in_o a_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n about_o one_o part_n in_o this_o society_n according_a to_o its_o invisible_a form_n yet_o it_o can_v ground_v a_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n about_o one_o part_n in_o the_o same_o according_a to_o its_o visible_a form_n so_o that_o although_o god_n only_o know_v those_o who_o he_o accept_v yet_o the_o church_n may_v know_v certain_o who_o she_o ought_v to_o admit_v and_o as_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o sincerity_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o so_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n belong_v to_o its_o cognizance_n to_o wit_n the_o credibility_n of_o profession_n and_o the_o right_n consequent_a thereunto_o proceed_v upon_o certain_a knowledge_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a and_o visible_a it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o the_o term_n catholic_n church_n have_v be_v sometime_o use_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o apostolical_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o bishop_n of_o a_o true_a apostolical_a church_n may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n bishop_n but_o here_o the_o term_n catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o with_o ecumenical_a or_o the_o church_n that_o be_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v term_v catholic_n not_o as_o actual_o extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o potential_o no_o nation_n or_o people_n be_v exclude_v but_o all_o have_a liberty_n to_o accept_v and_o enjoy_v the_o privilege_n thereof_o in_o this_o notion_n there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n both_o in_o the_o invisible_a and_o visible_a form_n the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o make_v that_o part_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n which_o in_o militant_a here_o on_o earth_n the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n or_o believer_n according_a to_o humane_a judgement_n §_o 6._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o only_o notional_o but_o real_o existent_a and_o have_v relation_n to_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o intregal_a whole_a to_o integral_a part_n the_o same_o relation_n it_o have_v also_o to_o particular_a christian_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fix_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n distinct_a from_o the_o world_n in_o general_n visible_o constitute_v and_o administer_v not_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o coercive_a power_n as_o secular_a kingdom_n be_v but_o by_o divine_a law_n and_o power_n direct_o and_o pure_o respect_v the_o conscience_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v one_o caetholick_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n in_o its_o visible_a form_n be_v one_o political_a society_n or_o spiritual_a commonwealth_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o more_o special_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n for_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v his_o kingdom_n at_o large_a the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a society_n arise_v not_o out_o of_o a_o local_a contiguity_n but_o out_o of_o the_o moral_a and_o political_a union_n of_o the_o part_n and_o if_o the_o invisible_a church_n be_v one_o body_n the_o visible_a must_v be_v so_o likewise_o for_o these_o term_n the_o church_n visible_a and_o invisible_a do_v not_o signify_v two_o society_n as_o have_v be_v show_v but_o the_o same_o society_n distinguish_v by_o its_o diver_n consideration_n the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n have_v one_o head_n and_o supreme_a lord_n even_o christ_n one_o charter_n and_o systeme_n of_o law_n member_n that_o be_v free_a denizen_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n one_o form_n of_o admission_n or_o solemn_a initiation_n for_o all_o its_o member_n one_o spiritual_a polity_n or_o one_o divine_a form_n of_o government_n and_o one_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n the_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o privilege_n grant_v of_o god_n to_o visible_a christian_n in_o any_o other_o church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o wheresoever_o any_o christian_a come_v as_o a_o stranger_n he_o be_v by_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o universal_a church_n bind_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n of_o that_o place_n in_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o transient_a member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o come_v as_o a_o stranger_n i_o answer_v that_o it_o arise_v from_o his_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o contain_v all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o integral_a whole_a its_o several_a part_n for_o it_o be_v his_o right_n and_o not_o a_o favour_n or_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a charity_n whosoever_o be_v just_o and_o orderly_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o virtual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o none_o this_o can_v be_v mere_o by_o compact_n among_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o mutual_a relation_n of_o mere_a concordant_a or_o sister_n church_n but_o by_o their_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o society_n for_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o all_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la follow_v natural_o necessary_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la from_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o one_o the_o apostle_n be_v general_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o of_o one_o visible_a society_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o it_o lose_v its_o unity_n by_o their_o death_n the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n though_o actual_o and_o in_o exercise_n overseeing_a their_o own_o part_n be_v habitual_o and_o radical_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n and_o thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v their_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o any_o other_o part_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v without_o a_o new_a ordination_n or_o receive_v a_o new_a pastoral_a authority_n so_o that_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o show_v that_o the_o several_a church_n be_v part_n of_o one_o political_a society_n otherwise_o the_o officer_n can_v not_o act_v authoritative_o out_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a congregation_n no_o more_o than_o as_o one_o well_o observe_v a_o mayor_n or_o constable_n can_v exercise_v their_o office_n in_o other_o corporation_n §_o 7._o the_o priority_n in_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o particular_a church_n forasmuch_o aâ—_n man_n be_v christian_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o minister_n in_o general_a before_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o minister_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o charter_n and_o body_n of_o law_n and_o ordinance_n by_o which_o the_o church_n subsist_v do_v first_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o then_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o part_n thereof_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n give_v only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o enjoy_v divine_a ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n but_o immediate_a right_n thereunto_o be_v gain_v by_o be_v a_o visible_a believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n one_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o yet_o not_o a_o fix_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n occessary_o and_o in_o that_o state_n he_o have_v right_a to_o god_n ordinance_n the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o baptize_v by_o philip._n the_o promise_n threaten_v and_o precent_n of_o christ_n be_v dispense_v by_o his_o minister_n to_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n primary_o not_o as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n dispense_v the_o same_o with_o authority_n in_o christ_n name_n even_o to_o stranger_n that_o come_v into_o his_o congregation_n 8._o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n not_o in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n but_o in_o the_o several_a part_n one_o after_o another_o so_o be_v the_o catholich_n church_n as_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o whole_a at_o one_o view_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o large_a empire_n be_v not_o judge_v invisible_a
continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v also_o ascertain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church-state_n or_o church_n organical_a as_o some_o express_v it_o consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v always_o continue_v somewhere_o upon_o earth_n for_o christ_n promise_n be_v to_o be_v with_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o execute_n of_o their_o ministry_n always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o they_o not_o bare_o consider_v as_o person_n but_o as_o his_o commission_v officer_n including_z their_o successor_n not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o temporary_a but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a authority_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o presbyter_n and_o eph._n 4.11_o show_v that_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o endure_v till_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v but_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o import_n that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o particular_a combination_n of_o church_n in_o one_o frame_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n how_o ample_a or_o illustrious_a soever_o shall_v be_v perpetuate_v by_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o pastor_n and_o secure_v from_o a_o total_a defection_n and_o rejection_n either_o from_o a_o church_n state_n or_o from_o christianity_n itself_o if_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o one_o large_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o apostle_n day_n till_o now_o when_o other_o have_v be_v extinct_a it_o be_v by_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n who_o way_n and_o counsel_n be_v wise_a and_o holy_a yet_o unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o nor_o do_v the_o promise_n import_n that_o the_o true_a church_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o conspicuous_a though_o it_o be_v perpetual_o visible_a for_o in_o some_o age_n it_o may_v be_v more_o obscure_a in_o other_o more_o apparent_a it_o be_v grant_v by_o that_o party_n that_o much_o insist_o upon_o the_o conspicuousness_n of_o their_o church_n as_o a_o city_n on_o a_o hill_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antichrist_n the_o church_n shall_v scarce_o be_v discern_v now_o in_o such_o a_o state_n it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v though_o not_o absolute_o yet_o comparative_o invisible_a that_o be_v be_v compare_v with_o what_o it_o be_v when_o more_o conspicuous_o visible_a nor_o do_v it_o import_v that_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o any_o most_o ample_a and_o illustrious_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v perpetual_o abide_v in_o the_o apostolic_a purity_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n but_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o it_o and_o fall_v into_o most_o enormous_a error_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o say_a point_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o lose_v the_o essential_o of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o church-state_n the_o scripture_n foretell_v of_o a_o great_a fall_v away_o and_o a_o last_a defection_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o long_a continue_a predominancy_n of_o a_o antichristian_a state_n therein_o nay_o for_o aught_o can_v be_v cogent_o infer_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a promise_n the_o say_a defection_n may_v have_v be_v so_o universal_a as_o to_o leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n divide_v from_o the_o apostatical_a or_o antichristian_a state_n and_o party_n by_o a_o different_a external_a church-polity_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v truckle_n under_o it_o and_o be_v include_v in_o its_o external_a frame_n and_o keep_v themselves_o from_o be_v destroy_v by_o it_o some_o of_o they_o discern_v and_o shun_v the_o bainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o other_o that_o be_v infect_v with_o it_o hold_v the_o truth_n predominant_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o so_o though_o not_o speculative_o yet_o practical_o prevail_v against_o the_o wicked_a error_n if_o in_o all_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o society_n of_o christian_n that_o do_v not_o fall_v away_o in_o the_o great_a defection_n nor_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n but_o be_v by_o themselves_o in_o a_o sever_a church-state_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v notice_n thereof_o throughout_o all_o christendom_n in_o the_o time_n when_o the_o say_v society_n be_v in_o be_v nor_o that_o history_n shall_v be_v write_v thereof_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after_o age_n howbeit_o we_o have_v sufficient_a notice_n by_o credible_a history_n that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o ample_a christian_n church_n throughout_o all_o age_n that_o be_v not_o incorporate_v with_o the_o antichristian_a state_n and_o that_o do_v dissent_v from_o their_o great_a enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n also_o that_o many_o worthy_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n do_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n thereof_o successive_o bear_v witness_n for_o the_o truth_n against_o it_o and_o that_o for_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o time_n huge_a multitude_n also_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a apostasy_n separate_v from_o it_o and_o be_v embody_v into_o church_n of_o another_o constitution_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n §_o 13._o the_o frame_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n one_o catholic_n church_n relate_v as_o one_o kingdom_n family_n flock_n spouse_n and_o body_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o only_a king_n master_n shepherd_z husband_n and_o head_n so_o we_o find_v particular_a church_n as_o so_o many_o political_a society_n distinct_a from_o each_o other_o yet_o all_o compact_a together_o as_o part_n of_o that_o one_o ample_a society_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_v 13.1_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 11.22_o act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n at_o caesarea_n act_v 18.22_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 10.1_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.2_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o the_o church_n at_o babylon_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 13._o and_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n apoc._n 1_o &_o 2._o viz._n of_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamos_n thyatyra_n sardis_n thiladelphia_n and_o laodicea_n we_o likewise_o find_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n oâ—_n lesser_a precinct_n make_v one_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n or_o a_o large_a circuit_n make_v many_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o galatiae_n we_o find_v also_o that_o each_o of_o these_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v of_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o a_o part_n govern_v and_o consequent_o be_v political_a society_n every_o church_n have_v their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n acts._n 4.23_o which_o elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n act_n 20.28_o tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o they_o be_v constitutive_a part_n of_o those_o church_n consider_v as_o political_a society_n we_o find_v also_o that_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n do_v personal_o superintend_v or_o oversee_v all_o the_o flock_n or_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o which_o they_o do_v preside_v act_v 20_o 28_o 29._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o heb._n 13.17_o this_o appear_v further_a by_o their_o particular_a work_n express_o mention_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v personal_o perform_v towards_o all_o viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a teacher_n of_o all_o heb._n 13_o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o to_o admonish_v all_o that_o be_v unruly_a and_o to_o rebuke_v they_o open_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o tit._n 1.10_o to_o visit_v and_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a and_o all_o the_o sick_a be_v to_o send_v for_o they_o to_o that_o end_n james_z 5.14_o and_o no_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o discharge_v the_o same_o by_o substitute_n or_o delegate_n can_v be_v find_v §_o 14._o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v from_z the_o premise_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o particular_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o constitute_v as_o that_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_v god_n if_o not_o always_o at_o once_o together_o yet_o by_o turn_n at_o least_o and_o of_o live_v under_o the_o present_a personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o proper_a elder_n or_o elder_n bishop_n or_o bishop_n whether_o to_o be_v embody_v or_o associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n in_o worship_n and_o for_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o pastor_n over_o all_o the_o member_n be_v the_o true_a formal_a or_o essential_a constitution_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o divine_a right_n i_o leave_v to_o consideration_n but_o this_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o those_o church_n that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v so_o constitute_v and_o that_o
either_o by_o the_o immediate_a agency_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o act_v 14.23_o or_o of_o other_o by_o their_o appointment_n tit._n 1.5_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o hereby_o mean_a that_o every_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n for_o worship_n or_o act_n of_o government_n be_v a_o whole_a political_a church_n for_o some_o such_o congregation_n may_v be_v only_a part_n of_o a_o church_n meeting_n according_a to_o convenience_n but_o still_o the_o say_v personal_a communion_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n and_o there_o be_v a_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n over_o the_o whole_a in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n as_o for_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o consist_v of_o many_o it_o may_v be_v several_a hundred_o state_v congregation_n have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o proper_a presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o sole_a bishop_n the_o aforesaid_a presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o member_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n among_o themselves_o either_o simul_fw-la or_o per_fw-la vice_n nor_o of_o the_o personal_a superintendency_n of_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o necessary_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n if_o there_o be_v any_o scripture-precedent_n or_o divine_a rule_n for_o the_o same_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o §_o 15._o the_o due_a place_n of_o constitute_v a_o particular_a church_n ordinary_o the_o place_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o city_n and_o from_o the_o city_n the_o church_n ordinary_o take_v its_o denomination_n nevertheless_o nothing_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n to_o make_v a_o city_n the_o only_a proper_a mansion_n of_o a_o church_n so_o that_o no_o village_n can_v be_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o it_o yea_o the_o scripture_n mention_n a_o church_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city-church_n viz_o that_o at_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v not_o a_o city_n but_o the_o haven_n of_o corinth_n city_n be_v place_n of_o the_o confluence_n of_o people_n have_v ordinary_o the_o gospel_n first_o preach_v and_o first_o receive_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o first_o afford_v the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o fit_a place_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n in_o order_n to_o the_o make_n of_o more_o convert_v to_o be_v add_v to_o they_o beside_o other_o convenience_n and_o therefore_o right_a reason_n without_o a_o particular_a divine_a command_n will_v direct_v those_o master-builder_n the_o apostle_n to_o erect_v church_n in_o city_n howbeit_o the_o city-churche_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o respective_a city_n but_o common_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o christian_n both_o of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o but_o make_v up_o one_o competent_a congregation_n or_o in_o its_o number_n it_o do_v not_o exceed_v one_o of_o our_o parish_n though_o some_o very_a few_o church_n quick_o grow_v numerous_a yet_o most_o rational_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v that_o they_o do_v not_o exceed_v many_o nor_o equal_v some_o of_o our_o very_a populous_a parish_n here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o city_n be_v any_o town_n corporate_a and_o that_o every_o such_o that_o have_v christian_n in_o any_o competent_a number_n have_v a_o state_v church_n in_o it_o and_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o then_o as_o now_o that_o the_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v make_v that_o a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v but_o that_o every_o city_n or_o town_n corporate_a or_o place_n of_o confluence_n of_o people_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n shall_v have_v its_o church_n with_o its_o proper_a bishop_n §_o 16._o each_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a political_a society_n as_o city_n in_o a_o kingdom_n so_o be_v particular_a church_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a this_o similitude_n hold_v in_o the_o main_a but_o not_o in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v and_o its_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la for_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a so_o the_o church_n universal_a have_v its_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n and_o as_o every_o city_n be_v a_o distinct_a body-politick_a under_o the_o king_n and_o have_v from_o he_o its_o charter_n by_o which_o it_o subsist_v so_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o distinct_a political_a society_n under_o christ_n have_v its_o charter_n from_o he_o by_o which_o it_o subsist_v in_o its_o proper_a state_n the_o erect_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a political_a society_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v christ_n authorize_v agent_n for_o erect_v his_o special_a kingdom_n the_o church_n and_o guide_v therein_o by_o his_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o by_o other_o at_o their_o direction_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n be_v a_o sufficient_a charter_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n wherever_o there_o be_v fit_a material_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n require_v the_o parcel_a the_o church_n universal_a into_o such_o distinct_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n that_o church-communion_n and_o pastoral_n superintendency_n may_v not_o be_v transient_a and_o uncertain_a but_o permanent_a and_o certain_a the_o several_a city_n in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n may_v have_v their_o special_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o charter_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n but_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o municipal_a law_n and_o privilege_n divers_a from_o each_o other_o but_o the_o same_o in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o because_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o charter_n in_o specie_fw-la here_o note_n that_o they_o may_v be_v right_o call_v distinct_a political_a society_n that_o have_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o charter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o divers_a but_o the_o same_o in_o kind_n among_o they_o all_o he_o that_o be_v a_o citizen_n or_o a_o magistrate_n of_o one_o city_n be_v not_o a_o citizen_n magistrate_n or_o officer_n in_o all_o city_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n but_o a_o member_n or_o a_o pastor_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o habitual_a or_o fundamental_a right_n of_o be_v a_o member_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n as_o have_v be_v above_o note_v particular_a church_n though_o they_o consist_v of_o dissimilar_v part_n be_v all_o of_o they_o similar_v part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n partake_v of_o its_o name_n and_o nature_n whereas_o city_n be_v dissimilar_v part_n of_o a_o kingdom_n from_o these_o premise_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o make_v man_n member_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o to_o be_v member_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n wherewith_o they_o be_v natural_o capable_a of_o communion_n §_o 17._o of_o the_o local_a bound_n of_o church_n all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v one_o holy_a society_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v have_v local_a presential_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o that_o be_v impossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o society_n they_o be_v necessary_o parcel_v into_o several_a congregation_n for_o the_o capacity_n of_o such_o communion_n be_v the_o end_n of_o erect_v particular_a church_n in_o all_o reason_n they_o shall_v consist_v of_o person_n who_o by_o their_o cohabitation_n in_o a_o vicinity_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o great_a local_a distance_n of_o the_o person_n from_o each_o other_o than_o can_v stand_v with_o it_o moreover_o all_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o local_a precinct_n not_o more_o populous_a nor_o of_o large_a extent_n than_o to_o allow_v personal_a communion_n be_v most_o convenient_o bring_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_v church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a union_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o occasion_n of_o straggle_a and_o run_v into_o sever_a party_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o such_o a_o local_a precinct_n common_o make_v but_o one_o church_n though_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o bound_v as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o same_o precinct_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a when_o some_o special_a reason_n do_v not_o compel_v to_o vary_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o reason_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v any_o divine_a institution_n to_o make_v it_o invariable_a though_o
his_o diocese_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a pastor_n of_o their_o several_a church_n and_o real_o bishop_n according_a to_o the_o true_a import_n of_o that_o name_n and_o office_n as_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n 4._o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o they_o be_v not_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o scripture_n for_o all_o presbyter_n therein_o mention_v be_v bishop_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v now_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o scripture_n presbyter_n they_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a but_o mere_o humane_a institution_n but_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n as_o indeed_o they_o be_v why_o be_v they_o deny_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o their_o respective_a charge_n and_o why_o be_v they_o bereave_v of_o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n therein_o 5._o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o age_n have_v no_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o of_o which_o they_o can_v take_v the_o personal_a oversight_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v common_o more_o soul_n under_o their_o episcopacy_n than_o a_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v personal_o watch_v over_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v to_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n pronounce_v the_o blessing_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n to_o the_o people_n under_o his_o charge_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o present_a age_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v perform_v these_o ministries_n to_o the_o people_n that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n 6._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v exercise_v his_o episcopacy_n personal_o and_o not_o by_o delegate_n or_o substitute_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n exercise_v it_o not_o personal_o but_o either_o by_o his_o delegate_n who_o have_v no_o episcopal_a authority_n of_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o derive_v from_o he_o alone_o or_o by_o substitute_n who_o he_o account_v no_o bishop_n 7._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o govern_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v the_o first_o presbyter_n and_o style_v the_o brother_n and_o colleague_n of_o the_o presbyter_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n both_o over_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n 8._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o and_o may_v not_o ordain_v minister_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n though_o some_o presbyter_n who_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a join_v with_o he_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yet_o he_o alone_o have_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o act_n without_o their_o consent_n or_o counsel_n 9_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ancient_o the_o most_o honourable_a part_n of_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o it_o be_v constant_o perform_v by_o he_o in_o his_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n but_o now_o preach_v be_v not_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o many_o bishop_n preach_v but_o rare_o and_o extraordinary_o 10._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o all_o the_o people_n at_o least_o not_o without_o their_o consent_n over_o who_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o when_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o all_o the_o next_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v with_o the_o people_n for_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o every_o one_o be_v acquaint_v with_o his_o conversation_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n entrance_n into_o his_o office_n be_v by_o a_o far_o different_a way_n 11._o ancient_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o church_n in_o every_o city_n which_o have_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n but_o in_o the_o late_a time_n many_o yea_o most_o city_n have_v not_o their_o proper_a bishop_n i_o mean_v bishop_n in_o the_o hierarchical_a sense_n though_o they_o be_v as_o large_a and_o populous_a as_o those_o that_o have_v it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o manner_n be_v not_o ancient_o as_o now_o that_o a_o church_n and_o its_o bishop_n do_v cause_v that_o to_o be_v call_v a_o city_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v so_o call_v but_o any_o town-corporate_a or_o burrough_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o city_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o word_n 12._o because_o in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n and_o its_o adjacent_a village_n do_v ordinary_o make_v up_o but_o one_o competent_a congregation_n there_o be_v common_o but_o one_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o that_o city-church_n take_v in_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n who_o be_v but_o one_o state_v society_n all_o the_o member_n whereof_o may_v have_v personal_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o bishop_n cure_v into_o such_o part_n as_o be_v now_o call_v parish_n come_v not_o in_o till_o long_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o when_o that_o division_n first_o take_v place_n they_o be_v but_o as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o the_o city-church_n here_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o till_o constantine_n time_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v above_o four_o or_o five_o church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n that_o consist_v of_o more_o people_n than_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d parish_n nor_o of_o half_a so_o many_o as_o some_o of_o they_o 13._o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n city_n or_o town_n be_v judge_v the_o â—ittest_a place_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n because_o in_o they_o the_o material_n of_o a_o church_n to_o wit_n believer_n be_v most_o numerous_a and_o in_o they_o be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o make_v â—ore_o convert_v with_o other_o advantage_n which_o the_o village_n do_v not_o afford_v yet_o when_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_v in_o a_o region_n church_n have_v their_o proper_a bishop_n be_v constitute_v in_o village_n or_o place_n that_o be_v not_o city_n one_o proof_n whereof_o be_v in_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o be_v bishop_n distinct_a from_o ordinary_a presbyter_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n but_o in_o the_o follow_a time_n when_o the_o worldly_a grandeur_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v rise_v decâ—â—ed_o be_v make_v that_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v ordain_v in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n lest_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v â—e_v contemptible_a 14._o though_o it_o have_v be_v decree_v by_o council_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o custom_n have_v general_o prevail_v yet_o there_o in_o manifold_a proof_n that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n more_o bishop_n than_o one_o be_v allow_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o city_n yea_o in_o the_o same_o church_n indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a be_v comparative_o but_o of_o late_a age_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o their_o own_o time_n set_v down_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n by_o single_a person_n whereas_o several_a bishop_n preside_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o survive_a and_o most_o note_a colleague_n be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n 15._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v discipline_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o argument_n deduce_v from_o it_o seek_v to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n and_o awe_v the_o conscience_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n but_o the_o present_a bishop_n have_v their_o court_n which_o be_v manage_v like_o secular_a court_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o a_o outward_a observance_n of_o their_o decree_n by_o the_o dread_n of_o temporal_a penalty_n annex_v to_o excommunication_n 16._o the_o present_a bishop_n say_v of_o their_o church-government_n that_o without_o secular_a force_n none_o will_v regard_v it_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n think_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n discipline_n to_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o powerless_a thing_n of_o itself_o and_o insufficient_a to_o obtain_v 〈…〉_o unless_o the_o temporal_a sword_n enforce_v it_o 17._o the_o episcopal_a or_o pastoral_a authority_n be_v now_o common_o exercise_v by_o a_o lay-chancellor_n and_o though_o a_o ordinary_a priest_n be_v present_a in_o the_o court_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o excommunication_n yet_o the_o chancellor_n as_o judge_n decree_v it_o and_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n pass_v in_o the_o bishop_n name_n and_o authority_n when_o he_o never_o have_v the_o hear_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o this_o case_n i_o inquire_v whether_o christ_n have_v authorise_v any_o
the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n but_o as_o they_o be_v make_v for_o the_o present_a or_o absent_a pastor_n who_o be_v separately_z of_o equal_a office_n power_n they_o be_v no_o law_n except_o in_o a_o equivocal_a sense_n but_o only_a agreement_n now_o in_o judge_v between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o the_o subordination_n inquire_v of_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v 2._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o derive_v that_o power_n from_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n or_o collective_a body_n of_o church_n but_o have_v it_o immediate_o from_o christ_n 3._o that_o yet_o the_o act_n of_o government_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v a_o influence_n into_o all_o the_o church_n be_v but_o integral_a part_n of_o one_o whole_a the_o catholic_n church_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o near_o concern_v in_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n 4._o thereupon_o that_o particular_a church_n combine_v in_o such_o collective_a body_n and_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o their_o duty_n 5._o that_o the_o great_a collective_a body_n be_v in_o degree_n more_o august_n and_o venerable_a than_o the_o lesser_a include_v in_o they_o and_o in_o that_o regard_n ought_v to_o have_v sway_n with_o the_o lesser_a and_o not_o mere_o in_o regard_n of_o agreement_n for_o though_o in_o the_o great_a there_o be_v but_o the_o same_o power_n in_o specie_fw-la with_o that_o in_o the_o lesser_a yet_o it_o be_v more_o ample_o and_o illustrious_o exert_v 6._o that_o in_o all_o society_n every_o part_n be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o more_o ample_a and_o comprehensive_a part_n come_v near_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a than_o the_o lesser_a an_o comprehend_v the_o more_o ample_a part_n if_o they_o have_v not_o a_o proper_a govern_v power_n over_o the_o lesser_a have_v at_o least_o a_o preeminence_n over_o they_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n and_o this_o preeminence_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o proper_a superior_a power_n in_o bear_v sway_n 7._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n if_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o act_n of_o government_n over_o the_o particular_a pastor_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o efficacy_n of_o government_n as_o be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o for_o the_o end_n sake_n the_o general_a good_a §_o 22._o what_o be_v and_o what_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n in_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o society_n divers_a in_o kind_n from_o all_o other_o society_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o extrinsecal_o &_o upon_o a_o reason_n common_a to_o it_o with_o other_o regular_a society_n the_o former_a whole_o rest_n upon_o divine_a right_n the_o latter_a be_v in_o genere_fw-la requisite_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o require_v decency_n and_o order_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v convenient_a in_o all_o society_n and_o so_o far_o they_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o human_a determination_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n give_v of_o god_n in_o nature_n or_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o such_o be_v the_o sulness_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o contain_v all_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n what_o soever_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n government_n do_v go_v to_o the_o formal_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n the_o frame_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a as_o one_o spiritual_a society_n under_o christ_n the_o head_n as_o before_o describe_v whole_o rest_v upon_o divine_a right_n and_o so_o the_o frame_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o several_a spiritual_a polity_n and_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o before_o describe_v be_v also_o of_o divine_a right_n if_o such_o right_o be_v sufficient_o signify_v by_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o frame_n of_o they_o and_o by_o their_o practice_n therein_o moreover_o the_o parcel_a of_o that_o one_o great_a society_n the_o church-catholic_a into_o particular_a political_a society_n under_o their_o proper_a spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o nature_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v it_o unalterable_a it_o be_v intrinsic_a to_o all_o particular_a state_v church_n and_o so_o of_o divine_a right_n that_o there_o be_v public_a assembly_n thereof_o for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o spiritual_a pastor_n therein_o and_o that_o these_o as_o christ_n officer_n guide_v the_o say_a assembly_n in_o public_a worship_n that_o therein_o they_o authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o in_o christ_n name_n offer_v the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o term_n and_o denounce_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o those_o that_o despise_v the_o mercy_n thereof_o that_o they_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o meet_a partaker_n and_o the_o spiritual_a censure_n upon_o those_o that_o just_o fall_v under_o they_o that_o the_o member_n of_o these_o society_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o consent_v to_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o do_v also_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v integral_a part_n of_o one_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a christian_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v member_n and_o consequent_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o they_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o they_o be_v embody_a according_a to_o their_o capacity_n in_o such_o association_n as_o have_v be_v before_o describe_v as_o for_o all_o circumstantial_a variation_n and_o accidental_a modification_n of_o the_o thing_n aforesaid_a with_o respect_n to_o mere_a decency_n order_n and_o convenience_n according_a to_o time_n and_o occasion_n be_v extrinsic_a to_o the_o spiritual_a frame_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o such_o and_o belong_v in_o common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o orderly_a society_n they_o be_v of_o divine_a right_o only_o in_o genere_fw-la but_o in_o specie_fw-la they_o be_v leave_v to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o be_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n much_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o age_n about_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v about_o thing_n extrinsic_a to_o the_o church-state_n and_o but_o accidental_a mode_n thereof_o though_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o controversy_n make_v those_o form_n to_o which_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o necessary_a to_o a_o church-state_n or_o as_o some_o speak_v a_o church-organical_a now_o in_o the_o say_v controvert_v form_n of_o government_n there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o some_o may_v be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a and_o constitutive_a frame_n of_o the_o church_n and_o advantageous_a to_o its_o end_n other_o may_v be_v incongruous_a to_o it_o and_o destructive_a to_o its_o end_n §_o 23._o of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a church_n many_o note_n of_o a_o true_a church_n be_v contentious_o bring_v in_o by_o those_o that_o will_v darken_v the_o truth_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n but_o without_o more_o ado_n the_o true_a and_o real_a be_v of_o a_o church_n stand_v in_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o his_o church_n be_v found_v this_o law_n be_v complete_o write_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o more_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a conformity_n be_v sound_a in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o true_a and_o sound_v it_o be_v and_o the_o less_o of_o it_o be_v find_v in_o any_o church_n the_o more_o corrupt_a and_o false_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o it_o decline_v from_o truth_n and_o soundness_n a_o church_n may_v bear_v so_o much_o conformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o real_a be_v or_o essential_a state_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o withal_o bear_v such_o disconformity_n to_o its_o rule_n as_o render_v it_o very_o enormous_a a_o church_n hold_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n together_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o such_o doctrine_n worship_n ministry_n and_o government_n as_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o denial_n of_o those_o essential_o and_o a_o subvert_v of_o the_o foundation_n be_v a_o true_a church_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o though_o very_o enormous_a and_o dangerous_a and_o they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o church_n who_o hold_v the_o essential_o of_o religion_n
of_o christ_n minister_n have_v the_o same_o force_n towards_o his_o subject_n that_o the_o power_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v as_o to_o the_o communion_n and_o external_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o than_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o i_o yet_o discern_v not_o for_o though_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o err_a judge_n in_o a_o civil_a judicatory_a be_v valid_a till_o it_o be_v reverse_v yet_o the_o err_a key_n have_v no_o effect_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n of_o a_o pastor_n to_o reject_v a_o godly_a person_n that_o have_v not_o give_v just_a scandal_n or_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o he_o as_o towards_o one_o unfit_a for_o christian_a communion_n but_o they_o be_v still_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n indeed_o the_o injure_a person_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o his_o right_n in_o some_o part_n thereof_o as_o come_v to_o the_o church-assemble_o in_o case_n a_o schism_n or_o disturbance_n will_v follow_v but_o this_o obligation_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o validity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o unjust_a sentence_n but_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o preserve_a peace_n and_o order_n the_o distinction_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o spiritual_a pastor_n or_o elder_n have_v no_o other_o power_n than_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n intrinsical_o belong_v to_o the_o order_n or_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o if_o any_o pretend_v that_o the_o full_a power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v not_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o a_o part_n only_o or_o that_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n of_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o one_o whereof_o belong_v only_o to_o one_o superior_a kinâ—_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n and_o the_o other_o be_v common_a to_o all_o spiritual_a â—astors_n let_v he_o prove_v such_o distinction_n and_o distribution_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n §_o 5._o of_o the_o delegation_n of_o spiritual_a power_n the_o delegation_n of_o power_n be_v a_o derivation_n thereof_o from_o its_o ordinary_a subject_n to_o another_o who_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a subject_n thereof_o and_o who_o have_v right_a to_o exercise_v it_o mere_o as_o authorize_v by_o the_o ordinary_a subject_n thereof_o as_o when_o a_o bishop_n delegate_n his_o episcopal_a power_n to_o he_o who_o be_v no_o bishop_n and_o who_o exercise_v the_o same_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o delegation_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o that_o of_o the_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o trust_n may_v not_o be_v delegated_a by_o the_o receiver_n to_o another_o person_n without_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o the_o giver_n no_o subordinate_a officer_n can_v make_v a_o legal_a deputy_n unless_o he_o be_v authorize_v thereunto_o by_o law_n or_o in_o his_o commission_n or_o charter_n from_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o christ_n have_v not_o express_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o transfer_v of_o this_o trust_n nor_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o make_v such_o delegation_n that_o prince_n and_o sovereign_a power_n bâ—ing_v god_n trustee_n do_v transfer_v the_o work_n of_o their_o trust_n to_o delegate_n and_o subordinate_a officer_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o christ_n minister_n to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o first_o christ_n minister_n be_v only_o authorize_v ambassador_n heralds_z and_o not_o spiritual_a sovereign_n under_o he_o as_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v civil_a sovereign_n under_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o civil_a sovereignty_n to_o make_v delegate_n and_o subordinate_a officer_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o due_a government_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n make_v it_o necessary_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_a office_n and_o no_o necessity_n for_o it_o in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n 3._o the_o specification_n of_o magistracy_n or_o civil_a power_n be_v leave_v to_o man_n but_o the_o spiritual_a power_n be_v specify_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o appropriate_v to_o officer_n of_o his_o own_o institution_n 4._o christ_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o flock_n have_v take_v another_o course_n than_o to_o authorise_v bishop_n and_o pastor_n to_o do_v their_o work_n by_o delegate_n namely_o to_o command_v the_o ordain_v of_o more_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o need_n require_v the_o delegation_n of_o episcopal_a power_n be_v a_o repugnancy_n in_o itself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o stewarship_n in_o christ_n house_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o christ_n name_n by_o special_a authority_n from_o he_o and_o can_v any_o that_o be_v not_o christ_n officer_n so_o authorize_v exert_v such_o power_n beside_o if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n proper_a work_n viz._n the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v be_v delegated_a to_o one_o that_o be_v no_o bishop_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o work_n be_v so_o delegated_a as_o the_o ordain_v of_o minister_n and_o if_o it_o be_v reply_v ad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ordinare_fw-la by_o as_o good_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o as_o incommunicable_o belong_v to_o the_o order_n or_o office_n of_o christ_n institution_n to_o exercise_v christ_n discipline_n as_o to_o ordain_v minister_n indeed_o a_o vicar_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sacred_a office_n or_o order_n may_v so_o exert_v the_o say_a power_n in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o as_o that_o his_o act_n be_v valid_a but_o it_o may_v well_o be_v question_v whether_o any_o bishop_n may_v make_v one_o or_o more_o vicarious_a bishop_n to_o execute_v his_o charge_n for_o every_o bishop_n have_v receive_v a_o trust_n from_o christ_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o his_o own_o person_n col._n 1.7_o and_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o christ_n have_v grant_v a_o faculty_n to_o any_o bishop_n to_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n by_o a_o vicar_n of_o his_o own_o order_n but_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o a_o bishop_n may_v have_v a_o assistant_n or_o assistant_n of_o his_o own_o order_n either_o occasional_o in_o case_n of_o present_a disability_n or_o justifiable_a avocation_n or_o stated_o when_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v under_o his_o personal_a oversight_n require_v more_o work_n than_o one_o man_n can_v do_v and_o then_o the_o say_a assistant_n be_v not_o his_o vicar_n but_o colleague_n perform_v each_o of_o they_o their_o own_o part_n in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o their_o lord_n christ_n §_o 6._o the_o identity_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o assertor_n of_o prelacy_n that_o the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v use_v promiscuous_o now_o they_o that_o assert_v two_o distinct_a office_n under_o promiscuous_a name_n have_v need_n bring_v clear_a proof_n for_o the_o distinction_n of_o those_o office_n howbeit_o i_o do_v not_o mere_o insist_v on_o the_o name_n as_o indifferent_o use_v but_o wheresoever_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o presbyterate_a be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o office_n of_o a_o spiritual_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n by_o teach_v and_o rule_v it_o and_o such_o a_o presbyter_n as_o be_v a_o sacred_a officer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o not_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o show_v not_o only_o a_o identity_n of_o name_n but_o of_o office_n to_o give_v order_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o none_o to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a but_o one_o so_o qualify_v because_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v so_o qualify_v be_v not_o rational_a if_o the_o bishop_n be_v of_o a_o distinct_a office_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o superior_a to_o he_o act._n 20_o 28_o the_o elder_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o have_v the_o whole_a episcopal_a power_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o government_n as_o well_o as_o by_o doctrine_n 1_o pet._n 5.12_o the_o elder_n be_v exhort_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o to_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o and_o under_o the_o force_n of_o these_o two_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n claim_v their_o whole_a power_n of_o government_n 1_o tim._n 3._o the_o apostle_n immediate_o pass_v from_o the_o bishop_n to_o the_o deacon_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n as_o a_o presbyter_n below_o a_o bishop_n and_o above_o a_o deacon_n and_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o scripture_n do_v afford_v we_o the_o least_o notice_n of_o any_o qualification_n or_o ordination_n or_o any_o sacred_a
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christ_n name_n again_o to_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o christian_a fellowship_n for_o these_o be_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o ecclesiastical_a absolution_n and_o a_o presbyter_n have_v apparent_o the_o say_a power_n as_o he_o can_v undoubted_o declare_v and_o charge_n and_o judge_v as_o aforesaid_a touch_v person_n in_o general_a so_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n touch_v this_o or_o that_o person_n in_o particular_a all_o particular_n be_v include_v in_o the_o general_a he_o have_v undoubted_o a_o power_n of_o apply_v the_o word_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o well_o personal_o as_o general_o that_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o say_a power_n be_v grant_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o common_a usage_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n wherein_o a_o presbyter_n be_v appoint_v to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n though_o the_o chancellor_n do_v decree_v it_o and_o the_o excommunication_n be_v not_o complete_a till_o a_o presbyter_n 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of_o his_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n amen_n now_o the_o former_a part_n hereof_o be_v entire_o the_o word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 20.21_o 22._o towards_o the_o apostle_n express_v their_o pastoral_a authority_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n be_v no_o derogation_n or_o diminution_n from_o the_o power_n grant_v in_o the_o former_a part_n if_o presbyter_n be_v not_o partaker_n with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o pastoral_n authority_n how_o can_v they_o have_v right_o to_o that_o form_n of_o ordination_n likewise_o this_o church_n do_v in_o solemn_a form_n of_o word_n require_v the_o presbyter_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o exercise_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o this_o realm_n have_v receive_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v 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it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o peter_n be_v a_o fix_a bishop_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o paul_n of_o the_o gentile_n no_o more_o be_v any_o of_o the_o apostle_n fix_v bishop_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v more_o especial_o employ_v and_o we_o know_v that_o they_o make_v frequent_a remove_n §._o 10._o of_o the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o give_v either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n except_o in_o the_o postscript_n of_o the_o epistle_n but_o those_o postscript_n be_v take_v for_o no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n for_o if_o they_o be_v free_a from_o the_o object_v error_n about_o the_o place_n from_o which_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v they_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v paul_n own_o word_n and_o write_v by_o he_o when_o the_o epistle_n be_v write_v moreover_o the_o travel_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n nor_o the_o settle_a 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authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n of_o particular_a church_n such_o as_o the_o scripture-bishop_n be_v remain_v unshaken_a §_o 11._o of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n another_o allegation_n for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n be_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n apoc._n 1._o and_o 2._o to_o which_o many_o thing_n be_v say_v by_o those_o of_o the_o other_o persuasion_n as_o that_o those_o angel_n be_v not_o call_v bishop_n nor_o any_o where_o imply_v to_o be_v bishop_n in_o the_o present_a vulgar_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o the_o denomination_n of_o angel_n and_o star_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o general_a that_o in_o mysterious_a or_o prophetic_a write_n and_o visional_a representation_n a_o number_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o singular_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o term_n angel_n be_v explain_v under_o that_o plurality_n you_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n apoc._n 2.24_o but_o to_o you_o and_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o be_v a_o collective_a name_n express_v all_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n also_o some_o observe_v that_o it_o may_v be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o god_n providence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n by_o angel_n be_v express_v wherein_o one_o be_v set_v as_o chief_a over_o such_o a_o country_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o many_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o angel_n precedent_n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o many_o bishop_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n act_n 20.28_o against_o this_o some_o say_v that_o the_o elder_n there_o mention_v be_v not_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n then_o gather_v together_o at_o ephesus_n and_o send_v for_o by_o paul_n to_o miletum_n but_o 1._o this_o be_v affirm_v altogether_o without_o proof_n 2._o the_o text_n say_v paul_n send_v from_o miletum_n to_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n which_o in_o rational_a interpretation_n must_v be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o send_v 3._o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o asia_n have_v be_v mean_v it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o scripture_n though_o we_o find_v the_o christian_n of_o one_o city_n call_v a_o church_n yet_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o region_n do_v ever_o make_v a_o plurality_n of_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 4._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n give_v of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n at_o ephesus_n when_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o asserter_n of_o prelacy_n hold_v that_o timothy_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n now_o paul_n do_v not_o send_v for_o he_o for_o he_o be_v already_o present_a with_o he_o and_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o travel_n nor_o do_v he_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o he_o but_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v send_v for_o 6._o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o those_o elder_n who_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v bishop_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o vulgar_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n when_o she_o appoint_v that_o portion_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v read_v at_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o their_o office_n some_o say_v that_o by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o may_v be_v either_o for_o a_o time_n or_o always_o the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o epistle_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o the_o king_n send_v a_o message_n to_o the_o parliament_n he_o direct_v it_o to_o the_o speaker_n now_o such_o a_o moderator_n or_o precedent_n make_v nothing_o for_o bishop_n of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n §_o 12._o a_o further_a consideration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n and_o of_o a_o general_a minister_n concern_v the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n such_o as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n the_o query_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v temporary_a or_o perpetual_a a_o eminent_a hierarchical_a divine_a say_v that_o evangelist_n be_v presbyter_n of_o principal_a sufficiency_n who_o the_o apostle_n send_v abroad_o and_o use_v as_o agent_n in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n wherever_o they_o see_v need_v now_o this_o description_n do_v not_o make_v they_o of_o a_o specifical_o
experience_n consider_v we_o whether_o a_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o certainty_n therein_o and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o expel_v all_o fear_n of_o carefulness_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v doubtless_o such_o a_o certainty_n at_o least_o as_o expel_v anxiety_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o i_o think_v in_o this_o both_o papist_n and_o protestant_n do_v agree_v there_o be_v a_o certainty_n that_o expel_v all_o apprehension_n that_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v true_a whereof_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o julius_n cesar_n and_o this_o have_v gain_v the_o name_n of_o moral_a certainty_n though_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v call_v natural_a as_o ground_v on_o natural_o certain_a evidence_n and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v such_o a_o certainty_n of_o his_o unfeigned_a faith_n be_v hold_v by_o protestant_n in_o general_a and_o some_o papist_n nevertheless_o the_o papist_n in_o general_n grant_v not_o this_o kind_n but_o only_o a_o low_a kind_n of_o certainty_n hereof_o which_o they_o call_v conjectural_a yet_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v certainty_n true_o so_o call_v that_o it_o expel_v fluctuation_n and_o suspense_n and_o bring_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o security_n and_o withal_o they_o say_v that_o the_o just_o believe_v indeed_o that_o they_o be_v not_o herein_o deceive_v but_o not_o that_o they_o can_v be_v deceive_v but_o how_o this_o low_a kind_n can_v be_v certainty_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o see_v not_o for_o a_o apprehension_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o than_o i_o think_v exclude_v all_o certainty_n proper_o or_o strict_o so_o call_v the_o above_o say_v moral_a certainty_n of_o justification_n or_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o attain_v by_o all_o justify_v person_n and_o where_o it_o be_v attain_v it_o be_v not_o ordinary_o continue_v without_o interruption_n nor_o ordinary_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n because_o justify_v person_n even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v without_o interruption_n in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n on_o the_o internal_a sense_n whereof_o this_o certainty_n depend_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n §_o 1_o what_o be_v ancient_o a_o bishop_n church_n the_o name_n church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a scripture-name_n proper_o belong_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n have_v their_o church_n in_o city_n or_o town_n and_o common_o the_o convert_v of_o the_o adjacent_a village_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o paucity_n take_v in_o as_o part_n of_o the_o city_n congregation_n and_o all_o make_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n the_o member_n whereof_o have_v local_a communion_n with_o each_o other_o according_o the_o name_n of_o city_n apply_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n can_v be_v but_o extrinsical_a it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o only_o of_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v congregate_v the_o name_n of_o parish_n come_v next_o in_o use_n for_o the_o say_a charge_n and_o this_o name_n be_v still_o in_o use_n for_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n which_o have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n the_o word_n diocese_n as_o relate_v to_o a_o bishop_n be_v unknown_a for_o several_a age_n of_o christianity_n but_o afterward_o it_o be_v borrow_v from_o civil_a use_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n a_o diocese_n be_v one_o of_o the_o large_a division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o comprehend_v several_a province_n according_o when_o it_o be_v first_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v use_v for_o the_o same_o circuit_n and_o as_o a_o province_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o metropolitan_a who_o have_v many_o bishop_n under_o he_o so_o a_o diocese_n be_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o patriarch_n who_o have_v many_o metropolitan_o under_o he_o and_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n make_v to_o forbid_v the_o run_n for_o ordination_n without_o the_o diocese_n that_o be_v without_o or_o beyond_o the_o foresay_a patriarchal_a circuit_n but_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o charge_n of_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n but_o only_a presbyter_n under_o he_o come_v up_o in_o latter_a time_n from_o the_o first_o and_o only_a scripture-name_n proper_o belong_v to_o a_o bishop_n charge_n it_o be_v infer_v that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v correlate_n a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o have_v its_o own_o proper_a bishop_n and_o a_o bishop_n as_o such_o have_v his_o particular_a church_n as_o his_o proper_a and_o immediate_a charge_n the_o bishop_n church_n be_v ancient_o but_o one_o society_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v and_o do_v personal_o meet_v together_o at_o once_o or_o by_o turn_n for_o worship_n and_o discipline_n under_o the_o same_o immediate_a pastor_n which_o appear_v by_o the_o proof_n here_o follow_v 1._o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o even_o man_n servant_n and_o maidservant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v know_v by_o name_n to_o the_o bishop_n ignat._n ep._n to_o policarp_n id._n ad_fw-la trall_n in_o the_o panegyric_n of_o paulinus_n bishop_n of_o tyre_n euseb_n lib._n 10._o cap._n 4._o it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o mind_n and_o state_n of_o every_o one_o of_o the_o flock_n when_o by_o experience_n and_o time_n he_o have_v make_v inquiry_n into_o every_o one_o of_o they_o 2._o one_o church_n have_v but_o one_o altar_n and_o consequent_o but_o one_o state_v assembly_n for_o full_a communion_n ignat._n ep._n ad_fw-la philadelph_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n if_o one_o bishop_n must_v here_o be_v take_v numerical_o so_o must_v one_o altar_n the_o apostle_n canon_n c._n 5.32_o make_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v but_o one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o a_o church_n also_o council_n antiochen_n c._n 5._o hereupon_o mr._n mede_n say_v that_o before_o diocese_n be_v divide_v into_o parish_n they_o have_v not_o only_o one_o altar_n in_o one_o church_n or_o dominicum_fw-la but_o one_o altar_n to_o a_o church_n take_v church_n for_o the_o company_n or_o corporation_n of_o the_o faithful_a unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n or_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o sea_n or_o residence_n add_v hereunto_o that_o to_o set_v up_o another_o altar_n be_v account_v a_o note_n of_o schism_n 3._o each_o single_a church_n have_v its_o proper_a and_o immediate_a bishop_n ignat_fw-la ad_fw-la philad_n as_o before_o to_o every_o church_n one_o altar_n one_o bishop_n he_o show_v also_o that_o without_o a_o bishop_n the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n exist_v not_o ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n wheresoever_o the_o bishop_n appear_v there_o be_v the_o church_n as_o wheresoever_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v then_o no_o large_a than_o that_o where_o the_o bishop_n appear_v id._n ad_fw-la trall_n the_o bishop_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o high_a father_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o apostolical_a concord_n ib._n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n likewise_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n this_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o joint_o take_v the_o immediate_a charge_n of_o the_o flock_n 4._o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n testify_v that_o the_o apostle_n place_v only_a bishop_n without_o presbyter_n in_o some_o church_n epiphan_n heres_fw-la 65._o 5._o concern_v the_o largeness_n of_o a_o bishop_n church_n let_v that_o instance_n of_o gregory_n thaumaturgus_n be_v consider_v he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n when_o he_o have_v but_o seventeen_o christian_n afterward_o when_o many_o be_v convert_v at_o comana_n a_o small_a town_n that_o be_v near_o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o diocese_n but_o ordain_v alexander_n the_o collier_n a_o right_a worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o they_o be_v of_o no_o great_a number_n than_o what_o meet_v to_o choose_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o preach_v 6._o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o a_o bishop_n show_v that_o it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a church_n that_o he_o have_v charge_n of_o justin_n martyr_n set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n assembly_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o precedent_n himself_o preach_v give_v thanks_o administer_v the_o eucharist_n and_o exercise_v discipline_n tertullian_n
convene_v and_o ordain_v one_o to_o the_o patriarchate_n and_o that_o they_o may_v choose_v the_o patriarch_n out_o of_o any_o region_n jerome_n as_o a_o historian_n only_o mention_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n some_o bishop_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o who_o can_v prove_v that_o those_o bishop_n be_v of_o a_o high_a order_n than_o presbyter_n the_o testimony_n of_o other_o ancient_n in_o the_o same_o point_n cyprian_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 9_o erasmus_n his_o edit_n to_o rogatianus_n the_o deacon_n must_v remember_v that_o the_o lord_n choose_v apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la but_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n make_v deacon_n to_o themselves_o as_o minister_n of_o their_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o church_n here_o be_v but_o two_o order_n mention_v 1._o bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la who_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n 2._o deacon_n who_o be_v minister_n to_o they_o and_o the_o church_n id._n lib._n 1._o epist_n 11._o to_o pomponius_n when_o all_o aught_o to_o maintain_v discipline_n much_o more_o the_o praepositi_fw-la and_o the_o deacon_n from_o this_o and_o the_o other_o place_n before_o cite_v it_o may_v plain_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a office_n between_o that_o of_o the_o praepositi_fw-la and_o the_o deacon_n and_o all_o the_o presbyter_n being_n praepositi_fw-la must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o bishop_n that_o title_n import_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o bishop_n office_n chrysostome_n on_o the_o first_o to_o timothy_n consess_v that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o difference_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n that_o a_o bishop_n have_v not_o a_o different_a ordination_n from_o a_o presbyter_n ambrose_n show_v on_o 1_o tim._n c._n 3._o in_o these_o word_n why_o after_o the_o bishop_n do_v he_o come_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o deacon_n why_o but_o because_o there_o be_v one_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o priest_n but_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o first_o every_o bishop_n be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o every_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o bishop_n for_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n who_o be_v first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n here_o note_n that_o the_o difference_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o first_o among_o the_o presbyter_n vid._n sedulius_n on_o tit._n 1._o anselm_n of_o canterbury_n on_o phil._n 1._o beda_n on_o act_n 20._o alcuinus_fw-la de_fw-la divinis_fw-la officiis_fw-la c._n 35_o 36._o all_o agree_v in_o this_o point_n §_o 7._o testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n be_v real_o in_o the_o presbyter_n 1._o that_o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v it_o as_o presbyter_n be_v common_o agree_v on_o all_o side_n mr._n thorndike_n in_o his_o form_n of_o primitive_a government_n and_o right_n of_o church_n p._n 128._o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o that_o power_n be_v the_o root_n and_o source_n be_v common_a to_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n bishop_n morton_n in_o his_o apology_n dr._n field_n and_o many_o other_o say_v much_o more_o 2._o presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n particular_o of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n spalatensis_n prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n be_v not_o different_a from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o foro_fw-la poenitentiali_fw-la and_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n l._n 5_o c._n 9_o n._n 2._o l._n 5._o c._n 2._o n._n 48_o etc._n etc._n jerome_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o heliodor_n say_v if_o i_o sin_n a_o presbyter_n may_v deliver_v i_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o presbyter_n be_v set_v to_o pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o chancellor_n court_n though_o he_o do_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n when_o the_o court_n bid_v he_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n c._n 59_o say_v that_o probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la all_o the_o approve_a elder_n do_v exercise_v discipline_n in_o the_o church_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n strom._n l._n 7._o say_v that_o in_o the_o church_n the_o presbyter_n keep_v that_o discipline_n which_o make_v man_n better_a irenaeus_n l._n 4._o c._n 44._o with_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n they_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n sound_v and_o their_o conversation_n without_o offence_n unto_o the_o information_n and_o correction_n of_o the_o rest_n this_o place_n show_v that_o discipline_n for_o correction_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n for_o information_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o presbyter_n epiphanius_n haeres_fw-la 42._o report_n that_o martion_n be_v expel_v by_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n the_o sea_n be_v vacant_a id_fw-la heres_fw-la 47._o that_o noetus_n be_v convict_v judge_v and_o expel_v by_o a_o session_n of_o presbyter_n many_o diocese_n have_v be_v long_o without_o bishop_n upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o govern_v all_o that_o time_n by_o presbyter_n vid._n blondel_n apol._n sect_n 3._o p._n 183_o 184._o the_o church_n of_o england_n allow_v presbyter_n in_o the_o convocation_n to_o make_v canon_n also_o it_o allow_v presbyter_n to_o keep_v person_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o some_o offence_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o again_o if_o they_o repent_v to_o say_v that_o the_o presbyter_n can_v exercise_v this_o power_n without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o power_n herein_o for_o in_o some_o ancient_a time_n it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o presbyter_n can_v perform_v â—o_o sacred_a ministration_n without_o their_o bishop_n they_o may_v not_o baptize_v as_o have_v be_v observe_v without_o the_o bishop_n command_v but_o that_o limitation_n respect_v only_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n but_o not_o the_o power_n in_o itself_o 3._o presbyter_n have_v power_n of_o ordain_v act_v 13.1_o 2_o 3._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v not_o many_o prelate_n at_o that_o time_n if_o any_o but_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n there_o be_v mention_v as_o ordainer_n whereas_o some_o say_v they_o be_v bishop_n of_o many_o church_n in_o syria_n they_o speak_v without_o proof_n and_o against_o the_o text_n which_o say_v there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o antioch_n certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n etc._n etc._n which_o clear_o express_v that_o they_o all_o belong_v to_o that_o church_n this_o right_a of_o presbyter_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o passage_n before_o cite_v concern_v the_o ordain_v and_o make_v the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n firmilian_a in_o cyprian_a ep._n 75._o say_v of_o they_o that_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o baptise_v of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o ordain_v and_o who_o they_o be_v he_o express_v a_o little_a before_o viz._n senior_n and_o praepositi_fw-la by_o which_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n be_v understand_v foelicissimus_fw-la be_v ordain_v a_o deacon_n by_o novatus_n one_o of_o cyprian_n presbyter_n schismatical_o yet_o his_o ordination_n be_v not_o null_v by_o cyprian_a but_o he_o be_v depose_v for_o maladministration_n the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o egypt_n libya_n and_o pentapolis_n thus_o determine_v concern_v the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o meletius_n socrat._v l._n 1._o c._n 6._o let_v those_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o help_v by_o our_o prayer_n be_v find_v to_o have_v turn_v aside_o to_o no_o schism_n but_o have_v contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n free_a from_o spot_n of_o error_n have_v authority_n of_o ordain_v minister_n and_o also_o of_o nominate_v those_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o the_o clergy_n etc._n etc._n now_o though_o they_o have_v not_o this_o power_n grant_v they_o to_o be_v exercise_v apart_o without_o their_o bishop_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n though_o the_o bishop_n as_o precedent_n guide_v in_o all_o those_o act_n the_o author_n of_o the_o comment_n on_o the_o ephesian_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o ambrose_n say_v that_o in_o egypt_n the_o presbyter_n ordain_v consignant_fw-la if_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o present_a also_o austin_n faith_n that_o in_o alexandria_n and_o all_o egypt_n if_o the_o bishop_n be_v want_v the_o presbyter_n consecrate_v presbyter_n send_v bishop_n into_o england_n and_o ordain_v bishop_n for_o england_n bede_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 4_o 5._o the_o abbot_n and_o other_o presbyter_n of_o the_o island_n hie_v send_v aydan_n etc._n etc._n at_o king_n oswald_n request_v and_o this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o custom_n
of_o the_o empire_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v unusual_a that_o presbyter_n may_v ordain_v see_v anselm_n on_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o also_o bucer_n script_n anglic._n p._n 254_o 255_o 259_o 291._o the_o lollard_n and_o wickliefist_n in_o england_n hold_v and_o practise_v ordination_n by_o mere_a presbyter_n walsingham_n hist_o ang._n an._n 1389._o so_o do_v the_o lutheran_n protestant_n bugenhagius_n pomeranus_n a_o presbyter_n of_o wittenberg_n ordain_v the_o protestant_a bishop_n of_o denmark_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o king_n and_o senate_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n at_o hafnia_n see_v melchior_n adam_n in_o the_o life_n of_o bugenhagius_n and_o chytraeus_n saxon_n chronicle_n l._n 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o forbes_n in_o his_o irenicum_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 11._o say_v that_o presbyter_n have_v a_o share_n with_o bishop_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n not_o only_o as_o consent_v to_o the_o ordination_n but_o as_o ordainer_n with_o the_o bishop_n by_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o pray_v for_o grace_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n ordain_v by_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n that_o the_o ancient_n do_v argue_v from_o the_o power_n of_o baptise_v to_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o master_n lib._n 4._o distinct_a 25._o 4._o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n lay_v on_o hand_n for_o restore_a the_o excommunicate_a and_o blessing_n the_o people_n cyprian_n epist_n 12._o nor_o can_v any_o return_n to_o communion_n unless_o hand_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n vid._n also_o ep._n 9_o &_o 46._o id._n l._n 3._o ep._n 14._o erasm_n edit_fw-la to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacons_n against_o some_o presbyter_n who_o have_v give_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n rash_o to_o some_o of_o the_o lapse_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o lesser_a offence_n sinner_n after_o a_o just_a time_n of_o penance_n and_o confession_n receive_v right_o of_o communication_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n clemens_n alexandrin_n paedag_n p._n 248._o speak_v against_o woman_n wear_v other_o hair_n than_o their_o own_o say_v on_o who_o do_v the_o presbyter_n lay_v hand_n who_o do_v he_o bless_v not_o on_o the_o woman_n adorn_v but_o on_o another_o hair_n and_o thereby_o on_o another_o head_n §_o 8._o testimony_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o bishop_n plea_n of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n for_o the_o diversity_n of_o order_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o bishop_n be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n which_o presbyter_n be_v not_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o the_o ancient_a father_n make_v presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n irenaeus_n lib._n 4._o c._n 43_o 44._o we_o must_v obey_v the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n even_o those_o that_o have_v succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o certain_a gift_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n with_o the_o succession_n of_o episcopacy_n here_o presbyter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o have_v succession_n of_o episcopacy_n this_o can_v be_v evade_v by_o say_v he_o intend_v it_o only_o of_o presbyter_n of_o a_o superior_a order_n which_o be_v bishop_n for_o this_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o in_o this_o father_n there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o order_n of_o presbyter_n but_o what_o be_v bishop_n cyprian_a l._n 3._o ep._n 9_o the_o deacon_n must_v remember_v that_o the_o lord_n choose_v apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la but_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostle_n make_v deacons_n to_n themselves_o as_o minister_n of_o their_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o praepositi_fw-la the_o presbyter_n be_v include_v as_o i_o have_v before_o make_v manifest_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o this_o place_n all_o in_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n above_o deacon_n be_v include_v in_o those_o name_n and_o call_v apostle_n jerome_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o heliodor_n speak_v in_o general_a that_o clericks_n be_v say_v to_o sucree_v the_o apostolical_a degree_n the_o late_a form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n viz._n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n thou_o do_v forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n thou_o do_v retain_v they_o be_v retain_v and_o be_v thou_o a_o faithful_a dispenser_n etc._n etc._n be_v for_o the_o former_a part_n the_o very_a form_n of_o word_n use_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n to_o express_v their_o pastoral_n authority_n and_o full_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v pastoral_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o which_o they_o have_v successor_n 2._o some_o conceive_v there_o be_v no_o proper_a succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o office_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a state_n and_o specific_a difference_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o expire_v with_o their_o person_n and_o in_o proper_a speak_n the_o ordinary_a bishop_n or_o elder_n can_v be_v reckon_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o in_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v by_o divine_a right_n receive_v and_o exercise_v their_o governing-power_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o supercede_v by_o their_o presence_n though_o it_o be_v under_o the_o regulation_n of_o their_o supereminent_a authority_n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n be_v proper_o the_o successor_n of_o those_o first_o bishop_n bellarmine_n l._n 4._o de_fw-fr pontif._n c._n 25._o say_v that_o bishop_n do_v not_o proper_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n because_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o extraordinary_a pastor_n have_v no_o successor_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n proper_o succeed_v peter_n not_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o as_o a_o ordinary_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 3._o whereas_o some_o say_v that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n it_o be_v answer_v 1._o as_o concern_v the_o bishop_n order_n when_o the_o father_n speak_v of_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n long_o reside_v in_o one_o church_n they_o do_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n call_v they_o bishop_n thereof_o reynolds_n against_o hart_n say_v that_o the_o father_n when_o they_o term_v a_o apostle_n the_o bishop_n of_o this_o or_o that_o city_n mean_v in_o a_o general_a way_n that_o he_o do_v attend_v that_o church_n for_o the_o time_n and_o supply_v that_o room_n in_o preach_v which_o the_o bishop_n afterward_o do_v and_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o itinerant_a minister_n or_o evangelist_n be_v in_o such_o a_o general_a sense_n bishop_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o come_v paul_n stay_v at_o or_o about_o ephesus_n three_o year_n act_n 20.31_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n there_o in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n james_n be_v either_o no_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o no_o apostle_n but_o as_o many_o think_v another_o james_n 2._o as_o concern_v the_o order_n of_o inferior_a presbyter_n say_v to_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n it_o be_v speak_v without_o proof_n and_o against_o reason_n spalatensis_n say_v those_o seventy_o have_v but_o a_o temporary_a commission_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o can_v affirm_v that_o presbyterial_a order_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o institute_v in_o they_o de_fw-fr rep._n eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 3._o n._n 4._o saravia_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v evangelist_n de_fw-fr minist_n evang._n grad_v c._n 4._o §_o 9_o testimony_n concern_v the_o episcopacy_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1._o timothy_n be_v not_o a_o fix_a bishop_n his_o travel_n we_o find_v upon_o sacred_a record_n when_o paul_n go_v from_o beraea_n to_o athens_n he_o leave_v silas_n and_o timothy_n behind_o he_o act_v 17.14_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o paul_n at_o athens_n paul_n send_v timothy_n thence_o to_o thessalonica_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_n there_o 1_o thes_n 3.6_o an._n c._n 47._o thence_o he_o return_v to_o athens_n again_o and_o paul_n send_v he_o and_o silas_n thence_o into_o macedonia_n act_v 18.5_o and_o thence_o they_o return_v to_o paul_n at_o corinth_n an._n 48._o afterward_o they_o travel_v to_o ephesus_n whence_o paul_n send_v timothy_n and_o erastus_n into_o macedonia_n act_v 19.22_o whither_o paul_n go_v after_o they_o an._n 51._o from_o macedonia_n they_o with_o divers_a brethren_n journy_v into_o asia_n act_v 20.4_o and_o come_v to_o miletum_n where_o paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n to_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 53._o then_o paul_n do_v
bishop_n to_o delegate_v his_o episcopal_a power_n to_o a_o layman_n yea_o or_o to_o a_o clergyman_n if_o that_o clergyman_n be_v not_o as_o christ_n commission_v officer_n authorize_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n 18._o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v denounce_v for_o any_o non_fw-fr observance_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o court_n though_o in_o case_n of_o doubtful_a right_n and_o in_o the_o small_a matter_n but_o no_o proof_n of_o such_o practice_n can_v be_v produce_v from_o the_o first_o age_n and_o let_v the_o bishop_n themselves_o judge_v howsoever_o contempt_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o the_o case_n whether_o many_o who_o be_v usual_o so_o sentence_v either_o upon_o doubtful_a or_o trivial_a matter_n do_v indeed_o deserve_v to_o be_v adjudge_v to_o such_o a_o state_n as_o that_o sentence_n due_o administer_v do_v import_v 19_o the_o parish_n minister_n be_v bind_v to_o denounce_v in_o his_o church_n the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n decree_v by_o the_o court_n though_o he_o have_v no_o cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o though_o he_o know_v the_o sentence_n to_o be_v unjust_a but_o no_o such_o practice_n be_v know_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n 20._o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n receive_v that_o office_n which_o essential_o include_v a_o authority_n and_o obligation_n to_o teach_v their_o flock_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o preach_v without_o a_o licence_n from_o the_o bishop_n in_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n or_o cure_n though_o they_o perform_v other_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o ancient_o it_o be_v not_o so_o 21._o the_o present_a bishop_n require_v of_o their_o clergy_n a_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n but_o let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v ever_o impose_v such_o a_o oath_n or_o that_o the_o presbyter_n ever_o take_v it_o 22_o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v whether_o the_o infant_n bring_v to_o baptism_n be_v a_o capable_a subject_n thereof_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o infidel_n but_o he_o must_v baptize_v the_o child_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v present_v by_o godfather_n and_o godmother_n who_o common_o have_v little_a or_o no_o interest_n in_o the_o infant_n nor_o care_n of_o its_o education_n and_o who_o not_o seldom_o be_v but_o boy_n and_o girl_n 23._o confirmation_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o examine_v all_o person_n to_o be_v confirm_v by_o he_o within_o his_o diocese_n consequent_o it_o can_v be_v due_o administer_v to_o multitude_n of_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v present_v thereunto_o and_o they_o that_o be_v confirm_v be_v few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v bishop_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n of_o their_o flock_n and_o do_v personal_o perform_v the_o same_o 24._o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adult_a member_n of_o parish-church_n be_v such_o as_o understand_v not_o what_o christianity_n be_v but_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v careful_a that_o all_o their_o member_n may_v be_v competent_o know_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v as_o appear_v by_o their_o discipline_n towards_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o the_o long_a time_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o to_o baptism_n 25._o the_o parish_n minister_n have_v no_o remedy_n but_o to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n that_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o they_o can_v but_o accuse_v the_o open_o wicked_a in_o the_o chancellor_n court_n and_o but_o for_o one_o time_n deny_v the_o sacrament_n to_o some_o kind_n of_o notorious_a sinner_n but_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o prosecute_v they_o in_o the_o court_n and_o to_o procure_v a_o sentence_n against_o they_o there_o where_o not_o one_o notorious_a sinner_n of_o a_o multitude_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o due_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o way_n of_o proceed_v in_o ecclesiastical_a court_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o soul_n in_o every_o diocese_n the_o consequent_a hereof_o be_v the_o general_a intrusion_n of_o the_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a who_o pollute_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o 26._o all_o parishioner_n that_o be_v of_o age_n be_v compel_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n how_o unfit_a or_o unwilling_a soever_o they_o be_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o penalty_n subsequent_a to_o excommunication_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o refuse_v to_o receive_v be_v absolve_v from_o that_o sentence_n if_o be_v drive_v thereunto_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o lie_v in_o gaol_n and_o the_o parish-minister_n be_v compel_v to_o give_v the_o sacrament_n to_o such_o 27._o many_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o pious_a man_n due_o qualify_v for_o the_o ministry_n be_v cast_v and_o keep_v out_o of_o it_o for_o not_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o all_o and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o book_n of_o ordination_n let_v any_o proof_n be_v give_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n or_o church_n think_v all_o the_o point_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n so_o necessary_a to_o be_v assent_v and_o consent_v to_o or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o so_o severe_o require_v the_o like_a conformity_n to_o opinion_n form_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o reason_n 28._o the_o present_a bishop_n debar_v all_o christian_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o through_o unfeigned_a scruple_n of_o conscience_n refuse_v to_o kneel_v in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n and_o they_o debar_v from_o baptism_n the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o judge_v it_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o permit_v the_o sign_v of_o their_o child_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n do_v not_o so_o nor_o do_v the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n warrant_v the_o same_o 29._o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o present_a church-discipline_n be_v direct_v against_o minister_n and_o people_n who_o observe_v not_o full_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n form_n right_n and_o ceremony_n prescribe_v in_o the_o liturgy_n and_o canon_n but_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n exercise_v it_o against_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o damnable_a heresy_n or_o enormous_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o soberness_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n prescribe_v of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 30._o the_o oath_n impose_v upon_o the_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v their_o presentment_n according_a to_o the_o book_n of_o article_n frame_v by_o the_o bishop_n have_v have_v this_o consequence_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n that_o common_o they_o will_v rather_o overlook_v their_o oath_n than_o become_v accuser_n of_o their_o honest_a neighbour_n not_o only_o those_o who_o withdraw_v from_o but_o those_o who_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o parish_n church_n 31._o the_o require_v of_o the_o reordination_n of_o those_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v ordain_v by_o presbyter_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n it_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n of_o many_o eminent_a bishop_n and_o other_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o have_v maintain_v the_o validity_n of_o presbyterial_a ordination_n it_o nullify_v the_o ministry_n of_o all_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o of_o most_o if_o not_o of_o all_o the_o lutheran_n church_n and_o it_o advance_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n above_o they_o for_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o their_o conversion_n be_v receive_v without_o reordination_n whereas_o those_o that_o come_v from_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n must_v be_v reordain_v before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v when_o in_o scripture_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o come_v in_o afterward_o by_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o church_n and_o bishop_n be_v now_o deliver_v from_o their_o ancient_a low_a and_o distress_a state_n under_o the_o tyranny_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o heathen_a power_n and_o enjoy_v the_o patronage_n and_o bounty_n of_o christian_a ruler_n shall_v not_o be_v consign_v to_o their_o ancient_a meanness_n narrowness_n and_o weakness_n but_o be_v enlarge_v in_o opulency_n amplitude_n and_o potency_n answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v free_o grant_v that_o the_o state_n ecclesiastical_a shall_v in_o reasonable_a proportion_n partake_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n but_o the_o question_n still_o remain_v 1._o whether_o
that_o it_o be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o first_o celebration_n by_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o disciple_n nor_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o do_v any_o way_n appear_v nor_o afterward_o when_o general_a council_n forbid_v kneel_v in_o any_o act_n of_o adoration_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o enjoin_v but_o the_o use_n of_o this_o gesture_n that_o be_v consent_v to_o and_o the_o object_v inconvenience_n follow_v not_o the_o use_n but_o the_o enjoin_v thereof_o in_o the_o rigour_n as_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n those_o that_o scruple_n it_o but_o i_o further_o inquire_v whether_o a_o consent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o a_o rubric_n which_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o injunction_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o consent_n not_o only_o to_o the_o use_n but_o to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o the_o thing_n therein_o prescribe_v moreover_o the_o very_a use_n or_o observe_v of_o this_o rubric_n by_o the_o minister_n be_v a_o injunction_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n because_o it_o include_v a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o not_o to_o deliver_v the_o sacrament_n to_o they_o except_o they_o use_v this_o gesture_n in_o the_o rubric_n after_o the_o communion_n note_v that_o every_o parishioner_n shall_v communicate_v at_o the_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n whereof_o easter_n to_o be_v one_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o parishioner_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o according_o to_o receive_v it_o also_o that_o the_o church_n may_v require_v this_o duty_n of_o all_o her_o member_n and_o censure_v those_o who_o continue_v wilful_o unfit_a be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o this_o rubric_n enjoin_v all_o parishioner_n to_o communicate_v and_o the_o parish-minister_n to_o admit_v they_o without_o any_o proviso_n here_o make_v touch_v their_o fitness_n or_o due_a caution_n elsewhere_o take_v for_o it_o that_o i_o know_v of_o when_o it_o be_v sad_o know_v that_o in_o most_o parish_n too_o many_o parishioner_n be_v notorious_o unfit_a and_o we_o see_v the_o practice_n consequent_a to_o this_o rule_n a_o constant_a general_a admission_n or_o intrusion_n of_o notorious_o ignorant_a or_o ungodly_a person_n who_o pollute_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o beside_o this_o infidel_n papist_n and_o such_o as_o secret_o at_o least_o renounce_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o parish-church_n be_v parishioner_n in_o many_o place_n now_o though_o such_o may_v be_v compel_v to_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v universal_o necessary_a to_o bring_v the_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o they_o may_v be_v enjoin_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n to_o profess_v what_o they_o believe_v not_o or_o to_o take_v that_o which_o be_v the_o special_a privilege_n of_o visible_a church-member_n of_o the_o order_n of_o baptism_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n have_v be_v more_o suspect_v to_o be_v unlawful_a than_o any_o other_o ceremony_n enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o what_o have_v make_v i_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o afterward_o what_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n it_o be_v thus_o object_v it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n but_o a_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n of_o man_n devise_v and_o as_o great_a as_o a_o external_a rite_n can_v be_v and_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n here_o be_v a_o outward_a visible_a sign_n of_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a grace_n the_o outward_a sign_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o instrument_n of_o christ_n suffer_v the_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n or_o a_o soldier_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o christian_a fortitude_n consequent_a thereunto_o as_o the_o word_n of_o the_o liturgy_n do_v import_v and_o we_o sign_v he_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o token_n hereafter_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n crucify_v and_o to_o fight_v manful_o under_o his_o banner_n against_o sin_n the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n unto_o his_o life_n end_v if_o it_o be_v grant_v it_o have_v not_o the_o complete_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o one_o essential_a part_n thereof_o be_v most_o apparent_o in_o it_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o engaging-sign_n for_o our_o part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o in_o the_o liturgy_n it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o token_n of_o our_o engagement_n to_o christ_n crucify_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o servant_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o relation_n moreover_o as_o baptism_n dedicate_v to_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n according_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o canon_n viz._n it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o party_n baptize_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o he_o that_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n hereupon_o i_o inquire_v whether_o a_o ordinance_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o a_o essential_a part_n thereof_o may_v be_v institute_v by_o humane_a authority_n or_o lawful_o use_v by_o those_o that_o be_v under_o authority_n though_o the_o imposer_n say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o while_o they_o declare_v its_o meaning_n to_o be_v of_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v one_o indeed_o though_o in_o word_n they_o deny_v it_o whereas_o to_o avoid_v this_o argument_n some_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o make_v a_o sacrament_n therefore_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n can_v be_v such_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o god_n only_o can_v institute_v a_o lawful_a and_o valid_a sacrament_n of_o his_o covenant_n yet_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o institute_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o intent_n with_o a_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n though_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n and_o such_o a_o ordinance_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o sacrament_n though_o a_o unlawful_a one_o as_o any_o other_o ordinance_n devise_v by_o man_n that_o have_v the_o nature_n and_o formal_a reason_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o worship_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n thereof_o the_o reply_n the_o grand_a objection_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o use_v in_o baptism_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereupon_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o sacrament_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v sacrament_n be_v sign_n appoint_v to_o ratisie_n seal_n and_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o to_o tender_a and_o exhibit_v the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n to_o we_o and_o if_o any_o humane_a authority_n constitute_v any_o sign_n to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v a_o high_a entrenchment_n upon_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n but_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n be_v not_o use_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v use_v indeed_o as_o a_o token_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n and_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o engagement_n that_o the_o party_n baptize_v stand_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v the_o christian_a profession_n and_o warfare_n and_o although_o such_o profession_n and_o engagement_n be_v include_v in_o a_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o peculiar_a thereunto_o or_o of_o its_o specifical_o difference_v nature_n stand_v at_o the_o creed_n be_v a_o profess_v and_o engage_v sign_n of_o christianity_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sacrament_n it_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o 30_o canon_n and_o by_o the_o liturgy_n itself_o that_o the_o infant_n baptize_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o baptism_n before_o it_o be_v sign_v with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o christ_n flock_n as_o a_o perfect_a member_n thereof_o and_o not_o by_o any_o power_n ascribe_v to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o though_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o canon_n that_o it_o be_v a_o honourable_a badge_n whereby_o the_o party_n baptise_a be_v dedicate_v etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o dedication_n by_o the_o cross_n be_v whole_o distinct_a from_o the_o baptismal_a dedication_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v understand_v that_o the_o church_n by_o this_o sign_n engage_v the_o party_n upon_o her_o account_n to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n the_o minister_n act_v in_o the_o
give_v thou_o hearty_a thanks_o for_o that_o it_o have_v please_v thou_o to_o deliver_v this_o our_o brother_n out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o sinful_a world_n also_o that_o when_o we_o shall_v depart_v this_o life_n we_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o as_o our_o hope_n be_v this_o our_o brother_n do_v be_v to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o interment_n of_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o such_o as_o die_v unbaptise_v or_o excommunicate_v or_o have_v lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o themselves_o but_o multitude_n that_o be_v not_o here_o accept_v die_v in_o notorious_a sin_n and_o give_v no_o credible_a evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n though_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a that_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n and_o in_o all_o appearance_n impenitent_a to_o the_o last_o be_v damn_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o there_o be_v ground_n of_o hope_n for_o their_o be_v save_v and_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v own_v as_o brethren_n that_o rest_v in_o christ_n and_o who_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n have_v take_v to_o himself_o and_o on_o who_o behalf_n we_o ought_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n it_o may_v also_o be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o safe_a or_o dangerous_a tendency_n for_o the_o church_n in_o her_o public_a leturgy_n solemn_o to_o declare_v all_o this_o at_o their_o interment_n though_o the_o word_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o resurrection_n in_o general_n and_o not_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o decease_a party_n yet_o the_o very_a commit_v of_o his_o body_n to_o the_o ground_n in_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o the_o resurrection_n to_o eternal_a life_n in_o general_n do_v imply_v some_o degree_n of_o ground_a hope_n of_o his_o part_n in_o that_o resurrection_n or_o else_o the_o say_a word_n seem_v to_o be_v use_v impertinent_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o hope_n where_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o contrary_a i_o answer_v that_o this_o which_o be_v call_v a_o degree_n of_o hope_n be_v a_o mere_a negative_a or_o nothing_o and_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_o sure_a of_o man_n final_a impenitence_n and_o damnation_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o any_o degree_n of_o hope_n nor_o do_v it_o include_v any_o judgement_n make_v of_o the_o party_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a negative_a and_o here_o no_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v include_v because_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n thereof_o suppose_v it_o do_v not_o satisfy_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n suppose_v all_o who_o die_v in_o her_o communion_n to_o be_v hopeful_a because_o this_o suppose_v and_o require_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n now_o we_o see_v that_o discipline_n be_v not_o so_o exercise_v but_o that_o multitude_n in_o who_o no_o credible_a or_o hopeful_a evidence_n of_o repentance_n do_v appear_v die_v in_o her_o communion_n and_o this_o omission_n of_o discipline_n be_v constant_a general_a and_o uncontrolled_a it_o be_v grant_v that_o dying-impenitents_a do_v not_o go_v immediate_o into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o first_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o be_v dispose_v of_o by_o he_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o grant_n of_o mercy_n nevertheless_o we_o know_v that_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n final_o abuse_v and_o violate_v do_v contain_v a_o denunciation_n of_o the_o great_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n and_o it_o seem_v very_o improper_a to_o say_v of_o one_o who_o god_n have_v take_v into_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o adjudge_v to_o everlasting_a punishment_n for_o the_o final_a violation_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v take_v he_o to_o his_o mercy_n or_o unto_o himself_o of_o his_o great_a mercy_n because_o he_o judge_v and_o condemn_v he_o for_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o mercy_n beside_o what_o mortal_a man_n certain_o know_v whether_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n immediate_o after_o death_n be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n some_o geneneral_a observation_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o book_n every_o person_n in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o godly_a or_o regenerate_v when_o multitude_n in_o the_o say_a communion_n be_v palpable_o unregenerate_a and_o ungodly_a this_o appear_v by_o several_a important_a passage_n already_o note_v touch_v every_o person_n baptize_v confirm_v inter_v etc._n etc._n and_o by_o these_o further_a instance_n in_o the_o order_n of_o matrimony_n for_o every_o marry_a couple_n this_o form_n be_v to_o be_v say_v o_o lord_n save_o thy_o servant_n and_o thy_o handmaid_n who_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o and_o the_o like_a for_o every_o sick_a person_n that_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o for_o every_o woman_n that_o be_v church_v it_o be_v likewise_o recommend_v as_o convenient_a that_o the_o new_a marry_a person_n shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o marriage_n or_o at_o the_o first_o opportunity_n after_o their_o marriage_n which_o seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o all_o person_n who_o may_v lawful_o be_v marry_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n the_o objection_n here_o make_v be_v not_o against_o the_o apply_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a or_o the_o like_a form_n of_o word_n or_o the_o vouchsafe_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a privilege_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o those_o that_o give_v any_o credible_a evidence_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v to_o all_o indifferent_o whatsoever_o their_o state_n towards_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n may_v be_v call_v holy_a as_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n give_v they_o the_o stile_n of_o saint_n and_o those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o holy_a brethren_n and_o the_o like_a but_o the_o query_n be_v wherther_n they_o will_v or_o we_o may_v account_v every_o parishioner_n who_o be_v not_o excommunicate_a in_o this_o present_a way_n of_o church-government_n to_o be_v penitent_a and_o believe_v and_o holy_a and_o whether_o we_o may_v use_v towards_o every_o particular_a parishioner_n such_o form_n of_o word_n as_o import_v their_o unfeigned_a faith_n notwithstanding_o a_o manifest_a appearance_n of_o impenitence_n and_o ungodliness_n if_o the_o omission_n of_o thing_n most_o necessary_a in_o some_o main_a part_n of_o the_o liturgy_n be_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o not_o declare_v a_o unfeigned_a assent_n and_o consent_n to_o the_o form_n as_o there_o prescribe_v i_o may_v urge_v that_o in_o the_o general_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o original_a sin_n as_o for_o those_o word_n the_o device_n and_o desire_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n they_o denote_v actual_a sin_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o clause_n there_o be_v no_o health_n in_o we_o betoken_v there_o be_v no_o salvation_n or_o deliverance_n in_o ourselves_o or_o if_o it_o be_v design_v in_o this_o place_n to_o fignify_v original_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o very_a obscure_a expression_n thereof_o this_o omission_n be_v the_o more_o liable_a to_o exception_n if_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o principle_n and_o supposition_n that_o all_o who_o be_v in_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v regenerate_v that_o all_o baptize_v person_n yea_o or_o all_o baptize_v in_o infancy_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o not_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o original_a sin_n or_o that_o no_o relic_n of_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o sin_n remain_v in_o the_o regenerate_a it_o may_v be_v likewise_o urge_v that_o in_o the_o say_a confession_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a express_v of_o actual_a sin_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o the_o morning_n and_o evening-prayer_n most_o consist_v of_o mere_a general_n without_o such_o particular_a confession_n of_o sin_n and_o petition_v for_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v make_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n there_o may_v be_v indeed_o particular_a confession_n and_o petition_n proper_a for_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v not_o here_o intend_v but_o there_o be_v other_o of_o common_a concernment_n and_o necessity_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o my_o query_n be_v whether_o this_o sort_n may_v be_v stated_o omit_v in_o a_o public_a liturgy_n of_o the_o form_n of_o order_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o preface_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n of_o minister_n in_o