o thou_o and_o absolve_v by_o thy_o sentence_n lo_o these_o six_o year_n the_o brotherhood_n have_v have_v no_o bishop_n the_o people_z no_o ruler_n the_o flock_v no_o pastor_n the_o church_n no_o governor_n christ_n no_o prelate_n and_o god_n no_o priest_n 167._o in_o short_a he_o that_o bear_v the_o high_a character_n of_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v call_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n passim_fw-la the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ship_n and_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o master_n 56._o he_o be_v the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n be_v his_o child_n 79._o he_o be_v the_o governor_n passim_fw-la the_o rector_n 133._o the_o captain_n 141._o the_o head_n 86._o the_o judge_n 129._o of_o all_o within_o his_o diocese_n he_o be_v the_o chief_a pastor_n and_o tho'_o presbyter_n be_v also_o sometime_o call_v pastor_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o and_o at_o best_a they_o be_v but_o such_o in_o subordination_n indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n during_o the_o vacancy_n between_o fabianus_n his_o death_n and_o cornelius_n his_o promotion_n look_v only_o on_o themselves_o as_o vice-pastor_n say_v that_o in_o such_o a_o juncture_n they_o keep_v the_o flock_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o bishop_n etc._n i_o can_v give_v you_o even_o a_o surfeit_n of_o evidence_n i_o say_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a whoso_o read_v st._n cyprian_n epistle_n may_v find_v it_o in_o almost_o every_o page_n and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o insist_v on_o many_o argument_n in_o the_o probation_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v further_o clear_v this_o also_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o all_o this_o than_o ignatius_n say_v frequent_o near_o 150_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n passon_n and_o now_o sir_n tho'_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n can_v afford_v we_o no_o more_o than_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o they_o they_o will_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o overthrow_v our_o author_n definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o to_o both_o part_n of_o it_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o every_o think_v man_n conviction_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o flâ—ck_n nor_o the_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n in_o our_o author_n sense_n of_o the_o term_n 1._o not_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o flock_n i._n e._n a_o single_a presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o single_a parish_n after_o the_o presbyterian_a model_n for_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n have_v many_o such_o presbyter_n under_o he_o cyprian_a himself_n whatever_o he_o have_v more_o have_v no_o sewer_n than_o eight_o under_o he_o in_o the_o city_n of_o carthage_n beside_o the_o adjacent_a village_n cornelius_n be_v over_o forty_o six_o in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o dionysius_n be_v over_o at_o alexandria_n or_o polycarpus_n at_o 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o it_o be_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n over_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v a_o bishop_n then_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v a_o pastor_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o diocese_n i._n e_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o district_n be_v his_o flock_n and_o he_o have_v a_o direct_a formal_a and_o immediate_a pastoral_n relation_n to_o they_o all_o tho'_o at_o the_o same_o time_n within_o the_o same_o district_n there_o be_v many_o inferior_a pastor_n who_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o he_o 2._o he_o be_v as_o little_a a_o mere_a moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n in_o our_o author_n sense_n of_o the_o term_n a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n 〈◊〉_d
such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n at_o all_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o such_o be_v chief_a pastor_n judge_n head_n master_n rector_n governor_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n as_o such_o have_v no_o direct_a immediate_a formal_a relation_n to_o the_o people_n but_o only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o of_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o presbytery_n but_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n his_o prelacy_n whatever_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n st._n cyprian_n e._n g._n to_o as_o many_o christian_n as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o at_o least_o eight_o presbyter_n cornelius_n too_o as_o many_o as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o forty_o six_o to_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o which_o beside_o forty_o six_o presbyter_n seven_o deacon_n seven_o subdeacon_n forty_o two_o acolyte_n fifty_o two_o exorcist_n lector_n and_o doorkeeper_n there_o be_v more_o than_o fifteen_o hundred_o widow_n and_o poor_a people_n who_o subsist_v by_o charity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o a_o mighty_a and_o innumerable_a laity_n as_o himself_o word_n it_o 43._o these_o thing_n i_o say_v may_v be_v sufficient_a in_o all_o reason_n to_o confute_v our_o author_n notion_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v ii_o how_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v promoted_n to_o his_o chair_n to_o that_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o he_o call_v it_o 103._o and_o we_o shall_v easy_o collect_v another_o demonstration_n against_o our_o author_n notion_n for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v plain_n i._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lawful_a nor_o allowable_a promotion_n of_o one_o to_o a_o bishopric_n which_o have_v be_v possess_v before_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a canonical_a and_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n when_o a_o see_v be_v once_o canonical_o fill_v whosoever_o else_o pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o see_v be_v not_o a_o second_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o in_o st._n cyprian_n judgement_n 104._o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reckon_v of_o he_o as_o another_o bishop_n that_o he_o deem_v he_o not_o a_o christian_n fuse_v innumerable_a be_v his_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 110._o but_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v only_o one_o from_o ep._n 69._o because_o he_o full_o reason_n the_o case_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n whether_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o consider_v how_o st._n cyprian_n decide_v it_o the_o church_n be_v one_o say_v he_o and_o this_o one_o church_n can_v be_v both_o within_o and_o without_o if_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o novatianus_n she_o be_v not_o with_o cornelius_n but_o if_o she_o be_v with_o cornelius_n who_o succeed_v to_o bishop_n fabianus_n by_o lawful_a ordination_n and_o who_o god_n honour_v with_o martyrdom_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n novatianus_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o bishop_n who_o contemn_v the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o succeed_v to_o none_o have_v spring_v from_o himself_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n either_o have_v or_o hold_v a_o church_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n can_v be_v without_o herself_o nor_o divide_v against_o herself_o etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o our_o lord_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o unity_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n say_v i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o and_o again_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v this_o unity_n he_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o flock_n and_o one_o pastor_n but_o if_o the_o flock_n be_v one_o how_o can_v he_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v not_o number_v with_o the_o flock_n or_o how_o can_v be_v he_o deem_v a_o pastor_n who_o while_o the_o true_a pastor_n live_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n by_o a_o succedaneous_a ordination_n succeed_v to_o none_o but_o begin_v from_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o alien_n be_v profane_a be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n he_o dwell_v not_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n none_o can_v dwell_v there_o but_o the_o son_n of_o concord_n and_o unanimity_n 182._o neither_o be_v this_o principle_n peculiar_a to_o st._n cyprian_a cornelius_n in_o his_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n to_o fabius_n insist_o on_o it_o also_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n ridicules_n novatianus_n if_o not_o for_o his_o ignorance_n of_o it_o at_o least_o for_o entertain_v the_o vain_a conceit_n that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o counter-act_n it_o 43._o and_o when_o maximus_n urbanus_fw-la sidonius_n macarius_n etc._n etc._n desert_a novatianus_n and_o return_v to_o cornelius_n his_o communion_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a confession_n that_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o that_o same_o common_a maxim_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v look_v upon_o novatianus_n as_o a_o false_a and_o schismatical_a bishop_n we_o know_v say_v they_o that_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o confess_v our_o error_n we_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o be_v circumvent_v by_o perfidy_n and_o ensnare_a sophistry_n for_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n one_o christ_n our_o lord_n who_o we_o have_v confess_v one_o holy-ghost_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o catholic_n church_n 93._o indeed_o two_o bishop_n at_o once_o of_o one_o church_n or_o city_n be_v then_o think_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o two_o father_n of_o one_o child_n or_o two_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n or_o two_o head_n of_o one_o body_n or_o whatever_o else_o you_o can_v call_v monstrous_a in_o either_o nature_n or_o morality_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o canonical_a vacancy_n no_o place_n for_o a_o new_a bishop_n but_o where_o the_o one_o bishop_n who_o the_o chair_n have_v be_v be_v dead_a or_o have_v cede_v or_o be_v canonical_o depose_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n vacancy_n by_o death_n have_v no_o difficulty_n i_o do_v remember_v to_o have_v observe_v any_o instance_n of_o session_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o there_o be_v some_o before_o and_o many_o after_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o basilides_n who_o after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o sacred_a dignity_n by_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o dreadful_a crime_n of_o idolatry_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v say_v to_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o and_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v favourable_o deal_v by_o if_o thereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o laic_n 67._o we_o have_v instance_n of_o deposition_n in_o the_o same_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n ibid._n in_o marcianus_n 68_o privatus_fw-la lambesitanus_n 36._o evaristus_n 52._o fortunatianus_n 65._o and_o perhaps_o some_o more_o however_o these_o three_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a vacancy_n 3._o when_o a_o see_v be_v thus_o canonical_o vacant_a it_o be_v fill_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n in_o which_o the_o vacancy_n be_v meet_v choose_v and_o ordain_v one_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o he_o be_v to_o govern._n this_o st._n cyprian_n with_o other_o 36_o bishop_n tell_v we_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a form_n not_o only_o in_o africa_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o province_n all_o the_o world_n over_o 10._o i_o know_v it_o be_v controvert_v whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n but_o my_o present_a purpose_n do_v not_o engage_v i_o in_o that_o controversy_n 4._o but_o election_n be_v not_o enough_o tho'_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v already_o a_o presbyter_n and_o in_o priestly_a order_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v promoted_n to_o a_o bishopric_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n a_o new_a ordination_n his_o former_a order_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o that_o supreme_a office_n thus_o e._n g._n st._n cyprian_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v
present_a for_o the_o bishop_n power_n of_o ordination_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o three_o he_o have_v full_a power_n without_o ask_v the_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n of_o either_o clergy_n or_o people_n to_o settle_v presbyter_n within_o his_o district_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o st._n cyprian_n plant_n namidicus_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n of_o carthage_n our_o martyr_n write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o such_o probable_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o it_o it_o be_v instant_o do_v 40._o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o very_a next_o epistle_n 43._o where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o namidicus_fw-la as_o a_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n receive_v a_o commission_n for_o a_o deputation_n to_o oversee_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n in_o st._n cyprian_n absence_n so_o negligent_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o so_o ignorant_a be_v st._n cyprian_n of_o christ_n testament_n at_o least_o of_o his_o leave_v in_o it_o to_o his_o people_n by_o way_n of_o legacy_n a_o right_a a_o grant_n a_o privilege_n of_o choâ—sing_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o a_o stranger_n have_v he_o be_v to_o all_o the_o analogy_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o i_o proceed_v four_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n the_o bishop_n have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o church_n income_n then_o be_v oblation_n and_o charitable_a contribution_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v heathen_a and_o treat_v she_o common_o with_o persecution_n never_o with_o encouragement_n now_o the_o bishop_n i_o say_v have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o dispose_n of_o these_o contribution_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o have_v his_o own_o quantitas_fw-la propria_fw-la his_o proper_a portion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o considerable_a one_o it_o be_v common_o reckon_v to_o have_v be_v the_o three_o the_o other_o two_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o poor_a but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o have_v his_o own_o portion_n and_o that_o a_o liberal_a one_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o seven_o epistle_n for_o there_o he_o tell_v how_o before_o he_o retire_v he_o give_v the_o trust_n of_o it_o to_o rogatianus_n one_o of_o his_o presbyter_n order_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessitous_a stranger_n at_o carthage_n they_o shall_v have_v maintenance_n out_o of_o it_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n cyprian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o fortunatianus_n who_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o assurae_n but_o have_v forfeit_v by_o sacrifice_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o be_v earnest_n for_o all_o that_o to_o retain_v his_o bishopric_n he_o say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o perquisites_n and_o not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o religion_n 163._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o same_o reason_n move_v basilides_n to_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o bishopric_n after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v it_o also_o 173._o indeed_o the_o bishop_n proper_a portion_n be_v settle_v on_o he_o by_o the_o 40th_o of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o rest_n particular_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n he_o make_v it_o a_o aggravation_n of_o felicissimus_n gild_n that_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o bishop_n he_o shall_v have_v make_v such_o a_o clutter_n about_o the_o division_n of_o the_o contribution_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o praise_v the_o dutifulness_n of_o other_o who_o will_v not_o follow_v fâ—licissimus_n his_o bad_a example_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v satisfy_v to_o take_v their_o share_n as_o the_o bishop_n shall_v please_v to_o dispense_v they_o 80._o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o his_o power_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o aforementioned_a case_n of_o aurelius_n and_o celerinus_n for_o tho'_o he_o promote_v they_o only_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o lector_n yet_o he_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o presbyter_n 78._o and_o as_o for_o that_o part_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o power_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a from_o his_o five_o and_o forty_o first_o epistle_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o indeed_o this_o power_n be_v express_o assert_v to_o they_o by_o the_o thirty_o eight_o and_o forty_o fiâ—st_n of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o find_v bishop_n in_o possession_n of_o it_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o justin_n martyr_n second_o apology_n not_o far_o from_o the_o end_n not_o now_o to_o mention_v that_o it_o seem_v fair_o to_o be_v found_v on_o express_a scripture_n 9_o indeed_o five_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o impose_v charitable_a contribution_n on_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o distress_a stranger_n whether_o captive_n prisoner_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n or_o galley_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o power_n we_o have_v famous_a instance_n in_o his_o 62d_o and_o 78th_o epistle_n you_o may_v consult_v they_o at_o your_o leisure_n and_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n soter_n bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o venerable_a dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n cite_v for_o it_o by_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o manage_v this_o power_n to_o excellent_a purpose_n as_o his_o predecessor_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v do_v before_o he_o take_v his_o own_o word_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a father_n have_v flourish_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n they_o be_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o which_o he_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o this_o have_v be_v your_o custom_n from_o the_o beginning_n i._n e._n ever_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plant_v to_o do_v manifold_a good_a office_n to_o the_o brethren_n and_o send_v supply_n to_o most_o church_n in_o most_o city_n for_o sweeten_v their_o poverty_n and_o refresh_v those_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n you_o roman_n observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n hand_v down_o to_o you_o by_o your_o father_n which_o custom_n your_o bless_a bishop_n soter_n have_v not_o only_o observe_v but_o improve_v etc._n etc._n 23._o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o it_o be_v from_o these_o word_n that_o soter_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v the_o chief_a management_n of_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n impose_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o they_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o afflict_a christian_n of_o whatsoever_o church_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v go_v high_a than_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o my_o main_a argument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o may_v swell_v this_o letter_n to_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n let_v i_o mention_v another_o power_n which_o tertuâ—lian_n who_o live_v before_o st._n cyprian_n also_o in_o plain_a term_n appropriate_n to_o the_o bishop_n a_o considerable_a power_n a_o power_n that_o be_v a_o considerable_a argument_n of_o the_o episcopal_a sovereignty_n and_o it_o be_v sixthly_a the_o power_n of_o indict_v solemn_a fast_n as_o occasion_v require_v to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n you_o have_v his_o word_n plain_a and_o home_n upon_o the_o margin_n 3_o seuâ—nthly_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o now_o i_o return_v to_o it_o as_o such_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n all_o those_o of_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o either_o sit_v with_o he_o or_o stand_v give_v their_o suffrage_n as_o they_o be_v ask_v about_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n all_o learned_a man_n even_o spanhemius_fw-la himself_o our_o author_n be_v diligent_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n confess_v this_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o point_n on_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o necessary_a branch_n of_o his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o agreeable_o we_o find_v cornelius_n account_v about_o it_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a for_o there_o he_o tell_v how_o the_o presbyter_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v side_v with_o novatianus_n turn_v sensible_a of_o their_o error_n come_v not_o straight_o to_o himself_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o do_v that_o or_o rather_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v that_o freedom_n so_o sudden_o but_o to_o his_o
it_o when_o he_o can_v escape_v but_o by_o seek_v for_o refuge_n in_o a_o reconciliation_n between_o pride_n and_o patience_n superciliousness_n and_o self-denial_n huffyness_n and_o humility_n carnal_a height_n and_o christian_a holiness_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v have_v that_o author_n any_o solid_a ground_n for_o say_v so_o or_o rather_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v say_v so_o have_v he_o have_v but_o a_o ordinary_a acquaintance_n with_o st._n cyprian_n or_o his_o epistle_n charge_v pride_n on_o the_o humble_a cyprian_a cyprian_a who_o be_v so_o very_o humble_a that_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o nothingness_n he_o have_v still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o humility_n cyprian_a who_o humility_n will_v not_o allow_v he_o almost_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o style_n of_o authority_n even_o to_o female_a laic_n 94._o cyprian_a who_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v none_o but_o the_o humble_a and_o quiet_a 26._o cyprian_a who_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o withal_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a 30._o who_o insist_v on_o his_o own_o humility_n in_o that_o very_a epistle_n for_o which_o that_o author_n charge_v he_o with_o pride_n 16._o who_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n glory_v most_o in_o his_o humble_a and_o bashful_a modesty_n 148._o who_o when_o accuse_v of_o pride_n can_v appeal_v not_o only_o to_o all_o christian_n but_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a infidel_n as_o witness_n of_o his_o innocence_n 166._o cyprian_a who_o have_v this_o great_a testimony_n from_o some_o of_o his_o contemporary_n that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a preacher_n the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n the_o wise_a in_o counsel_n the_o simple_a in_o patience_n the_o most_o charitable_a in_o alm_n the_o holy_a in_o abstinence_n the_o humble_a in_o obligingness_n and_o the_o most_o innocent_a in_o every_o good_a action_n 234._o and_o from_o other_o that_o he_o have_v a_o candid_a and_o a_o bless_a breast_n etc._n etc._n 236._o in_o a_o word_n cyprian_a who_o humility_n be_v such_o that_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v his_o deacon_n pontius_n he_o flee_v and_o lurk_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o make_v he_o a_o bishop_n 3._o such_o that_o when_o st._n augustine_n many_o year_n after_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n he_o come_v off_o with_o this_o the_o authority_n of_o cyprian_n do_v not_o fright_v i_o because_o the_o humility_n of_o cyprian_a encourage_v i_o baptism_n such_o a_o person_n be_v cyprian_n and_o yet_o to_o proud_a be_v he_o forsooth_o for_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o assert_v his_o episcopal_a authority_n when_o most_o undutiful_o trample_v on_o by_o his_o presume_a presbyter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v methinks_v may_v be_v enough_o in_o all_o conscience_n for_o defeat_v for_o ever_o that_o uncharitable_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o ignorant_a suggestion_n that_o it_o be_v pride_n perhaps_o that_o prompt_v cyprian_n to_o write_v so_o magisterial_o to_o the_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n yet_o because_o a_o far_a discussion_n of_o it_o may_v contribute_v not_o a_o little_a for_o clear_v up_o the_o bishop_n negative_a in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n i_o shall_v not_o grudge_v to_o give_v it_o you_o st._n cyprian_n have_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o deal_v with_o in_o that_o controversy_n which_o breed_v he_o so_o much_o trouble_v he_o have_v the_o lapse_v themselves_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n and_o these_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o have_v encroach_v so_o much_o on_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o author_n himself_o with_o who_o i_o have_v now_o to_o do_v will_v not_o be_v shy_a to_o grant_v that_o st._n cyprian_n without_o incur_v the_o reputation_n of_o either_o proud_a or_o presumptuous_a may_v have_v chide_v the_o lapse_v as_o we_o find_v he_o do_v they_o have_v cowardly_o renounce_v their_o christianity_n to_o save_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o the_o canon_n subject_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a and_o a_o long_a penance_n for_o it_o and_o i_o think_v without_o the_o imputation_n of_o either_o height_n or_o humour_n one_o in_o st._n cyprian_n station_n may_v have_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o respect_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o indeed_o all_o the_o lapse_v be_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o disorderly_a course_n there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o bishop_n resolve_v to_o wait_v his_o time_n and_o entire_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o absolution_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o 33d_o epistle_n his_o difficulty_n be_v great_a with_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o appear_v as_o patron_n to_o the_o prejudicate_v lapse_v but_o neither_o need_n i_o insist_v on_o that_o nor_o how_o he_o conquer_v they_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o author_n tell_v dr._n still_v fleet_n he_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o meddle_v with_o that_o matter_n see_v none_o ever_o imagine_v that_o every_o martyr_n have_v church_n power_n tho'_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o sir_n that_o whoso_o read_v st._n cyprian_n work_n and_o particular_o observe_v the_o state_n and_o management_n of_o this_o whole_a controversy_n about_o the_o lapse_v can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o reputation_n and_o authority_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n make_v a_o far_o great_a figure_n in_o it_o than_o the_o reputation_n or_o authority_n of_o presbyter_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n with_o this_o author_n let_v we_o try_v if_o st._n cyprian_n stretch_v his_o power_n too_o far_o in_o his_o treatment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o appear_v against_o he_o in_o this_o controversy_n consider_v the_o follow_a step_n and_o then_o judge_v i._o consider_v that_o st._n cyprian_n do_v not_o fall_v a_o buff_n or_o hector_v or_o run_v they_o down_o by_o noise_n or_o clamour_n no_o he_o reason_n the_o case_n with_o they_o and_o reason_n all_o along_o from_o know_v and_o receive_v principle_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o indeed_o that_o in_o presume_v as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v forget_v both_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o own_o station_n that_o he_o be_v their_o superior_a that_o they_o do_v not_o pay_v he_o the_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o chair_n and_o character_n that_o the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v attempt_v before_o by_o presbyter_n under_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor-bishop_n that_o it_o be_v a_o factious_a selfish_a temper_n and_o too_o great_a love_n of_o popularity_n that_o prompt_v they_o to_o measure_n so_o in_o no_o wise_a presidented_a that_o he_o know_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o old_a grudge_n against_o his_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o bishopric_n that_o bias_v they_o to_o their_o insolence_n that_o be_v belong_v to_o he_o as_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v bishop_n i._n e._n as_o have_v the_o visible_a sovereignty_n in_o church_n matter_n to_o straiten_v or_o slacken_v the_o sinew_n of_o discipline_n to_o prolong_v or_o shorten_v the_o course_n of_o penance_n to_o grant_v absolution_n and_o reconcile_v penitent_n etc._n etc._n that_o such_o presumption_n be_v encroachment_n upon_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o subversion_n whereof_o their_o pretend_v to_o any_o power_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n tend_v in_o short_a that_o such_o practice_n be_v against_o christ_n institution_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o they_o deserve_v the_o sharp_a censure_n for_o they_o these_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sample_n of_o the_o argument_n st._n cyprian_n insist_v on_o against_o those_o presbyter_n and_o most_o of_o they_o be_v found_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o now_o suppose_v st._n cyprian_n have_v have_v considerable_a dose_n of_o pride_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v but_o allow_v he_o withal_o to_o have_v have_v some_o grain_n of_o common_a sense_n or_o honesty_n can_v you_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v he_o can_v have_v use_v such_o argument_n if_o they_o have_v want_v foundation_n will_v he_o not_o have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v use_v they_o if_o he_o and_o not_o his_o presbyter_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o usurpation_n he_o be_v condemn_v but_o what_o need_v more_o have_v i_o not_o full_o prove_v already_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o all_o the_o christian_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o within_z his_o district_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_n and_o peerless_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o rule_v and_o be_v not_o all_o his_o reasâ—nings_n found_v on_o these_o principle_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2._o consider_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o
of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o they_o be_v her_o supreme_a governor_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v chief_o bind_v by_o the_o most_o fundamental_a law_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v conscientious_a conservator_n of_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a interest_n and_o indeed_o so_o they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n and_o i._o they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v indispensible_o to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o concord_n the_o unanimity_n the_o honour_n they_o be_v all_o st._n cyprian_n word_n of_o the_o college_n itself_o every_o error_n every_o defect_n every_o thing_n disjoint_v or_o out_o of_o tune_n in_o it_o tend_v natural_o to_o endanger_v the_o great_a interest_n for_o the_o conservation_n and_o procuration_n of_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v for_o this_o end_n 2._o because_o every_o man_n by_o be_v promoted_n to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n be_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la a_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o a_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n all_o possible_a care_n be_v take_v that_o a_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v promote_v and_o that_o the_o promotion_n shall_v be_v unquestionable_a therefore_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v promoted_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v promoted_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n uncanonical_a or_o challengeable_a in_o his_o baptism_n or_o his_o confirmation_n or_o his_o prâ—motion_n to_o any_o former_a order_n as_o i_o have_v show_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o novationus_fw-la therefore_o he_o be_v solemn_o elect_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o either_o his_o crime_n may_v be_v detect_v or_o his_o merit_n publish_v because_o the_o people_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o every_o man_n life_n and_o conversation_n 172._o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v solemn_o ordain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n also_o ibid._n and_o that_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bishop_n at_o few_o tho'_o a_o ordination_n perform_v by_o one_o bishop_n be_v true_o valid_a common_o there_o be_v more_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n 3._o be_v thus_o canonical_o promoted_n his_o first_o work_n be_v to_o send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o all_o other_o bishop_n to_o give_v they_o thereby_o a_o account_n of_o his_o canonical_a promotion_n his_o orthodoxy_n in_o the_o faith_n his_o fraternal_a disposition_n etc._n etc._n thus_o cornelius_n be_v no_o soon_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n than_o he_o instant_o dispatch_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_a 87._o and_o no_o doubt_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v to_o all_o other_o bishop_n at_o least_o to_o all_o metropolitan_o by_o they_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o bishop_n within_o their_o province_n i_o say_v to_o metropolitan_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a than_o that_o there_o be_v metropolitan_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n he_o be_v undoubted_o one_o himself_n 199._o and_o agrippiâ—â—s_n his_o predecessor_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v one_o long_o before_o he_o spanhemius_fw-la himself_n our_o author_n diligem_n searcher_n into_o antiquity_n acknowledge_v it_o 117._o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n novatianus_n also_o tho'_o illegal_o and_o schismatical_o ordain_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o st._n cyptian_a as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v canonical_o and_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 83._o so_o also_o fortunatus_n when_o make_v a_o schismatical_a bishop_n at_o carthage_n send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 135._o indeed_o this_o be_v never_o omit_v 4._o if_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n no_o controversy_n in_o the_o caâ—e_n the_o matter_n be_v at_o a_o end_n the_o promoted_n bishop_n communicatory_a letter_n be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o be_v forthwith_o faithful_o join_v with_o all_o his_o colleague_n as_o st._n cyprian_a word_n it_o 130._o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o competitor_n any_o debate_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o college_n before_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o colleague_n make_v further_a inquiry_n sometime_o they_o send_v some_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n to_o examine_v the_o matter_n sometime_o the_o ordainer_n be_v oblige_v to_o account_v for_o the_o person_n ordain_v and_o the_o whole_a procedure_n of_o the_o ordination_n sometime_o both_o method_n be_v practise_v we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o both_o method_n in_o one_o case_n the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n and_o novationus_fw-la cornelius_n as_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o his_o promotion_n write_v to_o st._n cyprian_a so_o do_v novatianus_n here_o be_v a_o competition_n cyprian_a therefore_o with_o his_o african_a colleague_n send_v caldonius_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o bishop_n to_o rome_n that_o upon_o the_o place_n itself_o where_o they_o may_v have_v the_o sure_a information_n they_o may_v enquâ—re_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o try_v the_o competition_n 45._o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o sixteen_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v cornelius_n write_v to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n and_o satisfy_v they_o upon_o the_o whole_a question_n demonstrate_v cornelius_n title_n and_o condemn_v novatianus_n 104._o such_o care_n be_v take_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v unworthy_o or_o uncanonical_o into_o the_o episcopal_a college_n but_o then_o 5._o there_o be_v equal_a care_n take_v to_o purge_v he_o out_o of_o the_o college_n again_o if_o he_o turn_v either_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a if_o he_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o the_o law_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o communion_n if_o he_o swerve_v from_o these_o he_o be_v forthwith_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n therefore_o say_v st._n cyprian_n to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marcianus_n bishop_n of_o arles_n who_o have_v join_v with_o novatianus_n the_o corporation_n of_o priest_n the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v copious_a be_v cement_v by_o the_o glue_n of_o mutual_a concord_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o unity_n that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o college_n shall_v turn_v heretic_n or_o attempt_v to_o divide_v or_o waste_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n the_o rest_n may_v interpose_v and_o as_o profitable_a and_o merciful_a shepherd_n collect_v our_o lord_n sheep_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o flock_n 178._o and_o this_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n for_o as_o our_o martyr_n subjoin_v tho'_o they_o be_v many_o pastor_n yet_o they_o all_o feed_v but_o one_o flock_n ibid._n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v the_o desolate_a christian_n of_o church_n whereof_o the_o bishop_n have_v turn_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a the_o comfort_n of_o their_o aid_n and_o assistance_n 177._o it_o be_v true_a no_o bishop_n be_v superior_a to_o another_o bishop_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o all_o stand_v collateral_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o so_o no_o bishop_n as_o superior_a to_o another_o in_o a_o straight_a linâ—_n can_v pass_v sentence_n on_o he_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v to_o presbyter_n yet_o all_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o college_n which_o college_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n catholic_n it_o be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a that_o that_o college_n shall_v be_v impower_v to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o by_o consequence_n they_o can_v do_v the_o equivalent_a of_o a_o formal_a and_o authoritative_a deposition_n they_o can_v refuse_v the_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a bishop_n their_o communion_n and_o thereby_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o episcopal_a college_n and_o they_o can_v oblige_v all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n to_o abandon_v his_o communion_n and_o choose_v another_o bishop_n as_o they_o value_v the_o invaluable_a privilege_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o the_o one_o communion_n but_o then_o 6._o so_o long_o as_o a_o bishop_n worthy_o and_o legal_o promoted_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v treat_v he_o be_v encourage_v he_o be_v consult_v he_o be_v correspond_v with_o in_o a_o word_n every_o way_n use_v as_o become_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o ratify_v all_o his_o canonical_a nay_o equitable_a act_n of_o priesthood_n government_n and_o discipline_n whosoever_o be_v baptise_a by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o clergy_n with_o his_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o a_o baptise_a christian_a a_o true_a denizen_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o such_o all_o the_o world_n
may_v they_o not_o have_v choose_v one_o at_o every_o meeting_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o parity_n farther_o what_o need_v of_o so_o much_o parade_n about_o the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o be_v then_o about_o the_o election_n of_o a_o bishop_n why_o the_o people_n choose_v he_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o st._n cyprian_n be_v for_o popular_a election_n what_o be_v the_o people_n interest_n how_o be_v it_o their_o concern_v who_o be_v moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n what_o be_v his_o influence_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la at_o least_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n more_o than_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o other_o member_n of_o the_o presbytery_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o confess_v that_o as_o moderator_n he_o be_v no_o church-governour_n at_o all_o that_o he_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n over_o his_o brethren_n that_o his_o power_n be_v only_o ordinative_a not_o decisive_n to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o meeting_n not_o to_o be_v their_o will_n or_o command_v faculty_n to_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o what_o come_v before_o they_o not_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v debate_v among_o they_o why_o then_o be_v the_o people_n so_o much_o concern_v about_o he_o what_o benefit_n or_o what_o harm_n can_v redound_v to_o they_o by_o one_o being_n moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whatever_o he_o be_v beside_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o as_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n he_o have_v relation_n only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n at_o least_o he_o have_v none_o direct_o immediate_o and_o formal_o to_o the_o people_n what_o pretence_n then_o can_v the_o people_n have_v to_o interest_n themselves_o in_o his_o election_n nay_o say_v as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v i_o be_o sure_a the_o contrary_n can_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o st._n cyprian_n that_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n but_o only_o in_o their_o presence_n and_o the_o same_o argument_n will_v take_v place_n as_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o body_n far_o yet_o what_o need_v of_o convocate_a so_o many_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n for_o manage_v the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n e._n g._n for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o rome_n if_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n than_o the_o bishop_n convocate_v for_o manage_v the_o election_n of_o a_o moderator_n be_v moderator_n too_o and_o so_o by_o consequence_n sixteen_o moderator_n of_o other_o presbytery_n meet_v at_o rome_n to_o constitute_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o roman_a presbytery_n and_o may_v not_o the_o presbytery_n of_o rome_n have_v choose_v their_o own_o moderator_n without_o the_o trouble_n or_o the_o inspection_n of_o so_o many_o moderator_n of_o other_o presbytery_n once_o more_o what_o necessity_n nay_o what_o congruity_n of_o a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n a_o new_a mission_n for_o constitute_v one_o a_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n and_o this_o too_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o none_o but_o moderator_n of_o other_o presbytery_n thus_o e._n g._n it_o behove_v six_o moderator_n to_o meet_v at_o capsis_fw-la to_o ordain_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o capsis_fw-la and_o sixteen_o at_o rome_n to_o ordain_v a_o moderator_n for_o the_o presbytery_n of_o rome_n and_o after_o he_o be_v ordain_v it_o behove_v novatianus_n to_o be_v at_o so_o much_o pain_n to_o get_v together_o three_o moderator_n to_o ordain_v himself_o a_o anti-moderator_n who_o can_v think_v on_o these_o thing_n without_o smile_v but_o perhaps_o you_o may_v think_v i_o have_v insist_v on_o this_o argument_n more_o than_o enough_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v leave_v it_o and_o proceed_v to_o other_o consideration_n to_o go_v on_o then_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n thus_o elect_v ordain_v and_o possess_v of_o his_o chair_n do_v bear_v a_o double_a relation_n one_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o he_o be_v set_v and_o another_o to_o the_o church_n catholic_n a_o integrant_fw-la partly_o whereof_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o which_o he_o be_v bishop_n the_o consideration_n of_o each_o of_o these_o relation_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o fresh_a argument_n against_o our_o author_n hypothesis_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o relation_n he_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n and_o first_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o observe_v about_o he_o in_o that_o regard_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o she_o whosoever_o adhere_v to_o he_o and_o live_v in_o his_o communion_n be_v in_o the_o church_n a_o catholic_n christian._n whosoever_o separate_v from_o he_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o schismatic_a he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n live_v within_o his_o district_n and_o they_o be_v one_o body_n one_o society_n one_o church_n by_o depend_v upon_o he_o by_o be_v subject_n to_o he_o by_o keep_v to_o his_o communion_n he_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o they_o be_v the_o beam_n he_o be_v the_o root_n and_o they_o be_v the_o branch_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o they_o be_v the_o stream_n as_o st._n cyprian_n explain_v the_o matter_n 108._o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a consequence_n especial_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apologist_n argument_n our_o author_n answer_n to_o which_o i_o be_o examine_v and_o therefore_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o handle_v it_o somewhat_o full_o and_o i_o proceed_v by_o these_o step_n i._o there_o be_v nothing_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n his_o contemporary_n value_v more_o reckon_v of_o high_a importance_n or_o lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o than_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n they_o represent_v at_o more_o heinous_a or_o more_o criminal_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n in_o their_o reckon_n unity_n be_v the_o great_a badge_n of_o christianity_n god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n that_o be_v put_v up_o in_o unity_n 112._o but_o not_o those_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o schism_n christian_n peace_n brotherly_a concord_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o people_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v account_v of_o great_a value_n by_o they_o than_o all_o other_o imaginable_a sacrifice_n 149._o nothing_o afford_v great_a pleasure_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n than_o harmony_n among_o christian_n on_o earth_n 217._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v a_o thousand_o such_o testimony_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o unity_n but_o as_o for_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n how_o may_v it_o make_v man_n heart_n to_o tremble_v when_o they_o hear_v what_o hard_a name_n and_o what_o horrid_a notion_n these_o primitive_a worthy_n give_v they_o and_o have_v of_o they_o schism_n to_o they_o be_v the_o devil_n device_n for_o subvert_v the_o faith_n corrupt_v the_o truth_n and_o cut_a unity_n 105._o christ_n institute_v the_o church_n and_o the_o devil_n heresy_n 60._o or_o schism_n for_o both_o then_o go_v common_o under_o one_o name_n schism_n be_v reckon_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o idolatry_n itself_o and_o st._n cyprian_n prove_v it_o by_o several_a argument_n 117._o firmilian_a affirm_v it_o also_o 227._o so_o do_v dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o notable_a epistle_n to_o novatianus_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v suffer_v the_o great_a misery_n rather_o than_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o unity_n be_v as_o glorious_a as_o martyrdom_n for_o not_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n nay_o more_o because_o he_o who_o suffer_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v sacrifice_v suffer_v only_o for_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n but_o he_o that_o suffer_v for_o unity_n suffer_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n 45._o schismatic_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n 185._o be_v forsake_v of_o the_o spirit_n 138._o hold_v not_o the_o faith_n 109._o have_v neither_o father_n son_n nor_o holy-ghost_n 10._o they_o be_v renegado_n 95._o apostate_n 103._o malignant_n 105._o parricide_n 117._o anti-christs_n 180._o false_a christ_n 5._o christ_n enemy_n 21._o blasphemer_n 31._o the_o devil_n priest_n 1._o retainer_n to_o corah_n 116._o retainer_n to_o judas_n 150._o villainous_a and_o perfidious_a 116._o alien_n profane_a enemy_n 109._o be_v without_o hope_n 182._o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n 109._o can_v not_o be_v save_v 9_o be_v infidel_n 1._o worse_o than_o heathen_n 37._o self-condemned_n 140._o be_v no_o more_o christian_n than_o the_o devil_n 112._o can_v but_o belong_v to_o christ_n 114._o can_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n ibid._n the_o hot_a part_n of_o hell_n their_o portion_n 18â—_n their_o society_n the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n 60._o their_o conventicle_n den_n of_o thief_n 207._o they_o be_v destroyer_n of_o soul_n 197._o their_o preach_v be_v poisonous_a 83._o their_o
baptism_n pestiferous_a 112._o and_o profane_a 180._o their_o sacrifice_n abominable_a 113._o they_o can_v not_o be_v martyr_n passim_fw-la their_o company_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 140._o whoso_o befriend_v they_o be_v persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n 38._o be_v betrayer_n of_o christ_n spouse_n to_o adulterer_n 61._o be_v betrayer_n of_o unity_n 203._o be_v involve_v in_o the_o some_o gild_n with_o they_o 184._o in_o short_a schismatic_n by_o be_v such_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n 85._o enemy_n of_o mercy_n 142._o infatuate_v salt_n 7._o and_o curse_v of_o god_n 1._o such_o i_o say_v be_v the_o notion_n the_o holy_a father_n in_o those_o early_a time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v of_o schismatic_n and_o such_o be_v the_o name_n they_o give_v they_o and_o certain_o whoso_o serious_o consider_v how_o much_o schism_n be_v condemn_v in_o holy_a writ_n what_o a_o enemy_n it_o be_v to_o the_o peace_n the_o power_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o much_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a humble_a peaceable_n patient_n meek_n and_o charitable_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n whoso_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a savious's_n great_a errand_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o unite_n all_o his_o disciple_n here_o into_o one_o body_n and_o one_o communion_n that_o they_o may_v eternal_o be_v bless_v in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o one_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n in_o heaven_n hereafter_o whoso_o i_o say_v consider_v these_o thing_n can_v but_o confess_v that_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n deserve_v all_o these_o hard_a name_n and_o answer_v all_o these_o terrible_a notion_n now_o 2._o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o the_o prevent_v of_o schism_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n all_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n age_n to_o live_v in_o the_o bishop_n communion_n and_o to_o own_o and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v head_n and_o ruler_n may_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o a_o vast_a train_n of_o testimony_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o few_o thus_o for_o example_n when_o some_o of_o the_o lapse_v presume_v to_o write_v to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o design_n themselves_o without_o a_o bishop_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n how_o do_v the_o holy_a man_n resent_v it_o consider_v how_o he_o begin_v his_o answer_n to_o they_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o who_o precept_n we_o ought_v to_o honour_n and_o obey_v institute_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o contexture_n of_o a_o church_n say_v thus_o to_o peter_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n from_o thence_o by_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o time_n and_o succession_n the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n be_v transmit_v so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o all_o her_o affair_n be_v order_v by_o they_o as_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v god_n appointment_n i_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o bold_a temerity_n of_o some_o who_o write_v to_o i_o call_v themselves_o a_o church_n when_o a_o church_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o faithful_a christian_n god_n forbid_v that_o a_o number_n of_o lapse_v shall_v be_v call_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n consider_v how_o he_o reason_n by_o divine_a institution_n there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n without_o a_o bishop_n the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o the_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n as_o chief_z ruler_n order_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o those_o lapse_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v call_v themselves_o a_o church_n see_v they_o have_v no_o bishop_n no_o principle_n of_o unity_n 66._o we_o have_v another_o notable_a reason_v as_o well_o as_o testimony_n of_o he_o in_o his_o 43d_o epistle_n write_v to_o his_o people_n of_o carthage_n upon_o the_o break_n out_o of_o felicissimus_n his_o schism_n god_n be_v one_o say_v he_o and_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o chair_n be_v one_o be_v our_o lord_n be_v own_o voice_n found_v on_o st._n peter_n another_o altar_n can_v be_v rear_v another_o priesthood_n can_v be_v erect_v beside_o the_o one_o altar_n and_o the_o one_o priesthood_n whoso_o gather_v elsewhere_o scatter_v whatever_o human_a fury_n institute_n against_o god_n appointment_n be_v adulterous_a be_v impious_a be_v sacrilegious_a and_o a_o little_a after_o o_o brethren_n let_v no_o man_n make_v you_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o christian_n let_v no_o man_n rend_v you_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n let_v no_o man_n tear_v the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o church_n let_v they_o perish_v alone_o who_o will_v needs_o perish_v let_v they_o abide_v alone_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n let_v they_o alone_z not_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o bishop_n 84._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florentinus_n pupianus_n he_o define_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o priest_n and_o a_o flock_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o tell_v pupianus_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n 8._o and_o how_o concerned_o do_v he_o reason_v the_o case_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n can_v he_o seem_v to_o himself_o say_v he_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v against_o christ_n priest_n who_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n clergy_n and_o people_n that_o man_n bear_v arm_n against_o the_o church_n he_o fight_v against_o god_n ordinance_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o altar_n a_o rebel_n against_o christ_n sacrifice_n he_o be_v perfidious_a and_o not_o faithful_a sacrilegious_a and_o not_o religious_a he_o be_v a_o undutiful_a servant_n and_o impious_a son_n a_o hostile_a brother_n who_o can_v contemn_v god_n bishop_n and_o forsake_v his_o priest_n and_o dare_v to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n and_o offer_v up_o unlawful_a prayer_n 116._o etc._n etc._n indeed_o in_o that_o same_o book_n he_o call_v the_o bishop_n the_o glue_n that_o cement_v christian_n into_o the_o solid_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n 119._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v 3._o that_o st._n cyprian_n every_o where_o make_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o one_o bishop_n or_o undutifulness_n to_o he_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n thus_o epist._n 3._o he_o make_v this_o observation_n upon_o the_o undutifulness_n of_o a_o certain_a deacon_n to_o rogatianus_n his_o bishop_n that_o such_o be_v the_o first_o effort_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o out-breaking_a and_o presumption_n of_o ill-advised_a schismatic_n they_o follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n contemn_v their_o superior_n so_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n so_o they_o erect_v profane_a altar_n without_o the_o church_n so_o they_o rebel_n against_o christian_a peace_n and_o divine_a order_n and_o unity_n 6._o and_o ep._n 59_o he_o tell_v cornelius_n that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n spring_v from_o this_o only_a fountain_n that_o god_n priest_n the_o bishop_n be_v not_o obey_v and_o man_n do_v consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v only_o one_o bishop_n only_o one_o judge_n as_o christ_n vicar_n in_o a_o church_n 129._o and_o ep._n 66._o to_o florentius_n pupianus_n that_o from_o hence_o heresy_n and_o schism_n have_v hitherto_o spring_v and_o do_v daily_a spring_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v one_o and_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o proud_a presumption_n of_o some_o and_o he_o that_o be_v honour_v of_o god_n be_v dishonour_v by_o man_n 167._o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v he_o allude_v clear_o to_o the_o monarchical_a power_n of_o bishop_n that_o bee_n have_v a_o king_n and_o beast_n have_v a_o captain_n and_o robber_n with_o all_o humility_n obey_v their_o commander_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o conclude_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o must_v be_v for_o christian_n not_o to_o pay_v suitable_a regard_v to_o their_o bishop_n ibid._n and_o in_o another_o place_n then_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o lord_n peace_n break_v then_o be_v brotherly_a charity_n violate_v then_o be_v the_o truth_n
the_o safety_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o their_o colleague_n in_o which_o case_n we_o offer_v violence_n we_o proscribe_v law_n to_o no_o man_n see_v every_o bishop_n have_v full_a liberty_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o will_v answwer_v to_o god_n 198._o and_o how_o do_v both_o st._n cyprian_a and_o firmilian_a resent_v stephen_n extravagance_n in_o threaten_v to_o refuse_v his_o communion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o the_o same_o sentiment_n with_o himself_o about_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n let_v any_o man_n read_v st._n cyprian_n epistle_n to_o pompeius_n and_o firmilian_n to_o st._n cyprian_n 75._o and_o he_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o this_o purpsoe_n will_v you_o have_v yet_o more_o then_o take_v a_o most_o memorable_a acknowledgement_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o rome_n st._n cyprian_n have_v write_v to_o they_o while_o the_o bishop_n chair_n be_v vacant_a and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o his_o resolution_n about_o the_o lapse_v those_o who_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n now_o consider_v how_o they_o begin_v their_o answer_n to_o he_o although_o say_v they_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v support_v by_o the_o vigour_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v square_v its_o action_n by_o the_o divine_a commandment_n use_v to_o content_v itself_o with_o god_n as_o its_o only_a judge_n and_o neither_o seek_v other_o man_n approbation_n nor_o fear_v their_o accusation_n yet_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a praise_n who_o while_o they_o know_v their_o conscience_n be_v subject_a to_o god_n only_o as_o its_o judge_n do_v yet_o desire_v that_o their_o administration_n shall_v have_v their_o brethren_n comprobation_n 56._o so_o clear_o acknowledge_v st._n cyprian_n and_o by_o consequence_n every_o bishop_n supremacy_n within_o his_o own_o district_n and_o his_o independency_n or_o non-subordination_n to_o any_o other_o bishop_n that_o even_o rigaltius_n himself_o in_o his_o annotation_n on_o st._n cyprian_n tho'_o a_o papist_n confess_v it_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o 4._o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n every_o bishop_n be_v christ_n vicar_n within_o his_o own_o district_n 129._o have_v a_o primacy_n in_o his_o own_o church_n 184._o manage_v the_o balance_n of_o her_o government_n 177._o be_v by_o his_o be_v bishop_n elevate_v to_o the_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 103._o have_v the_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o its_o vigour_n 126._o the_o prelatic_a power_n in_o its_o plenitude_n 108._o a_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n 126._o and_o none_o can_v be_v call_v bishop_n of_o bishop_n 195._o every_o bishop_n be_v head_n of_o his_o own_o church_n supra_fw-la and_o she_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o in_o her_o politic_a capacity_n passim_fw-la he_o and_o he_o only_o be_v her_o visible_a judge_n supra_fw-la and_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v subordinate_a to_o any_o visible_a superior_a in_o short_a the_o constitution_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n in_o those_o time_n be_v a_o well-tempered_n monarchy_n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o monarch_n and_o the_o presbytery_n be_v in_o senate_n all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n depend_v on_o he_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o he_o depend_v on_o no_o man_n so_o that_o i_o may_v fair_o conclude_v this_o point_n with_o that_o famous_a testimony_n of_o st._n ierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n wherever_o a_o bishop_n be_v whether_o at_o rome_n or_o eugubium_n constantinople_n or_o rhegium_n alexandria_n or_o tani_n he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o merit_n and_o the_o same_o priesthood_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o riches_n nor_o the_o humility_n of_o poverty_n make_v a_o bishop_n high_o or_o low_a but_o they_o be_v all_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n evagrium_fw-la it_o be_v true_a indeed_o st._n jerom_n live_v after_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n but_o i_o suppose_v our_o author_n will_v pretend_v to_o own_o his_o authority_n as_o soon_o as_o any_o father_n be_v in_o the_o point_n of_o church-government_n let_v i_o represent_v to_o you_o only_o one_o principle_n more_o which_o prevail_v in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o that_o be_v three_o that_o whatever_o the_o highpriest_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o the_o other_o priest_n and_o levite_n etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a bishop_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o same_o honour_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o st._n cyprian_n frequent_o insist_v on_o and_o reason_v from_o thus_o in_o his_o three_o epistle_n direct_v to_o rogatianu_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v divine_a law_n and_o warrant_n for_o punish_v his_o rebellious_a and_o undutiful_a deacon_n and_o then_o cite_v that_o text_n deut._n 17._o 12._o and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v do_v presumptuous_o and_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o priest_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n even_o that_o man_n shall_v die_v and_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v bear_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o presumptuous_o and_o confirm_v it_o far_o by_o show_v how_o god_n punish_v gorah_n datham_n and_o abiram_n for_o rebel_a against_o aaroâ—_n numb_a 16._o 1._o and_o when_o the_o israelite_n weary_a of_o samuel_n government_n ask_v a_o king_n to_o judge_v they_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o samuel_n harken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o that_o they_o say_v unto_o thou_o for_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v thou_o but_o they_o have_v reject_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o they_o 1._o sam._n 8._o 7._o therefore_o he_o give_v they_o saul_n for_o a_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o st._n paul_n be_v challenge_v for_o revile_v god_n high_a priest_n he_o excuse_v himself_o say_v he_o wist_v not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n have_v he_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v so_o he_o will_v not_o have_v treat_v he_o so_o for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o they_o people_n act._n 23._o 4_o 5._o and._n as_o he_o go_v further_a on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o god_n king_n and_o judge_n to_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o his_o passion_n pay_v suitable_a honour_n to_o the_o priest_n tho'_o they_o neither_o fear_v god_n nor_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o when_o he_o have_v cleanse_v the_o lâ—per_n he_o bid_v he_o go_v show_v himself_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o offer_v his_o gift_n matth._n 8._o 4._o and_o at_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o his_o passion_n when_o he_o be_v beat_v as_o if_o he_o have_v answer_v irreverent_o to_o the_o high_a priest_n he_o utter_v no_o reproachful_a thing_n against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o rather_o defend_v his_o own_o innocence_n say_v if_o i_o have_v speak_v evil_a bear_v witness_n of_o the_o evil_a but_o if_o well_o why_o smite_v thou_o i_o john_n 18._o 22_o 23._o all_o which_o thing_n be_v do_v humble_o and_o patient_o lby_v he_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pattern_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n propose_v to_o we_o for_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o give_v all_o dutiful_a honour_n to_o true_a priest_n by_o behave_v so_o towards_o false_a priest_n 5._o thus_o st._n cyprian_n reason_v and_o these_o be_v his_o argument_n for_o oblige_v all_o man_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v their_o bishop_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o write_v in_o his_o four_o epistle_n to_o pomponius_n concern_v some_o virgin_n and_o deacon_n that_o live_v scandalous_o let_v they_o not_o think_v they_o can_v be_v save_v say_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o bishop_n see_v god_n say_v in_o deuteronomy_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v deut._n 17._o 12_o 9_o he_o insist_o on_o the_o same_o argument_n in_o his_o 59th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n when_o he_o be_v give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o the_o rebellion_n and_o schismatical_a practice_n of_o fortunatus_n and_o felicissimus_n the_o one_o a_o presbyter_n and_o the_o other_o a_o deacon_n 128._o he_o insist_o on_o they_o over_o again_o in_o his_o 66th_o epistle_n to_o florentius_n papianus_n 166._o he_o insist_o large_o on_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o corah_n and_o his_o complice_n for_o rebel_a against_o aaron_n and_o make_v it_o the_o same_o very_a sin_n in_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v from_o their_o lawful_a bishop_n in_o his_o 69th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o magnus_n 183._o and_o in_o his_o 73d_o epistle_n direct_v to_o jubaianus_n 201._o and_o firmilian_a also_o st._n cyprian_n contemporary_a insist_o on_o the_o same_o argument_n 225._o indeed_o the_o name_n priest_n priesthood_n altar_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o use_v those_o time_n be_v a_o pregnant_a argument_n
of_o the_o notion_n christian_n have_v then_o of_o the_o christian_a hierarchy_n be_v copy_v from_o the_o jewish_a neither_o be_v it_o a_o notion_n new_o start_v up_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o we_o find_v it_o in_o express_a term_n in_o that_o notable_a epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n by_o st._n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o only_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v by_o name_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o one_o of_o his_o fellow-labourer_n who_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n philip._n 4._o 3._o for_o he_o persuade_v those_o corinthian_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o animosity_n and_o schismatical_a disposition_n and_o to_o pursue_v and_o maintain_v unity_n and_o peace_n above_o all_o thing_n propose_v to_o they_o as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a for_o this_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v keep_v his_o order_n and_o station_n and_o then_o enumerate_v the_o several_a subordination_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o new_a his_o method_n of_o reason_v and_o the_o design_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n to_o compose_v the_o schism_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o corinthian_n make_v this_o evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n else_o he_o have_v not_o argue_v from_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n the_o high_a priest_n say_v he_o have_v his_o proper_a office_n and_o the_o priest_n have_v their_o proper_a place_n or_o station_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v tie_v to_o their_o proper_a ministery_n and_o the_o layman_n be_v bind_v to_o his_o laic_a performance_n 53._o have_v thus_o demonstrate_v that_o these_o be_v three_o current_n and_o receive_v principle_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n that_o he_o be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n and_o have_v no_o earthly_a ecclesiastical_a superior_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o among_o christian_n which_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n let_v i_o try_v a_o little_a if_o our_o author_n definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n can_v consist_v with_o they_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o can_v consist_v with_o none_o of_o they_o single_o much_o less_o with_o all_o these_o together_o i._n not_o with_o the_o first_o for_o if_o a_o bishop_n then_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n as_o cyprian_n e._n g._n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n and_o cornelius_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o fabius_n to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o dionysius_n to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n etc._n etc._n if_o thus_o it_o be_v i_o say_v then_o to_o be_v sure_a a_o bishop_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o a_o mere_a single_a presbyter_n of_o a_o single_a parish_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a sense_n for_o if_o a_o single_a presbyter_n can_v have_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v e._n g._n 46_o single_a presbyter_n he_o must_v have_v be_v it_o as_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o as_o something_o else_o not_o as_o a_o single_a presbyter_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o many_o principle_n of_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n as_o there_o be_v single_a presbyter_n for_o instance_n there_o shall_v have_v be_v 46_o principle_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o to_o make_v a_o church_n such_o a_o monster_n as_o may_v have_v 46_o head_n than_o by_o so_o multiply_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o leave_v no_o unity_n at_o all_o than_o in_o stead_n of_o one_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o organise_v body_n to_o set_v up_o 46_o principle_n of_o division_n indeed_o what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o the_o very_a extract_n of_o nonsense_n and_o cream_n of_o contradiction_n a_o single_a presbyter_n then_o if_o he_o can_v have_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o such_o a_o church_n mut_n have_v be_v it_o as_o something_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a single_a presbyter_n but_o what_o can_v that_o something_o else_o have_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n not_o so_o neither_o for_o by_o what_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v a_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o such_o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n how_o can_v he_o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n who_o as_o such_o be_v neither_o pastor_n head_n nor_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n who_o as_o such_o have_v no_o direct_a immediate_a or_o formal_a relation_n to_o a_o church_n who_o as_o such_o be_v only_o the_o chairman_n the_o master-speaker_n not_o of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o presbytery_n nay_o who_o may_v be_v such_o and_o yet_o no_o christian_a for_o however_o inexpedient_a or_o indecent_a it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o heathen_a shall_v on_o occasion_n be_v the_o moderator_n i._n e._n the_o master-speaker_n of_o a_o presbytery_n yet_o it_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o any_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n not_o the_o moderator_n but_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o to_o do_v our_o author_n justice_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o as_o a_o i_o observe_v already_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v not_o if_o he_o the_o apologist_n can_v prove_v that_o we_o separate_v from_o our_o pastor_n or_o from_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o from_o our_o pastor_n or_o from_o the_o presbytery_n with_o their_o moderator_n neither_o 2._o can_v our_o author_n definition_n consist_v with_o the_o second_o principle_n viz._n that_o every_o bishop_n be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n independent_a and_o not_o subordinate_a to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a superior_a on_o earth_n to_o have_v such_o a_o supremacy_n such_o a_o independency_n such_o a_o unaccountableness_n be_v notorious_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o idea_n of_o either_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n how_o can_v it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n with_o his_o brethren_n presbyter_n that_o of_o 46_o for_o example_n one_o shall_v have_v a_o primacy_n a_o supremacy_n a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n the_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n a_o unaccountable_a and_o eminent_a power_n as_o st._n jerom_n himself_o call_v it_o potestas_fw-la and_o all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v accountable_a and_o subordinate_a to_o he_o what_o be_v this_o but_o reconcile_a contradiction_n beside_o the_o independency_n of_o single_a presbyter_n be_v notorious_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a scheme_n it_o be_v independency_n not_o presbytery_n and_o as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a moderator_n in_o what_o sense_n can_v he_o be_v call_v supreme_a or_o independent_a or_o unaccountable_a in_o what_o sense_n can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n or_o to_o have_v a_o exhort_v potestas_fw-la a_o unaccountable_a power_n or_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n only_o or_o to_o have_v the_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v he_o as_o such_o raise_v to_o the_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n who_o as_o such_o may_v be_v no_o priest_n at_o all_o for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o rule_v elder_a be_v a_o moderator_n how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d unaccountable_a power_n who_o can_v be_v voted_n out_o of_o his_o chair_n with_o the_o same_o breath_n with_o which_o he_o be_v voted_n into_o it_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n only_o who_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o presbytery_n how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n who_o as_o such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n have_v he_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o society_n who_o as_o such_o have_v no_o imaginable_a jurisdiction_n over_o any_o one_o member_n of_o that_o society_n 3._o but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o the_o consistency_n of_o our_o author_n definition_n with_o the_o three_o principle_n i_o name_v even_o no_o more_o than_o that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o st._n cyprian_n and_o one_o that_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o his_o time_n and_o that_o i_o
can_v refer_v it_o to_o our_o author_n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n bore_v no_o high_a character_n than_o that_o of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o head_n of_o argument_n which_o shall_v be_v four_o to_o give_v you_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a detail_n some_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n ii_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n and_o iii_o that_o all_o the_o other_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n i._o i_o say_v there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n take_v these_o for_o a_o sample_n and_o first_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o confirmation_n of_o impose_v hand_n on_o christian_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n after_o baptism_n for_o this_o we_o have_v st._n cyprian_n most_o express_v testimony_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n where_o he_o tell_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o offer_v such_o as_o be_v baptise_a to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy-ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v by_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o lord_n i._n e._n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o he_o express_o find_v this_o practice_n on_o the_o paterm_fw-la of_o st._n pater_fw-la and_o st._n john_n mention_v act_n 8._o 14._o etc._n etc._n 202._o firmilian_a be_v as_o express_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a say_v in_o plain_a lanugage_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o govern_v the_o church_n possess_v the_o power_n of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o ordination_n 221._o it_o be_v true_a he_o call_v they_o majores_fw-la natu_fw-la elder_a but_o that_o he_o mean_v bishop_n as_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n can_v be_v call_v into_o question_n by_o any_o man_n who_o read_v the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o consider_v his_o style_n all_o along_o and_o withal_o consider_v what_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n the_o bishop_n have_v in_o these_o three_o act_n he_o name_v but_o whatever_o groundless_a altercation_n there_o may_v be_v about_o his_o testimony_n as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o about_o st._n cprian's_n so_o neither_o can_v there_o by_o any_o shadow_n of_o pretext_n for_o any_o about_o cornelius_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o fabius_n so_o often_o mention_v before_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o novatianus_n his_o incapacity_n of_o be_v a_o bishop_n that_o tho'_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n 43._o second_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o that_o of_o whatsoever_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n ordination_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o he_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o regular_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-officer_n this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o full_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v much_o on_o it_o forbear_v therefore_o to_o adduce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o live_v after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n such_o as_o ambrose_n jerom_n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o his_o contemporary_n toi_fw-fr begin_v with_o st._n cyprian_n it_o be_v true_a so_o humble_a and_o condescend_v he_o be_v that_o when_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v nothing_o by_o himself_o concern_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o consult_v not_o only_a his_o clergy_n but_o his_o people_n 33._o i_o call_v this_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a condescension_n it_o wa_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v by_o any_o divine_a prescript_n or_o any_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n his_o very_a word_n import_v so_o much_o which_o you_o may_v see_v on_o the_o margin_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o find_v he_o not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a juncture_n ordain_v without_o ask_v the_o consent_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n but_o still_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o the_o right_n of_o all_o bishop_n and_o particular_o his_o own_o to_o promote_v and_o ordain_v clergyman_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n by_o himself_o and_o without_o any_o concurrence_n thus_o in_o his_o 38th_o epistle_n have_v ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la he_o acquaint_v his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n with_o it_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n now_o consider_v how_o he_o begin_v his_o letter_n in_o all_o clerical_a ordination_n most_o dear_a brethren_n say_v he_o i_o use_v to_o consult_v you_o beforehand_o and_o to_o examine_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o with_o common_a advice_n 74._o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o be_v his_o ordinary_a method_n a_o rule_n he_o have_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o for_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o in_o that_o instance_n in_o which_o testimony_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n evident_a 1._o that_o his_o power_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o all_o ordination_n whether_o of_o presbyter_n or_o other_o for_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o indefinite_o in_o clericis_fw-la ordinationibus_fw-la 2._o that_o he_o use_v only_o to_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o clergy_n about_o the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n he_o be_v to_o ordain_v but_o not_o their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n not_o one_o word_n of_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o use_v not_o to_o concur_v fair_o import_v in_o the_o very_a instance_n of_o aurelius_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v entire_o of_o his_o own_o easiness_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o consult_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n he_o use_v to_o do_v it_o but_o need_v not_o have_v do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o that_o very_a same_o case_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o his_o resolution_n which_o he_o have_v make_v when_o he_o enter_v to_o his_o bishopric_n be_v from_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o absolute_o free_a and_o voluntary_a we_o have_v another_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n where_o he_o tell_v that_o because_o of_o his_o absence_n from_o carthage_n he_o have_v give_v a_o deputation_n to_o â—aldnius_n and_o herculanus_n two_o bishop_n and_o to_o râ—gatianâ—s_n and_o numidicus_n two_o of_o his_o presbyter_n to_o examine_v the_o age_n qualification_n and_o mâ—its_n of_o some_o in_o carthage_n that_o he_o who_o province_n it_o be_v to_o promote_v man_n to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v well_o inform_v about_o they_o and_o promote_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v meek_n humble_a and_o worthy_a 79._o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a testimony_n for_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o he_o not_o only_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o all_o rank_n or_o order_n without_o make_v exception_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o he_o find_v that_o power_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o upon_o his_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o government_n commit_v to_o he_o we_o have_v a_o three_o testimony_n as_o pregnant_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a in_o his_o 72d_o epistle_n write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o represent_v to_o he_o what_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v concern_v such_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o discourse_v thus_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dear_a brother_n we_o tell_v you_o further_o that_o if_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n who_o
all_o conscience_n it_o ought_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n more_o demonstrative_o then_o be_v please_v only_o to_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o this_o principle_n and_o that_o which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v and_o that_o be_v second_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n a_o bishop_n cononical_o promoted_n be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n immediate_o subject_a to_o jesus_n christ_n independent_a on_o any_o unaccountable_a to_o any_o earthly_a ecclesiastical_a superior_a there_o be_v no_o universal_a bishop_n then_o under_o jesus_n christ_n who_o may_v be_v the_o supreme_a visible_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o universal_a bishopric_n but_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v by_o any_o one_o single_a person_n there_o be_v a_o unus_n episcopatus_fw-la one_o episcopacy_n one_o episcopal_a office_n one_o bishopric_n but_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o part_n and_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o shâ—re_n of_o it_o assign_v he_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v with_o the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n 108._o there_o be_v one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o divide_v into_o many_o member_n and_o there_o be_v one_o episcopacy_n diffuse_v in_o proportion_n to_o that_o one_o church_n by_o the_o harmonious_a numerosity_n of_o many_o bishop_n 112._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o in_o other_o word_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v divide_v into_o many_o precinct_n districts_n or_o diocese_n call_v they_o as_o you_o will_v each_o of_o those_o districtâ—_n have_v its_o singular_a bishop_n and_o that_o bishop_n within_z that_o district_n have_v the_o supreme_a power_n he_o be_v subordinate_a to_o none_o but_o the_o great_a bishop_n of_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a universal_a bishop_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n he_o be_v independent_a on_o and_o stand_v collateral_a with_o all_o other_o bishop_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o full_o or_o more_o plain_o or_o more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o st._n cyprian_n than_o this_o great_a principle_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o short_a view_n of_o it_o from_o he_o and_o his_o contemporary_n and_o i._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o parity_n which_o our_o lord_n institute_v among_o his_o apostle_n christ_n say_v he_o give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o i_o send_v you_o receive_v you_o the_o holy-ghost_n 107._o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n peter_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n ibid._n now_o st._n cyprian_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o perchance_o i_o may_v prove_v full_o hereafter_o thus_o i_o say_v he_o find_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o by_o consequence_n every_o bishop_n supremacy_n within_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o agreeable_o he_o reason_n most_o frequent_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n 2._o then_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o antonianus_n discourse_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v and_o show_v how_o upon_o former_a occasion_n different_a bishop_n have_v take_v different_a measure_n about_o restore_a penitent_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n he_o conclude_v with_o this_o general_n rule_n that_o every_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o concord_n and_o preserve_v catholic_n unity_n have_v power_n to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n 110._o plain_o import_v that_o no_o bishop_n can_v give_v law_n to_o another_o or_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o management_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n about_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n these_o thing_n most_o dear_a brother_n say_v he_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o as_o i_o be_v able_a neither_o prescribe_v to_o nor_o impose_v on_o any_o man_n see_v every_o bishop_n have_v full_a power_n to_o do_v as_o he_o judge_v most_o fit_v 210._o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o way_n he_o conclude_v his_o epistle_n to_o magnus_n concern_v that_o same_o case_n of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o heretic_n 188._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o whole_a strain_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o florentius_n pupianus_n 66._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a or_o full_a than_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 256_o more_o than_o eighty_o bishop_n meet_v to_o determine_v concern_v that_o same_o matter_n of_o baptism_n administer_v by_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n st._n cyprian_n be_v praeses_fw-la and_o have_v brief_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o thus_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o each_o of_o we_o speak_v his_o sense_n free_o judge_v no_o man_n refuse_v our_o communion_n to_o no_o man_n tho'_o he_o shall_v dissent_v from_o we_o for_o none_o of_o we_o costitute_n himself_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n nor_o force_v his_o colleague_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v by_o a_o tyrannical_a terror_n see_v every_o bishop_n be_v entire_o master_n of_o his_o own_o resolution_n and_o can_v no_o more_o he_o judge_v by_o other_o than_o he_o can_v judge_v other_o but_o we_o all_o expect_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o alone_o have_v power_n of_o make_v we_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o our_o administration_n 229._o 3._o neither_o do_v the_o principle_n hold_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o bishop_n but_o all_o without_o exception_n even_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a proof_n as_o possible_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o when_o the_o schismatical_a party_n at_o carthage_n set_v up_o fortunatus_n as_o a_o anti-bishop_n and_o thereupon_o send_v some_o of_o their_o partisan_n to_o rome_n toi_fw-fr inform_a cornelius_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o justify_v they_o to_o he_o cyprian_a write_v to_o he_o also_o and_o thus_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o go_v to_o rome_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o false_a bishop_n against_o the_o bishop_n either_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o be_v please_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o they_o be_v penitent_a land_n willing_a to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n unity_n if_o the_o latter_a they_o know_v whither_o they_o may_v return_v for_o see_v it_o be_v determine_v by_o we_o all_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o every_o one_o cause_n shall_v be_v examine_v where_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v and_o see_v there_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o flock_n the_o catholic_n church_n assign_v to_o every_o bishop_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n our_o subject_n ought_v not_o to_o run_v about_o from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n nor_o break_v the_o harmonious_a concord_n which_o be_v among_o bishop_n by_o their_o subtle_a and_o fallacious_a temerity_n but_o every_o man_n cause_n ought_v there_o to_o be_v discuss_v where_o he_o may_v have_v accuser_n and_o witness_n of_o his_o crime_n 36._o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o reason_v we_o have_v these_o thing_n plain_a 1._o that_o by_o st._n cyprian_n principle_n every_a bishop_n be_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v within_o his_o district_n 2._o that_o no_o bishop_n no_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v superior_a to_o another_o bishop_n nor_o can_v receive_v appeal_n from_o his_o sentence_n and_o 3._o that_o this_o independency_n of_o bishop_n this_o unaccountableness_n of_o one_o bishop_n to_o another_o as_o to_o his_o superior_a be_v found_v on_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o portion_n of_o the_o flock_n assign_v to_o he_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n i._n e._n upon_o his_o visible_a supremacy_n in_o his_o own_o church_n his_o be_v immediate_o subordinate_a to_o god_n only_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n also_o for_o have_v tell_v he_o his_o mind_n free_o concern_v those_o who_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v and_o how_o recceive_v etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v thus_o we_o know_v that_o some_o be_v tenacious_a and_o unwilling_a to_o alter_v what_o they_o have_v once_o determine_v and_o that_o they_o will_v needs_o retain_v some_o method_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o but_o still_o with_o
dear_a to_o god_n and_o in_o a_o close_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o near_a approximation_n to_o he_o than_o christian_n of_o the_o common_a size_n and_o their_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o use_n of_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o former_a persecution_n these_o therefore_o as_o the_o only_a person_n who_o credit_n can_v be_v feasible_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o bishop_n authority_n the_o holy_a man_n supplanter_n instigate_v to_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o lapse_v to_o become_v their_o patron_n for_o have_v themselves_o absolve_v against_o the_o bishop_n resolution_n and_o true_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o turn_v zealous_a for_o it_o and_o arm_v with_o their_o authority_n these_o discontent_a presbyter_n adventure_v to_o absolve_v and_o lapse_v and_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o bishop_n allowance_n now_o consider_v what_o follow_v and_o speak_v your_o conscience_n and_o tell_v i_o if_o st._n cyprian_n be_v not_o more_o than_o either_o single_a presbyter_n or_o presbyterian_a moderator_n tho'_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mild_a and_o most_o humble_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v yet_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o be_v tell_v he_o where_o he_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n he_o be_v not_o a_o little_a alarm_v the_o practice_n be_v surprise_v and_o the_o presumption_n new_a as_o well_o as_o bold_a the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n and_o such_o preposterous_a method_n clear_o tend_v to_o shake_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o order_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o high_a time_n for_o he_o if_o he_o can_v to_o give_v the_o check_n to_o such_o irregular_a and_o unexampled_a method_n in_o short_a he_o draw_v his_o pen_n and_o write_v three_o notable_a epistle_n one_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n another_o to_o his_o clergy_n and_o a_o three_o to_o his_o people_n insist_v in_o each_o of_o they_o upon_o the_o novelty_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o course_n be_v take_v the_o dishonour_v and_o indignity_n be_v do_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o fatal_a consequence_n may_v nay_o woo_a unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbear_v more_o particular_o in_o that_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o his_o episcopal_a care_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n compel_v he_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o as_o they_o have_v devout_o and_o courageous_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o they_o ought_v suitable_o to_o be_v observant_a of_o christ_n holy_a law_n and_o discipline_n that_o as_o it_o become_v all_o christ_n soldier_n to_o obey_v their_o general_n be_v command_v so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o that_o he_o have_v think_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o be_v with_o they_o may_v have_v teach_v they_o so_o much_o but_o that_o now_o to_o his_o extreme_a grief_n he_o understand_v they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o of_o they_o especial_o some_o presbyter_n neither_o mind_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o bishop_n have_v industrious_o mislead_v they_o he_o complain_v mighty_o of_o the_o presumption_n of_o such_o presbyter_n that_o against_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n they_o shall_v have_v dare_v to_o reconcile_v the_o lapse_v without_o his_o consent_n that_o herein_o they_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o lapser_n themselves_o that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o excusable_a in_o the_o lapse_v to_o be_v earnest_a for_o a_o absolution_n consider_v the_o uncomfortable_a state_n they_o be_v in_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v deny_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v nothing_o rash_o lest_o in_o stead_n of_o pastor_n they_o shall_v prove_v worrier_n of_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o tell_v these_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n how_o far_o their_o privilege_n reach_v all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v by_o way_n of_o humble_a supplication_n to_o petition_v the_o bishop_n for_o a_o relaxation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o they_o have_v neither_o power_n to_o command_v he_o nor_o grant_v indulgence_n without_o he_o 34._o indeed_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o frequent_o and_o that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o line_n if_o they_o venture_v any_o further_a 70._o in_o that_o to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o write_v in_o a_o yet_o more_o resent_v strain_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v long_o keep_v his_o patience_n and_o hold_v his_o peace_n but_o their_o immoderate_a presumption_n and_o temerity_n will_v suffer_v he_o no_o long_o to_o be_v silent_a for_o what_o a_o dreadful_a prospect_n say_v he_o must_v we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n when_o some_o presbyter_n neither_o mindful_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o their_o own_o station_n nor_o regard_v the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o bishop_n who_o for_o the_o time_n be_v set_v over_o they_o dare_v attempt_n what_o be_v never_o attempt_v before_o under_o any_o of_o my_o predecessor_n namely_o so_o to_o affront_v and_o contemâ—â—_n their_o bishop_n as_o to_o assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o he_o can_v overlook_v and_o bear_v with_o the_o indignity_n do_v to_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o but_o the_o course_n they_o follow_v be_v so_o wicked_a they_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o lapse_v who_o they_o presume_v to_o reconcile_v so_o uncaononical_o their_o pride_n and_o popularity_n be_v so_o apparent_a in_o their_o method_n it_o be_v such_o a_o crime_n so_o to_o expose_v the_o martyr_n to_o envy_n and_o set_v they_o at_o variance_n with_o their_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o can_v stifle_v it_o no_o long_o in_o short_a all_o over_o the_o epistle_n he_o write_v like_o a_o bishop_n and_o conclude_v it_o with_o a_o peremptory_a threaten_v of_o a_o present_a suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o then_o a_o infliction_n of_o further_a censure_n when_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o his_o retirement_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o such_o a_o lawless_a course_n epist._n in_o that_o to_o his_o people_n he_o proceed_v on_o the_o â—ame_n principle_n condemn_v these_o presbyter_n who_o have_v act_v so_o disorderly_a not_o reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o chair_n and_o priesthood_n tell_v they_o that_o those_o presbyter_n ought_v to_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n otherwise_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o affectation_n of_o popularity_n and_o require_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o have_v not_o fall_v to_o take_v pain_n upon_o the_o lapse_v to_o try_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o counsel_n and_o wait_v his_o return_n etc._n etc._n 39_o here_o be_v three_o epistle_n write_v i_o think_v in_o plain_a prelatic_a style_n sure_a neither_o in_o the_o style_n of_o single_a presbyter_n nor_o presbyterian_a moderator_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o very_a next_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n still_o he_o have_v write_v to_o they_o several_a time_n before_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o answer_n from_o they_o now_o consider_v how_o he_o resent_v this_o and_o resent_v it_o assert_n his_o own_o episcopal_a authority_n his_o own_o sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n for_o thus_o he_o begin_v i_o wonder_v dear_a brethren_n that_o you_o have_v return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o many_o letter_n i_o have_v send_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o now_o in_o my_o retirement_n you_o ought_v to_o inform_v i_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v that_o so_o i_o may_v advise_o and_o deliberate_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n 40._o let_v any_o man_n lie_v these_o four_o letter_n together_o and_o weigh_v they_o impartial_o and_o then_o let_v he_o judge_v if_o st._n cyprian_n write_v in_o the_o style_n of_o parity_n if_o he_o claim_v not_o a_o sovereign_a power_n a_o negative_a to_o himself_o over_o all_o the_o christian_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o live_v within_o his_o district_n but_o do_v not_o cyprian_n show_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o this_o cause_n possible_o he_o attempt_v to_o stretch_v his_o power_n a_o little_a too_o far_o as_o afterward_o many_o do_v he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o meek_a man_n but_o such_o may_v be_v a_o little_a too_o high_a so_o i_o read_v indeed_o in_o a_o late_a book_n 179._o but_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n have_v find_v himself_o very_o sore_o put_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v so_o for_o how_o can_v one_o not_o be_v fore_o put_v to_o
of_o their_o own_o rank_n and_o quality_n by_o consequence_n a_o epistle_n in_o which_o have_v they_o understand_v it_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n allow_v it_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v their_o mind_n very_o free_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n never_o have_v presbyter_n i_o be_o sure_a more_o freedom_n or_o better_a opportunity_n to_o have_v assert_v their_o own_o power_n and_o vindicated_n parity_n and_o condemn_v prelatical_a usurpation_n in_o a_o epistle_n than_o they_o have_v on_o that_o occasion_n for_o fabianus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v dead_a and_o cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v retire_v and_o so_o it_o be_v write_v by_o presbyter_n who_o have_v no_o bishop_n to_o presbyter_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o epistle_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o such_o notion_n that_o they_o say_v express_o that_o both_o themselves_o who_o want_v one_o and_o those_o of_o carthage_n who_o want_v the_o presence_n of_o one_o be_v only_a seem_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n and_o only_o keep_v the_o flock_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o respective_a pastor_n the_o bishop_n 16._o and_o â—urther_o tell_v what_o pain_n they_o have_v be_v at_o to_o keep_v people_n from_o apostatise_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n they_o account_v how_o they_o treat_v those_o who_o have_v fall_v particular_o that_o they_o do_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o flock_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v want_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o assistance_n to_o they_o they_o do_v what_o be_v proper_a for_o their_o station_n they_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v patient_o in_o their_o penance_n as_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a method_n for_o obtain_v indulgence_n from_o he_o who_o can_v give_v they_o 17._o that_o be_v without_o controversy_n from_o the_o bishop_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v settle_v for_o so_o i_o read_v in_o a_o epistle_n write_v at_o that_o same_o time_n by_o celerinâ—s_n a_o roman_a to_z lucianus_z a_o carthaginian_a and_o the_o 2ist_n in_o number_n among_o st._n cyprian_n that_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o numeria_n and_o candida_n two_o female_a lapser_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o rome_n the_o presbytery_n command_v they_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v i._n e._n in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n till_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v enthrone_v 46._o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o rome_n st._n cyprian_n or_o his_o presume_a presbyter_n have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o at_o carthage_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o yet_o for_o â—_o these_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n be_v also_o condemn_v by_o the_o roman_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o thâ—_n they_o be_v in_o prison_n have_v learn_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n from_o the_o account_n st._n cyprian_n have_v send_v to_o rome_n two_o of_o they_o moses_n and_o maximus_n be_v also_o presbyter_n these_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n write_v also_o to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o roman_a clergy_n have_v do_v their_o epistle_n be_v the_o 3ist_n in_o number_n in_o which_o they_o not_o only_o beg_v with_o a_o peculiar_a earnestness_n that_o he_o be_v so_o glorious_a a_o bishop_n will_v pray_v for_o they_o they_o not_o only_o lay_v a_o singular_a stress_n upon_o his_o prayer_n beyond_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o his_o holy_a virtue_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v such_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o probable_o have_v do_v have_v they_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o proud_a aspire_a prâ—late_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n as_o this_o author_n will_v â—ain_o give_v he_o out_o to_o have_v be_v but_o also_o they_o hearty_o congratulate_v his_o discharge_n so_o laudible_o his_o episcopal_a office_n and_o that_o even_o in_o his_o retirement_n he_o have_v make_v it_o so_o much_o his_o care_n to_o acquit_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v halt_v in_o no_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o have_v suitable_o censure_v and_o rebuke_v not_o only_o the_o lapse_v who_o little_o regard_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o gild_n have_v in_o his_o absence_n extort_a the_o church_n peace_n from_o his_o presbyter_n but_o even_o these_o presbyter_n for_o their_o profane_a facility_n in_o give_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n and_o cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o gospel_n in_o short_a they_o approve_v his_o whole_a proceed_v as_o have_v do_v nothing_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o character_n nothing_o unbecoming_a either_o a_o holy_a or_o a_o humble_a bishop_n 31._o further_o yet_o 6._o these_o same_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n resume_v their_o former_a boldness_n and_o topping_n it_o over_o again_o with_o their_o bishop_n be_v excommunicate_v by_o he_o and_o his_o sentence_n be_v approve_v and_o ratify_v by_o all_o catholic_n bishop_n in_o all_o catholic_n church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v you_o full_o by_o and_o by_o and_o then_o 7._o and_o lasty_a that_o in_o all_o this_o matter_n st._n cyprian_n do_v nothing_o either_o proud_o or_o presumptuous_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o in_o his_o time_n and_o long_o before_o his_o time_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o presbyter_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d presbyter_n and_o deacon_n attempt_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n allowance_n for_o it_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v commit_v and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o must_v account_v for_o their_o soul_n 39_o be_v the_o 39th_o of_o the_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v in_o force_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o this_o be_v no_o great_a power_n than_o be_v assign_v he_o by_o the_o apostolical_a ignatius_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o time_n take_v these_o testimony_n for_o a_o sample_n let_v no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n 6._o he_o that_o honour_v the_o bishop_n be_v honour_v of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n serve_v the_o devil_n 7._o if_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o bishop_n i._n e._n will_v have_v thing_n do_v against_o the_o bishop_n will_n he_o be_v corrupt_v 13._o let_v we_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o resist_v the_o bishop_n as_o we_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o god_n 20._o the_o spirit_n have_v speak_v do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n 43._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o continue_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n 47_o and_o now_o let_v any_o of_o common_a sense_n determine_v whether_o there_o be_v ground_n or_o shadow_n of_o ground_n for_o insinuate_v that_o st._n cyprian_n show_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o this_o cause_n or_o attempt_v to_o stretch_v his_o power_n a_o little_a too_o far_o indeed_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o little_a but_o very_o much_o nay_o monstrous_o too_o far_o have_v those_o of_o parity_n be_v then_o the_o current_a principle_n or_o be_v a_o little_a too_o high_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o say_v so_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o all_o catholic_n christian_n nay_o even_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o honest_a orderly_a dutiful_a and_o conscientious_a presbyter_n who_o then_o live_v to_o say_v so_o if_o thus_o it_o be_v i_o say_v and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o prove_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n more_o evident_o than_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o then_o i_o think_v it_o follow_v by_o good_a consequence_n not_o only_o that_o this_o author_n be_v a_o little_a in_o the_o wrong_n to_o st._n cyprian_n when_o he_o say_v so_o but_o also_o that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n a_o bishop_n have_v fair_o a_o negative_a over_o his_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v namely_o iii_o that_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n i_o do_v think_v you_o very_o sharp_a sight_v if_o you_o have_v not_o see_v this_o already_o yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v insist_v a_o little_a further_o on_o it_o and_o i._o this_o may_v appear_v sufficient_o from_o this_o one_o consideration_n thâ—_n no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o it_o that_o still_o in_o the_o style_n and_o language_n of_o
those_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v call_v the_o praepositus_fw-la the_o ruler_n the_o governor_n the_o superior_a of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n and_o they_o without_o distinction_n or_o exception_n be_v call_v his_o people_n his_o flock_n his_o subject_n etc._n etc._n this_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n thus_o ep._n 3._o he_o say_v that_o deacon_n ought_v to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n choose_v his_o apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n choose_v deacon_n to_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o therefore_o a_o deacon_n ought_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o bishop_n his_o superior_a 6._o and_o ep._n 9_o he_o praise_v the_o roman_a clergy_n for_o have_v the_o memory_n of_o fabianus_n who_o have_v be_v their_o superior_a in_o so_o great_a honour_n 19_o and_o ep._n 13._o writing_n to_o rogatianus_n his_o presbyter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n he_o say_v that_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o rejoice_v when_o christ_n flock_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o confessor_n so_o he_o himself_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n as_o be_v the_o bishop_n see_v the_o church_n glory_n be_v the_o ruler_n glory_n 13._o and_o in_o that_o famous_a passage_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v already_o from_o ep._n 16._o he_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o a_o unexampled_a petulancy_n that_o presbyter_n shall_v so_o contemn_v the_o bishop_n their_o superior_a 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o another_o place_n we_o bishop_n who_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n in_o the_o church_n 108._o and_o ep._n 62._o ay_o who_o by_o the_o divine_a mercy_n govern_v the_o church_n have_v send_v to_o you_o januarius_n maximus_n proculus_n etc._n etc._n 100000_o sesterce_n as_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n of_o my_o clergy_n and_o people_n 147._o and_o ep._n 66._o hence_o spring_v heresy_n and_o schism_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v one_o and_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v etc._n etc._n 167._o such_o be_v the_o dialect_n of_o those_o time_n i_o say_v and_o thus_o bishop_n be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n superior_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o within_o their_o district_n make_v no_o discrimination_n betwixt_o clergyman_n and_o laic_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o more_o particular_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o common_a in_o that_o dialect_n to_o call_v the_o clergy_n the_o bishop_n clergy_n thus_o for_o example_n ep._n 14._o it_o be_v my_o wish_n that_o i_o may_v have_v salute_v all_o my_o clâ—â—gy_n safe_a and_o sound_a etc._n etc._n 31._o my_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ought_v to_o have_v teach_v you_o etc._n etc._n 39_o because_o i_o can_v send_v letter_n but_o by_o clergyman_n and_o i_o know_v that_o many_o of_o i_o be_v absent_a 55._o numidicus_n be_v preserve_v alive_a by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v join_v he_o my_o clergy_n 79._o urbanus_fw-la and_o sidonius_n come_v to_o my_o presbyter_n 92._o if_o any_o of_o my_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n shall_v turn_v precipitant_a 68_o i_o have_v send_v you_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o i_o write_v to_o my_o clergy_n and_o people_n concern_v felicissimus_n and_o his_o presbytery_n 8â—_n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o maximâ—s_n a_o presbyter_n and_o urbanus_fw-la etc._n etc._n return_v from_o the_o novatian_a schism_n to_o cornelius_n communion_n we_o be_v reconcile_v say_v they_o to_o cyprian_a to_o cornelius_n our_o bishop_n and_o to_o all_o the_o clergy_n 98._o such_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n now_o i_o say_v by_o what_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v a_o bishop_n have_v be_v call_v praepositus_fw-la superior_a to_o his_o clergy_n can_v they_o have_v be_v call_v his_o clergy_n can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n their_o ruler_n their_o governor_n by_o what_o rule_n of_o either_o grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n logic_n or_o politic_a can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v set_v over_o they_o or_o they_o to_o have_v be_v his_o subject_n or_o inferior_n if_o he_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o subject_v to_o his_o authority_n nor_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n but_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n for_o mere_a prolusion_n if_o you_o will_n i_o be_o not_o pinch_v for_o want_v of_o argument_n for_o 3._o the_o three_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o prove_v so_o full_o before_o viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v that_o he_o have_v a_o supreme_a power_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n which_o then_o prevail_v he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o prove_v also_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o his_o presbyter_n each_o of_o these_o be_v demonstration_n for_o the_o present_a conclusion_n and_o you_o need_v not_o artificial_a natural_a logic_n be_v enough_o to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o consequence_n indeed_o 4._o we_o find_v cyprian_a all_o along_o both_o reason_v and_o practise_v to_o this_o purpose_n thus_o he_o tell_v bishop_n rogatianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a between_o he_o and_o his_o deacon_n hâ—_n may_v punish_v he_o forthwith_o by_o his_o episcopal_a power_n and_o his_o cathedral_n authority_n 5._o he_o may_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o episcopâ—_n honour_n agnoscere_fw-la he_o may_v exert_v the_o power_n of_o his_o honour_n against_o he_o either_o by_o depose_v or_o by_o excommunicate_v he_o abstineas_fw-la nay_o he_o may_v excommunicate_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v rebel_v against_o he_o abstinere_fw-la for_o all_o these_o censure_n his_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v competent_a 7._o thus_o he_o praise_v pomponius_n another_o bishop_n for_o excommunicate_v another_o scandalous_a deacon_n ep._n 4._o p._n 9_o and_o do_v not_o he_o himself_o suspend_v philumenus_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o subdeacons_n and_o favorinus_n a_o acolyth_a from_o their_o live_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o 34th_o epistle_n but_o you_o may_v say_v these_o instance_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o to_o deacon_n or_o more_o inferior_a clergyman_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o presbyter_n why_o sir_n indeed_o the_o instance_n be_v pat_o and_o home_n and_o you_o must_v acknowledge_v so_o much_o if_o you_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o disparity_n between_o prebyter_n and_o inferior_a order_n in_o this_o respect_n but_o the_o bishop_n power_n extend_v equal_o to_o all_o just_a as_o a_o king_n can_v censure_v his_o chancellor_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sub-collector_n of_o his_o custom_n a_o justice-general_n as_o well_o as_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n nothing_o clear_a from_o the_o abovementioned_a principles_n but_o that_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o no_o imaginable_a scruple_n i_o shall_v even_o account_v to_o you_o about_o prebyter_n also_o 5._o then_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o how_o some_o of_o the_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n conspire_v against_o st._n cyprian_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a art_n to_o hinder_v his_o preferment_n to_o the_o bishopric_n now_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v either_o himself_o or_o pontius_n in_o his_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v they_o do_v on_o that_o occasion_n he_o may_v have_v punish_v they_o for_o it_o punish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o deposition_n but_o with_o excommunication_n have_v he_o please_v take_v first_o his_o own_o account_n in_o ep._n 43._o there_o he_o tell_v his_o people_n that_o through_o the_o malignity_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n he_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o return_v to_o carthage_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o will_v and_o he_o describe_v those_o presbyter_n thus_o that_o be_v mindful_a of_o their_o conspiracy_n and_o retain_v their_o old_a grudge_n against_o his_o promotion_n they_o reinforce_v their_o ancient_a machination_n and_o renew_v their_o attempt_n for_o undermine_v he_o by_o side_v with_o felicissâ—mus_n in_o his_o schism_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v thus_o i_o neither_o will_v nor_o wish_v their_o punishment_n for_o their_o opposition_n to_o my_o promotion_n yea_o i_o pardon_v they_o and_o keep_v my_o peace_n and_o yet_o now_o they_o have_v suffer_v condign_a punishment_n tho'_o i_o do_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o then_o their_o own_o guilty_a conscience_n have_v do_v it_o now_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n 82._o take_v it_o next_o from_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n tho'_o i_o be_o unwilling_a say_v he_o yet_o i_o must_v speak_v it_o out_o some_o resist_v his_o promotion_n but_o how_o gentle_o how_o patient_o how_o generous_o how_o merciful_o do_v he_o forgive_v they_o do_v
letter_n concern_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o the_o sacred_a college_n that_o rule_v the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v have_v be_v receive_v as_o that_o to_o he_o and_o to_o he_o alone_o all_o such_o letter_n have_v be_v direct_v as_o that_o by_o the_o circulation_n and_o reciprocation_n of_o letter_n betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o colleague_n and_o their_o general_n agreement_n upon_o any_o thing_n by_o that_o circulation_n and_o reciprocation_n law_n shall_v have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n canon_n as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n can_v make_v they_o how_o can_v one_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o post_n i_o say_v have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n do_v not_o his_o very_a bear_v such_o a_o part_n his_o have_v such_o a_o trust_n his_o be_v clothe_v with_o such_o a_o eminence_n argue_v he_o demonstrative_o to_o have_v be_v something_o other_o something_o greater_n something_o high_a and_o more_o honourable_a than_o either_o thus_o i_o have_v consider_v a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o his_o own_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o in_o both_o respect_n have_v discover_v a_o vast_a discrepance_n betwixt_o he_o as_o he_o be_v real_o and_o our_o author_n notion_n or_o definition_n of_o he_o let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o consideration_n more_o and_o that_o be_v what_o character_n he_o bear_v what_o figure_n he_o make_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n especial_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o here_o i_o need_v not_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n the_o thing_n be_v obvious_a the_o christian_a bishop_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a ruler_n the_o supreme_a governor_n the_o head_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n be_v the_o chief_a butt_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o malice_n take_v these_o few_o of_o many_o evidence_n after_o st._n cyprian_n have_v retire_v from_o carthage_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n he_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o tell_v they_o how_o earnest_a he_o be_v to_o return_v to_o the_o city_n but_o prudence_n will_v not_o let_v he_o when_o he_o consider_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o he_o as_o bishop_n be_v concern_v to_o provide_v for_o it_o and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o brethren_n he_o find_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o tho'_o with_o mighty_a grief_n to_o forbear_v return_v for_o a_o time_n lest_o his_o presence_n shall_v provoke_v the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o he_o write_v i_o say_v in_o his_o seven_o epistle_n 14._o and_o in_o the_o 12_o direct_v also_o to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n i_o wish_v say_v he_o that_o my_o station_n and_o character_n will_v allow_v i_o to_o be_v present_a with_o you_o 27._o in_o his_o 20_o epistle_n direct_v for_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o apologise_v for_o his_o retirement_n after_o this_o manner_n in_o compliance_n with_o our_o lord_n command_n point_v no_o doubt_n at_o matth._n 10._o 23._o so_o soon_o as_o the_o persecution_n begin_v and_o the_o rabble_n with_o mighty_a clamour_n pursue_v i_o i_o retire_v for_o a_o time_n not_o so_o much_o to_o save_v myself_o as_o for_o the_o public_a quiet_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o tumult_n which_o be_v already_o kindle_v may_v not_o be_v the_o more_o inflame_v by_o my_o obstinate_a presence_n 42._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o apologise_v to_o his_o own_o people_n for_o his_o so_o long_a absence_n ep._n 43._o tho'_o he_o have_v be_v long_o away_o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o return_v because_o of_o the_o threat_n and_o snare_n of_o these_o perfidious_a man_n felicissimus_n and_o his_o fellow-schismaticks_a lest_o say_v he_o upon_o my_o come_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a uproar_v and_o while_o as_o a_o bishop_n ought_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o provide_v for_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v add_v fuel_n to_o the_o sedition_n and_o to_o have_v embitter_v the_o persecution_n 83._o here_o i_o think_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o episcopal_a eminence_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n it_o be_v a_o grief_n a_o burden_n a_o torment_n a_o very_a crucifixion_n to_o st._n cyprian_n soul_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o flock_n as_o himself_o word_n it_o 83._o but_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o epsicopal_a providence_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o study_v the_o peace_n the_o quiet_a the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o locus_n and_o gradus_fw-la his_o station_n and_o dignity_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a that_o his_o presence_n will_v have_v provoke_v the_o gentile_n and_o increase_v the_o persecution_n and_o therefore_o he_o dare_v not_o return_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o consider_v if_o what_o follow_v be_v not_o yet_o clear_a in_o his_o 14_o epistle_n write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o he_o have_v strong_a and_o press_a reason_n to_o hasten_v his_o return_n yet_o he_o find_v it_o more_o expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o continue_v long_o in_o his_o lurk_v place_n and_o tertullus_n one_o who_o they_o know_v and_o can_v not_o but_o value_n have_v serious_o advise_v he_o to_o be_v calm_a and_o cautious_a and_o not_o to_o commit_v himself_o rash_o to_o the_o public_a view_n especial_o of_o that_o place_n where_o he_o have_v be_v so_o often_o lie_v in_o wait_n and_o make_v search_n for_o and_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v and_o command_v they_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o they_o who_o presence_n be_v neither_o so_o invidious_a nor_o by_o far_o so_o dangerous_a may_v perform_v the_o part_n of_o vicar_n to_o he_o 31._o here_o i_o think_v we_o have_v a_o full_a evidence_n of_o a_o fair_a discrimination_n be_v make_v betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o presbyter_n by_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but._n he_o tell_v cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n ep._n 59_o that_o he_o be_v proscribe_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n and_o that_o by_o name_n as_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o carthage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v destine_v for_o the_o lion_n &_o c_o 130._o and_o again_o ep._n 66._o he_o tell_v florentius_n pupianus_n that_o his_o proscription_n run_v in_o this_o form_n if_o any_o man_n hold_v or_o possess_v any_o of_o the_o good_n of_o caecilius_n cyprianus_n bishop_n of_o the_o christian_n etc._n etc._n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v unaccountable_a in_o florentius_n not_o to_o own_v he_o as_o a_o bishop_n 166._o and_o pontiuâ—_n his_o deacon_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o at_o last_o commence_v martyr_n in_o tâ—e_v valerian_n persecution_n in_o the_o very_a sentence_n that_o be_v give_v out_o against_o he_o he_o be_v call_v sectae_fw-la signifer_fw-la the_o ringleader_n the_o head_n the_o chiftain_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o carthage_n 10._o will_v you_o have_v yet_o more_o then_o take_v it_o not_o about_o st._n cyprian_n person_n for_o i_o think_v we_o have_v enough_o of_o he_o already_o but_o in_o st._n cyprian_n word_n you_o have_v they_o ep._n 55._o there_o he_o tell_v antonianus_n that_o the_o emperor_n decâ—us_n from_o a_o sense_n no_o doubt_n that_o as_o head_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n they_o be_v under_o god_n the_o great_a supporter_n and_o promoter_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v such_o a_o spite_n such_o a_o pique_n at_o the_o christian_a bishop_n that_o for_o example_n he_o can_v have_v hear_v with_o great_a patience_n and_o composure_n 〈◊〉_d another_o emulous_a prince_n shall_v have_v rival_v it_o with_o he_o for_o the_o roman_a empire_n than_o that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n 104._o and_o do_v not_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o emperor_n maximinus_n in_o that_o persecution_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o author_n some_o 22_o or_o 23_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n martyrdom_n ordered_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v only_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 24._o so_o eminent_a in_o those_o time_n be_v the_o episcopal_a character_n such_o a_o sense_n have_v the_o very_a heathen_n of_o their_o be_v bishop_n indeed_o so_o much_o as_o bishop_n be_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o fury_n and_o malice_n of_o persecutor_n and_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v st._n cyprian_a to_o say_v that_o it_o matter_v not_o whence_o whether_o from_o heathen_n without_o or_o schismatic_n