invite_v such_o to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o be_v due_o qualify_v that_o such_o qualify_a person_n shall_v not_o accept_v ordination_n on_o such_o wicked_a term_n be_v past_a doubt_n but_o what_o if_o they_o live_v so_o remote_a from_o any_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v have_v ministerial_a ordination_n elsewhere_o will_n any_o say_v that_o in_o this_o case_n those_o qualify_a person_n for_o want_n of_o this_o ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o â—â—ke_v on_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o those_o people_n which_o god_n hâ—s_v give_v they_o such_o ability_n for_o and_o such_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n 〈◊〉_d to_o say_v this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o rule_n about_o the_o regular_a order_v the_o ministry_n above_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o and_o oâ—_n 〈◊〉_d circumstance_n of_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o wherâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—sitive_a precept_n must_v always_o yield_v to_o moral_n and_o matter_n or_o 〈◊〉_d order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o duty_n order_v and_o the_o former_a must_v nâ—_n be_v plead_v against_o the_o latter_a ordination_n by_o pastor_n be_v noâ—_n therefore_o there_o necessary_a where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o ministry_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o most_o visible_a prejudice_n and_o detriment_n for_o these_o be_v matter_n infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o valuable_a than_o any_o rule_n of_o external_a order_n and_o the_o very_a end_n those_o rule_n aim_v at_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o such_o corrupt_a pastor_n whether_o the_o people_n who_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v like_o atheist_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o he_o that_o assert_v this_o may_v next_o assert_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v be_v canonical_o damn_v than_o uncanonical_o save_v i_o propose_v these_o case_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o that_o notion_n some_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o viz_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o ordination_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v false_a much_o more_o be_v they_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o successive_a prelatical_a ordination_n but_o though_o in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v a_o man_n to_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o ministerial_a ordination_n yet_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o enjoin_v such_o ordination_n do_v oblige_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v and_o divide_v by_o unqualified_a intruder_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n be_v who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n or_o who_o have_v christ_n appoint_v to_o approve_v and_o invest_v other_o in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n answ_n those_o be_v entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o appoint_v to_o this_o woâ—k_n who_o be_v themselves_o such_o bishop_n or_o elder_n or_o pastor_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n describe_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v we_o what_o other_o officer_n the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n be_v entrust_v then_o or_o what_o other_o officer_n claim_v and_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o now_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v the_o state_v pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v too_o palpable_a to_o be_v deny_v however_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n be_v please_v to_o say_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o several_a office_n and_o even_o this_o palpable_a mistake_n among_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v require_v to_o declare_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o who_o be_v 20_o acts._n 17._o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v command_v v._o 28._o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n the_o description_n of_o a_o bishop_n 1_o tim_n 3_o ch_z and_o of_o a_o elder_a 1_o tit._n be_v the_o same_o and_o titus_n when_o direct_v to_o ordain_v elder_n must_v see_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n v._o 6_o 7._o that_o these_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o towards_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o from_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o flock_n be_v require_v to_o pay_v they_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v among_o the_o people_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o know_v and_o esteem_v they_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 12_o 13._o they_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o flock_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n 13_o hebr._n 7_o 17_o 24._o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 20_o act_n 28._o wherein_o the_o apostle_n propose_v his_o own_o practice_n while_o he_o stay_v among_o they_o as_o their_o temporary_a pastor_n for_o their_o imitation_n viz_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n day_n and_o night_n 20_o act_n 20_o 31._o v._n they_o be_v to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5._o v._n 3_o compare_v with_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o they_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o pray_v for_o they_o james_n 5_o 14._o see_v dr._n hammond_n annotation_n on_o these_o place_n apply_v they_o to_o bishop_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o these_o mutual_a duty_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v betwixt_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o the_o congregation_n commit_v to_o their_o care_n or_o betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o so_o vast_a a_o flock_n as_o his_o diocese_n that_o one_o or_o more_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v these_o duty_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o their_o flock_n to_o they_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n but_o can_v these_o mutual_a duty_n be_v perform_v betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n be_v he_o capable_a of_o labour_v among_o they_o in_o word_n and_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o high_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n when_o very_o few_o comparative_o of_o his_o diocese_n ever_o see_v he_o or_o hear_v he_o preach_v can_v he_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o in_o his_o diocese_n as_o his_o flock_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o evil_a course_n when_o he_o know_v not_o one_o of_o they_o in_o many_o score_n thousand_o can_v the_o diocese_n follow_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o bishop_n and_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o propose_v they_o as_o their_o pattern_n when_o not_o one_o in_o many_o thousand_o know_v any_o more_o of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o bishop_n than_o if_o he_o live_v at_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o bishop_n oblige_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a of_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o rule_v they_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n against_o the_o notorious_o scandalous_a when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v forty_o or_o fifty_o thousand_o such_o in_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o use_v all_o the_o due_a process_n of_o serious_a reproof_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v use_v for_o reclaim_v such_o sinner_n when_o there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o those_o so_o remote_a in_o their_o habitation_n and_o the_o bishop_n whole_o
stranger_n to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o these_o be_v so_o palpable_a impossibility_n as_o to_o a_o unbyast_a considerer_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n that_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n which_o these_o text_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o the_o overseer_n or_o ruler_n of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o church_n as_o their_o flock_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v all_o these_o pastoral_n work_v and_o the_o flock_n to_o pay_v they_o the_o foremention_v duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o they_o can_v thus_o personal_o oversee_v teach_v rule_n watch_v over_o visit_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v pay_v they_o that_o love_n submission_n imitation_n etc._n etc._n prescribe_v in_o the_o forequoted_a text_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v so_o express_o assert_v act_n 14._o v._o 23._o that_o such_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n which_o titus_n be_v also_o appoint_v to_o do_v in_o every_o city_n 1_o tit._n 5._o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v every_o town_n equal_a to_o our_o usual_a market-town_n in_o england_n be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o city_n and_o but_o a_o few_o comparative_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n at_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n i_o grant_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_a begin_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o that_o of_o bishop_n apply_v to_o a_o state_v praeses_fw-la or_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n or_o certain_a number_n of_o elder_n but_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v but_o the_o ruler_n of_o one_o single_a congregation_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n not_o of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o church_n how_o plain_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o know_a passage_n of_o ignatius_n who_o authority_n the_o defender_n of_o prelate_n have_v so_o vain_o boast_v of_o who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelphian_o give_v this_o certain_a mark_n of_o every_o church_n individuation_n viz._n there_o be_v to_o every_o church_n one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o polycarp_n advise_v that_o good_a bishop_n to_o have_v frequent_a churhc-assembly_n and_o to_o inquire_v after_o all_o by_o name_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v servant_n and_o maid_n so_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o smyrnenses_n fellow_n all_o of_o you_o the_o bishop_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o father_n &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o reverence_v the_o deacon_n as_o the_o appointment_n of_o god._n let_v none_o without_o the_o bishop_n transact_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n let_v that_o be_v account_v a_o valid_a communion_n which_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n or_o by_o his_o permission_n for_o where_o the_o bâ—shop_n be_v there_o let_v the_o multitude_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a without_o the_o bishop_n to_o baptise_v or_o make_v a_o love-feast_n nothing_o can_v more_o full_o evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n have_v their_o b_o shop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o apply_v those_o passage_n to_o a_o modern_a bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n justin_n martyr_n know_a account_n of_o church_n church_n assembly_n evince_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o the_o learned_a mr._n jos_n mede_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o church_n quote_v p._n 48_o 49_o 50._o and_o from_o thence_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v then_o but_o one_o altar_n or_o place_n of_o communion_n to_o a_o church_n take_v for_o the_o company_n or_o coporation_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n tertullian_n account_n of_o particular_a church-assembly_n assure_v we_o cap._n apol._n cap._n that_o church-discipline_n be_v exercise_v in_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o probati_fw-la seniores_fw-la or_o approve_a elder_n among_o who_o we_o own_o the_o prese_n be_v call_v bishop_n even_o in_o cyprian_n time_n his_o famous_a church_n of_o carthage_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o he_o frequent_o profess_v he_o will_v do_v nothing_o in_o church-affair_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o presbyter_n and_o all_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o the_o censure_v of_o offender_n as_o in_o his_o ep._n 3.6_o 10_o 11_o 13_o 14_o 26_o 27_o 28_o etc._n etc._n edit_fw-la goul_n and_o ep_v 68_o as_o he_o there_o declare_v the_o people_n have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a priest_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a so_o when_o he_o relate_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o tell_v we_o all_o the_o next_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n do_v come_v together_o to_o that_o people_n over_o who_o the_o bishop_n be_v set_v and_o the_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v tâ—e_v people_n be_v present_a who_o fullie_v know_v the_o life_n of_o every_o one_o and_o have_v thorough_o see_v the_o act_n of_o every_o one_o conversation_n which_o also_o we_o see_v do_v with_o you_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o sabinus_n our_o colleague_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v give_v he_o and_o hand_n impose_v on_o he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o basilides_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n and_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o have_v meet_v together_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v what_o the_o bishop_n church_n be_v when_o all_o the_o people_n must_v be_v present_a and_o judge_v of_o his_o life_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o it_o a_o diocese_n of_o the_o modern_a extent_n will_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o pass_v their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o life_n of_o their_o bishop_n the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a assign_v such_o duty_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o plain_o imply_v his_o relation_n to_o a_o congregation_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n as_o his_o charge_n or_o flock_n and_o to_o give_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o those_o proof_n which_o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o insist_v full_o on_o if_o we_o consider_v impartial_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n describe_v as_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a public_a teacher_n of_o his_o flock_n a_o and_o baptizer_n of_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o church_n b_o to_o confirm_v the_o baptise_a to_o reconcile_v and_o absolve_v all_o penitent_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n c_o to_o receive_v all_o oblation_n etc._n etc._n and_o distribute_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o sick_a and_o stranger_n as_o their_o overseer_n and_o curator_n do_v to_o try_v all_o cause_n about_o scandal_n in_o his_o church_n with_o his_o presbyter_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o flock_n e_o to_o ordain_v other_o bishop_n and_o elder_n to_o keep_v synod_n among_o his_o neighbour_n bishop_n to_o grant_v communicatory_a letter_n f_o &c._n &c._n and_o to_o how_o great_a a_o flock_n one_o man_n be_v capable_a to_o perform_v they_o if_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n live_v usual_o in_o the_o same_o house_n and_o in_o common_a at_o least_o near_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o their_o maintenance_n one_o half_a of_o it_o be_v destine_v to_o repair_v the_o fabric_n or_o temple_n and_o maintain_v the_o poor_a the_o other_o half_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n or_o presbyter_n g_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a custom_n for_o the_o presbyter_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o same_o seat_n with_o the_o bishop_n in_o a_o semicircle_n and_o the_o deacon_n below_o they_o h_z that_o the_o deacon_n be_v always_o mention_v as_o officer_n in_o the_o same_o church_n with_o the_o bishop_n ay_o that_o the_o love-feast_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v without_o the_o bishop_n permission_n and_o he_o be_v to_o have_v his_o share_n send_v he_o if_o absent_a k_n that_o the_o way_n of_o stranger_n communicate_v be_v by_o communicatory_a letter_n or_o certificate_n which_o be_v to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o desire_v to_o communicate_v l_o that_o a_o schism_n be_v describe_v by_o set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n every_o communicate_v church_n have_v its_o altar_n or_o table_n for_o celebrate_v the_o lords-supper_n and_o bâ—shop_n m_o a_o constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 26._o just_a mart._n apol_n 2_o b_o tertull._n the_o cor_n mil._n c._n 3._o c_o ignat._n ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n p_o 4._o just_a mart_n apol_n 2._o do_v
because_o they_o prefer_v those_o pastor_n who_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o administer_v his_o sacrament_n and_o discipline_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o those_o who_o gross_o corrupt_v they_o and_o impose_v those_o corruption_n he_o must_v have_v a_o very_a odd_a understanding_n that_o can_v assent_v to_o so_o senseless_a not_o to_o say_v so_o wicked_a a_o assertion_n for_o this_o be_v no_o better_o than_o to_o set_v up_o a_o point_n of_o mere_a human_a order_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n i_o may_v here_o instance_n again_o in_o the_o arrian_n bishop_n who_o have_v not_o only_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o emperor_n but_o get_v imperial_a council_n call_v general_n as_o that_o of_o armini_fw-la and_o syrmium_fw-la on_o their_o side_n and_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n they_o be_v the_o only_a lawful_a pastor_n and_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o they_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n i_o know_v not_o how_o mr._n k._n will_v like_v these_o consequence_n but_o he_o can_v avoid_v they_o unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o where_o there_o be_v in_o a_o nation_n two_o divide_a party_n of_o christian_n fix_v under_o different_a pastor_n those_o be_v the_o only_a lawful_a pastor_n who_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o point_v controvert_v betwixt_o they_o whether_o they_o have_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n countenance_n or_o no._n and_o if_o he_o say_v this_o it_o will_v follow_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o in_o those_o popish_a kingdom_n where_o there_o be_v any_o protestant_a minister_n they_o be_v the_o only_a lawful_a pastor_n and_o the_o popish_a church_n that_o live_v not_o under_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nay_o in_o those_o part_n of_o germany_n where_o there_o be_v lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n if_o the_o calvinist_n be_v in_o the_o right_n the_o lutheran_n for_o separate_v from_o the_o calvinist_n minister_n forfeit_v all_o relation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o if_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o the_o matter_n debate_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o conformist_n about_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v the_o only_a lawful_a pastor_n and_o the_o prelatical_a church_n no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o last_o must_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n determine_v who_o be_v lawful_a pastor_n then_o those_o be_v the_o only_a lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n in_o his_o church_n who_o office_n he_o have_v institute_v who_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n require_v 1_o tim._n 3._o ch_n 1_o tit._n who_o be_v ordain_v to_o their_o office_n by_o such_o as_o he_o have_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o where_o such_o ordination_n can_v be_v have_v and_o who_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o that_o flock_n they_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o if_o these_o be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o prove_v if_o that_o be_v deny_v then_o all_o diocesan_n prelate_n must_v be_v cashier_v from_o the_o number_n of_o lawful_a pastor_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v their_o office_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o so_o must_v all_o the_o parish-minister_n who_o want_v the_o qualification_n mention_v 1_o tim._n 3._o or_o who_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o people_n without_o their_o consent_n nay_o too_o often_o against_o it_o and_o if_o mr._n k_n notion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v true_a than_o all_o the_o church_n that_o live_v under_o diocesan_n prelate_n as_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n or_o such_o unqualified_a obtrude_v parish-minister_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o that_o if_o he_o retract_v not_o this_o new_a description_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v like_a to_o fall_v heavy_a on_o his_o own_o party_n and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o dissenter_n i_o advise_v he_o the_o next_o time_n he_o undertake_v to_o define_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o leave_v out_o this_o dangerous_a mark_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o ought_v to_o apply_v this_o mark_n to_o the_o papist_n as_o well_v as_o dissenter_n whereas_o among_o the_o latin_a question_n the_o 14_o be_v whether_o that_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o have_v not_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o mr._n k._n thus_o answer_v it_o may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n witness_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v have_v so_o many_o haeretical_a schismatical_a simoniacal_a one_o who_o be_v not_o all_o lawful_a pastor_n but_o do_v there_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o chureh_n at_o rome_n but_o i_o perceive_v this_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n when_o he_o will_v vent_v his_o spleen_n against_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o but_o a_o false_a or_o uncertain_a one_o when_o it_o will_v unchurch_n the_o papist_n the_o best_a of_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n the_o papal_z and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v most_o concern_v in_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o it_o all_o therefore_o i_o shall_v add_v on_o this_o head_n be_v a_o brief_a answer_n to_o mr._n m_n question_n what_o that_o holy_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n be_v which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n answ_n we_o need_v go_v no_o far_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o question_n than_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o mr._n k._n 4_o eph._n 3_o 4_o 5._o only_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o true_a extent_n include_v the_o church_n triumphant_a as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n militant_a nay_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v on_o earth_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n see_v mr._n claud'_v reponse_fw-fr au_fw-fr liure_fw-fr de_fw-fr mon_fw-fr sir_n l'_fw-fr evesque_fw-la de_fw-fr meaux_n etc._n etc._n p._n 7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o militant_a on_o earth_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o measure_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n from_o all_o hypocritical_a disguise_n or_o as_o measure_a by_o the_o judgement_n of_o humane_a charity_n as_o measure_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o forequote_v text_n one_o body_n or_o society_n animate_v by_o one_o holy_a spirit_n have_v one_o heavenly_a hope_n subject_v to_o one_o lord_n jesus_n believe_v the_o same_o reveal_v doctrine_n as_o to_o all_o necessary_a article_n and_o devote_v by_o one_o baptismal_a covenant_n to_o one_o heavenly_a father_n this_o body_n be_v call_v invisible_a or_o mystical_a from_o that_o internal_a faith_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v invisible_a and_o it_o be_v also_o visible_a by_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o that_o true_a faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o creed_n in_o which_o alone_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v the_o true_a communion_n of_o saint_n and_o to_o this_o church_n alone_o all_o promise_n of_o save_a blessing_n be_v make_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 68_o scripture_n the_o judgement_n of_o several_a father_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o particular_o st_n aug_n see_v quote_v in_o that_o forecited_a discourse_n of_o mr_n claud_n from_o p_o 45_o to_o 68_o but_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o measure_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o human_a charity_n comprize_v all_o that_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o holiness_n for_o we_o be_v incapable_a to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a and_o live_a member_n of_o the_o church_n from_o those_o that_o only_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o estimate_v by_o our_o charity_n be_v more_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a than_o the_o real_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o hypocrite_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o his_o body_n though_o mix_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o external_a society_n by_o their_o external_a profession_n or_o as_o st._n john_n distinguish_v they_o be_v among_o they_o but_o not_o of_o they_o 1_o joh._n 2._o v._n 19_o they_o be_v but_o blast_v ear_n not_o the_o true_a wheat_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o appearance_n not_o in_o reality_n the_o church_n catholic_n as_o measure_v by_o our_o charitable_a judgement_n be_v i_o know_v common_o call_v the_o church-catholickâ—_a visible_a i._n e._n the_o church_n catholic_n as_o estimate_v by_o a_o external_a or_o visible_a profession_n but_o i_o will_v choose_v rather_o for_o avoid_v confusion_n to_o call_v it_o the_o visible_a church_n catholic_n mix_v for_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o the_o proper_a sense_n as_o constitute_v of_o its_o live_n or_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v its_o univocal_a member_n real_a saint_n be_v also_o visible_a because_o its_o member_n not_o only_o
believe_v with_o the_o heart_n but_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n to_o salvation_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v rom._n 10._o v._n 10._o but_o these_o real_a saint_n do_v not_o make_v up_o one_o distinct_a external_a society_n by_o themselves_o but_o as_o mix_v with_o a_o crowd_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n nor_o be_v they_o exact_o distinguishable_a from_o hypocrite_n in_o our_o judgement_n which_o can_v pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o only_o look_v at_o the_o credibility_n of_o their_o external_a profession_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n we_o must_v answer_v all_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v one_o body_n or_o society_n by_o their_o belief_n of_o and_o subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n their_o common_a head_n and_o centre_n of_o unity_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v who_o shall_v we_o in_o charity_n judge_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o answer_n be_v obvious_a all_o that_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o that_o subjection_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v further_o what_o be_v a_o credible_a profession_n it_o be_v answer_v a_o profession_n not_o contradict_v by_o notorious_a ignorance_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n by_o fundamental_a error_n or_o by_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v any_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v prove_v that_o they_o deny_v or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o profess_v some_o essential_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o be_v notorious_o ungodly_a i_o add_v notorious_o ungodly_a because_o subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o be_v the_o true_a member_n of_o his_o church_n as_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o consequent_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o that_o subjection_n as_o requisite_a to_o our_o be_v esteem_v such_o and_o therefore_o d._n m._n have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o value_v himself_o upon_o this_o question_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v so_o little_a reason_n to_o arrogate_v to_o herself_o the_o title_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o charitable_a to_o allow_v she_o to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v allow_v she_o to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o most_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a part_n of_o it_o for_o that_o church_n have_v go_v so_o near_o towards_o the_o subvert_v the_o essential_a truth_n and_o law_n of_o christianity_n by_o their_o dangerous_a corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o practice_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a service_n d._n m._n can_v do_v she_o to_o demonstrate_v clear_o that_o there_o be_v a_o credible_a profession_n of_o christianity_n leave_v among_o those_o that_o practical_o hold_v all_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n exagr_n to_o reconcile_v that_o doctrine_n of_o their_o council_n that_o imperfect_a contrition_n or_o attrition_n be_v sufficient_a to_o dispose_v a_o man_n for_o absolution_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o penance_n council_n of_o trent_n sess_n 4._o cap._n 4._o with_o that_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wihout_n repentance_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o reconcile_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o second_o commandment_n be_v a_o task_n well_o worthy_a of_o d._n m_n pain_n but_o i_o hope_v in_o many_o that_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o they_o retain_v prevail_v against_o the_o poisonous_a addition_n of_o popery_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o and_o other_o council_n be_v not_o practical_o hold_v by_o they_o but_o their_o claim_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v not_o near_o so_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a as_o that_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n who_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n compare_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n evidence_n they_o to_o be_v a_o incomparable_o sound_a part_n of_o it_o though_o even_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v not_o equal_a in_o their_o soundness_n and_o purity_n this_o catholic_n church_n have_v only_o one_o universal_a head_n jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v one_o body_n only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o union_n with_o and_o subjection_n to_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o vicarious_a universal_a head_n under_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v commit_v whether_o pope_n general_n council_z or_o college_n of_o prelate_n nor_o can_v any_o such_o humane_a head_n make_v law_n obligatory_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o christ_n legislative_a power_n and_o it_o be_v chief_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o usurpation_n and_o employ_v that_o usurp_a power_n to_o deprave_v the_o church_n and_o destroy_v its_o sound_a member_n that_o the_o protestant_n have_v call_v the_o pope_n antichrist_n particular_a church_n be_v the_o chief_a integrate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n i_o speak_v of_o it_o here_o as_o measure_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n as_o to_o any_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n if_o the_o quest_n be_v be_v they_o a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o must_v be_v resolve_v by_o the_o credibility_n of_o their_o christian_a profession_n if_o thâ—_n question_v be_v be_v they_o church_n regular_o constitute_v or_o organise_v it_o be_v in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o quest_n we_o must_v consider_v whether_o they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n unite_v under_o one_o or_o more_o such_o pastor_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o faith_n worship_n and_o holy_a live_n and_o whether_o their_o pastor_n be_v in_o a_o regular_a manner_n set_v over_o they_o and_o here_o the_o dispute_n about_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n must_v come_v in_o fâ—r_o that_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o lawful_a pastor_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o its_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o consequent_o a_o true_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o mr._n k._n himself_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o forequote_v place_n p._n 90._o tho_o how_o he_o will_v reconcile_v that_o concession_n with_o his_o description_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o its_o be_v a_o church_n regular_o constitute_v and_o who_o be_v such_o lawful_a pastor_n there_o will_v be_v occasion_n to_o discuss_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o quest_n the_o sâ—cond_o quest_n be_v whether_o by_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n alone_o or_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n mr._n k._n well_o reply_n the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o more_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o the_o british_a sea_n be_v the_o whole_a ocean_n but_o he_o do_v ill_a to_o find_v its_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o its_o subjection_n to_o catholic_n bishop_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v diocesan_n bishop_n for_o it_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n if_o it_o shall_v disow_v diocesan_n prelacy_n and_o if_o mr._n k._n think_v otherwise_o he_o have_v these_o two_o difficult_a proposition_n to_o prove_v first_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v the_o office_n of_o diocesan_n prelate_n in_o his_o church_n and_o second_o that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o prelate_n the_o centre_n of_o catholic_a unity_n and_o subjection_n to_o they_o necessary_a to_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n now_o if_o mr._n k._n will_v undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n he_o not_o only_a unchurche_n all_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o want_v diocesan_n prelacy_n but_o even_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o for_o a_o century_n or_o two_o at_o least_o as_o i_o offer_v to_o evince_v if_o mr._n k._n please_v to_o demand_v it_o for_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o can_v scarce_o be_v expect_v in_o all_o its_o integral_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n but_o much_o less_o in_o unnecessary_a humane_a addition_n to_o christianity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o confound_v communion_n with_o subjection_n the_o former_a may_v be_v due_a where_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o the_o three_o quest_n be_v with_o what_o other_o church_n do_v the_o church_n of_o england_n communicate_v in_o sacrament_n and_o liturgy_n mr._n k._n well_o answer_v that_o unity_n in_o liturgy_n be_v no_o part_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v his_o charity_n be_v wide_o enough_o he_o may_v safe_o have_v add_v
found_v on_o the_o supposition_n of_o some_o vicarious_a head_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o condemn_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o set_v up_o and_o mr._n k._n himself_o seem_v to_o disown_n p._n 55._o nor_o will_v that_o hypothesis_n itself_o justify_v the_o distinction_n because_o if_o christ_n have_v make_v any_o vicarious_a head_n or_o centre_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o can_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o his_o member_n without_o union_n with_o that_o vicarious_a head._n so_o that_o to_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o mr_n k._n use_v that_o expression_n in_o this_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o those_o who_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n here_o be_v three_o character_n to_o know_v they_o by_o their_o embrace_v the_o catholic_a faith_n their_o make_n no_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n their_o live_n in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n the_o first_o be_v embrace_v the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o he_o shall_v have_v add_v profess_v catholic_a holiness_n of_o life_n for_o this_o character_n it_o be_v undeniable_a and_o i_o hope_v mr._n k._n will_v not_o exclude_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a protestant_a church_n from_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n on_o this_o score_n the_o two_o latter_a mr._n k._n himself_o will_v find_v too_o dangerous_a and_o too_o schismatical_a to_o own_o upon_o second_o thought_n for_o from_o the_o three_o viz._n live_v in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n i_o infer_v one_a that_o this_o character_n do_v exclude_v all_o the_o papist_n from_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o live_v in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o trent-creed_n do_v assert_v its_o article_n to_o be_v that_o catholic_a faith_n without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o consequent_o damn_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o their_o own_o 2._o on_o supposition_n the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o which_o have_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v true_a church_n this_o character_n exclude_v all_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v with_o mr._n dodwell_n unchurch_n all_o those_o reform_a church_n that_o want_v prelatical_a ordination_n for_o to_o unchurch_n they_o be_v not_o to_o live_v in_o charity_n with_o they_o 3._o if_o the_o church_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la and_o indep_n here_o be_v true_a church_n as_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o paper_n evince_n they_o be_v then_o mr._n k._n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n be_v no_o catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o they_o live_v not_o in_o charity_n with_o their_o neighbour_n church_n and_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o the_o less_o charity_n due_a to_o they_o for_o be_v of_o the_o same_o country_n or_o nation_n for_o mr._n k._n make_v subjection_n to_o lawful_a pastor_n a_o mark_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n p._n 4._o and_o declare_v the_o presbyt_fw-la etc._n etc._n destitute_a of_o that_o mark_n p._n 6._o and_o consequent_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n which_o be_v the_o high_a breach_n of_o charity_n imaginable_a and_o what_o if_o the_o presbyt_fw-la show_z d_o treat_v mr._n k._n according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o declare_v he_o no_o catholic_a member_n because_o he_o live_v not_o in_o charity_n with_o they_o they_o will_v but_o use_v his_o own_o weapon_n against_o himself_o but_o however_o they_o have_v be_v misrepresent_v they_o be_v not_o of_o that_o schismatical_a humour_n as_o some_o be_v who_o have_v long_o make_v a_o loud_a outcry_n against_o schism_n 4._o nay_o if_o this_o character_n be_v true_a then_o in_o all_o those_o contention_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n where_o the_o contend_a party_n have_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o excommunicate_v one_o another_o another_o tho_o sometime_o about_o mere_a trifle_n the_o one_o party_n or_o both_o have_v cease_v to_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o when_o pope_n victor_n excommunicate_v the_o eastern_a church_n for_o not_o keep_v easter_n on_o the_o same_o day_n with_o he_o he_o and_z all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o to_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o same_o what_o a_o vast_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n world_n have_v be_v unchurch_v in_o every_o age_n by_o the_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o proud_a contentious_a prelate_n i_o suppose_v mr._n k._n never_o consider_v these_o consequence_n or_o else_o he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v live_v in_o charity_n with_o neighbour_n church_n a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o the_o catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o if_o the_o legitimate_a child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n may_v not_o in_o a_o angry_a mood_n call_v one_o another_o bastard_n or_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o same_o king_n in_o a_o peevish_a humour_n nickname_v their_o fellow_n subject_n rebel_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o presbyterian_a church_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o be_v the_o least_o concern_v in_o this_o character_n for_o they_o have_v never_o unchurcht_v the_o prelatical_a church_n even_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v with_o the_o most_o harsh_a and_o unreasonable_a treatment_n from_o they_o but_o mr._n k._n have_v give_v we_o another_o character_n to_o distinguish_v the_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o he_o imagine_v will_v exclude_v all_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_o &c_n &c_n from_o that_o number_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n all_o this_o be_v found_v on_o his_o schismatical_a mark_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n viz._n that_o its_o member_n live_v under_o their_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n here_o therefore_o all_o those_o difficulty_n occur_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n which_o be_v propose_v p_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o which_o sense_n soever_o mr._n k._n choose_v he_o will_v find_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o to_o unchurch_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n i._n e._n to_o be_v a_o schismatic_n of_o the_o worst_a sort_n and_o if_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n must_v determine_v the_o debate_n he_o will_v give_v the_o dissenter_n such_o a_o argument_n against_o prelatical_a church_n be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n as_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v and_o mr._n baxter_n treatise_n which_o prove_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o diocesan_n prelacy_n have_v according_a to_o mr._n k._n do_v what_o that_o charitable_a man_n never_o intend_v unchurcht_v all_o our_o diocesan_n church_n and_o cashier_v they_o from_o be_v any_o part_n of_o the_o church-catholick_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o unjust_a separation_n from_o any_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n be_v a_o sinful_a practice_n and_o particular_a church_n gather_v by_o such_o a_o sinful_a separation_n be_v not_o gather_v in_o a_o regular_a way_n and_o therefore_o a_o unjust_a violation_n of_o due_a order_n be_v all_o that_o mr._n k._n can_v just_o pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o with_o and_o perhaps_o will_v find_v it_o a_o more_o difficult_a task_n than_o he_o imagine_v to_o make_v good_a that_o charge_n and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n let_v i_o premise_v particular_a church_n be_v the_o chief_a integrate_a part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n these_o church_n consist_v of_o one_o or_o more_o pastor_n and_o a_o christian_a flock_n associate_v under_o his_o or_o their_o oversight_n for_o personal_a communion_n in_o faith_n worship_n and_o holy_a live_n these_o church_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o all_o necessary_a unity_n by_o the_o amicable_a consultation_n of_o their_o associate_v pastor_n the_o judgement_n of_o such_o associate_v pastor_n shall_v be_v submit_v to_o by_o the_o people_n under_o their_o care_n when_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o people_n do_v not_o owe_v they_o a_o blind_a obedience_n nor_o have_v such_o pastor_n any_o power_n but_o for_o edification_n much_o less_o can_v such_o bishop_n pretend_v to_o a_o high_a power_n who_o very_a office_n christ_n never_o institute_v who_o pretend_a relation_n to_o their_o diocese_n be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o people_n consent_n to_o it_o and_o if_o such_o bishop_n shall_v claim_v
the_o sole_a power_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o nation_n and_o exercise_v it_o against_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o notorious_a detriment_n of_o soul_n as_o by_o unjust_a silence_v of_o faithful_a pastor_n when_o their_o labour_n be_v high_o conducive_a to_o the_o church_n good_a by_o impose_v on_o the_o people_n sinful_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n by_o obtrude_a unqualified_a pastor_n on_o the_o people_n against_o their_o consent_n etc._n etc._n to_o separate_v from_o such_o bishop_n so_o far_o as_o to_o disobey_v these_o unjust_a command_n be_v no_o separation_n from_o our_o lawful_a governor_n and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n to_o disobey_v one_o that_o usurp_v a_o power_n he_o never_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n and_o which_o he_o exercise_v against_o the_o law_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v propose_v these_o two_o question_n to_o mr._n k._n in_o reference_n to_o this_o head._n q._n 1._o on_o supposition_n the_o presbyt_n and_o indep_n have_v make_v a_o unjust_a separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a governor_n who_o they_o shall_v have_v submit_v to_o whether_o â—his_v be_v such_o a_o crime_n as_o will_v exclude_v they_o from_o be_v catholic_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o resolve_v that_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o separation_n their_o minister_n separate_v from_o the_o bishop_n i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o obey_v they_o in_o what_o they_o account_v a_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a usurpation_n viz._n the_o assume_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o church-government_n and_o deprive_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o suspend_v they_o unjust_o their_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o parish-minister_n but_o it_o be_v not_o by_o disow_v they_o as_o no_o true_a minister_n but_o by_o refuse_v to_o receive_v they_o as_o they_o because_o they_o judge_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o choose_v a_o physician_n for_o their_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o body_n and_o therefore_o think_v not_o themselves_o bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o patron_n or_o bishop_n choice_n when_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o edification_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v term_n of_o parish-communion_n impose_v to_o some_o unlawful_a to_o other_o great_o suspect_v and_o all_o true_a church-discipline_n be_v cast_v out_o or_o neglect_v they_o separate_v not_o from_o the_o conform_v church_n as_o no_o true_a church_n but_o as_o prefer_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o pure_a because_o they_o judge_v the_o law_n about_o parish-order_n do_v not_o oblige_v when_o injurious_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o soul_n now_o suppose_v they_o mistake_v in_o these_o matter_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o judgement_n will_v this_o sort_n of_o separation_n make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o separation_n from_o any_o thing_n christ_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v only_o a_o separation_n from_o some_o humane_a order_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o comply_v with_o because_o they_o apprehend_v it_o contrary_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v this_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o rebellion_n in_o the_o state_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v p._n 6._o be_v the_o convocation_n christ_n or_o their_o canon_n equal_o obligatory_a as_o his_o law_n or_o do_v those_o that_o disobey_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o convocation_n because_o they_o judge_v they_o opposite_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n renounce_v their_o allegiance_n to_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v their_o canon_n even_o about_o thing_n they_o call_v indifferent_a as_o necessary_a to_o be_v obey_v as_o the_o undoubted_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o those_o that_o be_v require_v to_o obey_v they_o fear_v the_o thing_n command_v be_v unlawful_a when_o i_o read_v such_o expression_n as_o this_o about_o church-rebellion_n i_o can_v but_o lament_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a ignorance_n and_o pride_n and_o observe_v in_o such_o as_o mr._n k._n some_o degree_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o have_v act_v papal_a council_n who_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o treat_v all_o that_o will_v not_o pay_v they_o a_o blind_a obedience_n with_o such_o character_n as_o these_o and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n to_o convince_v mr._n k._n of_o the_o folly_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o be_o oppose_v than_o by_o show_v he_o how_o pernicious_a the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v to_o his_o own_o party_n for_o if_o this_o sort_n of_o schism_n which_o he_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n then_o sure_o more_o heinous_a schism_n will_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o great_a schism_n be_v more_o opposite_a to_o catholic_n unity_n then_o lesser_a but_o the_o prelate_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o heinous_a schism_n than_o this_o of_o the_o dissenter_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v schism_n and_o consequent_o if_o mr._n k_n principle_n be_v true_a be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o prelate_n be_v guilty_a of_o more_o heinous_a schism_n i_o offer_v this_o argument_n to_o evince_v those_o who_o impose_v unnecessary_a and_o and_z doubtful_a term_n of_o church-communion_a nay_o who_o declare_v many_o thousand_o of_o true_a christian_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la excommunicate_v be_v great_a schismatic_n than_o those_o who_o only_a scruple_n those_o term_n though_o through_o mistake_n and_o who_o unchurch_v not_o those_o church_n which_o they_o be_v thus_o force_v to_o separate_v from_o for_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o imposer_n be_v more_o voluntary_a and_o curable_a by_o forbear_v to_o prescribe_v such_o term_n of_o communion_n as_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o prove_v engine_n of_o division_n the_o schism_n of_o the_o refuser_n be_v more_o involuntary_a and_o in_o doubtful_a case_n often_o incurable_a and_o it_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o christian_a love_n to_o excommunicate_v thousand_o of_o sincere_a christian_n than_o it_o be_v to_o prefer_v those_o church_n which_o we_o upon_o the_o best_a enquiry_n judge_v more_o pure_a before_o those_o that_o seem_v more_o corrupt_a without_o unchurch_v they_o even_o though_o in_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n by_o uâ—olating_v a_o tolerable_a humane_a order_n so_o that_o all_o mr._n k._n will_v gain_v by_o exclude_v dissenter_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o schism_n will_v be_v that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n our_o convocation_n be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o it_o and_o if_o so_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v no_o lawful_a governor_n in_o it_o for_o what_o i_o have_v here_o assert_v that_o the_o convocation_n have_v excommunicate_v thousand_o of_o sincere_a christian_n and_o that_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la i_o appeal_v to_o their_o canon_n and_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o that_o peruse_v they_o and_o know_v the_o nonconformist_n in_o these_o kingdom_n few_o whereof_z be_v not_o by_o some_o of_o these_o canon_n ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la excommunicate_v see_v mr._n baxter_n english_a schismatic_a detect_v who_o from_o p._n 42._o to_o the_o 50th_o recite_v the_o particular_a canon_n nay_o if_o all_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o equal_a schism_n with_o that_o of_o the_o dissenter_n suppose_v they_o guilty_a be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v few_o such_o in_o the_o world._n sure_a the_o schism_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v of_o a_o more_o monstrous_a nature_n who_o unchurch_n aâ—l_v the_o church_n on_o earth_n beside_o themselves_o and_o the_o greek_n pay_v they_o in_o the_o same_o coin_n and_o if_o other_o of_o the_o eastern_a church_n do_v not_o unchurch_n one_o another_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o old_a wont_a what_o dreadful_a work_n council_n have_v make_v in_o hereticate_a and_o unchurch_v one_o another_o upon_o very_o unjustifiable_a ground_n fill_v up_o both_o page_n in_o church-history_n and_o as_o such_o be_v more_o heinous_a schismatic_n than_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a only_o of_o passive_a separation_n i._n e._n separation_n occasion_v by_o man_n scruple_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o some_o humane_a canon_n so_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o at_o this_o senseless_a rate_n we_o may_v soon_o reduce_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o a_o small_a compass_n and_o what_o will_v become_v even_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o the_o compassion_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v as_o narrow_a as_o the_o charity_n of_o such_o censorious_a christian_n the_o second_o quest_n i_o will_v propose_v to_o
in_o the_o preface_n i_o come_v to_o examine_v the_o first_o set_v of_o those_o in_o the_o pamphlet_n itself_o which_o concern_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o they_o be_v by_o mr_n k._n reduce_v to_o these_o five_o 1._o what_o priesthood_n or_o holy_a order_n have_v the_o first_o reformer_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o roman-catholick_n bishop_n 2_o who_o authorise_a the_o first_o reformer_n to_o preach_v their_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o administer_v their_o protestant_a sacrament_n 3._o whether_o cranmer_n and_o his_o associate_n can_v condemn_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o pretence_n of_o the_o mission_n they_o receive_v from_o her_o bishop_n 4._o whether_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n have_v receive_v order_n from_o a_o protestant_a bishop_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o order_n pronounce_v the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o corrupt_a church_n 5._o whether_o a_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o france_n spain_n or_o germany_n be_v not_o as_o good_a a_o authority_n for_o popery_n there_o as_o in_o england_n for_o protestancy_n these_o be_v question_n one_o will_v think_v too_o ridiculous_a to_o be_v serious_o propose_v but_o i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a mr._n k._n can_v find_v no_o better_a answer_n to_o they_o than_o what_o he_o have_v give_v which_o in_o several_a passage_n run_v too_o much_o on_o the_o same_o wretched_a mistake_n that_o lead_v d._n manby_n to_o offer_v they_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v say_v little_o more_o to_o expose_v they_o than_o first_o state_n the_o controversy_n about_o mission_n and_o then_o apply_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o these_o question_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a mission_n immediate_n or_o mediate_v 1._o immediate_a which_o those_o have_v who_o god_n send_v to_o deliver_v some_o extraordinary_a message_n or_o some_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n such_o a_o mission_n have_v the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n under_o the_o new_a and_o these_o bring_v some_o credential_n of_o their_o mission_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o immediate_a mission_n be_v now_o cease_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v complete_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o a_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v therefore_o 2._o a_o mediate_v mission_n or_o call_v to_o the_o pastoral_n office._n for_o we_o be_v not_o here_o concern_v with_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n i_o mean_v that_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n or_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v but_o several_a name_n to_o import_v the_o same_o thing_n so_o often_o describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o office_n contain_v in_o it_o many_o great_a and_o laborious_a work_n to_o teach_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n be_v their_o guide_n in_o public_a worship_n and_o rule_v they_o by_o evangelical_n discipline_n a_o call_v to_o this_o office_n give_v the_o person_n call_v authority_n to_o do_v those_o work_n and_o lay_v on_o he_o a_o personal_a obligation_n to_o do_v they_o it_o be_v from_o christ_n alone_o that_o power_n be_v derive_v by_o which_o man_n be_v authorise_a and_o oblige_v it_o be_v his_o will_n express_v in_o the_o gospel-charter_n constitute_v man_n his_o minister_n and_o all_o that_o be_v further_o requisite_a be_v to_o know_v how_o he_o signify_v his_o will_n concern_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n be_v one_o of_o his_o minister_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o christ_n have_v do_v already_o in_o the_o gospel-charter_n and_o what_o he_o have_v leave_v for_o man_n to_o do_v christ_n have_v already_o determine_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v describe_v their_o office_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a work_n of_o it_o as_o what_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v preach_v what_o worship_n they_o shall_v celebrate_v how_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n they_o oversee_v and_o what_o discipline_n they_o shall_v administer_v in_o it_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o sufficient_a rule_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o universal_a constant_a necessity_n for_o perform_v these_o work_n he_o have_v describe_v the_o duty_n which_o christian_n flock_n owe_v to_o such_o pastor_n he_o have_v assign_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o pastor_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o people_n that_o need_v the_o labour_n of_o such_o qualify_a person_n to_o seek_v their_o help_n and_o of_o minister_n to_o call_v they_o out_o approve_v and_o invest_v they_o in_o that_o office_n and_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o protect_v the_o worthy_a it_o belong_v not_o therefore_o to_o any_o man_n to_o appoint_v any_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o maim_v that_o office_n he_o have_v institute_v or_o impose_v sinful_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o its_o exercise_n or_o impose_v any_o other_o duty_n on_o the_o people_n than_o he_o have_v do_v much_o less_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v or_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n who_o want_v such_o pastor_n supply_v all_o therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v to_o the_o ordainer_n be_v the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o christ_n charter_n shall_v convey_v the_o power_n the_o approbation_n of_o his_o qualification_n and_o the_o investiture_n of_o he_o or_o solemnize_n his_o admittance_n the_o ordainer_n therefore_o do_v not_o give_v the_o power_n to_o other_o as_o from_o themselves_o nor_o do_v it_o pass_v hrough_a their_o hand_n nor_o can_v they_o diminish_v it_o as_o ex_fw-la gr_fw-la shall_v the_o ordainer_n say_v receive_v thou_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o rule_v the_o flock_n thâ—s_o restraint_n or_o diminution_n be_v null_a as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o charter_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v but_o instrument_n of_o inauguration_n as_o a_o recorder_n that_o invest_v a_o mayor_n in_o that_o office_n which_o the_o king_n charter_n give_v he_o and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o pastor_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o secure_v to_o the_o church_n a_o succession_n of_o able_a and_o blameless_a pastor_n of_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v most_o fit_a to_o judge_v ordination_n by_o pastor_n be_v god_n ordinary_a regular_a way_n of_o admittance_n to_o prevent_v the_o church_n be_v deprave_v and_o injure_v by_o the_o intrusion_n of_o unqualified_a pâ—rsons_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v wherever_o it_o may_v be_v have_v only_o it_o must_v be_v add_v that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o determine_v that_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v by_o person_n so_o qualify_v be_v found_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a law_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o constant_a and_o indispensible_a necessity_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o command_n of_o their_o be_v ordain_v by_o pastor_n be_v but_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o former_a and_o relate_v only_o to_o the_o ordinary_a regular_a execution_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o oblige_v where_o there_o be_v a_o physical_a or_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o observe_v it_o and_o yet_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o ordination_n by_o pastor_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o ministry_n there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v extraordinary_a case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n without_o it_o to_o instance_n in_o two_o case_n what_o if_o many_o christian_n shall_v be_v cast_v on_o the_o shore_n of_o some_o pagan_a nation_n where_o they_o be_v force_v to_o stay_v a_o considerable_a time_n and_o one_o among_o they_o be_v more_o eminent_o qualify_v than_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n the_o rest_n entreat_v his_o help_n and_o will_v any_o say_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o have_v give_v he_o such_o ability_n do_v not_o sufficient_o authorise_v he_o to_o exercise_v they_o in_o this_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a importance_n and_o necessity_n than_o that_o positive_a precept_n about_o the_o order_n of_o it_o nay_o to_o propose_v a_o case_n far_o more_o considerable_a what_o if_o all_o the_o preâ—ent_a pastor_n in_o a_o nation_n shall_v corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o impose_v those_o corruption_n on_o the_o people_n as_o term_n of_o church-communion_n what_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o ordain_v any_o that_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o herein_o the_o people_n dare_v not_o comply_v with_o those_o term_n and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o live_v without_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o worship_n they_o
just_o mart._n ibid._n constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 27._o apost_n can._n 5_o e_o see_v cypr_fw-la ep._n passim_fw-la tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o and_o many_o more_o in_o blondel_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n f_z see_v albasp_n observe_v p._n 254_o 255._o g_o see_v tolet_n de_fw-fr sacerd_v lib._n 5._o cap._n 4._o n._n 15._o and_o pad_n paul_n sarpi_n tract_n of_o church-benefice_n translate_v by_o dr._n denton_n h_z constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 57_o counc_fw-la carth._n 4_o can_n 35_o ay_o 1_o phil._n v._o 1._o clem._n rom_n ep_v ad_fw-la cor_fw-la p_o 54_o 55_o pius_n in_o ep_v justo_n episc_n biblioth_n patr_n tom_n 3_o p_o 15_o constit_fw-la apost_n c_o 30_o &_o 44._o k_n ignat_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n forequoted_a constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 28_o l_o albasp_v observe_v p._n 254_o 255._o m_o ignat._v ep_v ad_fw-la philad_n forecited_a cypr._n ep_v 40_o 72_o 73._o the_o ancient_a description_n of_o a_o church_n be_v well_o know_v plebs_fw-la episcopo_fw-la coadunata_fw-la see_v dr._n still_o iren._n p._n 416._o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n or_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n he_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o n_z and_o as_o be_v say_v before_o administer_v church-censure_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o flock_n who_o judgement_n he_o consult_v o_o that_o presbyter_n do_v but_o sedom_n preach_v public_o in_o the_o two_o or_o three_o first_o age_n except_o in_o alexandria_n or_o some_o few_o church_n that_o have_v presbyter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a learning_n and_o ability_n chrysostom_n preach_v at_o antioch_n and_o augustine_n at_o hippo_n while_o presbyter_n be_v note_v as_o unusual_a that_o every_o city_n have_v its_o bishop_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o dr._n hammond_n and_o grotius_n own_o many_o have_v two_o nay_o some_o have_v more_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o many_o instance_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o every_o town_n of_o any_o bigness_n be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o city_n and_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o of_o a_o long_a time_n even_o in_o the_o large_a city_n exceed_v that_o of_o our_o large_a parish_n nor_o be_v bishop_n confine_v to_o city_n or_o town_n for_o the_o country_n villageâ—_n where_o three_o be_v any_o tolerable_a number_n of_o christian_n to_o mâ—ke_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n have_v long_o their_o bishop_n also_o who_o be_v not_o put_v down_o till_o ambition_n have_v begin_v to_o deprave_v the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o reason_n agreeable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v it_o ne_fw-la vilescat_fw-la nomen_fw-la episcopi_fw-la p_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nearness_n of_o episcopal_n be_fw-mi of_o which_o we_o read_v many_o that_o be_v much_o near_a one_o another_o than_o our_o market-town_n perhaps_o one_o two_o or_o a_o few_o more_o mile_n distant_a q_o if_o we_o observe_v all_o the_o small_a inconsiderable_a place_n that_o be_v the_o be_fw-mi of_o many_o famous_a ancient_a bishop_n not_o half_o so_o big_a as_o our_o lesser_a sort_n of_o perish_v r_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o bishop_n mention_v within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o ground_n n_z see_v cypr._n ep._n 68_o forecited_a and_o many_o more_o testimony_n in_o baxter_n church-history_n &_o answer_v to_o stillingfl_fw-mi from_o p._n 128_o to_o 133._o and_o in_o blondel_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ah_o see_v blondel_n ibid._n p_o council_n laod._n can._n 57_o q_o to_o give_v a_o few_o instance_n in_o palestine_n diospolis_n or_o lydda_n be_v but_o six_o mile_n from_o joppa_n joppa_n four_o mile_n from_o janmia_n rhinccoruca_n four_o mile_n from_o anthedon_n and_o anthedon_n not_o three_o mile_n from_o gaza_n and_o gaza_n twenty_o furlong_n from_o constantia_n ancient_o call_v majuma_n so_o in_o egypt_n nicopolis_n be_v twenty_o furlong_n from_o alexandria_n and_o taposiris_n canopus_n heraclia_n and_o naucratis_n not_o much_o far_o from_o one_o another_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o episcopal_a be_fw-mi r_o mr._n thorndike_n right_o of_o church_n review_v tell_v we_o p._n 53._o that_o in_o africa_n bishop_n be_v so_o plentiful_a that_o every_o good_a village_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n and_o the_o african_a church_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n tell_v we_o iren._n p._n 373._o long_a retain_v the_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o humility_n binnius_n tell_v we_o of_o sylvester_n call_v together_o 284_o bishop_n of_o which_o 139_o be_v out_o of_o rome_n or_o not_o far_o from_o it_o a_o council_n of_o donatist_n at_o carthage_n have_v 270_o bishop_n as_o austin_n tell_v we_o ep._n 68_o about_o the_o year_n 308_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o small_a number_n and_o complain_v of_o persecution_n victor_n vtic_a in_o persec_n vand._n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o that_o part_n of_o africa_n 660_o bishop_n flee_v beside_o the_o great_a number_n murder_v and_o imprison_v and_o many_o tolerate_v the_o 6_o provincial_a council_n of_o carthage_n have_v 217_o bishop_n and_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o late_a date_n which_o we_o be_v more_o capable_a to_o judge_v of_o even_o patrick_n be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v here_o in_o ireland_n 365_o church_n ordain_v so_o many_o bishop_n beside_o 3000_o presbyter_n usher_n de_fw-fr eccles_n brit._n primord_n p._n 950._o if_o we_o add_v hereto_o the_o late_a date_n of_o parth_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o bishop_n church_n the_o government_n of_o the_o cathedral_n by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n be_v a_o relict_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopal_a government_n from_o these_o evidency_n and_o many_o more_o may_v be_v add_v due_o weigh_v we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o bishop_n be_v a_o primitive_a bishop_n have_v no_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o assembly_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n under_o his_o charge_n which_o he_o rul_a d_o with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n the_o first_o that_o set_v up_o more_o assembly_n under_o one_o bishop_n be_v rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v do_v so_o for_o near_o 300_o year_n nor_o many_o church_n for_o 4_o or_o 5_o hundred_o and_o even_o those_o assembly_n do_v but_o long_o make_v up_o one_o communicate_v church_n and_o be_v but_o to_o the_o bishop_n church_n as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n be_v to_o our_o large_a parish_n church_n but_o for_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o remark_n that_o they_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n it_o be_v only_a ambition_n strive_v to_o model_n the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n by_o the_o civil_a that_o first_o give_v rise_v to_o they_o and_o from_o the_o same_o ambition_n in_o the_o empire_n spring_v up_o metropolitan_n patriarch_n and_o pope_n the_o last_o of_o these_o long_o claim_v only_o a_o primacy_n of_o order_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o which_o constantinople_n long_o vie_v with_o they_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_o they_o have_v emprove_v their_o pretension_n into_o a_o claim_n of_o supremacy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v too_o observable_a in_o church_n history_n that_o as_o the_o seat_n of_o bishop_n swell_v and_o their_o power_n increase_v by_o engross_a to_o themselves_o that_o work_n which_o a_o score_n or_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v hardly_o discharge_v so_o all_o true_a discipline_n be_v gradual_o disuse_v and_o lose_v and_o the_o church_n miserable_o deprave_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o divide_v by_o the_o contention_n of_o aspire_a bishop_n about_o their_o primacy_n and_o usurp_a power_n if_o you_o desire_v further_a satisfaction_n on_o this_o head_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o mr._n baxters_n treatise_n of_o episcopacy_n who_o in_o the_o 2d_o part_n 5_o 6_o 7_o ch_z have_v give_v as_o satisfactory_a a_o account_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o that_o distance_n the_o few_o slender_a exception_n produce_v by_o dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi in_o his_o vnreason_n of_o seper_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o two_o first_o century_n be_v so_o clear_o invalidate_v and_o expose_v by_o mr._n baxters_n answer_n to_o dr_n st._n p._n 100_o 101_o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o mr._n clerkson_n in_o his_o no_o evidence_n of_o diocesan_n church_n in_o antiq_n &c_n &c_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o church_n be_v stranger_n to_o antiquity_n and_o shall_v look_v on_o that_o cause_n as_o desperate_a and_o lose_v unless_o some_o of_o its_o patron_n can_v disprove_v that_o full_a stream_n of_o evidence_n he_o have_v bring_v against_o it_o from_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n in_o the_o forementioned_a
treatise_n there_o be_v few_o considerable_a defender_n of_o prelacy_n who_o writing_n he_o have_v not_o animadvert_v on_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o most_o of_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n some_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v a_o sort_n of_o general_a superintendent_o arch-bishop_n or_o metropolitan_o who_o have_v some_o inspection_n over_o the_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o province_n and_o preside_v in_o their_o synod_n but_o do_v not_o put_v down_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n in_o those_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o those_o diocesan_n bishop_n that_o do_v cast_v out_o all_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a pastor_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o yet_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o metropolitan_o be_v of_o no_o very_a ancient_a date_n and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o cyprian_a who_o disow_v any_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n and_o own_v only_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o flock_n or_o church_n other_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o state_v presidency_n of_o one_o by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o consessus_fw-la or_o bench_n of_o presbyter_n who_o have_v but_o all_o one_o communicate_v church_n under_o their_o charge_n which_o be_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v begin_v early_o in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o remedy_n of_o schism_n but_o that_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n when_o both_o be_v but_o joynt-ruler_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o modern_a prelacy_n that_o such_o diocesan_n bishop_n have_v put_v down_o the_o primitive_a parish-bishop_n and_o monopolise_v the_o power_n of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o render_v true_a church-government_n impracticable_a nay_o that_o very_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n whole_o in_o the_o notorious_a disparity_n of_o his_o gift_n learning_n age_n etc._n etc._n above_o the_o rest_n but_o be_v never_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o difference_n in_o office_n or_o power_n nor_o be_v it_o ascribe_v to_o any_o high_a original_a â—hen_o human_a constitution_n by_o jerome_n auâ—â—in_n ambâ—ose_n sedulius_n primasius_n chrysostom_n theodoret_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o mention_v â—â—der_a writer_n if_o then_o ordination_n belong_v to_o scripturall_a bishop_n and_o such_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n 〈◊〉_d none_o else_o diâ—_n orâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n than_o a_o l_o suâ—h_o bishop_n have_v that_o power_n nor_o indeed_o have_v any_o power_n to_o orâ—â—â—_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v such_o scriptural_a bishop_n â—hâ—_n office_n of_o diocesan_n prelate_n be_v a_o manifest_a usurpation_n in_o thâ—_n church_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n in_o human_a ambition_n that_o uâ—u_n pation_n can_v rightful_o deprive_v the_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n oâ—_n that_o power_n of_o church-government_n which_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o their_o office_n as_o the_o power_n of_o teach_v or_o be_v guide_n in_o worship_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o parish-bishop_n submit_v for_o peace_n sake_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o diocesan_n ex_fw-la gr_fw-la when_o he_o claim_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n where_o the_o true_a end_n of_o it_o be_v attain_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o diocesan_n bishop_n shall_v so_o abuse_v that_o usurp_a power_n as_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v the_o ministry_n by_o impose_v sinful_a term_n and_o hazard_v the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n by_o neglect_v to_o provide_v a_o number_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n suitable_a to_o their_o real_a necessity_n the_o ordination_n therefore_o of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o particular_a churchâ—s_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o consequent_o more_o unexceptionable_o valid_a then_o that_o of_o a_o single_a diocesan_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v valid_a because_o either_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o office_n they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o scriptural_a bishop_n though_o they_o have_v none_o as_o diocesan_n or_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o scriptural_a bishop_n to_o who_o office_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v annex_v by_o divine_a institution_n and_o and_o can_v be_v alienate_v by_o any_o humane_a usurpation_n for_o christ_n have_v give_v none_o power_n to_o change_v his_o institution_n nor_o can_v the_o will_n of_o the_o ordainer_n debar_v his_o officer_n from_o any_o part_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o his_o charter_n convey_v to_o they_o and_o if_o the_o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o such_o scriptural_a bishop_n be_v deny_v the_o church_n have_v not_o ordain_v minister_n for_o a_o century_n or_o two_o at_o least_o have_v lay_v down_o these_o notion_n about_o mission_n i_o come_v to_o examine_v d_o m'_v quest_n quest_n 1_o what_o priesthood_n or_o holy_a order_n have_v the_o first_o reformer_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o roman_n catholic_n bishop_n answ_n if_o d_o m_o mean_v that_o their_o priesthood_n or_o ministerial_a office_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o giver_n of_o it_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o none_o at_o all_o nor_o have_v any_o that_o power_n to_o give_v it_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o charter_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n or_o popish_a bishop_n do_v invest_v they_o in_o that_o office_n it_o 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the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v and_o divine_a worship_n pure_o celebrate_v and_o who_o can_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n be_v a_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v undertake_v it_o for_o the_o precept_n about_o the_o ordinary_a regular_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n do_v not_o oblige_v where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lawful_o observe_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a necessity_n of_o a_o pure_a untainted_a ministry_n then_o of_o that_o positive_a point_n of_o order_n for_o else_o on_o supposition_n no_o pastor_n have_v embrace_v the_o reformation_n the_o people_n who_o do_v will_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o have_v live_v like_o atheist_n without_o public_a worship_n 2_o q_o who_o authorize_v the_o first_o reformer_n to_o preach_v their_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o administer_v their_o protestant_a sac_n ament_n answ_n it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o ordainer_n to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n the_o person_n ordain_v shall_v preach_v but_o to_o christ_n who_o have_v determine_v that_o matter_n already_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctrine_n which_o our_o first_o reformer_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n they_o administer_v be_v christ_n as_o mr._n k._n well_o argue_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o ask_v who_o authorise_a they_o to_o preach_v the_o one_o or_o administer_v the_o other_o christ_n do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v authorise_v any_o to_o preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o administer_v any_o other_o sacrament_n the_o bishop_n or_o priest_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v no_o right_a or_o mission_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v popish_a doctrine_n or_o administer_v popish_a sacrament_n or_o celebrate_v popish_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o worship_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v gross_a corruption_n of_o their_o office_n