last_o period_n all_o the_o hesitancy_n be_v about_o the_o first_o and_o yet_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a reflection_n the_o matter_n will_v be_v beyond_o dispute_n this_o be_v make_v up_o of_o three_o century_n the_o first_o of_o which_o must_v necessary_o be_v resign_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o delegate_n who_o undoubted_o do_v exercise_v a_o episcopal_a authority_n as_o we_o have_v before_o demonstrate_v s._n john_n the_o last_o of_o they_o who_o live_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o write_v his_o revelation_n about_o the_o ninety_o seven_o year_n describe_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n every_o one_o with_o his_o tutelary_a angel_n to_o superintend_v and_o govern_v all_o as_o well_o teacher_n as_o people_n and_o leave_v they_o in_o trajan's_n time_n under_o this_o imparity_n as_o for_o the_o three_o century_n we_o have_v undoubted_a instance_n of_o a_o like_a inequality_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n etc._n hierom._n in_o apol_n ad_fw-la ruff._n ep._n 79._o pam._n epist_n 38._o ad_fw-la caldon_n etc._n etc._n demetrius_n the_o bishop_n excommunicate_v origen_n a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n cyprian_n pass_v the_o same_o censure_n upon_o felicissimus_n his_o take_v up_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o act_v without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o presbyter_n be_v but_o a_o voluntary_a and_o prudent_a accommodation_n to_o some_o circumstance_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o in_o his_o election_n and_o no_o prejudice_n to_o his_o hierarchicall_a power_n which_o he_o abundant_o assert_n to_o be_v vest_v in_o he_o by_o a_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 22._o eus_n h._n e._n l._n 7._o c._n 22._o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o bishop_n towards_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la in_o suppress_v his_o heresy_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o person_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 35._o eus_n c._n 6._o c._n 35._o novatianus_n a_o presbyter_n his_o procure_v three_o bishop_n to_o consecrate_v he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n upon_o equal_a term_n to_o enter_v the_o list_n with_o cornelius_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v then_o a_o consecration_n distinct_a from_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n dionysius_n confine_v the_o presbyter_n to_o particular_a congregation_n diony_n platin._n in_o vita_fw-la diony_n and_o set_v out_o the_o just_a limit_n of_o their_o parish_n can_v evince_v no_o less_o than_o a_o superiority_n over_o they_o in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o second_o century_n he_o that_o read_v the_o contest_v betwixt_o victor_n and_o the_o asian_a bishop_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o easter_n the_o interposal_n of_o polycrates_n b._n of_o ephesus_n 24._o eus_n h._n l._n 5._o c._n 23_o 24._o and_o irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v a_o composure_n must_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o violence_n to_o his_o own_o understanding_n before_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o order_n of_o man_n very_o well_o know_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o blondell_n himself_o do_v free_o acknowledge_v a_o episcopal_a power_n to_o be_v lodge_v in_o a_o single_a person_n about_o the_o forty_o year_n of_o the_o second_o century_n so_o that_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o suffragans_n do_v retain_v the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n during_o the_o first_o which_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o who_o impartial_o peruse_v the_o record_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o question_n which_o have_v give_v so_o much_o molestation_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n will_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n whether_o the_o church_n for_o the_o space_n of_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o have_v be_v without_o the_o apostolical_a or_o episcopal_a government_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o only_a shall_v we_o grant_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v namely_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o apostolical_a authority_n do_v like_o the_o river_n guadian_n in_o spain_n conceal_v itself_o and_o run_v under_o ground_n for_o this_o little_a time_n this_o will_v no_o more_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v supersede_v than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o the_o regal_a power_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o because_o of_o the_o interregnum_n which_o do_v frequent_o put_v a_o demur_v upon_o the_o succession_n but_o second_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o interregnum_fw-la in_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v catalogue_n extant_a of_o the_o chief_a city_n as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n alexandria_n rome_n wherein_o be_v name_v the_o single_a person_n as_o distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o presbyter_n who_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o power_n of_o inspection_n during_o the_o space_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o great_a city_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o divine_v how_o it_o be_v in_o the_o less_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n include_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n the_o first_o who_o lead_v the_o van_n in_o the_o catalogue_n be_v either_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n as_o s._n peter_n in_o that_o of_o antioch_n s._n mark_v in_o that_o of_o alexandria_n who_o undoubted_o be_v vest_v in_o a_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n those_o who_o conclude_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o have_v the_o same_o power_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v deny_v to_o those_o in_o the_o middle_n no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v produce_v they_o be_v represent_v as_o have_v a_o equal_a share_n in_o the_o succession_n which_o can_v be_v except_o they_o be_v in_o the_o fruition_n of_o the_o same_o power_n a_o succession_n but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v like_o a_o resurrection_n but_o not_o of_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v no_o resurrection_n at_o all_o let_v we_o suppose_v among_o the_o nine_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n one_o of_o they_o the_o first_o year_n to_o be_v vest_v in_o a_o superiority_n over_o his_o colleague_n as_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o evangelist_n be_v over_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o next_o the_o constitution_n to_o be_v metamorphize_v into_o a_o parity_n and_o to_o continue_v for_o forty_o year_n as_o blondell_n conceive_v the_o ecclesiastical_a equality_n do_v and_o then_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o that_o term_n the_o former_a imparity_n to_o be_v introduce_v again_o it_o will_v be_v a_o incongruity_n scarce_o to_o be_v parallel_v to_o represent_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o second_o year_n as_o a_o successor_n to_o he_o of_o the_o first_o he_o enjoy_v nothing_o of_o his_o power_n or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o forty_o first_o to_o he_o of_o the_o forty_o hen_n enjoy_v a_o power_n paramount_n which_o the_o other_o be_v never_o acquaint_v with_o this_o will_v be_v as_o inconvenient_a as_o if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o list_n of_o the_o king_n of_o rome_n and_o after_o tarqvinius_n superbus_n place_n junius_n brutus_n who_o be_v next_o to_o he_o in_o power_n but_o of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n the_o government_n be_v change_v and_o the_o community_n now_o under_o consul_n it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v catalogue_n of_o single_a person_n succeed_v one_o another_o in_o a_o priority_n of_o order_n as_o well_o as_o of_o power_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o present_a case_n here_o be_v list_n before_o we_o and_o all_o in_o they_o represent_v to_o be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o have_v a_o fruition_n of_o the_o same_o immunity_n and_o the_o first_o and_o last_o be_v confess_v to_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o power_n over_o their_o colleague_n from_o whence_o a_o computation_n may_v be_v easy_o make_v what_o we_o may_v conclude_v concern_v the_o rest_n those_o who_o say_v though_o the_o apostle_n stand_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catalogue_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o include_v in_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n which_o account_v all_o in_o the_o list_n to_o be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n a_o successor_n &_o a_o predecessor_n be_v relative_n which_o go_v always_o together_o if_o the_o successor_n be_v in_o the_o roll_n the_o predecessor_n must_v necessary_o be_v so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o disappoint_v the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o argument_n if_o the_o catalogue_n may_v be_v admit_v as_o authentic_a and_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n the_o variation_n in_o they_o be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o a_o reconciliation_n and_o they_o argue_v strong_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o fiction_n of_o a_o private_a invention_n forgery_n use_v
vulgar_a contempt_n by_o the_o munificence_n of_o prince_n do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o of_o a_o different_a species_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n than_o the_o royal_a apparel_n put_v upon_o mordecai_n do_v constitute_v he_o a_o man_n specifical_o distinct_a from_o he_o who_o use_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o gate_n moses_n when_o advance_v in_o pharaoh_n court_n be_v the_o same_o person_n with_o he_o who_o be_v expose_v in_o the_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n a_o child_n when_o dress_v by_o the_o nurse_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v naked_a the_o ornamental_a favour_n of_o king_n and_o queen_n which_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n make_v no_o great_a a_o alteration_n those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v a_o essential_a difference_n by_o assert_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n have_v the_o same_o ordination_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v then_o of_o the_o same_o order_n whereas_o now_o it_o be_v otherwise_o will_v find_v reason_n to_o alter_v their_o thought_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o ordination_n than_o be_v as_o distinct_a as_o it_o be_v now_o if_o they_o please_v to_o take_v these_o few_o step_n the_o name_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o scripture_n be_v ambulatory_a and_o not_o always_o confine_v to_o the_o same_o order_n of_o man_n those_o who_o have_v attempt_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o word_n presbyter_n signify_v always_o a_o bishop_n or_o the_o word_n bishop_n a_o presbyter_n have_v be_v more_o curious_a then_o real_o advantageous_a to_o their_o own_o cause_n the_o characteristical_a name_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n be_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n the_o primary_n governor_n be_v know_v by_o the_o first_o their_o suffragans_fw-la and_o coadjutor_n by_o the_o two_o last_o yet_o so_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v invest_v in_o a_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v what_o a_o primary_n apostle_n may_v they_o be_v likewise_o frequent_o style_v apostle_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o epaphroditus_n be_v style_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o philippian_n c._n 2._o v._n 25._o andronicus_n and_o junias_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16._o v._n 7._o eusebius_n say_v 12._o l._n 1._o ecc._n h._n c._n 12._o that_o beside_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v many_o other_o who_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o this_o reason_n s._n mark_n 21._o vale_n in_o eus_n h._n tom_n 1._o p._n 21._o luke_n philemon_n titus_n and_o timothy_n have_v this_o title_n in_o the_o greek_a menology_n these_o have_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n timothy_n be_v vest_v in_o a_o power_n to_o convent_n a_o elder_a and_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o he_o but_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o a_o elder_a over_o a_o evangelist_n or_o a_o apostle_n this_o power_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a and_o assume_v at_o pleasure_n but_o communicate_v to_o they_o by_o commission_n the_o apostle_n do_v nothing_o in_o a_o tumultuary_a way_n but_o be_v agreeable_a in_o their_o practice_n to_o that_o pattern_n and_o order_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o commission_n be_v give_v at_o their_o ordination_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n in_o the_o synagogue_n whereby_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o government_n and_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o when_o s._n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n how_o to_o govern_v he_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o receive_v at_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n 4.14_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n speak_v which_o plain_o intimate_v that_o his_o gift_n or_o faculty_n to_o superintend_v do_v not_o derive_v its_o original_n from_o any_o commission_n but_o what_o he_o receive_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n now_o if_o their_o power_n be_v distinct_a their_o power_n by_o commission_n their_o commission_n by_o ordination_n the_o rule_n of_o discourse_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o their_o ordination_n be_v distinct_a the_o same_o ordination_n can_v produce_v two_o different_a power_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o first_o ordain_v by_o jesus_n ghrist_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mark_v 3.14_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o government_n and_o sit_v upon_o their_o throne_n be_v ordain_v anew_o joh._n 20._o v._n 21._o mathias_n and_o barnabas_n two_o of_o the_o seventy_o and_o by_o consequence_n set_v apart_o before_o 1.12_o eus_n h._n l._n 1.12_o luke_n 10._o v._o 1._o be_v consecrate_v again_o when_o they_o be_v make_v apostle_n act_n 1._o v._o 22_o 26._o c._n 13._o v._n 3._o stephen_n philip_n prochorus_n nicanor_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o epiphanius_n par_fw-fr adver_n hoer_n l._n 1._o p._n 50._o par_fw-fr be_v of_o the_o same_o number_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v make_v suffragans_fw-la to_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n act_n 6._o v._o 6._o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o timothy_n himself_o be_v twice_o ordain_v the_o first_o time_n about_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o claudius_n by_o the_o apostle_n own_o hand_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v circumcise_v he_o for_o his_o design_n be_v to_o take_v he_o along_o with_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n no_o doubt_n as_o he_o circumcise_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v the_o jew_n so_o he_o ordain_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v god_n in_o break_v his_o law_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n of_o this_o we_o have_v mention_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n the_o second_o time_n about_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o claudius_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o ephesus_n to_o be_v bishop_n there_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o he_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o that_o church_n he_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o gift_n or_o faculty_n which_o he_o receive_v at_o his_o consecration_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o these_o word_n import_v a_o ordination_n distinct_a from_o the_o former_a for_o that_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n alone_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o prophet_n or_o prophet_n accompany_v in_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o other_o bishop_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysostome_n oecumenius_n and_o theophilact_fw-mi expound_v it_o and_o confirm_v their_o gloss_n with_o this_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o prophet_n the_o hellenisticall_a stile_n in_o which_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v no_o stranger_n to_o this_o signification_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d raise_v up_o prophet_n in_o thy_o name_n ecclesiast_fw-la c._n 36._o v._n 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o vulgar_a lat._n render_v successor_n mosis_fw-la in_o prophetis_fw-la 46.1_o as_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v at_o antioch_n ordain_v by_o prophet_n and_o other_o bishop_n 3._o act_n 13._o v._o 1_o 2_o 3._o so_o be_v timothy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n if_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v only_o import_v a_o prediction_n of_o his_o aptitude_n to_o execute_v this_o sacred_a function_n the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v not_o have_v be_v join_v with_o it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 1._o v._n 18._o timothy_n be_v young_a and_o by_o consequence_n want_v the_o circumstance_n of_o age_n to_o commend_v he_o to_o this_o grave_n and_o ponderous_a employment_n the_o prophet_n or_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v his_o fitness_n for_o it_o and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o superintendency_n that_o they_o may_v far_o contribute_v to_o her_o assurance_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o ordainer_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n all_o this_o may_v give_v we_o some_o competent_a assurance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o deduction_n of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o government_n will_v be_v very_o familiar_a and_o easy_a it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v so_o universal_a a_o entertainment_n in_o all_o
prelate_n and_o to_o sink_v they_o into_o the_o same_o order_n with_o presbyter_n but_o at_o the_o bottom_n no_o kindness_n be_v intend_v their_o design_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o b._n of_o rome_n they_o make_v he_o and_o not_o christ_n the_o immediate_a fountain_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o and_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o presbyter_n undoubted_o interest_v in_o it_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o allow_v any_o order_n in_o the_o church_n superior_a to_o they_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o concession_n may_v lessen_v the_o dignity_n of_o that_o mystery_n hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o disease_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text._n and_o now_o i_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o remedy_n namely_o a_o apostolical_a or_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o inspection_n what_o s._n paul_n and_o s._n barnabas_n do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n only_o but_o authority_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o primitive_a age_n which_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_n and_o heal_a distemper_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n retain_v the_o power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n during_o his_o residence_n upon_o the_o earth_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o pet._n 2.25_o so_o their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 1.10_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n within_o a_o certain_a precinct_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o s._n james_n be_v settle_v betimes_o at_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o sacred_a purpose_n s._n paul_n at_o his_o first_o come_n 19_o gal._n 1.18_o 19_o find_v he_o reside_v upon_o his_o episcopal_a charge_n at_o his_o last_n both_o he_o and_o his_o elder_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a assembly_n 21.18_o act_n 21.18_o the_o brethren_n come_v from_o he_o to_o antioch_n as_o their_o bishop_n about_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v 2.12_o gal._n 2.12_o although_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n 15.20_o act_n 15.20_o yet_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o his_o word_n eusebius_n say_v par_fw-fr euseb_n hist_o eccl._n l._n 7._o c._n 19_o p._n 265._o par_fw-fr that_o the_o chair_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o be_v preserve_v unto_o his_o time_n this_o settlement_n be_v make_v immediate_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o a_o pattern_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o imitate_v in_o their_o several_a plantation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v through_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n luke_n 24.27_o so_o likewise_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o convert_a nation_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v isa_n 2.3_o therefore_o s._n paul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v some_o abuse_n at_o corinth_n tacit_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o it_o as_o the_o place_n from_o which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n first_o come_v 1_o cor._n 14.36_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o every_o place_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o fullness_n of_o growth_n and_o be_v ripen_v into_o a_o exactness_n of_o order_n in_o a_o moment_n divine_a providence_n settle_v at_o first_o this_o sensible_a rule_n for_o all_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n to_o operate_v by_o and_o come_v up_o unto_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o place_n will_v permit_v and_o therefore_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o we_o read_v of_o titus_n be_v leave_v in_o crete_n and_o timothy_n at_o ephesus_n their_o not_o reside_v always_o in_o those_o place_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o not_o be_v bishop_n there_o than_o it_o will_v be_v that_o richard_n the_o first_o be_v not_o king_n of_o england_n because_o our_o chronicle_n represent_v he_o sometime_o in_o cyprus_n sometime_o in_o germany_n sometime_o in_o the_o holy_a land_n agreeable_a likewise_o to_o this_o pattern_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n enthrone_v in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o which_o he_o commend_v those_o virtue_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o function_n his_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o firmament_n in_o which_o those_o pleyade_n be_v fix_v they_o can_v as_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o signify_v seven_o church_n the_o church_n be_v style_v candlestick_n the_o angel_n star_n so_o long_o as_o star_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n distinct_a from_o candlestick_n the_o angel_n must_v import_v some_o thing_n different_a from_o the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v seven_o college_n of_o elder_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o denote_v one_o individual_a this_o be_v the_o constant_a import_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n which_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o customary_a signification_n the_o plural_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o v._n 24._o have_v no_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o thyatira_n but_o may_v without_o any_o incongruity_n be_v refer_v to_o those_o who_o be_v mention_v v._n 23._o i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o be_v you_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n shall_v receive_v punishment_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o your_o crime_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n which_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a rule_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o desert_v the_o proper_a import_n of_o any_o word_n and_o fly_v to_o a_o improper_a but_o where_o those_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o conjunction_n put_v a_o necessity_n upon_o we_o neither_o can_v the_o seven_o angel_n be_v seven_o pastor_n of_o so_o many_o particular_a congregation_n for_o all_o which_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o lydian_a asia_n be_v contain_v under_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o congregation_n within_o that_o compass_n in_o ephesus_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n mighty_o grow_v act_v 19.20_o there_o can_v be_v no_o few_o than_o that_o number_n oratory_n and_o place_n of_o convention_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a capacity_n in_o those_o time_n when_o christian_n be_v hinder_v from_o building_n by_o continual_a storm_n of_o persecution_n therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v but_o one_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o divers_a congregation_n the_o best_a record_v next_o unto_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o polycarp_n one_o undoubted_o invest_v in_o a_o power_n of_o this_o latitude_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o compute_v what_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v concern_v the_o rest_n all_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v represent_v without_o any_o disparity_n in_o their_o magnitude_n timothy_n and_o titus_n with_o these_o seven_o must_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o precedent_n or_o chairman_n only_o have_v a_o primacy_n of_o order_n among_o the_o presbyter_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n to_o visit_v and_o govern_v the_o laity_n but_o the_o deacon_n and_o elder_n themselves_o 19_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o &_o 5.22.17_o 19_o these_o they_o do_v examine_v ordain_v provide_v for_o their_o maintenance_n have_v authority_n to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o they_o 5.21_o tit._n 1.11_o &_o 8.10_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o who_o do_v teach_v false_a doctrine_n reject_v the_o heretical_a and_o be_v charge_v in_o their_o several_a consistory_n to_o prejudice_v no_o man_n nor_o to_o be_v bias_v with_o any_o partial_a regard_n 2.20_o rev._n 2.2_o rev._n 2.20_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostle_n of_o thyatira_n reprove_v for_o suffer_v such_o as_o do_v teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o people_n which_o can_v argue_v no_o less_o than_o a_o superiority_n vest_v in_o they_o over_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o those_o church_n if_o the_o power_n have_v not_o be_v in_o these_o person_n alone_o why_o be_v the_o charge_n direct_v to_o they_o commendation_n give_v when_o perform_v reprehension_n when_o neglect_v without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o coordinate_a society_n have_v they_o be_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o chairman_n only_o who_o office_n be_v to_o preserve_v order_n in_o the_o convention_n without_o any_o conclusive_a power_n in_o themselves_o the_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n
to_o be_v too_o harmonious_a and_o uniform_a in_o every_o punctilio_fw-la they_o be_v collect_v by_o a_o skilful_a hand_n euseb_n euseb_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n to_o possess_v himself_o with_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n his_o acknowledgement_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o 4._o l._n 3._o c._n 4._o be_v no_o discredit_n to_o their_o authority_n the_o difficulty_n in_o demonstrate_v some_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o their_o certainty_n the_o infallible_a oracle_n be_v not_o without_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o l._n 3._o c._n 3._o they_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o irenaeus_n time_n that_o he_o assert_n he_o be_v able_a to_o number_v the_o very_a person_n which_o do_v lineal_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o tertullia_n that_o he_o challenge_v the_o heretic_n to_o show_v the_o like_a succession_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o a_o dubious_a authority_n it_o have_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o prudence_n of_o those_o learned_a father_n to_o value_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o undertake_v to_o maintain_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o account_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v to_o all_o who_o peruse_v their_o writing_n it_o may_v be_v add_v as_o no_o prejudice_n to_o their_o reputation_n that_o they_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n jun._n p._n 57_o pat._n jun._n in_o order_n to_o the_o quiet_v those_o tumult_n which_o do_v occasion_v his_o writing_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v understand_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o contention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o name_n or_o dignity_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o perfect_a foresight_n do_v constitute_v bishop_n and_o give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o roll_n or_o catalogue_n of_o some_o approve_a person_n to_o succeed_v and_o execute_v their_o office_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o testimony_n as_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o catalogue_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v begin_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o likewise_o that_o bishop_n in_o clemens_n time_n who_o live_v within_o the_o interval_n under_o debate_n be_v such_o as_o be_v proper_o so_o style_v to_o wit_n person_n vest_v in_o a_o superiority_n over_o elder_n we_o never_o read_v of_o roll_n or_o catalogue_n of_o mere_a presbyter_n as_o lineal_o deduce_v from_o the_o apostle_n consider_v in_o that_o state_n in_o which_o they_o die_v 2._o l._n 3._o c._n 2._o indeed_o irenaeus_n mention_n the_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n 44._o l._n 4._o c._n 44._o but_o he_o who_o will_v give_v himself_o leisure_n to_o ponder_v the_o context_n will_v easy_o discern_v that_o he_o mean_v no_o other_o then_o bishop_n the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o those_o word_n be_v not_o total_o lay_v aside_o in_o his_o time_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o understand_v such_o as_o be_v now_o usual_o know_v by_o that_o name_n no_o prejudice_n will_v redound_v to_o our_o assertion_n the_o apostle_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a capacity_n either_o as_o they_o be_v before_o the_o resurrection_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o preach_v but_o not_o to_o rule_v or_o after_o when_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o their_o episcopal_a power_n if_o presbyter_n be_v represent_v as_o successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n in_o any_o ancient_a record_n the_o apostle_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o first_o capacity_n and_o not_o in_o the_o last_o which_o clemens_n speak_v of_o mag._n epist_n ad_fw-la mag._n this_o be_v full_o express_v by_o ignatius_n who_o assert_n that_o the_o bishop_n succeed_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n the_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o as_o they_o be_v when_o christ_n be_v their_o bishop_n upon_o earth_n and_o they_o as_o presbyter_n subject_a to_o his_o appointment_n as_o their_o proper_a directory_n it_o be_v a_o ungrounded_a presumption_n that_o clemens_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d understand_v nothing_o but_o a_o elder_a 55._o p._n 54_o 55._o because_o when_o he_o mention_n the_o custom_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v to_o set_v apart_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o first_o fruit_n he_o name_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o product_n of_o their_o ordination_n these_o two_o word_n comprehend_v all_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o primitive_a government_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v bishop_n the_o elder_n over_o the_o laity_n the_o apostle_n over_o the_o laity_n and_o elder_n too_o the_o evangelist_n and_o those_o who_o do_v minister_v to_o the_o elder_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o to_o the_o primary_n apostles_n and_o be_v in_o the_o modern_a stile_n call_v suffragan_a bishop_n 8.14_o stat._n 26_o hen._n 8.14_o the_o second_o to_o the_o presbyter_n they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n help_v they_o as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o apostle_n if_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o ignatius_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o case_n a_o sudden_a period_n will_v be_v put_v to_o this_o controverisie_n and_o true_o why_o a_o liberty_n of_o speech_n shall_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o first_o seeing_z they_o say_v nothing_o in_o this_o particular_a but_o what_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o ecumenical_a synod_n and_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o subsequent_a age_n or_o to_o the_o second_o after_o so_o perspicuous_a and_o learned_a a_o vindication_n igna._n vindic._n epist_n s._n igna._n as_o have_v be_v late_o make_v of_o his_o authority_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o s._n jerom_n tit._n in_o epist_n ad_fw-la tit._n who_o blondell_n profess_v to_o follow_v if_o thorough_o consider_v will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o favourable_a aspect_n upon_o his_o opinion_n all_o that_o he_o speak_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o delegate_n during_o their_o abode_n in_o the_o world_n do_v hold_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o hand_n these_o in_o every_o city_n constitute_v elder_n which_o be_v promiscuous_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n to_o rule_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o primary_n apostles_n and_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o their_o hand_n to_o succeed_v they_o begin_v to_o wear_v off_o there_o spring_v up_o a_o schism_n among_o the_o people_n not_o much_o unlike_a unto_o that_o which_o disquiet_v the_o church_n when_o s._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n every_o one_o adhere_v to_o he_o as_o his_o apostle_n or_o primary_n bishop_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v baptize_v unusquisque_fw-la eos_fw-la quos_fw-la baptizaverat_fw-la suos_fw-la esse_fw-la putabat_fw-la the_o controversy_n be_v not_o whether_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n over_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o ordain_v single_a person_n to_o succeed_v they_o be_v so_o evidentiall_a and_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hesitancy_n in_o that_o particular_a but_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o person_n in_o order_n to_o the_o heal_a this_o schism_n toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la decretum_fw-la est_fw-la it_o be_v universal_o decree_v whereas_o before_o presbyter_n do_v communi_fw-la consilio_fw-la in_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o apostle_n govern_v the_o church_n that_o now_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o their_o own_o number_n and_o have_v a_o superintendency_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o delegate_n use_v to_o have_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o do_v design_n the_o person_n thus_o set_v over_o have_v not_o only_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o a_o primacy_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o before_o this_o change_n in_o the_o college_n of_o the_o presbyter_n there_o must_v necessary_o be_v one_o who_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v jus_o primae_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la this_o be_v essential_a to_o all_o regular_a convention_n no_o order_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o it_o therefore_o by_o this_o new_a decree_n something_o be_v confer_v which_o none_o of_o the_o presbyter_n do_v enjoy_v before_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o primatus_fw-la jurisdictionis_fw-la this_o constitution_n be_v make_v long_o before_o the_o forty_o year_n of_o the_o second_o century_n evagrio_n epist_n 85._o evagrio_n s._n i_o call_v it_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n which_o can_v be_v true_a in_o any_o proper_a sense_n except_o it_o begin_v in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n live_v and_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v improper_o
he_o give_v a_o example_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n from_o the_o death_n of_o s._n mark_n which_o be_v in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o nero_n above_o seventy_o year_n before_o blondells_n aera_fw-la if_o blondel_n apology_n have_v be_v permit_v to_o see_v the_o light_n with_o that_o conclusion_n which_o he_o himself_o put_v to_o it_o 339._o durell_n appen_n p_o 339._o we_o shall_v have_v need_v no_o other_o refutation_n of_o his_o opinion_n for_o there_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a constitution_n which_o he_o can_v not_o with_o reason_n have_v assert_v except_o he_o have_v believe_v that_o its_o epocha_n be_v high_a and_o more_o early_a than_o the_o forty_o year_n of_o the_o second_o century_n in_o order_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o prelacy_n it_o be_v usual_o allege_v that_o the_o gothick_n church_n be_v govern_v without_o it_o for_o seventy_o year_n till_o ulphilas_n time_n the_o scottish_a by_o the_o culdei_n who_o be_v presbyter_n only_o till_o palladius_n that_o the_o transmarine_a church_n which_o be_v reform_v according_a to_o the_o primitive_a standard_n be_v now_o without_o it_o and_o last_o that_o the_o hierarchy_n among_o we_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o primitive_a episcopacy_n for_o the_o first_o the_o best_a authority_n we_o have_v be_v philostorgius_n vale_n exit_fw-la lib._n 2._o parag_n 5._o p._n 470._o vale_n who_o word_n when_o sum_v up_o will_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o goth_n make_v a_o inroad_n upon_o some_o place_n in_o europe_n and_o asia_n where_o christianity_n be_v plant_v and_o take_v many_o captive_n among_o which_o be_v some_o o_o the_o clergy_n these_o be_v mingle_v in_o their_o converse_n with_o that_o barbarous_a people_n be_v instrumental_a to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o govern_v they_o till_o ulphila_n time_n their_o first_o bishop_n in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o real_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o position_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o these_o presbyter_n do_v all_o this_o while_n any_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o a_o bishop_n when_o any_o of_o they_o die_v new_a one_o may_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o neighbour_n prelate_n however_o the_o matter_n go_v of_o which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o very_a defective_a account_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o record_n the_o deportment_n of_o a_o few_o captive_n in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n can_v be_v of_o no_o such_o authority_n as_o to_o prejudice_v the_o universality_n of_o ecclesiastical_a practice_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o universal_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n because_o during_o their_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n they_o be_v force_v to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o they_o as_o not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o exile_n as_o for_o the_o scottish_a church_n those_o which_o report_v the_o matter_n speak_v nothing_o which_o may_v be_v a_o disservice_n to_o our_o assertion_n the_o sum_n be_v that_o many_o of_o the_o britain_n who_o embrace_v christianity_n fear_v the_o cruelty_n of_o dioclesian_n flee_v into_o scotland_n where_o by_o their_o solitary_a and_o pious_a life_n they_o do_v commend_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o nation_n that_o they_o be_v usual_o call_v culdci_n that_o be_v cultores_fw-la dei_fw-la worshipper_n of_o god_n 640._o primor_n brit._n ecc._n p._n 638._o p._n 640._o these_o choose_v a_o person_n out_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o divine_a concernment_n here_o be_v plain_o a_o bishop_n elect_v only_o by_o his_o clergy_n who_o notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o record_n may_v receive_v his_o consecration_n by_o some_o due_o qualify_v in_o our_o nation_n where_o hierarchy_n be_v undoubted_o settle_v before_o this_o period_n if_o any_o formality_n be_v want_v in_o he_o the_o defect_n be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o their_o will_n but_o necessity_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o ready_a entertainment_n palladius_n find_v among_o they_o who_o want_v no_o formality_n which_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n can_v confer_v upon_o he_o as_o for_o the_o transmarine_a church_n which_o be_v of_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o without_o episcopacy_n as_o in_o denmark_n norwey_n sueden_n germany_n those_o which_o be_v allege_v necessity_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o first_o constitution_n the_o reformation_n be_v begin_v among_o they_o not_o by_o bishop_n but_o the_o laity_n and_o inferior_a clergy_n only_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v if_o they_o have_v set_v up_o bishop_n against_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n the_o result_n will_v have_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o sanguinary_a contest_v which_o have_v no_o propitious_a aspect_n upon_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o duty_n of_o avoid_v these_o mischief_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a precept_n the_o form_n of_o government_n upon_o a_o positive_a they_o do_v presume_v it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n that_o the_o positive_a injunction_n shall_v oblige_v they_o in_o those_o circumstance_n but_o rather_o yield_v and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o superior_a command_n this_o necessity_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o constitution_n they_o have_v pathetical_o desire_v the_o removal_n of_o and_o that_o their_o condition_n may_v become_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o imparity_n when_o one_o of_o the_o prelate_n of_o our_o church_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v represent_v episcopacy_n as_o a_o fit_a expedient_a for_o the_o suppression_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n the_o answer_n of_o the_o precedent_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n be_v very_o well_o know_v 118._o dur._n 118._o domine_fw-la non_fw-la sumus_fw-la adeò_fw-la foelices_fw-la last_o where_o the_o first_o reason_n have_v fail_v and_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o reform_a religion_n there_o they_o have_v put_v their_o desire_n into_o execution_n and_o express_v a_o readiness_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o regiment_n 120._o dur._n p_o 120._o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o province_n of_o campagne_n towards_o the_o bishop_n of_o troy_n when_o he_o renounce_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o profess_v a_o adherence_n to_o the_o reform_a religion_n those_o who_o affirm_v the_o present_a hierarchy_n not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o primitive_a episcopacy_n must_v make_v the_o difference_n either_o rational_a modall_a or_o essential_a a_o difference_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o imagination_n be_v not_o material_a in_o the_o present_a debate_n a_o modall_n consider_v the_o various_a condition_n of_o time_n the_o church_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v under_o affliction_n now_o in_o prosperity_n then_o under_o heathen_a prince_n now_o under_o christian_a then_o separate_v from_o the_o civil_a community_n now_o incorporate_v into_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o our_o assertion_n some_o variation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o quality_n of_o instrument_n do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o government_n as_o the_o civil_a regiment_n be_v not_o change_v when_o a_o prince_n make_v a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n his_o chancellor_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a when_o a_o bishop_n constitute_v a_o civil_a in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o have_v she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v person_n of_o the_o same_o moment_n design_v to_o expedite_a matter_n which_o may_v be_v too_o great_a a_o avocation_n from_o religious_a worship_n to_o which_o the_o clergy_n be_v principal_o devote_v she_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o any_o diversity_n from_o the_o primitive_a government_n but_o continue_v with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o confidence_n to_o style_v her_o bishop_n the_o apostle_n successor_n these_o civil_a help_n do_v make_v they_o no_o more_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v before_o than_o a_o staff_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o man_n make_v he_o distinct_a from_o himself_o when_o he_o have_v none_o in_o it_o as_o for_o a_o essential_a difference_n those_o who_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v any_o primitive_a episcopacy_n be_v nothing_o but_o theregiment_n of_o church_n within_o a_o certain_a precinct_n commit_v to_o one_o single_a person_n with_o a_o sufficient_a authority_n as_o well_o over_o the_o clergy_n as_o laity_n jurisdiction_n in_o a_o apostle_n be_v authoritative_a in_o the_o elder_n concomitant_a and_o subordinate_a prelacy_n now_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n those_o accession_n with_o which_o it_o be_v beautify_v and_o raise_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o
place_n where_o there_o be_v no_o ecumenical_a council_n to_o command_v it_o no_o secular_a power_n to_o enforce_v it_o no_o want_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n to_o control_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v commend_v to_o their_o reception_n and_o make_v currant_n by_o a_o divine_a signature_n no_o arbitrary_a contrivance_n check_v with_o difficulty_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o external_a advantage_n to_o promote_v the_o propagation_n of_o it_o even_o find_v so_o sudden_a uniform_a and_o general_a a_o establishment_n have_v it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o immunity_n of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v it_o matter_n not_o latent_fw-la but_o apart_a and_o manifest_a no_o doubt_n some_o will_v have_v be_v so_o just_a to_o themselves_o as_o to_o have_v stand_v up_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o so_o zealous_a as_o to_o have_v encounter_v it_o with_o a_o direct_a opposition_n yet_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n till_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o in_o aerius_n time_n and_o then_o all_o the_o recompense_n which_o he_o receive_v be_v the_o infamy_n of_o heresy_n heresy_n be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n and_o the_o foundation_n be_v inclusive_a of_o that_o which_o relate_v to_o practice_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n in_o religious_a government_n as_o well_o as_o civil_a there_o be_v something_o which_o be_v fundamental_a he_o advance_v a_o opinion_n diametrical_o opposite_a to_o what_o be_v then_o repute_v the_o basis_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n do_v take_v a_o compendious_a course_n to_o expose_v himself_o to_o this_o imputation_n his_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o charge_n that_o be_v if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o speak_v proper_o schism_n and_o not_o heresy_n nor_o his_o arianism_n s._n austin_n and_o epiphanius_n assign_v he_o in_o their_o catalogue_n a_o place_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v appropriate_v to_o arius_n and_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o find_v a_o more_o authentic_a testimony_n for_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o heresy_n than_o those_o two_o have_v give_v for_o the_o diversity_n have_v the_o episcopal_a constitution_n be_v in_o any_o respect_n a_o defection_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v give_v countenance_n to_o it_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o act_n peculiar_a to_o a_o prelate_n as_o have_v be_v already_o declare_v if_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o design_v for_o imitation_n how_o come_v the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n not_o to_o understand_v so_o much_o but_o fall_v so_o roundly_o to_o a_o conformity_n and_o without_o the_o least_o hesitancy_n style_v their_o bishop_n the_o apostle_n successor_n as_o most_o evident_o appear_v by_o irenaeus_n and_o tertullian_n 32._o adu._n har._n l._n 3._o c._n 3._o de_fw-la praes_fw-la c._n 32._o though_o a_o desire_n to_o prove_v a_o succession_n in_o apostolical_a doctrine_n give_v occasion_n for_o what_o they_o assert_v in_o this_o particular_a yet_o upon_o this_o occasion_n they_o plain_o own_o a_o succession_n in_o power_n and_o authority_n irenaeus_n prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o conceal_v any_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o they_o because_o they_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v their_o successor_n suum_fw-la ipsorum_fw-la locum_fw-la magisterii_fw-la tradentes_fw-la deliver_v to_o they_o the_o same_o power_n &_o authority_n they_o themselves_o have_v it_o will_v hardly_o gain_v belief_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o consequence_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o who_o make_v it_o their_o election_n to_o endure_v the_o great_a torment_n rather_o than_o to_o violate_v the_o least_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n shall_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n erect_v a_o government_n contrary_n to_o his_o institution_n that_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v for_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o live_v under_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v the_o israelite_n in_o a_o short_a time_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o moses_n and_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n make_v a_o notorious_a revolt_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o these_o pious_a and_o holy_a man_n do_v the_o same_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o the_o israelite_n do_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o defection_n because_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n and_o encounter_v with_o opposition_n from_o the_o best_a of_o man_n then_o live_v but_o this_o which_o some_o think_v fit_a to_o style_v a_o defection_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v exact_o conformable_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o be_v submit_v to_o by_o those_o heroic_a spirit_n who_o by_o martyrdom_n give_v the_o world_n a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n if_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n must_v be_v total_o set_v aside_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o consideration_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conduct_v of_o we_o into_o a_o understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n one_o pillar_n of_o our_o belief_n will_v be_v very_o much_o shake_v i_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o particular_a book_n of_o holy_a writ_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o be_v without_o controversy_n in_o no_o mean_a degree_n indebt_v to_o it_o no_o small_a diminution_n will_v be_v make_v in_o our_o assurance_n that_o clemens_n epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o that_o s_n paul_n be_v that_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la be_v apocryphal_a and_o ecclesiaste_v not_o if_o custom_n be_v of_o no_o signification_n it_o be_v strange_a that_o s._n paul_n shall_v appeal_v to_o it_o as_o no_o unfit_a arbitrator_n to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o those_o contention_n which_o do_v molest_v the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o indeed_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o whatsoever_o consequence_n it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o case_n yet_o in_o this_o before_o we_o it_o can_v be_v safe_a to_o deduce_v the_o divine_a will_n from_o it_o because_o those_o who_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v thereunto_o by_o any_o divine_a precept_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a by_o enlarge_n the_o church_n power_n as_o the_o church_n do_v enlarge_v by_o conform_v ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o civil_a by_o manage_v spiritual_a concern_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o synod_n by_o acknowledge_v a_o subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n they_o do_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v act_v not_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o supernal_a command_n but_o by_o some_o occasional_a and_o prudentiall_a consideration_n to_o all_o which_o i_o reply_v in_o order_n 1._o the_o regiment_n we_o contend_v for_o be_v universal_a acknowledge_v to_o have_v its_o basis_n in_o a_o divine_a right_n as_o most_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o twenty_o nine_o canon_n of_o the_o four_o general_a council_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o depress_v a_o bishop_n down_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v sacrilege_n it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o explain_v how_o the_o synod_n can_v pronounce_v this_o to_o be_v sacrilegious_a except_o there_o be_v a_o general_a belief_n that_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v make_v by_o a_o sacred_a institution_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o question_n in_o s._n frob._n quae._n vet_z &_o nou._n test_n q._n 97._o tom_n 4._o p._n 775._o frob._n austin_n affirm_v nemo_fw-la ignorat_fw-la etc._n etc._n no_o man_n be_v so_o ignorant_a but_o he_o know_v that_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v bishop_n over_o church_n for_o before_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n he_o put_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n s._n 27._o epist_n 27._o cyprian_n word_n be_v of_o the_o same_o importance_n lege_fw-la divina_fw-la fundatum_fw-la etc._n etc._n it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o divine_a law_n that_o every_o act_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n apostolos_n id_fw-la est_fw-la 65._o epist_n 65._o episcopos_fw-la &_o praepositos_fw-la dominus_fw-la elegit_fw-la our_o lord_n have_v choose_v apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_z church-governors_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o prelate_n in_o after-age_n be_v sometime_o style_v apostle_n as_o epiphanius_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o acacius_n and_o paulus_n and_o athanasius_n in_o the_o coptick_n calendar_n 15._o tom._n 1._o petau._n seld._n the_o synod_n l._n 3._o c._n 15._o this_o name_n be_v use_v with_o a_o design_n to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o primitive_a institution_n 2._o the_o enlarge_a church-power_n as_o the_o church_n do_v increase_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o