who_o i_o can_v more_o ready_o submit_v than_o to_o st._n austin_n a_o person_n of_o wonderful_a sharpness_n in_o understanding_n and_o yet_o of_o great_a modesty_n no_o way_n affect_v to_o take_v new_a opinion_n much_o less_o to_o impose_v they_o no_o other_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v how_o can_v we_o have_v assurance_n of_o any_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v more_o than_o another_o i_o mean_v assurance_n from_o his_o own_o authority_n or_o reason_n what_o he_o deliver_v from_o scripture_n authority_n be_v another_o matter_n we_o believe_v st._n austin_n err_v in_o some_o thing_n whereof_o he_o be_v most_o confident_a he_o believe_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o child_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o i_o say_v he_o believe_v it_o a_o direct_a heresy_n to_o hold_v there_o be_v any_o antipode_n lactantius_n another_o great_a wit_n and_o great_a scholar_n believe_v the_o like_a with_o divers_z other_o who_o then_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o other_o thing_n also_o wherefore_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o all_o man_n liar_n in_o this_o sense_n to_o deliver_v lie_v material_o that_o be_v falsity_n for_o truth_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o father_n must_v certain_o hold_v good_a of_o counsel_n also_o though_o ever_o so_o general_a ever_o so_o primitive_a for_o this_o and_o that_o father_n may_v and_o have_v err_v sure_o then_o that_o and_o that_o may_v also_o err_v i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n in_o man_n nor_o can_v i_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o men._n the_o general_a objection_n make_v against_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n which_o christ_n make_v unto_o his_o church_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o the_o apostle_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n as_o for_o that_o other_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n he_o that_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o man_n of_o any_o brain_n or_o modesty_n shall_v so_o gross_o abuse_v this_o say_n speak_v of_o several_a difference_n between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o termination_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o they_o usual_o and_o by_o order_n shall_v assemble_v in_o and_o refer_v this_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n not_o in_o the_o least_o point_a at_o there_o wherefore_o i_o pass_v this_o over_o as_o very_o impertinent_a and_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o former_a objection_n of_o more_o weight_n yet_o no_o way_n conclude_v as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o no_o man_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n can_v more_o firm_o believe_v than_o i_o do_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o that_o christ_n will_v be_v with_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v nor_o be_o i_o bind_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v such_o exposition_n as_o the_o popish_a church_n make_v of_o this_o place_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v the_o romish_a church_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v expositor_n of_o scripture_n more_o than_o other_o church_n i_o find_v nothing_o for_o it_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v my_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o proceed_v then_o to_o the_o business_n of_o general_a counsel_n whether_o they_o may_v err_v in_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o why_o not_o all_o the_o evangelical_n doctor_n grant_v the_o late_a general_a counsel_n have_v err_v if_o so_o why_o not_o the_o former_a what_o promise_n have_v the_o former_a from_o christ_n more_o than_o the_o late_a what_o period_n be_v there_o set_v in_o scripture_n for_o their_o not_o err_v or_o what_o promise_n be_v there_o at_o all_o for_o any_o not_o to_o err_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o grant_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o general_n council_n not_o the_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n not_o the_o thousand_o thousand_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v scripture_n be_v always_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a though_o of_o late_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o quite_o another_o notion_n and_o take_v for_o the_o clergy_n only_o but_o you_o will_v say_v a_o general_n council_n be_v the_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n what_o then_o what_o promise_n be_v make_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o representative_a shall_v not_o err_v you_o further_o urge_v if_o the_o representative_a err_v it_o be_v probable_a the_o whole_a church_n will_v receive_v their_o error_n i_o answer_v we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v not_o depend_v on_o humane_a probability_n but_o divine_a certainty_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o so_o probable_a the_o church_n will_v receive_v the_o error_n of_o the_o representative_a we_o know_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v not_o receive_v a_o truth_n determine_v by_o they_o much_o loss_n a_o error_n and_o i_o pray_v have_v not_o counsel_n be_v against_o counsel_n put_v then_o the_o case_n a_o general_n council_n shall_v err_v in_o some_o matter_n you_o can_v therefore_o say_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v err_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v consider_v can_v you_o true_o say_v the_o great_a turk_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o christian_a army_n because_o he_o have_v kill_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o great_a general_n council_n hold_v a_o less_o proportion_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o i_o will_v grant_v yet_o more_o put_v the_o case_n the_o whole_a church_n shall_v deviate_v into_o some_o erroneous_a superstition_n have_v the_o devil_n therefore_o prevail_v against_o it_o can_v i_o say_v i_o have_v prevail_v against_o another_o man_n because_o i_o give_v he_o some_o slight_a hurt_n in_o his_o leg_n or_o thigh_n as_o long_o as_o his_o head_n his_o heart_n his_o arm_n be_v whole_a he_o still_o be_v able_a to_o fight_v and_o wound_v i_o as_o bad_a or_o worse_o till_o the_o devil_n can_v so_o wound_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o destroy_v the_o vital_n the_o fundamental_o and_o make_v it_o no_o church_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v prevail_v against_o it_o now_o god_n be_v bless_v there_o have_v continue_v all_o along_o several_a church_n as_o great_a or_o great_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o have_v still_o maintain_v in_o defiance_n of_o satan_n one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o several_a other_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n how_o then_o have_v satan_n prevail_v when_o so_o many_o million_o have_v wage_v war_n against_o he_o and_o uphold_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o anti-christ_n great_a power_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v drive_v into_o the_o wilderness_n scarce_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n neither_o pope_n nor_o devil_n have_v yet_o so_o prevail_v but_o as_o then_o christ_n shall_v have_v so_o christ_n have_v still_o have_v a_o church_n war_a against_o satan_n sure_o no_o learned_a papist_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o about_o the_o second_o century_n the_o millenaries_n be_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n scarce_o any_o write_a doctor_n in_o those_o day_n but_o have_v this_o error_n do_v satan_n then_o prevail_v and_o in_o st._n augustine_n day_n the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o general_a and_o hold_v so_o necessary_a a_o principle_n that_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n baptism_n this_o sacrament_n be_v to_o precede_v the_o other_o in_o those_o day_n a_o lantern_n will_v have_v be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o a_o church_n without_o this_o error_n do_v satan_n then_o prevail_v but_o say_v you_o no_o general_n council_n determine_v those_o error_n why_o because_o none_o be_v call_v about_o they_o have_v any_o be_v call_v who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v have_v avow_v that_o in_o the_o council_n which_o they_o all_o teach_v in_o their_o church_n no_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v have_v preserve_v they_o from_o it_o show_v i_o that_o promise_n in_o scripture_n if_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o preserve_v they_o from_o teach_v the_o whole_a church_n so_o i_o fear_v the_o spirit_n will_v not_o have_v preserve_v they_o more_o in_o council_n than_o in_o congregation_n where_o all_o suck_a in_o this_o error_n from_o their_o infancy_n will_v hardly_o have_v quit_v it_o by_o a_o determination_n in_o council_n i_o humble_o crave_v pardon_n for_o this_o bold_a presumption_n be_v lead_v into_o it_o
religion_n or_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o apparent_o wilfulness_n and_o faction_n i_o beseech_v you_o my_o brethren_n take_v heed_n of_o thus_o dissemble_v with_o god_n and_o the_o world_n or_o take_v heed_n of_o give_v yourselves_o up_o to_o these_o delusion_n of_o a_o mistake_a spirit_n humility_n and_o obedience_n be_v evident_a mark_n of_o the_o spirit_n learn_v of_o i_o say_v christ_n math._n 11._o 29._o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a wherefore_o i_o ay_o beseech_v you_o first_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o all_o humility_n that_o he_o may_v give_v you_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v clear_a truth_n from_o conceit_a fanciful_a error_n second_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o humility_n then_o to_o err_v in_o the_o way_n of_o pride_n which_o make_v it_o double_o damnable_a void_a of_o all_o excuse_n i_o say_v this_o because_o you_o think_v or_o pretend_v to_o think_v our_o way_n erroneous_a not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o such_o thought_n or_o doubt_n whereas_o the_o humble_a soul_n have_v great_a excuse_n to_o plead_v and_o if_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n sure_a humility_n will_v cover_v some_o a_o soul_n clothe_v with_o humility_n can_v easy_o be_v displease_v to_o our_o humble_a saviour_n but_o clothe_v with_o pride_n can_v scarce_o be_v acceptable_a but_o rather_o hateful_a like_o the_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi with_o all_o his_o enumerated_a virtue_n and_o my_o brethren_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a your_o spirit_n savour_v somewhat_o of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi magnify_v your_o own_o holiness_n and_o despise_v all_o other_o as_o publican_n and_o sinner_n and_o refuse_v all_o communion_n with_o they_o whereas_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n our_o lord_n jesus_n choose_v chief_o to_o converse_v with_o such_o real_o i_o can_v but_o think_v your_o case_n very_o dangerous_a on_o this_o account_n only_o be_v there_o no_o more_o to_o accuse_v you_o of_o three_o i_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v the_o great_a mischief_n you_o bring_v upon_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n by_o your_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n you_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o great_a zelots_n against_o popery_n and_o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v your_o indiscreet_a disobedient_a zeal_n main_o bring_v it_o in_o your_o separation_n and_o many_o follow_a division_n have_v cause_v many_o to_o abhor_v our_o church_n and_o turn_v to_o popery_n and_o doubtless_o you_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o soul_n for_o i_o can_v never_o yield_v that_o you_o have_v any_o reasonable_a and_o true_a conscientious_a cause_n of_o separation_n but_o mere_o mistaken-reason_n and_o conscience_n which_o i_o much_o pity_n but_o no_o way_n approve_v and_o therefore_o i_o must_v lay_v the_o advance_v of_o popery_n to_o your_o charge_n to_o your_o separation_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o main_a snare_n wherewith_o they_o catch_v unstable_a soul_n persuade_v they_o our_o church_n be_v not_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n see_v it_o be_v confound_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n it_o can_v be_v of_o god_n who_o be_v both_o verity_n and_o unity_n now_o though_o it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a that_o their_o church_n have_v neither_o verity_n nor_o unity_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o weak_a soul_n especial_o here_o in_o this_o country_n where_o their_o church_n be_v under_o a_o cloud_n and_o therefore_o their_o foul_a spot_n nothing_o so_o visible_a as_o abroad_o where_o it_o walk_v barefaced_a but_o be_v here_o by_o their_o priest_n either_o with_o great_a confidence_n deny_v or_o with_o great_a cunning_n disguise_v wherefore_o again_o i_o most_o earnest_o and_o most_o humble_o beseech_v you_o for_o jesus_n sake_n put_v on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o humility_n and_o obedience_n submit_v yourselves_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o those_o superior_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o you_o and_o if_o out_o of_o mere_a humility_n and_o obedience_n you_o conform_v though_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n therein_o i_o be_o confident_a there_o be_v none_o yet_o be_v it_o so_o my_o soul_n for_o you_o that_o guilt_n shall_v never_o be_v lay_v to_o your_o charge_n by_o our_o most_o gracious_a saviour_n and_o most_o mereiful_a judge_n christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la
the_o naked_a truth_n or_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o a_o humble_a moderator_n zach._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n gal._n 4._o 16._o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1675._o a_o humble_a petition_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n my_o lord_n and_o noble_a gentleman_n you_o have_v full_o express_v your_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n in_o faith_n and_o uniformity_n in_o discipline_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v so_o the_o same_o may_v certain_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o for_o both_o and_o i_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n the_o god_n of_o life_n and_o death_n to_o witness_v that_o i_o will_v most_o ready_o yea_o most_o joyful_o sacrifice_v all_o i_o have_v in_o this_o world_n my_o life_n and_o all_o that_o all_o nonconformist_n be_v reduce_v to_o our_o church_n but_o it_o fall_v out_o most_o sad_o that_o your_o law_n have_v not_o the_o desire_a effect_n our_o church_n be_v more_o and_o more_o divide_v such_o be_v the_o perverse_a nature_n of_o man_n niti_fw-la in_o vetitum_fw-la obstinate_o to_o oppose_v authority_n especial_o when_o they_o can_v pretend_v the_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n this_o carry_v so_o great_a a_o applause_n among_o the_o vulgar_a still_o envious_a at_o superior_n that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v nut_n to_o a_o ape_n sweet_a to_o they_o than_o any_o other_o thing_n this_o world_n afford_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o they_o will_v endure_v any_o thing_n imprisonment_n loss_n of_o good_n yea_o sometime_o of_o life_n also_o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o main_o nourish_v our_o division_n give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o popery_n and_o threaten_v the_o total_a ruin_n of_o our_o church_n many_o who_o be_v former_o very_o zealous_a for_o our_o church_n see_v these_o our_o sad_a division_n and_o not_o see_v those_o of_o the_o roman-church_n nor_o their_o gross_a superstition_n which_o their_o priest_n conceal_v till_o they_o have_v get_v man_n fast_o be_v easy_o seduce_v by_o their_o pretend_a unity_n and_o daily_o fall_v from_o we_o this_o make_v my_o heart_n to_o bleed_v and_o my_o soul_n with_o anguish_n ready_a to_o expire_v rather_o than_o live_v to_o see_v that_o dismal_a day_n of_o relapse_n into_o their_o manifold_a idolatry_n wherefore_o i_o humble_v my_o soul_n before_o god_n in_o fast_v and_o prayer_n beg_v daily_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o direct_v i_o to_o some_o heal_a salve_n for_o these_o our_o bleed_a wound_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o follow_a paper_n come_v from_o the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v those_o who_o seek_v he_o in_o humility_n and_o sincerity_n both_o which_o i_o be_o confident_a i_o have_v do_v and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o no_o worldly_a design_n have_v move_v i_o to_o this_o but_o have_v often_o tempt_v i_o to_o give_v it_o over_o i_o be_o also_o sure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v therein_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n in_o this_o only_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v transgress_v in_o put_v it_o forth_o without_o licence_n and_o for_o this_o i_o beg_v of_o god_n and_o you_o as_o naaman_n do_v of_o elisha_n in_o this_o thing_n the_o lord_n and_o you_o pardon_v your_o servant_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o as_o elisha_n do_v unto_o naaman_n go_v in_o peace_n and_o i_o far_o hope_v this_o shall_v not_o cast_v such_o a_o prejudice_n upon_o it_o as_o to_o make_v you_o cast_v it_o by_o or_o read_v it_o with_o disgust_n i_o do_v not_o expect_v you_o shall_v approve_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o my_o seek_v god_n in_o this_o but_o upon_o my_o reason_n allege_v nor_o do_v i_o expect_v that_o upon_o my_o reason_n you_o shall_v approve_v all_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o serious_o consider_v all_o and_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n direct_v you_o to_o that_o which_o may_v make_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o our_o church_n by_o yield_v to_o weak_a one_o if_o not_o wilful_a one_o also_o as_o far_o as_o your_o reason_n and_o conscience_n will_v permit_v sure_o you_o can_v so_o loathe_v all_o condescension_n as_o not_o to_o loathe_v more_o and_o detest_v papal_a confusion_n which_o certain_o come_v on_o apace_o by_o our_o division_n and_o of_o two_o evil_n both_o reason_n and_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o choose_v the_o less_o now_o doubtless_o you_o can_v think_v condescension_n if_o evil_a at_o all_o sure_a not_o so_o evil_a as_o papal_a idolatry_n and_o that_o papistry_n be_v idolatry_n be_v so_o clear_o prove_v by_o our_o learned_a dr._n still_v fleet_n as_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o say_v more_o of_o it_o condescension_n may_v seem_v in_o some_o respect_v imprudent_a but_o whether_o in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o affair_n imprudent_a i_o beseech_v you_o again_o consider_v well_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v change_v their_o counsel_n and_o resolve_n upon_o second_o thought_n much_o more_o upon_o experience_n and_o approach_v evil_n not_o at_o first_o discover_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n with_o prince_n when_o they_o find_v their_o main_a enemy_n power_n increase_n much_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o lesser_a enemy_n on_o condition_n never_o before_o to_o be_v endure_v self-preservation_n be_v the_o prime_a principle_n in_o all_o creature_n rational_a and_o irrational_a spring_v from_o nature_n itself_o it_o shall_v in_o nature_n and_o reason_n overbalance_n any_o other_o consideration_n and_o whatever_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o sinful_o do_v must_v needs_o be_v wise_o do_v i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o alwise_a god_n and_o sole_a giver_n of_o wisdom_n to_o pour_v down_o his_o holy_a and_o wise_a spirit_n upon_o you_o amen_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n so_o i_o term_v you_o hope_v you_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v it_o more_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n humility_n charity_n not_o to_o censure_v my_o error_n and_o inveigh_v against_o they_o but_o to_o pity_v and_o endeavour_v to_o rectify_v they_o if_o you_o find_v any_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o christian_a i_o shall_v be_v far_o more_o ready_a to_o recant_v than_o to_o vent_v a_o error_n if_o you_o be_v not_o thus_o christianly_o dispose_v i_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o read_v no_o furtner_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o it_o and_o can_v you_o think_v it_o wisdom_n to_o run_v yourself_o into_o displeasure_n enjoy_v your_o present_a quiet_a and_o let_v i_o rest_v but_o if_o you_o be_v so_o christianly_o dispose_v as_o i_o mention_v than_o i_o as_o earnest_o hag_n of_o you_o to_o proceed_v to_o discover_v my_o error_n and_o amend_v they_o but_o perchance_o you_o will_v ask_v who_o i_o be_o why_o do_v i_o not_o tell_v you_o by_o put_v my_o name_n to_o this_o pamphlet_n i_o will_v ingenuous_o confess_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o a_o weak_a man_n of_o great_a passion_n not_o able_a to_o bear_v commendation_n or_o reproach_n my_o small_a ability_n put_v i_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o the_o first_o but_o in_o great_a fear_n of_o the_o late_a why_o then_o be_v i_o so_o forward_o to_o publish_v my_o weakness_n to_o have_v it_o cure_v yet_o true_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o forward_o for_o it_o be_v now_o above_o two_o year_n since_o i_o have_v these_o thought_n in_o which_o time_n i_o have_v read_v and_o confer_v all_o i_o can_v to_o discover_v if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o for_o all_o i_o yet_o can_v meet_v with_o do_v not_o find_v it_o so_o but_o hope_v all_o i_o say_v be_v truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v he_o useful_a to_o the_o public_a in_o this_o present_a conjuncture_n of_o affair_n therefore_o i_o proceed_v and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n most_o humble_o beseech_v all_o that_o read_v this_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o bias_n of_o interest_n or_o education_n both_o be_v very_o great_a i_o be_o sure_a i_o find_v it_o so_o very_o long_o before_o i_o can_v master_v they_o and_o that_o of_o education_n most_o difficult_a be_v it_o not_o so_o there_o can_v not_o be_v that_o difference_n of_o opinion_n in_o christian_a religion_n all_o allow_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o but_o add_v to_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o very_o believe_v there_o be_v thousand_o of_o papist_n lutheran_n calvinist_n
the_o school_n by_o syllogism_n if_o then_o our_o reason_n understand_v not_o what_o be_v declare_v how_o can_v we_o by_o reason_n make_v any_o deduction_n by_o way_n of_o argument_n from_o that_o which_o we_o understand_v not_o as_o for_o example_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n some_o that_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n by_o the_o son_n i_o pray_v do_v any_o man_n understand_v how_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n no_o certain_o how_o then_o can_v he_o affirm_v or_o believe_v a_o tittle_n more_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v declare_v see_v as_o i_o say_v he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o what_o be_v declare_v discourse_n must_v be_v of_o thing_n intelligible_a though_o faith_n believe_v thing_n not_o intelligible_a can_v any_o man_n prove_v that_o rotation_n and_o circulation_n be_v all_o one_o who_o understand_v not_o what_o rotation_n or_o circulation_n be_v the_o like_o may_v be_v say_v of_o procession_n or_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o the_o father_n that_o he_o be_v send_v also_o by_o the_o son_n but_o whether_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n or_o by_o the_o son_n the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a and_o i_o be_o therefore_o ignorant_a have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o any_o divine_a mystery_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n i_o grant_v that_o by_o rational_a deduction_n and_o humane_a way_n of_o argument_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n as_o from_o the_o father_n but_o if_o in_o divine_a matter_n we_o once_o give_v way_n to_o humane_a deduction_n a_o cunning_a sophister_n may_v soon_o lead_v a_o weak_a disputant_n into_o many_o error_n by_o humane_a deduction_n you_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o son_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o father_n as_o beget_v by_o he_o the_o holy_a ghost_n inferior_a to_o both_o be_v send_v by_o both_o with_o we_o the_o less_o be_v send_v by_o the_o great_a by_o humane_a deduction_n from_o three_o distinct_a person_n you_o may_v prove_v three_o distinct_a substance_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v make_v no_o such_o inference_n in_o the_o divine_a person_n again_o what_o a_o business_n have_v the_o schoolman_n make_v about_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n with_o their_o praedicatum_fw-la and_o subjectum_fw-la and_o copula_fw-la and_o individuum_fw-la vagum_fw-la in_o the_o pronoun_n this._n innumerable_a be_v their_o intricate_a impertinency_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o their_o conclusion_n the_o papist_n hold_v christ_n to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o sacrament_n transubstantialiter_fw-la the_o lutheran_n consubstantialiter_fw-la the_o calvinist_n sacramentaliter_fw-la and_o yet_o all_o confess_v they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o way_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n they_o understand_v not_o what_o they_o say_v neither_o whereof_o they_o affirm_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 7._o have_v the_o scripture_n affirm_v any_o of_o these_o way_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v submit_v our_o reason_n in_o thing_n above_o reason_n though_o we_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a so_o to_o do_v but_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o reason_n what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v wonderful_a and_o to_o discourse_v of_o what_o we_o understand_v not_o be_v doubtless_o a_o spice_n of_o madness_n and_o the_o conclusion_n we_o draw_v from_o such_o discourse_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o dangerous_a we_o follow_v the_o ignem_fw-la fatuum_fw-la the_o uncertain_a light_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n so_o total_o beyond_o our_o reach_n wherefore_o we_o have_v no_o other_o safe_a way_n to_o speak_v of_o divine_a matter_n but_o in_o scripture_n language_n ipsissimis_fw-la verbis_fw-la with_o the_o very_a same_o word_n according_a to_o that_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o in_o faith_n mark_v hold_v fast_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n these_o be_v safe_a humane_a word_n in_o divine_a and_o high_a mystery_n be_v dangerous_a man_n can_v no_o more_o set_v they_o forth_o in_o humane_a word_n than_o express_v the_o divine_a substance_n by_o humane_a paint_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v also_o divine_a there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a plague_n to_o christian_a religion_n than_o school-divinity_n where_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o liberty_n to_o propose_v new_a question_n make_v nice_a distinction_n and_o rash_a conclusion_n of_o divine_a matter_n toss_v they_o up_o and_o down_o with_o their_o tongue_n like_o tennis_n ball_n and_o from_o hence_o proceed_v all_o the_o dangerous_a heresy_n and_o cruel_a bicker_n about_o they_o fall_v from_o word_n to_o blow_n the_o first_o divinity_n school_n we_o read_v of_o be_v set_v up_o at_o alexandria_n by_o pantaenus_n and_o from_o thence_o soon_o after_o spring_v forth_o that_o damnable_a heresy_n of_o the_o arrian_n which_o over_o run_v all_o christendom_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o destruction_n to_o many_o million_o of_o christian_n both_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o heresy_n before_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o sensual_a that_o none_o take_v they_o up_o but_o dissolute_a or_o frantic_a people_n and_o soon_o vanish_v but_o after_o this_o school_n subtle_a way_n of_o argue_v be_v bring_v into_o christianity_n heresy_n grow_v more_o refine_v and_o so_o subtle_a that_o the_o plain_a and_o pious_a father_n of_o the_o church_n know_v not_o how_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o and_o repress_v it_o the_o school_n distinction_n and_o evasion_n quite_o baffle_v they_o and_o these_o sophister_n proud_a of_o their_o conquest_n triumph_v and_o carry_v away_o a_o specious_a appearance_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n or_o rather_o cunning_a insomuch_o that_o many_o godly_a person_n be_v also_o delude_v and_o fall_v in_o unto_o they_o and_o many_o of_o their_o heresy_n continue_v unto_o this_o day_n this_o great_a bane_n of_o the_o church_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o hence_o many_o of_o the_o primitive_a doctor_n and_o father_n be_v convert_v from_o heathenism_n and_o have_v by_o long_a and_o great_a industry_n acquire_v much_o knowledge_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n antiquity_n history_n and_o subtle_a logic_n or_o sophistry_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o abandon_v quite_o these_o their_o long_o study_a and_o dear_o belove_v science_n false_o so_o call_v and_o therefore_o translate_v they_o into_o christianity_n apply_v their_o school_n term_n distinction_n syllogism_n etc._n etc._n to_o divine_a matter_n intend_v perchance_o through_o indiscreet_a zeal_n to_o illustrate_v and_o embellish_v christian_a knowledge_n with_o such_o artificial_a form_n and_o figure_n but_o rather_o deface_v and_o spoil_v it_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o st._n paul_n well_o foresee_v and_o therefore_o forewarn_v we_o of_o it_o col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o nad_z be_v far_o better_o for_o they_o and_o all_o christendom_n have_v they_o determine_v with_o st._n paul_n to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a and_o not_o to_o intermingle_v man_n wisdom_n and_o excellency_n of_o speech_n with_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o scripture_n doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o be_v set_v forth_o 1_o cor._n 2._o not_o with_o logical_a syllogism_n and_o sophistical_a enthymem_n for_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n and_o gentile_n so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o gentile_n be_v foolishness_n to_o god_n and_o destruction_n to_o his_o church_n who_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v have_v overcome_v all_o their_o wisdom_n and_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o christian_a doctor_n leave_v this_o plain_a and_o simple_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o sell_v to_o cunning_n dispute_v introduce_v new_a form_n of_o speech_n and_o nice_a expression_n of_o their_o own_o coin_v some_o approve_v some_o oppose_v they_o great_a discord_n war_n and_o confusion_n soon_o follow_v have_v that_o most_o prudent_a and_o most_o pious_a constantine_n the_o first_o and_o best_a of_o christian_a emperor_n have_v he_o pursue_v his_o own_o intention_n to_o suppress_v all_o dispute_n and_o all_o new_a question_n of_o god_n the_o son_n both_o homoousian_a and_o homoiousion_n and_o command_v all_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n expression_n without_o any_o addition_n
i_o be_o confident_a the_o arrian_n heresy_n have_v soon_o expire_v but_o by_o continual_a disputation_n the_o heat_n of_o passion_n be_v raise_v and_o the_o matter_n pursue_v with_o far_o more_o violence_n which_o at_o length_n grow_v into_o rancour_n and_o malice_n irreconcilable_a for_o some_o godly_a bishop_n i_o humble_o conceive_v more_o zealous_a than_o discreet_a will_v not_o rest_v satisfy_v unless_o the_o arrian_n be_v force_v either_o to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o new_a word_n homoousian_n or_o to_o quit_v their_o live_n and_o this_o cause_v that_o great_a persecution_n against_o the_o orthodox_n where_o the_o arrian_n prevail_v whereas_o by_o silence_n impose_v on_o all_o party_n the_o malice_n rancour_n persecution_n war_n all_o have_v be_v prevent_v and_o the_o truth_n speak_v in_o love_n will_v at_o length_n most_o probable_o have_v prevail_v for_o be_v not_o the_o gospel_n at_o first_o plant_v this_o way_n preach_v and_o pray_v man_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o this_o way_n of_o weakness_n it_o prenvail_v for_o the_o weak_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n but_o when_o man_n will_v be_v wise_a than_o god_n and_o in_o their_o foolish_a wisdom_n think_v it_o fit_a to_o add_v their_o strength_n to_o god_n weakness_n as_o a_o speedy_a and_o sure_a way_n to_o establish_v the_o truth_n god_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n suffer_v that_o strong_a man_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o none_o but_o his_o almighty_a arm_n can_v bind_v and_o master_n to_o come_v and_o sow_v his_o tare_n of_o division_n which_o soon_o overruns_a the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v all_o to_o confusion_n but_o what_o then_o will_v i_o have_v all_o heretical_a opinion_n broach_v and_o spread_v abroad_o without_o any_o control_n be_v not_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v they_o not_o add_v the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o that_o of_o the_o word_n not_o hold_v the_o sword_n in_o vain_a but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a doer_n &_o c_o all_o this_o i_o grant_v and_o desire_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n that_o both_o prince_n and_o pastor_n will_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n full_o declare_v and_o contain_v in_o scripture_n let_v they_o suffer_v no_o new_a doctrine_n to_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n certain_o superfluous_a the_o scripture_n be_v all-sufficient_a and_o probable_o dangerous_a as_o be_v of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o god_n who_o have_v give_v we_o a_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n by_o his_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o his_o only_a son_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o new_a doctrine_n proceed_v from_o he_o therefore_o st._n paul_n be_v very_o bold_a and_o cry_v out_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o gospel_n than_o be_v already_o preach_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v the_o magistrate_n than_o be_v to_o countenance_n and_o protect_v the_o pastor_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o silence_n oppose_v punish_v all_o that_o preach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o not_o clear_o contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n heresy_n never_o at_o first_o appear_v in_o their_o own_o natural_a shape_n but_o disguise_v with_o specious_a pretence_n draw_v from_o some_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n capable_a of_o various_a interpretation_n and_o thus_o have_v get_v footing_n by_o degree_n they_o lay_v aside_o their_o disguise_n and_o march_v on_o barefaced_a therefore_o both_o pastor_n and_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o watchful_a and_o oppose_v all_o beginning_n ever_o so_o specious_a as_o dangerous_a or_o at_o least_o superfluous_a as_o i_o say_v let_v the_o pastor_n at_o first_o endeavour_n by_o plain_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n but_o if_o these_o turbulent_a spirit_n will_v not_o be_v stop_v neither_o by_o admonition_n nor_o entreaty_n then_o let_v the_o pastor_n proceed_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v it_o use_v with_o that_o gravity_n and_o severity_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n will_v have_v great_a effect_n that_o be_v be_v it_o use_v in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n by_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n not_o by_o lay-chancellour_n and_o their_o surrogate_v and_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v and_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o exclude_v from_o all_o conversation_n and_o commerce_n every_o one_o shun_v his_o company_n as_o a_o person_n infect_v with_o the_o plague_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a and_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v now_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v now_o if_o man_n make_v any_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n this_o i_o be_o confident_a will_v reduce_v many_o a_o one_o but_o if_o after_o this_o any_o persevere_v in_o their_o perverseness_n than_o the_o magistrate_n may_v doubtless_o by_o his_o power_n use_v with_o christian_a moderation_n endeavour_v to_o stop_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o contagion_n and_o do_v what_o in_o wisdom_n he_o think_v meet_v to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n and_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n urge_v against_o they_o that_o scripture_n have_v thou_o faith_n have_v it_o to_o thyself_o before_o god_n rom._n 14._o 22._o or_o that_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 32._o or_o that_o gal._n 5._o 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o here_o in_o jest_n but_o in_o great_a earnest_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o continue_a fervency_n all_o along_o this_o epistle_n and_o doubtless_o he_o mean_v not_o here_o a_o cut_n off_o from_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o excommunication_n for_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v why_o then_o shall_v he_o wish_v it_o nay_o they_o have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o church_n before_o certain_o than_o he_o mean_v a_o cut_n off_o by_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o then_o be_v heathen_a and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o have_v it_o make_v use_v of_o by_o christian_n for_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o appeal_v to_o unbelieve_a magistrate_n no_o not_o in_o civil_a thing_n 1_o cor._n 6._o much_o less_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n wherefore_o when_o st._n paul_n wish_v they_o be_v cut_v off_o he_o wish_v there_o be_v a_o fit_a power_n that_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o punish_v or_o banish_v those_o that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o doctrine_n apparent_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a text_n and_o such_o as_o be_v destructive_a to_o christianity_n i_o dare_v go_v no_o far_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o keep_v their_o erroneous_a opinion_n to_o themselves_o who_o neither_o publish_v nor_o practice_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o state_n but_o only_o refuse_v to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n establish_v doctrine_n or_o discipline_n pardon_v i_o if_o i_o say_v that_o real_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n or_o so_o much_o as_o any_o hint_n from_o the_o gospel_n to_o use_v any_o force_n to_o compel_v they_o and_o from_o reason_n sure_a there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o use_v force_n because_o as_o i_o show_v before_o force_n can_v make_v a_o man_n believe_v your_o doctrine_n but_o only_o as_o a_o hypocrite_n profess_v what_o he_o believe_v not_o i_o know_v full_a well_o there_o be_v a_o common_a objection_n against_o this_o take_v from_o st._n austin_n who_o be_v long_o of_o my_o opinion_n but_o seem_v to_o be_v alter_v on_o this_o occasion_n some_o heretic_n donatist_n come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o latter_a day_n and_o give_v thanks_o that_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o restrain_v they_o confess_v that_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o bring_v they_o to_o consider_v more_o calm_o their_o own_o former_a extravagant_a opinion_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o the_o true_a church_n this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v first_o the_o donatist_n be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n not_o only_o erroneous_a in_o judgement_n but_o very_o turbulent_a in_o behaviour_n always_o in_o seditious_a practice_n and_o in_o that_o case_n i_o show_v before_o how_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v proceed_v to_o punishment_n but_o our_o case_n be_v not_o in_o repress_v seditious_a practice_n but_o enforce_v a._n confession_n of_o faith_n quite_o of_o another_o nature_n then_o second_o to_o answer_v more_o particular_o this_o story_n i_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o man_n such_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o it_o and_o such_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v these_o seem_v convert_v donatist_n may_v be_v who_o for_o love_n of_o this_o world_n more_o than_o for_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n forsake_v their_o
heretical_a profession_n though_o not_o their_o opinion_n who_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o dissimulation_n and_o desirous_a to_o get_v favour_n with_o st._n austin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o all_o relate_v unto_o he_o this_o specious_a story_n which_o st._n augustine_n great_a charity_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v believe_v all_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o use_v the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a sword_n to_o reduce_v heretic_n to_o the_o church_n but_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v evidence_v that_o these_o donatists_n heart_n be_v change_v as_o well_o as_o their_o profession_n a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o prove_v all_o this_o prove_v nothing_o three_o put_v the_o case_n their_o heart_n be_v real_o change_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o belief_n it_o be_v evident_a their_o heart_n be_v very_o worldly_a still_o grovel_v on_o the_o earth_n not_o one_o step_n near_o heaven_n our_o saviour_n say_v a_o evil_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o sure_a their_o heart_n be_v evil_a which_o be_v far_o more_o move_v for_o the_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n good_a than_o for_o the_o bless_a enjoyment_n of_o christ._n four_o though_o we_o far_o grant_v that_o the_o prune_n of_o the_o magistrate_n sword_n do_v real_o correct_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o make_v it_o bring_v forth_o some_o good_a fruit_n yet_o shall_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o god_n forbid_v say_v st._n paul_n put_v the_o case_n malchus_n have_v be_v convert_v by_o st._n peter_n cut_v off_o his_o ear_n this_o will_v not_o have_v excuse_v st._n peter_n act_n which_o our_o saviour_n so_o sharp_o reprove_v and_o threaten_v with_o perish_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o give_v he_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v the_o sword_n in_o his_o cause_n think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o will_v present_o give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o legion_n of_o angel_n can_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o godhead_n than_o to_o think_v i_o want_v the_o help_n of_o man_n to_o defend_v i_o and_o according_a to_o this_o may_v our_o saviour_n say_v think_v thou_o that_o i_o can_v pray_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v i_o more_o than_o twelve_o million_o of_o soul_n to_o worship_v my_o name_n or_o can_v thou_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o eclipse_v more_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v ordain_v to_o be_v set_v up_o by_o weakness_n and_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o thereby_o to_o subdue_v both_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o i_o myself_o have_v conquer_v all_o enemy_n by_o preach_v and_o suffer_v so_o must_v my_o disciple_n tread_v in_o my_o step_n and_o just_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v most_o miraculous_o advance_v over_o all_o the_o world_n by_o preach_v and_o suffer_v for_o it_o not_o by_o compel_v other_o to_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o upon_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v and_o sure_o those_o who_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o god_n to_o eternal_a life_n can_v never_o be_v bring_v thither_o by_o the_o ordinance_n or_o power_n of_o man_n wherefore_o when_o the_o minister_n have_v preach_v and_o pray_v they_o have_v perform_v all_o they_o can_v do_v the_o rest_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o justice_n or_o mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v so_o that_o the_o sharp_a sword_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v enter_v their_o hard_a heart_n no_o more_o than_o a_o adamant_n all_o this_o i_o say_v in_o reference_n to_o compel_a man_n to_o believe_v or_o conform_v still_o reserve_v to_o the_o magistrate_n power_n according_a to_o scripture_n to_o punish_v evil_a doer_n not_o evil_a believer_n not_o who_o think_v but_o do_v publish_v or_o do_v practise_v something_o to_o subvert_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n or_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o state_n or_o injure_v their_o neighbour_n god_n the_o only_a searcher_n of_o heart_n reserve_v unto_o himself_o the_o punishment_n of_o evil_a thought_n of_o evil_a belief_n which_o man_n can_v never_o have_v a_o right_a cognizance_n of_o for_o the_o great_a professor_n may_v be_v the_o great_a atheist_n but_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v conceive_v he_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o punish_v also_o evil_a believer_n and_o shall_v proceed_v to_o execution_n or_o on_o that_o pretence_n shall_v punish_v true_a believer_n the_o scripture_n be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o subject_n be_v bind_v to_o submit_v and_o bear_v it_o with_o all_o christian_a patience_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o good_n liberty_n or_o life_n not_o only_o patient_o to_o bear_v it_o but_o to_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o have_v any_o true_a religion_n any_o right_a understanding_n in_o he_o he_o will_v rejoice_v on_o his_o own_o behalf_n because_o his_o reward_n be_v exceed_o great_a therefore_o whoever_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n raise_v any_o tumult_n or_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o persecution_n absolute_o declare_v himself_o either_o a_o stark_a fool_n or_o a_o stark_a atheist_n either_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o reward_n or_o be_v mad_a to_o reject_v the_o opportunity_n of_o gain_v it_o and_o so_o at_o the_o best_a be_v fit_a for_o bedlam_n at_o the_o worst_a for_o the_o gallow_n now_o let_v he_o choose_v a_o appendix_n to_o the_o former_a subject_n before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n of_o impose_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n and_o father_n in_o relation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o superstition_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n especial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o indulgence_n grow_v so_o very_o gross_a as_o not_o long_o to_o be_v endure_v luther_n melancthon_n oecolompadius_fw-la bucer_fw-la &_o divers_a other_o oppose_v they_o and_o come_v to_o dispute_v with_o their_o adversary_n about_o these_o thing_n the_o popish_a doctor_n have_v no_o scripture_n for_o their_o error_n quote_v several_a father_n and_o council_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o the_o evangelical_n doctor_n so_o call_v because_o they_o chief_o urge_v evangelium_fw-la the_o gospel_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v most_o of_o they_o breed_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o therein_o teach_v even_o to_o adore_v all_o council_n and_o father_n and_o education_n be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o command_v and_o awe_n both_o the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o man_n make_v they_o very_o rich_a and_o timorous_a to_o reject_v that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v long_o reverence_v in_o modesty_n therefore_o some_o of_o the_o evangelical_n doctor_n be_v content_a to_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n and_o council_n for_o three_o or_o four_o of_o the_o first_o century_n some_o admit_v five_o or_o six_o whereby_o they_o be_v reduce_v some_o time_n to_o great_a straits_n in_o their_o disputation_n for_o though_o neither_o all_o nor_o half_o the_o popish_a error_n can_v be_v find_v in_o the_o council_n and_o father_n of_o these_o century_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v creep_v very_o early_o into_o the_o church_n this_o superstition_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o chrism_n be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o milenary_a error_n get_v foot_v about_o that_o time_n the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n come_v in_o soon_o after_o about_o the_o four_o century_n there_o be_v some_o touch_n in_o oratory_n sermon_n by_o way_n of_o rhetorical_a ejaculation_n like_o pray_v to_o saint_n but_o long_o after_o come_v to_o be_v formal_o use_v as_o now_o in_o church_n and_o so_o superstition_n come_v in_o some_o at_o one_o time_n and_o some_o at_o another_o the_o papist_n themselves_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o these_o error_n but_o reject_v some_o as_o that_o of_o the_o millenaries_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o infant_n receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n now_o i_o ask_v first_o the_o papist_n by_o what_o rule_n they_o retain_v some_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o reject_v other_o second_o i_o ask_v the_o evangelical_n by_o what_o rule_n they_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o century_n and_o refuse_v other_o both_o will_v answer_v i_o because_o they_o believe_v some_o to_o be_v erroneus_fw-la some_o to_o be_v orthodox_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o submit_v to_o the_o father_n authority_n as_o command_v
must_v as_o well_o yield_v to_o other_o in_o that_o and_o so_o by_o degree_n abolish_v all_o your_o ceremony_n i_o beseech_v you_o be_v not_o the_o body_n more_o than_o raiment_n substance_n more_o than_o ceremony_n will_v not_o you_o quit_v the_o late_a to_o preserve_v the_o former_a but_o you_o will_v preserve_v both_o god_n grant_v you_o lose_v not_o both_o but_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o lose_v both_o first_o take_v away_o ceremony_n thereby_o you_o displease_v and_o loose_v your_o friend_n and_o then_o lie_v expose_v to_o your_o enemy_n to_o spoil_v your_o good_n if_o your_o good_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o your_o religion_n and_o you_o preserve_v your_o ceremony_n to_o preserve_v these_o then_o real_o my_o fear_n of_o your_o lose_v all_o be_v increase_v this_o be_v a_o very_a sandy_a and_o dirty_a foundation_n can_v hold_v out_o against_o storm_n but_o if_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o your_o religion_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v these_o stand_v firm_a and_o increase_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o the_o great_a storm_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n and_o not_o one_o of_o your_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v it_o the_o simple_a naked_a truth_n without_o any_o surplice_n to_o cover_v it_o without_o any_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n to_o maintain_v it_o overcome_z all_z and_o so_o will_v do_v now_o do_v we_o trust_v to_o that_o and_o the_o defender_n of_o it_o perchance_o i_o appear_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o the_o surplice_n so_o often_o name_v that_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o will_v you_o know_v why_o not_o that_o i_o dislike_v but_o in_o my_o own_o judgement_n much_o approve_v a_o pure_a white_a robe_n on_o the_o minister_n shoulder_n to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n what_o purity_n become_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o dirty_a nasty_a surplice_n as_o most_o of_o they_o wear_v and_o especial_o the_o singer_n in_o cathedral_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v most_o decent_a be_v rather_o a_o intimation_n of_o their_o dirty_a life_n and_o have_v give_v my_o stomach_n such_o a_o surfeit_n of_o they_o as_o i_o have_v almost_o a_o averseness_n to_o all_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a have_v not_o this_o decent_a habit_n be_v so_o undecent_o abuse_v it_o have_v never_o be_v so_o general_o loathe_v i_o will_v name_v another_o ceremony_n which_o give_v great_a offence_n with_o great_a reason_n the_o bow_n towards_o the_o altar_n which_o in_o my_o own_o judgement_n i_o allow_v and_o practise_v in_o some_o measure_n when_o i_o come_v into_o such_o congregation_n as_o general_o use_v it_o avoid_v still_o to_o give_v offence_n to_o any_o as_o far_o as_o i_o may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n i_o affirm_v it_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a thing_n to_o show_v reverence_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v it_o by_o bow_v as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o mean_n and_o to_o bow_v that_o way_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o way_n and_o in_o bow_v if_o the_o congregation_n do_v it_o to_o the_o south_n or_o west_n i_o shall_v as_o ready_o conform_v to_o that_o but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o we_o read_v do_v general_o bow_v towards_o the_o east_n the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o i_o grant_v but_o not_o the_o prime_n primitive_a what_o then_o be_v this_o any_o obligation_n on_o we_o now_o the_o primitive_a do_v also_o use_v chrism_n or_o consecrate_a oil_n yet_o we_o retain_v it_o not_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o abuse_n therefore_o leave_v off_o so_o have_v this_o bow_n towards_o the_o altar_n by_o the_o papist_n suppose_v christ_n corporal_o present_v there_o and_o true_o many_o of_o our_o church_n man_n give_v great_a suspicion_n to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o also_o believe_v some_o such_o thing_n otherwise_o pray_v answer_v i_o when_o a_o minister_n at_o his_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n have_v bow_v to_o show_v his_o reverence_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o to_o the_o altar_n bow_v again_o to_o show_v some_o particular_a reverence_n in_o that_o place_n where_o that_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v consecrate_v let_v this_o pass_n for_o good_a also_o though_o something_o may_v be_v say_v against_o it_o yet_o i_o pray_v tell_v i_o why_o the_o reader_n pass_v from_o one_o side_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o other_o and_o the_o minister_n pass_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o altar_n to_o the_o other_o bow_v again_o sure_o in_o reverence_n to_o the_o king_n of_o king_n he_o suppose_v there_o sit_v who_o can_v imagine_v any_o other_o cause_n of_o his_o homage_n and_o yet_o i_o very_o believe_v this_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o mere_o a_o causeless_a custom_n take_v up_o one_o from_o another_o the_o common_a beginning_n of_o all_o superstition_n have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o much_o against_o it_o give_v thereby_o great_a scandal_n to_o weak_a one_o and_o ground_n of_o slander_n to_o malicious_a one_o who_o lie_v hold_v on_o any_o occasion_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o papistry_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v do_v with_o little_a or_o no_o reason_n or_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o superstition_n now_o as_o to_o that_o grand_a debate_v ceremony_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o condemn_v those_o that_o use_v it_o nor_o much_o reason_n to_o press_v it_o on_o those_o that_o disuse_n it_o why_o be_v we_o not_o to_o perform_v this_o great_a act_n of_o devotion_n with_o all_o possible_a reverence_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o be_v this_o to_o be_v express_v altogether_o in_o the_o outward_a posture_n of_o the_o body_n if_o so_o than_o your_o opposer_n thus_o retort_v it_o upon_o you_o if_o outward_a humility_n be_v the_o thing_n you_o contend_v for_o you_o ought_v to_o show_v it_o to_o your_o god_n in_o the_o humble_a way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o prostrate_v rather_o then_o kneelng_v but_o if_o inward_a humility_n sure_o that_o consist_v chief_o in_o obedience_n to_o what_o christ_n command_v and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o he_o practise_v it_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o you_o know_v when_o our_o saviour_n institute_v this_o bless_a sacrament_n he_o give_v this_o command_n in_o the_o close_a do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o sure_o he_o remember_v our_o saviour_n best_o who_o do_v every_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v both_o in_o substance_n and_o ceremony_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v observe_v also_o to_o receive_v it_o at_o supper_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v but_o when_o this_o grow_v into_o a_o sinful_a abuse_n the_o ceremony_n be_v alter_v to_o preserve_v the_o substance_n in_o more_o purity_n so_o be_v kneel_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n and_o turn_v into_o great_a superstition_n why_o not_o therefore_o change_v in_o like_a manner_n but_o you_o kneel_v without_o any_o superstition_n you_o do_v not_o adore_v the_o element_n on_o the_o table_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v but_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o so_o this_o man_n receive_v sit_v and_o at_o supper_n without_o any_o irreverence_n he_o do_v it_o so_o mere_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n both_o in_o ceremony_n and_o substance_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o but_o you_o do_v not_o conceive_v christ_n command_n extend_v to_o the_o ceremony_n but_o only_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o the_o church_n have_v express_o command_v kneel_v as_o the_o more_o reverend_a posture_n therefore_o you_o ought_v to_o obey_v i_o think_v so_o too_o but_o this_o man_n conceive_v christ_n command_v both_o substance_n and_o ceremony_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o consequent_o conceive_v the_o church_n command_v contrary_a to_o christ_n therefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o obey_v till_o you_o can_v rectify_v his_o judgement_n if_o you_o can_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o obey_v also_o if_o you_o can_v have_v patience_n with_o your_o weak_a brother_n require_v no_o more_o of_o he_o in_o this_o matter_n then_o christ_n require_v of_o his_o disciple_n sure_a christ_n will_v not_o have_v allow_v any_o unfitting_a posture_n be_v not_o over-wise_a nor_o over_o holy_a condemn_v not_o that_o which_o christ_n allow_v god_n be_v so_o infinite_o gracious_a as_o to_o accept_v our_o poor_a devotion_n in_o any_o form_n if_o but_o sincere_a in_o substance_n nay_o though_o weak_a and_o frail_a in_o the_o substantial_a part_n he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n his_o tender_a fatherly_a bowel_n yern_v upon_o his_o dear_a child_n come_v to_o he_o afar_o off_o oh_o then_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o be_v like_o mind_a tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o our_o weak_a brethren_n admit_v they_o into_o cod_n worship_n in_o any_o posture_n if_o
scripture_n so_o plain_o declare_v that_o nothing_o so_o cover_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n as_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n nothing_o so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n so_o joyful_a to_o his_o holy_a angel_n as_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n yet_o these_o man_n will_v most_o passionate_o and_o pardon_v i_o if_o i_o say_v most_o uncharitable_o and_o irreligious_o cry_v a_o way_n with_o these_o idiot_n sectary_n and_o mad_a fanatic_n let_v they_o wander_v and_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o wild_a imagination_n we_o will_v not_o leave_v one_o ceremony_n nor_o any_o one_o line_n of_o our_o common_a prayer_n book_n to_o gain_v thousand_o of_o they_o no_o if_o you_o alter_v that_o we_o will_v rather_o leave_v the_o church_n and_o go_v to_o the_o papist_n mass._n if_o these_o be_v not_o as_o simple_a sectary_n and_o mad_a fanatic_n as_o any_o whatsoever_o let_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n judge_v but_o as_o for_o you_o my_o reverend_a father_n of_o the_o church_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v consult_v with_o scripture_n in_o this_o weighty_a affair_n and_o model_n all_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o meekness_n charity_n and_o compassionate_a tenderness_n to_o weak_a one_o there_o set_v down_o and_o endeavour_v with_o prudent_a admonition_n to_o rectify_v the_o error_n of_o these_o too_o zealous_a ceremonist_n &_o with_o fatherly_a bowel_n of_o condescension_n to_o win_v the_o heart_n of_o blind_a and_o wilful_a separatist_n certain_o the_o more_o understanding_n and_o powerful_a leader_n of_o they_o will_v not_o can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o stand_v off_o after_o your_o charitable_a condescension_n their_o populous_a pretence_n will_v be_v so_o confute_v their_o mouth_n so_o stop_v their_o face_n so_o confound_v as_o for_o mere_a shame_n if_o not_o for_o reason_n and_o religion_n they_o must_v come_v into_o our_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n come_v in_o the_o sheep_n will_v follow_v though_o some_o stand_v a_o while_n and_o gaze_v but_o at_o length_n have_v no_o man_n of_o ability_n to_o lead_v they_o on_o in_o their_o perverse_a way_n the_o shop-prating_a weaver_n and_o cobbler_n will_v soon_o be_v desert_v and_o make_v heartless_a see_v their_o own_o naked_a folly_n and_o then_o shall_v we_o all_o join_v and_o joyful_o sing_v te_fw-la deum_fw-la in_o our_o church_n and_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v most_o glad_o sing_v with_o good_a old_a simeon_n lord_n now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n concern_v preach_v it_o remain_v that_o i_o now_o handle_v this_o great_a business_n of_o preach_v wherein_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v displease_v many_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o use_v it_o according_a to_o the_o original_a institution_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o they_o shall_v preach_v as_o they_o do_v then_o quite_o omit_v it_o for_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a work_n for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o some_o preach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o envy_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v so_o preach_v rather_o than_o not_o preach_v and_o so_o i_o say_v of_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o vanity_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a many_o do_v preach_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o ability_n at_o least_o as_o they_o think_v ablility_n though_o often_o great_a weakness_n and_o conceit_a impertinence_n i_o beseech_v you_o tell_v i_o do_v not_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o best_a way_n and_o be_v not_o we_o to_o follow_v their_o example_n who_o dare_v say_v otherwise_o yet_o many_o do_v otherwise_o they_o take_v ere_o or_o there_o a_o sentence_n of_o scripture_n the_o short_a and_o more_o abstruse_a the_o better_a to_o show_v their_o skill_n and_o invention_n this_o they_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o general_n and_o particular_n the_o quid_fw-la the_o quale_fw-la the_o quantum_fw-la and_o such_o like_a quack_n salve_v form_n then_o they_o study_v how_o to_o hook_v in_o this_o or_o that_o quaint_a sentence_n of_o philosopher_n or_o father_n this_o or_o that_o nice_a speculation_n endeavour_v to_o couch_v all_o this_o in_o most_o elegant_a language_n in_o short_a their_o main_a end_n be_v to_o show_v their_o wit_n their_o read_n and_o whatever_o they_o think_v be_v excellent_a in_o they_o no_o doubt_v rare_o agree_v with_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_n be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 1_o cor._n 2._o and_o i_o very_o believe_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o preach_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n in_o these_o day_n because_o they_o labour_v to_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n nor_o do_v they_o preach_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o their_o learning_n i_o know_v full_a well_o this_o unapostolic_a way_n of_o preach_v be_v use_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n especial_o the_o greek_n always_o fond_a of_o nicety_n and_o curiosity_n and_o be_v now_o become_v christian_n as_o i_o say_v before_o transplant_v their_o belove_a rhetorical_a flower_n of_o humane_a learning_n into_o christian_a garden_n which_o prove_v rather_o weed_n to_o overrun_v the_o seed_n of_o sound_n and_o plain_a apostolic_a doctrine_n humane_a nature_n be_v a_o soil_n apt_a to_o give_v nourishment_n and_o vigour_n to_o humane_a principle_n then_o divine_a but_o when_o do_v ever_o any_o learned_a witty_a rhetorical_a harang_a or_o cunning_a syllogistical_a discourse_n convert_v the_o tithe_n of_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n s_o foolish_a preach_v as_o he_o term_n it_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o faith_n who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o famous_a passage_n at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a whither_o resort_v with_o divers_a other_o one_o eminent_a heathen_a philosopher_n offer_v himself_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o vainglorious_a sophister_n be_v to_o dispute_v with_o the_o christian_a doctor_n some_o bishop_n of_o great_a repute_n for_o learning_n undertake_v he_o and_o as_o they_o think_v clear_o confute_v but_o no_o way_n convert_v he_o at_o last_o rise_v up_o a_o grave_a ancient_a bishop_n of_o small_a learning_n but_o of_o great_a faith_n and_o piety_n and_o with_o great_a dissatisfaction_n of_o his_o brethren_n fear_v some_o gross_a baffle_n shall_v befall_v this_o good_a man_n come_v up_o to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o with_o great_a magisterial_a authority_n recite_v unto_o he_o the_o apostolic_a creed_n i_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_n and_o in_o the_o close_o call_v to_o he_o o_o philosopher_n believe_v thou_o all_o this_o the_o philosopher_n answer_v i_o believe_v not_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v the_o demonstration_n of_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherewith_o he_o utter_v those_o divine_a mystery_n as_o he_o confess_v it_o before_o they_o all_o you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o miracle_n of_o great_a rarity_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o many_o such_o miracle_n shall_v we_o see_v have_v we_o the_o faith_n and_o powerful_a spirit_n of_o this_o holy_a bishop_n and_o will_v endeavour_v to_o imitate_v apostolical_a preach_v not_o philosophical_a argue_n nor_o rhetorical_a declaim_n we_o see_v plain_o the_o apostolical_a preach_v be_v either_o catechistical_a instruction_n or_o pious_a admonition_n not_o tie_v themselves_o to_o any_o form_n but_o past_a from_o one_o matter_n to_o another_o as_o the_o auditor_n condition_n require_v not_o as_o the_o preacher_n fancy_n and_o read_v prompt_a just_a as_o the_o roman_a emperor_n caligula_n who_o when_o delinquent_n come_v before_o he_o to_o be_v judge_v condemn_v or_o acquit_v they_o as_o agree_v best_a with_o the_o current_n of_o his_o oration_n so_o these_o man_n shape_v their_o discourse_n more_o to_o the_o applause_n than_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o so_o much_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o compose_v these_o oratory_n sermon_n as_o the_o minister_n have_v not_o leisure_n to_o perform_v a_o quarter_n of_o his_o parochial_a duty_n of_o visit_v the_o sick_a of_o admonish_v the_o scandalous_a of_o reconcile_a the_o jangler_n of_o private_a examine_n and_o instruct_v the_o poor_a ignorant_a soul_n thousand_o in_o every_o country_n as_o ignorant_a as_o heathen_n who_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o most_o sermon_n then_o if_o in_o greek_a so_o that_o the_o sermon_n be_v rather_o a_o banquet_n for_o the_o wanton_n that_o be_v full_a than_o instruction_n to_o those_o who_o be_v even_o starve_v for_o want_n of_o spiritual_a food_n the_o plain_a and_o save_a word_n of_o christ_n not_o the_o nice_a conceit_a word_n of_o man_n which_o may_v nourish_v
the_o university_n with_o all_o his_o science_n and_o language_n be_v fit_a for_o this_o or_o rather_o a_o grave_a sober_a person_n of_o age_n and_o experience_n have_v a_o a_o good_a natural_a capacity_n illuminate_v by_o scripture_n instruction_n and_o prayer_n use_v also_o the_o help_n of_o grave_n and_o sound_a interpreter_n real_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n be_v run_v into_o great_a contempt_n by_o the_o slightness_n and_o giddiness_n of_o many_o minister_n who_o intend_v nothing_o but_o to_o make_v a_o handsome_a schoolboy_n exercise_n in_o the_o pulpit_n on_o sunday_n but_o never_o attend_v the_o other_o parochial_a duty_n no_o nor_o their_o own_o advance_n in_o spiritual_a knowledge_n but_o give_v themselves_o whole_o either_o to_o idle_a study_n or_o idler_n recreation_n and_o be_v very_a child_n in_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o behaviour_n i_o do_v affirm_v this_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o truth_n and_o i_o have_v know_v some_o pass_n for_o very_o good_a preacher_n that_o can_v not_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n nor_o scarce_o of_o the_o child_n catechism_n master_n of_o art_n but_o schoolboy_n in_o true_a divinity_n and_o so_o their_o parishioner_n continue_v very_a babe_n all_o their_o life_n long_o it_o will_v make_v any_o true_a christian_n heart_n bleed_v to_o think_v how_o many_o thousand_o poor_a soul_n there_o be_v in_o this_o land_n that_o have_v no_o more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o heathen_n thousand_o of_o the_o mendicant_a condition_n never_o come_v to_o church_n and_o be_v never_o look_v after_o by_o any_o likewise_o thousand_o of_o mean_a husbandry_n man_n that_o do_v come_v to_o church_n understand_v no_o more_o of_o the_o sermon_n than_o bruit_n perchance_o in_o their_o infancy_n some_o of_o they_o learn_v a_o little_a of_o their_o catechism_n that_o be_v they_o can_v like_o parrot_n say_v some_o break_a piece_n but_o never_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o one_o line_n this_o be_v the_o common_a way_n of_o catechise_v but_o afterward_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o be_v man_n grow_v more_o babe_n in_o religion_n so_o ignorant_a as_o searce_v to_o know_v their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n this_o it_o be_v general_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o the_o city_n as_o bad_a partly_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o specify_v and_o partly_o by_o reason_n the_o number_n in_o many_o parish_n be_v far_o great_a than_o any_o one_o pastor_n can_v have_v a_o due_a care_n of_o he_o can_v know_v half_o the_o name_n or_o face_n of_o they_o much_o less_o their_o faith_n and_o behaviour_n which_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o may_v both_o instruct_v and_o reprove_v where_o there_o be_v need_n wherefore_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o divide_v these_o numerous_a parish_n into_o several_a part_n but_o withal_o to_o provide_v mean_n out_o of_o they_o for_o several_a minister_n for_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n to_o gain_v it_o from_o their_o charity_n or_o piety_n which_o be_v plain_a hypocrisy_n seem_v so_o zealous_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o to_o contribute_v nothing_o towards_o it_o the_o minister_n may_v preach_v his_o heart_n out_o and_o yet_o not_o get_v out_o of_o their_o purse_n any_o tolerable_a maintenance_n a_o poor_a husbandman_n in_o the_o country_n of_o twenty_o pound_n a_o year_n that_o get_v his_o bread_n by_o the_o swear_v of_o his_o brow_n pay_v more_o to_o his_o minister_n than_o a_o citizen_n that_o get_v hundred_o a_o year_n sit_v at_o great_a ease_n in_o his_o shop_n and_o spend_v more_o in_o ribbon_n lace_n and_o periwig_n in_o one_o year_n than_o he_o pay_v to_o his_o minister_n in_o ten_o or_o twenty_o i_o beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v what_o account_n they_o will_v give_v to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n at_o that_o day_n but_o i_o return_v to_o the_o requisite_a quality_n of_o a_o minister_n who_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o be_v a_o governor_n as_o well_o as_o a_o preacher_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v as_o well_o as_o instruct_v and_o therefore_o of_o two_o evil_n choose_v the_o lesser_a rather_o man_n defective_a in_o part_n to_o preach_v which_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o homily_n then_o defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n to_o govern_v which_o can_v be_v supply_v by_o other_o mean_n but_o will_v man_n be_v content_a with_o the_o true_a gospel_n and_o apostolic_a preach_v doubtless_o there_o may_v person_n be_v find_v out_o fit_a for_o both_o to_o govern_v and_o to_o preach_v to_o preach_v one_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o all_o one_o christ_n the_o redeemer_n of_o all_o one_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sanctifier_n of_o all_o to_o preach_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o preach_v godliness_n justice_n mercy_n charity_n sobriety_n chastity_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o will_v be_v far_o better_a perform_v by_o a_o grave_n and_o godly_a conscientious_a man_n well_o catechize_v though_o he_o never_o see_v university_n though_o he_o know_v no_o other_o language_n but_o his_o mother_n tongue_n then_o by_o any_o aristotelist_n scotist_n aquinatist_n with_o all_o their_o knack_n of_o quiddity_n and_o quality_n syllogism_n and_o enthymem_n distinction_n and_o subsumption_n etc._n etc._n not_o one_o greek_a or_o italian_a or_o french_a of_o a_o thousand_o know_v any_o language_n but_o his_o mother_n tongue_n when_o the_o gospel_n first_o flourish_v there_o not_o one_o indian_a of_o hundred_o thousand_o where_o st._n thomas_n plant_v the_o gospel_n ever_o hear_v of_o plato_n or_o aristotle_n and_o so_o i_o may_v say_v of_o many_o other_o nation_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v and_o priest_n ordain_v when_o god_n institute_v aaron_n and_o that_o priesthood_n when_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n and_o this_o priesthood_n not_o a_o title_n mention_v of_o school_n science_n or_o foreign_a language_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n because_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n but_o we_o find_v not_o any_o infusion_n of_o school_n learning_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o any_o more_o gift_n of_o tongue_n after_o the_o gospel_n once_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n god_n think_v it_o then_o needless_a i_o pray_v let_v we_o be_v no_o wise_a than_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n who_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v but_o i_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o any_o one_o nation_n convert_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosophical_a rhetorical_a preach_v mistake_v i_o not_o i_o say_v that_o science_n and_o language_n be_v no_o way_n necessary_a for_o common_a parochical_a preacher_n yet_o i_o grant_v that_o science_n especial_o historical_a and_o language_n especial_o the_o oriental_a be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o very_o fit_a for_o some_o minister_n to_o study_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v part_n and_o mean_n to_o acquire_v they_o who_o may_v be_v helpful_a to_o other_o and_o the_o university_n be_v very_o good_a place_n to_o train_v up_o youth_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o still_o these_o faculty_n be_v no_o way_n necessary_a to_o a_o parochial_a cure_n a_o small_a proportion_n of_o learning_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o piety_n and_o discretion_n be_v much_o better_a beside_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n much_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v there_o such_o grave_a conscientious_a person_n admit_v into_o the_o ministry_n as_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v such_o preach_v set_v up_o as_o they_o practise_v and_o all_o other_o decry_v such_o double_a honour_n pay_v unto_o the_o ministry_n as_o st._n paul_n command_v and_o primitive_o be_v render_v such_o grave_a person_n will_v scarce_o ever_o fail_v of_o it_o than_o we_o may_v find_v thousand_o in_o the_o nation_n that_o have_v mean_n of_o their_o own_o will_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a for_o conscience_n sake_n the_o maintenance_n for_o minister_n in_o most_o part_n be_v so_o wretched_o small_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o tithe_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o layman_n without_o hope_n of_o recovery_n that_o there_o be_v no_o convenient_a support_n for_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o gravity_n and_o therefore_o youth_n and_o stripling_n as_o wretched_a be_v put_v into_o they_o of_o mere_a necessity_n that_o they_o lie_v not_o whole_o void_a whereas_o if_o man_n that_o have_v some_o estate_n to_o help_v to_o maintain_v themselves_o be_v person_n of_o conscience_n and_o convenient_a knowledge_n be_v put_v into_o the_o ministry_n and_o such_o preach_v the_o gospel_n accept_v of_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n use_v the_o cure_n will_v be_v serve_v with_o far_o more_o edification_n of_o the_o
people_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o church_n than_o now_o they_o be_v i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v all_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o consider_v these_o thing_n lay_v aside_o the_o veil_n of_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n which_o blind_v their_o eye_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o discover_v the_o naked_a truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n to_o witness_v i_o wish_v unto_o all_o clergyman_n both_o double_a honour_n and_o double_a maintenance_n also_o i_o can_v think_v any_o thing_n too_o much_o for_o those_o who_o conscientious_o labour_v in_o the_o ministry_n but_o see_v as_o i_o say_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o regain_n the_o church_n maintenance_n we_o in_o prudence_n shall_v seek_v out_o such_o help_n as_o may_v be_v have_v and_o true_o i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_n that_o be_v this_o rule_n observe_v of_o put_v only_o grave_a discreet_a and_o conscientious_a person_n into_o the_o ministry_n whether_o university_n man_n or_o not_o it_o matter_n not_o so_o as_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o sound_a commentator_n many_o person_n of_o good_a rank_n and_o estate_n will_v think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n but_o rather_o a_o high_a honour_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n julian_n near_o relate_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o afterward_o emperor_n himself_o think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v admit_v a_o reader_n one_o of_o the_o low_a office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o better_a advance_v this_o business_n and_o fit_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o convenient_a knowledge_n for_o the_o ministry_n i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o very_o fit_a there_o shall_v be_v one_o good_a and_o brief_a english_a comment_n of_o scripture_n select_v and_o compile_v out_o of_o those_o many_o voluminous_a author_n lay_v aside_o all_o impertinent_a criticism_n abstruse_a question_n nice_a speculation_n and_o the_o like_a set_v down_o only_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o obvious_a sense_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a life_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n such_o a_o book_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o authority_n with_o a_o command_n that_o no_o man_n in_o sermon_n exhortation_n or_o catechise_n teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o what_o ever_o learning_n beyond_o that_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o pulpit_n let_v it_o rather_o be_v explode_v then_o applaud_v for_o if_o any_o countenance_n be_v give_v to_o excursion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n the_o itch_n man_n have_v to_o show_v their_o learning_n will_v soon_o bring_v we_o again_o into_o the_o vain_a unedifying_a practice_n we_o now_o be_v in_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o fit_v also_o that_o the_o book_n of_o homily_n be_v review_v not_o to_o correct_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a sound_a exhortation_n contain_v the_o true_a primitive_a spirit_n but_o to_o add_v to_o they_o what_o ever_o be_v want_v to_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n to_o teach_v every_o person_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o his_o several_a vocation_n and_o these_o command_v to_o be_v read_v once_o over_o every_o year_n for_o i_o have_v observe_v several_a even_o good_a and_o conscientious_a preacher_n to_o take_v quite_o another_o method_n and_o preach_v on_o this_o or_o that_o chapter_n and_o so_o in_o the_o whole_a year_n yea_o perchance_o in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n never_o preach_v on_o the_o duty_n between_o man_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n or_o omit_v to_o treat_v of_o pride_n or_o malice_n or_o cheat_v or_o the_o like_a by_o reason_n of_o which_o omission_n several_a in_o the_o congregation_n be_v ignorant_a in_o necessary_a duty_n though_o right_o instruct_v in_o many_o thing_n unnecessary_a i_o expect_v that_o many_o will_v cry_v out_o of_o this_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o introduce_v laziness_n into_o the_o ministry_n and_o a_o hindrance_n from_o exercise_v those_o talent_n god_n have_v endow_v they_o with_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o the_o minister_n shall_v be_v lazy_a than_o the_o people_n ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n but_o second_o i_o answer_v that_o beside_o pulpit_n preach_v the_o minister_n may_v find_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o keep_v he_o from_o laziness_n and_o exercise_v the_o best_a that_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a talent_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o visit_v and_o comfort_v the_o sick_a and_o afflict_a to_o compose_v difference_n and_o reconcile_v jangler_n to_o examine_v and_o instruct_v the_o mean_a and_o dull_a part_n of_o his_o flock_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o pulpit_n preach_v to_o who_o they_o must_v inculcate_v both_o doctrine_n and_o admonition_n ten_o time_n over_o and_o scarce_o so_o make_v they_o apprehend_v any_o spiritual_a matter_n experience_v only_o can_v raise_v a_o belief_n how_o extreme_o dull_a the_o common_a people_n be_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o but_o little_o quick_a in_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o good_a life_n christ_n die_v to_o save_v these_o poor_a vulgar_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o gentry_n and_o more_o learned_a yet_o the_o labour_n of_o most_o minister_n be_v to_o entertain_v those_o that_o know_v enough_o and_o be_v very_o lazy_a in_o catechise_v those_o poor_a soul_n that_o know_v nothing_o let_v these_o be_v full_o instruct_v and_o then_o for_o i_o let_v they_o show_v their_o talent_n by_o preach_v as_o often_o as_o they_o please_v to_o other_o all_o that_o i_o labour_v for_o be_v that_o those_o may_v have_v it_o who_o most_o want_v it_o either_o by_o enjoin_v such_o homily_n as_o i_o mention_v to_o be_v yearly_o read_v or_o such_o sermon_n to_o be_v yearly_o preach_v i_o be_o no_o enemy_n to_o true_a apostolical_a preach_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v but_o to_o vain_a scholastical_a useless_a preach_v to_o have_v the_o pastor_n who_o shall_v daily_o watch_v over_o his_o flock_n sit_v in_o his_o study_n all_o the_o week_n long_o pick_v from_o that_o or_o this_o acquaint_v author_n a_o few_o beautiful_a flower_n and_o then_o come_v on_o sunday_n with_o his_o nosegay_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o entertain_v lady_n and_o courtier_n for_o my_o part_n i_o count_v this_o far_o more_o sinful_a laziness_n then_o to_o read_v a_o pious_a homily_n on_o sunday_n and_o all_o the_o week_n after_o go_v up_o and_o down_o from_o house_n to_o house_n take_v pain_n to_o instruct_v and_o exhort_v such_o as_o i_o mention_v but_o these_o shall_v be_v call_v dumb_a dog_n yet_o sure_o by_o none_o but_o bark_a cur_n who_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a in_o true_a apostolic_a preach_v pardon_v i_o if_o i_o return_v they_o their_o due_n who_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o they_o understand_v not_o they_o will_v object_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a disciple_n do_v not_o read_v homily_n but_o preach_v themselves_o neither_o do_v i_o desire_v that_o any_o one_o homily_n shall_v ever_o be_v read_v so_o as_o we_o have_v the_o true_a apostolic_a preach_v both_o oâ—_n sundays_n in_o public_a and_o weekday_n also_o in_o private_a where_o there_o be_v need_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o pious_a homily_n as_o i_o mention_v be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n and_o be_v far_o more_o useful_a than_o such_o preach_v as_o we_o have_v now_o adays_o and_o i_o be_o also_o sure_a that_o in_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o primitive_a time_n homily_n under_o another_o name_n be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o apostolic_a godly_a bishop_n write_v to_o other_o church_n be_v read_v in_o the_o congregation_n with_o great_a veneration_n shall_v the_o name_n of_o epistle_n make_v the_o one_o applaud_v the_o name_n of_o homily_n make_v the_o other_o reproach_v the_o content_n and_o the_o intent_n be_v the_o same_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o people_n to_o godliness_n if_o this_o will_v satisfy_v let_v the_o homily_n be_v style_v epistle_n to_o such_o or_o such_o a_o church_n and_o then_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v pass_v for_o current_n but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o compiler_n of_o our_o homily_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n to_o those_o primitive_a epistler_n let_v that_o pass_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v of_o far_o more_o authority_n than_o most_o of_o our_o preacher_n i_o pray_v consider_v how_o many_o giddy_a youth_n be_v of_o our_o ministry_n how_o many_o of_o great_a age_n but_o of_o as_o little_a gravity_n or_o discretion_n how_o many_o that_o vain_o preach_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o ability_n not_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n how_o many_o that_o preach_v pious_o and_o yet_o not_o useful_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o many_o thing_n unnecessary_a omit_v many_o necessary_a sum_v up_o all_o these_o
particular_n and_o you_o will_v find_v a_o small_a remainder_n that_o preach_v pious_o and_o edify_v also_o very_o few_o to_o equal_a the_o compiler_n of_o our_o homily_n and_o then_o calm_o consider_v the_o great_a use_n yea_o the_o great_a necessity_n of_o such_o homily_n but_o if_o you_o can_v furnish_v all_o our_o church_n with_o pious_a discreet_a edify_a preach_a pastor_n i_o be_o abundant_o satisfy_v and_o do_v you_o seal_v up_o the_o book_n of_o homily_n till_o a_o new_a dearth_n of_o spiritual_a food_n which_o god_n in_o his_o great_a mercy_n prevent_v amen_n concern_v bishop_n and_o priest_n whoever_o unbiased_a read_v the_o scripture_n thence_o proceed_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n and_o so_o go_v on_o from_o age_n to_o age_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o bishop_n that_o be_v by_o one_o elder_a or_o presbyter_n or_o precedent_n or_o what_o else_o you_o please_v to_o call_v he_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o authority_n to_o ordain_v to_o exhort_v to_o rebuke_n to_o judge_n and_o censure_n as_o he_o find_v cause_n no_o other_o form_n of_o government_n be_v mention_v by_o any_o authority_n for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o now_o who_o can_v in_o reason_n and_o modesty_n suspect_v those_o primitive_a bishop_n who_o live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v by_o they_o into_o the_o church_n succeed_v they_o in_o church_n government_n yea_o and_o in_o martyrdom_n also_o for_o the_o faith_n as_o clemens_n ignatius_n polycarpus_n and_o other_o who_o i_o say_v can_v suspect_v they_o to_o be_v prevaricator_n in_o church_n discipline_n and_o take_v upon_o they_o another_o form_n of_o episcopal_a government_n contrary_a to_o apostolican_n institution_n these_o great_a master_n of_o self-denial_n who_o give_v their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n will_v they_o transmit_v unto_o posterity_n a_o church_n government_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n let_v who_o will_v believe_v it_o i_o can_v neither_o believe_v it_o nor_o suspect_v it_o and_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o thing_n very_o observable_a that_o all_o the_o orthodox_n church_n disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o some_o part_n have_v no_o correspondence_n at_o all_o with_o the_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o distance_n some_o by_o war_n divide_v and_o make_v cruel_a enemy_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o form_n of_o government_n and_o not_o only_o the_o orthodox_n but_o also_o the_o schismatic_n and_o heretic_n who_o separate_v from_o hate_a and_o persecute_v the_o orthodox_n church_n they_o likewise_o retain_v still_o this_o form_n of_o government_n as_o if_o all_o be_v of_o necessity_n compel_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o have_v never_o know_v hear_v nor_o dream_v of_o other_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o necessity_n if_o that_o can_v excuse_v those_o who_o first_o set_v up_o another_o form_n of_o government_n to_o their_o own_o master_n let_v they_o stand_v or_o fall_v i_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o censure_v they_o i_o will_v only_o say_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o i_o thank_v god_n it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o we_o and_o ever_o shall_v be_v i_o trust_v in_o god_n amen_o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o distinct_a superior_a order_n from_o and_o above_o the_o presbyter_n or_o one_o of_o the_o same_o order_n set_v over_o the_o rest_n with_o power_n to_o ordain_v elder_n to_o exhort_v rebuke_n chastise_v as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v constitute_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o though_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o other_o elder_n and_o pastor_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o some_o to_o be_v place_v with_o great_a authority_n to_o rule_v over_o the_o rest_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v several_a seduce_a teacher_n lead_v the_o people_n into_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o more_o be_v to_o follow_v after_o the_o apostle_n time_n grievous_a wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o pick_v out_o some_o of_o eminent_a soundness_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n of_o life_n and_o set_v they_o up_o on_o high_a with_o great_a authority_n as_o fix_v star_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o style_v revel_v 1._o to_o who_o all_o may_v have_v regard_n in_o dangerous_a time_n as_o mariner_n observe_v in_o their_o seafaring_a journey_n but_o the_o scripture_n no_o where_o express_v any_o distinction_n of_o order_n among_o the_o elder_n we_o find_v there_o but_o two_o order_n mention_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o deacon_n we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o priest_n which_o the_o scripture_n distinguish_v not_o for_o there_o we_o find_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o ordination_n then_o certain_o but_o one_o order_n for_o two_o distinct_a order_n can_v be_v confer_v in_o the_o same_o instant_n by_o the_o same_o word_n by_o the_o same_o action_n they_o who_o think_v deaconship_n and_o priesthood_n distinct_a the_o one_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o other_o though_o they_o intend_v in_o the_o same_o hour_n to_o consecrate_v the_o same_o man_n deacon_n and_o priest_n do_v they_o not_o first_o complete_a he_o deacon_n than_o priest_n i_o pray_v let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o from_o scripture_n as_o i_o say_v timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o one_o ordain_v twice_o make_v first_o priest_n than_o bishop_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a if_o they_o be_v distinct_a character_n and_o it_o be_v general_o affirm_v though_o i_o humble_o conceive_v they_o scarce_o understand_v what_o they_o affirm_v i_o mean_v they_o understand_v not_o what_o these_o character_n be_v whether_o greek_a hebrew_n or_o arabic_a or_o what_o else_o but_o let_v that_o pass_v i_o desire_v they_o only_o to_o show_v i_o how_o a_o man_n can_v make_v two_o character_n with_o one_o stroke_n or_o motion_n a._n and_o b._n at_o the_o same_o instant_n if_o then_o neither_o timothy_n nor_o titus_n nor_o any_o other_o be_v but_o once_o ordain_v whence_o can_v we_o gather_v these_o two_o distinct_a character_n these_o two_o distinct_a order_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o once_o ordain_v those_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o once_o ordain_v and_o so_o on_o when_o st._n paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v he_o mention_n only_o one_o ordination_n that_o of_o presbyter_n so_o the_o word_n in_o greek_a no_o other_o there_o be_v no_o commission_n give_v he_o to_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n who_o then_o be_v to_o ordain_v bishop_n there_o not_o titus_n he_o have_v no_o such_o command_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o do_v and_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o the_o presbyter_n which_o titus_n ordain_v that_o they_o can_v ordain_v bishop_n there_o for_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v they_o to_o ordain_v so_o much_o as_o presbyter_n yet_o bishop_n you_o will_v needs_o have_v in_o every_o city_n and_o in_o crete_n be_v very_o many_o who_o ordain_v bishop_n for_o they_o all_o true_o i_o can_v find_v nor_o you_o neither_o i_o believe_v but_o you_o will_v say_v the_o superior_a order_n contain_v in_o it_o virtual_o the_o inferior_a order_n let_v this_o pass_n at_o present_a do_v presbyter_n then_o virtual_o cantain_n bishop_n if_o so_o then_o all_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n no_o say_v you_o bishop_n be_v the_o superior_a order_n and_o that_o contain_v in_o it_o presbyter_n you_o say_v so_o but_o by_o your_o leave_n you_o be_v to_o prove_v so_o or_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v otherwise_o especial_o see_v i_o have_v scripture_n for_o my_o say_n and_o you_o have_v none_o for_o you_o but_o shall_v i_o grant_v bishop_n the_o superior_a what_o then_o we_o find_v titus_n ordain_v not_o any_o but_o presbyter_n as_o he_o be_v command_v by_o st._n paul_n so_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o our_o bishop_n we_o find_v not_o their_o ordination_n or_o do_v st._n paul_n mistake_v in_o his_o expression_n and_o mean_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n say_v presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n let_v this_o pass_v also_o and_o i_o pray_v let_v we_o see_v what_o you_o mean_v by_o this_o the_o superior_a order_n virtual_o contain_v the_o inferior_a do_v not_o you_o say_v they_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n two_o real_a distinct_a indelible_a character_n imprint_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o schoolman_n affirm_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o talk_v their_o language_n though_o i_o understand_v it_o not_o if_o i_o take_v a_o fair_a paper_n and_o make_v a_o a._n upon_o it_o for_o the_o character_n of_o presbyter_n and_o then_o make_v a_o b._n upon_o it_o for_o the_o character_n of_o
a_o bishop_n the_o same_o paper_n contain_v both_o character_n but_o sure_o one_o character_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o other_o a._n do_v not_o contain_v b._n nor_o do_v b._n contain_v a._n so_o the_o same_o soul_n may_v receive_v two_o character_n two_o order_n but_o if_o the_o two_o order_n be_v distinct_a how_o can_v they_o contain_v each_o other_o i_o understand_v no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v these_o holy_a character_n if_o they_o can_v paint_v they_o out_o unto_o i_o in_o their_o proper_a figure_n perchance_o i_o may_v understand_v they_o better_o but_o as_o yet_o i_o ingenious_o confess_v my_o ignorance_n i_o grant_v in_o a_o metaphysical_a way_n of_o abstraction_n the_o superior_a species_n contain_v the_o inferior_a genus_fw-la a_o man_n a_o rational_a creature_n contain_v the_o animality_n of_o a_o horse_n the_o inferior_a creature_n but_o do_v not_o contain_v a_o real_a horse_n in_o his_o belly_n nor_o can_v a_o man_n beget_v horse_n or_o man_n when_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v you_o true_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o horse_n i_o believe_v my_o schoolman_n will_v take_v it_o in_o snuff_n shall_v i_o affirm_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v horse_n etc._n etc._n but_o they_o affirm_v that_o a_o bishop_n do_v not_o only_o virtual_o contain_v the_o priesthood_n but_o be_v real_o a_o priest_n and_o can_v make_v priest_n or_o bishop_n as_o he_o please_v whereby_o you_o may_v see_v this_o answer_n that_o the_o superior_a order_n virtual_o contain_v the_o inferior_a be_v a_o mere_a evasion_n it_o sound_v as_o if_o it_o be_v something_o but_o real_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o we_o be_v not_o now_o upon_o metaphysical_a abstraction_n but_o real_a individual_a subsistency_n two_o actual_a distinct_a order_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o two_o distinct_a indelible_a character_n imprint_v on_o man_n soul_n by_o ordination_n as_o a._n and_o b._n which_o can_v never_o be_v true_o affirm_v one_o of_o the_o other_o a._n be_v not_o b._n and_o b._n be_v not_o a._n a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o horse_n and_o a_o horse_n be_v not_o a_o man_n so_o a_o bishop_n ordain_v only_o bishop_n be_v not_o a_o priest_n nor_o a_o priest_n a_o bishop_n if_o they_o be_v distinct_a wherefore_o i_o must_v believe_v they_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n especial_o see_v the_o scripture_n apply_v the_o same_o name_n promiscuous_o to_o both_o which_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n of_o their_o identity_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o acts._n 20._o st._n paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o ghurch_n un-him_a at_o miletum_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o he_o call_v they_o all_o bishop_n in_o our_o translation_n it_o be_v overseer_n verse_n 28._o so_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o phillippian_o he_o direct_v to_o all_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n both_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n bishop_n we_o must_v needs_o understand_v presbyter_n for_o bishop_n as_o we_o now_o take_v the_o word_n be_v never_o many_o in_o one_o city_n i_o pray_v observe_v also_o st._n paul_n epis._n to_o titus_n 1._o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n if_o any_o be_v blameless_a for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a be_v it_o not_o here_o evident_a that_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n paul_n language_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o coherency_n at_o all_o in_o st._n paul_n speech_n if_o this_o be_v not_o convince_a beyond_o all_o possible_a evasion_n i_o understand_v nothing_o of_o discourse_n other_o such_o place_n be_v obvious_a in_o scripture_n to_o every_o one_o i_o need_v mention_n no_o more_o only_o i_o desire_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n of_o a_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n to_o the_o corinthian_n this_o clemens_n be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v he_o who_o st._n peter_n appoint_v his_o successor_n at_o rome_n and_o who_o be_v of_o so_o great_a authority_n that_o as_o st._n hierome_n tell_v we_o this_o his_o epistle_n be_v read_v in_o church_n now_o in_o this_o epistle_n clemens_n particular_o set_v forth_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o minister_n they_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n he_o name_v no_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o as_o full_a a_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o order_n in_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n but_o those_o two_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v then_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n for_o peter_n and_o john_n call_v themselves_o presbyter_n and_o st._n peter_n call_v they_o presbyter_n to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o two_o order_n to_o wit_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n presbyter_n must_v be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o bishop_n or_o with_o deacon_n not_o with_o deacon_n therefore_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o bishop_n one_o order_n call_v by_o two_o name_n promiscuous_o in_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o of_o those_o two_o name_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n if_o therebe_n any_o dignity_n and_o eminency_n express_v in_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o sure_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n not_o bishop_n because_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o who_o stand_v high_a on_o their_o panâ—ableses_n be_v in_o scripture_n style_v presbyter_n or_o elder_n as_o the_o word_n in_o our_o english_a translation_n but_o never_o bishop_n as_o i_o remember_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v why_o that_o haughty_a head_n of_o the_o papist_n shall_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o his_o pretend_a predecessor_n st._n peter_n presbyter_n rather_o than_o bishop_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o god_n providential_a disposure_n to_o show_v his_o blindness_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o make_v he_o confute_v himself_o by_o this_o name_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v never_o give_v to_o st._n peter_n no_o more_o then_o st._n peter_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o headship_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n and_o answer_n give_v to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scripture_n expression_n sure_o i_o need_v not_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o confute_v they_o for_o they_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o that_o petavius_n a_o late_a writer_n and_o great_a stickler_n for_o the_o superiority_n of_o episcopacy_n dare_v not_o trust_v to_o they_o nor_o will_v venture_v his_o credit_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o but_o sound_v out_o a_o new_a and_o rare_a conceit_n as_o he_o conceive_v that_o these_o prester_n mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o call_v by_o both_o name_n be_v all_o real_o bishop_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o so_o as_o most_o convenient_a for_o that_o time_n for_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v small_a there_o need_v no_o priest_n under_o the_o bishop_n to_o officiate_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o small_a congregation_n because_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o presbyter_n to_o act_n as_o he_o suppose_v viz._n the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o confirm_v the_o faithful_a after_o baptism_n the_o veiling_n of_o devote_a woman_n the_o reconcile_n of_o penitent_n the_o ordain_v deacon_n where_o there_o be_v need_n and_o add_v moreover_o several_a impertinence_n as_o the_o make_n of_o chrism_n consecrate_v church-vessel_n etc._n etc._n and_o petavius_n mighty_o applaud_v himself_o in_o this_o conceit_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o clear_v all_o difficulty_n our_o doctor_n hammond_n also_o find_v the_o usual_a interpretation_n of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n above_o mention_v too_o weak_a to_o sustain_v the_o argument_n build_v on_o they_o for_o the_o unity_n of_o order_n go_v along_o after_o petavius_n a_o great_a way_n in_o the_o fore_n cite_v discourse_n though_o not_o in_o the_o late_a impertinence_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o presbyter_n than_o be_v all_o bishop_n and_o so_o far_o i_o go_v with_o they_o that_o all_o be_v presbyter_n all_o bishop_n because_o all_o be_v one_o and_o one_o be_v all_o several_a name_n not_o several_a order_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o and_o this_o i_o humble_o conceive_v firm_o prove_v by_o my_o former_a argument_n of_o one_o ordination_n wherein_o two_o distinct_a order_n can_v not_o be_v confer_v so_o that_o still_o i_o require_v they_o to_o show_v i_o from_o scripture_n where_o these_o presbyter-bishop_n be_v twice_o ordain_v else_o it_o can_v be_v true_o affirm_v they_o be_v real_o
bishop_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o ordination_n more_o than_o presbyter_n a_o man_n may_v smile_v to_o see_v this_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o preeminency_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o it_o for_o st._n hierom_n have_v discourse_v of_o the_o equality_n and_o identity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n and_o have_v bring_v many_o argument_n from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v only_o two_o name_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n hereof_o ask_v this_o question_n i_o pray_v what_o do_v a_o bishop_n do_v more_o than_o a_o presbyter_n except_o ordination_n plain_o intimate_v thereby_o that_o this_o can_v make_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o eminency_n in_o they_o above_o presbyter_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v do_v not_o presbyter_n perform_v office_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o ordination_n presbyter_n be_v ordain_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o preach_v his_o holy_a gospel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n they_o be_v under_o christ_n mediator_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o they_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n wherein_o the_o child_n of_o warth_fw-mi be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n yea_o they_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o the_o most_o transcendent_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o christian_a dignity_n whereby_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o do_v a_o bishop_n more_o than_o these_o except_a ordination_n which_o be_v no_o sacrament_n sure_o be_v inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o the_o other_o mention_v act_n and_o therefore_o can_v elevate_v they_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n judge_v now_o i_o beseech_v you_o whether_o this_o question_n make_v pro_fw-la or_o con_v be_v not_o such_o question_n always_o tend_v to_o disparagement_n when_o any_o man_n be_v boast_v his_o power_n and_o authority_n shall_v i_o come_v and_o ask_v what_o can_v you_o do_v more_o than_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o poor_a business_n not_o worth_a speak_v of_o will_v he_o not_o take_v this_o as_o a_o affront_n wherefore_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o head_n that_o st._n hierom_n intend_v by_o this_o question_n to_o express_v any_o superior_a order_n above_o the_o priesthood_n but_o plain_o the_o contrary_a five_o z._n that_o bishop_n have_v no_o other_o power_n distinct_a from_o priest_n but_o ordination_n this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o a_o distinct_a and_o superior_a order_n and_o now_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n if_o he_o understand_v latin_a to_o view_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n hierom_n to_o evagrius_n and_o doubtless_o he_o will_v wonder_v to_o see_v man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o quote_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o it_o for_o the_o distinction_n between_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n for_o the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v to_o show_v the_o identity_n of_o they_o before_o i_o chance_v to_o read_v this_o epistle_n i_o be_v of_o the_o crroneous_a opinion_n that_o bishop_n be_v a_o distinct_a order_n but_o so_o convince_v by_o this_o epistle_n as_o i_o be_v force_v to_o submit_v to_o a_o change_n and_o i_o far_o desire_v my_o reader_n to_o observe_v the_o various_a fate_n of_o st._n hierom_n and_o aerius_n aerius_n be_v revile_v as_o a_o heretic_n for_o affirm_v this_o identity_n of_o order_n hierom_n pass_v for_o a_o saint_n and_o a_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n though_o he_o affirm_v the_o very_a same_o as_o full_o as_o aerius_n or_o any_o man_n can_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v my_o fate_n to_o be_v revile_v as_o aerius_n be_v but_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a when_o we_o be_v revile_v for_o his_o name_n sake_n or_o for_o his_o word_n sake_n sure_o all_o be_v one_o for_o great_a be_v our_o reward_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v but_o there_o lie_v yet_o a_o great_a objection_n make_v by_o our_o good_a bishop_n hall_n he_o tell_v we_o how_o that_o collutbus_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o ordain_v other_o and_o that_o afterward_o in_o a_o council_n of_o a_o hundred_o bishop_n in_o egypt_n their_o ordination_n be_v declare_v null_n because_o ordain_v by_o a_o presbyter_n from_o this_o and_o some_o other_o such_o instance_n the_o bishop_n will_v prove_v that_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o ordain_v therefore_o bishop_n be_v a_o distinct_a order_n i_o be_o sorry_a so_o good_a a_o man_n have_v no_o better_a a_o proof_n for_o his_o intend_a purpose_n it_o seem_v he_o quite_o forget_v how_o that_o the_o famous_a council_n of_o nice_a consist_v of_o above_o three_o hundred_o make_v a_o canon_n wherein_o they_o declare_v that_o if_o any_o bishop_n shall_v ordain_v any_o of_o the_o clergy_n belong_v to_o another_o bishop_n diocese_n without_o consent_n and_o leave_v have_v of_o that_o bishop_n to_o who_o diocese_n they_o do_v belong_v their_o ordination_n shall_v be_v null_a you_o see_v then_o the_o irregular_a ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v as_o null_a as_o the_o irregular_a ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n therefore_o the_o irregular_a bishop_n and_o the_o irregular_a presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o able_a to_o ordain_v be_v it_o not_o most_o evident_a by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o order_n but_o commission_n that_o make_v they_o capable_a to_o ordain_v sure_o a_o irregular_a bishop_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o regular_a be_v the_o line_n of_o his_o diocese_n like_o a_o conjurer_n circle_n within_o it_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n without_o it_o he_o be_v none_o no_o but_o within_o it_o he_o have_v commission_n give_v he_o to_o ordain_v without_o it_o no_o commission_n no_o nor_o to_o act_v in_o his_o own_o diocese_n beyond_o his_o commission_n which_o be_v to_o ordain_v only_o the_o clergy_n of_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o within_o his_o own_o diocese_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v plain_o cellutbus_fw-la then_o be_v but_o a_o presbyter_n and_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n his_o take_n upon_o he_o to_o ordain_v presbyter_n be_v high_o irregular_a and_o insolent_a and_o therefore_o most_o just_o declare_v null_n i_o desire_v the_o papistical_a school-divines_a with_o their_o manifold_a indelible_a character_n to_o observe_v here_o how_o easy_o the_o council_n dash_v out_o the_o indelible_a character_n of_o presbyter_n imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o these_o man_n irregular_o ordain_v they_o make_v a_o clear_a rasure_n not_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o leave_v and_o can_v they_o so_o easy_o cancel_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o leave_v my_o schoolman_n to_o find_v out_o how_o this_o rare_a feat_n be_v do_v and_o i_o proceed_v to_o add_v a_o canon_n take_v from_o a_o council_n at_o antioch_n concern_v chorepiscopi_fw-la much_o to_o our_o purpose_n when_o the_o apostle_n have_v settle_v bishop_n in_o every_o city_n with_o authority_n of_o ordain_v and_o govern_v the_o several_a church_n or_o congregation_n within_o the_o circuit_n of_o those_o city_n some_o be_v very_o large_a and_o therefore_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o more_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o congregation_n increase_v more_o in_o number_n and_o at_o great_a distance_n than_o the_o bishop_n himself_o can_v well_o have_v the_o overfight_a of_o the_o bishop_n choose_v some_o principal_a man_n for_o his_o assistance_n and_o divide_v his_o great_a circuit_n into_o several_a lesser_a circuit_n place_v these_o man_n as_o overseer_n under_o he_o and_o these_o be_v call_v chorepiscopi_fw-la that_o be_v country_z bishop_n and_o be_v much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o rural_a dean_n those_o chorepiscopi_fw-la country_n bishop_n be_v thus_o settle_v in_o authority_n to_o govern_v the_o pastoral_a priest_n in_o their_o circuit_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o ordain_v more_o priest_n when_o occasion_n require_v which_o the_o chief_a bishop_n take_v very_o ill_o at_o their_o hand_n as_o a_o great_a lessen_v to_o their_o supreme_a authority_n and_o to_o prevent_v it_o for_o the_o future_a a_o canon_n be_v make_v in_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n about_o the_o year_n 340._o to_o forbid_v these_o country_n bishop_n to_o ordain_v any_o priest_n now_o i_o pray_v you_o observe_v these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v either_o real_o ordain_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o chief_a bishop_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v as_o full_a bishop_n as_o he_o as_o real_o they_o be_v why_o may_v they_o not_o ordain_v priest_n as_o well_o as_o he_o the_o chief_a bishop_n answer_v because_o he_o give_v they_o no_o commission_n whereby_o you_o see_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v priest_n be_v annex_v no_o more_o to_o bishop_n than_o to_o priest_n
unless_o the_o bishop_n receive_v a_o new_a commission_n to_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o a_o new_a ordination_n if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v mere_a priest_n send_v forth_o to_o have_v inspection_n only_o over_o other_o priest_n then_o i_o pray_v observe_v that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v mere_a priest_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o ordain_v other_o priest_n which_o certain_o have_v be_v madness_n for_o they_o to_o do_v have_v they_o then_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o bishop_n as_o be_v now_o require_v they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v undertake_v to_o create_v star_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o if_o bishop_n only_o have_v receive_v a_o divine_a power_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v priest_n he_o that_o have_v not_o this_o divine_a power_n of_o ordination_n can_v no_o more_o ordain_v a_o priest_n than_o a_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o creation_n can_v create_v a_o star_n both_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n from_o whence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o these_o country_n bishop_n be_v direct_o mad_a in_o undertake_v to_o ordain_v priest_n have_v receive_v no_o such_o divine_a power_n from_o christ_n his_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n but_o if_o we_o take_v these_o country_n bishop_n for_o sober_a godly_a person_n in_o their_o right_a wit_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v be_v select_v for_o that_o office_n they_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o be_v priest_n alone_o they_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v other_o priest_n and_o also_o believe_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o governor_n in_o their_o little_a circuit_n they_o have_v also_o receive_v thereby_o commission_n to_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v as_o little_a bishop_n under_o a_o archbishop_n for_o such_o real_o they_o be_v so_o that_o i_o can_v in_o charity_n censure_v they_o so_o much_o as_o of_o contumacy_n in_o take_v upon_o they_o more_o than_o they_o think_v at_o least_o they_o have_v commission_n to_o act_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o chief_a bishop_n will_v be_v wary_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v any_o contumacious_a person_n i_o conclude_v then_o first_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a mistake_n a_o easy_a and_o pardonable_a mistake_n of_o their_o commission_n second_o that_o in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v not_o think_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o bare_a priest_n no_o bishop_n to_o ordain_v other_o priest_n for_o then_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o i_o confess_v myself_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o can_v but_o so_o continue_v till_o i_o see_v more_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v see_v what_o weak_a proof_n be_v bring_v for_o this_o distinction_n and_o superiority_n of_o order_n no_o scripture_n no_o primitive_a general_n council_n no_o general_a consent_n of_o primitive_a doctor_n and_o father_n no_o not_o one_o primitive_a father_n of_o note_n speak_v particular_o and_o home_o to_o our_o purpose_n only_o a_o touch_n of_o epiphanius_n and_o st._n austin_n upon_o aerius_n the_o arrian_n heretic_n but_o not_o declare_v no_o not_o by_o they_o a_o heretic_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o episcopacy_n so_o that_o i_o myself_o declare_v more_o particular_o against_o he_o then_o these_o father_n do_v accuse_v he_o of_o heresy_n in_o part_n of_o his_o affirmation_n concern_v bishop_n though_o not_o in_o every_o part_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o business_n by_o give_v my_o poor_a judgement_n draw_v from_o the_o precede_a argument_n i_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o priesthood_n be_v a_o holy_a order_n into_o which_o no_o man_n be_v to_o thrust_v himself_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o deaconship_n have_v a_o inferior_a part_n in_o it_o or_o episcopacy_n above_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v complete_a and_o entire_a in_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o may_v involve_v many_o administrrtion_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n and_o sometime_o many_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n st._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n a_o evangelist_n a_o prophet_n a_o pastor_n a_o teacher_n a_o ordainer_n which_o we_o call_v bishop_n all_o these_o gift_n he_o have_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o priesthood_n christ_n himself_o be_v of_o this_o order_n a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melcbisedek_n that_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n these_o be_v his_o office_n he_o be_v call_v also_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o in_o christ_n a_o distinct_a and_o superior_a office_n or_o order_n to_o his_o priesthood_n who_o will_v presume_v to_o affirm_v this_o and_o christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o christ_n therefore_o make_v they_o also_o king_n and_o priest_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o rev._n 1_o our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n no_o more_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n office_n of_o priest_n and_o bishop_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o ordain_v and_o send_v other_o as_o christ._n ordain_v and_o send_v they_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n or_o diversity_n of_o order_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o more_o be_v there_o in_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v and_o send_v by_o the_o apostle_n though_o there_o may_v be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n or_o administration_n all_o be_v not_o evangelist_n nor_o prophet_n some_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n some_o of_o prophecy_n some_o of_o miracle_n some_o of_o discern_a spirit_n and_o some_o such_o gift_n i_o conceive_v they_o may_v have_v who_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v superintendent_n overseer_n bishop_n over_o the_o rest_n endue_v especial_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o ordain_v of_o other_o for_o which_o there_o need_v no_o new_a order_n but_o the_o enlargement_n only_o of_o their_o commission_n to_o ordain_v to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v those_o that_o be_v ordain_v and_o these_o as_o i_o say_v before_o be_v settle_v in_o this_o eminent_a manner_n over_o the_o rest_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n in_o greek_a which_o signify_v as_o much_o and_o which_o we_o in_o english_a call_v bishop_n and_o by_o degree_n this_o name_n be_v whole_o appropriate_v to_o they_o in_o this_o order_n the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o church_n at_o their_o death_n and_o in_o this_o order_n their_o successor_n continue_v it_o as_o in_o duty_n sure_o they_o ought_v from_o time_n to_o time_n near_o one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o year_n without_o any_o interruption_n wherefore_o for_o any_o to_o alter_v this_o way_n of_o government_n or_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o ordain_v not_o be_v choose_v this_o way_n to_o it_o they_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o great_a rashness_n and_o high_a presumption_n and_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o as_o zealous_a for_o the_o preserve_v this_o primitive_a way_n as_o any_o man_n yet_o i_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n consent_v to_o they_o who_o will_v have_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a order_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v nor_o can_v i_o think_v the_o ordination_n of_o a_o priest_n make_v by_o priest_n invalid_a for_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o be_v do_v but_o only_o of_o necessity_n yet_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a and_o certain_o may_v without_o any_o crime_n be_v do_v by_o any_o priest_n by_z shipwrak_fw-mi or_o any_o such_o chance_n cast_v into_o a_o country_n where_o there_o be_v none_o commissionated_a to_o ordain_v in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o ordain_v other_o fit_a person_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o ceremony_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n approve_v of_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n out_o of_o envy_n rather_o than_o no_o preach_v so_o doubtless_o to_o ordain_v out_o of_o order_n be_v better_a than_o no_o ordination_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v deprive_v of_o preach_v pray_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o pastoral_n duty_n so_o great_a necessity_n may_v well_o excuse_v any_o irregularity_n yet_o where_o order_n can_v possible_o be_v observe_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n wherefore_o he_o that_o wilful_o transgress_v against_o order_n transgress_v against_o god_n and_o shall_v receive_v to_o himself_o damnation_n for_o if_o to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n only_o in_o humane_a and_o temporal_a thing_n be_v damnation_n much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o resist_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a concern_v deacon_n have_v thus_o state_v and_o unite_v the_o two_o pretend_a distinct_a
order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o pretend_v spitual_a order_n that_o of_o deaconship_n whether_o this_o of_o deaconship_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v call_v a_o order_n or_o a_o office_n i_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o certain_o no_o spiriritual_a order_n for_o their_o office_n be_v to_o serve_v table_n as_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n it_o which_o in_o plain_a english_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o distribute_v just_o and_o discreet_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o withal_o lest_o it_o shall_v hinder_v they_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o as_o most_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n in_o process_n of_o time_n deflect_v much_o from_o the_o original_a constitution_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o this_o business_n for_o the_o bishop_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n by_o little_a and_o little_o take_v to_o themselves_o the_o dispensation_n of_o alm_n first_o by_o way_n of_o inspection_n over_o the_o deacon_n but_o at_o length_n the_o total_a management_n and_o the_o deacon_n who_o be_v mere_a lay-officer_n by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o church-ministration_n and_o become_v a_o repute_v spiritual_a order_n and_o a_o necessary_a degree_n and_o step_n to_o the_o priesthood_n of_o which_o i_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n and_o the_o original_a institution_n not_o a_o word_n relate_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o order_n of_o alm_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o first_o i_o find_v of_o their_o officiate_a in_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v in_o justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v in_o the_o second_o century_n he_o relate_v that_o when_o the_o bishop_n have_v consecrate_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o deacon_n take_v it_o from_o he_o and_o deliver_v it_o to_o the_o lay-communicants_a there_o present_a and_o carry_v it_o also_o to_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v absent_a hinder_v i_o guess_v from_o come_v by_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o good_a excuse_v cause_n in_o the_o beginning_n when_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v small_a the_o bishop_n himself_o deliver_v the_o communion_n to_o they_o but_o at_o length_n increase_a to_o great_a number_n it_o will_v have_v take_v too_o much_o of_o their_o time_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n so_o the_o deacon_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o fit_a person_n for_o this_o matter_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v always_o a_o communion_n in_o the_o assembly_n on_o the_o lordsday_n and_o the_o laity_n that_o day_n bring_v their_o alm_n and_o present_n with_o they_o which_o be_v deliver_v unto_o the_o deacon_n to_o dispose_v of_o to_o the_o poor_a by_o the_o bishop_n direction_n and_o therefore_o the_o deacon_n receive_v from_o their_o hand_n their_o charitable_a benevolence_n be_v think_v the_o fit_a to_o return_v again_o to_o their_o hand_n the_o consecrate_a mystery_n be_v part_n of_o their_o offering_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o all_o church_n but_o only_o in_o greece_n where_o justin_n martyr_n live_v for_o tertullian_n who_o live_v in_o africa_n some_o year_n after_o justin_n declare_v that_o the_o custom_n there_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n only_o who_o he_o call_v the_o precedent_n that_o be_v whosoever_o be_v chief_a in_o the_o assembly_n whether_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n but_o yet_o i_o confess_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o the_o deacon_n deliver_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o one_o part_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o chalice_n by_o degree_n become_v the_o custom_n in_o most_o church_n in_o after_o age_n and_o so_o pass_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o in_o time_n they_o come_v to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o at_o last_o to_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n the_o business_n which_o the_o apostle_n peculiar_o reserve_v to_o themselves_o and_o which_o the_o bishop_n also_o for_o a_o long_a time_n reserve_v so_o entire_o to_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v think_v a_o great_a insolency_n for_o any_o even_o for_o the_o presbyter_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n valerius_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n as_o possidius_n relate_v be_v sharp_o rebuke_v by_o his_o fellow_n bishop_n for_o suffer_v st._n austin_n then_o but_o a_o presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o i_o know_v sometime_o it_o be_v suffer_v also_o in_o other_o church_n but_o very_o rare_o where_o the_o bishop_n himself_o be_v of_o weak_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n and_o have_v some_o presbyter_n under_o he_o very_o eminent_a and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o bishop_n valerius_n and_o st._n austin_n a_o person_n of_o great_a note_n in_o those_o day_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o process_n of_o time_n how_o strange_o thing_n alter_v from_o their_o original_a institution_n the_o bishop_n omit_v preach_v and_o become_v servant_n of_o table_n and_o the_o deacon_n for_o serve_v of_o table_n step_v up_o into_o the_o pulpit_n and_o become_v preacher_n but_o petavius_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v deaconship_n a_o spiritual_a order_n and_o bring_v we_o a_o more_o early_a author_n for_o it_o than_o justin_n that_o noble_a martyr_n mention_v before_o ignatius_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la tralli_n call_v deacon_n as_o petavius_n conceive_v minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n here_o i_o find_v that_o which_o i_o often_o lament_v learned_a man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o tract_n one_o after_o another_o and_o some_o through_o inadvertency_n some_o through_o partiality_n take_v many_o passage_n of_o ancient_a author_n quite_o different_a from_o their_o meaning_n as_o here_o all_o follow_v the_o first_o erroneous_a interpreter_n of_o ignatius_n whoever_o first_o translate_v this_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n sure_o this_o fancy_n of_o deacon_n run_v much_o in_o his_o head_n otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o have_v find_v they_o here_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o word_n diaconus_fw-la in_o this_o place_n relate_v to_o the_o presbytery_n new_o before_o mention_v tell_v the_o people_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o presbyter_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n than_o follow_v you_o must_v therefore_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ._n mark_n i_o beseech_v you_o you_o must_v therefore_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o particle_n relate_v to_o what_o go_v before_o viz._n to_o the_o presbyter_n otherwise_o the_o speech_n be_v very_o absurd_a shall_v i_o say_v presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n therefore_o you_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n please_v the_o deacon_n be_v it_o sense_n no_o but_o just_a deus_fw-la in_o coele_n ergo_fw-la baculus_fw-la in_o angulo_n but_o to_o say_v the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o you_o must_v please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v this_o be_v very_o good_a coherent_a sense_n and_o so_o run_v the_o word_n of_o ignatius_n but_o the_o weak_a interpreter_n mistake_v the_o word_n diacanus_fw-la run_v into_o this_o error_n and_o many_o learned_a man_n without_o any_o consideration_n have_v run_v after_o he_o i_o grant_v the_o word_n diaconos_fw-la be_v often_o set_v for_o deacon_n specifical_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n but_o it_o be_v very_o often_o set_v for_o all_o minister_n in_o general_a apostle_n bishop_n presbyter_n as_o you_o find_v frequent_o in_o scripture_n st._n paul_n in_o one_o epistle_n viz._n the_o 2d_o cor._n twice_o style_v himself_o and_o other_o apostle_n diaconous_a and_o i_o do_v the_o more_o wonder_n at_o the_o interpreter_n mistake_v in_o this_o place_n because_o by_o the_o follow_a word_n ignatius_n here_o exclude_v the_o specifical_a deacon_n say_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n now_o we_o know_v the_o specifical_a deacon_n be_v minister_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o the_o poor_a it_o be_v their_o proper_a work_n for_o this_o very_a end_n they_o be_v choose_v and_o for_o no_o other_o as_o appear_v evident_o in_o the_o act_n and_o therefore_o ignatius_n say_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n direct_o exclude_v such_o deacon_n and_o the_o word_n diaconous_n must_v necessary_o be_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n and_o relate_v to_o the_o presbyter_n before_o mention_v therefore_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n not_o of_o meat_n and_o drink_n for_o the_o poor_a whoever_o understand_v the_o greek_a and_o will_v see_v must_v needs_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o affirm_v but_o petavius_n intoxicate_v with_o this_o spiritual_a order_n of_o deaconship_n
turn_v all_o this_o round_a quite_o another_o way_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o fancy_n and_o so_o he_o do_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n as_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o act_n that_o philip_n and_o stephen_n both_o deacon_n be_v preacher_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a work_n therefore_o belong_v to_o a_o spiritual_a order_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v who_o inform_v petavius_n that_o philip_n who_o preach_v to_o the_o eunuch_n and_o afterward_o go_v about_o preach_v to_o other_o be_v philip_n the_o deacon_n and_o not_o rather_o philip_n the_o apostle_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o far_o more_o probable_a for_o philip_n the_o deacon_n be_v by_o his_o office_n to_o reside_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a thither_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v send_v to_o relieve_v the_o saint_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o you_o far_o urge_v sure_o stephen_n be_v a_o deacon_n and_o let_v philip_n also_o if_o you_o please_v it_o signify_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n sure_o i_o can_v show_v out_o of_o scripture_n preacher_n that_o be_v in_o no_o spiritual_a order_n neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n neither_o as_o aquilla_n and_o priscilla_n his_o wife_n too_o and_o apollo_n likewise_o to_o who_o they_o both_o preach_v and_o instruct_v he_o more_o full_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o ordain_v apollo_n a_o deacon_n nor_o can_v i_o believe_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v he_o deacon_n and_o send_v he_o forth_o to_o preach_v before_o he_o be_v well_o catechize_v in_o the_o word_n he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o baptise_a in_o christ_n but_o know_v only_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n if_o not_o baptise_a sure_o not_o ordain_v deacon_n yet_o he_o prevail_v and_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o reason_n strange_a though_o in_o practice_n common_a to_o see_v how_o man_n wed_v to_o a_o opinion_n think_v whatever_o they_o read_v speak_v to_o that_o so_o father_n doctor_n all_o clink_n as_o they_o think_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n all_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o st._n peter_n call_v noah_n a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n that_o be_v they_o endeavour_v to_o instruct_v all_o they_o converse_v with_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o godliness_n for_o which_o many_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n suffer_v martyrdom_n wherefore_o though_o philip_n the_o deacon_n and_o stephen_n preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o deaconship_n see_v that_o thousand_o of_o layman_n and_o woman_n also_o do_v the_o like_a and_o so_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n on_o those_o choose_a to_o be_v deacon_n signify_v as_o little_a to_o this_o purpose_n do_v not_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n lay_v his_o hand_n on_o the_o convert_a disciple_n at_o ephesus_n and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o prophesy_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ordain_v either_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n and_o sometime_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n on_o those_o that_o be_v already_o ordain_v both_o presbyter_n and_o apostle_n also_o as_o on_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n when_o they_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o preach_v this_o lay_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o ceremony_n use_v on_o several_a occasion_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v more_o they_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o that_o read_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o from_o scripture_n that_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o deacon_n be_v a_o mere_a lay-office_n i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o profane_a office_n as_o some_o too_o gross_o and_o irreverent_o have_v term_v it_o but_o a_o pious_a and_o honourable_a office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v table_n to_o take_v care_n of_o god_n poor_a but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o become_v quite_o another_o thing_n and_o so_o different_a from_o the_o original_a institution_n as_o it_o make_v chrysostome_n and_o divers_a other_o great_a and_o good_a man_n doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o constitute_v two_o sort_n of_o deacon_n some_o for_o this_o lay-office_n some_o for_o spiritual-office_n have_v chrysostome_n consult_v only_a scripture_n he_o will_v never_o have_v doubt_v nor_o dream_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o deacon_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o but_o of_o one_o but_o he_o see_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o condemn_v so_o different_a from_o that_o one_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o deacon_n this_o so_o confound_v the_o good_a man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o willing_a to_o piece_n scripture_n and_o the_o present_a practice_n together_o to_o put_v a_o new_a patch_n upon_o a_o old_a garment_n make_v the_o rend_v the_o wide_a rend_v the_o deaconship_n in_o two_o piece_n which_o of_o old_a be_v but_o one_o only_o to_o serve_v table_n which_o office_n he_o that_o use_v well_o purchase_v to_o himself_o a_o good_a degree_n a_o good_a esteem_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o recommendation_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o priesthood_n though_o no_o necessary_a step_n to_o it_o and_o so_o we_o find_v that_o holy_a deacon_n and_o most_o renown_a martyr_n st._n laurence_n be_v make_v a_o priest_n but_o continue_v afterward_o in_o that_o same_o office_n of_o deacon_n unto_o death_n which_o he_o suffer_v in_o a_o most_o cruel_a manner_n lay_v on_o a_o gridiron_n over_o coal_n rather_o than_o he_o will_v give_v up_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n and_o alm_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o the_o covetous_a cruel_a tyrant_n this_o holy_a deacon_n petavius_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o deacon_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o order_n only_o do_v minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n tell_v we_o that_o st._n ambrose_n mention_n how_o he_o do_v distribute_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o communicant_n under_o bishop_n xistus_fw-la whereas_o st._n ambrose_n tell_v we_o how_o he_o consecrate_a the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o plain_o show_v how_o untrue_o petavius_n deal_v with_o we_o and_o that_o st._n laurence_n be_v a_o priest_n not_o a_o bare_a deacon_n for_o neither_o petavius_n nor_o ever_o any_o allow_a deacon_n the_o consecration_n of_o these_o sacred_a mystery_n wherefore_o see_v the_o scripture_n allow_v deacon_n as_o deacon_n no_o more_o than_o serve_v of_o table_n for_o the_o poor_a whatever_o else_o ministration_n be_v allow_v they_o be_v by_o humane_a authority_n not_o divine_a and_o their_o office_n or_o order_n which_o you_o please_v to_o call_v it_o be_v about_o temporal_a thing_n must_v be_v temporal_a not_o spiritual_a and_o so_o i_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a office_n of_o serve_a table_n not_o find_v in_o scripture_n any_o thing_n more_o belong_v to_o they_o concern_v confirmation_n confirmation_n or_o some_o such_o thing_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o for_o want_v of_o due_a execution_n thereof_o person_n extreme_o unfit_a be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o fear_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o communicant_n of_o this_o nation_n do_v not_o sufficient_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n the_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o the_o benefit_n the_o damage_n in_o worthy_o or_o unworthy_o receive_v they_o this_o i_o affirm_v upon_o experience_n have_v by_o way_n of_o discourse_n question_v many_o both_o of_o low_a and_o high_a degree_n where_o one_o will_v little_o expect_v such_o ignorance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o due_a prepare_v and_o conscientious_a receive_v this_o bless_a cordial_n and_o medicine_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o power_n in_o itself_o to_o cure_v all_o our_o disease_n if_o right_o apply_v be_v turn_v into_o our_o destruction_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n right_o apprehend_v will_v strike_v a_o terror_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o a_o dread_n of_o sin_n but_o man_n receive_v it_o without_o any_o regard_n into_o their_o sinful_a soul_n the_o beam_n of_o grace_n which_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n bring_v with_o it_o harden_v their_o dirty_a heart_n and_o make_v they_o afterward_o unsensible_a of_o any_o horrid_a abomination_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o this_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o want_n of_o some_o fit_a person_n of_o authority_n to_o examine_v youth_n of_o all_o degree_n ever_o so_o high_a or_o ever_o so_o low_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o there_o be_v many_o poor_a ignorant_a curate_n many_o unconscientious_a careless_a minister_n many_o overawe_v by_o the_o superior_a quality_n of_o their_o parishioner_n some_o can_v some_o will_v not_o some_o dare_v not_o search_v into_o the_o requisite_a ability_n of_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v all_o which_o be_v prevent_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n
of_o darkness_n to_o take_v full_a possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o sometime_o of_o their_o body_n also_o both_o be_v sentence_v thereby_o to_o the_o everlasting_a flame_n of_o hell_n and_o likewise_o a_o power_n to_o release_v penitent_a soul_n from_o the_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n under_o heaven_n fit_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o ambition_n of_o mortal_a man_n yea_o a_o ambition_n in_o angel_n themselves_o sure_o this_o be_v it_o who_o can_v forgive_v sin_n but_o god_n alone_o say_v the_o jew_n to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n swell_v with_o indignation_n against_o he_o for_o this_o though_o they_o have_v see_v many_o divine_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o peculiar_a so_o transcendent_a a_o divine_a act_n as_o not_o to_o be_v offer_v at_o by_o any_o but_o the_o great_a god_n jehovah_n himself_o but_o bless_v for_o ever_o be_v this_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n who_o by_o his_o eternal_a son_n christ_n jesus_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n as_o his_o heavenly_a father_n send_v he_o with_o this_o power_n so_o send_v he_o his_o apostle_n with_o this_o power_n say_v unto_o they_o whosesoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o whosesoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v stand_v upon_o and_o challenge_v peculiar_a to_o themselves_o certain_o it_o shall_v be_v this_o yet_o this_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n quite_o relinquish_v unto_o their_o chancellor_n layman_n who_o have_v no_o more_o capacity_n to_o sentence_n or_o absolve_v a_o sinner_n then_o to_o dissolve_v the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o make_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n and_o this_o pretend_a power_n of_o chancellor_n be_v sometime_o purchase_v with_o a_o sum_n of_o money_n their_o money_n perish_v with_o they_o good_a god_n what_o a_o horrid_a abuse_n be_v this_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o notorious_a transgression_n be_v excuse_v as_o they_o think_v by_o this_o that_o a_o minister_n call_v the_o bishop_n surrogate_n but_o be_v indeed_o the_o chancellor_n servant_n choose_v call_v and_o place_v there_o by_o he_o to_o be_v his_o crier_n in_o the_o court_n no_o better_o that_o when_o he_o have_v examine_v hear_v and_o sentence_v the_o cause_n than_o the_o minister_n forsooth_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n just_a as_o a_o rector_n of_o a_o parish_n church_n shall_v exclude_v any_o of_o his_o congregation_n and_o lock_v he_o out_o of_o the_o church_n then_o come_v the_o clerk_n show_v and_o jingle_v the_o key_n that_o all_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o he_o be_v exclude_v and_o by_o this_o his_o authority_n the_o chancellor_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o sentence_v not_o only_a layman_n but_o clergy_n man_n also_o bring_v into_o his_o court_n for_o any_o delinquency_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o arch_n there_o they_o sentence_v even_o bishop_n themselves_o this_o be_v a_o common_a practice_n in_o late_a age_n but_o in_o st._n ambrose_n his_o time_n so_o great_a a_o wonder_n as_o with_o amazement_n cry_v out_o against_o the_o emperor_n valentinian_n when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v in_o such_o case_n say_v when_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o layman_n shall_v judge_v of_o spiritual_n he_o mean_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n not_o in_o temporal_a thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n belong_v to_o the_o lay-magistrate_n this_o be_v that_o ambrose_n of_o who_o the_o other_o great_a emperor_n as_o good_a as_o great_a theodosius_n father_n to_o this_o valeninian_n affirm_v ambrose_n only_o know_v how_o to_o act_v the_o bishop_n and_o with_o all_o christian_a humility_n this_o great_a emperor_n submit_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o godly_a bishop_n deny_v he_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n for_o the_o cruelty_n act_v by_o his_o soldier_n at_o thessilonica_fw-la by_o his_o command_n and_o upon_o his_o great_a repentance_n and_o penance_n perform_v six_o month_n together_o and_o after_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o church_n be_v again_o absolve_v and_o joyful_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n oh_o my_o great_a and_o reverend_a father_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n who_o christ_n have_v cleaved_a to_o his_o high_a dignity_n who_o he_o have_v make_v king_n and_o prince_n who_o he_o have_v call_v to_o sit_v with_o he_o on_o his_o throne_n there_o to_o give_v sentence_n of_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n can_v you_o so_o tame_o part_v with_o this_o prime_a flower_n of_o your_o crown_n yea_o the_o very_a apex_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v the_o lay-member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o usurp_v this_o divine_a authority_n or_o how_o can_v you_o answer_v it_o to_o the_o chief_a bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n if_o any_o one_o soul_n by_o the_o ill_a management_n of_o the_o chancellor_n shall_v certain_o perish_v shall_v not_o his_o blood_n be_v require_v at_o your_o hand_n but_o perchance_o some_o of_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o you_o but_o of_o your_o predecessor_n who_o give_v such_o patent_n unto_o they_o as_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o exercise_v this_o power_n will_v you_o will_v you_o it_o be_v too_o true_a and_o i_o remember_v when_o the_o bishop_n of_o wells_n hear_v of_o a_o cause_n corrupt_o manage_v and_o come_v into_o the_o court_n to_o rectify_v it_o the_o chancellor_z dr._n duke_n fair_a and_o mannerly_o bid_v he_o be_v go_v for_o he_o have_v no_o power_n there_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o with_o all_o pull_v out_o his_o patent_n seal_v by_o the_o bishop_n predecessor_n which_o like_o perseus_n shield_n with_o the_o gorgon_n head_n fright_v the_o poor_a bishop_n out_o of_o the_o court_n where_o be_v you_o parliament_n man_n you_o great_a son_n of_o the_o church_n so_o zealous_a for_o episcopal_a government_n yet_o suffer_v this_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o alienate_v and_o usurp_v by_o layman_n if_o a_o unordained_a person_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o pray_v or_o preach_v with_o what_o outcry_n and_o severe_a law_n and_o with_o great_a reason_n also_o you_o fall_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o a_o unordained_a person_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o judge_v sentence_n and_o excommunicate_a bishop_n themselves_o you_o calm_o pass_v it_o over_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o you_o will_v answer_v i_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o pass_v it_o over_o yea_o and_o pass_v it_o away_o from_o themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o to_o gratify_v their_o kinsman_n or_o their_o friend_n or_o perchance_o for_o worse_a why_o then_o shall_v you_o stir_v in_o it_o true_o in_o this_o you_o have_v reason_n and_o the_o balm_n most_o whole_o light_v on_o they_o who_o do_v not_o use_v all_o possible_a endeavour_n and_o implore_v your_o assistance_n also_o to_o rectify_v this_o great_a abuse_n which_o subvert_v the_o main_a pillar_n of_o the_o church_n government_n this_o be_v no_o ceremonial_a matter_n but_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o it_o they_o strain_v at_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v camel_n for_o chancellor_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o probate_n of_o will_n payment_n of_o tithe_n or_o any_o other_o temporal_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n to_o condemn_v but_o rather_o to_o condemn_v bishop_n shall_v they_o interpose_v in_o such_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o commission_n from_o scripture_n but_o rather_o a_o prohibition_n from_o that_o say_n of_o our_o svaiour_n man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o chancellor_n have_v also_o power_n of_o temporal_a punishment_n and_o not_o profane_v that_o high_a and_o holy_a power_n in_o sordid_a earthly_a thing_n certain_o a_o great_a profanation_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o church_n into_o a_o chandler_n shop_n the_o church_n be_v a_o bulk_n of_o earthly_a material_n and_o holy_a only_o by_o dedication_n the_o power_n of_o its_o key_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o original_a constitution_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a if_o uzza_n be_v no_o levite_n suffer_v death_n for_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o sacred_a ark_n of_o god_n to_o support_v and_o hold_v it_o up_o what_o shall_v he_o suffer_v who_o be_v no_o consecrate_a person_n lay_v hold_v on_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o gnd_a to_o pull_v it_o down_o from_o heaven_n to_o earth_n let_v they_o consider_v but_o let_v not_o the_o civilian_n for_o this_o account_n i_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o profession_n which_o no_o man_n honour_n more_o and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v much_o more_o of_o our_o civil_a matter_n be_v
into_o all_o and_o understand_v the_o behaviour_n of_o each_o pastor_n under_o he_o to_o admonish_v and_o chastise_v when_o there_o be_v cause_n whereas_o with_o we_o partly_o by_o great_a distance_n of_o city_n partly_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o former_a prince_n several_a town_n be_v cast_v into_o one_o diocese_n they_o become_v so_o large_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o one_o bishop_n shall_v have_v a_o sufficient_a inspection_n into_o they_o as_o i_o say_v before_o of_o great_a parish_n so_o here_o of_o diocese_n the_o bishop_n know_v not_o the_o name_n nor_o face_n of_o half_a or_o a_o quarter_n of_o they_o much_o less_o their_o behaviour_n he_o may_v have_v as_o well_o a_o part_n of_o france_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o govern_v and_o as_o for_o their_o triennial_n and_o circuity_n visitation_n they_o signify_v just_a nothing_o as_o to_o this_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a money_n business_n to_o pay_v procuration_n to_o the_o bishop_n fee_n to_o chancellor_n register_n etc._n etc._n the_o bishop_n indeed_o usual_o make_v a_o speech_n unto_o they_o and_o a_o sermon_n be_v preach_v by_o some_o one_o of_o they_o wherein_o perchance_o good_a admonition_n be_v give_v but_o what_o knowledge_n can_v the_o bishop_n by_o this_o have_v of_o their_o life_n or_o doctrine_n or_o diligence_n if_o he_o continue_v long_o there_o he_o may_v learn_v a_o few_o more_o name_n or_o face_n scarce_o any_o thing_n more_o i_o humble_o conceive_v this_o aught_o to_o be_v redress_v and_o the_o diocese_n bronght_n into_o that_o compass_n that_o each_o bishop_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n in_o government_n as_o well_o as_o in_o title_n and_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o if_o the_o diocese_n be_v divide_v less_o and_o bishop_n more_o increase_v where_o shall_v we_o have_v maintenance_n for_o so_o many_o bishop_n some_o have_v too_o little_a already_o when_o ever_o i_o shall_v see_v the_o clergy_n of_o this_o nation_n congregat_v by_o his_o majesty_n authority_n resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o reform_v and_o establish_v all_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a constitution_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o come_v to_o this_o last_o mention_v contract_v the_o bond_n and_o in_o number_n increase_a the_o diocese_n and_o bishop_n for_o they_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o propose_v way_n both_o rational_a and_o conscientious_a of_o provide_v convenient_a maintenanee_n for_o all_o but_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v at_o present_a least_o greedy_a harpy_n make_v ill_a use_n of_o my_o zealous_a intention_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v a_o second_o abuse_n in_o church_n government_n which_o be_v exempt_a jurisdiction_n a_o thing_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o antiquity_n and_o bring_v in_o by_o papal_a tyranny_n the_o pope_n at_o the_o height_n of_o their_o usurp_a dominion_n take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v head_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a bishop_n thereof_o and_o all_o other_o to_o be_v but_o their_o curate_n take_v then_o upon_o they_o also_o among_o other_o matter_n to_o exempt_v from_o the_o power_n of_o â—â—y_a their_o under_z bishop_n whomsover_v they_o please_v and_o out_o of_o policy_n to_o have_v the_o more_o creature_n and_o vassal_n immediate_o depend_v on_o they_o in_o every_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n to_o stickle_v for_o they_o with_o king_n and_o prince_n on_o all_o occasion_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n exempt_v all_o monastery_n who_o with_o their_o near_a relation_n and_o tenant_n make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n they_o exempt_v also_o several_a dean_n and_o chapterss_n several_a peculiar_a chapel_n several_a archdeaconries_a and_o other_o and_o some_o of_o these_o be_v endow_v with_o archiepiscopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o their_o precinct_n wherein_o they_o act_v whatever_o they_o please_v without_o control_n of_o any_o but_o their_o popeship_n all_o which_o will_v have_v appear_v a_o confuse_a madness_n in_o primitive_a time_n when_o for_o any_o person_n to_o have_v be_v out_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o bishop_n be_v to_o have_v be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n in_o all_o age_n till_o papal_a usurpation_n and_o therefore_o all_o these_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n be_v mere_a papal_n and_o if_o due_o examine_v will_v be_v find_v opposite_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n since_o the_o reformation_n from_o popery_n as_o they_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o primitive_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n before_o popery_n be_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o exempt_a jurisdiction_n great_a dispute_n and_o great_a fraud_n arise_v between_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o and_o the_o poor_a clergy_n be_v so_o pile_v and_o bold_a by_o they_o both_o that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o go_v in_o threadbare_a coat_n whilst_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o both_o grow_v fat_a and_o fair_a by_o fee_n extract_v from_o they_o wherefore_o i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o petition_v his_o majesty_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o these_o abuse_n by_o pious_a law_n settle_v the_o church_n government_n in_o the_o primitive_a purity_n and_o authority_n which_o most_o evident_o be_v very_o great_a and_o as_o great_o reverence_v bishop_n be_v the_o person_n to_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n commit_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n buy_v with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n and_o to_o his_o holy_a spouse_n the_o church_n be_v all_o sacred_a authority_n for_o ever_o amen_n a_o charitable_a admonition_n to_o all_o nonconformist_n my_o belove_a in_o christ_n you_o see_v how_o earnest_o i_o have_v plead_v for_o you_o to_o the_o father_n and_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n that_o they_o will_v gracious_o condescend_v to_o abolish_v some_o ceremony_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v you_o into_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o great_a hope_n that_o they_o will_v hearken_v to_o i_o you_o yourselves_o for_o who_o i_o plead_v destroy_v my_o hope_n for_o they_o present_o dash_v i_o in_o the_o tooth_n say_v go_v rather_o and_o persuade_v the_o son_n in_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o their_o father_n than_o father_n to_o yield_v to_o son_n and_o can_v you_o deny_v but_o of_o the_o two_o you_o be_v rather_o to_o submit_v you_o think_v to_o excuse_v this_o by_o say_v be_v it_o not_o against_o your_o conscience_n you_o will_v submit_v but_o you_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v god_n his_o holy_a word_n forbid_v you_o i_o beseech_v you_o show_v i_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n any_o one_o clear_a sentence_n against_o any_o one_o ceremony_n command_v in_o our_o church_n you_o see_v plain_o i_o be_o not_o biased_n to_o any_o one_o ceremony_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n all_o over_o several_a time_n and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v it_o be_v no_o pride_n of_o heart_n if_o i_o think_v i_o understand_v scripture_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v find_v any_o one_o condemn_v sentence_n in_o scripture_n but_o you_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n enlighten_v you_o which_o i_o want_v by_o this_o rule_n you_o may_v affirm_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v as_o mad_a in_o dispute_v against_o you_o as_o you_o in_o affirm_v it_o it_o be_v madness_n for_o a_o blind_a man_n as_o you_o conceive_v i_o to_o be_v to_o dispute_v of_o colour_n therefore_o if_o you_o be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n as_o to_o expect_v your_o bare_a affirmation_n that_o you_o have_v light_a aught_o to_o convince_v all_o gainsayers_a i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o or_o you_o to_o gainsay_v you_o far_o but_o address_v myself_o to_o other_o who_o sober_o undertake_v to_o show_v i_o such_o text_n as_o a_o unbiased_a christian_n will_v and_o desirous_a to_o submit_v to_o all_o scripture_n truth_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o be_o may_v discover_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o i_o desire_v those_o sober_a undertaker_n to_o show_v i_o any_o one_o such_o clear_a text_n to_o excuse_v their_o nonconforming_a as_o i_o show_v they_o for_o their_o conform_v submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o and_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v heb._n 13._o 17._o these_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o you_o ought_v to_o obey_v now_o if_o the_o text_n you_o bring_v be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o doubtful_a i_o beseech_v you_o be_v your_o conscience_n so_o bold_a against_o a_o clear_a text_n and_o so_o timorous_a at_o a_o doubtful_a text_n be_v this_o