through_o all_o the_o church_n these_o be_v the_o ardent_a prayer_n that_o be_v make_v for_o you_o all_o by_o gentleman_n and_o honour_a brethren_n your_o most_o humble_a servant_n and_o brother_n in_o christ_n jesus_n m._n la_fw-fr rocque_n roven_n 24o._o june_n 1678._o the_o author_n preface_n what_o law_n be_v in_o a_o state_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v canon_n in_o the_o church_n all_o society_n of_o man_n as_o well_o civil_a as_o sacred_a have_v always_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o whereof_o it_o be_v compose_v and_o under_o their_o direction_n to_o attain_v the_o design_a end_n which_o be_v pleasure_n of_o life_n with_o the_o repose_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n man_z aught_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_v be_v incline_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o in_o the_o main_a prospect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o delight_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n beside_o that_o in_o so_o do_v depend_v the_o happiness_n all_o man_n seek_v after_o but_o which_o few_o do_v find_v because_o they_o seek_v amiss_o nevertheless_o according_a to_o the_o manner_n we_o be_v make_v it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v be_v excite_v by_o other_o motive_n and_o be_v set_v a_o work_n by_o other_o principle_n these_o motive_n be_v fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_v of_o reward_n the_o two_o great_a spring_n that_o give_v motion_n if_o it_o may_v be_v so_o say_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o which_o do_v powerful_o engage_v man_n to_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a legislator_n have_v also_o employ_v it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n and_o god_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o adam_n promise_v he_o life_n and_o immortality_n if_o he_o continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a threaten_v he_o with_o death_n if_o he_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o neglect_v the_o keep_n his_o command_n and_o violate_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o law_n in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v die_v the_o death_n man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n to_o give_v he_o law_n to_o serve_v as_o a_o rule_n and_o direction_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n therefore_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o create_v he_o but_o he_o imprint_v in_o his_o heart_n those_o instruction_n which_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o exercise_n whereof_o be_v to_o constitute_v his_o joy_n and_o felicity_n so_o that_o have_v he_o always_o persevere_v in_o his_o innocence_n he_o will_v not_o have_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o judge_n nor_o of_o their_o tribunal_n his_o conscience_n will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o its_o counsel_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v safe_a its_o decision_n just_a and_o right_a and_o all_o its_o ordinance_n will_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o important_a maxim_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o the_o very_a spring_n of_o nature_n itself_o not_o to_o do_v to_o other_o but_o what_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o but_o sin_n have_v interrupt_v this_o oeconomy_n and_o darken_v the_o light_n which_o attend_v it_o all_o these_o direction_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o these_o instruction_n of_o no_o value_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v certain_a god_n preserve_v in_o man_n after_o his_o fall_n or_o at_o least_o he_o stir_v up_o in_o he_o anew_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o providence_n some_o little_a remain_v of_o that_o clear_a and_o pure_a light_n wherewith_o the_o understanding_n have_v be_v illuminate_v when_o it_o be_v immediate_o make_v by_o his_o hand_n and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o man_n have_v the_o common_a and_o general_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o he_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reward_v the_o good_a that_o to_o honour_v he_o be_v a_o law_n that_o be_v allow_v among_o all_o man_n and_o that_o he_o must_v not_o only_o be_v think_v to_o be_v immortal_a and_o bless_a but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o mankind_n of_o who_o preservation_n he_o take_v particular_a care_n in_o daily_o do_v they_o good_a it_o be_v thereby_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o maltha_n conclude_v st._n paul_n be_v a_o murderer_n 28.3_o act._n 28.3_o they_o say_v when_o they_o see_v a_o viper_n on_o his_o hand_n divine_a vengeance_n follow_v he_o and_o will_v suffer_v he_o to_o live_v no_o long_o it_o be_v also_o from_o this_o principle_n proceed_v the_o knowledge_n the_o apostle_n attribute_v to_o the_o gentile_n when_o he_o say_v for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n 15._o rom._n 2.14_o 15._o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o but_o at_o length_n sin_n have_v almost_o extinguish_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o make_v all_o its_o instruction_n unprofitable_a god_n be_v oblige_v to_o renew_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o publish_v his_o law_n which_o in_o substance_n contain_v the_o same_o precept_n as_o those_o do_v which_o god_n have_v write_v at_o first_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o see_v the_o great_a corruption_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o need_n there_o be_v to_o multiply_v law_n to_o restrain_v its_o impetuosity_n and_o violence_n and_o so_o hinder_v its_o spread_a and_o excess_n god_n who_o know_v very_o well_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o stiff_a neck_n and_o uncircumcised_a heart_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v a_o people_n incline_v to_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n god_n i_o say_v not_o content_a to_o divulge_v the_o moral_a law_n he_o thereunto_o join_v the_o ceremonial_a and_o political_a law_n to_o the_o end_n the_o israelite_n shall_v the_o easy_o be_v retain_v in_o their_o duty_n under_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o this_o severe_a discipline_n thence_o it_o follow_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n that_o the_o more_o sanctification_n be_v advance_v the_o less_o need_n there_o be_v of_o law_n which_o make_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o just_a but_o for_o the_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a the_o first_o christian_n have_v but_o very_o few_o decision_n and_o decree_n in_o their_o discipline_n because_o be_v full_a of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o that_o labour_v with_o unspeakable_a diligence_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o sanctification_n they_o dispose_v themselves_o voluntary_o according_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o intention_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o conscionable_o practise_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o with_o ease_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o divine_a motion_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n which_o god_n have_v so_o plentiful_o and_o in_o great_a measure_n pour_v forth_o on_o his_o church_n in_o the_o first_o establish_v of_o christian_a religion_n for_o as_o to_o the_o canon_n attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o constitution_n which_o also_o go_v in_o their_o name_n they_o be_v thing_n forge_v in_o the_o follow_a age_n and_o after_o this_o new_a people_n have_v begin_v to_o degenerate_v from_o the_o first_o heat_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o that_o they_o have_v give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o innocence_n of_o their_o life_n and_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o as_o corruption_n insensible_o get_v ground_n so_o also_o be_v see_v to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o canon_n and_o ordinance_n for_o it_o common_o happen_v that_o ill_a action_n do_v multiply_v good_a law_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o many_o scandal_n that_o licentiousness_n do_v introduce_v where_o it_o predominate_v and_o where_o sin_n be_v not_o repress_v and_o punish_v something_o of_o this_o kind_n happen_v in_o our_o reformation_n which_o have_v a_o great_a resemblance_n with_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v that_o by_o a_o particular_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o reformer_n be_v so_o holy_a in_o their_o life_n so_o pure_a in_o their_o conversation_n so_o wise_a in_o their_o conduct_n so_o modest_a in_o their_o word_n and_o so_o humble_a
there_o be_v need_n of_o establish_v this_o sort_n of_o government_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o of_o which_o the_o holy_a penman_n have_v not_o mention_v the_o time_n of_o its_o settlement_n because_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v no_o particular_a occasion_n of_o do_v it_o as_o st._n luke_n have_v of_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o deacon_n which_o probable_o may_v also_o have_v be_v unknown_a to_o we_o if_o the_o murmur_a of_o the_o greek_n against_o the_o jew_n because_o their_o widow_n be_v neglect_v at_o the_o ordinary_a service_n have_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o transmit_v it_o in_o writing_n however_o it_o be_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v imagine_v i_o only_o insist_v on_o mere_a conjecture_n and_o conjecture_n utter_o destitute_a of_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o formal_a testimony_n of_o hillary_n deacon_n of_o rome_n a_o writer_n of_o the_o four_o century_n who_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n 582._o in_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 1_o 2._o apud_fw-la ambrose_n tom._n 3._o p._n 582._o the_o synogogue_n and_o the_o church_n afterward_o have_v elder_n without_o who_o advice_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o i_o can_v tell_v by_o what_o negligence_n the_o same_o have_v be_v abolish_v if_o it_o be_v not_o probable_o by_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o doctor_n or_o rather_o through_o their_o pride_n to_o make_v it_o be_v believe_v they_o be_v somebody_o it_o appear_v plain_o by_o these_o word_n of_o the_o deacon_n hillary_n that_o the_o church_n have_v her_o elder_n as_o well_o as_o the_o synogogue_n and_o that_o very_o early_o she_o begin_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o write_v his_o commentary_n on_o st._n paul_n epistle_n for_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o abolish_n this_o holy_a custom_n which_o in_o all_o likelihood_n hold_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o in_o the_o very_a place_n itself_o where_o it_o be_v extinct_a by_o the_o negligence_n and_o malice_n of_o vain_a and_o ambitious_a man_n which_o do_v justify_v as_o i_o take_v it_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o its_o antiquity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o first_o establish_v of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o at_o least_o by_o their_o immediate_a successor_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o find_v the_o footstep_n in_o the_o monument_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o immediate_o follow_v the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n nevertheless_o who_o know_v but_o claudius_n ephebius_n valerius_n biton_n and_o fortunatus_n which_o st._n clement_n disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o the_o excellent_a letter_n which_o he_o write_v to_o appease_v the_o trouble_n wherewith_o it_o be_v agitate_a who_o i_o say_v can_v tell_v but_o they_o be_v of_o those_o elder_n who_o original_a institution_n we_o seek_v for_o for_o he_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o think_v they_o be_v either_o pastor_n or_o deacon_n moreover_o in_o the_o three_o century_n firmillian_a bishop_n of_o caesaria_n in_o cappadocia_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a prelate_n of_o his_o time_n make_v mention_n of_o elder_n which_o he_o join_v with_o pastor_n for_o the_o treat_v of_o affair_n which_o concern_v the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1631._o seniores_fw-la &_o praepositi_fw-la apud_fw-la cypri_n pag._n 144._o optat._n l._n 1._o p._n 41._o par._n 1631._o we_o meet_v together_o say_v he_o every_o year_n elder_n and_o minister_n to_o settle_v and_o order_v matter_n commit_v to_o our_o care_n and_o with_o common_a consent_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o weighty_a and_o most_o important_a affair_n about_o fifty_o year_n after_o mensurius_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n have_v receive_v order_n to_o follow_v the_o emperor_n court_n he_o commit_v to_o the_o trust_n of_o certain_a elder_n say_v optatus_n of_o milvetan_n several_a ornament_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o church_n but_o afterward_o he_o make_v a_o note_n of_o they_o which_o he_o give_v to_o a_o old_a woman_n with_o order_n to_o give_v it_o to_o his_o successor_n if_o it_o happen_v that_o he_o die_v in_o his_o journey_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o he_o do_v so_o that_o cecilian_a have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o place_n of_o mensurius_n the_o woman_n fail_v not_o to_o give_v he_o the_o note_v she_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o which_o he_o call_v for_o those_o elder_n to_o who_o mensurius_n have_v commit_v this_o trust_n in_o the_o belief_n he_o have_v that_o they_o be_v good_a honest_a man_n but_o these_o perfidious_a person_n willing_a to_o satisfy_v their_o own_o covetous_a desire_n convert_v the_o gold_n and_o silver_n to_o their_o own_o private_a use_n cecillian_n be_v frustrate_v of_o his_o expectation_n and_o as_o he_o be_v go_v about_o to_o compel_v they_o they_o rend_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o people_n and_o begin_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n which_o prove_v so_o destructive_a to_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n and_o what_o invincible_o prove_v they_o be_v lay-elders_a like_o we_o be_v that_o optatus_n express_o distinguish_v they_o from_o botrus_fw-la and_o celesius_n which_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n and_o who_o not_o attain_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o bishop_n to_o which_o their_o ambition_n make_v they_o aspire_v they_o herd_v with_o these_o corrupt_a elder_n together_o with_o lucilla_n a_o factious_a and_o powerful_a woman_n who_o of_o a_o long_a time_n endeavour_v the_o ruin_n of_o cecilian_a see_v here_o already_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o examine_v nevertheless_o because_o many_o do_v imagine_v that_o our_o practice_n in_o regard_n of_o elder_n be_v new_a and_o unknown_a to_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o insist_v a_o little_a long_o on_o this_o subject_n and_o to_o allege_v far_a proof_n the_o better_a to_o establish_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o practice_n which_o we_o defend_v i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o act_n of_o justification_n of_o cecilian_a and_o of_o foelix_n of_o aptonge_n his_o ordainer_n which_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr laubespine_n bishop_n of_o orleans_n his_o note_n on_o optatus_n bishop_n of_o mileva_n in_o numidia_n in_o these_o act_n which_o be_v ancient_a than_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o direct_o regard_v our_o subject_n as_o what_o be_v say_v on_o occasion_n of_o money_n give_v by_o lucilla_n a_o woman_n of_o quality_n to_o have_v make_v majorinus_n bishop_n 268._o pag._n 268._o that_o all_o the_o bishop_n the_o priest_n the_o deacon_n and_o the_o elder_n have_v knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o some_o line_n after_o a_o bishop_n call_v purpurius_n write_v to_o silvanus_n bishop_n of_o cirthe_n who_o be_v accuse_v of_o several_a thing_n to_o employ_v those_o of_o his_o clergy_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o dissension_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a page_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o letter_n write_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o six_o page_n after_o one_o maximus_n say_v inst_z pag._n 276._o inst_z i_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o christian_a people_n of_o the_o catholic_n law_n st._n 250._o tom._n 7._o pag._n 191._o c._n 56._o tom._n 2._o p._n 250._o austin_n in_o his_o three_o book_n against_o cresconius_n speak_v of_o a_o strange_a priest_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o country_n of_o mâ—slitan_n the_o title_n of_o his_o 137th_o letter_n be_v conceive_v in_o these_o term_n to_o my_o belove_a brethren_n the_o clergy_n thâ—_n elder_n and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o bonne_fw-fr extr._n tom_n 8._o in_o psal_n 36._o conc._n 2._o p._n 119._o extr._n or_o hippone_v who_o i_o serve_v in_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v in_o this_o same_o father_n sermon_n on_o the_o psalm_n a_o synodal_n letter_n of_o the_o cabarsussitan_a council_n which_o speak_v of_o primian_n the_o donatist_n say_v he_o be_v give_v to_o be_v bishop_n to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n according_a to_o the_o request_n make_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n by_o letter_n and_o in_o the_o next_o page_n there_o be_v again_o mention_v make_v of_o letter_n and_o deputy_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nineteenth_o sermon_n on_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o three_o in_o the_o appendix_n of_o the_o 10_o tom_n he_o make_v appear_v wherein_o consist_v one_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o employment_n the_o 100th_o canon_n of_o the_o african_a code_n attribute_v
at_o least_o it_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o synod_n of_o turin_n assemble_v anno_fw-la dom._n 397_o at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o france_n beside_o that_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o master_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v dispose_v they_o as_o they_o please_v chap._n ix_o of_o national_a synod_n article_n i._n national_a synod_n shall_v be_v call_v once_o a_o year_n if_o possible_a may_v be_v and_o this_o rule_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o the_o convocation_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o national_a synod_n a_o provinte_n shall_v be_v choose_v which_o shall_v have_v the_o charge_n to_o assign_v to_o the_o other_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o next_o synod_n conformity_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 397_o 710._o tom._n 1._o conc._n p._n 710._o ordain_v in_o the_o hundreth_o cannon_n that_o the_o general_n council_n of_o africa_n be_v assemble_v once_o a_o year_n to_o which_o all_o the_o province_n that_o have_v primate_fw-la be_v to_o send_v their_o deputy_n to_o the_o end_n nothing_o shall_v be_v want_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n the_o seven_o cannon_n also_o make_v mention_n of_o such_o a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v assemble_v once_o a_o year_n and_o the_o eighteen_o of_o the_o african_a code_n contain_v in_o substance_n the_o same_o decree_n and_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o universal_a council_n which_o be_v hold_v every_o year_n 56._o tom._n 4._o conc._n p._n 493._o &_o 56._o the_o three_o council_n of_o toledo_n which_o be_v think_v be_v hold_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 589_o be_v compose_v of_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o spain_n and_o of_o gallicia_n that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o national_a synod_n and_o as_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o these_o sort_n of_o assembly_n which_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o eighteen_o cannon_n of_o the_o same_o place_n must_v be_v refer_v and_o before_o that_o time_n pope_n leo_n the_o first_o in_o his_o ninety_o three_o epistle_n speak_v of_o the_o celebration_n of_o a_o general_n council_n in_o spain_n however_o it_o be_v our_o discipline_n which_o require_v national_a synod_n to_o be_v assemble_v from_o year_n to_o year_n do_v nevertheless_o add_v this_o condition_n to_o its_o ordinance_n 〈◊〉_d cod._n atric_n can_v 〈◊〉_d if_o it_o may_v be_v do_v the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n which_o be_v wont_a as_o have_v be_v show_v to_o call_v yearly_o a_o general_n synod_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n or_o as_o they_o also_o term_v it_o a_o plenary_a council_n find_v in_o time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o give_v too_o much_o pain_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o bishop_n therefore_o they_o conclude_v not_o to_o assemble_v it_o but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o the_o common_a law_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v it_o the_o four_o council_n of_o toledo_n which_o be_v national_a and_o which_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 633_o 582._o tâ—m_fw-la 4._o conc._n p._n 582._o declare_v in_o the_o three_o cannon_n that_o these_o national_a synod_n shall_v not_o be_v assemble_v but_o when_o there_o be_v question_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o some_o other_o business_n wherein_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o nation_n be_v concern_v the_o article_n we_o examine_v demand_n yet_o another_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o pass_v under_o silence_n to_o wit_n that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o national_a synod_n some_o one_o province_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o assign_v to_o the_o rest_n the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o the_o follow_a synod_n which_o amount_v near_o hand_n to_o what_o the_o first_o council_n of_o orange_n ordain_v anno_fw-la dom._n 441_o in_o the_o twenty_o nine_o cannon_n 74._o tom._n 1._o conc._n gall._n p._n 74._o that_o a_o synod_n shall_v not_o break_v up_o till_o they_o have_v assign_v another_o the_o eighteen_o cannon_n of_o the_o three_o council_n of_o toledo_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v before_o prescribe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o the_o 73_o of_o the_o african_a code_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o 95th_o cannon_n that_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n cause_v to_o be_v convocate_v the_o national_a synod_n of_o africa_n as_o occasion_v require_v ii_o if_o there_o happen_v any_o difficulty_n in_o a_o province_n it_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o province_n that_o shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o make_v the_o convocation_n to_o the_o end_n that_o this_o call_n the_o say_a assembly_n may_v also_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o other_o province_n that_o so_o by_o this_o mean_n every_o one_o may_v come_v to_o the_o synod_n ready_o prepare_v to_o judge_v the_o matter_n conformity_n it_o appear_v by_o the_o relation_n of_o eusebius_n of_o the_o synod_n where_o paul_n of_o samosatia_n be_v depose_v 30.0_o hist_o lib._n 7._o cap._n 27_o 30.0_o and_o his_o heresy_n anathematise_v it_o appear_v i_o say_v that_o the_o province_n give_v each_o other_o notice_n of_o the_o affair_n which_o shall_v be_v debate_v in_o some_o of_o they_o and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v but_o in_o a_o council_n iii_o and_o because_o it_o be_v difficult_a at_o this_o time_n and_o even_o dangerous_a to_o assemble_v a_o national_a synod_n in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n it_o have_v be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o present_a and_o during_o such_o difficulty_n that_o the_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o each_o provincial_a synod_n choose_v two_o minister_n and_o two_o elder_n the_o most_o experience_a in_o church_n affair_n to_o send_v thither_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n and_o these_o deputy_n shall_v come_v with_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o bring_v good_a memorial_n sign_v by_o the_o moderator_n and_o scribe_n of_o the_o provincial_a synod_n and_o that_o no_o default_n may_v happen_v three_o or_o four_o pastor_n and_o so_o many_o elder_n shall_v be_v nominate_v that_o if_o the_o first_o name_v be_v hinder_v from_o make_v the_o journey_n there_o may_v be_v other_o to_o supply_v their_o place_n conformity_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n assemble_v anno_fw-la dom._n 397_o reduce_v the_o deputy_n to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o in_o the_o second_o cannon_n the_o eighteen_o of_o the_o code_n of_o africa_n which_o be_v in_o substance_n all_o one_o with_o that_o of_o carthage_n but_o now_o cite_v speak_v of_o two_o deputy_n refer_v it_o nevertheless_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o province_n to_o send_v a_o great_a number_n the_o 76th_o of_o the_o same_o code_n make_v mention_n in_o general_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o provincial_a synod_n to_o assist_v at_o the_o national_a synod_n 404_o 〈◊〉_d african_a p._n 402_o 403_o 404_o but_o they_o agree_v all_o in_o one_o thing_n that_o in_o each_o province_n shall_v be_v choose_v those_o which_o be_v to_o meet_v at_o the_o national_a synod_n as_o for_o the_o memorial_n and_o instruction_n the_o deputy_n be_v to_o bring_v along_o with_o they_o there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n under_o the_o name_n of_o communitorium_n of_o which_o mention_n be_v make_v four_o several_a time_n in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n to_o pope_n boniface_n and_o often_o elsewhere_o the_o council_n of_o merida_n which_o i_o cite_v on_o the_o x_o article_n prescribe_v so_o in_o the_o v._o cannon_n and_o call_v it_o instruction_n iv_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n depute_a to_o the_o national_a synod_n the_o provincial_a synod_n shall_v limit_v no_o certain_a time_n for_o their_o return_n but_o shall_v permit_v they_o to_o stay_v at_o the_o say_a synod_n as_o long_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o the_o say_a deputy_n shall_v travel_v at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n conformity_n the_o provincial_a synod_n be_v inferior_a to_o national_a once_o they_o can_v limit_v time_n to_o their_o deputy_n at_o a_o national_a synod_n where_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o assembly_n which_o be_v very_o uniform_a to_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v not_o suffer_v to_o depart_v before_o the_o council_n break_v up_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v on_o the_o xiii_o article_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n v._o at_o the_o beginning_n of_o national_a synod_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n shall_v be_v read_v conformity_n in_o the_o ancient_a council_n 339._o to._n 1._o conc_fw-fr pag._n 660._o tom_n 2._o pag._n 240._o tom._n 3._o pag._n 337_o 338_o 339._o be_v read_v and_o confirm_v the_o confession_n of_o faith_n which_o
usual_a sermon_n those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o write_v shall_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o province_n and_o if_o it_o happen_v any_o book_n be_v publish_a against_o the_o orthodox_n religion_n it_o shall_v be_v send_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v answer_v it_o a_o colloque_n be_v depute_v in_o each_o province_n to_o inspect_v what_o shall_v be_v write_v and_o publish_a to_o dispose_v of_o the_o copy_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a conformity_n there_o be_v never_o great_a liberty_n of_o write_v than_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o which_o time_n every_o body_n write_v in_o the_o manner_n which_o he_o think_v best_a and_o most_o convenient_a without_o be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v his_o work_n to_o any_o to_o be_v examine_v for_o their_o approbation_n nevertheless_o see_v there_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n among_o christian_n some_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n than_o other_o such_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o the_o book_n of_o phaebadius_n or_o phaegadius_n bishop_n of_o again_o in_o guien_n write_v against_o the_o arrian_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n hold_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o a_o council_n of_o vaison_n of_o the_o year_n 358._o 1666._o p._n 3._o paris_n 1666._o and_o bear_v the_o name_n in_o the_o supplement_n of_o the_o council_n of_o france_n st._n austin_n even_o to_o his_o death_n be_v the_o pen_n of_o africa_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n particular_o against_o the_o donatist_n and_o pelagian_n and_o st._n fulgentius_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n succeed_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o same_o office_n especial_o during_o the_o time_n that_o above_o sixty_o african_a bishop_n of_o which_o number_n he_o be_v one_o be_v exile_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o sardegnia_n for_o although_o he_o be_v the_o young_a of_o they_o all_o the_o author_n of_o his_o life_n do_v observe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o spirit_n and_o it_o may_v yet_o be_v say_v of_o these_o two_o famous_a writer_n that_o they_o exact_o observe_v the_o modesty_n sobriety_n and_o decorum_n prescribe_v by_o our_o discipline_n to_o all_o those_o who_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o vindication_n of_o truth_n example_n which_o shall_v be_v careful_o imitate_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n condemn_v the_o rashness_n of_o agobard_fw-mi bishop_n of_o lion_n who_o write_v in_o the_o 9th_o century_n against_o amalarius_n fortunatus_n cruel_o rail_v against_o he_o and_o much_o more_o that_o of_o lucifer_n bishop_n of_o caillari_n against_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o father_n tom._n 9_o of_o the_o edition_n of_o paris_n 1644._o xvi_o minister_n shall_v not_o pretend_v precedency_n one_o over_o the_o other_o conformity_n s._n jerom_n inform_v we_o in_o in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n and_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o evagrius_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o joint_a advice_n of_o the_o priest_n or_o elder_n and_o this_o form_n of_o government_n last_v until_o that_o by_o the_o instinct_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o arise_v party_n in_o religion_n say_v the_o same_o st._n jerom_n for_o then_o recourse_n must_v be_v have_v to_o election_n so_o that_o to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o division_n one_o of_o the_o company_n be_v choose_v to_o who_o election_n give_v the_o precedency_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n whereas_o before_o it_o be_v the_o time_n of_o promotion_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o deacon_n hillary_n in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n among_o the_o work_n of_o st._n ambrose_n for_o he_o say_v that_o at_o first_o the_o priest_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dead_a the_o other_o succeed_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o ancient_a priest_n in_o promotion_n to_o bear_v the_o first_o rank_n or_o place_n this_o primacy_n be_v a_o primacy_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o the_o only_a primacy_n forbid_v by_o our_o discipline_n in_o effect_n the_o first_o admit_v hold_v the_o first_o place_n in_o the_o pesbytery_n just_a as_o the_o dean_n among_o councillor_n of_o parliament_n or_o as_o the_o dean_n of_o prebend_n in_o a_o chapter_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o after_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o the_o church_n equality_n be_v still_o observe_v among_o the_o clergy_n except_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o metropolitan_o over_o the_o bishop_n of_o their_o province_n and_o also_o it_o be_v a_o very_a limit_v power_n see_v it_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o right_n of_o call_v the_o synod_n of_o their_o province_n to_o preside_v and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n which_o pass_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o district_n only_o but_o can_v not_o decide_v nor_o determine_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o suffragans_fw-la after_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v at_o this_o time_n as_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n they_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o prerogative_n but_o the_o order_n according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o reception_n the_o which_o be_v punctual_o observe_v among_o we_o and_o according_o st._n austin_n find_v it_o strange_a that_o in_o the_o letter_n which_o the_o primate_n of_o numidia_n write_v to_o his_o brother_n bishop_n to_o assemble_v they_o in_o a_o synod_n i_o say_v he_o think_v it_o strange_a to_o see_v himself_o name_v the_o three_o in_o it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o before_o he_o which_o say_v he_o be_v injurious_a to_o other_o and_o expose_v i_o to_o envy_v 2._o ep._n 207_o to._n 2._o and_o in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n fulgentius_n bishop_n of_o rusp_n in_o africa_n which_o the_o jesuit_n chifflet_n cause_v to_o be_v print_v at_o dijon_n an._n dom._n 1649._o with_o the_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n forran_n it_o be_v observe_v chap._n 20._o that_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o exile_v bishop_n in_o sardignia_n he_o be_v seat_v low_a of_o all_o although_o he_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a in_o worth_n and_o value_n because_o he_o have_v be_v last_o of_o all_o ordain_v to_o be_v bishop_n 422._o tom._n 4._o conc._n p._n 422._o the_o 86th_o canon_n of_o the_o african_a code_n so_o appoint_v it_o the_o 24_o of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o prague_n in_o the_o year_n 563._o ordain_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o also_o the_o 3d_o of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o toledo_n in_o the_o year_n 633._o and_o the_o 112th_o letter_n of_o gregory_n i._o his_o seven_o book_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o 6_o letter_n of_o hincmar_n chap._n 16._o in_o the_o 16_o tome_n of_o the_o library_n of_o the_o father_n 581._o ibid._n p._n 581._o page_n 408._o it_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o in_o africa_n one_o be_v enjoin_v to_o observe_v the_o precise_a day_n of_o promotion_n and_o the_o consulat_fw-la african_a code_n can._n 89._o which_o be_v the_o 14_o of_o mileva_n theodore_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n hold_v a_o synod_n anno_fw-la 679._o the_o 8_o canon_n whereof_o be_v conceive_v in_o these_o term_n 5._o apud_fw-la bedan_n hist_o l._n 4._o c._n 5._o let_v no_o bishop_n prefer_v himself_o before_o another_o through_o ambition_n but_o let_v every_o one_o know_v the_o time_n and_o order_n of_o their_o ordination_n xvii_o minister_n shall_v preside_v in_o order_n in_o their_o consistory_n to_o the_o end_n that_o none_o may_v pretend_v superiority_n over_o each_o other_o and_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v give_v testimony_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o importance_n until_o they_o have_v first_o communicate_v it_o to_o the_o minister_n his_o brethren_n and_o companion_n conformity_n this_o article_n be_v only_o a_o continuance_n of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o equality_n among_o minister_n so_o that_o they_o can_v pretend_v superiority_n one_o above_o the_o other_o it_o be_v just_a that_o when_o there_o be_v several_a in_o one_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v preside_v every_o one_o in_o his_o turn_n and_o rank_n in_o the_o consistory_n and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o head_n without_o take_v along_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o even_o of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v share_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o flock_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v question_n of_o any_o thing_n of_o importance_n xviii_o heed_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o avoid_v the_o custom_n practise_v in_o some_o place_n of_o depute_v certain_a minister_n by_o the_o provincial_a synod_n to_o visit_v church_n the_o order_n hitherto_o use_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v cognisance_n
the_o same_o province_n or_o in_o any_o other_o xxxv_o him_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o church_n for_o not_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o province_n and_o shall_v be_v lend_v elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o province_n by_o the_o colloque_n until_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o say_a province_n if_o he_o be_v not_o employ_v by_o the_o say_a synod_n in_o the_o province_n he_o shall_v remain_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v lend_v if_o he_o consent_v thereto_o and_o the_o say_a church_n also_o conformity_n this_o article_n depend_v of_o the_o forego_v one_o and_o be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o have_v examine_v amine_v therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o add_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n xxxvi_o to_o the_o end_n that_o congregation_n shall_v acquit_v themselves_o of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o pastor_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n enjoin_v they_o and_o that_o cause_n shall_v not_o be_v give_v to_o minister_n to_o be_v dissatisfy_v and_o even_o to_o leave_v they_o the_o say_v flock_n shall_v be_v advertise_v to_o allow_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v necessary_a conformity_n when_o jesus_n christ_n first_o send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o provide_v gold_n or_o silver_n allege_v for_o this_o prohibition_n that_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n st._n paul_n who_o wrought_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o he_o may_v be_v burdensome_a to_o none_o nevertheless_o appoint_v in_o his_o epistle_n the_o obligation_n flock_n have_v to_o their_o pastor_n say_v none_o go_v a_o warfare_n at_o his_o own_o expense_n that_o he_o that_o plant_v a_o vine_n cat_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o he_o that_o feed_v a_o flock_n drink_v of_o the_o milk_n of_o it_o that_o what_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o mussle_v the_o ox_n which_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o ought_v to_o receive_v temporal_a thing_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o sow_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v employ_v about_o holy_a thing_n do_v eat_v of_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a and_o those_o which_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n do_v participate_v of_o the_o altar_n that_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o lord_n ordain_v 9.14_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o that_o those_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o charity_n of_o christian_n who_o live_v present_o after_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v so_o servant_n that_o they_o suffer_v not_o those_o which_o be_v ordain_v to_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o heaven_n to_o lack_v any_o thing_n and_o although_o in_o those_o first_o age_n they_o live_v on_o the_o voluntary_a oblation_n of_o believer_n nevertheless_o they_o have_v suslicient_a for_o their_o maintenance_n and_o support_n and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o because_o these_o offering_n be_v divide_v among_o the_o clergy_n each_o have_v his_o portion_n or_o at_o least_o they_o spend_v altogether_o that_o which_o fall_v to_o their_o share_n and_o also_o impart_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o indigent_a clerk_n and_o other_o brethren_n 109._o ep._n 66._o p._n 109._o which_o be_v in_o want_n and_o which_o st._n crprian_n design_n by_o sportulantes_fw-la fratres_fw-la a_o expressien_a sound_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o perpetu_fw-la bishop_n of_o tours_n in_o the_o five_o century_n insert_v by_o dom_n luke_n d'achery_n in_o the_o five_o tome_n of_o his_o collection_n the_o 25_o can._n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n appoint_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v receive_v of_o the_o church-stores_a what_o shall_v be_v convenient_a for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o life_n both_o for_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o brethren_n which_o lodge_v in_o his_o house_n and_o the_o 36_o syne_v of_o agde_v in_o the_o year_n 506_o require_v that_o all_o the_o clerk_n which_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n faithful_o 168._o tom._n 1._o conc_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d p._n 168._o and_o with_o care_n receive_v of_o their_o bishop_n the_o wage_n due_a for_o their_o labour_n proportionable_a to_o the_o service_n they_o yield_v or_o according_a as_o the_o canon_n do_v appoint_v after_o all_o when_o riches_n come_v flow_v into_o the_o church_n in_o several_a province_n they_o divide_v they_o into_o four_o equal_a portion_n the_o bishop_n have_v one_o the_o clergy_n another_o the_o three_o be_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o four_o for_o repair_v the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o country_n where_o they_o divide_v they_o into_o three_o portion_n as_o in_o spain_n one_o three_o be_v for_o the_o bishop_n one_o three_o for_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o other_o three_o for_o the_o poor_a and_o reparation_n of_o temple_n xxxvii_o and_o to_o avoid_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v find_v unworthy_o to_o treat_v their_o pastor_n this_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v to_o pay_v they_o aforehand_o one_o quarter_n salary_n of_o the_o pension_n which_o have_v be_v promise_v they_o yearly_o conformity_n be_v the_o charity_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n as_o great_a as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n those_o who_o labour_v in_o compose_v our_o discipline_n have_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o have_v make_v so_o many_o rule_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n they_o will_v have_v find_v a_o sufficient_a propensity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o people_n to_o have_v contribute_v to_o their_o necessity_n but_o this_o charity_n be_v abate_v and_o the_o people_n be_v but_o too_o much_o incline_v to_o pay_v those_o with_o ingratitude_n which_o labour_n for_o their_o instruction_n it_o be_v expedient_a to_o multiply_v law_n to_o procure_v for_o they_o a_o moderate_a maintenance_n without_o the_o which_o a_o minister_n can_v subsist_v xxxviii_o and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v doubt_v of_o miscarriage_n herein_o lest_o there_o shall_v happen_v damage_n to_o the_o church_n those_o elect_a to_o manage_v the_o action_n of_o the_o colloques_fw-la shall_v inquire_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n what_o allowance_n they_o make_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o care_n they_o take_v in_o administer_a what_o have_v be_v appoint_v to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o colloques_fw-la it_o may_v be_v remedy_v conformity_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o french_a protestant_n live_v common_o on_o the_o equal_a contribution_n of_o their_o congregation_n it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n of_o their_o discipline_n to_o remove_v all_o dissiculty_n which_o may_v retard_v or_o hinder_v these_o voluntary_a contribution_n whereon_o depend_v their_o subsistence_n have_v no_o stock_n for_o their_o maintenance_n thirty-nine_o when_o necessary_a support_n be_v refuse_v to_o a_o minister_n and_o that_o he_o have_v make_v his_o complaint_n and_o application_n and_o that_o three_o month_n be_v elapse_v it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o say_a pastor_n to_o range_v himself_o to_o another_o church_n by_o advice_n of_o the_o colloque_n or_o provincial_a synod_n and_o in_o case_n of_o urgent_a necessity_n the_o colloques_fw-la or_o synod_n may_v shorten_v the_o term_n of_o three_o month_n and_o if_o necessity_n so_o require_v and_o that_o three_o month_n be_v elapse_v and_o that_o he_o continue_v unprovided_a although_o the_o minister_n have_v make_v his_o complaint_n to_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n it_o shall_v suffice_v that_o he_o call_v into_o his_o consistery_n the_o two_o adjacent_a mimsler_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o stay_v for_o the_o consent_n of_o any_o colloque_n nor_o synod_n unless_o one_o of_o those_o assembly_n be_v summon_v in_o the_o same_o month_n to_o the_o which_o he_o may_v have_v recourse_n conformity_n see_v that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n those_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v by_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v refute_v minister_n to_o who_o the_o flock_n do_v not_o apply_v necessary_a subsistence_n i_o say_v one_o can_v refuse_v he_o the_o liberty_n of_o join_v himself_o to_o another_o which_o be_v more_o tender_a and_o grateful_a especial_o when_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o subsist_v upon_o it_o be_v true_a this_o shall_v not_o be_v do_v without_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o superior_n that_o be_v to_o say_v without_o consent_n of_o the_o colloque_n or_o provincial_a synod_n which_o may_v dispose_v of_o his_o ministry_n xl._n upon_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o minister_n complaint_n all_o circumstance_n must_v be_v prudent_o weigh_v and_o as_o well_o principal_a regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o faculty_n and_o way_n of_o he_o which_o make_v the_o complaint_n the_o better_a to_o
sevil_n about_o the_o same_o time_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o sentence_n chap._n 20._o and_o in_o the_o three_o ch._n 46._o these_o three_o have_v follow_v the_o step_n of_o other_o it_o be_v with_o regard_n hereunto_o that_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n enjoin_v bishop_n in_o the_o four_o century_n 711._o can._n 31._o tom._n 1._o conc_fw-fr pag._n 711._o to_o prescribe_v to_o penitent_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n the_o time_n of_o penance_n the_o jesuit_n petau_n in_o the_o 2_o 3_o and_o 10_o chap._n of_o his_o 6_o book_n of_o public_a penance_n acknowledge_v against_o mr._n arnauld_n that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n where_o only_o heinous_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n be_v public_o reprove_v he_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o his_o observation_n on_o st._n epiphamus_n where_o he_o have_v a_o dissertation_n on_o the_o ancient_a manner_n of_o penance_n 238._o tom_n 2._o pag._n 238._o on_o occasion_n of_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o novatian_o which_o be_v the_o 59th_o in_o order_n father_n sirmond_n of_o the_o same_o society_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o public_a penance_n chap._n 2._o &_o 4._o in_o the_o main_a all_o i_o have_v say_v regard_v the_o usual_a excommunication_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o which_o i_o have_v treat_v in_o the_o precedent_a article_n and_o by_o the_o law_n whereof_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n until_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o penance_n which_o be_v then_o in_o use_n xvii_o if_o by_o such_o suspension_n the_o sinner_n be_v not_o reclaim_v but_o continue_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a after_o long_a expectation_n and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v several_a time_n admonish_v and_o entreat_v proceed_v shall_v be_v make_v against_o they_o by_o give_v public_a admonition_n to_o the_o people_n three_o several_a sunday_n be_v name_v if_o need_v be_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o make_v they_o more_o ashamed_a every_o body_n advertise_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o home_o by_o repentance_n of_o their_o sin_n to_o prevent_v retrenchment_n and_o excommunication_n to_o which_o one_o can_v proceed_v without_o sorrow_n but_o if_o for_o all_o this_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v but_o persevere_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitence_n on_o the_o four_o sunday_n it_o shall_v be_v public_o say_v by_o the_o pastor_n that_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o the_o say_v scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a person_n in_o name_v they_o by_o their_o name_n that_o they_o be_v not_o any_o long_o acknowledge_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n cut_v they_o off_o from_o it_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o form_n of_o the_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v as_o follow_v the_o form_n of_o the_o excommunication_n brethren_n see_v here_o the_o four_o time_n that_o we_o declare_v unto_o you_o that_o n._n for_o have_v commit_v several_a crime_n and_o for_o have_v scandalize_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o for_o show_v himself_o impenitent_a and_o a_o contemner_n of_o all_o admonition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v suspend_v from_o the_o holy_a supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o which_o suspension_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o have_v be_v signify_v to_o you_o to_o the_o end_n you_o may_v join_v your_o prayer_n with_o we_o that_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o soften_v the_o hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o give_v he_o true_a repentance_n draw_v he_o from_o the_o way_n of_o perdition_n but_o have_v so_o long_a time_n wait_v for_o he_o pray_v and_o exhort_v and_o conjure_v he_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o god_n and_o endeavour_v all_o mean_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n nevertheless_o persevere_fw-la in_o his_o impenitence_n and_o with_o a_o incor_n rigible_a obstinacy_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o trample_v under_o foot_n his_o holy_a word_n and_o the_o order_n he_o have_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n and_o glory_v in_o his_o sin_n be_v cause_n that_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_a time_n be_v disturb_v and_o the_o name_n of_o god_n blaspheme_v we_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v arm_v with_o spiritual_a weapon_n powerful_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n which_o hold_v out_o in_o opposition_n against_o he_o to_o who_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n have_v give_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n declare_v that_o whatsoever_o we_o bound_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n to_o the_o end_n to_o purify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o free_a his_o church_n from_o scandal_n and_o in_o pronounce_v anathema_n against_o the_o wicked_a shall_v glorify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o advice_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n assemble_v in_o colloque_n and_o of_o the_o consistory_n of_o this_o church_n we_o have_v retrench_v and_o do_v retrench_v the_o say_v n._n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n we_o excommunicate_v and_o remove_v he_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o he_o may_v be_v to_o you_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o unbeliever_n and_o among_o true_a christian_n he_o may_v be_v anathema_n and_o execrate_v let_v his_o company_n be_v esteem_v contagious_a and_o let_v his_o example_n fill_v your_o soul_n with_o fear_n and_o make_v you_o tremble_v under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n see_v it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n which_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v ratify_v and_o make_v it_o efficacious_a until_o that_o the_o sinner_n ashamed_a and_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n give_v he_o glory_n by_o his_o eonversion_n and_o be_v free_v from_o these_o chain_n of_o satan_n where_o with_o he_o be_v bind_v he_o bewail_v his_o sin_n with_o tear_n of_o repentance_n belove_a brethren_n pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v have_v pity_n on_o this_o poor_a sinner_n and_o that_o this_o fearful_a judgement_n the_o which_o with_o great_a sorrow_n and_o sadness_n of_o heart_n we_o pronounce_v against_o he_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v serve_v to_o humble_a and_o turn_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n a_o soul_n which_o be_v stray_v from_o it_o amen_n curse_a be_v every_o one_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o that_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n amen_n conformity_n christian_n be_v not_o the_o first_o which_o inflict_v the_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n on_o rebellious_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n pagan_n and_o jew_n have_v practise_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v pagan_n caesar_n inform_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o the_o druid_n in_o gaul_n excommunicate_v those_o which_o despise_v their_o decree_n and_o their_o constitution_n 135._o lib._n 6._o pag._n 134_o 135._o forbid_v they_o to_o approach_v near_o the_o sacrifice_n after_o which_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o impious_a and_o obstinate_a every_o one_o fly_v from_o their_o company_n and_o conversation_n fear_v to_o receive_v some_o harm_n by_o infection_n and_o this_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o those_o they_o do_v inflict_v put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n those_o which_o be_v subject_v to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o law_n although_o they_o earnest_o desire_v it_o and_o it_o also_o deprive_v they_o from_o all_o degree_n of_o honour_n as_o for_o the_o jew_n every_o body_n know_v excommunication_n be_v in_o use_n among_o they_o who_o as_o it_o be_v say_v have_v three_o sort_n the_o first_o and_o slight_a which_o they_o call_v niddui_n this_o separate_v the_o guilty_a from_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o but_o for_o a_o little_a space_n and_o for_o thirty_o day_n only_o the_o second_o which_o they_o call_v herem_n be_v attend_v with_o anathema_n and_o malediction_n and_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o eat_v nor_o drink_v with_o he_o that_o be_v so_o excommunicate_v and_o it_o be_v probable_a st._n paul_n have_v regard_n to_o this_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n when_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n 5.2_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o eat_v with_o such_o a_o one_o the_o three_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n be_v shammatta_n by_o which_o be_v separate_v for_o ever_o from_o the_o communion_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n he_o that_o be_v guilty_a see_v then_o that_o jew_n and_o pagan_n have_v exercise_v this_o power_n methinks_v it_o will_v