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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59468 The principles of the Cyprianic age with regard to episcopal power and jurisdiction asserted and recommended from the genuine writings of St. Cyprian himself and his contemporaries : by which it is made evident that the vindicator of the Kirk of Scotland is obligated by his own concession to acknowledge that he and his associates are schismaticks : in a letter to a friend / by J.S. Sage, John, 1652-1711. 1695 (1695) Wing S289; ESTC R16579 94,344 99

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he_o not_o thereafter_o admit_v they_o to_o his_o most_o intimate_a friendship_n and_o familiarity_n to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o many_o indeed_o he_o therein_o show_v a_o miracle_n of_o clemency_n 4._o lay_v these_o two_o account_n together_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o if_o these_o presbyter_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n if_o his_o power_n over_o they_o may_v not_o have_v extend_v to_o their_o very_a excommunication_n for_o their_o old_a trick_n against_o he_o have_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v put_v it_o in_o execution_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o have_v i_o not_o account_v already_o how_o when_o they_o first_o engage_v in_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o lapse_v he_o threaten_v they_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v continue_v to_o absolve_v and_o reconcile_v any_o more_o of_o they_o without_o his_o allowance_n he_o will_v suspend_v they_o from_o their_o office_n and_o inflict_v severe_a censure_n on_o they_o when_o he_o shall_v return_v to_o 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the_o great_a badge_n of_o christianity_n god_n hear_v the_o prayer_n that_o be_v put_v up_o in_o unity_n 112._o but_o not_o those_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o schism_n christian_n peace_n brotherly_a concord_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o people_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v account_v of_o great_a value_n by_o they_o than_o all_o other_o imaginable_a sacrifice_n 149._o nothing_o afford_v great_a pleasure_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n than_o harmony_n among_o christian_n on_o earth_n 217._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v a_o thousand_o such_o testimony_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o unity_n but_o as_o for_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n how_o may_v it_o make_v man_n heart_n to_o tremble_v when_o they_o hear_v what_o hard_a name_n and_o what_o horrid_a notion_n these_o primitive_a worthy_n give_v they_o and_o have_v of_o they_o schism_n to_o they_o be_v the_o devil_n device_n for_o subvert_v the_o faith_n corrupt_v the_o truth_n and_o cut_a unity_n 105._o christ_n institute_v the_o church_n and_o the_o devil_n heresy_n 60._o or_o schism_n for_o both_o then_o go_v common_o under_o one_o name_n schism_n be_v reckon_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o idolatry_n itself_o and_o st._n cyprian_n prove_v it_o by_o several_a argument_n 117._o firmilian_a affirm_v it_o also_o 227._o so_o do_v dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o notable_a epistle_n to_o novatianus_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v suffer_v the_o great_a misery_n rather_o than_o divide_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o unity_n be_v as_o glorious_a as_o martyrdom_n for_o not_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n nay_o more_o because_o he_o who_o suffer_v rather_o than_o he_o will_v sacrifice_v suffer_v only_o for_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n but_o he_o that_o suffer_v for_o unity_n suffer_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n 45._o schismatic_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n 185._o be_v forsake_v of_o the_o spirit_n 138._o hold_v not_o the_o faith_n 109._o have_v neither_o father_n son_n nor_o holy-ghost_n 10._o they_o be_v renegado_n 95._o apostate_n 103._o malignant_n 105._o parricide_n 117._o anti-christs_n 180._o false_a christ_n 5._o christ_n enemy_n 21._o blasphemer_n 31._o the_o devil_n priest_n 1._o retainer_n to_o corah_n 116._o retainer_n to_o judas_n 150._o villainous_a and_o perfidious_a 116._o alien_n profane_a enemy_n 109._o be_v without_o hope_n 182._o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n 109._o can_v not_o be_v save_v 9_o be_v infidel_n 1._o worse_o than_o heathen_n 37._o self-condemned_n 140._o be_v no_o more_o christian_n than_o the_o devil_n 112._o can_v but_o belong_v to_o christ_n 114._o can_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n ibid._n the_o hot_a part_n of_o hell_n their_o portion_n 18●_n their_o society_n the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n 60._o their_o conventicle_n den_n of_o thief_n 207._o they_o be_v destroyer_n of_o soul_n 197._o their_o preach_v be_v poisonous_a 83._o their_o
adulterate_v and_o unity_n divide_v then_o man_n leap_v out_o into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n when_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v control_v when_o the_o bishop_n be_v envy_v when_o one_o grudge_n that_o himself_o be_v not_o rather_o prefer_v or_o disdain_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o superior_a 223._o indeed_o 4._o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v the_o whole_a society_n have_v such_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o be_v so_o vircuay_o in_o he_o and_o represent_v by_o he_o that_o what_o he_o do_v as_o bishop_n be_v repute_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o rule_v if_o he_o be_v oxthodox_n and_o catholic_n so_o be_v the_o body_n unite_v to_o he_o reckon_v to_o be_v if_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a it_o go_v under_o the_o same_o denomination_n if_o he_o deny_v the_o faith_n whoso_o adhere_v to_o he_o after_o that_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o he_o confess_v the_o faith_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v reckon_v to_o have_v confess_v it_o in_o he_o thus_o we_o find_v when_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n commit_v idolatry_n and_o so_o forfeit_v their_o bishopric_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o their_o people_n incline_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n st._n cyprian_n with_o other_o 36_o bishop_n tell_v those_o people_n that_o it_o behove_v they_o not_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o by_o think_v that_o they_o can_v continue_v to_o communicate_v with_o pollute_v bishop_n and_o withal_o themselves_o continue_v pure_a and_o unpolluted_a for_o all_o that_o communicate_v with_o they_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o go_v on_o a_o people_n obey_v and_o fear_v god_n ought_v to_o separate_v from_o criminal_a bishop_n and_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o mix_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacrilegious_a sacrifice_n 171._o and_o again_o in_o that_o same_o synodical_a epistle_n they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o neglect_v of_o divine_a discipline_n and_o a_o unaccountable_a rashness_n to_o communicate_v with_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n for_o whosoever_o joyne●_n with_o they_o in_o their_o unlawful_a communion_n be_v pollute_v by_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o whosoever_o be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o crime_n will_v not_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o the_o punishment_n 175._o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a purpose_n of_o that_o 67th_o epistle_n as_o also_o of_o the_o 68th_o concern_v marcianus_n who_o by_o communicate_v with_o novatianus_n have_v render_v his_o own_o communion_n infectious_a and_o abominable_a 68_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n confess_v the_o faith_n before_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n st._n cyprian_n say_v the_o whole_a roman_a church_n confess_v 141._o and_o when_o cyprian_n himself_o have_v confess_v receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v then_o at_o utica_n he_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n at_o carthage_n tell_v they_o how_o earnest_a he_o be_v to_o suffer_v at_o carthage_n because_o as_o he_o reason_n it_o be_v most_o congruous_a and_o become_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v confess_v christ_n in_o that_o city_n in_o which_o he_o rule_v christ_n church_n that_o by_o confess_v in_o their_o presence_n they_o may_v be_v all_o ennoble_v for_o whatever_o say_v he_o in_o the_o moment_n of_o confession_n the_o confess_v bishop_n speak_v god_n assist_v he_o he_o speak_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o all._n and_o he_o go_v on_o tell_v they_o how_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o glorious_a church_n of_o carthage_n shall_v be_v mutilate_v as_o he_o word_v it_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v at_o utica_n especial_o consider_v how_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a he_o have_v be_v in_o his_o prayer_n and_o wish_n that_o he_o may_v both_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o confess_v in_o their_o presence_n at_o carthage_n 239._o and_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o he_o so_o frequent_o call_v his_o people_n his_o bowel_n his_o body_n the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o affirm_v that_o their_o grief_n be_v his_o grief_n their_o wound_n his_o wound_n their_o distress_n his_o distress_n fuse_v etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o be_v also_o that_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n have_v account_v how_o our_o holy_a martyr_n be_v execute_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v out_o into_o this_o rapture_n o_o bless_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o suffer_v together_o with_o such_o a_o bishop_n with_o their_o eye_n and_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v more_o with_o open_a voice_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o he_o for_o tho'_o all_o can_v not_o suffer_v in_o real_a effect_n according_a to_o their_o common_a wish_n nor_o real_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n yet_o whosoever_o be_v sincere_o willing_a to_o suffer_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v look_v on_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o bishop_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n send_v a_o embassy_n to_o heaven_n by_o one_o who_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o their_o wish_n 10._o 5._o neither_o be_v this_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v a_o novel_a notion_n new_o mint_v in_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n for_o beside_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v general_o believe_v then_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n beside_o that_o st._n cyprian_n still_o argue_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o particular_o in_o the_o same_o very_a case_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o reason_v against_o the_o lapse_v which_o i_o have_v already_o cite_v from_o ep._n 33._o and_o might_n be_v more_o full_o make_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a beside_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o same_o thing_n frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o holy_a ignatius_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o genuine_a epistle_n thus_o for_o instance_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o that_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n ought_v still_o to_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n 6._o plain_o import_v this_o much_o at_o least_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a christian_a communion_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelphian_o these_o who_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o these_o be_v god_n that_o they_o may_v live_v by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o forsake_v their_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 40._o and_o again_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n god_n do_v not_o dwell_v where_o there_o be_v division_n and_o wrath_n god_n only_a pardon_n those_o who_o repent_v join_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o in_o society_n with_o the_o bishop_n 43._o and_o he_o have_v also_o that_o same_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v represent_v in_o he_o thus_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o he_o receive_v their_o whole_a body_n in_o their_o bishop_n onesimus_n 17._o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o polybius_n their_o bishop_n who_o come_v to_o he_o at_o smyrna_n he_o behold_v their_o whole_a society_n 47._o 6._o indeed_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o accountable_a in_o itself_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o organise_v political_a body_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n in_o a_o organical_a body_n whether_o natural_a or_o political_a without_o a_o principle_n of_o unity_n on_o which_o all_o the_o member_n must_v hang_v and_o from_o which_o be_v separate_v they_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n and_o who_o so_o fit_a for_o be_v this_o principle_n for_n unity_n to_o a_o church_n as_o he_o who_o be_v pastor_n ruler_n governor_n captain_n head_z judge_n christ_n vicar_n etc._n etc._n in_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o that_o other_o maxim_n which_o i_o insist_v on_o before_o viz._n that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n why_o so_o why_o because_o it_o be_v monstrous_a for_o one_o body_n to_o have_v two_o head_n for_o one_o society_n to_o have_v two_o principle_n of_o unity_n if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o tho'_o in_o
by_o he_o no_o other_o name_n but_o he_o can_v give_v they_o force_n and_o make_v they_o current_n well!_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n amiss_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n have_v intelligence_n of_o the_o competition_n that_o be_v at_o rome_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o have_v determine_v to_o continue_v to_o write_v only_o to_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o before_o during_o the_o vacancy_n till_o cornelius_n his_o title_n shall_v be_v full_o clear_v to_o they_o this_o the_o clergy_n of_o adrum●tum_n be_v ignorant_a of_o when_o they_o write_v the_o abovementioned_a letter_n and_o be_v afterward_o tell_v it_o by_o cyprian_a and_o liberalis_n they_o direct_v their_o next_o letter_n not_o for_o cornelius_n but_o for_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n hereat_o cornelius_n be_v not_o a_o little_a stumble_v and_o according_a to_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n interpret_n it_o to_o be_v a_o disow_n of_o he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n he_o write_v a_o letter_n of_o complaint_n to_o cyprian_a about_o it_o who_o be_v then_o metropolitan_a of_o that_o province_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o our_o holy_a martyr_n write_v a_o full_a apology_n to_o he_o show_v he_o what_o be_v true_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o what_o reason_n the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n have_v take_v the_o aforesaid_a resolution_n how_o it_o be_v in_o consequence_n of_o that_o resolution_n that_o the_o clergy_n of_o adrumetum_n have_v change_v their_o direction_n and_o how_o by_o the_o whole_a method_n no●●●ng_v be_v less_o intend_v than_o to_o disow_v he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o invalidate_v his_o title_n and_o be_v there_o not_o here_o as_o clear_v a_o evidence_n that_o regular_o and_o in_o the_o current_a form_n all_o letter_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o bishop_n shall_v i_o give_v you_o another_o history_n to_o clear_v this_o matter_n further_o when_o maximus_n and_o nicostratus_n retain_v to_o novatianus_n and_o so_o separate_v from_o cornelius_n do_v thereby_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n cyprian_n write_v to_o they_o as_o well_o he_o may_v consider_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o true_a bishop_n cornelius_n but_o how_o do_v he_o write_v why_o so_o as_o that_o his_o letter_n shall_v not_o be_v deliver_v till_o cornelius_n shall_v see_v it_o and_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o deliver_v it_o 47._o such_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v then_o pay_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v supreme_a in_o it_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o it_o if_o all_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o then_o listen_v a_o little_a further_o and_o resist_v this_o evidence_n if_o you_o can_v because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o communion_n every_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a bishop_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o who_o retain_v or_o adhere_v to_o he_o whether_o bishop_n clergy_n or_o laic_n do_v run_v the_o same_o risque_n with_o he_o therefore_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o bishop_n turn_v heretic_n or_o schismatic_a the_o catholic_n bishop_n of_o the_o province_n especial_o the_o metropolitan_o form_v list_n of_o all_o the_o true_a orthodox_n and_o catholic_n bishop_n within_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o send_v they_o to_o other_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o they_o be_v transmit_v all_o the_o world_n over_o that_o their_o communicatory_a letter_n and_o they_o only_o might_n be_v receive_v and_o their_o communion_n and_o they_o only_o may_v be_v allow_v and_o that_o all_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o retainer_n to_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a bishop_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o their_o communion_n refuse_v and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v two_o notable_a testimony_n from_o st._n cyprian_n the_o one_o be_v in_o his_o 59th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n where_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o fortunatus_n his_o start_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n he_o have_v send_v he_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o africa_n who_o govern_v their_o church_n in_o soundness_n and_o integrity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o common_a advice_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n that_o you_o and_o all_o my_o colleague_n may_v ready_o know_v to_o who_o you_o may_v send_v and_o from_o who_o you_o may_v receive_v communicatory_a lett●s_n 132._o the_o other_o testimony_n be_v in_o ep._n 68_o where_o cyprian_n have_v give_v his_o sentiment_n full_o concern_v marcianus_n that_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o dignity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o another_o shall_v be_v substitute_v in_o his_o room_n &_o c._n require_v stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o give_v himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v surrogated_a in_o marcianus_n his_o place_n that_o we_o may_v know_v say_v he_o to_o who_o we_o may_v direct_v our_o brethren_n and_o write_v our_o letter_n 179._o i_o have_v only_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o method_n and_o expedient_n which_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n in_o those_o time_n for_o preserve_v the_o unity_n the_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n and_o how_o nice_o and_o accurate_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o incorporation_n of_o all_o bishop_n into_o ou●_n college_n of_o all_o particular_a principle_n of_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n into_o one_o aggregated_a principle_n of_o unity_n proportion_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o all_o those_o church_n in_o their_o aggregation_n and_o by_o the_o mutual_a support_n of_o all_o bishop_n one_o towards_o another_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a to_o have_v collect_v more_o particular_n as_o well_o as_o to_o have_v insist_v more_o large_o on_o these_o i_o have_v collect_v but_o from_o the_o small_a collection_n i_o have_v make_v i_o think_v i_o have_v lay_v foundation_n enough_o for_o another_o demonstration_n against_o our_o author_n notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o how_o can_v either_o single_a presbyter_n or_o presbyterian_a moderator_n take_v the_o term_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a sense_n have_v bear_v such_o a_o part_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o communion_n beside_o that_o the_o college_n of_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n be_v still_o consider_v and_o insist_v on_o as_o consist_v of_o church_n governor_n notorious_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n beside_o that_o in_o all_o st._n cyprian_n write_n or_o in_o any_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n you_o shall_v never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o find_v a_o bishop_n call_v a_o presbyter_n his_o colleague_n beside_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o vestige_n of_o any_o such_o state_v ordinary_a current_a office_n in_o any_o record_n of_o those_o time_n as_o that_o of_o a_o mere_a presbyterian_a moderator_n beside_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v how_o have_v it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o principle_n or_o analogy_n the_o scheme_n or_o plot_n of_o presbyterian_a parity_n to_o have_v commit_v to_o any_o single_a presbyter_n moderator_n or_o other_o the_o bearing_z of_o such_o a_o part_n as_o that_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o of_o god_n know_v how_o many_o shall_v have_v be_v constitute_v a_o member_n of_o a_o college_n which_o college_n and_o which_o alone_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n and_o manage_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o that_o all_o his_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n his_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n his_o extrusion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n his_o suspension_n his_o abstention_n his_o excommunication_n his_o injunction_n of_o penance_n his_o absolution_n his_o ordination_n his_o degradation_n his_o depositio●●_n in_o a_o word_n all_o his_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n within_o his_o own_o district_n and_o his_o alone_a shall_v have_v have_v authority_n and_o be_v deem_v valid_a and_o merit_v a_o ratification_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o that_o whosoever_o presbyter_n or_o other_o within_o such_o a_o district_n in_o which_o there_o may_v have_v be_v many_o decade_n of_o presbyter_n be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o or_o tope_v it_o with_o he_o or_o rebel_v against_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v repute_v disobedient_a to_o and_o rebellious_a against_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o that_o raise_v a_o altar_n against_o his_o altar_n and_o his_o only_a shall_v have_v be_v deem_v raise_v a_o altar_n against_o all_o catholic_n christian_n altar_n as_o that_o from_o he_o and_o from_o he_o only_o in_o the_o regular_a course_n all_o communicatory_a informatory_n con●olatory_a in_o short_a all_o
the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v then_o so_o notorious_a as_o to_o be_v undeniable_a he_o reason_v from_o it_o as_o from_o a_o acknowledge_v postulate_v 2._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o presbyter_n who_o in_o these_o time_n be_v vvn_n from_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v priest_n in_o the_o language_n which_o be_v then_o current_a pastor_n in_o the_o present_a presbyterian_a dialect_n i._n e._n not_o rule_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o divine_a priesthood_n such_o as_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o clerical_a ministry_n such_o as_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v the_o altar_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o offer_v up_o the_o public_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o geminius_n faustinus_n 1._o such_o as_o god_n in_o his_o merciful_a providence_n be_v please_v to_o raise_v to_o the_o glorious_a station_n of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o numidicus_n 79._o such_o as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n go_v to_o the_o prison_n and_o give_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n to_o the_o confessor_n 11._o such_o as_o at_o carthage_n as_o st._n cyprian_n complain_v to_o cornelius_n presume_v to_o curtail_v the_o pennance_n of_o the_o lapser_n and_o give_v they_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n while_o their_o idolatry_n be_v so_o very_o recent_a that_o as_o it_o be_v their_o hand_n and_o mouth_n be_v still_o a_o smoke_n with_o the_o warm_a nidor_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v upon_o the_o devil_n altar_n 128._o such_o as_o contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n and_o order_n absolve_v the_o lapser_n and_o give_v they_o the_o communion_n without_o the_o bishop_n licence_n sus●_n such_o as_o be_v join_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o sacerdotal_a honour_n 144_o in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v such_o presbyter_n as_o st._n cyprian_n describe_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n such_o as_o sometime_o raise_v altar_n against_o altar_n and_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n offer_v false_a and_o sacrilegious_a sacrifice_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v depose_v when_o they_o do_v so_o such_o as_o tho'_o they_o shall_v return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o lay-communion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v allow_v thereafter_o to_o act_v as_o man_n in_o holy_a order_n see_v it_o become_v the_o priest_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n those_o who_o attend_v the_o altar_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o blameless_a 197._o such_o presbyter_n they_o be_v i_o say_v who_o be_v then_o vvn_n from_o the_o bishop_n for_o as_o for_o your_o lay-elder_n your_o rule_v contra-distinct_a from_o teach_v presbyter_n now_o so_o much_o in_o vogue_n there_o be_v as_o profound_a a_o silence_n of_o they_o in_o st._n cyprian_n work_n and_o time_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n or_o the_o sanquhar_n declaration_n and_o yet_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n about_o the_o governor_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n if_o there_o have_v be_v such_o presbyter_n then_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o miracle_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o have_v mention_v they_o 3._o i_o observe_v that_o the_o bishop_n power_n his_o authority_n his_o pastoral_a relation_n call_v it_o as_o you_o will_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n e._n g._n cornelius_n be_v immediate_o and_o direct_o superior_a to_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o rome_n and_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o fabius_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o antioch_n dionysius_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o alexandria_n cyprian_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o carthage_n etc._n etc._n the_o bishop_n prelation_n whatever_o it_o be_v relate_v not_o sole_o to_o the_o clergy_n or_o sole_o to_o the_o laity_n but_o to_o both_o equal_o and_o formal_o how_o full_o may_v this_o point_n be_v prove_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a indeed_o st._n cyprian_n define_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o priest_n and_o a_o flock_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n and_o that_o by_o the_o term_n priest_n and_o pasto●_n he_o mean_v the_o bishop_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v for_o he_o tell_v florentius_n pupianus_n there_o that_o from_o that_o common_a and_o receive_a notion_n of_o a_o church_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v learn_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n and_o that_o whoso_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n 168._o and_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n chastise_v the_o same_o florentius_n for_o call_v his_o title_n to_o his_o bishopric_n in_o question_n and_o speak_v bitter_a thing_n against_o he_o he_o reason_n thus_o what_o swell_v of_o pride_n what_o arrogance_n of_o spirit_n what_o haughtiness_n be_v this_o that_o thou_o shall_v arraign_v bishop_n before_o thy_o tribunal_n and_o unless_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o thou_o and_o absolve_v by_o thy_o sentence_n lo_o these_o six_o year_n the_o brotherhood_n have_v have_v no_o bishop_n the_o people_z no_o ruler_n the_o flock_v no_o pastor_n the_o church_n no_o governor_n christ_n no_o prelate_n and_o god_n no_o priest_n 167._o in_o short_a he_o that_o bear_v the_o high_a character_n of_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v call_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o eminence_n passim_fw-la the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o ship_n and_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o master_n 56._o he_o be_v the_o father_n and_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n be_v his_o child_n 79._o he_o be_v the_o governor_n passim_fw-la the_o rector_n 133._o the_o captain_n 141._o the_o head_n 86._o the_o judge_n 129._o of_o all_o within_o his_o diocese_n he_o be_v the_o chief_a pastor_n and_o tho'_o presbyter_n be_v also_o sometime_o call_v pastor_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o and_o at_o best_a they_o be_v but_o such_o in_o subordination_n indeed_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n during_o the_o vacancy_n between_o fabianus_n his_o death_n and_o cornelius_n his_o promotion_n look_v only_o on_o themselves_o as_o vice-pastor_n say_v that_o in_o such_o a_o juncture_n they_o keep_v the_o flock_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o bishop_n etc._n i_o can_v give_v you_o even_o a_o surfeit_n of_o evidence_n i_o say_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n if_o it_o be_v needful_a whoso_o read_v st._n cyprian_n epistle_n may_v find_v it_o in_o almost_o every_o page_n and_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n hereafter_o to_o insist_v on_o many_o argument_n in_o the_o probation_n of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v further_o clear_v this_o also_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o all_o this_o than_o ignatius_n say_v frequent_o near_o 150_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n passon_n and_o now_o sir_n tho'_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n can_v afford_v we_o no_o more_o than_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v prove_v from_o they_o they_o will_v be_v of_o sufficient_a force_n to_o overthrow_v our_o author_n definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o to_o both_o part_n of_o it_o and_o demonstrate_v to_o every_o think_v man_n conviction_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o fl●ck_n nor_o the_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n in_o our_o author_n sense_n of_o the_o term_n 1._o not_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o flock_n i._n e._n a_o single_a presbyter_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o single_a parish_n after_o the_o presbyterian_a model_n for_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n have_v many_o such_o presbyter_n under_o he_o cyprian_a himself_n whatever_o he_o have_v more_o have_v no_o sewer_n than_o eight_o under_o he_o in_o the_o city_n of_o carthage_n beside_o the_o adjacent_a village_n cornelius_n be_v over_o forty_o six_o in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o dionysius_n be_v over_o at_o alexandria_n or_o polycarpus_n at_o 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n so_o it_o be_v all_o the_o christian_a world_n over_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v a_o bishop_n then_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v a_o pastor_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o diocese_n i._n e_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o district_n be_v his_o flock_n and_o he_o have_v a_o direct_a formal_a and_o immediate_a pastoral_n relation_n to_o they_o all_o tho'_o at_o the_o same_o time_n within_o the_o same_o district_n there_o be_v many_o inferior_a pastor_n who_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o he_o 2._o he_o be_v as_o little_a a_o mere_a moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n in_o our_o author_n sense_n of_o the_o term_n a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n 〈◊〉_d
such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n at_o all_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o such_o be_v chief_a pastor_n judge_n head_n master_n rector_n governor_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n as_o such_o have_v no_o direct_a immediate_a formal_a relation_n to_o the_o people_n but_o only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o of_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o presbytery_n but_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n his_o prelacy_n whatever_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n st._n cyprian_n e._n g._n to_o as_o many_o christian_n as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o at_o least_o eight_o presbyter_n cornelius_n too_o as_o many_o as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o forty_o six_o to_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o which_o beside_o forty_o six_o presbyter_n seven_o deacon_n seven_o subdeacon_n forty_o two_o acolyte_n fifty_o two_o exorcist_n lector_n and_o doorkeeper_n there_o be_v more_o than_o fifteen_o hundred_o widow_n and_o poor_a people_n who_o subsist_v by_o charity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o a_o mighty_a and_o innumerable_a laity_n as_o himself_o word_n it_o 43._o these_o thing_n i_o say_v may_v be_v sufficient_a in_o all_o reason_n to_o confute_v our_o author_n notion_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v ii_o how_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v promoted_n to_o his_o chair_n to_o that_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o he_o call_v it_o 103._o and_o we_o shall_v easy_o collect_v another_o demonstration_n against_o our_o author_n notion_n for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v plain_n i._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lawful_a nor_o allowable_a promotion_n of_o one_o to_o a_o bishopric_n which_o have_v be_v possess_v before_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a canonical_a and_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n when_o a_o see_v be_v once_o canonical_o fill_v whosoever_o else_o pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o see_v be_v not_o a_o second_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o in_o st._n cyprian_n judgement_n 104._o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reckon_v of_o he_o as_o another_o bishop_n that_o he_o deem_v he_o not_o a_o christian_n fuse_v innumerable_a be_v his_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 110._o but_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v only_o one_o from_o ep._n 69._o because_o he_o full_o reason_n the_o case_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n whether_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o consider_v how_o st._n cyprian_n decide_v it_o the_o church_n be_v one_o say_v he_o and_o this_o one_o church_n can_v be_v both_o within_o and_o without_o if_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o novatianus_n she_o be_v not_o with_o cornelius_n but_o if_o she_o be_v with_o cornelius_n who_o succeed_v to_o bishop_n fabianus_n by_o lawful_a ordination_n and_o who_o god_n honour_v with_o martyrdom_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n novatianus_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o bishop_n who_o contemn_v the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o succeed_v to_o none_o have_v spring_v from_o himself_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n either_o have_v or_o hold_v a_o church_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n can_v be_v without_o herself_o nor_o divide_v against_o herself_o etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o our_o lord_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o unity_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n say_v i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o and_o again_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v this_o unity_n he_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o flock_n and_o one_o pastor_n but_o if_o the_o flock_n be_v one_o how_o can_v he_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v not_o number_v with_o the_o flock_n or_o how_o can_v be_v he_o deem_v a_o pastor_n who_o while_o the_o true_a pastor_n live_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n by_o a_o succedaneous_a ordination_n succeed_v to_o none_o but_o begin_v from_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o alien_n be_v profane_a be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n he_o dwell_v not_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n none_o can_v dwell_v there_o but_o the_o son_n of_o concord_n and_o unanimity_n 182._o neither_o be_v this_o principle_n peculiar_a to_o st._n cyprian_a cornelius_n in_o his_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n to_o fabius_n insist_o on_o it_o also_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n ridicules_n novatianus_n if_o not_o for_o his_o ignorance_n of_o it_o at_o least_o for_o entertain_v the_o vain_a conceit_n that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o counter-act_n it_o 43._o and_o when_o maximus_n urbanus_fw-la sidonius_n macarius_n etc._n etc._n desert_a novatianus_n and_o return_v to_o cornelius_n his_o communion_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a confession_n that_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o that_o same_o common_a maxim_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v look_v upon_o novatianus_n as_o a_o false_a and_o schismatical_a bishop_n we_o know_v say_v they_o that_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o confess_v our_o error_n we_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o be_v circumvent_v by_o perfidy_n and_o ensnare_a sophistry_n for_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n one_o christ_n our_o lord_n who_o we_o have_v confess_v one_o holy-ghost_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o catholic_n church_n 93._o indeed_o two_o bishop_n at_o once_o of_o one_o church_n or_o city_n be_v then_o think_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o two_o father_n of_o one_o child_n or_o two_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n or_o two_o head_n of_o one_o body_n or_o whatever_o else_o you_o can_v call_v monstrous_a in_o either_o nature_n or_o morality_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o canonical_a vacancy_n no_o place_n for_o a_o new_a bishop_n but_o where_o the_o one_o bishop_n who_o the_o chair_n have_v be_v be_v dead_a or_o have_v cede_v or_o be_v canonical_o depose_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n vacancy_n by_o death_n have_v no_o difficulty_n i_o do_v remember_v to_o have_v observe_v any_o instance_n of_o session_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o there_o be_v some_o before_o and_o many_o after_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o basilides_n who_o after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o sacred_a dignity_n by_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o dreadful_a crime_n of_o idolatry_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v say_v to_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o and_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v favourable_o deal_v by_o if_o thereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o laic_n 67._o we_o have_v instance_n of_o deposition_n in_o the_o same_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n ibid._n in_o marcianus_n 68_o privatus_fw-la lambesitanus_n 36._o evaristus_n 52._o fortunatianus_n 65._o and_o perhaps_o some_o more_o however_o these_o three_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a vacancy_n 3._o when_o a_o see_v be_v thus_o canonical_o vacant_a it_o be_v fill_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n in_o which_o the_o vacancy_n be_v meet_v choose_v and_o ordain_v one_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o he_o be_v to_o govern._n this_o st._n cyprian_n with_o other_o 36_o bishop_n tell_v we_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a form_n not_o only_o in_o africa_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o province_n all_o the_o world_n over_o 10._o i_o know_v it_o be_v controvert_v whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n but_o my_o present_a purpose_n do_v not_o engage_v i_o in_o that_o controversy_n 4._o but_o election_n be_v not_o enough_o tho'_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v already_o a_o presbyter_n and_o in_o priestly_a order_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v promoted_n to_o a_o bishopric_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n a_o new_a ordination_n his_o former_a order_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o that_o supreme_a office_n thus_o e._n g._n st._n cyprian_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v
baptism_n pestiferous_a 112._o and_o profane_a 180._o their_o sacrifice_n abominable_a 113._o they_o can_v not_o be_v martyr_n passim_fw-la their_o company_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 140._o whoso_o befriend_v they_o be_v persecutor_n of_o the_o truth_n 38._o be_v betrayer_n of_o christ_n spouse_n to_o adulterer_n 61._o be_v betrayer_n of_o unity_n 203._o be_v involve_v in_o the_o some_o gild_n with_o they_o 184._o in_o short_a schismatic_n by_o be_v such_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n 85._o enemy_n of_o mercy_n 142._o infatuate_v salt_n 7._o and_o curse_v of_o god_n 1._o such_o i_o say_v be_v the_o notion_n the_o holy_a father_n in_o those_o early_a time_n of_o the_o church_n have_v of_o schismatic_n and_o such_o be_v the_o name_n they_o give_v they_o and_o certain_o whoso_o serious_o consider_v how_o much_o schism_n be_v condemn_v in_o holy_a writ_n what_o a_o enemy_n it_o be_v to_o the_o peace_n the_o power_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o much_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o holy_a humble_a peaceable_n patient_n meek_n and_o charitable_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n whoso_o consider_v that_o our_o bless_a savious's_n great_a errand_n into_o the_o world_n be_v to_o unite_n all_o his_o disciple_n here_o into_o one_o body_n and_o one_o communion_n that_o they_o may_v eternal_o be_v bless_v in_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o one_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n in_o heaven_n hereafter_o whoso_o i_o say_v consider_v these_o thing_n can_v but_o confess_v that_o schism_n and_o schismatic_n deserve_v all_o these_o hard_a name_n and_o answer_v all_o these_o terrible_a notion_n now_o 2._o that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o unity_n and_o the_o prevent_v of_o schism_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n all_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o st._n cyprian_n age_n to_o live_v in_o the_o bishop_n communion_n and_o to_o own_o and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o that_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v head_n and_o ruler_n may_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o a_o vast_a train_n of_o testimony_n but_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o a_o few_o thus_o for_o example_n when_o some_o of_o the_o lapse_v presume_v to_o write_v to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o design_n themselves_o without_o a_o bishop_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n how_o do_v the_o holy_a man_n resent_v it_o consider_v how_o he_o begin_v his_o answer_n to_o they_o our_o lord_n say_v he_o who_o precept_n we_o ought_v to_o honour_n and_o obey_v institute_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o contexture_n of_o a_o church_n say_v thus_o to_o peter_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n from_o thence_o by_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o time_n and_o succession_n the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n be_v transmit_v so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o bishop_n and_o all_o her_o affair_n be_v order_v by_o they_o as_o the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v god_n appointment_n i_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o bold_a temerity_n of_o some_o who_o write_v to_o i_o call_v themselves_o a_o church_n when_o a_o church_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bishop_n the_o clergy_n and_o the_o faithful_a christian_n god_n forbid_v that_o a_o number_n of_o lapse_v shall_v be_v call_v a_o church_n etc._n etc._n consider_v how_o he_o reason_n by_o divine_a institution_n there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n without_o a_o bishop_n the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o the_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n as_o chief_z ruler_n order_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o those_o lapse_v ought_v not_o to_o have_v call_v themselves_o a_o church_n see_v they_o have_v no_o bishop_n no_o principle_n of_o unity_n 66._o we_o have_v another_o notable_a reason_v as_o well_o as_o testimony_n of_o he_o in_o his_o 43d_o epistle_n write_v to_o his_o people_n of_o carthage_n upon_o the_o break_n out_o of_o felicissimus_n his_o schism_n god_n be_v one_o say_v he_o and_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o chair_n be_v one_o be_v our_o lord_n be_v own_o voice_n found_v on_o st._n peter_n another_o altar_n can_v be_v rear_v another_o priesthood_n can_v be_v erect_v beside_o the_o one_o altar_n and_o the_o one_o priesthood_n whoso_o gather_v elsewhere_o scatter_v whatever_o human_a fury_n institute_n against_o god_n appointment_n be_v adulterous_a be_v impious_a be_v sacrilegious_a and_o a_o little_a after_o o_o brethren_n let_v no_o man_n make_v you_o wander_v from_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o christian_n let_v no_o man_n rend_v you_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n let_v no_o man_n tear_v the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o church_n let_v they_o perish_v alone_o who_o will_v needs_o perish_v let_v they_o abide_v alone_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n let_v they_o alone_z not_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o bishop_n 84._o etc._n etc._n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florentinus_n pupianus_n he_o define_v a_o church_n to_o be_v a_o people_n unite_v to_o their_o priest_n and_o a_o flock_n adhere_v to_o their_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o tell_v pupianus_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v not_o with_o the_o bishop_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n 8._o and_o how_o concerned_o do_v he_o reason_v the_o case_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n can_v he_o seem_v to_o himself_o say_v he_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n who_o be_v against_o christ_n priest_n who_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n clergy_n and_o people_n that_o man_n bear_v arm_n against_o the_o church_n he_o fight_v against_o god_n ordinance_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o the_o altar_n a_o rebel_n against_o christ_n sacrifice_n he_o be_v perfidious_a and_o not_o faithful_a sacrilegious_a and_o not_o religious_a he_o be_v a_o undutiful_a servant_n and_o impious_a son_n a_o hostile_a brother_n who_o can_v contemn_v god_n bishop_n and_o forsake_v his_o priest_n and_o dare_v to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n and_o offer_v up_o unlawful_a prayer_n 116._o etc._n etc._n indeed_o in_o that_o same_o book_n he_o call_v the_o bishop_n the_o glue_n that_o cement_v christian_n into_o the_o solid_a unity_n of_o the_o church_n 119._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v 3._o that_o st._n cyprian_n every_o where_o make_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o one_o bishop_n or_o undutifulness_n to_o he_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n thus_o epist._n 3._o he_o make_v this_o observation_n upon_o the_o undutifulness_n of_o a_o certain_a deacon_n to_o rogatianus_n his_o bishop_n that_o such_o be_v the_o first_o effort_n of_o heretic_n and_o the_o out-breaking_a and_o presumption_n of_o ill-advised_a schismatic_n they_o follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n and_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n contemn_v their_o superior_n so_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n so_o they_o erect_v profane_a altar_n without_o the_o church_n so_o they_o rebel_n against_o christian_a peace_n and_o divine_a order_n and_o unity_n 6._o and_o ep._n 59_o he_o tell_v cornelius_n that_o heresy_n and_o schism_n spring_v from_o this_o only_a fountain_n that_o god_n priest_n the_o bishop_n be_v not_o obey_v and_o man_n do_v consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v only_o one_o bishop_n only_o one_o judge_n as_o christ_n vicar_n in_o a_o church_n 129._o and_o ep._n 66._o to_o florentius_n pupianus_n that_o from_o hence_o heresy_n and_o schism_n have_v hitherto_o spring_v and_o do_v daily_a spring_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v one_o and_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v by_o the_o proud_a presumption_n of_o some_o and_o he_o that_o be_v honour_v of_o god_n be_v dishonour_v by_o man_n 167._o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o tell_v he_o allude_v clear_o to_o the_o monarchical_a power_n of_o bishop_n that_o bee_n have_v a_o king_n and_o beast_n have_v a_o captain_n and_o robber_n with_o all_o humility_n obey_v their_o commander_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o conclude_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o must_v be_v for_o christian_n not_o to_o pay_v suitable_a regard_v to_o their_o bishop_n ibid._n and_o in_o another_o place_n then_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o our_o lord_n peace_n break_v then_o be_v brotherly_a charity_n violate_v then_o be_v the_o truth_n
all_o conscience_n it_o ought_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n more_o demonstrative_o then_o be_v please_v only_o to_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o this_o principle_n and_o that_o which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v and_o that_o be_v second_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n a_o bishop_n cononical_o promoted_n be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n immediate_o subject_a to_o jesus_n christ_n independent_a on_o any_o unaccountable_a to_o any_o earthly_a ecclesiastical_a superior_a there_o be_v no_o universal_a bishop_n then_o under_o jesus_n christ_n who_o may_v be_v the_o supreme_a visible_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o universal_a bishopric_n but_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v by_o any_o one_o single_a person_n there_o be_v a_o unus_n episcopatus_fw-la one_o episcopacy_n one_o episcopal_a office_n one_o bishopric_n but_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o part_n and_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o sh●re_n of_o it_o assign_v he_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v with_o the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n 108._o there_o be_v one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o divide_v into_o many_o member_n and_o there_o be_v one_o episcopacy_n diffuse_v in_o proportion_n to_o that_o one_o church_n by_o the_o harmonious_a numerosity_n of_o many_o bishop_n 112._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o in_o other_o word_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v divide_v into_o many_o precinct_n districts_n or_o diocese_n call_v they_o as_o you_o will_v each_o of_o those_o district●_n have_v its_o singular_a bishop_n and_o that_o bishop_n within_z that_o district_n have_v the_o supreme_a power_n he_o be_v subordinate_a to_o none_o but_o the_o great_a bishop_n of_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a universal_a bishop_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n he_o be_v independent_a on_o and_o stand_v collateral_a with_o all_o other_o bishop_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o full_o or_o more_o plain_o or_o more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o st._n cyprian_n than_o this_o great_a principle_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o short_a view_n of_o it_o from_o he_o and_o his_o contemporary_n and_o i._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o parity_n which_o our_o lord_n institute_v among_o his_o apostle_n christ_n say_v he_o give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o i_o send_v you_o receive_v you_o the_o holy-ghost_n 107._o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n peter_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n ibid._n now_o st._n cyprian_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o perchance_o i_o may_v prove_v full_o hereafter_o thus_o i_o say_v he_o find_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o by_o consequence_n every_o bishop_n supremacy_n within_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o agreeable_o he_o reason_n most_o frequent_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n 2._o then_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o antonianus_n discourse_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v and_o show_v how_o upon_o former_a occasion_n different_a bishop_n have_v take_v different_a measure_n about_o restore_a penitent_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n he_o conclude_v with_o this_o general_n rule_n that_o every_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o concord_n and_o preserve_v catholic_n unity_n have_v power_n to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n 110._o plain_o import_v that_o no_o bishop_n can_v give_v law_n to_o another_o or_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o management_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n about_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n these_o thing_n most_o dear_a brother_n say_v he_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o as_o i_o be_v able_a neither_o prescribe_v to_o nor_o impose_v on_o any_o man_n see_v every_o bishop_n have_v full_a power_n to_o do_v as_o he_o judge_v most_o fit_v 210._o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o way_n he_o conclude_v his_o epistle_n to_o magnus_n concern_v that_o same_o case_n of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o heretic_n 188._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o whole_a strain_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o florentius_n pupianus_n 66._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a or_o full_a than_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 256_o more_o than_o eighty_o bishop_n meet_v to_o determine_v concern_v that_o same_o matter_n of_o baptism_n administer_v by_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n st._n cyprian_n be_v praeses_fw-la and_o have_v brief_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o thus_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o each_o of_o we_o speak_v his_o sense_n free_o judge_v no_o man_n refuse_v our_o communion_n to_o no_o man_n tho'_o he_o shall_v dissent_v from_o we_o for_o none_o of_o we_o costitute_n himself_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n nor_o force_v his_o colleague_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v by_o a_o tyrannical_a terror_n see_v every_o bishop_n be_v entire_o master_n of_o his_o own_o resolution_n and_o can_v no_o more_o he_o judge_v by_o other_o than_o he_o can_v judge_v other_o but_o we_o all_o expect_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o alone_o have_v power_n of_o make_v we_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o our_o administration_n 229._o 3._o neither_o do_v the_o principle_n hold_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o bishop_n but_o all_o without_o exception_n even_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a proof_n as_o possible_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o when_o the_o schismatical_a party_n at_o carthage_n set_v up_o fortunatus_n as_o a_o anti-bishop_n and_o thereupon_o send_v some_o of_o their_o partisan_n to_o rome_n toi_fw-fr inform_a cornelius_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o justify_v they_o to_o he_o cyprian_a write_v to_o he_o also_o and_o thus_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o go_v to_o rome_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o false_a bishop_n against_o the_o bishop_n either_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o be_v please_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o they_o be_v penitent_a land_n willing_a to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n unity_n if_o the_o latter_a they_o know_v whither_o they_o may_v return_v for_o see_v it_o be_v determine_v by_o we_o all_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o every_o one_o cause_n shall_v be_v examine_v where_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v and_o see_v there_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o flock_n the_o catholic_n church_n assign_v to_o every_o bishop_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n our_o subject_n ought_v not_o to_o run_v about_o from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n nor_o break_v the_o harmonious_a concord_n which_o be_v among_o bishop_n by_o their_o subtle_a and_o fallacious_a temerity_n but_o every_o man_n cause_n ought_v there_o to_o be_v discuss_v where_o he_o may_v have_v accuser_n and_o witness_n of_o his_o crime_n 36._o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o reason_v we_o have_v these_o thing_n plain_a 1._o that_o by_o st._n cyprian_n principle_n every_a bishop_n be_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v within_o his_o district_n 2._o that_o no_o bishop_n no_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v superior_a to_o another_o bishop_n nor_o can_v receive_v appeal_n from_o his_o sentence_n and_o 3._o that_o this_o independency_n of_o bishop_n this_o unaccountableness_n of_o one_o bishop_n to_o another_o as_o to_o his_o superior_a be_v found_v on_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o portion_n of_o the_o flock_n assign_v to_o he_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n i._n e._n upon_o his_o visible_a supremacy_n in_o his_o own_o church_n his_o be_v immediate_o subordinate_a to_o god_n only_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n also_o for_o have_v tell_v he_o his_o mind_n free_o concern_v those_o who_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v and_o how_o recceive_v etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v thus_o we_o know_v that_o some_o be_v tenacious_a and_o unwilling_a to_o alter_v what_o they_o have_v once_o determine_v and_o that_o they_o will_v needs_o retain_v some_o method_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o but_o still_o with_o
have_v either_o be_v ordain_v before_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v perfsidious_a and_o rebellious_a against_o the_o church_n or_o have_v be_v promoted_n by_o a_o profane_a ordination_n in_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n by_o false_a bishop_n and_o anti-christs_n against_o our_o lord_n institution_n that_o such_o if_o they_o shall_v return_v shall_v only_o be_v admit_v to_o lay-communion_n etc._n etc._n 197._o by_o which_o testimony_n you_o may_v clear_o see_v 1._o that_o all_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o deacon_n be_v perform_v by_o bishop_n by_o true_a bisho●●_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o false_a bishop_n in_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n 2._o that_o to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o that_o herein_o even_o schismatic_n themselves_o oberve_v the_o common_a rule_n they_o find_v their_o ordination_n be_v indispensible_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o invalidity_n so_o clear_a and_o full_o be_v st._n cyprian_n on_o this_o head_n and_o not_o only_o he_o but_o firmilian_a as_o i_o have_v cite_v he_o already_o nay_o further_a yet_o our_o martyr_n practice_n be_v always_o suitable_a and_o correspondent_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o not_o only_o ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la as_o i_o have_v show_v without_o either_o the_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o also_o satyrus_n a_o lector_fw-la and_o optatus_n a_o sub-deacon_n epst._n 29._o and_o celerinus_n a_o lector_fw-la ep._n 39_o in_o which_o we_o have_v also_o a_o most_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o bishop_n power_n in_o ordination_n in_o st._n cyprian_n discourse_v concern_v aurelius_n and_o celerinus_n for_o there_o he_o tell_v his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o his_o people_n and_o tell_v they_o in_o a_o authoritative_a style_n in_o the_o style_n by_o which_o superior_n use_v to_o signify_v their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o their_o subject_n with_o a_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o he_o tell_v they_o i_o say_v that_o though_o he_o have_v only_o ordain_v these_o two_o lector_n for_o the_o time_n because_o they_o be_v but_o young_a yet_o he_o have_v design_v they_o for_o the_o presbyterate_a and_o to_o sit_v with_o he_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o year_n will_v allow_v of_o it_o 78._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o pat_o to_o this_o purpose_n than_o that_o uncontrollable_a account_n we_o have_v of_o novatianus_n his_o promotion_n to_o the_o presbyterate_a which_o we_o have_v in_o that_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n write_v by_o cornelius_n to_o fabius_n of_o a●tioch_n there_o he_o tell_v how_o novatianus_n be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n mere_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o all_o the_o clergy_n and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n oppose_v it_o as_o be_v unlawful_a consider_v that_o he_o have_v be_v baptise_a while_n on_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o that_o after_o much_o work_n the_o bishop_n prevail_v and_o ordain_v he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o make_v a_o precedent_n of_o it_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v faithful_o on_o the_o margin_n consider_v it_o and_o tell_v i_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o bishop_n then_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n 43._o neither_o do_v we_o read_v in_o all_o st._n cyprian_n work_n or_o in_o any_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n of_o any_o concurrence_n of_o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n in_o any_o ordination_n and_o far_o less_o that_o ever_o presbyter_n ordain_v without_o a_o bishop_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v in_o st._n cyprian_n 52d_o epistle_n that_o novatus_n make_v felicissimus_n a_o deacon_n and_o i_o read_v that_o several_a learned_a man_n understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o 21._o and_o blo●del_n particular_o because_o novatus_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o presbyter_n conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n in_o ordination_n but_o when_o one_o read_v the_o whole_a passage_n as_o st._n cyprian_n have_v it_o and_o ponder_v all_o thing_n due_o he_o can_v but_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o ever_o that_o fancy_n shall_v have_v be_v entertain_v for_o all_o that_o st._n cyprian_n say_v amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o novatus_n turn_v a_o schismatic_a in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o thereby_o become_v another_o persecution_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o have_v thus_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n he_o by_o his_o faction_n and_o ambition_n get_v felicissimus_n make_v a_o deacon_n without_o either_o st._n cyprian_n '_o s_o knowledge_n or_o allowance_n 97._o sy_n cyprian_n word_n i_o say_v do_v not_o import_v that_o novatus_n ordain_v felicissimus_n they_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o novatus_n his_o ambition_n and_o faction_n prevail_v to_o get_v felicissimus_n ordain_v a_o deacon_n tho'_o himself_o do_v not_o ordain_v he_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o be_v ordain_v by_o some_o neighbour_a bishop_n st._n cyprian_n be_v then_o in_o his_o secession_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v that_o st._n cyprian_n design_v they_o for_o no_o more_o for_o he_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v in_o that_o same_o breath_n that_o novatus_n have_v do_v so_o and_o so_o at_o carthage_n go_v next_o to_o rome_n and_o attempt_v just_a the_o like_a thing_n there_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o as_o rome_n by_o it●s_n greatness_n have_v the_o precedency_n of_o carthage_n so_o he_o attempt_v great_a wickedness_n at_o rome_n than_o at_o carthage_n for_o he_o say_v cyprian_n who_o have_v make_v a_o deacon_n at_o carthage_n against_o the_o church_n make_v a_o bishop_n at_o rome_n meaning_n novatianus_n 97._o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o novatus_n but_o three_o bishop_n ordain_v novatianus_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o st._n cyprian_n never_o mean_v that_o novatus_n ordain_v felicissi●us_o this_o be_v irrefragable_a but_o then_o suppose_v the_o worst_a suppose_v novatus_n have_v real_o ordain_v felicissimus_n what_o stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o example_n of_o a_o schismatic_a especial_o when_o what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v schismatical_o antonianus_n ask_v of_o st._n cyprian_n what_o be_v novatianus_n his_o heresy_n and_o cyprian_a answer_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o he_o teach_v see_v he_o teach_v in_o schism_n 112._o and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o novatus_n do_v see_v what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v in_o schism_n one_o thing_n indeed_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v another_o argument_n of_o the_o bishop_n peculiar_a interest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n for_o st._n cyprian_n most_o plain_o impute_v it_o to_o schism_n that_o without_o his_o allowance_n novatus_n shall_v have_v presume_v to_o have_v get_v felicissimus_n ordain_v a_o deacon_n one_o word_n more_o the_o bishop_n be_v thus_o possess_v of_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o his_o practise_v suitable_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o of_o the_o canon_n common_o call_v of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v let_v a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o one_o bishop_n as_o likewise_o a_o deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n 〈◊〉_d a_o canon_n without_o doubt_n universal_o receive_v then_o as_o beveregius_n have_v full_o prove_v and_o a_o canon_n high_o agreeable_a with_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o already_o viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n and_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n within_o his_o district_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o or_o rather_o more_o necessary_a by_o all_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o society_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n wherever_o it_o be_v lodge_v to_o promote_v and_o give_v commission_n to_o all_o inferior_a officer_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o right_n of_o majesty_n and_o one_o as_o intrinsic_a and_o unalienable_a or_o incommunicable_a as_o any_o it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a many_o year_n after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o presbyter_n shall_v concur_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n but_o then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v many_o year_n after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o it_o be_v for_o new_a emergent_a reason_n that_o ordination_n may_v be_v perform_v more_o deliberate_o or_o with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n or_o so_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o of_o the_o substantial_a validity_n of_o the_o order_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o at_o
presbyter_n acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o humble_o supplicate_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o their_o escape_n forget_v how_o when_o all_o this_o be_v narrate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v please_v to_o convocate_v the_o presbytery_n how_o maximus_n urbanus_fw-la sidonius_n and_o macarius_n be_v allow_v to_o appear_v make_v their_o acknowledgement_n and_o humble_a address_n and_o then_o how_o after_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o people_n and_o they_o again_o renew_v their_o acknowledgement_n before_o the_o people_n confess_v as_o i_o show_v before_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o one_o holy-ghost_a so_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o catholic_n church_n 93._o here_o i_o say_v be_v a_o noble_a instance_n of_o a_o bishop_n power_n in_o convocate_a his_o presbyter_n at_o pleasure_n and_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n like_o a_o chief_a governor_n the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v well_o worth_a peruse_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v that_o cornalius_fw-la seek_v not_o the_o people_n consent_n for_o their_o reception_n no_o he_o first_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o it_o i_o observe_v this_o because_o it_o be_v another_o demonstration_n that_o what_o st._n cyprian_a determine_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o episcopacy_n be_v mere_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o arbitrary_a condescension_n viz._n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o his_o people_n consent_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o episcopacy_n for_o then_o cornelius_n have_v be_v as_o much_o bind_v as_o he_o after_o these_o person_n be_v so_o solemn_o reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n they_o themselves_o by_o a_o letter_n give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o st._n cyprian_n a_o account_n i_o say_v which_o may_v bring_v more_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n if_o it_o need_v any_o we_o be_v certain_a say_v they_o most_o dear_a brother_n that_o you_o will_v rejoice_v with_o we_o when_o you_o know_v that_o all_o mistake_v be_v forget_v and_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o cornelius_n our_o bishop_n and_o to_o all_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o great_a contentment_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 98._o but_o you_o may_v say_v do_v not_o the_o roman_a presbytery_n conveen_n during_o the_o vacancy_n after_o the_o death_n of_o fabianus_n and_o do_v not_o the_o presbytery_n of_o carthage_n meet_v frequent_o during_o the_o time_n of_o st._n cyprian_n secession_n how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o in_o both_o case_n but_o how_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v no_o meeting_n of_o the_o clergy_n at_o carthage_n during_o st._n cyprian_n secession_n without_o his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v when_o he_o retire_v he_o leave_v a_o delegated_a power_n with_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n or_o a_o allowance_n call_v it_o as_o you_o will_v to_o meet_v and_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v but_o still_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o moment_n without_o first_o consult_v he_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v of_o ordinary_a incidence_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o canon_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n thus_o in_o his_o five_o epistle_n direct_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v present_a himself_o he_o require_v they_o faithful_o and_o religious_o to_o discharge_v both_o his_o office_n and_o their_o own_o 10._o which_o not_o only_o import_v that_o they_o have_v distinct_a office_n from_o he_o but_o also_o in_o express_a term_n settle_v a_o delegation_n on_o they_o he_o bespeak_v they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o his_o 12_o epistle_n 27._o and_o more_o authoritative_o yet_o ep._n 14._o where_o he_o not_o only_o exhort_v but_o command_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o vicar_n to_o he_o 31._o but_o then_o how_o warm_o he_o re●ented_v it_o when_o some_o of_o they_o venture_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o allowance_n he_o have_v give_v they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o encroach_v on_o his_o prerogative_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o meddle_v in_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o allowance_n and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o common_a road_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o canon_n you_o shall_v hear_v to_o purpose_n by_o and_o by_o and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v the_o other_o case_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n meet_v in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o vacancy_n may_v be_v easy_o clear_v also_o for_o tho'_o they_o may_v meet_v yet_o all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o provide_v all_o they_o can_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n by_o determine_v in_o rule_v case_n just_a as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o inferior_a magistrate_n in_o all_o other_o corporation_n or_o society_n in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o inter-reign_a but_o they_o can_v make_v no_o new_a rule_n and_o there_o be_v several_a other_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v also_o show_v full_o within_o a_o little_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v mention_v how_o st._n cyprian_a in_o his_o absence_n give_v a_o delegation_n to_o his_o clergy_n and_o constitute_v they_o his_o vicar_n let_v i_o give_v you_o one_o example_n of_o it_o which_o may_v well_o deserve_v to_o pass_v for_o another_o instance_n of_o act_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v eighthly_a his_o delegate_a not_o his_o presbyter_n in_o common_a but_o two_o of_o they_o only_o viz._n rogatianus_n and_o n●midicus_n with_o two_o bishop_n caldonius_n and_o herculanus_n not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o the_o clergy_n at_o carthage_n but_o to_o pronounce_v his_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o felicissimus_n and_o augendus_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o that_o faction_n and_o conspiracy_n 79._o which_o delegation_n be_v according_o accept_v of_o and_o the_o sentence_n put_v in_o execution_n as_o we_o learn_v by_o the_o return_n which_o these_o four_o delegate_n together_o with_o another_o bishop_n call_v victor_n make_v to_o our_o holy_a martyr_n 81._o i_o may_v have_v easy_o collect_v more_o instance_n of_o power_n and_o faculty_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o presbyter_n but_o these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o sample_n especial_o consider_v that_o more_o perhaps_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o make_v appear_v which_o be_v ii_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n he_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o key_n no_o man_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n no_o man_n can_v be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n none_o excommunicate_v can_v be_v admit_v to_o penance_n nor_o absolve_v nor_o restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v be_v make_v nor_o rescind_v nor_o dispense_v with_o without_o he_o in_o short_a all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n depend_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n and_o neither_o sacrament_n can_v be_v administrate_v without_o his_o allowance_n if_o this_o point_n well_o prove_v do_v not_o evince_n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v a_o real_a prelate_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o real_a superiority_n above_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n i_o must_v despair_v of_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n and_o i_o must_v despair_v of_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n if_o i_o prove_v not_o this_o point_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o baptism_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o person_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v baptise_a without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n have_v as_o much_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v well_o require_v for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o first_o st._n cyprian_n can_v not_o have_v express_v any_o thing_n more_o full_o or_o more_o plain_o than_o he_o have_v do_v this_o to_o omit_v that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o martyrdom_n
of_o their_o own_o rank_n and_o quality_n by_o consequence_n a_o epistle_n in_o which_o have_v they_o understand_v it_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n allow_v it_o they_o may_v have_v speak_v their_o mind_n very_o free_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n never_o have_v presbyter_n i_o be_o sure_a more_o freedom_n or_o better_a opportunity_n to_o have_v assert_v their_o own_o power_n and_o vindicated_n parity_n and_o condemn_v prelatical_a usurpation_n in_o a_o epistle_n than_o they_o have_v on_o that_o occasion_n for_o fabianus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v dead_a and_o cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v retire_v and_o so_o it_o be_v write_v by_o presbyter_n who_o have_v no_o bishop_n to_o presbyter_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o yet_o in_o that_o epistle_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o such_o notion_n that_o they_o say_v express_o that_o both_o themselves_o who_o want_v one_o and_o those_o of_o carthage_n who_o want_v the_o presence_n of_o one_o be_v only_a seem_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o respective_a church_n and_o only_o keep_v the_o flock_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o respective_a pastor_n the_o bishop_n 16._o and_o ●urther_o tell_v what_o pain_n they_o have_v be_v at_o to_o keep_v people_n from_o apostatise_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n they_o account_v how_o they_o treat_v those_o who_o have_v fall_v particular_o that_o they_o do_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o flock_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v want_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o assistance_n to_o they_o they_o do_v what_o be_v proper_a for_o their_o station_n they_o exhort_v they_o to_o continue_v patient_o in_o their_o penance_n as_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a method_n for_o obtain_v indulgence_n from_o he_o who_o can_v give_v they_o 17._o that_o be_v without_o controversy_n from_o the_o bishop_n when_o he_o shall_v be_v settle_v for_o so_o i_o read_v in_o a_o epistle_n write_v at_o that_o same_o time_n by_o celerin●s_n a_o roman_a to_z lucianus_z a_o carthaginian_a and_o the_o 2ist_n in_o number_n among_o st._n cyprian_n that_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o numeria_n and_o candida_n two_o female_a lapser_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o presbytery_n of_o rome_n the_o presbytery_n command_v they_o to_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v i._n e._n in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n till_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v enthrone_v 46._o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o rome_n st._n cyprian_n or_o his_o presume_a presbyter_n have_v take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o at_o carthage_n but_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o yet_o for_o ●_o these_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n be_v also_o condemn_v by_o the_o roman_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o th●_n they_o be_v in_o prison_n have_v learn_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n from_o the_o account_n st._n cyprian_n have_v send_v to_o rome_n two_o of_o they_o moses_n and_o maximus_n be_v also_o presbyter_n these_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n write_v also_o to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o roman_a clergy_n have_v do_v their_o epistle_n be_v the_o 3ist_n in_o number_n in_o which_o they_o not_o only_o beg_v with_o a_o peculiar_a earnestness_n that_o he_o be_v so_o glorious_a a_o bishop_n will_v pray_v for_o they_o they_o not_o only_o lay_v a_o singular_a stress_n upon_o his_o prayer_n beyond_o the_o prayer_n of_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o his_o holy_a virtue_n which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v such_o man_n as_o they_o will_v not_o probable_o have_v do_v have_v they_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o proud_a aspire_a pr●late_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n as_o this_o author_n will_v ●ain_o give_v he_o out_o to_o have_v be_v but_o also_o they_o hearty_o congratulate_v his_o discharge_n so_o laudible_o his_o episcopal_a office_n and_o that_o even_o in_o his_o retirement_n he_o have_v make_v it_o so_o much_o his_o care_n to_o acquit_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v halt_v in_o no_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o particular_o that_o he_o have_v suitable_o censure_v and_o rebuke_v not_o only_o the_o lapse_v who_o little_o regard_v the_o greatness_n of_o their_o gild_n have_v in_o his_o absence_n extort_a the_o church_n peace_n from_o his_o presbyter_n but_o even_o these_o presbyter_n for_o their_o profane_a facility_n in_o give_v that_o which_o be_v holy_a to_o dog_n and_o cast_v pearl_n before_o swine_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o gospel_n in_o short_a they_o approve_v his_o whole_a proceed_v as_o have_v do_v nothing_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o character_n nothing_o unbecoming_a either_o a_o holy_a or_o a_o humble_a bishop_n 31._o further_o yet_o 6._o these_o same_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n resume_v their_o former_a boldness_n and_o topping_n it_o over_o again_o with_o their_o bishop_n be_v excommunicate_v by_o he_o and_o his_o sentence_n be_v approve_v and_o ratify_v by_o all_o catholic_n bishop_n in_o all_o catholic_n church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v you_o full_o by_o and_o by_o and_o then_o 7._o and_o lasty_a that_o in_o all_o this_o matter_n st._n cyprian_n do_v nothing_o either_o proud_o or_o presumptuous_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o that_o in_o his_o time_n and_o long_o before_o his_o time_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o presbyter_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d presbyter_n and_o deacon_n attempt_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n allowance_n for_o it_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v commit_v and_o it_o be_v he_o that_o must_v account_v for_o their_o soul_n 39_o be_v the_o 39th_o of_o the_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v in_o force_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o this_o be_v no_o great_a power_n than_o be_v assign_v he_o by_o the_o apostolical_a ignatius_n i_o can_v tell_v how_o many_o time_n take_v these_o testimony_n for_o a_o sample_n let_v no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o bishop_n 6._o he_o that_o honour_v the_o bishop_n be_v honour_v of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n serve_v the_o devil_n 7._o if_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o bishop_n i._n e._n will_v have_v thing_n do_v against_o the_o bishop_n will_n he_o be_v corrupt_v 13._o let_v we_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o resist_v the_o bishop_n as_o we_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o god_n 20._o the_o spirit_n have_v speak_v do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n 43._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o continue_v to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n 47_o and_o now_o let_v any_o of_o common_a sense_n determine_v whether_o there_o be_v ground_n or_o shadow_n of_o ground_n for_o insinuate_v that_o st._n cyprian_n show_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o this_o cause_n or_o attempt_v to_o stretch_v his_o power_n a_o little_a too_o far_o indeed_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o little_a but_o very_o much_o nay_o monstrous_o too_o far_o have_v those_o of_o parity_n be_v then_o the_o current_a principle_n or_o be_v a_o little_a too_o high_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o say_v so_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n and_o to_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o all_o catholic_n christian_n nay_o even_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o honest_a orderly_a dutiful_a and_o conscientious_a presbyter_n who_o then_o live_v to_o say_v so_o if_o thus_o it_o be_v i_o say_v and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o prove_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n more_o evident_o than_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o then_o i_o think_v it_o follow_v by_o good_a consequence_n not_o only_o that_o this_o author_n be_v a_o little_a in_o the_o wrong_n to_o st._n cyprian_n when_o he_o say_v so_o but_o also_o that_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n a_o bishop_n have_v fair_o a_o negative_a over_o his_o presbyter_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v namely_o iii_o that_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n authority_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n i_o do_v think_v you_o very_o sharp_a sight_v if_o you_o have_v not_o see_v this_o already_o yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v insist_v a_o little_a further_o on_o it_o and_o i._o this_o may_v appear_v sufficient_o from_o this_o one_o consideration_n th●_n no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v for_o it_o that_o still_o in_o the_o style_n and_o language_n of_o
over_o every_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n live_v at_o how_o great_a a_o distance_n soever_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v his_o dutiful_a subject_n due_o attest_v by_o he_o and_o to_o excommunicate_v his_o excommunicate_n thus_o for_o instance_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n reject_v felicissimus_n and_o all_o his_o retainer_n and_o fortunatus_n and_o all_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v they_o his_o communion_n because_o excommunicate_v by_o st._n cyprian_n 126._o and_o cyprian_a reject_v novatianus_n and_o all_o his_o party_n because_o not_o in_o communion_n with_o cornelius_n 44_o in_o short_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n he_o that_o be_v injurious_a undutiful_a or_o disobedient_a to_o his_o bishop_n be_v such_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n on_o earth_n he_o that_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o his_o bishop_n altar_n set_v up_o his_o altar_n against_o all_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n if_o a_o bishop_n depose_v or_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o other_o bishop_n to_o receive_v he_o nor_o to_o absolve_v he_o he_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o that_o to_o his_o own_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o bishop_n whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n or_o laity_n and_o restore_v by_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n therapius_n bishop_n of_o bulla_n in_o the_o proconsular_a province_n of_o africa_n absolve_v victor_n who_o have_v be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o have_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n premature_o and_o uncanonical_o and_o yet_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n whereof_o cyprian_n be_v one_o the_o absolution_n be_v ratify_v and_o victor_n be_v allow_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n 158._o so_o eminent_a and_o considerable_a be_v a_o bishop_n then_o as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o to_o this_o relation_n and_o that_o be_v 7._o that_o so_o long_o as_o bishop_n continue_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o informatory_n consultatory_n recommendatory_a communicatory_a congratulatory_a apologetic_a testimonial_a in_o a_o word_n all_o letter_n concern_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o government_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o concord_n the_o correspondence_n the_o harmony_n the_o honour_n the_o hazard_n or_o any_o other_o considerable_a interest_n of_o the_o college_n be_v direct_v to_o he_o or_o receive_v from_o he_o as_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v all_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o both_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v in_o th●se_a time_n transact_v by_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o general_n council_n then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v either_o to_o meet_v in_o provincial_a synod_n upon_o great_a emergency_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o to_o transact_v matter_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o general_n determination_n by_o particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n provincial_n synod_n be_v ordinary_o keep_v twice_o a_o year_n and_o by_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n all_o matter_n of_o moment_n be_v determine_v and_o so_o by_o the_o reciprocation_n of_o synodical_a letter_n matter_n come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o general_n agreement_n and_o determination_n as_o in_o the_o result_n be_v full_o equivalent_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o general_n council_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n of_o such_o transaction_n by_o provincial_a synod_n thus_o in_o the_o grand_a case_n of_o the_o lapse_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecusion_n the_o matter_n be_v so_o manage_v by_o provincial_a synod_n in_o africa_n rome_n alexandria_n anti●ch_n etc._n etc._n that_o at_o last_o as_o st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o general_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v complete_a their_o term_n of_o penance_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o deadly_a sickness_n 103._o thus_o without_o doubt_n also_o that_o considerable_a canon_n mention_v by_o st._n cyprian_n in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n which_o be_v the_o 67th_o in_o number_n among_o his_o epistle_n viz._n that_o the_o lapse_v however_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v receive_v into_o holy_a order_n 174._o and_o that_o other_o canon_n mention_v by_o he_o also_o that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v tutor_n to_o minor_n i._n thus_o also_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n the_o great_a controversy_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v manage_v in_o many_o synod_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 28._o and_o a_o few_o year_n after_o his_o martyrdom_n the_o case_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la 30._o these_o instance_n be_v only_o for_o a_o sample_n when_o provincial_a synod_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v or_o emergent_a matter_n of_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v convenient_o determine_v in_o they_o than_o recourse_n be_v have_v to_o the_o only_a remain_a method_n viz._n particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n and_o to_o make_v this_o method_n both_o sure_a and_o effectual_a all_o possible_a pain_n be_v take_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o each_o bishop_n shall_v sign_v his_o letter_n and_o send_v it_o not_o by_o every_o common_a carrier_n but_o by_o a_o clergyman_n 55._o in_o short_a they_o have_v such_o mark_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a if_o possible_a to_o counterfeit_v they_o and_o the_o bishop_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o transmit_v it_o for_o his_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o so_o it_o go_v through_o and_o the_o whole_a college_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o accident_n the_o case_n the_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o have_v emerge_v we_o have_v many_o instance_n and_o evidence_n of_o this_o method_n and_o diligence_n in_o st._n cyprian_n write_n thus_o e._n g._n when_o caldonius_n write_v to_o cyprian_a concern_v some_o lapse_v within_o his_o district_n cyprian_n return_v he_o a_o answer_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o purpose_n already_o and_o so_o send_v he_o copy_n of_o five_o epistle_n concern_v the_o case_n require_v he_o to_o transmit_v they_o to_o as_o many_o bishop_n as_o he_o can_v add_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n that_o one_o course_n one_o resolution_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o all_o the_o college_n 50._o and_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o about_o that_o controversy_n be_v trasmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n till_o they_o be_v disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o 102._o thus_o i_o say_v sometime_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manage_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o method_n be_v every_o be_v equivalent_a if_o not_o preferable_a to_o a_o general_n council_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v still_o subsist_v and_o its_o unity_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n without_o such_o council_n as_o it_o be_v effectual_o during_o the_o first_o three_o century_n now_o that_o which_o i_o be_o principal_o concern_v for_o in_o all_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o all_o these_o circular_a letter_n of_o whatsoever_o nature_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v regular_o direct_v only_o to_o the_o bishop_n as_o be_v the_o head_n and_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o their_o respective_a church_n as_o well_o as_o write_v and_o send_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a account_n of_o this_o in_o st._n cyprian_n 48th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n for_o there_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o adrumetum_n have_v receive_v cornelius_n communicatory_a letter_n direct_v to_o polycarpus_n their_o bishop_n and_o see_v their_o bishop_n be_v absent_a find_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n in_o his_o name_n as_o have_v his_o presume_a allowance_n for_o it_o they_o write_v to_o cornelius_n in_o the_o common_a form_n acknowledge_v he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o subjoyn_v polycarpus_n his_o name_n to_o the_o letter_n a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n it_o behove_v all_o the_o letter_n that_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subscribe_v
letter_n concern_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o the_o sacred_a college_n that_o rule_v the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v have_v be_v receive_v as_o that_o to_o he_o and_o to_o he_o alone_o all_o such_o letter_n have_v be_v direct_v as_o that_o by_o the_o circulation_n and_o reciprocation_n of_o letter_n betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o colleague_n and_o their_o general_n agreement_n upon_o any_o thing_n by_o that_o circulation_n and_o reciprocation_n law_n shall_v have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n canon_n as_o bind_v and_o obligatory_a as_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n can_v make_v they_o how_o can_v one_o raise_v to_o such_o a_o post_n i_o say_v have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n do_v not_o his_o very_a bear_v such_o a_o part_n his_o have_v such_o a_o trust_n his_o be_v clothe_v with_o such_o a_o eminence_n argue_v he_o demonstrative_o to_o have_v be_v something_o other_o something_o greater_n something_o high_a and_o more_o honourable_a than_o either_o thus_o i_o have_v consider_v a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o his_o own_o particular_a and_o to_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o in_o both_o respect_n have_v discover_v a_o vast_a discrepance_n betwixt_o he_o as_o he_o be_v real_o and_o our_o author_n notion_n or_o definition_n of_o he_o let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o consideration_n more_o and_o that_o be_v what_o character_n he_o bear_v what_o figure_n he_o make_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o be_v without_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n especial_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o magistrate_n and_o here_o i_o need_v not_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n the_o thing_n be_v obvious_a the_o christian_a bishop_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a ruler_n the_o supreme_a governor_n the_o head_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n be_v the_o chief_a butt_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a rage_n and_o malice_n take_v these_o few_o of_o many_o evidence_n after_o st._n cyprian_n have_v retire_v from_o carthage_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n he_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o tell_v they_o how_o earnest_a he_o be_v to_o return_v to_o the_o city_n but_o prudence_n will_v not_o let_v he_o when_o he_o consider_v the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o how_o much_o he_o as_o bishop_n be_v concern_v to_o provide_v for_o it_o and_o for_o the_o quiet_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o brethren_n he_o find_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o tho'_o with_o mighty_a grief_n to_o forbear_v return_v for_o a_o time_n lest_o his_o presence_n shall_v provoke_v the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o gentile_n so_o he_o write_v i_o say_v in_o his_o seven_o epistle_n 14._o and_o in_o the_o 12_o direct_v also_o to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n i_o wish_v say_v he_o that_o my_o station_n and_o character_n will_v allow_v i_o to_o be_v present_a with_o you_o 27._o in_o his_o 20_o epistle_n direct_v for_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o apologise_v for_o his_o retirement_n after_o this_o manner_n in_o compliance_n with_o our_o lord_n command_n point_v no_o doubt_n at_o matth._n 10._o 23._o so_o soon_o as_o the_o persecution_n begin_v and_o the_o rabble_n with_o mighty_a clamour_n pursue_v i_o i_o retire_v for_o a_o time_n not_o so_o much_o to_o save_v myself_o as_o for_o the_o public_a quiet_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o tumult_n which_o be_v already_o kindle_v may_v not_o be_v the_o more_o inflame_v by_o my_o obstinate_a presence_n 42._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o apologise_v to_o his_o own_o people_n for_o his_o so_o long_a absence_n ep._n 43._o tho'_o he_o have_v be_v long_o away_o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o return_v because_o of_o the_o threat_n and_o snare_n of_o these_o perfidious_a man_n felicissimus_n and_o his_o fellow-schismaticks_a lest_o say_v he_o upon_o my_o come_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a uproar_v and_o while_o as_o a_o bishop_n ought_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o provide_v for_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n i_o shall_v seem_v to_o have_v add_v fuel_n to_o the_o sedition_n and_o to_o have_v embitter_v the_o persecution_n 83._o here_o i_o think_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o episcopal_a eminence_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n it_o be_v a_o grief_n a_o burden_n a_o torment_n a_o very_a crucifixion_n to_o st._n cyprian_n soul_n to_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o flock_n as_o himself_o word_n it_o 83._o but_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o epsicopal_a providence_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o study_v the_o peace_n the_o quiet_a the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o his_o locus_n and_o gradus_fw-la his_o station_n and_o dignity_n be_v so_o conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a that_o his_o presence_n will_v have_v provoke_v the_o gentile_n and_o increase_v the_o persecution_n and_o therefore_o he_o dare_v not_o return_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o consider_v if_o what_o follow_v be_v not_o yet_o clear_a in_o his_o 14_o epistle_n write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o though_o he_o have_v strong_a and_o press_a reason_n to_o hasten_v his_o return_n yet_o he_o find_v it_o more_o expedient_a and_o useful_a for_o the_o public_a peace_n to_o continue_v long_o in_o his_o lurk_v place_n and_o tertullus_n one_o who_o they_o know_v and_o can_v not_o but_o value_n have_v serious_o advise_v he_o to_o be_v calm_a and_o cautious_a and_o not_o to_o commit_v himself_o rash_o to_o the_o public_a view_n especial_o of_o that_o place_n where_o he_o have_v be_v so_o often_o lie_v in_o wait_n and_o make_v search_n for_o and_o therefore_o he_o exhort_v and_o command_v they_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o they_o who_o presence_n be_v neither_o so_o invidious_a nor_o by_o far_o so_o dangerous_a may_v perform_v the_o part_n of_o vicar_n to_o he_o 31._o here_o i_o think_v we_o have_v a_o full_a evidence_n of_o a_o fair_a discrimination_n be_v make_v betwixt_o he_o and_o his_o presbyter_n by_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but._n he_o tell_v cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n ep._n 59_o that_o he_o be_v proscribe_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n and_o that_o by_o name_n as_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o carthage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v destine_v for_o the_o lion_n &_o c_o 130._o and_o again_o ep._n 66._o he_o tell_v florentius_n pupianus_n that_o his_o proscription_n run_v in_o this_o form_n if_o any_o man_n hold_v or_o possess_v any_o of_o the_o good_n of_o caecilius_n cyprianus_n bishop_n of_o the_o christian_n etc._n etc._n and_o thereby_o make_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v unaccountable_a in_o florentius_n not_o to_o own_v he_o as_o a_o bishop_n 166._o and_o pontiu●_n his_o deacon_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o at_o last_o commence_v martyr_n in_o t●e_v valerian_n persecution_n in_o the_o very_a sentence_n that_o be_v give_v out_o against_o he_o he_o be_v call_v sectae_fw-la signifer_fw-la the_o ringleader_n the_o head_n the_o chiftain_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o carthage_n 10._o will_v you_o have_v yet_o more_o then_o take_v it_o not_o about_o st._n cyprian_n person_n for_o i_o think_v we_o have_v enough_o of_o he_o already_o but_o in_o st._n cyprian_n word_n you_o have_v they_o ep._n 55._o there_o he_o tell_v antonianus_n that_o the_o emperor_n dec●us_n from_o a_o sense_n no_o doubt_n that_o as_o head_n of_o their_o respective_a church_n they_o be_v under_o god_n the_o great_a supporter_n and_o promoter_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n have_v such_o a_o spite_n such_o a_o pique_n at_o the_o christian_a bishop_n that_o for_o example_n he_o can_v have_v hear_v with_o great_a patience_n and_o composure_n 〈◊〉_d another_o emulous_a prince_n shall_v have_v rival_v it_o with_o he_o for_o the_o roman_a empire_n than_o that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n 104._o and_o do_v not_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o emperor_n maximinus_n in_o that_o persecution_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o author_n some_o 22_o or_o 23_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n martyrdom_n ordered_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n shall_v only_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n 24._o so_o eminent_a in_o those_o time_n be_v the_o episcopal_a character_n such_o a_o sense_n have_v the_o very_a heathen_n of_o their_o be_v bishop_n indeed_o so_o much_o as_o bishop_n be_v they_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o fury_n and_o malice_n of_o persecutor_n and_o so_o much_o reason_n have_v st._n cyprian_a to_o say_v that_o it_o matter_v not_o whence_o whether_o from_o heathen_n without_o or_o schismatic_n