a_o vindication_n of_o the_o dissertation_n concern_v episcopacy_n from_o the_o answer_n or_o exception_n offer_v against_o they_o by_o the_o london_n minister_n in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la by_o h._n hammond_n d.d._n london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o richard_n royston_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o ivy-lane_n 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n in_o erasmus_n distribution_n of_o his_o own_o write_n into_o tome_n the_o 8_o we_o find_v thus_o inscribe_v by_o he_o octavum_fw-la occupent_fw-la apologiae_fw-la i_o miserum_fw-la et_fw-la hae_fw-la justum_fw-la volumen_fw-la efficient_a it_o be_v his_o great_a infelicity_n that_o the_o apology_n and_o answer_n to_o exception_n and_o calumny_n which_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o write_v make_v up_o a_o entire_a large_a volume_n in_o folio_n now_o though_o i_o have_v that_o pleasure_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o person_n which_o give_v i_o security_n by_o the_o romanist_n proverb_n never_o to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o their_o good_a catholic_n and_o so_o may_v probable_o partake_v of_o some_o part_n of_o his_o fate_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a insolence_n in_o i_o who_o have_v not_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o a_o ten_o proportion_n to_o that_o be_v with_o he_o have_v favour_v it_o to_o expect_v the_o tithe_n of_o that_o consideration_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v one_o capable_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o infelicity_n which_o lie_v a_o full_a load_n on_o he_o nevertheless_o these_o few_o last_o month_n have_v give_v i_o a_o taste_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o i_o be_o to_o expect_v for_o beside_o the_o reproach_n of_o one_o learned_a gentleman_n to_o which_o be_v bare_o such_o i_o have_v no_o one_o word_n to_o retribute_v but_o that_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o christ_n direct_v i_o to_o i_o have_v far_o meet_v with_o some_o variety_n many_o exception_n though_o little_a of_o contumely_n from_o these_o assembly_n more_o and_o in_o a_o very_a distant_a character_n from_o a_o large_a preface_n of_o animadversion_n on_o the_o dissertation_n send_v i_o late_o from_o oxford_n other_o also_o there_o be_v which_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v leisure_n to_o weigh_v but_o soon_o purpose_n and_o hope_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o either_o i_o discern_v myself_o or_o find_v it_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o that_o what_o be_v already_o say_v in_o the_o tract_n which_o they_o oppose_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v the_o scruple_n propose_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v willing_o dedicate_v some_o time_n of_o vacancy_n to_o that_o employment_n at_o the_o present_a the_o exception_n of_o the_o london_n minister_n have_v challenge_v the_o precedence_n and_o here_o be_v offer_v to_o consideration_n and_o because_o the_o praeface_n from_o oxford_n fall_v on_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o matter_n episcopacy_n and_o ignatius_n epistle_n as_o they_o be_v defend_v in_o the_o dissertation_n i_o purpose_v god-willing_o that_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o shall_v now_o follow_v assoon_o as_o the_o printer_n can_v dispatch_v it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n by_o way_n of_o praeface_n the_o table_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n page_n 9_o section_n 1._o the_o ground_n of_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n ibid._n sect._n 2._o of_o timothy_n of_o onesimus_n of_o policarpe_a p._n 15._o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o negative_a argument_n from_o s._n john_n not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o revelation_n p._n 19_o sect._n 4._o of_o s._n john_n write_n again_o of_o diotrephes_n p._n 25_o sect._n 5._o of_o s._n john_n be_v bishop_n of_o asia_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n p._n 29_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o word_n angel_n and_o star_n pretend_v to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n the_o singularity_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n p._n 35_o sect._n 7._o of_o their_o exception_n to_o our_o argue_v from_o symbol_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_a be_v the_o same_o p._n 38_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o singularity_n of_o each_o angel_n the_o objection_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o plural_a number_n p._n 41_o sect._n 9_o of_o the_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o p._n 45_o sect._n 10._o of_o express_v a_o number_n by_o singular_n a_o church_n by_o a_o candlestick_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n rev._n 8._o p._n 47_o sect._n 11._o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o to_o the_o bishop_n only_o of_o timothy_n onesimus_n and_o polycarp_n be_v bishop_n of_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n without_o any_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n fall_v on_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n p._n 50_o sect._n 12._o of_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n that_o it_o hinder_v not_o his_o be_v a_o bishop_n p._n 55_o sect._n 13._o of_o the_o bishop_n at_o ephesus_n of_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n p._n 56_o sect._n 14._o of_o beza_n interpretation_n of_o the_o president_n p._n 57_o sect._n 15._o of_o dr._n reynolds_n interpretation_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o cyprian_n of_o ordination_n by_o bishop_n not_o without_o presbyter_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a and_o fermilian_a p._n 51_o sect._n 16._o of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v metropolitical_a of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n p._n 54_o sect._n 16._o of_o model_a church_n according_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n of_o exemplar_n of_o metropolitan_o among_o the_o jew_n testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n institute_v metropolitan_n p._n 67_o sect._n 17._o of_o the_o objection_n against_o metropoles_fw-la from_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o seven_o church_n p._n 71_o sect._n 18._o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n for_o archbishop_n in_o tertullian_n of_o angel_n in_o christ_n epistle_n p._n 64_o sect._n 19_o of_o division_n into_o parish_n and_o union_n into_o diocese_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o elder_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20._o that_o place_n vindicate_v from_o exception_n p._n 75_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o equivalence_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 92_o sect._n 1._o four_o sort_n of_o equivalence_n of_o these_o word_n propose_v ibid._n sect._n 2_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 95_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n p._n 100_o sect._n 4._o of_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o praelatists_n disagreement_n among_o themselves_o 102._o sect._n 5._o inconvenience_n object_v and_o answer_v of_o more_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o no_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n p._n 105_o sect_n 6._o a_o first_o confession_n object_v and_o vindicate_v of_o the_o ephesine_n presbyter_n be_v all_o the_o praelate_n of_o asia_n elder_n aldermanni_n p._n 108_o sect._n 7._o a_o second_o confession_n of_o the_o bishop_n phil._n 1._o 1._o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o whole_a province_n philippi_n a_o metropolis_n and_o a_o colony_n p._n 110_o sect._n 8._o a_o three_o confession_n of_o timothy_n be_v a_o archbishop_n of_o the_o qualification_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 2_o belong_v to_o bishop_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v worthy_a of_o double-honour_n though_o he_o never_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4_o of_o rebuke_v and_o receive_v accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a p._n 112_o sect._n 9_o a_o four_o confession_n of_o titus_n be_v archbishop_n of_o crect_n p._n 116_o sect._n 10._o a_o five_o charge_n of_o contrariety_n to_o scripture_n answer_v of_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a belong_v to_o elder_n james_n 5._o p._n 118_o sect._n 11._o a_o last_o objection_n from_o act._n 21._o 18._o and._n 14._o 3._o and_o 11._o 30._o answer_v elder_n for_o ruler_n or_o bishop_n p._n 122_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o opinion_n of_o antiquity_n in_o this_o question_n page_n 129._o sect._n 1_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o only_a office_n at_o the_o first_o corinth_n metropolis_n of_o achaia_n what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o apostle_n care_v to_o prevent_v contention_n about_o episcopacy_n hegesippus_n testimony_n of_o the_o contention_n at_o corinth_n clement_n a_o bishop_n p._n 129._o sect._n 2._o the_o testimony_n of_o policarpe_a that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o bishop_n his_o mention_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n fit_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o be_v so_o confirm_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o series_n of_o the_o ancient_n p._n 139_o sect._n 3_o a_o vindication_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n vossius_n edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o
say_v to_o bear_v or_o carry_v in_o his_o right-hand_a apoc._n 1._o 16._o 20._o &_o 1_o 2._o a_o argument_n of_o competent_a validity_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o dignity_n and_o power_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n be_v if_o not_o immediate_o institute_v yet_o approve_v and_o confirm_v by_o christ_n especial_o when_o in_o these_o so_o many_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n christ_n himself_o have_v write_v to_o every_o of_o they_o under_o this_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o so_o much_o light_n that_o some_o man_n shall_v still_o continue_v blind_a be_v to_o be_v number_v among_o the_o prodigy_n of_o this_o worst_a and_o most_o unhappy_a age_n for_o as_o to_o that_o which_o from_o the_o one_o word_n yoâ—_n in_o the_o plural_a c._n 4._o 24._o i_o find_v object_v by_o some_o against_o so_o many_o single_a mention_n of_o the_o angel_n one_o in_o every_o church_n that_o will_v immediate_o vanish_v etc._n etc._n 5._o these_o word_n thus_o entire_o set_v down_o have_v a_o face_n very_o distant_a from_o that_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o censoriousnesse_n that_o i_o be_o here_o charge_v with_o by_o the_o provincial_n synod_n for_o 1._o for_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o the_o mention_n of_o these_o angel_n it_o be_v not_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n which_o phrase_n may_v yet_o have_v be_v reconcile_v with_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o modesty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la of_o presbytery_n but_o christ_n approbation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o dignity_n and_o power_n of_o bishop_n which_o conclusion_n have_v evident_a ground_n in_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v christ_n hold_v they_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o address_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o suppose_v only_o what_o be_v undertake_v to_o be_v evidence_v by_o other_o medium_n that_o these_o angel_n be_v single_a person_n in_o each_o church_n 6._o second_o that_o which_o be_v by_o i_o so_o confident_o affirm_v be_v not_o as_o this_o learned_a assembly_n be_v please_v to_o suggest_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v metropolitan_n or_o archbisop_n that_o they_o be_v such_o be_v afterward_o as_o a_o distinct_a matter_n in_o the_o next_o chapter_n propose_v in_o a_o much_o more_o moderate_a style_n statim_fw-la credibile_fw-la fiet_fw-la it_o will_v straitwayes_o become_v credible_a and_o with_o no_o more_o show_n of_o confidence_n than_o the_o premise_n which_o be_v there_o at_o large_a set_v down_o will_v authorize_v 7._o these_o be_v two_o competent_a essay_n to_o begin_v with_o by_o which_o we_o may_v proportion_v our_o expectation_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o which_o have_v somewhat_o more_o of_o injustice_n in_o it_o to_o mention_v my_o so_o much_o confidence_n in_o assert_v but_o never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o ground_n produce_v whereon_o this_o confidence_n as_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v be_v build_v the_o want_n of_o which_o be_v so_o constant_o the_o one_o thing_n which_o render_v confidence_n unseasonable_a or_o unblamable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o have_v apprehend_v ground_n as_o proper_a to_o induce_v a_o conclusion_n and_o to_o suspend_v the_o belief_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o conclusion_n which_o be_v so_o infer_v the_o injustice_n i_o say_v be_v there_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o medium_n whereon_o the_o confidence_n be_v found_v very_o competent_a to_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n in_o that_o stile_n wherein_o it_o be_v there_o infer_v if_o they_o have_v be_v please_v to_o advertise_v their_o reader_n of_o it_o 8._o the_o inference_n lie_v thus_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v a_o single_a person_n therefore_o not_o a_o college_n or_o consistory_n of_o presbyter_n and_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o person_n be_v there_o suppose_a to_o be_v evidence_v sufficient_o by_o that_o which_o be_v so_o many_o time_n repeat_v in_o the_o text_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o like_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o andreas_n caesariensis_n the_o principal_a annotator_n or_o interpreter_n of_o the_o revelation_n transcribe_v by_o aretas_n in_o express_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o number_n of_o the_o bishop_n equal_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o answer_n render_v to_o that_o one_o objection_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o person_n of_o each_o angel_n 9_o second_o this_o singular_a person_n be_v a_o bishop_n in_o that_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n which_o signify_v a_o precedence_n of_o power_n and_o dignity_n over_o all_o other_o in_o that_o church_n this_o again_o be_v make_v evident_a both_o by_o the_o forementioned_a singularity_n of_o his_o power_n and_o person_n in_o each_o church_n and_o far_o by_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o title_n bestow_v on_o he_o a_o angel_n such_o as_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o chief_a priest_n be_v style_v malac._n 2._o to_o which_o matter_n i_o shall_v now_o superadde_v one_o testimony_n which_o photius_n have_v out_o of_o diodorus_n siculus_n concern_v the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o they_o call_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o deem_v he_o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o command_n of_o god_n a_o commissioner_n of_o heaven_n impower_v from_o thence_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n among_o they_o 10._o this_o by_o the_o way_n give_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o denomination_n because_o as_o angel_n do_v not_o only_o carry_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n but_o also_o bring_v down_o god_n command_v to_o we_o so_o do_v the_o high_a priest_n under_o the_o law_n this_o dialect_n be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o hebrew_n to_o the_o egyptian_n who_o call_v their_o chief_a priest_n angel_n also_o and_o then_o how_o fit_o the_o parallel_n run_v betwixt_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n take_v in_o the_o prelatists_n notion_n of_o he_o be_v a_o theme_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o need_v any_o length_n of_o harangue_n to_o perform_v or_o illustrate_v it_o and_o yet_o after_o a_o section_n spend_v to_o clear_v that_o one_o difficulty_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o in_o the_o plural_a c._n 2._o 24._o there_o be_v two_o section_n add_v more_o for_o the_o far_o fortify_v of_o this_o evidence_n 1._o from_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n act._n 2._o which_o 〈◊〉_d from_o timothy_n till_o the_o time_n of_o their_o session_n number_n 27._o bishop_n in_o one_o of_o these_o see_v that_o of_o ephesus_n all_o ordain_v there_o and_o timothy_n we_o know_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o st._n paul_n hand_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o will_v divolve_v it_o to_o that_o orginall_a apostoliacll_n institution_n and_o 2._o from_o polycrates_n timoth._n who_o be_v bear_v soon_o after_o st._n johns_n day_n and_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o a_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o 25._o eight_o bishop_n of_o that_o see_v from_o both_o which_o testimony_n of_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o bishop_n ascend_v to_o st._n timothy_n as_o the_o first_o of_o that_o rank_n who_o certain_o be_v constitute_v there_o before_o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n the_o conclusion_n be_v obvious_a and_o irrefragable_a that_o either_o timothy_n or_o some_o successor_n of_o his_o be_v personal_o the_o angel_n to_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v address_v and_o i_o profess_v not_o to_o wish_v for_o a_o great_a evidence_n to_o justify_v a_o prelatist_n in_o his_o desire_n to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o that_o order_n so_o signal_o confirm_v by_o christ_n 11._o the_o like_a be_v in_o the_o next_o section_n produce_v out_o of_o irenaeus_n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n irenaeus_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o polycarp_n that_o ancient_a primitive_a martyr_n and_o be_v a_o youth_n have_v the_o honour_n to_o see_v that_o venerable_a old_a man_n and_o of_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o many_o that_o see_v christ_n but_o that_o also_o he_o be_v send_v to_o asia_n and_o constitute_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o if_o there_o need_v any_o more_o light_a after_o so_o clear_a and_o authentic_a a_o testimony_n which_o again_o conclude_v either_o polycarpe_n or_o some_o successor_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o who_o christ_n address_v his_o epistle_n there_o be_v another_o add_v out_o of_o tertullian_n a_o writer_n of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o reputation_n for_o knowledge_n in_o the_o
record_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o word_n 32._o as_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n relate_v polycarpe_n to_o have_v be_v constitute_v there_o by_o john_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n affirm_v clement_n to_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o peter_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n exhibit_v the_o record_n of_o those_o who_o they_o have_v have_v their_o bishop_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o conveyor_n of_o the_o apostolical_a seed_n to_o they_o and_o more_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o subject_n of_o our_o present_a discourse_n 5._o we_o have_v the_o church_n feed_v by_o john_n and_o the_o course_n of_o bishop_n be_v drive_v to_o the_o original_a acknowledge_v john_n the_o apostle_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o here_o certain_o be_v light_n enough_o to_o make_v some_o confidence_n excusable_a in_o a_o prelatist_n and_o to_o make_v his_o wonder_n seasonable_a that_o any_o that_o have_v eye_n shall_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o sunshine_n want_v the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o to_o think_v it_o no_o very_o auspicious_a omen_n that_o they_o do_v yet_o because_o i_o have_v much_o rather_o assist_v then_o upbraid_v other_o man_n infirmity_n i_o have_v here_o give_v they_o a_o instance_n how_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v for_o they_o to_o have_v inform_v themselves_o and_o their_o respective_a charge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o prelatists_n confidence_n that_o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o his_o approbation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n of_o that_o word_n for_o a_o single_a overseer_n in_o every_o church_n 12._o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obscurity_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o premise_n because_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o polycrates_n make_v timothy_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o paul_n the_o first_o bishop_n or_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o tertullian_n divolve_v the_o original_a of_o the_o course_n or_o catalogue_n to_o st_n john_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o ephesus_n and_o throughout_o all_o asia_n the_o first_o of_o gentile_a convert_n bring_v into_o the_o faith_n by_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o over_o they_o it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v by_o he_o place_v in_o ephesuâ—_n their_o bishop_n the_o second_o of_o jewish_a proselyte_n convert_v by_o st._n john_n by_o compact_n design_v to_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o his_o province_n gal._n 2._o 9_o and_o those_o peculiarly_a the_o asian_a jew_n as_o appear_v every_o where_o in_o 23._o eusebius_n story_n and_o by_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o death_n in_o that_o place_n give_v we_o by_o 31._o polycrates_n a_o early_a bishop_n there_o and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o constivation_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n tell_v we_o that_o another_o of_o the_o same_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o that_o apostle_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n there_o as_o timothy_n by_o s._n paul_n of_o the_o other_o congregation_n of_o gentile_a christian_n a_o observation_n which_o be_v large_o educe_v and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o etc._n dissertation_n and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o small_a use_n for_o the_o dilucidating_a of_o obscurity_n in_o ancient_a story_n and_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o presbyterian_o but_o i_o must_v not_o here_o take_v liberty_n to_o enlarge_v on_o it_o unnecessary_o have_v be_v thus_o far_o force_v to_o expatiate_v somewhat_o above_o proportion_n to_o the_o length_n of_o their_o own_o period_n wherein_o my_o confidence_n and_o censoriousnesse_n be_v short_o accuse_v how_o deserve_o i_o hope_v have_v now_o be_v make_v manifest_a section_n ii_o of_o timothy_n of_o onesimus_n of_o polycarpe_n the_o next_o period_n in_o their_o charge_n against_o i_o run_v thus_o 1._o it_o be_v far_a add_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n mention_n the_o very_a man_n that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n some_o say_v timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o john_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o it_o other_o say_v onesimus_n other_o say_v that_o policarpe_n be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o from_o hence_o they_o conclude_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o plansibility_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v seven_o individual_a bishop_n 2._o here_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o great_a charge_n offer_v but_o a_o confession_n rather_o that_o i_o have_v some_o temptation_n for_o the_o confidence_n of_o which_o i_o be_v former_o accuse_v my_o conclusion_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o adversary_n to_o be_v infer_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o plausibility_n but_o i_o have_v not_o so_o much_o reason_n to_o depend_v on_o their_o civility_n as_o to_o omit_v the_o insert_v here_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v mistake_n and_o shall_v therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o set_v down_o entire_o what_o it_o be_v which_o i_o have_v affirm_v in_o this_o matter_n 3._o and_o 1._o i_o have_v yet_o no_o where_o say_v that_o timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o john_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o that_o church_n my_o word_n be_v express_o otherwise_o exit_fw-la quibus_fw-la patet_fw-la vel_fw-la timotheum_n ipsum_fw-la vel_fw-la aliquem_fw-la ei_fw-la succedaneum_fw-la hunc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la angelum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la quem_fw-la c._n 2._o 1._o christus_fw-la alloquitur_fw-la by_o which_o it_o appear_v have_v former_o set_v down_o my_o ground_n to_o induce_v this_o conclusion_n that_o either_o timothy_n himself_o or_o some_o body_n that_o succeed_v he_o be_v that_o very_a angel_n to_o who_o christ_n address_v his_o speech_n c._n 2._o 1._o but_o that_o be_v not_o to_o affirm_v it_o of_o timothy_n but_o purposely_o to_o abstain_v from_o affirm_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v deny_v or_o doubt_v and_o only_o to_o affirm_v it_o either_o to_o timothy_n or_o some_o successor_n of_o he_o which_o evident_o and_o infallible_o it_o must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o premise_v from_o which_o it_o be_v infer_v the_o word_n of_o the_o council_n and_o the_o father_n that_o after_o timothy_n the_o first_o succeed_v of_o continual_a series_n of_o bishop_n there_o 4._o what_o my_o opinion_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v now_o free_o tell_v they_o though_o before_o i_o have_v not_o occasion_n to_o do_v it_o together_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v only_o my_o opinion_n and_o so_o still_o affirm_v nothing_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o some_o uncertainty_n or_o far_o than_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o my_o opinion_n be_v found_v shall_v appear_v able_a to_o support_v it_o my_o opinion_n brief_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v then_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n at_o the_o time_n of_o address_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o ground_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o st._n 〈◊〉_d john_n banishment_n and_o prophesy_a be_v by_o epiphanius_n twice_o express_o affirm_v to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n caesar_n then_o second_o that_o as_o it_o be_v by_o chronologer_n set_v down_o to_o be_v in_o the_o 13._o of_o claudius_n that_o timothy_n be_v leave_v by_o paul_n at_o ephesus_n when_o he_o go_v into_o macedonia_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 3_o act._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v general_o resolve_v that_o timothy_n suffer_v at_o ephesus_n under_o nerva_n and_o that_o agreeable_a enough_o with_o his_o age_n who_o appear_v to_o be_v young_a when_o paul_n first_o place_v he_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n if_o these_o ground_n have_v truth_n in_o they_o than_o timothy_n can_v be_v doubt_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o st_n john_n vision_n be_v receive_v and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ireneus_fw-la seem_v to_o assign_v another_o date_n of_o these_o vision_n at_o least_o of_o some_o of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o domitian_n reign_n which_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v to_o signify_v be_v 906._o elsewhere_o explain_v yet_o still_o that_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o timothy_n life_n if_o he_o suffer_v not_o till_o nerva_n reign_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o of_o timothy_n 5._o second_o that_o onesimus_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n at_o the_o date_n of_o that_o epistle_n be_v no_o where_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v to_o be_v my_o opinion_n much_o less_o affirm_v by_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o need_v reply_n no_o more_o to_o that_o yet_o because_o ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n mention_n onesimus_n their_o bishop_n and_o that_o testimony_n be_v produce_v by_o i_o dissert_n 2._o c._n 25._o sect._n 9_o i_o shall_v here_o free_o give_v they_o my_o opinion_n also_o of_o that_o matter_n 6._o first_o that_o there_o be_v little_a ground_n of_o question_n but_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o or_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o again_o we_o pray_v you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o well_o render_v in_o christ_n stead_n as_o his_o proxy_n for_o to_o ambassador_n be_v which_o be_v there_o apply_v to_o s._n paul_n a_o apostle_n and_o to_o timothy_n one_o employ_v by_o he_o immediate_o to_o preach_v and_o plant_v the_o faith_n and_o after_o to_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v proportion_n belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n their_o successor_n peculiar_o 4._o three_o that_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o messenger_n or_o nuntio_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apostle_n according_a to_o the_o origination_n of_o it_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v send_v signify_v also_o without_o any_o considerable_a difference_n but_o yet_o be_v never_o think_v fit_a either_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o style_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o only_o to_o those_o send_v immediate_o by_o christ_n as_o he_o by_o his_o father_n to_o plant_v and_o rule_v church_n and_o to_o those_o who_o first_o succeed_v they_o or_o be_v employ_v by_o they_o in_o that_o great_a office_n 5._o but_o that_o which_o whole_o frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o the_o consideration_n be_v this_o that_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o person_n one_o angel_n in_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v all_o that_o we_o argue_v from_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o as_o to_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o each_o church_n that_o be_v certain_o pretend_v to_o and_o not_o decline_v by_o the_o presbyterian_a as_o well_o as_o the_o prelatist_n the_o only_a question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v place_v in_o one_o over_o the_o rest_n or_o in_o more_o than_o one_o rule_v together_o in_o common_a and_o from_o the_o style_n of_o christ_n epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o like_a in_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o we_o think_v we_o conclude_v regular_o that_o it_o be_v one_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o singular_a number_n be_v not_o the_o dual_a or_o plural_a and_o that_o angel_n be_v a_o person_n not_o a_o aggregate_v body_n or_o multitude_n 7._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n again_o we_o conclude_v not_o from_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o star_n not_o from_o their_o light_n or_o shine_a but_o from_o their_o number_n but_o seven_o in_o all_o no_o more_o than_o there_o be_v church_n i._n e._n one_o only_a in_o each_o church_n and_o we_o know_v there_o be_v difference_n between_o a_o star_n and_o a_o asterisme_n or_o constellation_n one_o single_a light_n and_o a_o conjunction_n of_o many_o and_o according_o mr._n brightman_n that_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o find_v this_o truth_n in_o that_o text_n be_v force_v to_o deal_v plain_o and_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o each_o of_o they_o send_v to_o any_o one_o angel_n but_o to_o the_o college_n of_o pastor_n nec_fw-la uni_fw-la alicui_fw-la angelo_n mittuntur_fw-la sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ut_fw-la ita_fw-la dicam_fw-la collegio_fw-la pastorum_fw-la in_o apoc._n c._n 2._o 1._o which_o be_v sufficient_o contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o text_n which_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o singular_a he_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o non_fw-la enim_fw-la unus_fw-la erat_fw-la angelus_n ephesi_n sed_fw-la plures_fw-la nec_fw-la inter_fw-la istos_fw-la aliquis_fw-la princeps_fw-la for_o there_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d angel_n of_o ephesus_n but_o many_o nor_o any_o one_o among_o those_o principal_a or_o chief_a which_o be_v the_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n or_o prove_a his_o assertion_n only_o by_o assert_v it_o whereas_o beza_n find_v himself_o more_o press_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o place_n be_v force_v to_o render_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o angel_n i._n e._n to_o the_o precedent_n quem_fw-la nimirum_fw-la oportuit_fw-la inprimis_fw-la de_fw-la his_fw-la rebus_fw-la admoneri_fw-la who_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v admonish_v of_o these_o thing_n 8._o what_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n proper_o signify_v be_v show_v at_o large_a out_o of_o justin_n martyr_n dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n marcellus_n ancyranus_n and_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n dissert_n 4._o c._n 17._o direct_o the_o same_o that_o we_o mean_v now_o by_o bishop_n but_o that_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o think_v beza_n mean_v by_o it_o his_o prolepse_n and_o espouse_a principle_n lead_v he_o another_o way_n all_o that_o i_o observe_v from_o the_o citation_n be_v that_o by_o the_o singularity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o angel_n not_o angel_n he_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v a_o single_a person_n to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o mr._n brightman_n and_o those_o that_o comprehend_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n under_o the_o title_n which_o be_v yield_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o our_o other_o evidence_n already_o produce_v which_o must_v not_o be_v at_o every_o turn_n repeat_v from_o the_o catalogue_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n concern_v those_o single_a person_n will_v conclude_v they_o indeed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o beza_n notion_n but_o in_o justin_n martyr_n who_o be_v much_o a_o more_o competent_a judge_n i._n e._n the_o very_a bishop_n which_o we_o pretend_v they_o to_o be_v and_o true_o i_o can_v discern_v any_o weak_a part_n which_o may_v hazard_v be_v count_v ridiculous_a in_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v section_n vii_o of_o their_o exception_n to_o our_o argue_v from_o symbol_n of_o rishop_n and_o elder_a be_v the_o same_o the_o last_o consideration_n now_o remain_v in_o these_o word_n these_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v mysterious_a and_o metaphorical_a it_o be_v say_v rev._n 1._o 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v safe_a or_o solid_a to_o build_v the_o structure_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o divine_a right_n upon_o mysterious_a and_o metaphorical_a denomination_n theologia_n symbolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o clear_a text_n that_o make_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o it_o can_v be_v praiseworthy_a for_o any_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n to_o oppose_v certain_a allegorical_a and_o mysterious_a title_n to_o so_o many_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n 2._o to_o this_o the_o answer_n will_v be_v satisfactory_a though_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o brief_a that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v our_o argument_n in_o a_o allegory_n for_o 1._o though_o the_o word_n star_n apply_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o church_n be_v only_o figurative_o so_o apply_v yet_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o the_o author_n of_o this_o consideration_n may_v be_v believe_v in_o that_o which_o immediate_o precede_v signify_v not_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n or_o incorporeal_a substance_n but_o a_o messenger_n or_o ambassador_n such_o as_o say_v they_o all_o minister_n be_v and_o agreeable_o in_o that_o which_o be_v here_o annex_v to_o prove_v the_o allegorical_a or_o mystical_a phrase_n from_o rev._n 1._o 20._o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o only_o the_o word_n star_n be_v symbolical_a or_o mystical_a and_o as_o evident_a that_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o explicate_a and_o not_o in_o the_o form_n of_o the_o figure_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o star_n as_o the_o church_n themselves_o by_o the_o lamp_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o a_o symbol_n be_v explicate_v by_o a_o symbol_n one_o mystery_n by_o another_o or_o proportionable_o that_o the_o church_n by_o which_o the_o lamp_n be_v express_v be_v a_o mystical_a allegorical_a phrase_n so_o it_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v of_o the_o angel_n that_o they_o be_v a_o mystery_n or_o allegory_n because_o of_o the_o star_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v such_o when_o indeed_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v the_o interpretation_n and_o unfolding_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v the_o mystery_n as_o the_o light_n be_v from_o be_v darkness_n which_o it_o expel_v out_o of_o the_o horizon_n and_o be_v purposely_o send_v by_o god_n to_o do_v so_o 3._o but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a that_o if_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v here_o use_v
and_o these_o presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o star_n of_o the_o same_o magnitude_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o same_o order_n without_o a_o difference_n or_o distinction_n 2._o but_o this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v deny_v by_o another_o which_o they_o know_v be_v equal_o deny_v by_o he_o against_o who_o they_o dispute_v and_o therefore_o that_o argument_n can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o we_o 3._o it_o be_v most_o true_a indeed_o what_o they_o begin_v with_o that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n for_o so_o it_o be_v certain_a every_o church_n be_v whether_o govern_v by_o one_o or_o more_o ruler_n but_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o angel_n any_o more_o than_o the_o candlestick_n be_v the_o star_n but_o punctual_o distinguish_v from_o they_o rev._n 1._o 20._o but_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o mistake_n hasty_o fall_v from_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o pursue_v it_o any_o far_o 4._o their_o argument_n i_o conceive_v depend_v upon_o the_o plurality_n of_o elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v at_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o when_o paul_n take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o and_o call_v they_o bishop_n but_o to_o this_o they_o know_v i_o have_v answer_v clear_o that_o as_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o in_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n be_v all_o one_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n denote_v not_o the_o many_o presbyter_n of_o the_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n but_o the_o many_o bishop_n of_o that_o and_o other_o city_n of_o asia_n which_o at_o that_o time_n by_o s._n paul_n summons_n send_v to_o ephesus_n the_o chief_a metropolis_n of_o asia_n be_v call_v and_o meet_v together_o at_o miletus_n 5._o to_o this_o purpose_n 14._o irenaeus_n be_v a_o witness_n beyond_o exception_n who_o speak_v of_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n add_v ab_fw-la epheso_fw-la &_o proximis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la convocatos_fw-la esse_fw-la that_o they_o be_v assemble_v from_o ephesus_n and_o the_o next_o city_n in_o which_o as_o the_o faith_n be_v plant_v as_o well_o as_o in_o ephesus_n even_o in_o all_o asia_n so_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v bishop_n in_o they_o as_o well_o as_o in_o ephesus_n seven_a such_o church_n we_o know_v be_v here_o mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v as_o careful_a to_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o come_v to_o miletus_n in_o his_o hasty_a progress_n as_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n he_o be_v just_o deem_v to_o have_v be_v 6._o other_o argument_n and_o authority_n i_o need_v not_o here_o accumulate_v for_o this_o notion_n of_o elder_n act._n 20._o because_o here_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o reason_n offer_v to_o prove_v their_o or_o impugn_v our_o assertion_n this_o perhaps_o will_v be_v afterward_o attempt_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v as_o occasion_n require_v far_o enlarge_v in_o the_o mean_v it_o suffice_v that_o it_o yet_o no_o way_n appear_v that_o ephesus_n be_v govern_v by_o many_o presbyter_n and_o not_o by_o one_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o this_o second_o offer_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o deficient_a as_o the_o first_o to_o prove_v the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n to_o have_v be_v a_o collective_a body_n section_n x._o of_o express_v a_o number_n by_o singular_n a_o church_n by_o a_o candlestick_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n rev._n 8._o their_o three_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n but_o in_o this_o very_a book_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o mysterious_a and_o prophetic_a write_n and_o visionall_a representation_n such_o as_o this_o of_o the_o star_n and_o golden_a â—candlestick_n be_v to_o express_v a_o number_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n in_o singular_n and_o this_o in_o vision_n be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o representation_n of_o thing_n a_o thousand_o person_n make_v up_o one_o church_n be_v represent_v by_o one_o candlestick_n many_o minister_n make_v up_o one_o presbytery_n by_o one_o angel_n thus_o rev._n 8._o 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o john_n see_v seven_o angel_n which_o stand_v before_o god_n by_o these_o seven_o candlestick_n i_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v seven_o angel_n dr._n reynolds_n do_v not_o understand_v seven_o individual_a angel_n but_o all_o the_o angel_n for_o there_o be_v no_o seven_o individual_a angel_n but_o all_o the_o angel_n for_o there_o be_v no_o seven_o individual_a angel_n that_o stand_v before_o god_n but_o all_o do_v dan_o 7._o there_o be_v many_o more_o instance_n bring_v in_o the_o book_n foremention_v 2._o to_o this_o three_o reason_n i_o have_v no_o obligation_n or_o notice_n to_o give_v credit_n any_o far_a than_o the_o evidence_n persuade_v for_o many_o of_o which_o though_o we_o be_v refer_v to_o smectymnuus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o have_v receive_v promise_n from_o these_o that_o they_o will_v borrow_v a_o few_o thing_n from_o those_o other_o i_o shall_v with_o reason_n hope_v that_o what_o they_o have_v upon_o choice_n borrow_v leave_v as_o they_o say_v much_o more_o behind_o be_v the_o most_o satisfactory_a and_o solid_a of_o any_o thing_n by_o they_o produce_v and_o consequent_o if_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o these_o instance_n to_o oppugn_v our_o conclusion_n we_o shall_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v more_o convince_a one_o by_o travail_v far_o and_o gather_v up_o out_o of_o those_o dispersion_n what_o they_o have_v refuse_v to_o take_v up_o and_o offer_v to_o we_o 3._o the_o thing_n they_o will_v prove_v be_v that_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o mysterious_a prophetic_a book_n to_o express_v a_o number_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n by_o singular_n their_o proof_n be_v but_o three_o and_o the_o first_o be_v of_o no_o force_n because_o the_o word_n church_n denote_v a_o singular_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o candlestick_n that_o represent_v it_o for_o though_o a_o thousand_o man_n make_v up_o one_o church_n yet_o one_o church_n be_v but_o one_o thing_n consider_v as_o a_o church_n and_o proportionable_o as_o one_o candlestick_n in_o the_o singular_a be_v set_v to_o denote_v each_o church_n so_o there_o be_v seven_o candlestick_n to_o represent_v the_o seven_o church_n 4._o as_o for_o the_o second_o that_o of_o the_o angel_n that_o that_o signify_v many_o minister_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v as_o a_o proof_n be_v itself_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n and_o indeed_o though_o church_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n and_o so_o one_o church_n be_v know_v to_o consist_v of_o many_o man_n yet_o angel_n be_v not_o of_o that_o nature_n one_o angel_n neither_o signify_v many_o man_n nor_o many_o angel_n 5._o and_o whereas_o the_o parallel_n be_v set_v betwixt_o the_o word_n candlestick_n and_o the_o word_n angel_n that_o they_o each_o be_v singular_a word_n by_o which_o multitude_n be_v represent_v that_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o the_o parallel_n lie_v betwixt_o church_n and_o angel_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n betwixt_o candlestick_n and_o star_n as_o appear_v rev._n 1._o 20._o and_o both_o these_o be_v individual_a thing_n the_o church_n a_o individual_a church_n and_o there_o be_v seven_o such_o individual_a church_n and_o the_o angel_n a_o individual_a angel_n and_o there_o be_v seven_o such_o individual_a angel_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o pretence_n that_o one_o angel_n shall_v signify_v many_o minister_n than_o that_o one_o church_n shall_v signify_v many_o congregation_n 6._o last_o for_o the_o three_o proof_n that_o of_o seven_o angel_n rev._n 8._o 2._o if_o that_o be_v grant_v to_o doctor_n reynold_n authority_n that_o the_o seven_a angel_n there_o signify_v all_o the_o angel_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o at_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n which_o be_v that_o many_o shall_v be_v signify_v by_o a_o singular_a for_o we_o know_v that_o seven_o be_v not_o a_o singular_a but_o the_o custom_n indeed_o be_v ordinary_a to_o use_v a_o certain_a definite_a number_n for_o a_o uncertain_a or_o indefinite_a and_o the_o septenary_a be_v a_o perfect_a number_n and_o so_o fit_a for_o the_o turn_n it_o be_v more_o tolerable_a that_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o may_v represent_v some_o great_a number_n one_o plural_a a_o large_a plural_a than_o that_o a_o singular_a one_o shall_v do_v so_o 7._o and_o yet_o second_o there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o seven_o angel_n be_v indeed_o very_o seven_o angel_n and_o no_o more_o this_o i_o collect_v 1._o from_o the_o seven_o trumpet_n that_o be_v give_v they_o ver_fw-la 2._o and_o the_o specify_v they_o by_o that_o character_n the_o seven_o angel_n which_o have_v the_o seven_o trumpet_n ver_fw-la
may_v be_v in_o they_o 4._o master_n brightman_n i_o know_v and_o some_o other_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v have_v interpret_v the_o angel_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a college_n of_o pastor_n and_o true_o i_o shall_v much_o soon_o take_v up_o a_o interpretation_n upon_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o these_o assembler_n than_o i_o will_v upon_o no_o better_a evidence_n from_o m._n brightman_n he_o be_v one_o learned_a man_n long_o know_v to_o be_v unkind_a to_o our_o pralate_n and_o here_o be_v many_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v as_o learned_a though_o under_o the_o same_o praejudices_fw-la 5._o some_o other_o here_o cite_v i_o can_v believe_v be_v bring_v to_o testify_v this_o but_o only_o that_o what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o each_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v say_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o only_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o if_o that_o be_v all_o they_o say_v it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v doubt_v to_o affirm_v with_o they_o and_o have_v oft_o confess_v to_o understand_v christ_n epistle_n so_o without_o any_o incommodity_n to_o our_o praetension_n 6._o if_o i_o mistake_v in_o these_o conjecture_n i_o desire_v pardon_n and_o shall_v hope_v to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n when_o i_o read_v the_o testimony_n in_o the_o author_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v cite_v for_o in_o these_o derivation_n of_o testimony_n the_o assembler_n cite_v they_o from_o smectymnuus_n smectymnuus_n from_o master_n fox_n master_n fox_n from_o primasius_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v great_a possibility_n of_o mistake_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v follow_v the_o example_n before_o i_o forbear_v add_v any_o more_o of_o this_o matter_n 7._o in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n as_o of_o a_o objection_n against_o their_o interpretation_n that_o some_o author_n say_v timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o our_o saviour_n write_v this_o epistle_n other_o that_o onesimus_n be_v bishop_n other_o that_o polycarp_n be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o these_o angel_n must_v needs_o be_v take_v individual_o for_o so_o many_o single_a person_n 8._o of_o this_o objection_n which_o they_o have_v thus_o form_v for_o we_o there_o be_v only_o thus_o much_o of_o truth_n that_o out_o of_o authentic_a record_n we_o bring_v undeniable_a evidence_n for_o timothy_n be_v constitute_v by_o st._n paul_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n for_o onesimus_n be_v place_v in_o that_o see_v at_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n writing_n to_o the_o ephesian_n that_o polycarpe_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o s._n john_n of_o all_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v enough_o already_o 9_o but_o of_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o be_v bishop_n in_o those_o city_n at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o christ_n address_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o this_o have_v no_o where_o be_v our_o affirmation_n nor_o will_v it_o have_v be_v useful_a to_o we_o in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n if_o we_o have_v ground_n positive_o to_o affirm_v it_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o we_o be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o ancient_a record_n which_o evidence_n they_o to_o have_v be_v so_o early_a bishop_n in_o two_o of_o those_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n epistle_n be_v send_v and_o bishop_n in_o the_o notion_n wherein_o we_o now_o use_v the_o word_n we_o be_v secure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ouâ—_n collection_n when_o from_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o 7._o church_n we_o assert_v the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o single_a bishop_n in_o each_o church_n to_o be_v own_v and_o confirm_v by_o christ_n and_o suppose_v some_o other_o person_n and_o none_o of_o these_o three_o to_o have_v be_v those_o very_a numericall_a angel_n to_o who_o those_o epistle_n be_v write_v this_o conclusion_n of_o we_o stand_v yet_o as_o firm_a as_o if_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o of_o those_o very_a numericall_a person_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o government_n continue_v all_o the_o scripture_n time_n and_o to_o timothy_n successor_n and_o onesimus_n predecessor_n be_v as_o certain_o bishop_n as_o either_o onesimus_n or_o timothy_n himself_o when_o withal_o we_o have_v already_o produce_v mention_n from_o the_o ancient_n of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o bishop_n which_o succe_fw-la deed_n timothy_n in_o that_o see_n 10._o have_v thus_o set_v right_o the_o objection_n for_o they_o so_o as_o it_o be_v own_v by_o we_o to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o they_o it_o will_v now_o soon_o appear_v what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o those_o be_v three_o 11._o first_o that_o they_o that_o say_v that_o timothy_n be_v then_o bishop_n offer_v no_o little_a injury_n to_o he_o for_o they_o thereby_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n and_o of_o lose_v his_o first_o love_n and_o so_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n to_o episcopacy_n they_o make_v that_o glorious_a saint_n to_o stand_v charge_v as_o a_o apostate_n the_o like_a injury_n be_v offer_v by_o objection_n to_o onesimâ—s_n 12._o but_o first_o you_o see_v whatever_o our_o opinion_n be_v express_v to_o be_v we_o have_v not_o affirm_v either_o of_o these_o as_o to_o the_o person_n either_o of_o timothy_n or_o onesimus_n but_o leave_v it_o uncertain_a who_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v whether_o either_o or_o neither_o of_o these_o but_o some_o successor_n of_o the_o one_o and_o predecessor_n of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o what_o charge_v soever_o fall_v on_o that_o angel_n it_o fall_v not_o necessary_o on_o either_o of_o these_o 13._o second_o it_o be_v already_o agree_v betwixt_o the_o party_n affirm_v by_o they_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o i_o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v address_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n the_o church_n or_o diffusive_a body_n the_o christian_n in_o it_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o than_o whatsoever_o charge_n be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o how_o heavy_a a_o nature_n soever_o even_o of_o apostasy_n itself_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n the_o angel_n or_o bishop_n shall_v be_v personal_o guilty_a of_o it_o and_o so_o whosoever_o the_o bishop_n be_v though_o timothy_n himself_o our_o zeal_n to_o episcopacy_n have_v not_o be_v so_o blind_a or_o transport_v as_o to_o put_v we_o on_o any_o uncharitable_a censure_n to_o affix_v any_o unhandsome_a character_n upon_o so_o glorious_a a_o saint_n 14._o last_o to_o remove_v this_o answer_n yet_o one_o degree_n far_o from_o be_v satisfactory_a it_o no_o where_o appear_v that_o apostasy_n be_v in_o that_o epistle_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n whether_o of_o the_o church_n or_o angel_n the_o first_o part_n be_v all_o in_o commendation_n of_o their_o former_a zeal_n and_o the_o late_a wherein_o their_o charge_n consist_v v_o 4._o be_v only_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v not_o as_o be_v suggest_v lose_v their_o first_o love_n but_o remit_v it_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n have_v former_o be_v strong_a as_o death_n pure_a and_o vehement_a such_o as_o have_v cast_v out_o all_o fear_n of_o danger_n and_o evidence_v itself_o in_o courageous_a confession_n but_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o quite_o lose_v yet_o it_o be_v remit_v lessen_v in_o the_o degree_n not_o so_o intense_a as_o formerly_z and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v bid_v remember_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v that_o fall_n do_v not_o necessary_o signify_v apostasy_n or_o renounce_v of_o christianity_n for_o than_o it_o have_v be_v a_o impertinent_a threaten_a to_o remove_v their_o chandlestick_n v._n 5._o but_o a_o fall_n from_o the_o former_a degree_n a_o cool_a of_o the_o intense_a heat_n which_o have_v be_v so_o laudable_a in_o they_o and_o so_o still_o there_o be_v more_o invalidity_n in_o this_o first_o answer_n section_n xii_o of_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n that_o it_o hinder_v not_o his_o be_v a_o bishop_n the_o second_o be_v that_o they_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v call_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n in_o their_o sense_n 2._o to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n no_o way_n prejudge_v his_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o our_o â—ense_n a_o evangelist_n be_v one_o commissionated_a by_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n '_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o any_o city_n or_o people_n and_o a_o bishop_n be_v one_o commissionated_a by_o the_o like_a apostle_n to_o praeside_fw-la in_fw-la and_o govern_v a_o church_n already_o plant_v and_o what_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o that_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o former_a capacity_n to_o plant_v may_v elsewhere_o or_o in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v appoint_v to_o govern_v and_o
so_o the_o evangelist_n be_v a_o bishop_n 3._o whatsoever_o objection_n can_v be_v bring_v against_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v will_v be_v easy_o answer_v but_o there_o be_v no_o offer_n of_o any_o here_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o be_v pertinent_a far_o to_o treat_v it_o in_o this_o place_n 4._o second_o it_o must_v again_o be_v remember_v that_o what_o be_v here_o say_v of_o timothy_n be_v proper_a to_o his_o person_n both_o from_o onesimus_n and_o polycarpe_n and_o all_o other_o angel_n whether_o succeed_a timothy_n in_o ephesus_n or_o praeside_v in_o the_o other_o 7._o asian_a church_n and_o therefore_o though_o timothy_n by_o be_v a_o evangelist_n be_v render_v uncapable_a which_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o of_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n in_o our_o sense_n yet_o those_o other_o seven_o angel_n at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o write_v this_o epistle_n of_o which_o none_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v evangelist_n may_v still_o be_v bishop_n in_o our_o sense_n 5._o three_o i_o shall_v demand_v upon_o the_o assembler_n principle_n who_o allow_v a_o primus_fw-la presbyter_n a_o prolocutor_n in_o their_o consistory_n or_o council_n of_o presbyter_n may_v timothy_n be_v that_o first_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o do_v his_o be_v a_o evangelist_n hinder_v he_o from_o be_v so_o when_o he_o be_v by_o st._n paul_n exhort_v or_o appoint_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o abide_v in_o that_o city_n i_o can_v imagine_v they_o will_v say_v he_o can_v not_o who_o give_v both_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n leave_v to_o call_v themselves_o presbyter_n but_o if_o he_o can_v in_o their_o opinion_n then_o why_o may_v he_o not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o our_o sense_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o well_o as_o a_o presbyter_n in_o they_o i_o foresee_v not_o what_o answer_n can_v be_v adapt_v to_o this_o dilemma_n section_n xiii_o of_o the_o bishop_n at_o ephesus_n of_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n there_o remain_v a_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o answer_n that_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v because_o onesimus_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n in_o st._n john_n day_n that_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n to_o who_o christ_n write_v his_o epistle_n for_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n at_o ephesus_n beside_o the_o suppose_a onesimus_n and_o christ_n may_v very_o well_o write_v to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v concern_v polycarpe_n for_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o write_v to_o all_o the_o other_o angel_n that_o be_v at_o smyrna_n as_o well_o as_o to_o one_o 2._o here_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o branch_n but_o what_o have_v be_v distinct_o forestall_v and_o speak_v to_o large_o already_o it_o will_v suffice_v that_o we_o repeat_v the_o head_n and_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o view_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v more_o explicit_o handle_v and_o 1._o tho_o st._n paul_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n at_o ephesus_n as_o there_o may_v be_v from_o other_o city_n occasional_o meet_v there_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n or_o consequent_o that_o christ_n in_o a_o peculiar_a address_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o city_n can_v write_v to_o more_o bishop_n there_o 3._o but_o than_o second_o the_o whole_a truth_n be_v this_o that_o s._n luke_n and_o not_o st_n paul_n tell_v that_o upon_o st._n paul_n summons_n send_v to_o ephesus_n many_o bishop_n meet_v he_o at_o miletus_n ephesus_n be_v the_o chief_a metropolis_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o summons_n to_o the_o city_n near_o it_o and_o from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o from_o they_o and_o not_o only_o from_o ephesus_n come_v the_o bishop_n to_o he_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v out_o of_o irenaeus_n 4._o three_o for_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n that_o be_v not_o punctual_o true_a for_o though_o the_o letter_n be_v write_v and_o inscribe_v to_o the_o angel_n yet_o as_o have_v oft_o be_v say_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o content_n of_o it_o and_o so_o speak_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o singular_a he_o may_v yet_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o so_o much_o again_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o ineffectualnesse_n of_o the_o first_o head_n of_o answer_n section_n fourteen_o of_o beza_n interpretation_n of_o the_o president_n the_o second_o follow_v upon_o a_o supposition_n but_o not_o grant_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v personae_fw-la singulares_fw-la and_o that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v to_o be_v take_v individual_o yet_o they_o conceive_v this_o will_v not_o at_o all_o advantage_n the_o episcopal_a cause_n for_o 1._o mr._n beza_n no_o great_a friend_n to_o episcopacy_n acknowledge_v that_o by_o these_o word_n to_o the_o angel_n be_v mean_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o president_n as_o who_o it_o behoove_v special_o to_o be_v admonish_v touch_v those_o matter_n and_o by_o he_o both_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n likewise_o but_o then_o he_o add_v but_o that_o episcopal_a degree_n which_o be_v afterward_o by_o humane_a invention_n bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n certain_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v from_o hence_o conclude_v nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o perpetual_a precedent_n shall_v be_v of_o necessity_n as_o the_o thence_o arise_v oligarchical_a tyranny_n who_o head_n be_v the_o antichristian_a beast_n now_o at_o length_n with_o the_o most_o certain_a ruin_n not_o of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o of_o the_o word_n also_o make_v manifest_a by_o which_o quotation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o beza_n hold_v the_o angel_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a person_n yet_o he_o hold_v he_o to_o be_v angelus_n praeses_fw-la not_o angelus_n princeps_fw-la and_o that_o he_o be_v praeses_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la just_a as_o a_o moderator_n in_o a_o assembly_n or_o as_o a_o speaker_n in_o parliament_n 2._o to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o mr._n beza_n interpretation_n as_o it_o be_v foreknow_v and_o former_o mention_v by_o we_o so_o be_v it_o not_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n or_o authority_n with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v but_o upon_o the_o score_n intimate_v here_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o no_o great_a friend_n but_o a_o know_a profess_a enemy_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o so_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v by_o the_o course_n wherein_o he_o be_v engage_v at_o geneva_n all_o that_o his_o authority_n conclude_v be_v that_o to_o avoid_v a_o plain_a testimony_n which_o be_v not_o for_o his_o turn_n a_o man_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o affirm_v that_o confident_o for_o which_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o proof_n nay_o wherein_o all_o way_n of_o evidence_n that_o thâ—_n matter_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v absolute_o against_o he_o 3._o thus_o it_o be_v certain_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o beza_n have_v here_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n who_o will_v be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n or_o witness_v to_o determine_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d president_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n what_o kind_n of_o praesidency_n he_o have_v whether_o only_o of_o place_n or_o order_n and_o that_o only_a for_o a_o time_n or_o of_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o office_n and_o that_o perpetual_a in_o all_o reason_n this_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o those_o first_o writer_n which_o speak_v of_o it_o and_o either_o use_v the_o very_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n for_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o we_o now_o assert_v a_o singular_a person_n in_o every_o church_n have_v a_o power_n for_o life_n over_o all_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o succeed_v some_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a person_n in_o that_o power_n or_o else_o in_o other_o word_n affirm_v the_o same_o thing_n 4._o of_o this_o store_n of_o evidence_n be_v 4._o elsewhere_o produce_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o several_a title_n by_o which_o this_o singular_a perfect_a be_v ancient_o know_v whether_o of_o apostle_n in_o a_o secondary_a use_n of_o that_o word_n of_o angel_n of_o bishop_n of_o elder_a of_o ruler_n of_o pastor_n of_o doctor_n of_o steward_n of_o precedent_n of_o priest_n against_o which_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o mr._n beza_n name_n who_o have_v fancy_v
reinolds_n scheme_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o the_o primitive_a record_n and_o practice_n what_o kind_n of_o power_n and_o dignity_n belong_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o president_n among_o they_o the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o now_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o bishop_n due_a and_o if_o christ_n letter_n be_v address_v to_o the_o angel_n as_o to_o such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o president_n it_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v to_o erect_v our_o fabric_n of_o spiscopacy_n on_o this_o one_o place_n if_o there_o be_v not_o as_o there_o be_v other_o able_a to_o support_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o 9_o and_o so_o we_o see_v what_o reason_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v good_a their_o second_o head_n of_o answer_n of_o which_o we_o have_v promise_v that_o they_o be_v solid_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a answer_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o issue_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v towards_o it_o save_v only_o the_o testimony_n of_o master_n beza_n the_o divine_n at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n which_o be_v by_o interpretation_n themselves_o and_o doctor_n reynolds_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o perfect_o of_o their_o party_n neither_o section_n xvi_o of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v metropolitical_n of_o the_o paveity_n of_o believer_n have_v thus_o do_v they_o say_v it_o be_v object_v by_o some_o man_n that_o the_o seven_o city_n in_o which_o these_o seven_o asian_a church_n have_v their_o seat_n be_v all_o of_o they_o metropolitical_a and_o so_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o town_n and_o city_n of_o asia_n as_o unto_o daughter_n rise_v under_o they_o and_o that_o therefore_o these_o church_n be_v metropolitical_a church_n and_o their_o angel_n metropolitical_a bishop_n 2._o how_o this_o come_v to_o be_v style_v a_o objection_n i_o can_v well_o guess_v or_o what_o it_o be_v against_o which_o it_o be_v think_v to_o be_v object_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o any_o episcopal_a person_n i_o know_v be_v interest_v in_o it_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n that_o they_o be_v bishop_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o against_o the_o assembler_n but_o there_o be_v over_o and_o above_o that_o all_o reason_n to_o deem_v they_o star_n of_o a_o first_o magnitude_n i._n e._n bishop_n of_o mother-city_n metropolitan_n and_o that_o very_a pertinent_a to_o be_v urge_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o asian_a angel_n not_o to_o secure_v the_o proof_n of_o episcopacy_n take_v from_o thence_o but_o to_o render_v a_o reason_n why_o in_o all_o asia_n but_o seven_o church_n and_o their_o bishop_n be_v name_v there_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o discourse_n be_v enlarge_v above_o what_o it_o need_v to_o have_v be_v dissert_n 4._o 5._o to_o set_v down_o the_o nature_n of_o metropolitan_n the_o exemplar_n of_o they_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o express_v of_o the_o institution_n in_o the_o apostle_n write_n and_o the_o signal_n evidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o ancient_a canon_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o antioch_n and_o ephesus_n all_o own_v they_o as_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o all_o this_o exemplify_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o antioch_n in_o rome_n in_o alexandria_n in_o gortyna_n of_o crect_n and_o at_o length_n in_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n 3._o what_o be_v there_o thus_o set_v down_o if_o it_o have_v not_o perfect_a truth_n in_o it_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o see_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o that_o discourse_n discover_v and_o therefore_o though_o i_o never_o propose_v or_o mean_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n of_o we_o against_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v no_o need_n of_o such_o auxiliaries_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v without_o and_o this_o only_o add_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la yet_o i_o shall_v most_o willing_o attend_v their_o motion_n and_o see_v what_o answer_v they_o will_v adapt_v to_o this_o objection_n as_o they_o call_v it_o 4._o and_o 1._o they_o answer_v that_o it_o will_v hardly_o be_v prove_v that_o these_o seven_o city_n be_v all_o of_o they_o metropolitical_a city_n in_o s._n john_n day_n and_o the_o situation_n of_o most_o they_o lie_v near_o together_o on_o the_o sea_n side_n make_v it_o very_o improbable_a 5._o to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o for_o five_o of_o they_o ephesus_z smyrna_n sardis_n pergamus_n and_o laodicaea_n pliny_n that_o live_v and_o write_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o vespatian_n reign_n 30._o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n that_o they_o be_v city_n wherein_o the_o roman_a proconsul_n six_o their_o court_n or_o seat_n of_o judicature_n and_o administer_v justice_n there_o to_o all_o the_o city_n about_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o a_o chief_a city_n or_o metropolis_n in_o the_o secular_a account_n and_o agreeable_o ulpian_n mention_n ephesus_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o these_o metropoles_fw-la and_o for_o the_o other_o two_o philadelphia_n and_o thyatira_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o by_o 2._o ptolomee_o the_o former_a by_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n sub_fw-la menâ_fw-la be_v punctual_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o metropolis_n to_o these_o be_v add_v other_o evidence_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o armagh_n have_v write_v beside_o his_o original_a of_o metropolitan_n he_o very_o learned_a dissertation_n of_o the_o lydian_a asia_n on_o purpose_n to_o clear_v this_o matter_n 6._o and_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o large_o prove_v already_o and_o when_o a_o satisfactory_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o any_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o city_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o the_o assert_v of_o metropolitan_n for_o then_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o one_o be_v a_o metropolitan_a it_o be_v then_o certain_o a_o very_a incompetent_a confutation_n bare_o to_o say_v that_o it_o will_v hardly_o be_v prove_v that_o these_o seven_o city_n be_v all_o of_o they_o metropolitical_a city_n in_o saint_n john_n day_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v it_o matter_n now_o how_o hardly_o and_o if_o any_o one_o be_v so_o in_o s._n john_n day_n it_o matter_n not_o if_o possible_o some_o other_o be_v not_o that_o one_o be_v a_o metropolitical_a angel_n which_o be_v all_o we_o need_v insist_v on_o 7._o and_o for_o the_o argument_n to_o make_v it_o improbable_a draw_v from_o the_o situation_n of_o the_o city_n that_o be_v as_o infirm_a for_o this_o as_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v be_v wage_v by_o authority_n of_o those_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o testify_v aright_o and_o to_o those_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o adhere_v and_o not_o to_o be_v move_v by_o argument_n that_o seem_v probable_a to_o those_o that_o live_v 1600._o year_n after_o and_o be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o perfect_a master_n of_o the_o geography_n of_o the_o place_n as_o due_o to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v even_o what_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n most_o probable_a 8._o nay_o for_o the_o distance_n of_o these_o city_n though_o i_o have_v not_o now_o mr._n brightman_n by_o i_o yet_o my_o note_n out_o of_o he_o tell_v i_o that_o in_o his_o scale_n of_o furlong_n pergamus_n be_v distant_a from_o smyrna_n 540._o furlong_n i._n e._n about_o 68_o english_a mile_n and_o ephesus_n from_o smyrna_n 320._o i_o e._n about_o 40._o mile_n and_o thyatira_n from_o pergamus_n 80._o english_a mile_n which_o be_v a_o distance_n very_o reconcileable_a with_o their_o being_n metropoles_fw-la 9_o but_o they_o be_v content_a to_o suppose_v this_o be_v true_a and_o then_o have_v answer_n ready_a another_o way_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v no_o good_a argument_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n to_o infer_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o the_o city_n be_v great_a yet_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a and_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n 10._o to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o by_o concession_n that_o in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o church_n can_v absolute_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o great_a city_n may_v have_v utter_o resist_v the_o faith_n and_o a_o lesser_a city_n receive_v it_o or_o again_o a_o great_a city_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n in_o some_o of_o the_o member_n may_v yet_o have_v few_o believer_n in_o it_o than_o another_o city_n which_o be_v not_o so_o great_a this_o therefore_o be_v not_o our_o way_n of_o conclude_v from_o the_o bare_a greatness_n of_o the_o city_n to_o infer_v the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n in_o they_o 11._o our_o way_n of_o conclude_v be_v this_o paul_n have_v spend_v three_o year_n act._n
orb_n or_o with_o the_o division_n or_o distribution_n of_o this_o nation_n within_o itself_o into_o city_n and_o province_n etc._n etc._n or_o go_v about_o to_o innovate_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v such_o a_o judge_n or_o divider_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o all_o shall_v remain_v as_o it_o do_v in_o that_o respect_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v 1._o that_o this_o nation_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o king_n of_o its_o own_o be_v it_o not_o certain_a that_o this_o national_a church_n shall_v follow_v the_o boundary_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o be_v model_v according_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o former_o heathen_a britannic_a state_n and_o suppose_v again_o what_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n and_o by_o compare_v act._n 14._o 23._o with_o tit._n 1._o 5._o that_o a_o bishop_n be_v constitute_v in_o every_o church_n in_o each_o city_n will_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n of_o doubt_v but_o that_o those_o city_n be_v subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o church_n in_o those_o city_n and_o the_o bishop_n in_o those_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o also_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v deem_v a_o impious_a compliance_n with_o heathenism_n or_o conformity_n with_o the_o world_n nay_o though_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n by_o his_o conquest_n here_o be_v the_o author_n of_o these_o distribution_n 4._o but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v already_o clear_v in_o the_o dissertation_n that_o this_o ecclesiastic_a division_n of_o city_n into_o mother_n and_o daughter_n metropoles_fw-la and_o inferior_a city_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n copy_v out_o from_o the_o jew_n as_o when_o god_n command_v by_o moses_n that_o judge_n and_o officer_n shall_v be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n deut._n 16._o 18._o and_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o doubt_n they_o shall_v resort_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o judge_n and_o sanhedrim_n there_o according_a to_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o those_o other_o city_n and_o so_o be_v evident_a act._n 9_o by_o the_o story_n of_o saul_n carry_v letter_n of_o commission_n from_o the_o sanhedrim_n there_o to_o the_o consistory_n in_o damascus_n and_o by_o many_o other_o evidence_n so_o likewise_o numb_a 3._o when_o three_o family_n of_o the_o levit_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n be_v separate_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o a_o head_n or_o prince_n or_o precedent_n of_o every_o of_o these_o called_z 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._n 24._o 30._o 35._o eleazar_n aaron_n son_n be_v constitute_v over_o all_o these_o and_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o head_n of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o levite_n this_o be_v clear_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o metropolitan_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o may_v therefore_o own_o its_o derivation_n from_o thence_o and_o not_o from_o the_o heathen_a model_n of_o government_n which_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_o to_o disturb_v be_v find_v so_o concordant_a to_o and_o commodious_a for_o it_o 5._o and_o that_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o apostolical_a person_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o church_n and_o not_o only_o by_o the_o after_o policy_n as_o be_v suggest_v of_o christian_n emperor_n and_o bishop_n may_v have_v appear_v abundant_o by_o these_o few_o testimony_n of_o they_o have_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o first_o of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a an._n domini_fw-la 325._o not_o many_o year_n after_o the_o conversion_n of_o constantine_n the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n can._n 6._o which_o take_v care_n for_o the_o preserve_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o metropolitan_n by_o name_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o the_o church_n in_o egypt_n lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n that_o in_o antioch_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o province_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o privelege_n shall_v be_v preserve_v to_o the_o church_n begin_v with_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v in_o force_n which_o certain_o refer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v long_o before_o the_o christian_a emperor_n and_o without_o any_o reason_n of_o doubt_v to_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o those_o church_n by_o st._n mark_v and_o st._n peter_n and_o then_o the_o canon_n go_v on_o to_o exact_v this_o by_o way_n of_o conformity_n with_o other_o place_n with_o rome_n itself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o force_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o these_o ground_n the_o canon_n require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d universal_o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v make_v a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v bishop_n 6._o so_o in_o the_o 9_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n in_o the_o year_n 341._o which_o begin_v thus_o that_o the_o bishop_n which_o preside_v in_o the_o metropolis_n aught_o to_o know_v the_o bishop_n in_o every_o province_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o all_o that_o have_v business_n resort_n from_o all_o side_n to_o the_o metropolis_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n we_o now_o contend_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o conform_v the_o ecclesiastic_a to_o the_o civil_a model_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o forbid_v other_o bishop_n act_v any_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n without_o he_o this_o be_v back_v with_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o our_o father_n which_o have_v be_v in_o force_n refer_v again_o to_o the_o immemoriall_n custom_n of_o all_o church_n since_o the_o first_o plantation_n and_o not_o the_o after-policie_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o bishop_n as_o be_v here_o suggest_v 7._o last_o in_o the_o last_o canon_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o year_n 431._o which_o be_v the_o define_n a_o special_a matter_n of_o metropolitical_a right_n where_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o controversy_n be_v rehearse_v how_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n invade_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o cypriot_n contrary_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ancient_a custom_n and_o the_o decree_n be_v make_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o cyprus_n shall_v retain_v they_o inviolate_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o the_o ancient_a custom_n the_o canon_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o other_o diocese_n and_o province_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v meddle_v with_o another_o province_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v not_o upward_o and_o from_o the_o begin_n under_o he_o i._n e._n his_o praedecessor_n power_n where_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o metropolitical_a power_n and_o primacy_n ecclesiastical_a be_v derive_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o plantation_n of_o each_o church_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o apostolical_a policy_n and_o not_o only_o a_o after_o policy_n of_o christian_a emperor_n etc._n etc._n 8._o and_o upon_o these_o ground_n of_o probation_n i_o shall_v be_v competent_o secure_v that_o this_o be_v prove_v which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v ever_o can_v be_v and_o have_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o negative_a but_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o affirmative_a section_n xvii_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o metropoles_fw-la from_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o seven_o church_n of_o the_o same_o temper_n be_v their_o three_o answer_n that_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o that_o any_o of_o these_o asian_a angel_n be_v archbishop_n or_o bishop_n over_o other_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n over_o divers_a settle_a church_n the_o seven_o star_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o seven_o candlesticks_a or_o church_n not_o one_o star_n over_o divers_a candlesticks_a or_o church_n 2._o what_o they_o be_v already_o full_o assure_v of_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o i_o shall_v have_v little_a confidence_n to_o persuade_v they_o be_v former_o do_v to_o their_o hand_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v hope_v that_o by_o what_o have_v long_o since_o be_v say_v and_o have_v now_o be_v more_o large_o deduce_v in_o reply_n to_o their_o last_o answer_n they_o may_v find_v cause_n to_o alter_v their_o judgement_n and_o retract_v their_o so_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o full_a assurance_n 3._o as_o for_o the_o only_a appearance_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v here_o superad_v viz._n
that_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v find_v fix_v in_o seven_o not_o one_o over_o divers_a church_n this_o i_o conceive_v not_o to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n for_o it_o be_v by_o we_o grant_v and_o presume_v that_o each_o of_o the_o seven_o asian_a angel_n be_v bishop_n of_o his_o particular_a church_n one_o of_o ephesus_n another_o of_o smyrna_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v perfect_o reconcileable_a herewith_o that_o in_o case_n these_o seven_o be_v not_o the_o only_a city_n and_o church_n in_o asia_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o all_o asia_n consist_v of_o many_o more_o city_n be_v before_o this_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n all_o the_o other_o may_v have_v dependence_n on_o these_o seven_o 4._o for_o this_o we_o know_v that_o two_o bishop_n in_o england_n that_o be_v each_o of_o they_o first_o in_o one_o city_n for_o example_n in_o canterbury_n or_o york_n have_v yet_o each_o of_o they_o a_o superiority_n or_o metropolitical_a power_n over_o divers_a other_o city_n and_o when_o any_o record_n style_v one_o of_o they_o bishop_n of_o canterbury_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v angel_n of_o ephesus_n we_o shall_v sure_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o very_a infirm_a inference_n from_o the_o word_n of_o that_o record_n to_o conclude_v that_o be_v bishop_n of_o canterbury_n he_o can_v not_o be_v metropolitan_a of_o london_n rochester_n etc._n etc._n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a parallel_n to_o the_o present_a instance_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o invalid_a enough_o by_o be_v a_o bare_a negative_a argument_n they_o be_v not_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v one_o star_n over_o divers_a church_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v be_v not_o say_v in_o scripture_n those_o angel_n have_v not_o therefore_o no_o name_n because_o they_o be_v not_o there_o record_v this_o parallel_a instance_n which_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o pretension_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v it_o section_n xviii_o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n for_o archbishop_n in_o tertullian_n of_o angel_n in_o christ_n epistle_n a_o four_o answer_n or_o rather_o confutation_n be_v add_v that_o if_o this_o opinion_n be_v true_a than_o tertullian_n do_v not_o do_v well_o in_o say_v that_o st._n john_n make_v polycarpe_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n but_o he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v that_o he_o make_v he_o archbishop_n and_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o these_o seven_o angel_n their_o due_a title_n for_o he_o must_v have_v write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n together_o with_o all_o those_o church_n in_o the_o city_n subordinate_a to_o ephesus_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o the_o other_o six_o 2._o to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o the_o affirm_v the_o seven_o angel_n to_o have_v be_v metropolitan_n no_o way_n oblige_v we_o to_o find_v fault_n either_o with_o tertullia_n or_o our_o saviour_n style_n not_o with_o tertullian_n for_o 1._o a_o archbishop_n be_v a_o bishop_n though_o dignify_v above_o some_o other_o of_o that_o order_n second_o suppose_v smyrna_n to_o be_v a_o metropolis_n as_o no_o doubt_n if_o it_o be_v tertullian_n know_v and_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v than_o his_o style_v polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n be_v equivalent_a to_o his_o call_v he_o a_o metropolitan_a or_o archbishop_n as_o acknowledge_v canterbury_n to_o be_v a_o metropolitical_a see_v in_o england_n the_o affirm_v william_n laud_n to_o be_v constitute_v bishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o affirm_v he_o archbishop_n 3._o thus_o when_o 1._o chrysostome_n say_v of_o titus_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o entire_a island_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o bishop_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o affirm_v titus_n archbishop_n of_o crete_n and_o yet_o 4._o eusebius_n who_o believe_v this_o and_o advert_v to_o it_o as_o much_o as_o chrysostome_n use_v this_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o crect_n call_v he_o bishop_n distinct_o though_o by_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a it_o be_v evident_a he_o mean_v the_o same_o that_o we_o do_v by_o archbishop_n 4._o so_o again_o 23._o eusebius_n of_o irenaeus_n that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v bishop_n of_o the_o province_n of_o france_n which_o must_v needs_o signify_v archbishop_n of_o lion_n for_o so_o he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d archbishop_n of_o those_o which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o qualify_v for_o that_o title_n as_o when_o saint_n cyprian_n the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n under_o which_o the_o whole_a province_n of_o africa_n be_v comprehend_v be_v by_o the_o 2._o council_n of_o constantinople_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d archbishop_n of_o the_o region_n of_o africa_n 5._o the_o same_o answer_n will_v competent_o suffice_v for_o the_o reconcile_a christ_n style_n and_o we_o for_o suppose_v ephesus_n to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolis_n the_o writing_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n imply_v write_v to_o those_o other_o church_n in_o the_o city_n subordinate_a to_o ephesus_n and_o need_v not_o be_v more_o full_o express_v as_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o all_o the_o church_n in_o all_o achaia_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o former_a epistle_n be_v write_v to_o those_o very_o same_o church_n viz._n all_o under_o the_o metropolis_n of_o corinth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o without_o mention_v of_o achaia_n save_v only_o in_o a_o general_a indefinite_a phrase_n with_o all_o that_o in_o every_o place_n call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n 6._o second_o the_o word_n in_o christ_n epistle_n be_v not_o bishop_n but_o angel_n be_v not_o at_o all_o liable_a to_o this_o exception_n for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o archbishop_n be_v as_o fit_o call_v a_o angel_n as_o a_o bishop_n will_v be_v nay_o if_o it_o be_v remember_v what_o be_v former_o cite_v out_o of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n strom._n 6._o that_o there_o be_v seven_o angel_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n by_o he_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o firstborn_a ruler_n of_o the_o angel_n parallel_n to_o the_o phrase_n in_o dan._n 7._o 10._o 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o head_n lord_n or_o chief_a prince_n or_o as_o we_o ordinary_o style_v they_o the_o archangel_n of_o which_o number_n michael_n be_v there_o name_v to_o be_v one_o there_o will_v then_o be_v more_o than_o a_o tolerable_a propriety_n of_o speech_n in_o christ_n style_n a_o most_o exact_a critical_a notation_n of_o their_o be_v arch-bishop_n and_o withal_o a_o far_a account_n of_o tertullian_n call_v polycarp_n a_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n though_o he_o be_v archbishop_n just_a as_o the_o archangel_n in_o daniel_n be_v more_o than_o once_o call_v angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n 7._o for_o a_o close_a of_o this_o mater_fw-la they_o be_v please_v to_o add_v their_o character_n not_o over-benigne_a of_o those_o by_o who_o this_o device_n as_o they_o style_v it_o be_v find_v out_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o archpiscopacy_n that_o they_o do_v aspire_v unto_o that_o dignity_n 8._o if_o hereby_o be_v mean_v the_o lord_n primate_n of_o ireland_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o original_a of_o bishop_n this_o character_n can_v have_v no_o propriety_n in_o it_o he_o have_v quiet_o enjoy_v that_o dignity_n many_o year_n before_o the_o write_n hereof_o if_o it_o be_v design_v for_o a_o reproach_n to_o i_o i_o shall_v elude_v the_o blow_n by_o not_o think_v it_o such_o for_o as_o at_o a_o time_n when_o episcopacy_n itself_o be_v by_o the_o parliament_n abolish_v and_o that_o act_n of_o severity_n actual_o put_v in_o execution_n it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n in_o any_o to_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v ever_o attain_v to_o that_o office_n of_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o ever_o other_o folly_n i_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o true_o that_o be_v none_o of_o they_o so_o i_o think_v there_o can_v not_o a_o point_n of_o time_n more_o commodious_o have_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o space_n of_o above_o 1600_o â—_z wherein_o a_o man_n may_v have_v better_o secure_v a_o discourse_n for_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_n from_o the_o censure_n of_o aspire_v to_o either_o of_o those_o dignity_n that_o be_v that_o wherein_o that_o book_n be_v publish_v 9_o to_o this_o if_o i_o add_v by_o way_n of_o retortion_n that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o which_o write_v this_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangeliei_fw-la do_v aspire_v every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o their_o
the_o region_n adjacent_a and_o pertain_v to_o that_o city_n and_o so_o as_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v all_o one_o as_o in_o ordinary_a use_n in_o all_o language_n they_o be_v they_o be_v congregationall_a and_o diocesan_n also_o 12._o what_o follow_v of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o great_a city_n and_o their_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n as_o also_o of_o a_o church_n and_o city_n be_v all_o one_o be_v willing_o grant_v by_o we_o and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o pretension_n or_o hurtful_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o make_v any_o the_o lest_o reply_v to_o it_o 13._o that_o which_o next_o follow_v though_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o examine_v it_o our_o interest_n be_v equal_o secure_v be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a yet_o i_o can_v but_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o it_o in_o pass_v because_o it_o be_v a_o little_a extraordinary_a 14._o afterward_o say_v they_o we_o conceive_v that_o believer_n become_v so_o numerous_a in_o these_o great_a city_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o 41._o and_o 4._o 4._o and_o 5._o 14._o and_o thus_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v in_o most_o of_o these_o asian_a church_n in_o st._n john_n time_n 15._o here_o certain_o the_o word_n afterward_o be_v relative_a and_o refer_v to_o the_o antecedent_n in_o the_o former_a paragraph_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n hereupon_o i_o demand_v what_o time_n be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o that_o wherein_o christ_n continue_v on_o the_o earth_n if_o so_o they_o will_v easy_o believe_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n within_o that_o period_n if_o it_o be_v the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v the_o faith_n then_o how_o come_v they_o to_o divide_v that_o time_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o act._n 2._o 41._o from_o that_o time_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n by_o this_o word_n afterwards_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a what_o be_v there_o story_a of_o the_o 3000._o convert_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o sermon_n preach_v by_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o wonderment_n whereof_o bring_v those_o so_o many_o auditor_n together_o 16._o so_o second_o when_o they_o say_v of_o this_o point_n of_o time_n act._n 2._o 41._o the_o believer_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meâ—t_v in_o one_o place_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o text_n which_o say_v express_o five_o 44._o that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n they_o interpret_v meet_v in_o â—ne_n and_o the_o same_o place_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o place_n act_n 4._o â—4_n and_o 5_o 14._o for_o certain_o as_o yet_o though_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n be_v assure_v that_o this_o disquisition_n be_v perfect_o extrinsecall_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o because_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o ancient_n be_v clear_a in_o affirm_v that_o soon_o after_o christ_n ascension_n 〈◊〉_d peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n choose_v james_n the_o just_a the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o constitute_v he_o bishop_n or_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o need_v pretend_v to_o from_o the_o story_n of_o that_o church_n so_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o at_o what_o point_n of_o time_n that_o be_v do_v whether_o at_o the_o very_a beginning_n or_o afterward_o much_o less_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n be_v distribute_v into_o several_a divide_a assembly_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o bishop_n not_o at_o all_o depend_v on_o that_o as_o have_v former_o be_v show_v 17._o hence_o will_v it_o appear_v to_o how_o very_o little_a purpose_n be_v those_o caution_n add_v and_o observation_n make_v in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o this_o six_o chapter_n 18._o thus_o say_v they_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v i.e._n the_o believer_n be_v so_o numerous_a in_o great_a city_n that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n in_o most_o of_o these_o asian_a church_n in_o st._n john_n time_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o these_o meet_v place_n be_v frequent_v promiscuous_o and_o indistinct_o and_o that_o believer_n be_v not_o divide_v into_o set_n and_o fix_v church_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 19_o but_o first_o i_o demand_v be_v there_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o observation_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n a_o set_v and_o fix_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v perfect_o sever_v from_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o ephesus_n be_v not_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o the_o one_o and_o not_o of_o the_o other_o 20._o second_o why_o be_v this_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o interest_n to_o be_v so_o diligent_o observe_v if_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v not_o thus_o divide_v and_o sever_v from_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o determinate_a fix_a body_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o whether_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n i_o profess_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v by_o my_o most_o diligent_a observation_n why_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v so_o diligent_o observe_v 21._o second_o say_v they_o it_o must_v be_v as_o diligent_o observe_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o different_a meeting_n place_n yet_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o city_n make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n not_o church_n act._n 8._o 1._o &_o 15._o 6._o &_o 22._o 16._o and_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n not_o church_n etc._n etc._n 22._o this_o observation_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v perfect_a truth_n in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v confutable_a in_o any_o part_n save_o only_a that_o the_o two_o latter_a text_n be_v certain_o misquote_v and_o not_o rectify_v in_o the_o errata_fw-la and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o reject_v i_o shall_v embrace_v it_o and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o incongruity_n in_o assign_v of_o one_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n and_o so_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o it_o be_v a_o church_n not_o church_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o where_o there_o be_v more_o church_n there_o be_v more_o bishop_n and_o so_o likewise_o one_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o suppose_v be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o mean_v to_o infer_v from_o hence_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_o infer_v from_o only_a very_a agreeable_a to_o the_o oneness_n of_o each_o church_n without_o other_o argument_n to_o join_v with_o it_o but_o i_o be_o still_o to_o seek_v and_o emand_v what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o their_o cause_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o we_o by_o this_o observation_n 23._o but_o than_o three_o they_o add_v that_o this_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n 24._o this_o indeed_o be_v worth_a their_o diligent_a observe_v if_o it_o can_v be_v descry_v and_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v they_o for_o the_o no-profit_n their_o two_o former_a observation_n bring_v they_o in_o if_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o their_o diligence_n but_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a thing_n in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o whether_o the_o church_n in_o each_o city_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n or_o by_o one_o single_a bishop_n call_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n as_o that_o signify_v simple_o a_o governor_n not_o with_o restriction_n a_o member_n of_o a_o college_n of_o governor_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a question_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v any_o far_o yield_v to_o they_o than_o their_o proof_n and_o evidence_n will_v enforce_v it_o and_o these_o of_o what_o virtue_n they_o be_v must_v now_o appear_v
to_o discern_v the_o word_n church_n in_o the_o singular_a without_o any_o addition_n of_o ephesus_n or_o the_o like_a which_o restrain_v it_o in_o all_o the_o example_n there_o produce_v to_o be_v appliable_a to_o a_o far_o large_a body_n than_o the_o church_n of_o one_o city_n and_o consequent_o be_v quit_v from_o all_o obligation_n of_o make_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20._o 17._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n 45._o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n i_o suppose_v but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o many_o church_n as_o the_o part_n thereof_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a and_o so_o certain_o may_v the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o a_o province_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v unite_v together_o under_o one_o primate_n or_o metropolitan_a as_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o church_n and_o city_n near_o ephesus_n nay_o over_o all_o asia_n be_v according_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o when_o 254._o other_o affirm_v of_o timothy_n that_o he_o be_v by_o paul_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o epheâ—us_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a that_o timothy_n have_v a_o church_n commit_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o a_o entire_a nation_n that_o of_o asia_n the_o like_a be_v ordinary_o observable_a of_o crete_n a_o whole_a island_n with_o a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o in_o each_o of_o which_o titus_n be_v appoint_v to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n which_o yet_o be_v style_v in_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o crete_n and_o the_o subscription_n never_o question_v upon_o that_o score_n by_o any_o that_o it_o speak_v improper_o herein_o 46._o and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o harshness_n in_o this_o interpretation_n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v to_o he_o to_o miletus_n and_o in_o his_o oration_n address_v to_o they_o call_v they_o bishop_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n mean_v they_o singular_a praefect_n of_o several_a city_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v near_a ephesus_n the_o chief_a metropolis_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n 47._o and_o so_o much_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o argument_n from_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n as_o they_o call_v they_o 48._o another_o proof_n of_o the_o same_o be_v there_o add_v pag._n 85._o thus_o the_o syriack_n translation_n read_v it_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n so_o hierome_n presbyteros_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ephesinae_n so_o concilium_fw-la aquisgranense_n 49._o what_o authority_n st_n hierome_n testimony_n be_v to_o carry_v with_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v elsewhere_o large_o show_v and_o we_o may_v hereafter_o have_v far_a occasion_n to_o declare_v it_o and_o our_o reason_n of_o it_o at_o the_o present_a it_o be_v willing_o confess_v that_o st._n hierome_n on_o tit._n 1._o do_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o in_o scripture_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o and_o from_o he_o isidore_n hispalensis_n de_fw-fr officiis_fw-la eccl._n l._n 2._o have_v the_o same_o and_o both_o have_v according_a to_o that_o prolepsis_n change_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o act_n and_o instead_o of_o what_o there_o we_o read_v send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n they_o read_v send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o church_n express_v themselves_o to_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o council_n of_o aken_n aquisgranense_n have_v transcribe_v nine_o chapter_n from_o isidore_n verbatim_o consequent_o do_v the_o like_a so_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o isidore_n and_o that_o council_n be_v as_o great_a as_o st._n hierome_n can_v make_v it_o from_o who_o evident_o it_o proceed_v may_v yet_o be_v allow_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o far_o great_a authority_n of_o polycarp'_v auditor_n irenaeus_n who_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_n 50._o as_o for_o the_o syriack_n tanslation_n it_o be_v not_o here_o recite_v exact_o according_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o in_o that_o thus_o the_o word_n lie_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n where_o be_v but_o one_o mention_n of_o ephesus_n not_o two_o as_o be_v here_o suggest_v from_o the_o translation_n that_o it_o read_v he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o short_a of_o it_o be_v ephesus_z being_z but_o once_o name_v in_o that_o verse_n the_o greek_a place_v it_o in_o the_o begin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o this_o be_v the_o original_a must_v certain_o over-rule_v all_o translation_n and_o according_o all_o translation_n but_o one_o to_o read_v it_o only_o the_o syriack_n have_v misplaced_n the_o word_n ephesus_n put_v it_o in_o the_o late_a part_n of_o the_o period_n quite_o against_o all_o syntaxis_fw-la and_o for_o do_v so_o be_v here_o cite_v and_o their_o testimony_n make_v use_v of_o to_o assist_v presbytery_n when_o the_o manifest_a truth_n in_o the_o original_a and_o by_o all_o other_o translation_n acknowledge_v will_v not_o allow_v they_o any_o the_o least_o advantage_n 51._o after_o they_o have_v produce_v these_o two_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o a_o common-council_n of_o presbyter_n the_o reader_n will_v hardly_o expect_v that_o which_o now_o next_z follow_v in_o these_o word_n from_o all_o this_o we_o gather_v that_o the_o asian_a angel_n be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n but_o congregationall_a presbyter_n seat_v each_o of_o they_o in_o one_o church_n not_o any_o of_o they_o in_o more_o than_o one_o 52._o this_o conclusion_n as_o the_o word_n lie_v consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o that_o each_o of_o these_o asian_a angel_n under_o the_o title_n of_o congregationall_a presbyter_n be_v seat_v in_o one_o church_n this_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v as_o the_o word_n sound_v be_v the_o grant_n to_o we_o all_o that_o we_o contend_v and_o will_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o three_o observation_n that_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n for_o sure_o each_o of_o those_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o common_a council_n but_o i_o rather_o believe_v they_o have_v not_o so_o soon_o disclaim_v their_o praemiss_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o interpret_v their_o word_n by_o their_o principle_n than_o their_o meaning_n by_o their_o word_n and_o so_o that_o by_o congregationall_a presbyter_n they_o mean_v so_o many_o college_n of_o such_o presbyter_n seat_v each_o of_o they_o i._n e._n each_o of_o those_o college_n in_o one_o church_n and_o if_o that_o be_v their_o conclusion_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o accord_v perfect_o with_o their_o praemiss_n which_o be_v already_o answer_v there_o remain_v no_o force_n in_o the_o conclusion_n 53._o and_o for_o the_o second_o part_n that_o not_o any_o of_o they_o be_v seat_v in_o more_o than_o one_o understand_v it_o again_o as_o the_o word_n sound_v it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o our_o pretension_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v seat_v in_o smyrna_n or_o in_o any_o church_n but_o that_o of_o ephesios_n and_o the_o territory_n thereof_o and_o although_o as_o that_o be_v a_o metropolis_n other_o city_n be_v under_o it_o and_o so_o other_o bishop_n subordinate_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n yet_o be_v not_o any_o other_o city_n the_o seat_n of_o that_o metropolitan_a but_o only_o ephesus_n whereof_o he_o take_v his_o denomination_n as_o although_o rochester_n be_v under_o the_o metropolis_n of_o canterbury_n yet_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v not_o seat_v at_o rochester_n but_o some_o other_o bishop_n affix_v to_o that_o city_n and_o diocese_n as_o for_o any_o other_o meaning_n of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o that_o which_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o affix_v to_o the_o former_a i_o confess_v myself_o ignorant_a what_o it_o can_v tend_v to_o for_o it_o be_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v not_o any_o council_n of_o presbyter_n be_v seat_v in_o more_o church_n than_o one_o which_o be_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v no_o one_o body_n be_v in_o several_a place_n and_o i_o know_v no_o prelatist_n that_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o consequence_n have_v affirm_v it_o be_v 54._o what_o remain_v in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n of_o this_o chapter_n
that_o one_o of_o that_o name_n onesimus_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o trajan_n wherein_o ignatius_n write_v that_o epistle_n 7._o second_o that_o by_o one_o indication_n there_o be_v some_o small_a reason_n to_o guess_v that_o this_o onesimus_n be_v then_o late_o come_v to_o that_o dignity_n i_o mean_v ignatius_n his_o word_n of_o gratulation_n to_o that_o church_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o favour_n to_o obtain_v or_o have_v such_o a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 8._o three_o that_o according_a to_o epiphanius_n his_o set_v down_o the_o time_n of_o john_n banishment_n and_o vision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n there_o must_v be_v above_o 50_o year_n distance_n between_o the_o date_n of_o this_o epistle_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o of_o ignatius_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o onesimus_n that_o be_v their_o bishop_n in_o the_o late_a shall_v be_v that_o very_a angel_n in_o the_o former_a 9_o four_o that_o as_o i_o can_v have_v no_o cause_n to_o consent_v with_o ado_n in_o lib._n de_fw-fr fest_n apost_n ad_fw-la 14._o cal._n mart._n that_o this_o onesimus_n in_o ignatius_n be_v he_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n so_o nor_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o roman_a martyrologie_n that_o he_o who_o paul_n mention_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n after_o timothy_n 10._o and_o therefore_o fifthly_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o both_o the_o greek_a menology_n and_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n who_o celebrate_v his_o memory_n on_o march_n 13._o acknowledge_v not_o that_o onesimus_n to_o have_v be_v at_o all_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o that_o other_o also_o of_o the_o ancients_n make_v he_o to_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o beraea_n and_o martyr_v in_o domitian_n reign_n and_o dorothea_n in_o synopsi_n express_o affirm_v that_o gaius_n succeed_v timothy_n in_o ephesus_n 11._o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o onesimus_n mention_v by_o ignatius_n be_v some_o late_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n who_o bear_v that_o very_o ordinary_a greek_a name_n and_o so_o that_o his_o be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n no_o way_n belong_v to_o that_o time_n of_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n not_o interfere_n with_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v timothy_n to_o have_v be_v that_o angel_n the_o appear_a incompetibility_n whereof_o be_v it_o i_o spppose_v that_o bring_v in_o here_o the_o mention_n of_o onesimus_n 12._o this_o be_v here_o seasonable_a enough_o to_o be_v confront_v to_o their_o word_n in_o this_o place_n and_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o be_v remember_v in_o the_o process_n of_o their_o discourse_n 13._o three_o for_o polycarp'_v be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n as_o there_o be_v leave_v no_o place_n for_o the_o doubt_n of_o that_o if_o either_o irenaeus_n that_o live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o see_v he_o or_o if_o tertullian_n who_o live_v not_o long_o after_o and_o be_v a_o curious_a antiquary_n may_v be_v believe_v in_o their_o joint_a affirmation_n of_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v again_o no_o where_o affirm_v by_o i_o that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a man_n to_o who_o that_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n be_v send_v and_o if_o that_o be_v their_o meaning_n they_o have_v again_o misreport_v my_o word_n 14._o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v i_o think_v be_v prove_v irrefragable_o that_o in_o two_o of_o those_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n timothy_n and_o poylcarpe_n be_v by_o anthentick_a testimony_n affirm_v to_o be_v constitute_v bishop_n the_o one_o by_o st._n paul_n the_o other_o by_o st._n john_n and_o that_o be_v a_o competent_a argument_n add_v to_o other_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o each_o of_o those_o church_n be_v a_o single_a person_n and_o so_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o prelatist_n not_o in_o the_o presbyterian_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n a_o assertion_n which_o i_o need_v not_o fear_n will_v yield_v any_o advantage_n to_o the_o adversary_n and_o so_o i_o as_o brief_o commit_v it_o to_o they_o section_n 3._o of_o the_o negative_a argument_n from_o st._n john_n not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o revelation_n in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o this_o plea_n of_o the_o prelatist_n we_o be_v refer_v to_o three_o write_n of_o their_o party_n smectymnuus_n the_o vindication_n of_o smectymnuus_n the_o humble_a address_n of_o the_o divine_n at_o the_o isle_n of_o wight_n wherein_o say_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v full_o clear_o and_o satisfactory_o handle_v 2._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o be_v publish_v some_o year_n before_o the_o dissertation_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o particular_n there_o insist_v on_o by_o i_o shall_v by_o divination_n be_v thus_o answer_v before_o their_o conception_n be_v able_a true_o to_o profess_v that_o though_o i_o be_o not_o unwilling_a to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o man_n aid_n for_o defend_v truth_n yet_o none_o of_o those_o write_n to_o which_o any_o of_o those_o three_o be_v give_v in_o answer_n be_v by_o i_o make_v use_v of_o in_o those_o composition_n 3._o but_o we_o be_v supersede_v the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v any_o of_o these_o three_o by_o the_o leave_n that_o be_v crave_v to_o borrow_v from_o they_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o the_o turn_n and_o then_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o shall_v more_o willing_o receive_v from_o these_o what_o shall_v appear_v to_o answer_v or_o prejudge_v our_o plea_n than_o undertake_v new_a trouble_n in_o far_a unnecessary_a search_n of_o it_o 4._o first_o than_o they_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o s._n john_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v neither_o in_o it_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o his_o other_o write_n so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o by_o i_o suppose_v for_o the_o printer_n fail_v i_o name_v bishop_n he_o name_v the_o name_n presbyter_n frequent_o in_o the_o revelation_n yea_o when_o he_o will_v set_v out_o the_o office_n of_o those_o who_o be_v near_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n rev._n 4._o he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n ep._n 2._o and_o whereas_o in_o s._n john_n day_n some_o new_a expression_n be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n begin_v to_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n day_n and_o christ_n himself_o the_o word_n now_o both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st_n john_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v mention_v a_o new_a phrase_n and_o not_o mention_v a_o new_a office_n erect_v by_o this_o time_n as_o our_o brethren_n say_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o polycarpe_n as_o it_o relate_v be_v make_v bishop_n by_o he_o and_o no_o doubt_n if_o he_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n in_o a_o prelatical_a sense_n we_o shall_v have_v find_v the_o name_n bishop_n in_o some_o of_o his_o write_n who_o live_v so_o long_o as_o to_o see_v episcopacy_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o adversary_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v 5._o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o degree_n of_o conviction_n or_o argument_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o pretension_n can_v be_v fetch_v from_o this_o large_a consideration_n and_o first_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a and_o notorious_a among_o all_o artist_n that_o a_o argument_n from_o authority_n can_v conclude_v negative_o that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n in_o st_n john_n time_n because_o st._n john_n do_v not_o mention_v bishop_n it_o be_v the_o same_o way_n of_o argue_v as_o if_o they_o shall_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o write_v the_o canonical_a chapter_n of_o hester_n because_o god_n be_v not_o find_v once_o mention_v in_o those_o chapter_n and_o yet_o of_o this_o inartificiall_a kind_n be_v the_o whole_a discourse_n of_o this_o paragraph_n the_o premise_n bare_o negative_a throughout_o all_o the_o consideration_n and_o so_o nothing_o be_v conclusible_a from_o it_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o we_o or_o benefit_n of_o our_o adversary_n 6._o second_o all_o that_o this_o consideration_n pretend_v to_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o bishop_n that_o be_v it_o which_o they_o pretend_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o st._n john_n but_o 1._o they_o know_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v oft_o in_o st_n john_n and_o by_o we_o contest_v by_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o person_n one_o angel_n in_o each_o church_n and_o other_o character_n to_o conclude_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n as_o irrefragable_o as_o if_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v there_o specify_v nay_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o competent_a experience_n that_o if_o the_o word_n bishop_n have_v be_v find_v there_o
it_o will_v by_o presbyterian_o be_v as_o ready_o expound_v to_o signify_v a_o presbyter_n or_o college_n of_o such_o for_o so_o certain_o they_o have_v do_v in_o other_o place_n and_o true_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o any_o impartial_a judge_n as_o they_o have_v affirm_v the_o word_n angel_n in_o each_o church_n to_o denote_v such_o and_o therefore_o 7._o three_o i_o shall_v demand_v will_v the_o apostle_n st._n john_n use_v the_o name_n bishop_n be_v at_o all_o useful_a to_o the_o prelatists_n interest_n to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n in_o his_o time_n or_o will_v it_o not_o if_o not_o then_o sure_o it_o be_v not_o to_o our_o prejudice_n that_o he_o have_v not_o mention_v that_o name_n and_o then_o this_o whole_a consideration_n be_v perfect_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o it_o will_v then_o sure_a st._n paul_n and_o st._n luke_n frequent_a mention_n of_o they_o i_o may_v add_v st._n peter_n also_o will_v supply_v st._n john_n omission_n and_o conclude_v there_o be_v bishop_n in_o their_o time_n and_o that_o be_v long_o before_o st._n john_n death_n if_o it_o have_v be_v consider_v 8._o four_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o st._n john_n frequent_o name_v the_o name_n presbyter_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o they_o shall_v think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o dissertation_n can_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n from_o thence_o when_o he_o have_v avow_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n mention_v in_o those_o so_o many_o place_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v the_o 24._o bishop_n of_o judaea_n sit_v in_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n their_o metropolis_n encompass_v james_n the_o bishop_n there_o together_o with_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n denote_v the_o four_o apostle_n that_o be_v join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o council_n and_o the_o 7._o lamp_n the_o emblem_n of_o the_o 7._o deacon_n attend_v of_o which_o matter_n till_o they_o have_v disprove_v what_o be_v commodious_o deduce_v dissert_n 4._o c._n 20._o sect._n 10._o i_o shall_v have_v no_o need_n far_o to_o enlarge_v it_o be_v perfect_o useless_a to_o our_o present_a inquiry_n that_o either_o the_o word_n bishop_n or_o elder_n shall_v be_v use_v by_o s._n john_n for_o a_o single_a perfect_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n suppose_v as_o now_o we_o do_v in_o the_o objection_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n in_o the_o respondent_fw-la to_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v a_o notation_n of_o it_o 9_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v fifthly_o how_o little_a we_o incommodate_v by_o the_o position_n of_o these_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n place_v near_a to_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n for_o suppose_v as_o i_o do_v that_o christ_n be_v by_o way_n of_o vision_n represent_v there_o under_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n sit_v in_o council_n and_o encompass_v on_o each_o side_n with_o a_o semicircle_n of_o throne_n on_o which_o sit_v the_o 24_o bishop_n of_o judea_n i_o can_v well_o allow_v these_o 24._o call_v they_o elder_n or_o what_o you_o please_v to_o be_v near_o to_o that_o middle_a throne_n whereon_o christ_n be_v seat_v and_o true_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o interpret_v of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o modern_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o make_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n to_o bear_v proportion_n with_o that_o fancy_n for_o i_o must_v suppose_v according_a to_o st._n john_n word_n that_o in_o the_o vision_n these_o throne_n be_v set_v up_o in_o heaven_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v demand_v be_v that_o a_o representation_n of_o any_o council_n or_o judicature_n on_o earth_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v thence_o in_o favour_n of_o presbyter_n more_o than_o of_o bishop_n for_o of_o both_o these_o we_o speak_v as_o of_o officer_n on_o earth_n but_o if_o it_o be_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o presbyter_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o there_o be_v some_o other_o environ_v on_o each_o side_n by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sit_v upon_o that_o throne_n of_o principal_a dignity_n before_o who_o also_o they_o on_o the_o other_o throne_n must_v fall_v down_o v_o 10_o or_o else_o the_o parallel_n will_v not_o hold_v throughout_o and_o the_o least_o that_o can_v be_v signify_v hereby_o will_v be_v superiority_n of_o dignity_n in_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o that_o middle_a throne_n above_o all_o the_o 24._o elder_n which_o will_v be_v deem_v to_o exceed_v the_o case_n of_o a_o prolocutor_n or_o moderator_n of_o a_o assembly_n which_o be_v the_o ut_fw-mi most_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o equality_n can_v admit_v of_o but_o much_o more_o commodious_o agree_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o judea_n sit_v in_o a_o national_n council_n with_o the_o bishop_n about_o he_o for_o of_o these_o we_o doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o he_o as_o this_o representation_n do_v pretend_v they_o to_o be_v 10._o as_o for_o the_o sense_n affix_v to_o it_o by_o the_o assembler_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v presbyter_n in_o the_o modern_a notion_n and_o that_o he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o be_v christ_n this_o be_v against_o all_o analogy_n and_o rule_n of_o interpret_n a_o mine_v and_o confound_v the_o original_a with_o the_o copy_n the_o type_n with_o the_o antitype_n interpret_n one_o part_n of_o the_o vision_n as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v there_o where_o christ_n do_v sit_v as_o judge_n and_o the_o other_o as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n for_o sure_a the_o presbyter_n in_o this_o notion_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o there_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sufficient_a prejudice_n against_o their_o interpretation_n if_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o beside_o and_o such_o as_o no_o way_n press_v our_o way_n of_o set_v it_o as_o have_v be_v already_o manifest_v 11._o six_o for_o his_o calling_n himself_o a_o presbyter_n ep._n 2._o i_o answer_v that_o as_o far_o as_o this_o allegation_n have_v truth_n it_o have_v no_o force_n in_o it_o at_o all_o against_o our_o pretension_n he_o do_v indeed_o call_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_a we_o fit_o render_v it_o note_v thereby_o according_a to_o analogy_n with_o the_o solemn_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n both_o among_o sacred_a and_o profane_a writer_n set_v down_o at_o large_a dissert_n 4._o c._n 19_o a_o person_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o apostle_n first_o and_o then_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a church_n in_o asia_n which_o be_v but_o proportionable_a to_o saint_n paul_n beginning_n his_o epistle_n with_o paul_n a_o apostle_n or_o commissioner_n of_o jesus_n christ_n place_v in_o that_o power_n in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o with_o the_o same_o style_n in_o the_o front_n of_o saint_n peter_n epistle_n only_o with_o this_o characteristic_a note_n peculiar_a to_o saint_n john_n in_o his_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o omit_v the_o expression_n of_o his_o own_o name_n and_o then_o all_o that_o this_o text_n be_v of_o force_n to_o do_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o import_v a_o presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a use_n of_o the_o word_n govern_v in_o common_a with_o other_o presbyter_n but_o rather_o a_o singular_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o bishop_n be_v by_o we_o contest_v to_o be_v and_o so_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n have_v express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o word_n elder_a he_o call_v himself_o bishop_n and_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o dissertation_n and_o no_o way_n to_o his_o prejudice_n if_o it_o have_v be_v advert_v by_o they_o that_o produce_v it_o 12._o seven_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o saint_n john_n day_n some_o new_a expression_n be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o the_o word_n i_o profess_v not_o to_o comprehend_v what_o advantage_n to_o their_o praetension_n can_v be_v design_v or_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o consideration_n for_o 1._o how_o can_v it_o true_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lord_n day_n which_o be_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n which_o be_v in_o saint_n john_n gospel_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n i_o must_v suppose_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o other_o write_n of_o
he_o govern_v the_o metropolitan_a city_n of_o ephesus_n that_o prime_a metropolis_n of_o all_o asia_n to_o the_o bishop_n whereof_o say_v 19_o chrysostome_n be_v entrust_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a nation_n of_o asia_n these_o testimony_n may_v suffice_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o affirmation_n that_o st._n john_n govern_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o under_o it_o all_o asia_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n we_o now_o have_v of_o a_o bishop_n metropolitan_a and_o primate_n 4._o as_o for_o the_o word_n bishop_n how_o can_v it_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o bestow_v that_o upon_o he_o when_o he_o discharge_v the_o office_n nay_o when_o christ_n himself_o that_o great_a exemplar_n and_o original_n of_o this_o power_n be_v express_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o office_n from_o which_o judas_n fall_v and_o to_o which_o mathias_n be_v assume_v be_v by_o st._n luke_n out_o of_o the_o septuagint_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishopric_n act._n 1._o 20._o when_o according_o from_o the_o scripture_n usage_n the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n have_v continue_v the_o style_n apostolos_n i._n e._n episcopos_fw-la &_o praepositos_fw-la dominus_fw-la elegit_fw-la the_o lord_n choose_v apostle_n i._n e._n bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n say_v 65._o cyprian_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o first_o or_o chief_a in_o rome_n the_o same_o person_n apostle_n and_o bishop_n say_v carpocr_n epiphanius_n and_o apostoli_fw-la episcopi_fw-la sunt_fw-la firmante_fw-la illud_fw-la petro_n apostolâ—_n the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o peter_n in_o these_o word_n his_o bishopric_n let_v another_o take_v say_v 29._o hilarius_n sardus_n and_o again_o areall_a apostle_n â—tis_n true_a say_v he_o quia_fw-la in_o ecelesiâ_fw-la unus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la because_o in_o each_o church_n there_o be_v one_o bishop_n and_o nemo_fw-la ignorat_fw-la episcopos_fw-la servatorem_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la instituisse_fw-la ipse_fw-la enim_fw-la priusquam_fw-la ascenderet_fw-la imponens_fw-la manum_fw-la apostolis_n ordinavit_fw-la eos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la no_o man_n be_v ignorant_a that_o our_o saviour_n institute_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n for_o before_o he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n he_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o disciple_n and_o ordain_v they_o bishop_n say_v the_o 97._o writer_n of_o the_o question_n on_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o sanctus_n matthâ—us_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la sortitus_fw-la est_fw-la st._n matthew_n be_v bishop_n say_v gildas_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n st_z john_n in_o asia_n st._n andrew_n in_o achaia_n st._n thomas_n in_o india_n say_v 〈◊〉_d gabriel_n philadelph_n and_o agreeable_o when_o st._n john_n of_o who_o we_o now_o speak_v call_v himself_o in_o the_o front_n of_o two_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_a the_o greek_a scholiast_n resolve_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o word_n elder_a he_o call_v himself_o bishop_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o news_n in_o thus_o affirm_v 5._o but_o than_o second_o when_o they_o take_v this_o for_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o these_o author_n do_v not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n in_o a_o prelatical_a sense_n this_o be_v very_o far_o distant_a from_o a_o demonstration_n have_v not_o arrive_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o probability_n or_o credibility_n for_o what_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o the_o prelatical_a sense_n but_o a_o single_a person_n govern_v in_o chief_a in_o a_o city_n or_o wide_a circuit_n and_o such_o certain_o be_v st._n peter_n at_o rome_n s._n john_n at_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o execute_v that_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o donation_n of_o which_o institute_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d steward_n be_v in_o god_n house_n governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o or_o that_o city_n or_o region_n and_o ordain_v other_o bishop_n there_o three_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v bishop_n i_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o may_v not_o only_o because_o these_o so_o many_o ancient_a writer_n through_o several_a age_n have_v call_v they_o so_o and_o may_v not_o with_o any_o justice_n from_o we_o be_v accuse_v of_o impropriety_n but_o because_o the_o donation_n of_o the_o key_n do_v as_o proper_o make_v they_o bishop_n as_o the_o commission_n to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n be_v add_v to_o it_o make_v they_o apostle_n to_o which_o purpose_n let_v these_o few_o thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v here_o by_o the_o assembly_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v eminent_o contain_v the_o episcopal_a office_n which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o little_a hasty_o express_v and_o shall_v be_v i_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostolical_a office_n do_v eminent_o contain_v the_o episcopal_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o the_o episcopal_a power_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o over_o and_o above_o something_o more_o and_o if_o they_o have_v episcopal_a power_n then_o sure_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o they_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v call_v bishop_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o apostolical_a commission_n which_o they_o have_v also_o they_o may_v be_v proper_o call_v apostle_n thus_o we_o know_v that_o they_o that_o have_v first_o the_o power_n of_o deacon_n bestow_v on_o they_o and_o after_o of_o presbyter_n be_v questionless_a deacon_n still_o though_o they_o be_v also_o presbyter_n and_o they_o which_o from_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v advance_v to_o bishop_n be_v certain_o presbyter_n still_o though_o they_o be_v also_o bishop_n and_o do_v not_o lose_v the_o former_a power_n by_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o lessen_v by_o this_o increase_n of_o their_o dignity_n 7._o second_o that_o when_o a_o apostle_n be_v difference_v from_o a_o bishop_n it_o be_v either_o by_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n grant_v he_o for_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o universality_n of_o his_o diocese_n the_o all_o the_o world_n to_o which_o his_o commission_n extend_v whereas_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n power_n and_o diocese_n be_v more_o limit_v but_o then_o these_o difference_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o only_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o than_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o two_o respect_n not_o that_o in_o other_o sufficient_a respect_n he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n 8._o three_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v each_o of_o they_o not_o only_o all_o together_o in_o a_o consistory_n that_o unlimited_a power_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o extent_n to_o all_o the_o world_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n we_o know_v that_o after_o his_o ascent_n they_o part_v and_o distribute_v this_o province_n among_o they_o assign_v every_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o proper_a place_n or_o lot_n to_o which_o he_o shall_v betake_v himself_o for_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o he_o who_o according_a to_o his_o line_n in_o st._n paul_n phrase_n have_v plant_v the_o faith_n in_o such_o a_o city_n or_o province_n and_o sit_v down_o and_o confirm_v and_o far_o institute_v which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o labour_v in_o the_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o word_n and_o govern_v they_o and_o exercise_v all_o episcopal_a act_n among_o they_o may_v in_o so_o do_v be_v style_v a_o bishop_n in_o that_o city_n or_o province_n and_o that_o as_o true_o and_o as_o proper_o as_o he_o that_o can_v do_v all_o the_o latter_a and_o not_o the_o former_a build_v on_o another_o man_n foundation_n govern_v and_o instruct_v where_o another_o have_v plant_v the_o faith_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 9_o nay_o four_a we_o know_v that_o although_o by_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v provision_n make_v upon_o prudentiall_a consideration_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o bishop_n sine_fw-la titulo_fw-la without_o a_o title_n or_o particular_a see_v to_o which_o he_o be_v assign_v yet_o before_o those_o canon_n forbid_v it_o such_o bishop_n there_o be_v and_o those_o never_o doubt_v to_o be_v proper_o bishop_n though_o they_o be_v not_o affix_v to_o any_o diocese_n and_o then_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v each_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o his_o title_n though_o he_o be_v never_o affix_v to_o any_o particular_a diocese_n or_o province_n may_v be_v most_o proper_o style_v a_o bishop_n for_o all_o that_o but_o this_o be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la more_o than_o be_v needful_a to_o our_o present_a praetention_n
second_o that_o though_o the_o one_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o each_o part_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v address_v yet_o in_o it_o be_v set_v down_o the_o sin_n and_o fate_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n i._n e._n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o it_o thus_o when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n or_o judah_n be_v fall_v into_o foul_a sin_n and_o provocation_n against_o god_n it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o god_n to_o send_v a_o prophet_n to_o the_o king_n of_o either_o of_o they_o and_o admonish_v he_o what_o reformation_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v and_o what_o judgement_n be_v a_o come_n in_o case_n of_o neglect_n in_o which_o kind_n of_o message_n of_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v to_o the_o king_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o whole_a people_n be_v concern_v and_o so_o without_o question_n be_v it_o here_o rev._n 2._o 10._o the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o i._n e._n some_o member_n of_o that_o church_n into_o prison_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o ver_fw-la 13._o among_o you_o i._n e._n among_o you_o of_o that_o church_n or_o city_n 10._o and_o indeed_o if_o each_o of_o those_o church_n have_v be_v govern_v by_o a_o consistory_n of_o coequal_a presbyter_n and_o those_o as_o be_v pretend_v by_o our_o adversary_n signify_v by_o the_o angel_n yet_o there_o will_v be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o the_o clergy_n be_v here_o reprehend_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v to_o one_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o and_o to_o this_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v the_o angel_n to_o be_v no_o singular_a person_n the_o church_n rule_v by_o one_o make_v up_o a_o multitude_n as_o well_o as_o if_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o a_o presbytery_n 11._o as_o for_o the_o place_n cap._n 2._o 24._o concern_v thyatira_n that_o have_v a_o different_a appearance_n for_o the_o greek_a copy_n ordinary_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o plural_a and_o to_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v in_o thyatira_n the_o you_v in_o the_o plural_a be_v by_o the_o objector_n think_v necessary_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o people_n to_o this_o place_n therefore_o we_o have_v former_o answer_v that_o the_o read_n in_o the_o ancient_a manuscript_n particular_o in_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o king_n library_n at_o saint_n james_n leave_v out_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o and_o read_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o to_o you_o i_o say_v the_o rest_n which_o be_v in_o thyatira_n and_o this_o take_v away_o all_o force_n from_o the_o objection_n for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n belong_v to_o the_o angel_n who_o permit_v jezabel_n and_o to_o they_o that_o commit_v fornication_n with_o she_o the_o but_o in_o the_o front_n separate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o the_o rest_n from_o the_o angel_n and_o those_o other_o former_o speak_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o angel_n wherein_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n consist_v 12._o but_o this_o answer_n though_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v dislike_v for_o say_v they_o he_o that_o shall_v view_v the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a and_o consider_v that_o ver_fw-la 23._o it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o follow_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o then_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n will_v confess_v that_o the_o old_a copy_n be_v better_a than_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v tecla_n manuscript_n 13._o and_o here_o i_o shall_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v i_o company_n in_o obey_v their_o direction_n and_o observe_v what_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_n can_v afford_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o ancient_a copy_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o v_o 23._o we_o read_v i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o and_o that_o then_o it_o follow_v v_o 24._o but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o but_o i_o demand_v what_o will_v they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o by_o the_o word_n you_v in_o all_o these_o place_n the_o same_o person_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o those_o person_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o angel_n v._n 18_o these_o two_o thing_n they_o must_v conclude_v or_o else_o they_o will_v fail_v in_o their_o design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o by_o the_o word_n angel_n the_o collective_a body_n of_o ruler_n be_v mean_v but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v evident_o false_a whatsoever_o read_v be_v retain_v for_o beside_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o do_v clear_o separate_v the_o second_o you_v from_o the_o first_o and_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n the_o very_a matter_n of_o the_o speech_n will_v convince_v it_o for_o in_o the_o 23._o v_o the_o you_v be_v those_o that_o be_v corrupt_v by_o jezabel_n v._n 20._o 22._o who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v exemplary_o punish_v and_o destroy_v i_o will_v kill_v she_o i._n e._n jezebel_n child_n with_o death_n as_o also_o those_o that_o have_v commit_v fornication_n with_o her_o v_o 22._o and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o of_o you_o according_a to_o your_o work_n but_o the_o second_o you_v and_o so_o also_o the_o three_o be_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o these_o as_o many_o as_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n and_o who_o have_v not_o know_v these_o depth_n of_o satan_n and_o consequent_o who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o admonish_v but_o only_o confirm_v in_o their_o present_a practice_n to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v already_o 14._o so_o contrary_a be_v it_o to_o all_o appearance_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a shall_v favour_v their_o pretention_n 15._o this_o matter_n be_v so_o evident_a the_o contrary_a condition_n and_o fate_n of_o the_o you_v in_o v_o 23_o and_o the_o you_v in_o v_o 14._o that_o if_o the_o ordinary_a read_n be_v to_o be_v retain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o render_v to_o you_o and_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatâ—ra_n so_o as_o to_o difference_n you_v and_o the_o rest_n another_o antecedent_n to_o the_o relative_n you_v must_v necessary_o be_v seek_v out_o and_o then_o that_o can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o church_n incidental_o mention_v v._n 23._o who_o have_v not_o be_v charge_v for_o this_o crime_n for_o as_o for_o the_o angel_n v._n 18._o if_o he_o be_v not_o so_o remote_a 6._o verse_n off_o and_o if_o the_o singular_a number_n can_v be_v the_o antecedent_n to_o the_o plural_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o as_o it_o can_v yet_o still_o he_o be_v charge_v for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezabel_n and_o so_o be_v number_v among_o the_o gulity_n person_n that_o be_v to_o repent_v or_o be_v punish_v and_o not_o to_o have_v no_o other_o burden_n lay_v on_o they_o save_v only_o to_o hold_v fast_o what_o they_o have_v as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o v._n 24._o 16._o but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o of_o make_v the_o church_n the_o relative_n be_v so_o inconvenient_a and_o yet_o no_o other_o way_n imaginable_a to_o reconcile_v the_o ordinary_a read_n and_o the_o whole_a sense_n be_v so_o much_o more_o clear_a and_o current_a in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o king_n m_n s._n but_o to_o you_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n those_o that_o have_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o misbehaviour_n censure_v and_o threaten_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o i_o profess_v i_o can_v discern_v any_o appearance_n of_o reason_n to_o quesion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o much_o less_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o ordinary_a copy_n be_v better_a which_o yet_o however_o they_o read_v it_o must_v oppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o to_o those_o before_o mention_v and_o so_o can_v apply_v it_o with_o any_o appearance_n of_o probability_n to_o the_o angel_n or_o consequent_o pre-judge_n we_o or_o confirm_v their_o pretension_n section_n ix_o of_o the_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o a_o second_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o angel_n to_o be_v a_o collective_a body_n be_v this_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o final_a departure_n from_o they_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o that_o church_n
6._o second_o by_o the_o several_a employment_n assign_v they_o in_o the_o subsequent_a part_n of_o the_o vision_n which_o bring_v they_o upon_o the_o scene_n one_o after_o another_o the_o first_o angel_n ver_fw-la 7._o the_o second_o angel_n ver_fw-la 8._o and_o so_o to_o the_o seven_o three_o by_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v evident_o make_v between_o those_o seven_o angel_n and_o another_o angel_n ver_fw-la 3._o and_o another_o come_v and_o stand_v at_o the_o altar_n which_o make_v it_o certain_a that_o the_o former_a seven_o do_v not_o signify_v all_o the_o angel_n unless_o after_o all_o there_o can_v yet_o be_v one_o more_o four_o from_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o spirit_n cap._n 1._o 4._o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v before_o god_n throne_n that_o sure_o be_v all_o one_o with_o stand_v before_o he_o here_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o angel_n be_v spirit_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o these_o seven_o angel_n be_v those_o seven_o spirit_n and_o so_o still_o a_o definite_a number_n of_o seven_o and_o no_o more_o five_o from_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o eye_n zach._n 4._o 10._o which_o seem_v to_o be_v interpret_v to_o this_o sense_n rev._n 5._o 6._o seven_o eye_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o spirit_n of_o god_n send_v into_o all_o the_o land_n 8._o and_o though_o in_o some_o of_o these_o place_n other_o man_n have_v have_v other_o notion_n yet_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v approve_v that_o we_o understand_v angel_n by_o that_o phrase_n cap._n 1._o say_v andrea_n câ—sariensis_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v seven_o which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n the_o first_o bear_v prince_n of_o the_o angel_n say_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n in_o which_o word_n of_o he_o 6_o the_o first_o bear_v prince_n be_v evident_o take_v from_o dan._n 10._o 13._o where_o the_o hebrew_n read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o principal_a or_o first_o ruler_n or_o prince_n of_o which_o michael_n be_v the_o first_o and_o thence_o call_v archangel_n 9_o and_o so_o in_o tobit_n cap._n 12._o 15._o we_o find_v seven_o holy_a angel_n which_o present_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o description_n of_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o present_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n if_o it_o be_v think_v unagreeable_a to_o their_o stand_v here_o before_o god_n or_o be_v before_o his_o throne_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v reconcile_v by_o that_o speech_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o infant_n tender_a christian_n always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v qualify_v to_o make_v their_o want_n know_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o present_v of_o prayer_n 10._o six_o from_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o lamp_n rev._n 4._o 5._o style_v lamp_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o like_a number_n of_o lamp_n on_o the_o candlestick_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o burn_v before_o the_o throne_n as_o cap._n 1._o they_o be_v before_o the_o throne_n for_o of_o these_o it_o be_v add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o seven_o by_o way_n of_o eminency_n or_o the_o seven_o principal_n spirit_n of_o god_n 11._o seven_o from_o the_o no_o appearance_n of_o the_o least_o reason_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v introduce_v with_o a_o for_o and_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o reason_n it_o be_v evident_o a_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o contrary_a there_n be_v no_o seven_o individual_a angel_n that_o stand_v before_o god_n without_o any_o offer_n of_o proof_n that_o testimony_n out_o of_o dan._n 7._o that_o all_o do_v be_v far_o from_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o seven_o principal_a angel_n which_o these_o so_o many_o evidence_n assure_v we_o there_o be_v 12._o in_o that_o of_o dan._n 7._o 10._o upon_o that_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o god_n judgement_n express_v by_o a_o fiery_a stream_n thousand_o thousand_o be_v say_v to_o minister_n to_o he_o and_o ten_o thousand_o time_n ten_o thousand_o to_o stand_v before_o he_o but_o how_o do_v that_o hinder_v but_o at_o another_o time_n seven_o principal_a angel_n may_v be_v employ_v by_o he_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o stand_v before_o he_o too_o and_o when_o we_o so_o oft_o read_v of_o such_o seven_o what_o question_n but_o they_o be_v individual_a angel_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o reason_n section_n xi_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o to_o the_o bishop_n only_o of_o timothy_n onesimus_n and_o polycarp_n be_v bishop_n of_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n without_o any_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n fall_v on_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v a_o four_o behind_v still_o that_o though_o but_o one_o angel_n â—e_v mention_v in_o the_o forefront_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o in_o formal_a denomination_n the_o angel_n and_o the_o candlestick_n be_v the_o same_o be_v dedicate_v to_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o appear_v râ—v_n 1._o 10._o rev._n 2._o 7._o 11._o 17._o and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o thou_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o mean_v of_o one_o individual_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o minister_n and_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v be_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n rev._n 2._o 5._o 16._o 2._o now_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o a_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o bishop_n when_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v far_o from_o those_o sin_n 2._o to_o this_o i_o shall_v need_v make_v no_o reply_n have_v do_v it_o sufficient_o already_o by_o concession_n that_o the_o angel_n be_v the_o ruler_n of_o a_o church_n the_o whole_a epistle_n belong_v to_o he_o and_o the_o church_n promiscuous_o and_o agreeable_o those_o expression_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n do_v not_o all_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n but_o to_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o praesides_fw-la but_o certain_o this_o be_v far_o from_o infer_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n be_v all_o one_o or_o that_o the_o word_n angel_n signify_v the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o text_n be_v express_v in_o make_v a_o signal_n difference_n between_o the_o star_n and_o the_o candlestick_n the_o angel_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o assembler_n be_v here_o force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o angel_n and_o candlestick_n be_v not_o the_o same_o the_o confound_v they_o will_v be_v as_o disadvantageous_a to_o they_o as_o to_o we_o and_o i_o shall_v as_o regular_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n signify_v not_o the_o presbytery_n but_o the_o whole_a diffusive_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v upon_o their_o own_o postulatum_fw-la that_o the_o angel_n denote_v not_o the_o bishop_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n and_o the_o presbytery_n that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o to_o rule_v as_o we_o do_v between_o the_o same_o church_n and_o the_o bishop_n 3._o thus_o have_v we_o view_v all_o the_o reason_n produce_v by_o they_o to_o assert_v or_o confirm_v their_o first_o answer_n and_o show_v divers_a way_n how_o no_o manner_n of_o validity_n there_o be_v in_o any_o one_o or_o all_o of_o they_o to_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v a_o solid_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a answer_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o use_n of_o the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o method_n to_o call_v in_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o man_n to_o countenance_v this_o interpretation_n master_n brightman_n master_n perkins_n master_n fox_n who_o cit_v primasius_n haymo_n beda_n richardus_fw-la thomas_n etc._n etc._n doctor_z fulke_n master_n meade_n gregory_n and_o saint_n austin_n but_o although_o they_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o set_v down_o these_o name_n yet_o have_v omit_v to_o add_v their_o testimony_n and_o indeed_o have_v resolve_v to_o forbear_v because_o smectymnuus_n have_v do_v it_o already_o i_o shall_v confess_v myself_o willing_a to_o leave_v this_o chase_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o lead_v the_o reader_n so_o wearisome_a a_o walk_n to_o examine_v the_o several_a comment_n here_o name_v and_o but_o name_v give_v he_o more_o short_o my_o conjecture_n what_o truth_n
part_n of_o a_o rule_v presbytery_n which_o their_o brethren_n that_o have_v not_o those_o ambition_n be_v far_o from_o think_v to_o have_v any_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o their_o reproach_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o invalidity_n of_o their_o answer_n 10._o as_o for_o the_o fear_n which_o their_o discourse_n on_o this_o matter_n suggest_v to_o their_o more_o moderate_a brethren_n that_o if_o a_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la be_v stamp_v on_o archbishop_n and_o primate_fw-la and_o patriarch_n they_o may_v be_v force_v by_o the_o same_o proportion_n to_o put_v a_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o the_o pope_n himself_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o have_v give_v the_o ingenious_a reader_n a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o inconsequence_n hereof_o in_o a_o discourse_n of_o schism_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v refer_v he_o if_o he_o need_v or_o desire_v far_o trouble_v or_o direction_n in_o this_o business_n section_n xix_o of_o division_n into_o parish_n and_o union_n into_o diocese_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o elder_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20._o that_o place_n vindicate_v from_o exception_n after_o all_o this_o they_o add_v a_o four_o whether_o answer_n or_o suppletory_n consideration_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o asian_a angel_n and_o i_o shall_v follow_v they_o to_o that_o more_o cheerful_o because_o it_o look_v like_o a_o conclusion_n 2._o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v provide_v that_o these_o asian_a angel_n be_v bishop_n in_o a_o praelaticall_a sense_n much_o less_o arch-bishop_n and_o metropolitan_n for_o it_o be_v believe_v upon_o all_o part_n that_o believer_n in_o great_a city_n be_v not_o divide_v into_o set_n and_o fix_v congregation_n and_o parish_n till_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o that_o parish_n be_v not_o unite_v into_o diocese_n till_o 260._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o therefore_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v diocesane_a church_n and_o diocesane_n bishop_n former_o so_o call_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n these_o angel_n be_v congregationall_a not_o diocesan_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o number_n of_o believer_n even_o in_o the_o great_a city_n be_v so_o few_o that_o they_o may_v well_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o these_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o city_n and_o therefore_o to_o ordain_v elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v all_o one_o in_o scripture_n 3._o to_o the_o praeface_n of_o this_o conclusion_n that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v it_o be_v again_o very_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o when_o a_o proposition_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v so_o far_o that_o no_o answer_n have_v be_v render_v which_o at_o all_o satisfy_v or_o invalidate_n the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n it_o be_v very_o unlike_a artist_n to_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v nay_o although_o some_o inconvenience_n be_v producible_a which_o will_v press_v our_o assertion_n yet_o the_o old_a rule_n will_v require_v its_o place_n incommodum_fw-la non_fw-la solvit_fw-la argumentum_fw-la the_o mention_n of_o a_o inconvenience_n ensue_a do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n 4._o but_o we_o need_v not_o that_o wariness_n here_o the_o reason_n which_o be_v here_o annex_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o we_o for_o 1._o as_o congregation_n and_o parish_n be_v synonimous_a in_o their_o style_n so_o i_o yield_v that_o believer_n in_o great_a city_n be_v not_o at_o first_o divide_v into_o parish_n while_o the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o may_v well_o assemble_v in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o so_o need_v no_o partition_n or_o division_n 5._o but_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v this_o to_o we_o who_o affirm_v that_o one_o bishop_n not_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n preside_v in_o this_o one_o congregation_n and_o that_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o region_n and_o village_n about_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o that_o single-bishop_n of_o the_o city-church_n may_v not_o these_o be_v rule_v by_o a_o bishop_n as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o the_o division_n into_o parish_n or_o be_v this_o division_n more_o necessary_a to_o the_o government_n by_o one_o bishop_n in_o each_o city_n than_o to_o the_o government_n of_o more_o presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n in_o all_o reason_n the_o division_n of_o this_o one_o into_o several_a parish_n shall_v make_v presbyter_n more_o necessary_a after_o than_o before_o such_o division_n that_o each_o parish_n may_v have_v one_o presbyter_n to_o officiate_v among_o they_o in_o thing_n of_o daily_a use_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o far_o increase_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n can_v not_o meet_v commodious_o in_o one_o place_n and_o when_o the_o region_n and_o village_n so_o abound_v with_o proselyte_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o also_o it_o be_v necessary_a than_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o city_n think_v fit_a to_o con_v tute_a presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n of_o they_o many_o in_o every_o city_n and_o many_o in_o every_o region_n one_o in_o every_o village_n though_o as_o yet_o the_o word_n parish_n in_o our_o modern_a sense_n be_v not_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 6._o and_o so_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v argumentative_a against_o we_o it_o be_v rather_o useful_a to_o confirm_v what_o be_v assert_v by_o we_o that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o whole_a scheme_n which_o the_o scripture_n or_o first_o writer_n give_v we_o of_o church_n to_o imagine_v that_o in_o every_o city_n there_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n constitute_v when_o as_o they_o agree_v to_o assure_v we_o a_o bishop_n and_o his_o deacon_n be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o so_o thin_a plantation_n 7._o so_o again_o when_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o parish_n be_v not_o unite_v into_o diocese_n till_o 260._o year_n after_o christ_n i_o shall_v ask_v 1._o whether_o they_o be_v soon_o divide_v into_o class_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o not_o what_o they_o have_v gain_v to_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la by_o this_o observation_n 8._o but_o than_o second_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o may_v be_v diocese_n before_o this_o division_n into_o parish_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n for_o what_o be_v a_o diocesâ—_n but_o a_o church_n in_o a_o city_n with_o the_o suburb_n and_o territory_n or_o region_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o this_o certain_o may_v be_v and_o â—emaine_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o single_a bishop_n as_o well_o before_o as_o after_o any_o more_o minute_n distribution_n into_o such_o as_o we_o now_o call_v parish_n 9_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n of_o this_o city_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o church_n of_o every_o other_o city_n another_o thing_n for_o the_o same_o church_n to_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o assemble_v the_o first_o be_v it_o which_o be_v require_v for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o government_n and_o of_o any_o such_o church_n so_o bound_v there_o may_v be_v a_o bishop_n and_o that_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v his_o diocese_n and_o so_o he_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n though_o as_o yet_o this_o church_n be_v not_o subdivide_v into_o more_o several_a assembly_n 10._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o add_v that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n former_o so_o call_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o little_a aequivocation_n in_o the_o word_n diocesan_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o have_v no_o reason_n on_o which_o to_o found_v their_o confidence_n for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o each_o city_n and_o its_o territory_n howsoever_o govern_v by_o one_o or_o more_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o equal_o affirm_v by_o they_o and_o we_o and_o equal_o their_o interest_n and_o we_o that_o it_o be_v affirm_v as_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o have_v oft_o vary_v and_o have_v sometime_o be_v of_o a_o large_a sometime_o of_o a_o narrow_a signification_n and_o so_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o original_n of_o our_o parish_n also_o but_o i_o hope_v our_o contention_n must_v not_o be_v always_o about_o word_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o agree_v on_o among_o we_o and_o the_o word_n sufficient_o explain_v to_o express_v that_o matter_n 11._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o add_v these_o angel_n be_v congregationall_a not_o diocesan_n the_o reply_n be_v obvious_a they_o be_v every_o of_o they_o angel_n of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o city_n have_v authority_n over_o
by_o the_o view_n of_o they_o and_o the_o first_o they_o produce_v be_v this_o 25._o the_o apostle_n go_v about_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o 23._o 26._o but_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o infirm_a argument_n every_o church_n signify_v without_o question_n more_o church_n than_o one_o viz._n derbe_n lystra_n iconium_n antioch_n v_o 20._o 21._o and_o if_o in_o each_o of_o those_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ordain_v that_o certain_o will_v satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o that_o text_n and_o the_o mention_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n in_o the_o plural_a viz._n four_o elder_n in_o those_o so_o many_o church_n and_o if_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n they_o therefore_o think_v that_o those_o plural_a elder_n must_v be_v ordain_v in_o each_o of_o those_o church_n this_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o mistake_n for_o scholar_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o more_o than_o of_o the_o english_a church_n by_o church_n or_o in_o every_o church_n i.e._n more_o elder_n in_o more_o church_n one_o in_o every_o one_o 27._o their_o next_o proof_n be_v from_o act._n 20._o 17._o paul_n call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n one_o of_o these_o seven_o church_n and_o call_v they_o bishop_n and_o commit_v the_o whole_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o they_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o six_o church_n 28._o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o ephesus_n i_o grant_v may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o six_o church_n but_o the_o text_n no_o where_o affirm_v it_o of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o the_o analogy_n will_v no_o way_n prove_v it_o of_o the_o rest_n all_o that_o the_o text_n say_v be_v this_o and_o from_o miletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v not_o to_o say_v the_o elder_n as_o that_o signify_v presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n of_o the_o one_o city_n and_o so_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o the_o elder_n i.e._n bishop_n either_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n of_o that_o whole_a region_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o ephesine_n province_n the_o neighbour_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n or_o city_n that_o be_v under_o that_o metropolis_n of_o ephesus_n who_o by_o st._n paul_n send_v his_o summons_n to_o ephesus_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o one_o and_o chief_a metropolis_n of_o the_o other_o which_o consequent_o have_v daily_a mean_n of_o communicate_v intelligence_n to_o those_o other_o city_n may_v thus_o most_o commodious_o be_v advertise_v of_o st._n paul_n come_v and_o provide_v to_o meet_v he_o at_o miletus_n 29._o that_o this_o be_v no_o strain_a interpretation_n or_o answer_n be_v elsewhere_o evidence_v and_o may_v summary_o appear_v by_o these_o two_o testimony_n one_o of_o irenaeus_n here_o former_o mention_v l._n 3._o c._n 14._o ab_fw-la epheso_fw-la &_o reliquis_fw-la proximis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la convocatos_fw-la esse_fw-la that_o they_o be_v call_v from_o ephesus_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o near_a city_n adjoin_v to_o it_o this_o be_v a_o express_a evidence_n which_o be_v allow_v put_v the_o whole_a matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o although_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n a_o testimony_n of_o so_o credible_a a_o person_n that_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n be_v a_o auditor_n of_o polycarpe_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o any_o contemporary_a be_v of_o a_o competent_a authority_n and_o need_v not_o any_o other_o topicke_n to_o assist_v it_o yet_o for_o the_o remove_n all_o possible_a prejudices_fw-la from_o it_o and_o render_v it_o yet_o more_o indubitable_a i_o shall_v a_o little_a far_o enlarge_v for_o the_o confirm_v of_o it_o 30._o and_o 1._o the_o apostle_n at_o his_o meeting_n with_o they_o v_o 18._o begin_v in_o this_o style_n you_o know_v from_o the_o first_o day_n that_o i_o come_v into_o asia_n after_o what_o manner_n i_o have_v be_v with_o you_o at_o all_o season_n a_o address_n to_o they_o either_o as_o to_o the_o elder_n of_o asia_n indefinite_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o come_v to_o miletus_n at_o that_o time_n or_o at_o least_o as_o to_o more_o than_o to_o the_o elder_n or_o elder_n if_o that_o can_v be_v true_o pretend_v of_o one_o city_n of_o asia_n peculiarly_a or_o exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o 31._o so_o again_o v._n 25._o and_o now_o behold_v i_o know_v that_o you_o all_o among_o who_o i_o have_v go_v preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v see_v my_o face_n no_o more_o this_o evident_o address_v the_o speech_n not_o only_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o one_o city_n but_o to_o all_o those_o as_o many_o as_o be_v then_o present_a among_o who_o he_o have_v go_v preach_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o we_o know_v be_v do_v by_o he_o to_o the_o other_o city_n and_o not_o only_o to_o that_o of_o ephesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o passage_n though_o not_o so_o solemn_o as_o at_o ephesus_n go_v through_o all_o the_o region_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o say_v oecumenius_n on_o 2_o joh._n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_o say_v act._n 19_o 21._o that_o after_o the_o two_o year_n and_o three_o month_n spend_v at_o ephesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o stay_v and_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o asia_n and_o according_o v_o 26._o demetrius_n true_o say_v that_o not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n but_o almost_o throughout_o all_o asia_n paul_n have_v persuade_v and_o turn_v away_o the_o people_n 32._o second_o than_o the_o faith_n be_v before_o this_o time_n successful_o propagate_v through_o all_o asia_n and_o not_o only_o in_o this_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n there_o be_v without_o question_n church_n according_o gather_v and_o compact_v in_o many_o other_o city_n as_o well_o as_o in_o ephesus_n before_o this_o time_n of_o paul_n part_n never_o to_o see_v they_o again_o and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o other_o metropolis_n six_o more_o of_o which_o be_v own_v by_o the_o objector_n smyrna_n and_o the_o rest_n rev._n 1_o but_o also_o in_o the_o lesser_a city_n which_o be_v not_o metropolitical_a and_o yet_o more_o especial_o in_o those_o city_n which_o be_v near_a ephesus_n and_o which_o as_o belong_v to_o that_o metropolis_n have_v frequent_a resort_n thither_o to_o the_o assize_n which_o be_v there_o keep_v act._n 19_o 38._o and_o so_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v receive_v special_a influence_n from_o the_o apostle_n reside_v there_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n and_o three_o month_n act._n 19_o 8._o 10._o 33._o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o must_v again_o be_v remember_v that_o as_o timâ—thy_n be_v by_o eusebius_n style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n of_o the_o province_n that_o belong_v to_o ephesus_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o make_v that_o a_o metropolis_n over_o other_o city_n and_o according_o in_o the_o order_n of_o metropolitical_a see_v at_o the_o end_n of_o codinus_n the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d primate_n of_o all_o asia_n so_o ignatius_n in_o traâ—an's_n time_n be_v by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o ancients_n affirm_v to_o have_v write_v epistle_n to_o two_o church_n magnesia_n and_o trallis_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v city_n under_o this_o metropolis_n of_o ephesus_n and_o to_o have_v name_v the_o bishop_n of_o each_o damas_n of_o the_o one_o and_o polybius_n of_o the_o other_o 34._o and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o any_o but_o that_o ignatius_n write_v such_o epistle_n to_o those_o church_n salmasius_n cite_v that_o to_o the_o 222._o trallian_n express_o as_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n which_o certain_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v doubt_v whether_o ever_o ignatius_n write_v to_o they_o and_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v question_v by_o he_o and_o d._n blondell_n be_v but_o this_o whether_o the_o epistle_n now_o extant_a under_o his_o name_n be_v genuine_a or_o no_o not_o whether_o ignatius_n as_o all_o writer_n accord_n write_v seven_o epistle_n of_o which_o these_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o are_z two_o so_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o late_a plantation_n than_o that_o which_o be_v here_o record_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o st._n paul_n act._n 19_o all_o asia_n have_v then_o hear_v the_o faith_n v_o 10._o and_o receive_v it_o in_o a_o remarkable_a manner_n v._n 20._o and_o a_o great_a door_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v open_v to_o he_o at_o ephesus_n peculiar_o which_o must_v needs_o have_v influence_n on_o the_o city_n next_o adjoin_v to_o it_o in_o
a_o special_a manner_n 35._o to_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v three_o that_o as_o concord_n aristides_n say_v of_o ephesus_n that_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o common_a magazine_n or_o store-house_n of_o asia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o refuge_n for_o all_o want_n so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o fit_a way_n of_o convey_v intelligence_n speedy_o to_o all_o the_o city_n of_o asia_n especial_o the_o proximae_fw-la civitates_fw-la as_o irenaeus_n say_v the_o city_n next_o adjoin_v and_o so_o most_o commodious_a to_o assemble_v those_o other_o bishop_n to_o paul_n at_o miletus_n and_o not_o only_o he_o or_o those_o that_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v reside_v at_o ephesus_n 36._o and_o according_o we_o find_v in_o eusebius_n 23._o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o antonius_n â—ius_n concern_v the_o christian_n which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o asia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v proclaim_v or_o divulge_v at_o ephesus_n in_o the_o common_a meeting_n of_o asia_n as_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v it_o universal_o know_v 37._o all_o which_o be_v premise_v and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o fimall_n part_v take_v his_o solemn_a last_o leave_n of_o they_o v_o 38._o shall_v not_o so_o much_o consider_v as_o to_o call_v for_o or_o desire_v to_o see_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o son_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o inferior_a church_n to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v that_o numerous_a flock_n which_o be_v now_o so_o universal_o in_o such_o danger_n of_o wolf_n save_v only_o those_o of_o the_o one_o church_n of_o that_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n suppose_v there_o have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o there_o this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a competent_a confirmation_n of_o irenaeus_n his_o testimony_n that_o indeed_o thus_o it_o be_v as_o he_o have_v deliver_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n near_o adjoin_v to_o ephesus_n as_o many_o as_o by_o summons_n from_o thence_o can_v speedy_o be_v call_v together_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n which_o be_v under_o that_o metropolis_n be_v send_v to_o meet_v the_o apostle_n at_o miletus_n and_o according_o meet_v he_o there_o 38._o the_o second_o testimony_n be_v that_o maxim_n of_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n on_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n call_v the_o bishop_n elder_n which_o be_v avow_v by_o i_o in_o the_o dissertation_n and_o clear_v through_o all_o the_o place_n in_o the_o act_n they_o ought_v by_o all_o law_n of_o dispute_v either_o to_o have_v endeavour_v the_o refute_v of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v or_o the_o prove_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n must_v needs_o there_o signify_v presbyter_n in_o the_o modern_a notion_n which_o have_v not_o here_o attempt_v to_o do_v there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o force_n in_o what_o be_v here_o dictate_v nothing_o say_v but_o what_o have_v be_v long_o since_o large_o and_o clear_o answer_v 39_o yet_o because_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n where_o this_o place_n of_o the_o act_n be_v view_v again_o one_o argument_n i_o see_v produce_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o pretension_n which_o they_o find_v in_o a_o observation_n of_o i_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o 40._o it_o be_v this_o pag._n 85._o if_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v mean_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o all_o asia_n he_o will_v have_v say_v not_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o observation_n make_v use_v of_o by_o one_o of_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o this_o answer_n we_o be_v now_o confute_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o city_n it_o always_o use_v the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o province_n where_o there_o be_v many_o city_n than_o it_o use_v the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n rev._n 1._o 11._o according_a to_o this_o observation_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v mean_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o asia_n he_o will_v have_v say_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o he_o call_v they_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n v_o 17._o and_o so_o must_v mean_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o so_o mere_a presbyter_n not_o bishop_n 41._o but_o herein_o be_v a_o manifest_a mistake_n for_o the_o observation_n be_v not_o make_v as_o be_v here_o suggest_v of_o church_n in_o city_n and_o province_n that_o the_o former_a of_o they_o be_v constant_o to_o be_v understand_v where_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n without_o any_o name_n of_o particular_a city_n add_v to_o it_o and_o that_o when_o a_o province_n be_v mention_v it_o be_v always_o do_v by_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n on_o which_o their_o argument_n be_v found_v but_o if_o the_o reader_n consult_v the_o dissertation_n p._n 190._o he_o shall_v find_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n the_o church_n of_o judaea_n of_o samaria_n of_o galilee_n of_o syria_n of_o cilicia_n of_o galatia_n of_o asia_n of_o macedonia_n whereas_o in_o other_o place_n there_o be_v as_o frequent_v mention_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o antioch_n in_o cenchrea_n in_o corinth_n of_o the_o thessalonian_n of_o ephesus_n of_o smyrna_n of_o pergamus_n of_o thyatira_n of_o sardis_n of_o laodicaean_a 42._o the_o cause_n of_o that_o difference_n be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v this_o that_o judaea_n &c_n &c_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o province_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o city_n there_o be_v consequent_o many_o church_n and_o bishop_n in_o they_o whereas_o one_o city_n with_o the_o territory_n adjoin_v to_o it_o be_v rule_v by_o one_o single_a bishop_n be_v to_o be_v call_v a_o singular_a church_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v in_o every_o church_n act_v 14._o 13._o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v in_o every_o city_n tit._n 1._o 5._o the_o sum_n of_o which_o observation_n be_v only_o this_o that_o one_o city_n with_o the_o territory_n adjoin_v to_o it_o never_o make_v above_o one_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n style_n whereas_o a_o province_n or_o country_n or_o nation_n consist_v of_o many_o city_n and_o so_o of_o many_o episcopal_a see_v or_o church_n 43._o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o that_o place_n or_o that_o be_v useful_a to_o be_v say_v in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n to_o show_v the_o original_a of_o metropolitan_n there_o and_o what_o a_o wrest_n of_o a_o plain_a obvious_a observation_n be_v it_o to_o conclude_v it_o from_o hence_o to_o be_v my_o assertion_n that_o when_o that_o must_v be_v whensoever_o or_o else_o the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v deducible_a from_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o province_n it_o be_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n it_o do_v sometime_o do_v so_o and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v useful_a to_o i_o if_o it_o have_v do_v so_o but_o once_o though_o twenty_o time_n it_o have_v do_v the_o contrary_a it_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o some_o reasonable_a account_n there_o must_v be_v for_o the_o do_v it_o once_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o number_n of_o the_o city_n and_o so_o of_o church_n in_o each_o province_n or_o nation_n much_o more_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o example_n of_o it_o 44._o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o always_o do_v so_o especial_o when_o be_v leave_v at_o large_a without_o any_o restraint_n not_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n or_o the_o like_a but_o indofiniâ—ely_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n for_o sure_a when_o i_o write_v that_o i_o have_v not_o forget_v my_o creed_n or_o in_o it_o the_o name_n church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n which_o by_o the_o adjunct_n of_o catholic_a must_v needs_o be_v more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o one_o city_n and_o have_v read_v mat._n 16._o where_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v my_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a a_o like_a phrase_n to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o the_o bishop_n here_o be_v command_v to_o feed_v and_o in_o the_o one_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesiaâ—s_n have_v six_o example_n of_o the_o word_n church_n in_o the_o singular_a each_o signify_v evident_o the_o universal_a church_n i_o may_v very_o well_o be_v allow_v
titus_n be_v apostle_n of_o the_o cretanes_n and_o timothy_n of_o the_o asiatic_n so_o when_o chrysostome_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o oecumenius_n approve_v of_o the_o three_o species_n 1._o and_o affirm_v bishop_n to_o be_v call_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n also_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a presbyter_n to_o be_v call_v bishop_n yet_o of_o each_o of_o they_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o they_o assert_v the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o but_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o concession_n and_o testimony_n of_o peter_n moulin_n be_v produce_v winton_n that_o the_o most_o famous_a bishop_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n chrysostome_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o think_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o their_o dignity_n that_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v at_o first_o conceive_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n which_o observation_n be_v premise_v and_o thereby_o the_o prelatists_n pretension_n competent_o secure_v which_o soever_o of_o those_o sense_n shall_v be_v accept_v so_o long_o as_o they_o that_o be_v author_n of_o the_o assertion_n be_v permit_v to_o give_v their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o i_o think_v perfect_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a to_o discuss_v the_o question_n free_o and_o to_o set_v down_o what_o to_o i_o appear_v most_o probable_a without_o prejudice_n to_o any_o other_o dissenter_n and_o upon_o those_o term_n and_o not_o otherwise_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v offer_v to_o far_a consideration_n of_o learned_a man_n 1._o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o scripture_n constant_o signify_v a_o singular_a bishop_n 2._o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o constant_o signify_v a_o bishop_n also_o or_o else_o common_o a_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o but_o rare_o a_o presbyter_n these_o be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o the_o two_o paradox_n affix_v to_o i_o and_o in_o these_o term_n i_o shall_v now_o resume_v they_o again_o and_o clear_v they_o to_o be_v no_o paradox_n and_o begin_v first_o with_o the_o former_a of_o they_o concern_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o this_o be_v already_o do_v 1._o by_o consider_v the_o original_a notation_n and_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o by_o go_v over_o every_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v use_v section_n ii_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d natural_o signify_v a_o overseer_n and_o use_v by_o aristides_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o governor_n the_o same_o that_o justinian_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n of_o province_n and_o metropoles_fw-la and_o by_o cicero_n ad_fw-la articum_fw-la render_v speculator_n &_o custos_fw-la one_o that_o look_v to_o and_o guard_v a_o province_n and_o so_o fit_o style_v angel_n who_o be_v general_o deem_v to_o have_v those_o two_o office_n and_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v a_o eye_n and_o vulgar_o a_o guardian_n do_v in_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o old_a testament_n sometime_o render_v the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v common_a to_o god_n lord_n angel_n and_o general_o denote_v dominion_n sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o praefect_n or_o commissary_n entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o some_o affair_n whether_o in_o army_n as_o a_o commander_n numb_a 31._o 14._o in_o mechanical_a work_n as_o a_o master-workeman_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 12._o 17._o in_o a_o city_n a_o ruler_n or_o prince_n nehem._n 11._o 9_o peculiarly_a the_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n v._n 10_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o eleazar_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o levite_n num._n 4._o 16._o and_o last_o in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o ruler_n set_v over_o that_o 2_o kin._n 11._o 18._o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o be_v that_o it_o general_o signify_v a_o office_n of_o charge_n and_o dignity_n and_o power_n and_o superiority_n over_o other_o all_o one_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v all_o use_v to_o render_v the_o same_o word_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v and_o so_o be_v most_o fit_o qualify_v to_o signify_v the_o like_a viz._n a_o praefecture_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n according_o there_o we_o find_v it_o apply_v 1._o to_o christ_n himself_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n who_o though_o he_o minister_v to_o his_o disciple_n yet_o own_v the_o title_n of_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o that_o which_o from_o they_o belong_v to_o he_o joh._n 13._o 13._o second_o to_o the_o apostle_n act._n 1._o 20._o and_o for_o all_o other_o place_n where_o it_o be_v use_v it_o be_v evident_o capable_a of_o a_o sense_n very_o agreeable_a to_o these_o premise_n be_v never_o once_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o where_o it_o will_v be_v very_o commodious_a to_o render_v it_o bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n for_o a_o singular_a perfect_a in_o each_o church_n not_o a_o colleague_n in_o a_o presbytery_n this_o be_v at_o large_a show_v by_o a_o survey_n of_o every_o of_o those_o place_n first_o that_o of_o act._n 20._o 28._o where_o the_o apostle_n take_v leave_v and_o exhort_v the_o bishop_n set_v over_o the_o flock_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v there_o bid_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i.e._n the_o christian_n of_o the_o several_a city_n of_o asia_n or_o near_o about_o ephesus_n as_o be_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n evidence_v out_o of_o irenaeus_n auditor_n to_o polycarpe_n make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o st._n john_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o be_v resolve_v to_o be_v the_o singular_a bishop_n of_o those_o city_n and_o not_o only_o of_o the_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n as_o be_v large_o show_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o phil._n 1._o 1._o where_o after_o the_o mention_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n be_v add_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n where_o although_o some_o of_o the_o greek_a commentator_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n assert_v episcopacy_n do_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o there_o can_v not_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n understand_v that_o place_n of_o presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n and_o add_v that_o the_o word_n 1._o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n yea_o and_o deacon_n too_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o distinct_a but_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o here_o the_o word_n bishop_n for_o presbyter_n as_o elsewhere_o the_o presbytery_n be_v use_v for_o bishop_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 4._o add_v this_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d because_o presbyter_n ordain_v not_o a_o bishop_n and_o although_o many_o expedient_n be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o keep_v the_o text_n from_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o by_o bishop_n the_o presbyter_n be_v mean_v as_o that_o epaphroditus_n their_o present_a bishop_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o theodoret_n chrysostome_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi who_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o that_o interpretation_n be_v with_o st._n paul_n at_o the_o writing_n that_o epistle_n c._n 4._o 18._o yet_o i_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o epiphanius_n to_o affirm_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o signify_v peculiarly_a bishop_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o may_v do_v so_o refer_v it_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a city_n belong_v to_o that_o metropolis_n for_o such_o be_v philippi_n both_o as_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o all_o macedonia_n first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n 2_o act._n 16._o 9_o &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prime_a city_n of_o that_o province_n of_o macedon_n v_o 12._o of_o itself_o before_o its_o conversion_n and_o so_o say_v 247._o photius_n distinct_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o according_o polycarp_n epistle_n to_o they_o be_v inscribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o whole_a province_n that_o belong_v to_o philippi_n in_o which_o there_o be_v diverse_a city_n and_o bishop_n in_o they_o the_o epistle_n to_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v write_v to_o they_o all_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o all_o achaia_n and_o be_v inscribe_v to_o philippi_n be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o those_o other_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o colossian_n be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o laodicaean_n col._n 4._o 16._o and_o that_o which_o the_o laodicaeans_n have_v receive_v whether_o as_o tertullian_n seem_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o the_o ephesian_n or_o any_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o
the_o gainsayer_n no_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o law_n of_o these_o agones_fw-la to_o use_v those_o argument_n and_o no_o other_o nor_o otherwise_o improve_v which_o all_o other_o writer_n of_o that_o side_n have_v do_v before_o he_o for_o if_o this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o legail_a combat_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v any_o second_o writing_n on_o the_o same_o subject_n ever_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o which_o have_v be_v former_o say_v need_v not_o to_o be_v transcribe_v and_o say_v again_o but_o either_o the_o book_n may_v be_v reprint_v or_o translate_v into_o a_o language_n more_o intelligible_a as_o i_o have_v here_o be_v fame_n oft_o to_o do_v and_o though_o i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o for_o those_o more_o minute_n consideration_n or_o conjecture_n wherein_o this_o doctor_n differ_v from_o some_o other_o who_o have_v write_v before_o he_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n some_o few_o text_n he_o have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o many_o the_o learn_a man_n of_o this_o church_n at_o this_o day_n and_o as_o far_o as_o he_o know_v of_o all_o that_o embrace_v the_o same_o cause_n with_o he_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o prove_v my_o agreement_n with_o other_o of_o my_o brethren_n by_o this_o only_a medium_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o same_o conclusion_n upon_o several_a medium_n or_o way_n of_o infer_v it_o be_v in_o that_o and_o may_v be_v in_o all_o other_o conclusion_n at_o perfect_a accord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o all_o that_o i_o can_v conclude_v from_o this_o and_o the_o former_a consideration_n the_o double_a charge_n lay_v on_o i_o of_o contrariety_n to_o antiquity_n and_o other_o asserter_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v ill_o please_v that_o i_o use_v any_o other_o argument_n or_o answer_n but_o what_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o assign_v i_o otherwise_o if_o there_o have_v be_v less_o not_o more_o truth_n or_o evidence_n in_o my_o way_n of_o defend_v the_o cause_n they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o great_a advantage_n against_o i_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v in_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n at_o leisure_n to_o have_v observe_v it_o section_n v._n inconvenience_n object_v and_o answer_v of_o more_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o no_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n but_o they_o be_v in_o the_o three_o place_n please_v to_o object_v some_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o defend_n of_o these_o paradox_n must_v necessary_o bring_v upon_o i_o and_o to_o these_o i_o shall_v more_o diligent_o attend_v first_o say_v they_o he_o that_o will_v defend_v these_o paradox_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n which_o be_v to_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o to_o bring_v down_o a_o bishop_n to_o the_o rank_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v by_o absolute_a deny_v of_o this_o consequence_n for_o suppose_v the_o scripture-bishop_n to_o be_v always_o a_o bishop_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n elder_a also_o how_o can_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v more_o such_o bishop_n in_o any_o one_o city_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o this_o be_v no_o way_n infer_v upon_o either_o or_o both_o of_o my_o assertion_n nor_o be_v here_o one_o word_n add_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v to_o which_o i_o may_v accommodate_v any_o answer_n it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_n most_o manifest_a that_o whensoever_o i_o find_v mention_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o plural_a as_o act._n 20._o phil._n 1._o etc._n etc._n i_o interpret_v they_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o macedonia_n bishop_n of_o judaea_n etc._n etc._n and_o render_v my_o reason_n of_o do_v so_o and_o consequent_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o divers_a sure_a that_o be_v not_o of_o one_o city_n the_o second_o inconvenience_n be_v that_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n here_o be_v a_o evident_a mistake_n for_o i_o no_o where_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n but_o only_o that_o in_o the_o apostle_n write_n the_o word_n bishop_n always_o signify_v bishop_n and_o the_o word_n elder_n either_o never_a or_o but_o rare_o presbyter_n now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o those_o to_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v which_o yet_o for_o want_n of_o occasion_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o those_o write_n and_o i_o that_o love_v not_o negative_a argument_n à _fw-la testimonio_fw-la shall_v never_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n within_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o several_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v upon_o that_o one_o argument_n because_o i_o can_v not_o find_v they_o mention_v there_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v somewhat_o a_o large_a period_n than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n and_o therefore_o that_o what_o be_v speak_v only_o of_o the_o late_a be_v not_o mean_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o former_a for_o 1._o the_o apostle_n continue_v alive_a some_o time_n after_o write_v their_o epistle_n and_o second_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n survive_v other_o john_n of_o who_o christ_n will_n be_v intimate_v that_o he_o shall_v tarry_v and_o not_o die_v till_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o kingdom_n of_o he_o commence_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v according_o live_v till_o trajanes_n time_n and_o by_o that_o time_n i_o think_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n daily_o increase_v there_o be_v as_o the_o want_n of_o the_o church_n require_v presbyter_n ordain_v in_o many_o church_n and_o according_o in_o the_o dissert_n p._n 229._o when_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o matter_n i_o express_o except_o s._n john_n and_o p._n 211._o i_o make_v use_n of_o a_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n on_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v that_o this_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n in_o asia_n after_o his_o return_n from_o the_o island_n to_o which_o he_o be_v banish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o same_o matter_n i_o 5._o elsewhere_o apply_v that_o of_o ephiphanius_n out_o of_o the_o profound_a i.e._n ancient_a record_n that_o as_o moses_n and_o aaron_n take_v to_o they_o first_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o people_n and_o at_o length_n the_o sanhedrim_n of_o the_o seventy_o elder_n so_o the_o apostle_n first_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o in_o process_n of_o time_n presbyter_n also_o when_o occasion_n require_v as_o the_o bishop_n assistant_n and_o council_n and_o that_o upon_o account_n of_o this_o analogy_n with_o the_o sanhedrim_n they_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n and_o ignatius_n make_v mention_n of_o presbyter_n as_o of_o a_o middle_a degree_n in_o the_o church_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n in_o he_o i._n e._n in_o trajan_n time_n and_o that_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o several_a of_o those_o asian_a church_n smyrna_n ephesus_n magnesia_n philadelphia_n trallis_n i_o think_v the_o argument_n of_o great_a validity_n to_o conclude_v that_o in_o that_o province_n that_o apostle_n have_v in_o his_o life_n time_n institute_v this_o middle_a order_n and_o therefore_o i_o that_o have_v so_o careful_o prevent_v be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v with_o this_o crime_n of_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n which_o certain_o there_o be_v if_o there_o be_v presbyter_n under_o they_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o three_o inconvenience_n they_o add_v that_o by_o consequence_n i_o must_v affirm_v that_o ordo_fw-la presbyteratus_n be_v not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o that_o be_v no_o more_o consequent_a to_o my_o assertion_n than_o it_o be_v my_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o therefore_o i_o that_o be_o guiltless_a of_o the_o assertion_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o john_n i_o know_v be_v a_o apostle_n and_o john_n i_o believe_v ordain_v presbyter_n and_o thence_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o conclude_v the_o apostolical_a institution_n i.e._n in_o effect_n the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n though_o not_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o presbytery_n and_o so_o i_o be_o still_o clear_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o crime_n which_o the_o worst_a of_o papist_n will_v abominate_a which_o they_o
be_v resolve_v i_o must_v have_v lie_v under_o if_o i_o have_v question_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o presbyter_n though_o they_o can_v more_o than_o question_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n and_o never_o have_v remorse_n or_o compunction_n or_o dread_v any_o charge_n or_o â—entence_n for_o it_o sect._n vi._n a_o first_o confession_n object_v and_o vindicate_v of_o the_o ephesine_n presbyter_n be_v all_o the_o praelate_n of_o asia_n elder_n aldermanni_n after_o these_o inconvenience_n brief_o touch_v and_o almost_o as_o brief_o by_o i_o avert_v they_o proceed_v to_o take_v notice_n in_o the_o four_o place_n of_o some_o confession_n of_o i_o which_o the_o justification_n of_o my_o opinion_n have_v force_v from_o i_o by_o this_o method_n think_v as_o at_o length_n they_o say_v to_o render_v episcopacy_n that_o be_v thus_o maintain_v or_o else_o my_o way_n of_o maintain_v it_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o all_o sober_a and_o godly_a and_o moderate_a christian_n i.e._n to_o all_o those_o who_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o those_o title_n good_a opinion_n and_o good_a word_n from_o they_o shall_v be_v invite_v to_o contemn_v or_o hate_v those_o who_o they_o be_v yet_o please_v to_o call_v their_o brethren_n and_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n of_o confute_v that_o which_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v confute_v what_o those_o confession_n of_o i_o be_v which_o be_v like_a to_o render_v my_o assertion_n so_o odious_a i_o must_v next_o take_v a_o view_n and_o consider_v with_o what_o justice_n this_o be_v say_v by_o they_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o ephesine_n presbyter_n who_o paul_n send_v for_o to_o miletus_n be_v all_o the_o praelate_n of_o asia_n to_o say_v that_o the_o ephesine_n presbyter_n in_o their_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v praelate_n of_o asia_n be_v i_o confess_v a_o ridiculous_a and_o so_o if_o they_o please_v a_o contemptible_a confession_n but_o i_o have_v yet_o be_v under_o no_o such_o torture_n from_o their_o argument_n as_o shall_v constrain_v such_o confession_n from_o i_o what_o i_o say_v be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o be_v my_o free_a opinion_n and_o no_o force_a confession_n such_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o desperate_a enterprise_n may_v extort_v from_o i_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o by_o summons_n send_v to_o ephesus_n the_o chief_a metropolis_n of_o all_o asia_n and_o by_o that_o convenient_a way_n communicate_v to_o other_o city_n be_v assemble_v to_o paul_n at_o miletus_n act._n 20._o 17._o be_v as_o irenaeus_n assure_v i_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o other_o city_n in_o those_o part_n and_o not_o only_o of_o the_o one_o city_n of_o ephesus_n what_o harshness_n there_o can_v be_v in_o this_o assertion_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o odious_a at_o the_o first_o hear_n i_o confess_v i_o divine_v not_o that_o those_o city_n have_v bishop_n as_o well_o as_o ephesus_n can_v be_v strange_a or_o that_o paul_n desire_v to_o speak_v with_o they_o before_o his_o final_a part_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n may_v be_v call_v elder_n will_v be_v as_o little_a strange_a if_o it_o be_v but_o remember_v what_o be_v at_o large_a show_v in_o the_o dissertation_n that_o the_o word_n elder_n have_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n denote_v dignity_n and_o praefecture_n in_o single_a person_n as_o when_o abraham_n oeconomus_fw-la who_o be_v set_v over_o his_o servant_n be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_a of_o his_o house_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o that_o be_v his_o by_o elder_a and_o ruler_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o the_o elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o moabite_n num._n 22._o 7._o be_v the_o prince_n of_o moab_n v_o 8._o and_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o head_n or_o praefect_n of_o the_o principal_a family_n of_o israel_n exod_n 6._o 14._o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n c._n 16._o 22._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o tribe_n deut._n 31._o 28._o and_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o before_o they_o be_v call_v into_o a_o council_n or_o senate_n to_o assist_v moses_n as_o appear_v num_fw-la 11._o 16._o and_o proportionable_a to_o this_o have_v be_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n among_o all_o nation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_a always_o have_v the_o rule_n and_o all_o obey_v he_o say_v 2._o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o so_o senior_n in_o all_o language_n be_v a_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o dignity_n and_o peculiar_o among_o we_o as_o when_o aethelstane_n the_o half_a king_n as_o he_o be_v call_v of_o the_o east_n angle_n be_v salute_v by_o the_o title_n of_o 29._o aldermannus_n i.e._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a of_o all_o england_n and_o so_o aethelwod_n and_o aelwin_n so_o in_o king_n aelfred_n law_n c._n 34._o there_o be_v mention_n regis_n aldermanni_n and_o presbyteri_fw-la regis_fw-la and_o according_o mat._n 20._o 25._o those_o word_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o nation_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o be_v by_o the_o saxon_n interpret_v ealdoâ—men_n wealdaqthat_o hisa_fw-la ðeodo_fw-la elder_n have_v dominion_n over_o their_o nation_n and_o luke_n 9_o 22._o the_o elder_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o priost_n be_v by_o they_o render_v ealdrum_n and_o ealdormaannum_n all_o take_v the_o word_n elder_a for_o a_o title_n of_o dignity_n and_o praefecture_n and_o from_o that_o notion_n of_o it_o the_o preâ—bytorians_n be_v not_o observe_v to_o decline_v and_o then_o final_o that_o the_o addition_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o singular_a can_v make_v it_o unfit_a for_o these_o elder_n to_o denote_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n or_o near_o ephesus_n under_o that_o metroplis_fw-la have_v be_v already_o account_v for_o at_o large_a and_o so_o still_o i_o hope_v they_o and_o all_o godly_a and_o moderate_a brethren_n need_v neither_o hate_n nor_o contemn_v episcopacy_n nor_o the_o defender_n of_o it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o this_o so_o far_o from_o incommodious_a or_o inconvenient_a confession_n section_n vii_o a_o second_o confession_n of_o the_o bishop_n phil._n 1._o 1._o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o whole_a province_n philippi_n a_o metropolis_n and_o a_o colony_n like_a unto_o this_o first_o be_v the_o second_o which_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o philippi_n who_o s._n paul_n salute_v ch._n 1._o be_v not_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n only_o but_o of_o the_o whole_a province_n whereas_o theophylact_v say_v that_o philippi_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o little_a city_n subject_a to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o thessalonica_n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n phil._n 1._o 1._o denote_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n of_o macedonia_n which_o be_v under_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_a city_n or_o metropolis_n as_o s._n luke_n call_v it_o act_n 16._o 12._o be_v already_o evidence_v to_o be_v no_o strange_a or_o violent_a i_o hope_v as_o little_a odious_a confession_n i_o need_v not_o far_o repeat_v or_o enlarge_v on_o that_o but_o bear_v in_o good_a part_n whatsoever_o fate_n be_v decree_v by_o they_o to_o attend_v that_o confession_n as_o for_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v here_o subjoin_v and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o dissert_n 4._o c._n 10._o sect._n 12._o they_o may_v if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o please_v have_v take_v the_o antidote_n with_o the_o poison_n observe_v and_o tender_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o answer_n which_o in_o the_o five_o follow_a section_n be_v solemn_o render_v to_o it_o and_o confute_v that_o answer_n if_o they_o have_v discern_v any_o infirm_a part_n in_o it_o first_o then_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o that_o description_n of_o philippi_n in_o the_o argument_n prefix_v to_o theophylact_n note_n on_o that_o epistle_n be_v take_v out_o of_o a_o ancient_a geographer_n and_o belong_v to_o that_o city_n as_o it_o be_v build_v by_o philip_n have_v be_v former_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o the_o late_a time_n under_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n that_o under_o the_o roman_n those_o city_n shall_v become_v metropoles_fw-la which_o former_o have_v not_o be_v such_o to_o which_o agree_v that_o of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n can._n 12._o which_o mention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d city_n honour_v by_o the_o imperial_a letter_n with_o the_o name_n and_o dignity_n of_o metropoles_fw-la and_o indeed_o the_o say_n of_o 13._o strabo_n be_v of_o evident_a truth_n ordinary_o experiment_v that_o province_n be_v often_o confound_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o cause_n of_o the_o roman_n distribute_v they_o not_o according_a to_o the_o distribution_n of_o region_n or_o nation_n such_o as_o the_o geographer_n ancient_o have_v
which_o they_o use_v the_o probabl_a mean_n imaginable_a name_v successor_n to_o the_o present_a bishop_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v supply_v the_o vacant_a place_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o fall_v and_o so_o prevent_v sue_v and_o contend_v for_o they_o and_o be_v by_o the_o special_a spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v who_o those_o successor_n shall_v be_v so_o that_o the_o oppose_a their_o succession_n or_o cast_v they_o out_o afterward_o must_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n even_o of_o resist_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o have_v design_v they_o to_o this_o inheritance_n which_o next_o to_o christ_n bear_v they_o in_o his_o right_a hand_n rev._n 1._o 20._o be_v the_o great_a character_n of_o dignity_n and_o evidence_n of_o christ_n approve_v of_o the_o order_n and_o care_n of_o continue_v it_o as_o the_o original_n of_o union_n not_o division_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o by_o these_o man_n one_o word_n of_o objection_n offer_v against_o this_o conclusion_n thus_o former_o deduce_v in_o the_o dissertation_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o for_o the_o vindicate_a this_o testimony_n yet_o will_v it_o not_o be_v amiss_o here_o to_o interpose_v the_o word_n of_o hegesippus_n one_o that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o time_n of_o that_o sedition_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o in_o 2d_o eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n continue_v in_o the_o right_n until_o primus_n be_v bishop_n of_o corinth_n which_o be_v a_o testimony_n as_o ancient_a as_o that_o of_o clement_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o bishop_n they_o be_v which_o clement_n speak_v of_o such_o as_o primus_fw-la be_v at_o corinth_n i._n e._n one_o singular_a governor_n in_o a_o city_n the_o same_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o by_o all_o author_n be_v affirm_v of_o clemens_n himself_o the_o writer_n at_o the_o time_n of_o write_v this_o epistle_n that_o have_v be_v saint_n paul_n peter_n deacon_n ignat._n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la trall_n he_o be_v no_o bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o joint_a suffrage_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_n even_o of_o saint_n jerome_n himself_o in_o his_o catalogue_n and_o by_o he_o style_v a_o apostolical_a person_n on_o isa_n 52._o a_o companion_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o interp._n com._n orig._n in_o rom._n and_o by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n strom._n lib._n 4._o a_o apostle_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o theodoret_n say_v those_o who_o in_o his_o time_n they_o call_v bishop_n have_v be_v at_o first_o call_v apostle_n according_o of_o he_o say_v irenaeus_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o the_o successive_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o three_o place_n from_o the_o apostle_n clemens_n come_v to_o the_o bishopric_n which_o how_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v accord_v with_o those_o who_o true_o make_v he_o peter_n immediate_a successor_n see_v dissert_n 5._o c._n 1._o sect._n 6._o etc._n etc._n other_o testimony_n there_o be_v producible_a from_o this_o epistle_n of_o clement_n which_o be_v all_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o the_o former_a as_o when_o he_o find_v a_o image_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n under_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n cap._n 60._o 17._o where_o in_o the_o greek_a translation_n then_o in_o use_n he_o have_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v constitute_v their_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n and_o their_o deacon_n in_o faithfulness_n speak_v of_o the_o judge_n and_o their_o minister_n and_o officer_n in_o every_o city_n and_o so_o again_o when_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v due_a honour_n to_o the_o elder_n among_o they_o talk_v of_o their_o sedition_n against_o their_o elder_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o episcopacy_n in_o one_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o remove_v they_o from_o that_o honour_a office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o another_o and_o the_o like_a all_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n and_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o the_o former_a sect._n ii_o the_o testimony_n of_o polycarpe_n that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o bishop_n his_o mention_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n fit_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o be_v so_o confirm_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o series_n of_o the_o ancient_n in_o the_o next_o place_n follow_v their_o testimony_n out_o of_o polycarpe_n introduce_v in_o this_o manner_n the_o like_a record_n we_o have_v of_o polycarpe_n that_o famous_a disciple_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n who_o live_v also_o within_o the_o first_o century_n and_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n in_o which_o he_o make_v also_o but_o two_o order_n of_o ministry_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o persuade_v the_o philippian_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n to_o this_o testimony_n from_o polycarp_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n i_o shall_v deny_v any_o part_n of_o my_o assent_n be_v so_o perfect_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n which_o i_o defend_v require_v if_o there_o be_v with_o he_o but_o two_o order_n of_o ministry_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o he_o persuade_v the_o philippian_n i.e._n that_o whole_a province_n the_o same_o to_o which_o saint_n paul_n have_v write_v consist_v of_o many_o church_n all_o under_o that_o metropolis_n of_o philippi_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o set_v the_o former_a of_o they_o in_o the_o comparison_n to_o answer_v god_n the_o father_n the_o supreme_a monarch_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v the_o parallel_n to_o christ_n who_o come_v out_o from_o heaven_n upon_o his_o father_n message_n than_o what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o these_o elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o saint_n paul_n have_v call_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1._o 1._o which_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o several_a bishop_n of_o that_o province_n of_o macedonia_n have_v before_o be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v and_o therefore_o without_o far_a debate_v this_o testimony_n i_o shall_v add_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v this_o polycarp_n which_o will_v help_v convenient_o to_o clear_v the_o whole_a matter_n first_o that_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o be_v here_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o famous_a disciple_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n so_o this_o be_v add_v to_o his_o title_n by_o the_o authontiâ—k_a epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a person_n in_o our_o time_n be_v a_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a doctor_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n be_v the_o design_a matter_n of_o that_o whole_a epistle_n second_o that_o this_o famous_a most_o admirable_a apostolical_a doctor_n and_o martyr_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o so_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o three_o testimony_n each_o of_o they_o irrefragable_a 1._o by_o the_o epistle_n of_o that_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_v on_o purpose_n concern_v his_o martyrdom_n a_o reverend_a piece_n of_o antiquity_n fit_a to_o compare_v with_o any_o that_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o there_o we_o find_v in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n i._n e._n both_o of_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n there_o so_o polycrates_n the_o eight_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n bear_v within_o a_o while_n after_o saint_n john_n death_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o victor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d polycarp_n the_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o martyr_n so_o irenaeus_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o speak_v of_o he_o sai_z 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o asia_n and_o then_o what_o possibility_n can_v there_o be_v that_o he_o be_v thus_o a_o bishop_n nay_o metropolitan_a himself_o as_o have_v former_o be_v show_v write_v to_o another_o metropolis_n and_o command_v to_o obey_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o deacon_n shall_v mean_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o bishop_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o that_o this_o polycarp_n as_o in_o this_o epistle_n he_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v a_o epistle_n from_o ignatius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o write_v to_o i_o and_o to_o ignatius_n also_o so_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v send_v they_o a_o collection_n of_o the_o same_o ignatius_n epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n send_v to_o we_o by_o he_o and_o as_o many_o other_o as_o we_o have_v by_o we_o we_o
again_o to_o make_v he_o testify_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o say_v lent_n be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n here_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v debate_n whether_o the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v apostolical_a or_o no_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v on_o be_v whether_o saint_n hierome_n that_o say_v it_o be_v such_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o belief_n than_o he_o may_v be_v as_o well_o mistake_v in_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o passage_n which_o he_o interpret_v so_o as_o be_v useful_a to_o and_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n act._n 20._o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n phil._n 1._o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n or_o city_n and_o the_o like_a for_o either_o of_o those_o be_v but_o his_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n too_o and_o the_o more_o fallible_a they_o find_v he_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o less_o weight_n they_o ought_v to_o lay_v on_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o and_o the_o less_o blame_n on_o we_o for_o depart_v from_o his_o opinion_n but_o have_v say_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o repel_v all_o force_n of_o their_o objection_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o other_o testimony_n out_o of_o saint_n hierome_n and_o after_o they_o one_o argument_n ad_fw-la homines_fw-la undeniable_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o without_o question_n s._n hierome_n opinion_n that_o bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1._o in_o his_o 54._o epistle_n he_o set_v down_o this_o difference_n among_o other_o between_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o montanist_a heretic_n apud_fw-la nos_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la locum_fw-la tenent_fw-la episcopi_fw-la apud_fw-la eos_fw-la episcopus_fw-la tertius_fw-la est_fw-la among_o the_o catholic_n the_o bishop_n such_o as_o be_v in_o s._n hierome_n time_n i._n e._n certain_o such_o as_o in_o we_o not_o mere_a presbyter_n hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n i._n e._n the_o uppermost_a place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o it_o and_o among_o those_o heretic_n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o three_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v one_o character_n of_o their_o be_v heretic_n and_o so_o a_o deviation_n from_o a_o apostolical_a truth_n 2._o in_o this_o book_n the_o script_n ecclâ—sâ—_n he_o say_v of_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n jacobus_n ab_fw-la apostolis_n statim_fw-la post_fw-la ascensionem_fw-la domini_fw-la hierosylimorum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la suscepit_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la hierosolyma_n timotheus_n à _fw-fr paulo_n ephesiorum_n episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la titus_n cretae_fw-la polycarpus_n à _fw-fr johanne_n smyrnae_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la james_n present_o after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o undertake_v i._o e._n rule_v as_o to_o receive_v the_o congregation_n psal_n 75._o be_v to_o rule_v it_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n timothy_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o ephesian_n by_o paul_n titus_n of_o crete_n polycarpe_n be_v by_o john_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n where_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o acknowledge_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v singular_a ruler_n which_o therefore_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o excuse_v by_o say_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n or_o evangelist_n and_o yet_o by_o he_o say_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n and_o so_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o james_n and_o polycarpe_n be_v by_o he_o deem_v singular_a ruler_n also_o and_o not_o colleague_n in_o a_o presbytery_n and_o those_o so_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o according_o of_o this_o james_n he_o say_v ad_fw-la gal._n 2._o jacobus_n primus_fw-la ei_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la praefuit_fw-la eciscopus_fw-la hierosolymorum_fw-la primus_fw-la fuit_fw-la james_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v set_v over_o that_o church_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereto_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o isae_fw-la lib._n 5._o cap._n 17._o he_o call_v this_o james_n decimum_fw-la tertium_fw-la apostolum_n the_o thirteen_o apostle_n 3._o in_o like_a manner_n 85._o epist_n ad_fw-la euagrium_n speak_v of_o mark_n who_o die_v in_o the_o 8_o of_o nero_n what_o be_v do_v by_o he_o must_v be_v resolve_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o agreeable_a to_o then_o practice_n he_o say_v alexandâ—iae_fw-la à _fw-la maâ—co_fw-la evangâ—â—â—stâ_fw-la ad_fw-la heraclam_fw-la &_o dionysium_fw-la episcopos_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la semper_fw-la unum_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_o excelsiori_fw-la super_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la graduâ—_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la quomodo_fw-la si_fw-la exercitus_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la faceret_fw-la at_o alexandria_n from_o the_o time_n of_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n to_o the_o time_n of_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n the_o presbyter_n always_o name_v one_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n above_o presbyter_n their_o bishop_n as_o if_o a_o army_n shall_v choose_v their_o general_n that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o presbyter_n choose_v their_o bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o presbyter_n impose_v hand_n on_o he_o be_v 10._o elsewhere_o large_o evidence_v and_o so_o by_o the_o way_n appear_v the_o falseness_n of_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o jerome_n appen_n p._n 142._o that_o in_o alexandria_n for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o presbyter_n ordain_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v say_v elect_v their_o bishop_n that_o which_o i_o here_o infer_v from_o the_o testimony_n be_v manifest_a viz._n that_o in_o saint_n mark_v time_n and_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n one_o bishop_n or_o singular_a ruler_n be_v constitute_v among_o they_o as_o that_o signify_v a_o high_a degree_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n 4._o more_o place_n there_o be_v in_o he_o which_o evidence_n his_o opinion_n that_o bishop_n as_o they_o differ_v from_o presbyter_n be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o psal_n 45._o nunc_fw-la quia_fw-la apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la mundo_fw-la recesserunt_fw-la habes_fw-la pro_fw-la his_fw-la episcopos_fw-la filios_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o high_a patres_fw-la tui_fw-la quia_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la regeris_fw-la now_o inâ—_n hierome_n time_n because_o the_o apostle_n be_v part_v from_o the_o world_n you_o have_v in_o their_o stead_n bishop_n their_o son_n they_o also_o be_v thy_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o where_o the_o bishop_n that_o then_o rule_v those_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v single_a person_n not_o presbytery_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o opinion_n and_o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la heliodorum_n of_o not_o undertake_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr facile_fw-la stare_n loco_fw-la pauli_n tenere_fw-la gradum_fw-la petri_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o stand_v in_o paul_n place_n to_o hold_v the_o degree_n of_o peter_n where_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o place_n and_o degree_n of_o those_o apostle_n and_o so_o ep._n 13._o ad_fw-la paulinum_n episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la habeant_fw-la in_o exemplum_fw-la apostolos_n &_o apostolicos_fw-la vires_fw-la quorum_fw-la honorem_fw-la possidentes_fw-la habere_fw-la nitantur_fw-la &_o meritum_fw-la bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v have_v for_o their_o example_n the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n who_o honour_n they_o possess_v and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v their_o merit_n 5._o i_o shall_v add_v a_o cumulus_fw-la of_o other_o passage_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o the_o former_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o to_o give_v we_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o s._n hierome_n opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n ad_fw-la nepotian_n ep._n 2._o esto_fw-la subjectus_fw-la pontificituo_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la anima_fw-la parentem_fw-la suscipe_fw-la quod_fw-la aaroâ—_n &_o filios_fw-la ejus_fw-la hoc_fw-la episcopum_fw-la &_o presbyteros_fw-la esse_fw-la noverimus_fw-la be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o parent_n of_o thy_o soul_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v that_o we_o must_v know_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v and_o on_o tit._n 1._o speak_v of_o s._n paul_n direction_n for_o the_o make_v a_o bishop_n apostolus_fw-la say_v he_o ecclesiae_fw-la principem_fw-la formans_fw-la the_o apostle_n form_v the_o prince_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o again_o in_o the_o same_o word_n on_o psal_n 45._o decipher_v a_o single_a ruler_n by_o that_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n there_o mean_v to_o form_n so_o on_o that_o 45._o psal_n constituit_fw-la christus_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la finibus_fw-la mundi_fw-la principes_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la episcopos_fw-la christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n constitute_v prince_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n just_o
with_o answer_n and_o refutation_n of_o the_o principal_a objection_n of_o doctor_n blondel_n and_o walo_n messalinus_n do_v real_o stand_v in_o force_n and_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v refute_v now_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n by_o these_o man_n who_o have_v often_o attempt_v to_o refute_v they_o i_o shall_v then_o leave_v they_o serious_o and_o christianly_o to_o consider_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n and_o to_o return_v their_o anger_n not_o to_o i_o but_o to_o themselves_o what_o security_n of_o ground_n they_o can_v build_v upon_o in_o their_o present_a practice_n particular_o in_o their_o assume_v to_o themselves_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o 1._o if_o the_o praefecture_n in_o each_o church_n be_v as_o by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n so_o by_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o singular_a governor_n or_o bishop_n by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d constitute_v over_o all_o and_o from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o regular_o continue_v in_o a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o every_o church_n and_o second_o if_o those_o which_o be_v now_o call_v presbyter_n be_v by_o those_o who_o first_o institute_v they_o place_v in_o a_o second_o rank_n as_o of_o dignity_n so_o of_o power_n and_o never_o have_v all_o that_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o to_o the_o bishop_n be_v commit_v particular_o not_o that_o of_o ordain_v the_o mean_a deacon_n much_o less_o presbyter_n with_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o presbyter_n and_o three_o if_o they_o on_o who_o authority_n they_o most_o depend_v s._n tom._n hierome_n the_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n do_v express_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o time_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ordination_n but_o acknowledge_v the_o bishop_n superior_a to_o the_o presbyter_n in_o that_o and_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o that_o power_n shall_v be_v convey_v to_o any_o presbyter_n now_o which_o be_v not_o vest_v in_o any_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o in_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o they_o and_o last_o if_o no_o man_n may_v take_v that_o which_o be_v not_o give_v he_o from_o heaven_n or_o give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o which_o the_o scripture_n yield_v to_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o both_o john_n baptist_n john_n 3._o 27._o and_o christ_n himself_o luk_n 12._o 14._o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 5._o 4._o have_v apply_v that_o general_a rule_n to_o this_o particularity_n of_o priesthood_n in_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o no_o man_n may_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d assume_v a_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v by_o god_n 913._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d advance_v by_o god_n say_v theophylact_v either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o either_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o those_o which_o receive_v it_o successive_o from_o they_o all_z other_o be_v true_o affirm_v by_o the_o ibid._n ancient_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o leap_v into_o the_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o corrupt_v the_o rule_n or_o law_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v guide_v than_o i_o say_v upon_o what_o solid_a ground_n can_v they_o satisfy_v conscience_n who_o without_o all_o pretence_n of_o necessity_n which_o by_o some_o be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o excuse_n the_o regular_a way_n be_v open_a and_o plain_a before_o they_o have_v run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v assume_v that_o power_n to_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o nor_o be_v ever_o by_o any_o which_o have_v it_o bestow_v upon_o they_o i_o do_v not_o foresee_v any_o more_o here_o necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v to_o our_o future_a debate_n and_o shall_v therefore_o hasten_v to_o they_o as_o to_o a_o unpleasant_a progress_n that_o i_o will_v willing_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o and_o commit_v all_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o he_o who_o we_o all_o profess_v to_o serve_v and_o obey_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n section_n i._n the_o ground_n of_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n for_o the_o vindicate_a of_o the_o dissertation_n from_o all_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v offer_v against_o they_o in_o the_o book_n which_o i_o have_v now_o before_o i_o it_o be_v no_o whit_n necessary_a that_o i_o give_v the_o reader_n any_o the_o most_o cursory_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n i_o shall_v therefore_o fall_v in_o though_o abrupt_o on_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o for_o although_o in_o some_o of_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o that_o part_n some_o endeavour_n be_v use_v to_o assert_v presbytery_n against_o episcopacy_n by_o argument_n so_o frequent_o produce_v by_o that_o party_n that_o they_o be_v every_o one_o foresee_v and_o in_o the_o dissertation_n large_o evidence_v to_o have_v no_o validity_n in_o they_o yet_o it_o fall_v out_o somewhat_o to_o i_o own_o and_o the_o reader_n ease_v that_o i_o be_o not_o personal_o call_v into_o the_o list_n till_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o six_o chapter_n which_o by_o the_o signal_n of_o some_o latin_a word_n in_o the_o margin_n out_o of_o dissert_n 4._o c._n 4._o sect._n 4._o have_v mark_v i_o out_o as_o the_o person_n against_o who_o that_o chapter_n be_v entire_o design_v and_o i_o shall_v ready_o answer_v the_o call_n and_o not_o refuse_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v every_o section_n of_o that_o chapter_n 2._o the_o subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v the_o pretend_v as_o they_o please_v to_o style_v it_o episcopacy_n of_o the_o seven_o asian_a angel_n and_o thus_o they_o begin_v their_o assault_n the_o second_o scripture_n ground_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o praelacy_n be_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n these_o angel_n say_v they_o the_o assertor_n of_o prelacy_n be_v seven_o single_a person_n est_fw-la and_o as_o one_o have_v late_o write_v not_o only_o bishop_n but_o metropolitan_o and_o archbishop_n this_o be_v say_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n that_o all_o man_n be_v condemn_v as_o blind_v or_o wilful_a that_o endeavour_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v reckon_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a prodigy_n of_o this_o unhappy_a age_n that_o man_n shall_v still_o continue_v blind_a and_o not_o see_v light_a enough_o in_o this_o scripture_n to_o build_v the_o great_a fabric_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o divine_a right_n upon_o 3._o this_o be_v it_o seem_v the_o first_o crime_n chargeable_a on_o i_o as_o author_n of_o the_o dissertation_n that_o i_o be_o confident_a of_o my_o assertion_n and_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o blind_v or_o wilful_a that_o endeavour_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o although_o this_o be_v no_o competent_a way_n of_o disprove_v what_o be_v assert_v for_o it_o be_v no_o universal_a maxim_n or_o datum_n among_o the_o objecter_n that_o confident_a assert_v shall_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o character_n of_o falsity_n yet_o i_o that_o will_v much_o more_o be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v be_v presumptuous_a than_o mistake_v and_o deem_v it_o not_o a_o sin_n to_o have_v err_v modest_o be_o concern_v to_o avert_v the_o envy_n of_o this_o their_o prooeme_n and_o to_o give_v this_o essay_n how_o far_o any_o the_o most_o moderate_a speech_n may_v be_v disguise_v and_o deform_v by_o a_o disadvantageous_a interpretation_n 4._o these_o word_n in_o tantâ_fw-la luce_fw-fr lie_v thus_o in_o the_o dissertation_n ad_fw-la tertium_fw-la accedo_fw-la i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n that_o by_o they_o be_v note_v so_o many_o prefect_n of_o the_o chief_a city_n or_o church_n in_o asia_n who_o you_o may_v call_v not_o only_a bishop_n but_o primate_fw-la enarch_n or_o metropolitan_n each_o of_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v brief_o take_v notice_n of_o first_o that_o each_o of_o these_o be_v single_a and_o proper_o call_v bishop_n so_o andreas_n caesariensis_n pronounce_v of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o seven_o ephori_fw-la inspector_n or_o bishop_n so_o call_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inspectors_n direct_o equivalent_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d parallel_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n call_v angel_n this_o title_n of_o angel_n be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o malach._n 2._o 7._o to_o belong_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n as_o the_o person_n from_o who_o the_o law_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v to_o the_o people_n further_o more_o these_o angel_n in_o that_o vision_n of_o john_n be_v liken_v to_o so_o many_o star_n which_o see_v christ_n be_v
of_o st._n john_n who_o we_o know_v be_v after_o his_o return_n from_o banishment_n affix_v to_o asia_n and_o seat_v at_o ephesus_n the_o chief_a metropolis_n there_o to_o superintend_v in_o the_o jewish_a part_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n over_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_o there_o 10._o to_o this_o i_o may_v add_v fifthly_o that_o the_o bishop_n in_o every_o city_n be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v large_o deduce_v diss_n 3._o c._n 3._o sect._n 14._o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o can_v not_o true_o be_v if_o the_o apostle_n who_o they_o succeed_v be_v not_o in_o vest_v with_o that_o power_n wherein_o they_o succeed_v they_o i._n e._n be_v not_o first_o bishop_n before_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v of_o this_o have_v no_o need_n of_o more_o evidence_n in_o this_o matter_n 11._o four_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v add_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v proper_o bishop_n this_o be_v to_o degrade_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o make_v their_o office_n ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a this_o be_v but_o a_o shortness_n of_o discourse_n of_o which_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o admonish_v any_o for_o there_o be_v no_o more_o strength_n in_o that_o consequence_n than_o there_o will_v be_v in_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o man_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o live_a creature_n or_o that_o he_o that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n degrade_v he_o from_o be_v a_o man_n for_o as_o to_o that_o of_o ordinary_n and_o perpetual_a it_o be_v no_o way_n inconvenient_a that_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v somewhat_o temporary_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o especial_o they_o be_v call_v apostle_n may_v also_o have_v somewhat_o which_o be_v of_o ordinary_a perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o other_o might_n and_o shall_v succeed_v they_o and_o that_o be_v it_o unquestionable_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n bishop_n when_o we_o ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o to_o christ_n himself_o the_o source_n and_o original_a copy_n of_o that_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 12._o five_o when_o another_o inconvenience_n be_v accumulate_v on_o this_o much_o to_o the_o former_a purpose_n but_o in_o more_o word_n this_o be_v to_o exalt_v the_o bishop_n above_o his_o degree_n and_o make_v he_o a_o apostle_n end_v to_o make_v the_o apostle_n a_o bishop_n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o the_o forementioned_a exception_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o degrade_n the_o apostle_n it_o can_v not_o far_o be_v true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o exalt_v the_o bishop_n above_o his_o degree_n for_o suppose_v one_o to_o be_v above_o the_o other_o the_o degrade_n one_o will_v make_v the_o other_o eguall_a to_o he_o without_o any_o new_a act_n of_o exalt_v he_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v already_o descend_v to_o the_o bishop_n sure_o the_o bishop_n need_v not_o can_v ascend_v to_o the_o apostle_n i_o can_v go_v up_o stair_n to_o he_o who_o have_v prevent_v i_o by_o his_o dignation_n or_o misfortune_n and_o be_v already_o come_v or_o fall_v downeâ—_n to_o i_o second_o therefore_o this_o make_v not_o the_o bishop_n a_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o degree_n high_o than_o he_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o aposle_v it_o be_v nothing_o strange_a in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n for_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n thaddaeus_n luke_n barnabas_n mark_v timothy_n titus_n clemens_n ignatius_n to_o be_v call_v apostle_n as_o be_v evidence_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 3._o dissertation_n but_o only_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n which_o he_o may_v well_o be_v as_o the_o great_a contain_v the_o less_o though_o the_o bishop_n be_v no_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o less_o contain_v not_o the_o great_a 13._o and_o last_o for_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o dr._n whitaker_n i_o have_v no_o direction_n to_o the_o place_n which_o may_v enable_v i_o to_o examine_v it_o and_o i_o know_v circumstance_n of_o the_o context_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o speech_n may_v much_o alter_v it_o from_o what_o it_o signify_v to_o i_o at_o my_o read_n it_o thus_o cite_v but_o if_o it_o be_v distinct_o thus_o and_o incapable_a of_o a_o more_o commodious_a interpretation_n i_o can_v consent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o comprehend_v upon_o what_o ground_n of_o reason_n he_o shall_v so_o severe_o censure_v those_o scripture_n and_o father_n which_o have_v be_v produce_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n and_o particular_o st._n john_n and_o st._n peter_n and_o indeed_o when_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o each_o of_o those_o two_o apostle_n peculiar_o call_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o elder_a or_o as_o they_o render_v it_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v demand_v do_v either_o of_o those_o speak_v proper_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v be_v either_o of_o those_o little_a distant_a from_o madman_n if_o so_o i_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o be_v under_o any_o censure_n in_o their_o company_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o so_o proper_o i_o shall_v be_v content_a with_o they_o to_o have_v speak_v improper_o also_o but_o if_o apostle_n may_v be_v call_v presbyter_n without_o any_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n of_o degradation_n in_o they_o any_o insolence_n in_o the_o presbyter_n or_o madness_n in_o the_o speaker_n my_o only_a remain_v quaere_fw-la be_v why_o they_o may_v not_o without_o all_o this_o ado_n be_v call_v bishop_n also_o meaning_n by_o bishop_n as_o i_o now_o mean_a for_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a in_o those_o three_o place_n and_o they_o who_o differ_v from_o i_o herein_o do_v yet_o understand_v it_o of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o have_v say_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n express_o that_o st._n john_n call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o all_o the_o spice_n of_o madness_n consist_v in_o this_o think_v a_o bishop_n capable_a of_o that_o exaltation_n that_o a_o presbyter_n in_o perfect_a sobriety_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o three_o consideration_n section_n vi._n of_o the_o word_n angel_n and_o star_n pretend_v to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n the_o singularity_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n the_o four_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n which_o be_v the_o title_n give_v to_o those_o suppose_a bishop_n do_v not_o import_v any_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n or_o praeeminence_n but_o be_v a_o common_a name_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o so_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n for_o all_o minister_n be_v god_n messenger_n and_o ambassador_n send_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o the_o name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o minister_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n star_n which_o be_v also_o a_o title_n give_v to_o those_o suppose_a metropolitan_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o faithful_a minister_n be_v call_v star_n in_o scripture_n who_o duty_n be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o title_n that_o argue_v these_o minister_n to_o be_v bishop_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n insomuch_o as_o have_v they_o not_o be_v call_v bishop_n by_o some_o author_n that_o succeed_v they_o who_o speak_v of_o former_a time_n in_o the_o language_n of_o their_o own_o time_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v will_v have_v be_v count_v ridiculous_a 2._o â—o_o this_o consideration_n i_o may_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a reply_n 1._o that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v no_o where_o use_v for_o any_o other_o officer_n or_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n save_v only_o the_o prophet_n such_o as_o haggai_n c._n 1._o 13._o and_o john_n baptist_n mat._n 11._o 10._o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n mal._n 2._o 7._o 3._o second_o that_o as_o to_o the_o word_n messenger_n and_o ambassador_n there_o be_v in_o ordinary_a speech_n some_o considerable_a difference_n between_o they_o the_o latter_a have_v in_o it_o a_o connotation_n of_o dignity_n sustain_v the_o person_n of_o the_o king_n from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v immediate_o which_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o the_o former_a and_o agreeable_o when_o it_o be_v use_v of_o st._n paul_n and_o timothy_n in_o who_o name_n that_o epistle_n be_v write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v ambassador_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o there_o be_v add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
figurative_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o and_o be_v so_o confess_v when_o it_o appear_v useful_a to_o the_o objector_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o person_n wherein_o our_o argument_n be_v found_v our_o argument_n be_v not_o found_v on_o that_o which_o be_v mystical_a for_o certain_o this_o number_n be_v a_o plain_a grammatical_a notation_n of_o a_o singular_a person_n and_o that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o collective_a body_n a_o presbytery_n or_o consistory_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o all_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o adversary_n consist_v whether_o it_o be_v in_o many_o or_o in_o one_o in_o each_o church_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v vest_v and_o that_o be_v sufficient_o decide_v by_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a and_o unfigurative_a in_o this_o text_n and_o can_v be_v imagine_v otherwise_o but_o by_o force_v some_o figure_n on_o it_o by_o which_o one_o angel_n may_v be_v set_v for_o more_o minister_n which_o if_o it_o be_v do_v will_v not_o by_o their_o rule_n be_v argumentative_a 4._o three_o whereas_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o this_o which_o we_o conclude_v from_o hence_o be_v opposite_a to_o many_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v in_o this_o place_n where_o this_o be_v only_o affirm_v but_o not_o attempt_v to_o be_v prove_v but_o to_o profess_v my_o persuasion_n and_o assurance_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o must_v be_v in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n contest_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o practice_n and_o write_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o succeed_a through_o all_o the_o world_n agree_v direct_o with_o what_o i_o conclude_v from_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o when_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n the_o testimony_n be_v express_v to_o be_v those_o which_o make_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o this_o also_o will_v immediate_o vanish_v when_o it_o be_v remember_v what_o be_v large_o deduce_v in_o the_o dissertation_n that_o the_o word_n bishop_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v never_o use_v for_o a_o presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n but_o constant_o for_o the_o one_o single_a governor_n in_o a_o church_n or_o city_n and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o that_o which_o be_v here_o affirm_v presbyter_n must_v be_v take_v in_o a_o notion_n distant_a from_o that_o in_o which_o now_o we_o use_v it_o and_o signify_v as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v already_o be_v say_v to_o do_v the_o singular_a bishop_n in_o each_o church_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a such_o a_o identity_n of_o the_o name_n will_v never_o be_v deem_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o have_v conclude_v from_o the_o angel_n but_o direct_o confirm_v it_o for_o we_o 5._o and_o although_o here_o be_v no_o occasion_n in_o this_o place_n to_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a this_o assertion_n in_o each_o part_n of_o it_o the_o first_o positiuè_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n always_o signify_v the_o singular_a bishop_n the_o second_o suppositiuè_n that_o if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v by_o interpret_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n so_o as_o to_o signify_v a_o bishop_n in_o all_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v already_o do_v at_o large_a in_o dissert_n 4._o cap._n 6._o sect._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o shall_v here_o again_o be_v repeat_v and_o vindicate_v when_o the_o proper_a place_n require_v it_o which_o i_o foresee_v it_o will_v speedy_o do_v 6._o in_o the_o mean_a i_o must_v take_v leave_n to_o express_v my_o present_a sense_n and_o hope_v that_o other_o will_v not_o think_v it_o too_o hasty_a that_o no_o one_o of_o these_o five_o consideration_n nor_o consequent_o all_o of_o they_o together_o have_v at_o all_o praejudge_v our_o conclusion_n now_o in_o hand_n infer_v from_o that_o of_o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o 7._o angel_n of_o the_o 7._o church_n section_n viii_o of_o the_o singularity_n of_o each_o angel_n the_o objection_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o plural_a number_n these_o consideration_n be_v thus_o lay_v as_o their_o foundation_n and_o i_o suppose_v be_v already_o remove_v from_o supersede_v or_o hinder_v our_o superstructure_n the_o next_o part_n of_o their_o method_n be_v have_v mention_v our_o objection_n from_o the_o singularity_n of_o each_o angel_n person_n to_o who_o christ_n message_n or_o epistle_n be_v send_v and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o high_a prelatist_n from_o hence_o that_o these_o angel_n be_v not_o only_a bishop_n but_o archbishop_n to_o apply_v solid_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n 2._o in_o this_o proposal_n of_o our_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o inquire_v who_o this_o high_a prelatist_n be_v the_o former_a intimation_n and_o direction_n have_v persuade_v i_o that_o i_o be_o look_v on_o as_o this_o objector_n though_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o the_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n of_o armagh_n lord_n primate_n of_o ireland_n have_v many_o year_n since_o deduce_v this_o conclusion_n in_o every_o part_n from_o this_o text_n and_o might_n if_o they_o have_v please_v have_v secure_v i_o from_o the_o opinion_n either_o of_o novelty_n or_o singularity_n in_o the_o assertion_n 3._o but_o i_o shall_v most_o willing_o assume_v the_o burden_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o solid_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a answer_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o objection_n which_o though_o they_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v fetch_v out_o of_o smectymnuus_n etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o happen_v well_o that_o we_o shall_v without_o need_n of_o consult_v those_o large_a volume_n find_v they_o here_o with_o more_o ease_n reduce_v to_o two_o head_n one_o that_o the_o word_n angel_n signify_v not_o a_o singular_a person_n the_o second_o that_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o advantage_n the_o episcopal_a cause_n 4._o these_o two_o i_o confess_v if_o either_o of_o they_o be_v solid_o prove_v will_v utter_o drive_v we_o from_o our_o hold_n the_o only_a question_n at_o present_a be_v whether_o in_o either_o part_n the_o proof_n be_v solid_a and_o of_o this_o we_o must_v now_o inquire_v and_o first_o of_o the_o former_a of_o they_o 5._o this_o they_o thus_o propose_v that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o individual_o but_o collective_o for_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o respective_a church_n 6._o but_o before_o their_o proof_n for_o such_o a_o assertion_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o individual_a as_o much_o as_o the_o bishop_n of_o such_o a_o diocese_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v take_v individual_o they_o first_o add_v their_o confession_n that_o this_o answer_n be_v call_v a_o poor_a shift_n a_o vain_a conceit_n etc._n etc._n but_o promise_v such_o reason_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o which_o can_v be_v answer_v 7._o to_o the_o view_n of_o these_o unanswerable_a reason_n therefore_o we_o shall_v now_o hasten_v and_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v because_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o the_o angel_n often_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n rev._n 2._o 21._o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o thyatira_n and_o so_o rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o 13._o by_o which_o say_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o mean_v one_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o ruler_n 8._o to_o this_o first_o reason_n i_o shall_v answer_v by_o separate_v that_o one_o text_n of_o thyatira_n from_o the_o other_o two_o and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o and_o speak_v first_o of_o these_o two_o and_o remind_v they_o 1._o that_o in_o a_o epistle_n unquestionable_o address_v to_o a_o particular_a person_n other_o under_o his_o care_n and_o charge_n may_v be_v and_o be_v occasional_o mention_v so_o in_o that_o to_o titus_n paulâ—s_v own_o son_n i._n e._n under_o the_o particular_a character_n of_o the_o belove_a person_n convert_v by_o he_o in_o the_o conclusion_n we_o find_v these_o word_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o all_o i._n e._n not_o with_o he_o as_o he_o must_v signify_v a_o whole_a presbytery_n but_o all_o the_o sincere_a lover_n of_o christ_n and_o saint_n paul_n they_o that_o love_v we_o in_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n 9_o
follow_a page_n the_o reader_n must_v again_o be_v tell_v that_o what_o they_o have_v do_v most_o unreasonable_o before_o be_v here_o practise_v again_o at_o large_a several_a place_n bring_v out_o of_o the_o former_a corrupt_a edition_n of_o ignatius_n of_o which_o no_o one_o word_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a edition_n out_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a copy_n greek_a and_o latin_a from_o which_o alone_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o produce_v all_o our_o testimony_n for_o episcopacy_n and_o so_o have_v produce_v very_o few_o of_o those_o which_o they_o be_v thus_o please_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o place_n which_o they_o urge_v be_v eight_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o set_v they_o down_o but_o give_v the_o leader_n a_o much_o short_a and_o yet_o as_o satisfactory_a a_o account_n of_o they_o two_o be_v cite_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v in_o any_o part_n to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o edition_n two_o be_v cite_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o magnesian_o and_o the_o first_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o our_o edition_n nor_o the_o second_o any_o far_a than_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o christ_n be_v one_o with_o his_o father_n do_v nothing_o without_o he_o either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n so_o neither_o do_v you_o act_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n nor_o endeavour_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v appear_v reasonable_a to_o you_o which_o be_v private_a or_o of_o your_o own_o devise_v a_o speech_n in_o every_o syllable_n of_o it_o very_o well_o become_v that_o holy_a martyr_n write_v by_o he_o at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o truth_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n deposit_v with_o the_o bishop_n all_o private_a devise_n of_o their_o own_o be_v most_o just_o to_o be_v suspect_v the_o five_o be_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o polycarpe_n and_o be_v in_o our_o copy_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o become_v the_o man_n that_o marry_v and_o the_o woman_n that_o be_v marry_v to_o consummate_v their_o union_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o i_o wonder_v what_o age_n of_o the_o church_n there_o have_v be_v from_o that_o time_n to_o this_o which_o have_v not_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o what_o be_v by_o bishop_n commit_v to_o presbyter_n that_o be_v not_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o elsewhere_o in_o those_o epistle_n appear_v of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n neither_o of_o which_o say_v he_o be_v to_o be_v meddle_v with_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o many_o testimony_n out_o of_o antiquity_n be_v 55._o elsewhere_o produce_v in_o perfect_a conformity_n therewith_o and_o consequent_o if_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n marriage_n have_v always_o be_v consummate_v by_o the_o priest_n or_o presbyter_n then_o can_v this_o speech_n of_o ignatius_n have_v any_o blame_n in_o it_o and_o that_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v through_o all_o age_n there_o be_v little_a matter_n of_o question_n and_o no_o word_n here_o produce_v by_o the_o objector_n to_o the_o contrary_a *_o tertullian_n will_v be_v a_o good_a competent_a tostimonie_n for_o the_o next_o centurie_n ult_n speak_v of_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o christian_a marriage_n quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la conciliat_fw-la &_o confirmat_fw-la oblatio_fw-la &_o obsignat_fw-la benedictio_fw-la angeli_fw-la renuntiant_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o the_o church_n make_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n confirm_v the_o benediction_n of_o the_o priest_n seales_n and_o the_o angel_n pronounce_v valid_a and_o in_o *_o another_o place_n 4._o penes_fw-la nos_fw-la occultae_fw-la coâ—junctiones_fw-la i._n e._n non_fw-la prius_fw-la apud_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la professa_fw-la juxta_fw-la moechiam_fw-la &_o fornicationem_fw-la judicari_fw-la periclitantur_fw-la marriage_n that_o be_v not_o do_v public_o before_o the_o church_n be_v in_o danger_n with_o we_o to_o go_v for_o adultery_n and_o fornication_n the_o same_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o decretal_a epistle_n of_o euaristus_n about_o ignatius_n time_n which_o make_v it_o a_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n of_o soter_n not_o above_o 50._o year_n after_o of_o callistus_n near_o fifty_o year_n after_o he_o of_o silvester_n a_o 100_o year_n after_o he_o of_o siricius_n 70._o year_n after_o silvester_n of_o hormisdas_n 130._o year_n after_o siricius_n and_o though_o some_o of_o these_o be_v by_o d._n blondel_n think_v to_o be_v of_o late_a date_n than_o the_o title_n of_o they_o will_v pretend_v yet_o the_o authority_n of_o most_o of_o they_o be_v unquestioned_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o ancient_a piece_n late_o publish_v by_o sirmund_n concern_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o predestinati_n write_v say_v he_o 1200._o year_n since_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o know_a custom_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n over_o all_o the_o world_n for_o say_v that_o ancient_a author_n if_o marriage_n be_v unlawful_a emendate_fw-it ergo_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la regulâ—m_fw-la damnate_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la sunt_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la nuptiarum_fw-la initia_fw-la benedicentes_fw-la consecrantes_fw-la &_o in_o dei_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la sociante_n amend_v then_o the_o rule_n the_o of_o church_n and_o condemn_v the_o priest_n which_o be_v in_o all_o the_o world_n who_o bless_v the_o beginning_n of_o marriage_n consecrate_v and_o join_v the_o party_n together_o with_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n before_o the_o year_n 400._o have_v these_o word_n sponsus_fw-la &_o sponsa_fw-la cum_fw-la benedicendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la à _fw-la sacerdote_fw-la when_o the_o bridegroom_n and_o the_o bride_n be_v to_o be_v blessed_v by_o the_o priest_n can._n 13._o and_o for_o latter_a age_n the_o matter_n be_v out_o of_o question_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o reasonable_a from_o this_o passage_n in_o ignatius_n be_v find_v so_o perfect_o concordant_a with_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o time_n so_o near_o he_o to_o resolve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v sacerdotal_a benediction_n in_o marriage_n to_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n than_o from_o find_v this_o speech_n in_o one_o of_o ignatius_n epistle_n to_o cast_v away_o the_o whole_a volume_n as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o testimony_n from_o the_o epistle_n to_o polycarpe_n my_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o obey_v the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n there_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o that_o suppose_v as_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n &_o the_o presbyter_n &_o deacon_n live_v regular_o and_o in_o union_n with_o they_o have_v the_o true_a safe_a way_n among_o they_o wherein_o any_o man_n may_v walk_v confident_o all_o danger_n be_v from_o the_o heresy_n that_o creep_v in_o and_o break_v man_n off_o from_o that_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o six_o place_n from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelphian_o of_o the_o prince_n and_o emperor_n obey_v the_o bishop_n be_v certain_o insert_v by_o forgery_n in_o the_o former_a for_o not_o one_o word_n of_o it_o or_o like_v it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o edition_n so_o likewise_o for_o both_o part_n of_o the_o seven_o place_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o smyrnaean_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o our_o edition_n the_o last_o only_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o there_o but_o that_o in_o a_o much_o more_o moderate_a strain_n than_o the_o former_a in_o word_n and_o sense_n very_o agreeable_a to_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o the_o exigency_n of_o those_o time_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o tare_n of_o false_a teacher_n but_o by_o require_v all_o to_o be_v keep_v to_o the_o managery_n of_o the_o true_a husbandman_n and_o according_o i_o have_v cite_v this_o very_a speech_n out_o of_o ignatius_n for_o the_o assert_v of_o prelacy_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o the_o epistle_n may_v pass_v well_o enough_o with_o these_o as_o with_o all_o other_o man_n they_o will_v have_v need_v no_o vindication_n have_v no_o adversary_n the_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o of_o you_o follow_v the_o bishop_n as_o christ_n jesus_n do_v his_o father_n i._n e._n as_o elsewhere_o appear_v by_o the_o like_a expression_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d add_v to_o it_o be_v at_o perfect_a unity_n of_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o bishop_n as_o christ_n be_v with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o reverence_v the_o deacon_n as_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n viz._n mediate_o by_o the_o apostle_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observable_a that_o the_o obiector_n which_o find_v such_o fault_n with_o this_o speech_n of_o ignatius_n in_o
1._o it_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o text_n that_o this_o diâ—trephes_n who_o 24._o walo_n messalinus_n a_o good_a friend_n to_o the_o praetension_n of_o the_o assembler_n describe_v so_o as_o will_v conclude_v he_o a_o meâ—re_o presbyterian_a noluit_fw-la say_v he_o agnoscore_a superiorem_fw-la aliquâ—m_fw-la in_o presbyteros_fw-la habentem_fw-la potestatem_fw-la he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o superior_a have_v power_n over_o presbyter_n contend_v for_o superiority_n not_o only_o over_o his_o equal_n but_o over_o saint_n john_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n that_o apostle_n he_o 〈◊〉_d not_o we_o yield_v no_o obedience_n give_v no_o heed_n to_o our_o letter_n of_o direction_n this_o certain_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o superiority_n or_o dignity_n of_o bishop_n which_o reserve_v the_o primacy_n to_o the_o apostle_n entire_a and_o no_o way_n clash_v with_o it_o and_o only_o pretend_v to_o that_o power_n and_o office_n of_o duty_n which_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o unity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o intrust_v and_o commit_v to_o they_o 5._o second_o diotrophe_n be_v not_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v or_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conjecture_v ordain_v to_o any_o office_n of_o power_n in_o the_o asian_a church_n commit_v to_o that_o apostle_n care_v but_o of_o himself_o without_o any_o mission_n nay_o express_o against_o the_o apostle_n consent_v be_v willing_a to_o assume_v and_o exercise_v this_o power_n and_o be_v but_o a_o example_n of_o corah_n sedition_n and_o presumptuous_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v inevitable_o the_o case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a unless_o he_o can_v show_v his_o commission_n for_o the_o power_n he_o pretend_v to_o all_o one_o with_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n censure_v by_o saint_n jude_n under_o the_o style_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o gainsay_n of_o coraâ—â—_n and_o this_o no_o way_n belong_v or_o be_v appliable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o apostle_n not_o by_o any_o ambition_n or_o presumption_n of_o his_o own_o regular_o ascend_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o office_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n and_o use_v it_o as_o regular_o also_o in_o subordination_n to_o all_o his_o superior_n 6._o on_o this_o occasion_n the_o dissertation_n have_v offer_v a_o dilemma_n to_o these_o disputant_n which_o i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v answer_v by_o they_o in_o this_o form_n either_o diotrephes_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o singular_a praefect_n assume_v power_n over_o the_o presbyter_n or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o be_v this_o consideration_n present_o at_o a_o end_n diotrephes_n be_v false_o accuse_v and_o the_o innocent_a bishop_n unjust_o wound_v through_o his_o side_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v no_o bishop_n but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o do_v than_o i_o demand_v why_o be_v not_o diotrophe_n check_v by_o s._n john_n for_o that_o presumption_n of_o affect_v a_o power_n over_o his_o equal_n and_o why_o do_v the_o whole_a charge_n lie_v another_o way_n that_o he_o receive_v not_o s._n john_n letter_n nor_o pay_v due_a obedience_n to_o they_o or_o why_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n charge_v so_o heavy_o on_o the_o bishop_n in_o our_o age_n and_o punish_v so_o severe_o in_o they_o which_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o see_v and_o upon_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o diotrephes_n his_o insolence_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reprehend_v or_o accuse_v in_o he_o 7._o for_o as_o to_o the_o epithet_n which_o he_o bestow_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o love_v the_o praeeminence_n suppose_v that_o be_v the_o title_n of_o his_o fault_n yet_o that_o extend_v not_o the_o apostle_n speech_n to_o censure_v or_o blame_v the_o use_n of_o that_o power_n but_o only_o the_o ambition_n and_o affectation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v otherwise_o lawful_a to_o be_v enjoy_v as_o when_o it_o be_v note_v in_o the_o pharisee_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d love_n or_o affect_v the_o uppermost_a seat_n in_o the_o synagogue_n which_o otherwise_o simple_o to_o have_v sit_v in_o have_v employ_v no_o crime_n of_o they_o for_o to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o some_o body_n shall_v sit_v in_o they_o they_o be_v certain_o erect_v and_o it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v among_o they_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d head_n of_o the_o consistory_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d governor_n of_o the_o synagogue_n to_o who_o that_o seat_n belong_v by_o god_n appointment_n 8._o nay_o for_o the_o very_a desire_n as_o far_o as_o be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o desire_a and_o covet_v it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v terminate_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o a_o good_a and_o consequent_o a_o desirable_a work_n and_o if_o diotrephes_n be_v suppose_v guilty_a of_o any_o other_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v yield_v to_o have_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o he_o without_o praejudice_n to_o the_o good_a office_n which_o he_o so_o vicious_o and_o criminous_o affect_v according_a to_o that_o of_o 1_o theodoret_n that_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d accuse_v not_o the_o desire_n simple_o but_o the_o desire_n of_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o teach_v to_o desire_v not_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o virtue_n not_o to_o covet_v the_o dignity_n but_o to_o seek_v the_o work_n of_o the_o dignity_n the_o task_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v by_o all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o add_v in_o the_o 13._o dissertation_n it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a advantage_n have_v accrue_v to_o the_o assembler_n from_o their_o mention_n of_o diotrephes_n out_o of_o saint_n john_n and_o by_o consequence_n from_o their_o second_o consideration_n section_n v._n of_o st._n john_n be_v bishop_n of_o asia_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n now_o succeed_v a_o three_o consideration_n viz._n that_o the_o same_o author_n that_o say_v that_o s._n john_n make_v polycarpe_n bish_n of_o smyrna_n &_o that_o s._n peter_n make_v ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n do_v also_o say_v that_o st._n john_n himself_o sit_v many_o year_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o asia_n which_o say_v they_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o we_o that_o these_o author_n do_v not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n in_o a_o prelatical_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v bishop_n for_o though_o they_o do_v eminent_o contain_v the_o episcopal_a office_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o formal_o bishop_n for_o this_o be_v to_o degrade_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o make_v their_o office_n ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a this_o be_v to_o exalt_v the_o bishop_n above_o his_o degree_n and_o make_v he_o a_o apostle_n and_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n a_o bishop_n it_o do_v not_o much_o differ_v from_o madness_n to_o say_v that_o peter_n or_o any_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v proper_o bishop_n as_o learned_a whitaker_n say_v who_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o cite_v to_o this_o purpose_n hereafter_o 2._o whether_o this_o consideration_n be_v likely_a to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n save_v only_o by_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o keep_v he_o long_o in_o expectation_n that_o somewhat_o may_v possible_o be_v produce_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o our_o plea_n i_o desire_v may_v distinct_o be_v consider_v by_o these_o degree_n 3._o first_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o stile_n the_o same_o author_n to_o belong_v true_o to_o ancient_a writer_n produce_v by_o i_o in_o the_o dissertation_n who_o as_o they_o do_v affirm_v st._n john_n to_o have_v constitute_v policarpe_a bishop_n of_o smyrna_n diss_n 4._o c._n 5._o sect._n 5._o and_o st._n peter_n to_o have_v place_v ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n diss_n 5._o c._n 1._o sect._n 18._o so_o they_o consent_v also_o that_o st._n john_n sit_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o asia_n so_o 23._o eusebius_n frequent_o that_o after_o his_o return_n from_o his_o banishment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o administer_v or_o govern_v the_o church_n there_o i.e._n in_o asia_n and_o as_o he_o cite_v it_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 31._o out_o of_o polycrates_n his_o epistle_n die_v there_o so_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n 25â—_n in_o photius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v recall_v by_o nerva_n decree_n he_o sit_v down_o at_o ephesus_n and_o himself_o personal_o with_o seven_o bishop_n his_o adsessor_n those_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o the_o revelation_n