encouragement_n to_o encounter_v those_o difficulty_n which_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n may_v expose_v they_o to_o he_o assure_v they_o by_o promise_n of_o a_o propitious_a influence_n not_o only_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o themselves_o but_o those_o who_o shall_v succeed_v they_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o day_n of_o your_o life_n and_o with_o you_o in_o your_o successor_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o transmigration_n of_o your_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o this_o phrase_n be_v of_o no_o inferior_a a_o importance_n be_v manifest_a mat._n 13.39_o 46_o 48._o in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o accommodation_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o speak_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o divide_v the_o time_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o final_a period_n of_o the_o mundane_a system_n into_o two_o age_n the_o first_o extend_v to_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n the_o second_o to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can_v signify_v the_o first_o period_n the_o messiah_n be_v in_o our_o nature_n when_o the_o word_n be_v speak_v therefore_o they_o must_v by_o a_o inevitable_a consequence_n import_v the_o last_o to_o this_o s._n paul_n be_v very_o agreeable_a eph._n 4.11_o where_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n 13._o ver._n 12_o 13._o till_o all_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o most_o transcendent_a gift_n which_o have_v not_o yet_o obtain_v a_o full_a accomplishment_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o mean_n must_v continue_v till_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v the_o apostolical_a function_n be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o its_o final_a period_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o argument_n will_v conclude_v as_o well_o for_o the_o duration_n of_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o same_o verse_n we_o may_v reply_v with_o security_n enough_o that_o there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n if_o it_o do_v so_o by_o prophet_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o text_n to_o understand_v any_o other_o person_n than_o such_o as_o have_v a_o excellent_a skill_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o judas_n and_o silas_n be_v when_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 13.2_o the_o understanding_n of_o mystery_n namely_o evangelical_n doctrine_n lock_v up_o in_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v immediate_o add_v as_o a_o exegesis_n of_o it_o the_o evangelist_n be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o profound_a insight_n into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o gospel_n as_o contain_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o can_v with_o singular_a dexterity_n open_a and_o explain_v its_o true_a importance_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o word_n be_v not_o in_o use_n till_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v pen_v in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o have_v a_o early_a date_n when_o s._n paul_n reckon_v first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n and_o the_o method_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n seem_v to_o engage_v he_o to_o give_v the_o three_o place_n to_o evangelist_n yet_o he_o pass_v they_o by_o in_o silence_n the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o denomination_n both_o these_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o government_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n namely_o suffragans_fw-la to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n the_o prophet_n be_v join_v with_o they_o eph._n 2.20_o we_o read_v of_o their_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o a_o apostolical_a manner_n act_v 13.3_o timothy_n who_o be_v enjoin_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n do_v cooperate_v with_o s._n paul_n and_o minister_v to_o he_o in_o his_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v this_o be_v premise_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o person_n may_v not_o still_o be_v continue_v bishop_n be_v successor_n in_o ordinary_a to_o the_o apostle_n their_o suffragans_fw-la to_o the_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v join_v with_o these_o two_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n so_o these_o be_v with_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n that_o be_v elder_n which_o be_v set_v over_o particular_a congregation_n and_o deacon_n as_o theophylact_v assert_n which_o do_v occasional_o teach_v and_o help_v the_o elder_n in_o their_o ministerial_a function_n 4.11_o in_o ep._n ad_fw-la eph._n c._n 4.11_o and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o end_n be_v prefix_v for_o all_o of_o they_o namely_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n 12._o ver._n 12._o and_o the_o same_o term_n of_o time_n set_v out_o for_o their_o duration_n till_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n therefore_o if_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o same_o concern_v prophet_n and_o evangelist_n the_o thing_n may_v remain_v although_o there_o be_v a_o innovation_n in_o the_o name_n the_o first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n be_v very_a consonant_n to_o what_o have_v be_v assert_v after_o the_o prescribe_v rule_n 14._o c._n 6._o v._n 14._o how_o to_o regulate_v his_o deportment_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a with_o what_o prudence_n to_o exercise_v his_o superiority_n over_o a_o elder_a he_o leave_v this_o injunction_n with_o he_o i_o charge_v thou_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n until_o the_o appear_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o mortality_n of_o timothy_n render_v it_o impossible_a to_o do_v this_o in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v necessary_o employ_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o some_o with_o the_o like_a authority_n even_o to_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o commandment_n we_o must_v not_o understand_v only_o what_o be_v express_v in_o the_o precedent_a verse_n concern_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n but_o the_o system_a of_o rule_n deliver_v in_o the_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signanter_n must_v import_v what_o be_v principal_o command_v in_o it_o that_o be_v principal_o enjoin_v which_o have_v the_o most_o immediate_a connexion_n with_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v write_v the_o end_n of_o the_o pen_n of_o it_o be_v to_o instruct_v timothy_n how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o the_o precept_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o epistle_n in_o particular_a those_o which_o relate_v to_o a_o elder_n have_v the_o most_o direct_a aspect_n upon_o this_o end_n must_v necessary_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o command_n which_o timothy_n be_v charge_v to_o keep_v by_o the_o appear_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o understand_v timothy_n decease_n the_o time_n of_o death_n be_v never_o so_o style_v by_o s._n paul_n or_o any_o other_o in_o any_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a and_o become_v to_o attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o manner_n of_o speak_v which_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o before_o he_o do_v ever_o use_v whereas_o the_o last_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v frequent_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o context_n which_o be_v no_o bad_a interpreter_n 2.13_o 2_o tim._n 4.1_o tit._n 2.13_o do_v determine_v it_o to_o this_o sense_n in_o this_o place_n for_o it_o import_v such_o a_o appearance_n as_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n shall_v show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tempore_fw-la quod_fw-la ipse_fw-la novit_fw-la namely_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o have_v entire_o reserve_v to_o himself_o all_o this_o can_v amount_v to_o no_o less_o than_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n that_o the_o apostolical_a government_n and_o inspection_n shall_v still_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a community_n 3._o as_o a_o further_a evidence_n we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o if_o after_o our_o most_o diligent_a inquiry_n into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o any_o branch_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n remain_v ambiguous_a be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n we_o know_v of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o twofold_a state_n either_o under_o persecution_n before_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o in_o her_o prosperity_n after_o constantine_n the_o great_a have_v obtain_v the_o throne_n there_o be_v none_o who_o doubt_v whether_o a_o apostolical_a imparity_n prevail_v under_o the_o
vulgar_a contempt_n by_o the_o munificence_n of_o prince_n do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o of_o a_o different_a species_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n than_o the_o royal_a apparel_n put_v upon_o mordecai_n do_v constitute_v he_o a_o man_n specifical_o distinct_a from_o he_o who_o use_v to_o sit_v in_o the_o gate_n moses_n when_o advance_v in_o pharaoh_n court_n be_v the_o same_o person_n with_o he_o who_o be_v expose_v in_o the_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n a_o child_n when_o dress_v by_o the_o nurse_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v naked_a the_o ornamental_a favour_n of_o king_n and_o queen_n which_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n make_v no_o great_a a_o alteration_n those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v a_o essential_a difference_n by_o assert_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n have_v the_o same_o ordination_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v then_o of_o the_o same_o order_n whereas_o now_o it_o be_v otherwise_o will_v find_v reason_n to_o alter_v their_o thought_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o ordination_n than_o be_v as_o distinct_a as_o it_o be_v now_o if_o they_o please_v to_o take_v these_o few_o step_n the_o name_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o scripture_n be_v ambulatory_a and_o not_o always_o confine_v to_o the_o same_o order_n of_o man_n those_o who_o have_v attempt_v to_o evidence_n that_o the_o word_n presbyter_n signify_v always_o a_o bishop_n or_o the_o word_n bishop_n a_o presbyter_n have_v be_v more_o curious_a then_o real_o advantageous_a to_o their_o own_o cause_n the_o characteristical_a name_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n be_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n the_o primary_n governor_n be_v know_v by_o the_o first_o their_o suffragans_fw-la and_o coadjutor_n by_o the_o two_o last_o yet_o so_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v invest_v in_o a_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v what_o a_o primary_n apostle_n may_v they_o be_v likewise_o frequent_o style_v apostle_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o epaphroditus_n be_v style_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o philippian_n c._n 2._o v._n 25._o andronicus_n and_o junias_n be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16._o v._n 7._o eusebius_n say_v 12._o l._n 1._o ecc._n h._n c._n 12._o that_o beside_o the_o twelve_o there_o be_v many_o other_o who_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o this_o reason_n s._n mark_n 21._o vale_n in_o eus_n h._n tom_n 1._o p._n 21._o luke_n philemon_n titus_n and_o timothy_n have_v this_o title_n in_o the_o greek_a menology_n these_o have_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n timothy_n be_v vest_v in_o a_o power_n to_o convent_n a_o elder_a and_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o he_o but_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o a_o elder_a over_o a_o evangelist_n or_o a_o apostle_n this_o power_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a and_o assume_v at_o pleasure_n but_o communicate_v to_o they_o by_o commission_n the_o apostle_n do_v nothing_o in_o a_o tumultuary_a way_n but_o be_v agreeable_a in_o their_o practice_n to_o that_o pattern_n and_o order_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v this_o commission_n be_v give_v at_o their_o ordination_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n in_o the_o synagogue_n whereby_o any_o be_v admit_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o government_n and_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o when_o s._n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n how_o to_o govern_v he_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o receive_v at_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n 4.14_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n speak_v which_o plain_o intimate_v that_o his_o gift_n or_o faculty_n to_o superintend_v do_v not_o derive_v its_o original_n from_o any_o commission_n but_o what_o he_o receive_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n now_o if_o their_o power_n be_v distinct_a their_o power_n by_o commission_n their_o commission_n by_o ordination_n the_o rule_n of_o discourse_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o conclude_v that_o their_o ordination_n be_v distinct_a the_o same_o ordination_n can_v produce_v two_o different_a power_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n who_o be_v at_o first_o ordain_v by_o jesus_n ghrist_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mark_v 3.14_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o government_n and_o sit_v upon_o their_o throne_n be_v ordain_v anew_o joh._n 20._o v._n 21._o mathias_n and_o barnabas_n two_o of_o the_o seventy_o and_o by_o consequence_n set_v apart_o before_o 1.12_o eus_n h._n l._n 1.12_o luke_n 10._o v._o 1._o be_v consecrate_v again_o when_o they_o be_v make_v apostle_n act_n 1._o v._o 22_o 26._o c._n 13._o v._n 3._o stephen_n philip_n prochorus_n nicanor_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o may_v give_v credit_n to_o epiphanius_n par_fw-fr adver_n hoer_n l._n 1._o p._n 50._o par_fw-fr be_v of_o the_o same_o number_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v make_v suffragans_fw-la to_o the_o apostle_n they_o have_v a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n act_n 6._o v._o 6._o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o timothy_n himself_o be_v twice_o ordain_v the_o first_o time_n about_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o claudius_n by_o the_o apostle_n own_o hand_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v circumcise_v he_o for_o his_o design_n be_v to_o take_v he_o along_o with_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n no_o doubt_n as_o he_o circumcise_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v the_o jew_n so_o he_o ordain_v he_o that_o he_o may_v not_o offend_v god_n in_o break_v his_o law_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n of_o this_o we_o have_v mention_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o my_o hand_n the_o second_o time_n about_o the_o thirteen_o year_n of_o claudius_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o ephesus_n to_o be_v bishop_n there_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o he_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o that_o church_n he_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o gift_n or_o faculty_n which_o he_o receive_v at_o his_o consecration_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o these_o word_n import_v a_o ordination_n distinct_a from_o the_o former_a for_o that_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n alone_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o prophet_n or_o prophet_n accompany_v in_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o other_o bishop_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v put_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o chrysostome_n oecumenius_n and_o theophilact_fw-mi expound_v it_o and_o confirm_v their_o gloss_n with_o this_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o prophet_n the_o hellenisticall_a stile_n in_o which_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v be_v no_o stranger_n to_o this_o signification_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d raise_v up_o prophet_n in_o thy_o name_n ecclesiast_fw-la c._n 36._o v._n 14._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o vulgar_a lat._n render_v successor_n mosis_fw-la in_o prophetis_fw-la 46.1_o as_o s._n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v at_o antioch_n ordain_v by_o prophet_n and_o other_o bishop_n 3._o act_n 13._o v._o 1_o 2_o 3._o so_o be_v timothy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n if_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v only_o import_v a_o prediction_n of_o his_o aptitude_n to_o execute_v this_o sacred_a function_n the_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d will_v not_o have_v be_v join_v with_o it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 1._o v._n 18._o timothy_n be_v young_a and_o by_o consequence_n want_v the_o circumstance_n of_o age_n to_o commend_v he_o to_o this_o grave_n and_o ponderous_a employment_n the_o prophet_n or_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v his_o fitness_n for_o it_o and_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o superintendency_n that_o they_o may_v far_o contribute_v to_o her_o assurance_n be_v mingle_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o ordainer_n in_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n all_o this_o may_v give_v we_o some_o competent_a assurance_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n from_o this_o practice_n the_o deduction_n of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n concern_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o this_o government_n will_v be_v very_o familiar_a and_o easy_a it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v have_v so_o universal_a a_o entertainment_n in_o all_o
divine_a right_n of_o it_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o a_o father_n of_o a_o family_n have_v not_o its_o foundation_n in_o a_o divine_a law_n because_o it_o receive_v a_o augmentation_n as_o his_o child_n increase_v and_o fall_v under_o divers_a modification_n according_a to_o the_o various_a station_n they_o be_v place_v in_o or_o that_o the_o theocracy_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v not_o derive_v its_o original_n from_o heaven_n because_o it_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v settle_v in_o their_o apartment_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n then_o when_o they_o live_v in_o the_o wilderness_n altogether_o 3._o the_o conform_v ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o civil_a be_v no_o just_a presumption_n against_o a_o divine_a original_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n shall_v conform_v itself_o to_o the_o mould_n it_o fall_v into_o when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o plant_v it_o find_v the_o world_n canton_v into_o province_n in_o every_o province_n a_o metropolis_n inferior_a city_n suburbicarian_a region_n in_o every_o metropolis_n a_o proconsul_n in_o every_o city_n a_o defensor_fw-la upon_o which_o the_o suburbicarian_a region_n do_v depend_v the_o imitation_n of_o this_o civil_a disposition_n in_o place_v a_o bishop_n in_o every_o city_n answerable_a to_o the_o defensor_fw-la in_o every_o metropolis_n a_o archbishop_n suitable_a to_o the_o proconsul_n be_v of_o a_o eminent_a use_n to_o invite_v the_o people_n to_o a_o ready_a obedience_n they_o be_v by_o custom_n habituate_v to_o the_o like_a regiment_n in_o civil_a concernment_n and_o likewise_o give_v the_o governor_n a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o constitution_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o daily_a confluence_n to_o those_o place_n upon_o secular_a account_n there_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n that_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o constitution_n be_v always_o conformable_a to_o the_o deep_a reason_n some_o footstep_n it_o we_o find_v as_o early_o as_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n be_v plant_v in_o metropoles_fw-la as_o corinth_n thessalonica_n antioch_n upon_o which_o those_o who_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o province_n entertain_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v some_o dependence_n the_o second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v inscribe_v to_o all_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v in_o all_o achaia_n the_o first_o to_o the_o thessalonian_o have_v a_o peculiar_a aspect_n upon_o all_o in_o macedonia_n 3.10_o c._n 3.10_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n to_o antioch_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o brethren_n in_o syria_n and_o silicia_n achaia_n be_v the_o province_n of_o corinth_n macedonia_n of_o thessalonica_n syria_n and_o silicia_n of_o antioch_n why_o these_o epistle_n send_v to_o the_o metropolis_n about_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n shall_v be_v inscribe_v to_o all_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o province_n and_o no_o other_o though_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n there_o must_v be_v some_o peculiar_a reason_n 15.4_o rom._n 15.4_o and_o none_o can_v be_v render_v more_o congruous_a than_o this_o that_o all_o christian_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o whether_o city_n or_o suburbicarian_a region_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o metropolis_n in_o point_n of_o government_n as_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o subdue_v a_o country_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n do_v constitute_v there_o a_o civil_a province_n so_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o have_v make_v a_o spiritual_a conquest_n by_o the_o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n a_o ecclesiastical_a therefore_o s._n peter_n when_o he_o write_v to_o the_o convert_v in_o the_o dispersion_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o in_o their_o distinct_a province_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n bythinia_n and_o when_o s._n paul_n mention_n the_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n he_o characterize_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o their_o province_n where_o their_o abode_n be_v it_o have_v please_v they_o of_o macedonia_n and_o achaia_n rom._n 15.26_o achaia_n be_v ready_a a_o year_n ago_o 2_o cor._n 9.2_o this_o hypothesis_n give_v the_o most_o intelligible_a account_n why_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v reduce_v to_o seven_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v more_o congregation_n within_o that_o compass_n 10._o act_n 19_o v._o 10._o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o preacher_n be_v s._n john_n and_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o speak_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o city_n from_o which_o these_o church_n have_v their_o denomination_n be_v metrople_n upon_o which_o the_o lesser_a with_o the_o suburbicarian_a region_n do_v depend_v in_o point_n of_o government_n and_o make_v but_o one_o community_n the_o church_n in_o they_o and_o in_o the_o metropolis_n symbolise_v with_o this_o temper_n in_o the_o state_n be_v represent_v but_o as_o one_o church_n that_o the_o immunity_n of_o a_o metropolis_n do_v belong_v to_o ephesus_n 2._o nat._n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 29._o c._n 30._o pro._n geo._n l._n 5._o c._n 2._o smyrna_n sardis_n pergamos_n laodicea_n be_v assert_v by_o pliny_n to_o thyatira_n by_o ptolemy_n to_o philadelphia_n by_o the_o greek_a act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n under_o menna_n 69._o actio_fw-la quint_v orig_n of_o metropolitan_n p._n 69._o though_o pliny_n do_v not_o attribute_v this_o honour_n to_o thyatira_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v it_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o testimony_n be_v full_o supply_v by_o ptolemy_n who_o be_v not_o his_o inferior_a in_o point_n of_o authority_n philadelphia_n be_v place_v in_o the_o notitiae_fw-la under_o sardis_n be_v no_o demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mother-city_n the_o same_o individual_a may_v be_v a_o mother_n in_o one_o respect_n and_o a_o daughter_n in_o another_o the_o province_n themselves_o be_v not_o all_o equal_a and_o by_o consequence_n the_o mother-city_n in_o one_o province_n may_v be_v inferior_a in_o dignity_n and_o dependent_a in_o power_n upon_o the_o metropolis_n of_o another_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o our_o own_o nation_n of_o the_o two_o province_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v one_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v a_o superiority_n and_o some_o power_n over_o the_o other_o all_o this_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o conform_v ecclesisticall_a government_n to_o the_o civil_a be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o divine_a original_n of_o it_o the_o vine_n which_o be_v plant_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n under_o the_o civil_a power_n as_o a_o wall_n of_o defence_n do_v natural_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o plant_v it_o adapt_v itself_o to_o the_o mode_n of_o that_o which_o it_o grow_v against_o the_o rain_n which_o descend_v from_o heaven_n conform_v to_o the_o figure_n of_o the_o vessel_n it_o fall_v into_o 4._o ecclesiastical_a concern_v be_v manage_v according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n but_o not_o all_o of_o they_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o double_a rule_n the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o council_n the_o last_o consist_v either_o of_o declaration_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n or_o else_o constitution_n to_o restrain_v liberty_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n have_v leave_v to_o our_o choice_n either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v as_o for_o prelacy_n the_o essence_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o a_o superiority_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n over_o elder_n within_o a_o certain_a precinct_n it_o be_v ever_o own_v by_o the_o church_n as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n council_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o right_n more_o early_o than_o themselves_o and_o never_o give_v it_o a_o place_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o determination_n he_o who_o think_v fit_a to_o consult_v the_o code_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n can_v remain_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n 5._o the_o church_n acknowledgement_n of_o her_o subordination_n to_o the_o civil_a power_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o a_o belief_n that_o her_o government_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o divine_a right_n economical_a regiment_n which_o do_v undoubted_o derive_v its_o origin_n from_o heaven_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o subordinate_a to_o the_o civil_a power_n a_o father_n of_o a_o family_n though_o he_o govern_v his_o progeny_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v accountable_a to_o his_o prince_n and_o limitable_a by_o his_o decree_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o authority_n 3.15_o eph._n 3.15_o the_o church_n be_v
these_o be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.23_o and_o now_o a_o inspection_n be_v to_o be_v make_v whether_o their_o demeanour_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o import_n of_o their_o sacred_a function_n at_o their_o ordination_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o divest_v themselves_o of_o their_o authority_n to_o govern_v in_o those_o place_n st_n paul_n say_v 11.28_o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o that_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n be_v upon_o he_o they_o convey_v a_o power_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v light_a without_o be_v loser_n by_o the_o communication_n the_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v episcopi_fw-la &_o pastor_n gregis_fw-la but_o the_o apostle_n remain_v to_o be_v episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la &_o pastorum_fw-la 20.17_o act_n 20.17_o and_o therefore_o st_n paul_n at_o his_o visitation_n at_o miletus_n cite_v the_o elder_n to_o make_v their_o appearance_n and_o leave_v his_o apostolical_a injunction_n with_o they_o and_o in_o his_o instruction_n to_o timothy_n how_o to_o demean_v himself_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o branch_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v not_o to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a without_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o plain_o intimate_v a_o superiority_n over_o they_o reside_v both_o in_o himself_o and_o timothy_n these_o with_o the_o laity_n be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v visit_v let_v we_o visit_v our_o brethren_n 4_o here_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o visitation_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o every_o city_n where_o we_o have_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o every_o city_n the_o plantation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v first_o begin_v in_o city_n insomuch_o that_o the_o word_n infidel_n and_o pagan_a that_o be_v one_o inhabit_v in_o a_o village_n become_v synonimous_a or_o term_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n when_o the_o disciple_n be_v make_v fisher_n of_o man_n they_o cast_v their_o net_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a confluence_n and_o expectation_n of_o success_n when_o the_o convert_n be_v increase_v to_o such_o a_o number_n that_o one_o place_n have_v not_o capacity_n enough_o to_o entertain_v they_o they_o be_v not_o like_a bee_n when_o they_o swarm_v put_v into_o a_o hive_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o that_o from_o which_o they_o come_v though_o they_o worship_v god_n in_o their_o apartment_n yet_o they_o continue_v to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o prejudice_v by_o this_o division_n into_o divers_a congregation_n then_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o division_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a city_n although_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o assembly_n than_o one_o yet_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 8.1_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o act_n 13.1_o act_n 8.1_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n all_o of_o they_o be_v embody_v under_o the_o same_o numericall_a government_n make_v but_o one_o community_n elder_n be_v constitute_v to_o take_v the_o immediate_a care_n of_o they_o yet_o what_o they_o do_v be_v only_o in_o a_o subordination_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v so_o far_o appropriate_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v authentic_a and_o have_v the_o impress_n of_o authority_n without_o their_o consent_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o city_n st_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v challenge_v to_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o visitation_n this_o power_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o all_o city_n but_o those_o only_a where_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o apostolical_a jurisdiction_n be_v not_o exercise_v in_o every_o place_n but_o confine_v to_o a_o certain_a precinct_n every_o star_n do_v move_v in_o his_o own_o orb._n when_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o his_o boast_a according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o rule_n 10.16_o 2_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o not_o in_o another_o line_n he_o intimate_v that_o every_o apostle_n have_v his_o bound_n and_o province_n the_o word_n allude_v to_o the_o measure_n whereby_o surveyor_n use_v to_o adjust_a the_o right_n of_o other_o and_o assign_v to_o every_o one_o their_o proper_a allotment_n or_o to_o the_o white_a line_n which_o the_o agonisticall_a law_n do_v oblige_v racer_n to_o conform_v their_o course_n unto_o and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o run_v over_o they_o do_v not_o visit_v in_o every_o city_n but_o those_o in_o which_o they_o preach_v though_o they_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o teach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o have_v none_o to_o govern_v but_o where_o they_o teach_v with_o success_n &_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o the_o faith_n those_o who_o live_v without_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n like_o the_o earth_n before_o propriety_n be_v settle_v be_v primi_fw-la occupantis_fw-la the_o apostle_n who_o take_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o the_o government_n of_o they_o the_o vanquish_a do_v lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n and_o regiment_n of_o their_o conqueror_n st_n chrysost_n observe_v that_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v manifest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o necessity_n of_o inspection_n what_o they_o plant_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o water_n and_o by_o a_o prudent_a discipline_n to_o eradicate_v every_o thing_n whereby_o the_o growth_n of_o it_o may_v be_v impede_v they_o standing_z in_o a_o paternal_a relation_n to_o such_o who_o be_v beget_v again_o by_o the_o word_n which_o they_o have_v preach_v it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o omission_n of_o duty_n not_o to_o have_v interest_v themselves_o in_o the_o nurture_n of_o they_o 5._o here_o be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o visitation_n to_o see_v how_o they_o do_v though_o in_o the_o greek_a we_o have_v only_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o the_o syriack_n version_n be_v as_o full_a as_o we_o ut_fw-la videamus_fw-la quid_fw-la agant_fw-la these_o apostle_n know_v that_o those_o who_o they_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o many_o distemper_n in_o the_o convert_a jew_n there_o be_v remain_v some_o faeces_fw-la of_o their_o former_a disease_n they_o nauseated_a the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o make_v it_o their_o choice_n to_o pick_v and_o eat_v the_o rubbish_n of_o the_o partition_n wall_n which_o christ_n have_v demolish_v the_o right_n of_o the_o law_n which_o expire_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o this_o time_n have_v a_o honourable_a interment_n they_o attempt_v to_o pull_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n and_o give_v a_o resurrection_n to_o they_o the_o convert_a gentile_n be_v not_o total_o deliver_v from_o the_o power_n of_o former_a custom_n and_o education_n amid_o these_o circumstance_n the_o infernal_a spirit_n be_v not_o backward_o to_o act_v his_o part_n the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n can_v no_o soon_o in_o any_o place_n appear_v above_o the_o horizon_n but_o he_o do_v endeavour_v to_o raise_v his_o mist_n in_o order_n to_o the_o obscure_n of_o he_o some_o of_o his_o instrument_n be_v animate_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n as_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n simon_n magus_n who_o be_v style_v his_o first_o bear_v 55._o epiph._n l._n 1._o tom_n 2._o p._n 55._o do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o this_o usurpation_n but_o invade_v the_o right_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n he_o assert_v he_o be_v the_o father_n among_o the_o samaritan_n the_o son_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o holy_a ghost_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o new_a heaven_n there_o be_v some_o planet_n which_o do_v affect_v a_o erratic_a motion_n in_o the_o new_a earth_n some_o weed_n present_o spring_v up_o in_o paradise_n regain_v the_o temptation_n begin_v at_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o give_v denomination_n to_o the_o gnostic_n they_o pretend_v to_o know_v how_o to_o secure_v their_o title_n to_o the_o heavenly_a purchase_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v sobriety_n they_o find_v a_o way_n to_o turn_v into_o wantonness_n and_o make_v it_o a_o pander_n to_o their_o impure_a appetite_n they_o be_v impatient_a to_o sit_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v desirous_a to_o invest_v themselves_o with_o the_o preeminence_n they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d trample_v under_o foot_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o order_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a erection_n in_o these_o circumstance_n among_o the_o influence_n of_o so_o many_o infectious_a example_n the_o brethren_n be_v not_o exempt_v from_o the_o peril_n of_o contagion_n the_o holy_a
prelate_n and_o to_o sink_v they_o into_o the_o same_o order_n with_o presbyter_n but_o at_o the_o bottom_n no_o kindness_n be_v intend_v their_o design_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o b._n of_o rome_n they_o make_v he_o and_o not_o christ_n the_o immediate_a fountain_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o and_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o presbyter_n undoubted_o interest_v in_o it_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o allow_v any_o order_n in_o the_o church_n superior_a to_o they_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o concession_n may_v lessen_v the_o dignity_n of_o that_o mystery_n hitherto_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o disease_n both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a which_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text._n and_o now_o i_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o remedy_n namely_o a_o apostolical_a or_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o inspection_n what_o s._n paul_n and_o s._n barnabas_n do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n only_o but_o authority_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o primitive_a age_n which_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o the_o prevent_n and_o heal_a distemper_n as_o our_o bless_a lord_n retain_v the_o power_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n during_o his_o residence_n upon_o the_o earth_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o be_v style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o pet._n 2.25_o so_o their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 1.10_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n within_o a_o certain_a precinct_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o s._n james_n be_v settle_v betimes_o at_o jerusalem_n for_o this_o sacred_a purpose_n s._n paul_n at_o his_o first_o come_n 19_o gal._n 1.18_o 19_o find_v he_o reside_v upon_o his_o episcopal_a charge_n at_o his_o last_n both_o he_o and_o his_o elder_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a assembly_n 21.18_o act_n 21.18_o the_o brethren_n come_v from_o he_o to_o antioch_n as_o their_o bishop_n about_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v 2.12_o gal._n 2.12_o although_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n 15.20_o act_n 15.20_o yet_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o his_o word_n eusebius_n say_v par_fw-fr euseb_n hist_o eccl._n l._n 7._o c._n 19_o p._n 265._o par_fw-fr that_o the_o chair_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o be_v preserve_v unto_o his_o time_n this_o settlement_n be_v make_v immediate_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o a_o pattern_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o imitate_v in_o their_o several_a plantation_n as_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v through_o all_o nation_n begin_v at_o jerusalem_n luke_n 24.27_o so_o likewise_o the_o law_n whereby_o the_o convert_a nation_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v isa_n 2.3_o therefore_o s._n paul_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reform_v some_o abuse_n at_o corinth_n tacit_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o it_o as_o the_o place_n from_o which_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n first_o come_v 1_o cor._n 14.36_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n that_o all_o thing_n in_o every_o place_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o fullness_n of_o growth_n and_o be_v ripen_v into_o a_o exactness_n of_o order_n in_o a_o moment_n divine_a providence_n settle_v at_o first_o this_o sensible_a rule_n for_o all_o who_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n to_o operate_v by_o and_o come_v up_o unto_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o place_n will_v permit_v and_o therefore_o in_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o we_o read_v of_o titus_n be_v leave_v in_o crete_n and_o timothy_n at_o ephesus_n their_o not_o reside_v always_o in_o those_o place_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o not_o be_v bishop_n there_o than_o it_o will_v be_v that_o richard_n the_o first_o be_v not_o king_n of_o england_n because_o our_o chronicle_n represent_v he_o sometime_o in_o cyprus_n sometime_o in_o germany_n sometime_o in_o the_o holy_a land_n agreeable_a likewise_o to_o this_o pattern_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n enthrone_v in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n as_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o letter_n to_o they_o in_o which_o he_o commend_v those_o virtue_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o function_n his_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o firmament_n in_o which_o those_o pleyade_n be_v fix_v they_o can_v as_o some_o will_v persuade_v we_o signify_v seven_o church_n the_o church_n be_v style_v candlestick_n the_o angel_n star_n so_o long_o as_o star_n be_v of_o a_o nature_n distinct_a from_o candlestick_n the_o angel_n must_v import_v some_o thing_n different_a from_o the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v seven_o college_n of_o elder_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o denote_v one_o individual_a this_o be_v the_o constant_a import_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o context_n which_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o customary_a signification_n the_o plural_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o v._n 24._o have_v no_o necessary_a relation_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o thyatira_n but_o may_v without_o any_o incongruity_n be_v refer_v to_o those_o who_o be_v mention_v v._n 23._o i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o be_v you_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jezebel_n shall_v receive_v punishment_n according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o your_o crime_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o the_o rest_n which_o have_v not_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a rule_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o desert_v the_o proper_a import_n of_o any_o word_n and_o fly_v to_o a_o improper_a but_o where_o those_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o conjunction_n put_v a_o necessity_n upon_o we_o neither_o can_v the_o seven_o angel_n be_v seven_o pastor_n of_o so_o many_o particular_a congregation_n for_o all_o which_o do_v adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o lydian_a asia_n be_v contain_v under_o the_o seven_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a for_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o congregation_n within_o that_o compass_n in_o ephesus_n alone_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n mighty_o grow_v act_v 19.20_o there_o can_v be_v no_o few_o than_o that_o number_n oratory_n and_o place_n of_o convention_n can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a capacity_n in_o those_o time_n when_o christian_n be_v hinder_v from_o building_n by_o continual_a storm_n of_o persecution_n therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v but_o one_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o divers_a congregation_n the_o best_a record_v next_o unto_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o polycarp_n one_o undoubted_o invest_v in_o a_o power_n of_o this_o latitude_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o compute_v what_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v concern_v the_o rest_n all_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v represent_v without_o any_o disparity_n in_o their_o magnitude_n timothy_n and_o titus_n with_o these_o seven_o must_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o precedent_n or_o chairman_n only_o have_v a_o primacy_n of_o order_n among_o the_o presbyter_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n to_o visit_v and_o govern_v the_o laity_n but_o the_o deacon_n and_o elder_n themselves_o 19_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o &_o 5.22.17_o 19_o these_o they_o do_v examine_v ordain_v provide_v for_o their_o maintenance_n have_v authority_n to_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o they_o 5.21_o tit._n 1.11_o &_o 8.10_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o who_o do_v teach_v false_a doctrine_n reject_v the_o heretical_a and_o be_v charge_v in_o their_o several_a consistory_n to_o prejudice_v no_o man_n nor_o to_o be_v bias_v with_o any_o partial_a regard_n 2.20_o rev._n 2.2_o rev._n 2.20_o the_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v apostle_n of_o thyatira_n reprove_v for_o suffer_v such_o as_o do_v teach_v and_o seduce_v the_o people_n which_o can_v argue_v no_o less_o than_o a_o superiority_n vest_v in_o they_o over_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o those_o church_n if_o the_o power_n have_v not_o be_v in_o these_o person_n alone_o why_o be_v the_o charge_n direct_v to_o they_o commendation_n give_v when_o perform_v reprehension_n when_o neglect_v without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o coordinate_a society_n have_v they_o be_v in_o the_o quality_n of_o chairman_n only_o who_o office_n be_v to_o preserve_v order_n in_o the_o convention_n without_o any_o conclusive_a power_n in_o themselves_o the_o do_v of_o the_o thing_n
will_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v as_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o modus_fw-la or_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v namely_o not_o in_o a_o confuse_a and_o tumultuary_a way_n but_o in_o method_n agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o regular_a society_n when_o timothy_n be_v command_v to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n lay_v hold_v on_o eternal_a life_n to_o keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o titus_n to_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o become_v sound_a doctrine_n rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n avoid_v foolish_a question_n we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o those_o before_o mention_v there_o be_v nothing_o express_v in_o the_o text_n which_o discover_v any_o discrimination_n the_o independency_n of_o their_o power_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o deportment_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o delegate_n they_o be_v s._n paul_n challenge_v to_o himself_o alone_o a_o authority_n to_o set_v in_o order_n what_o be_v amiss_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n to_o visit_v with_o his_o rod_n and_o exempt_v no_o degree_n whether_o elder_n or_o people_n from_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o eusebius_n out_o of_o clemens_n inform_v we_o of_o s._n john_n visitation_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n epiphanius_n of_o s._n peter_n in_o pontus_n and_o bythinia_n par_fw-fr l._n 3._o c._n 23.3_o l._n 1._o tom_n 2._o p._n 107._o par_fw-fr if_o titus_n and_o timothy_n be_v delegated_a to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o be_v and_o a_o apostle_n do_v act_n without_o a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o elder_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o their_o obligation_n to_o they_o be_v no_o great_a elder_n indeed_o be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n but_o not_o to_o govern_v alone_o what_o they_o do_v be_v in_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o apostle_n the_o apostle_n act_v without_o their_o concurrence_n but_o we_o never_o read_v that_o they_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o be_v not_o accountable_a to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a the_o spirit_n and_o authority_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n the_o hand_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v signal_o interest_v if_o any_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o authority_n to_o visit_v and_o govern_v the_o clergy_n by_o a_o single_a person_n be_v a_o remedy_n adapt_v only_o to_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o that_o in_o after-age_n the_o apostolical_a superiority_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o a_o parity_n prevail_v they_o will_v meet_v with_o no_o small_a inducement_n to_o alter_v their_o mind_n if_o they_o please_v impartial_o to_o weigh_v these_o three_o particular_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o declaration_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n 1._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v continue_v long_o in_o repair_v without_o inspection_n and_o government_n though_o the_o universal_a be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n yet_o particular_a church_n be_v liable_a to_o dilapidation_n and_o if_o government_n be_v necessary_a no_o form_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n and_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o which_o prevail_v in_o the_o apostolical_a age._n those_o who_o be_v most_o under_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o fancy_v that_o he_o who_o shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n in_o order_n to_o the_o purchase_v a_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o unconcern_v for_o it_o as_o to_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o world_n without_o rule_n of_o settlement_n that_o he_o who_o do_v erect_v this_o new_a society_n shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o method_n of_o all_o founder_n leave_v it_o without_o statute_n prescribe_v the_o mode_n of_o regulation_n that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o government_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n shall_v ascend_v with_o it_o to_o heaven_n and_o not_o deposit_v it_o in_o some_o prudent_a hand_n to_o secure_v his_o subject_n upon_o the_o earth_n against_o the_o inevitable_a inconvenience_n of_o anarchy_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o great_a shepherd_n shall_v leave_v his_o flock_n either_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o tremulous_a decision_n of_o their_o own_o discretion_n or_o else_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n which_o by_o his_o unerring_a prescience_n he_o be_v assure_v will_v have_v for_o three_o hundred_o year_n the_o same_o degree_n of_o kindness_n for_o they_o as_o wolf_n have_v for_o sheep_n that_o he_o who_o after_o his_o resurrection_n spend_v forty_o day_n upon_o the_o earth_n speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v pass_v by_o in_o silence_n the_o regiment_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a moment_n and_o have_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o who_o give_v a_o positive_a commission_n to_o his_o apostle_n undoubted_o contain_v something_o over_o and_o above_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n which_o be_v that_o the_o church_n must_v be_v govern_v in_o the_o government_n there_o must_v be_v a_o superiority_n in_o some_o a_o subordination_n in_o other_o superior_n must_v have_v all_o become_a regard_n express_v to_o they_o inferior_n be_v accountable_a for_o the_o violation_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o yet_o express_v nothing_o concern_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v the_o only_a positive_a which_o can_v have_v be_v add_v to_o what_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n give_v we_o the_o perception_n of_o though_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o presumption_n to_o determine_v what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v by_o what_o we_o conceive_v he_o ought_v to_o appoint_v our_o intellect_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o method_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o when_o we_o find_v by_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v a_o church_n will_v have_v this_o church_n to_o be_v one_o this_o one_o church_n to_o be_v well_o govern_v that_o some_o mode_n of_o government_n be_v of_o indispensable_a necessity_n in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v not_o unbecoming_a our_o christian_a humility_n to_o pronounce_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o particular_a form_n he_o who_o will_v the_o end_n never_o fail_v to_o contrive_v the_o mean_n which_o conduce_v to_o it_o among_o the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n we_o do_v not_o only_o rank_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o particular_a proposition_n but_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o such_o axiom_n and_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v appoint_v some_o government_n none_o can_v make_v a_o more_o just_a claim_n to_o be_v it_o then_o that_o which_o be_v practise_v by_o his_o holy_a apostle_n who_o be_v inspire_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o intimate_a converse_n with_o he_o do_v enjoy_v the_o most_o advantageous_a opportunity_n to_o gain_v a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o his_o mind_n this_o certain_o have_v the_o best_a right_a to_o be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o all_o model_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v their_o allowance_n or_o disallowance_n according_a as_o they_o appear_v conformable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o though_o a_o argument_n from_o apostolical_a practice_n in_o general_n may_v fail_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o love-feast_n the_o community_n of_o good_n the_o office_n of_o deaconiss_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o such_o a_o species_n of_o practice_n as_o be_v ground_v upon_o universal_a reason_n and_o not_o upon_o peculiar_a respect_n and_o incommunicable_a circumstance_n the_o validity_n of_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v those_o who_o have_v make_v the_o most_o scrupulous_a inquiry_n into_o the_o government_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v find_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o a_o inseparable_a accommodation_n to_o that_o age._n it_o be_v true_a the_o unction_n whereby_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o vulgar_a composition_n the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v they_o a_o unerring_a conduct_n in_o frame_v rule_n of_o discipline_n a_o power_n to_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o action_n by_o miraculous_a operation_n yet_o their_o function_n namely_o to_o govern_v be_v ordinary_a and_o do_v import_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v enjoy_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n the_o power_n may_v descend_v where_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o degree_n of_o aptitude_n to_o use_v it_o do_v not_o commodus_n be_v inferior_a to_o antoninus_n in_o political_a accomplishment_n and_o yet_o do_v inherit_v his_o power_n in_o the_o amplitude_n of_o it_o caligula_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o augustus_n in_o architectonicall_a skill_n