matthew_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o aristion_n and_o john_n the_o elder_a our_o lord_n disciple_n do_v speak_v the_o two_o last_o of_o who_o he_o often_o cite_v by_o name_n in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o work_n relate_v the_o passage_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a presbyter_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o not_o the_o ult_n difference_n only_o betwixt_o presbyter_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v by_o he_o acknowledge_v but_o further_a also_o that_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o three_o office_n in_o his_o judgement_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o 6._o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o angelical_a glory_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n who_o hard_a upon_o the_o time_n of_o the_o forenamed_a papias_n write_v unto_o the_o consul_n servianus_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o egypt_n make_v distinct_a mention_n in_o his_o letter_n of_o saturnini_n the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o ibid._n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o bishop_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o have_v deduce_v episcopacy_n from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o declare_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o father_n term_v bishop_n we_o be_v now_o further_o to_o inquire_v why_o these_o church_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o in_o the_o superscription_n of_o that_o apostolical_a epistle_n prefix_v before_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n 4_o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n where_o s._n john_n direct_v his_o letter_n unto_o they_o thus_o indefinite_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o their_o particular_a name_n can_v by_o common_a intendment_n be_v conceive_v to_o have_v understand_v any_o other_o thereby_o but_o such_o as_o by_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o asia_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n also_o do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n under_o they_o for_o take_v asia_n here_o in_o that_o strict_a sense_n wherein_o the_o new_a testament_n use_v it_o as_o denote_v the_o lydian_a asia_n alone_o of_o the_o circuit_n whereof_o i_o have_v treat_v 2._o elsewhere_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o after_o so_o long_a pain_n take_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n in_o the_o husband_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o more_o but_o seven_o church_n therein_o especial_o since_o s._n paul_n that_o 10._o wise_a master-builder_n profess_v that_o he_o have_v here_o 9_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a open_v unto_o he_o and_o s._n luke_n testify_v according_o that_o 20._o all_o they_o which_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v which_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o labour_n move_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v his_o residence_n 31._o in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n wherein_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o night_n and_o day_n with_o tear_n so_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o these_o seven_o church_n comprise_v all_o the_o rest_n within_o they_o be_v not_o bare_a parochial_a one_o or_o so_o many_o particular_a congregation_n but_o diocesan_n church_n as_o we_o use_v to_o call_v they_o if_o not_o metropolitical_a rather_o for_o that_o in_o 29._o laedicea_n sardis_n smyrna_n ephesus_n and_o 30._o pergamus_n the_o roman_a governor_n hold_v their_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o all_o the_o city_n and_o town_n about_o have_v recourse_n for_o the_o end_n of_o their_o suit_n be_v note_v by_o pliny_n and_o beside_o these_o which_o be_v the_o great_a thyatira_n be_v also_o by_o 5._o ptolemy_n express_o name_v a_o metropolis_n as_o philadelphia_n also_o be_v in_o the_o 5._o greek_a act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n hold_v under_o menas_n which_o give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o seven_o city_n in_o which_o these_o seven_o church_n have_v their_o seat_n be_v all_o of_o they_o metropolitical_a and_o so_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o town_n and_o city_n of_o asia_n as_o unto_o daughter_n rise_v under_o they_o this_o lydian_a asia_n be_v separate_v from_o caria_n by_o the_o river_n maeander_n upon_o the_o bank_n whereof_o magnesia_n and_o trallis_n be_v seat_v to_o the_o christian_n whereof_o ignatius_n direct_v two_o of_o his_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o damas_n bishop_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o polybius_n bishop_n or_o 35._o ruler_n as_o eusebius_n call_v he_o of_o the_o other_o who_o they_o have_v send_v to_o visit_v he_o at_o smyrna_n add_v withal_o in_o that_o to_o the_o trallian_n his_o usual_a admonition_n trallian_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o ibid._n to_o the_o presbytery_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o hope_n ib._n he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o deacon_n such_o a_o one_o be_v defile_v in_o conscience_n ibid._n fare_v you_o well_o in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o presbyter_n wherein_o we_o may_v note_v that_o with_o twelve_o year_n after_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n make_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n for_o then_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v these_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n write_v other_o episcopal_a city_n be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o lydian_a asia_n and_o two_o such_o as_o in_o after_o time_n be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v 90._o under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o ephesus_n but_o whether_o this_o subordination_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n who_o epistle_n be_v extant_a unto_o these_o three_o church_n and_o 35._o damas_n the_o than_o bishop_n of_o magnefia_n with_o polybius_n of_o trallis_n be_v at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o one_o simus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n may_v well_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o ignatius_n direct_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n roman_n which_o have_v presidency_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o body_n thereof_o do_v attribute_n unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o syria_n whereby_o as_o he_o intimate_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o antiock_n but_o also_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o province_n of_o syria_n which_o be_v under_o that_o metropolis_n so_o do_v he_o likewise_o not_o obscure_o signify_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v at_o that_o time_n a_o presidency_n over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o vrbicarian_a region_n as_o the_o imperial_a constitution_n or_o the_o leguntur_fw-la roman_a province_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o arles_n call_v it_o what_o that_o vrbicarian_a region_n be_v i_o will_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o discuss_v whether_o tuscia_n only_o wherein_o rome_n itself_o be_v situate_v which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n be_v one_o entire_a region_n but_o afterward_o divide_v into_o tuscia_n suburbicaria_n and_o annonaeria_n or_o the_o territory_n wherein_o the_o praefectus_fw-la vrbis_fw-la do_v exercise_v his_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o hundred_o mile_n about_o the_o city_n or_o with_o that_o those_o other_o province_n also_o whereunto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la vrbis_fw-la do_v extend_v or_o last_o the_o circuit_n within_o which_o those_o 69._o bishopric_n be_v contain_v that_o 23._o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o frequent_o call_v to_o his_o synod_n the_o name_n whereof_o be_v find_v register_v in_o the_o record_n of_o that_o church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o which_o number_n as_o it_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n receive_v confirmation_n from_o the_o roman_a synod_n of_o seventy_o bishop_n hold_v under_o gelasius_n so_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n from_o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o italy_n we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o ancient_a testimony_n from_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n aurelian_a who_o in_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v betwixt_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o domnus_n for_o the_o house_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d
to_o who_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n and_o rome_n shall_v by_o their_o letter_n declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v which_o distinction_n aswell_o in_o the_o forecited_a suprà _fw-la act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n as_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o 588._o sardican_a synod_n and_o 640._o athanasius_n may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v the_o name_n of_o italy_n be_v in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n apply_v therein_o to_o the_o seven_o province_n which_o be_v under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la or_o lieutenant_n of_o italy_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a of_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n and_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o observe_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a afterward_o confirm_v this_o kind_n of_o primacy_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n rome_n and_o antioch_n and_o 6._o in_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o other_o province_n do_v make_v their_o entrance_n into_o that_o canon_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v which_o as_o it_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o confirm_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o conceive_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o alexandria_n to_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_o epistle_n unto_o servianus_n saturnino_n even_o the_o very_a patriarch_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v into_o egypt_n be_v by_o some_o compel_v to_o adore_v serapis_n and_o by_o other_o to_o worship_n christ._n as_o if_o upon_o his_o return_v into_o egypt_n either_o from_o his_o visitation_n of_o lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n which_o this_o same_o nicene_n canon_n show_v to_o have_v of_o old_a belong_v unto_o his_o care_n or_o from_o his_o flight_n in_o that_o present_a time_n of_o persecution_n he_o shall_v suffer_v this_o distraction_n the_o heathen_a labour_a to_o compel_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o serapis_n and_o his_o own_o christian_a flock_n on_o the_o other_o side_n strive_v to_o keep_v he_o constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n for_o that_o either_o the_o heathen_a have_v will_n or_o the_o christian_n power_n at_o that_o time_n to_o force_v the_o jewish_a patriarch_n of_o who_o some_o do_v understand_v the_o place_n to_o the_o adoration_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o probability_n in_o it_o that_o part_n also_o of_o the_o canon_n which_o ratify_v the_o ancient_a right_n of_o metropolitan_o of_o all_o other_o province_n may_v serve_v to_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o complaint_n which_o some_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o synod_n s._n cyprian_n make_v against_o novatianus_n for_o the_o confusion_n which_o by_o his_o schism_n he_o bring_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o 52._o whereas_o long_o since_o in_o all_o province_n and_o in_o all_o city_n bishop_n have_v be_v ordain_v in_o age_n ancient_a sound_a in_o faith_n try_v in_o affliction_n proscribe_v in_o persecution_n yet_o take_v he_o the_o boldness_n to_o create_v other_o false_a bishop_n over_o their_o head_n namely_o subordinate_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n and_o metropolitan_o in_o every_o province_n in_o africa_n at_o that_o time_n although_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a province_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o one_o ecclesiastical_a whereof_o cyprian_n himself_o be_v 2._o archbishop_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o trullan_n synod_n call_v he_o it_o please_v say_v he_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 40._o all_o the_o bishop_n constitute_v either_o in_o our_o province_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o all_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v on_o his_o side_n the_o sea_n do_v belong_v unto_o one_o province_n 45_o for_o our_o province_n say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n be_v spread_v more_o large_o have_v numidia_n also_o and_o both_o the_o mauritaniaes_n annex_v unto_o it_o whence_o that_o great_a council_n assemble_v by_o he_o for_o determine_v the_o question_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v cypriani_fw-la out_o of_o the_o province_n of_o africa_n numidia_n and_o mauritania_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o proconsular_a africa_n wherein_o carthage_n be_v seat_v numidia_n and_o both_o the_o mauritany_n sitifensis_n and_o caesariensis_n be_v account_v three_o distinct_a province_n yet_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o make_v but_o one_o province_n immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o prime_n see_v of_o carthage_n some_o threescore_o year_n before_o this_o african_a council_n be_v hold_v by_o cyprian_a those_o other_o provincial_n synod_n be_v assemble_v by_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o sundry_a nation_n fot_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o paschall_n controversy_n then_o hot_o pursue_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o in_o our_o neighbour_n country_n out_o of_o 23._o the_o parish_n for_o so_o in_o the_o ancient_a language_n of_o the_o church_n those_o precinct_n be_v name_v which_o now_o we_o call_v diocese_n of_o which_o irenaeus_n have_v the_o superintendency_n whence_o also_o he_o write_v that_o free_a epistle_n unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o brethren_n over_o who_o he_o be_v precedent_n at_o which_o time_n and_o before_o the_o 1._o most_o famous_a metropoles_fw-la of_o that_o country_n and_o so_o the_o ibid._n most_o eminent_a church_n therein_o be_v lion_n and_o vienna_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d be_v then_o no_o less_o renown_v a_o prelate_n than_o cyprian_n be_v afterward_o in_o africa_n dionysius_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o corinth_n be_v elder_a than_o they_o who_o among_o many_o other_o epistle_n direct_v one_o 23._o to_o the_o church_n of_o gortyna_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n wherein_o he_o salute_v their_o bishop_n philip._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o that_o time_n aswell_o as_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v 8._o gortyna_n be_v the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o whole_a island_n which_o kind_n of_o superintendency_n there_o eusebius_n the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o titus_n who_o out_o of_o the_o history_n that_o be_v before_o his_o time_n he_o relate_v to_o have_v hold_v 1._o the_o bishopric_n of_o the_o church_n in_o crete_n with_o who_o the_o grecian_n of_o after_o time_n do_v full_o concur_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o subscription_n annex_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d to_o titus_n ordain_v as_o there_o they_o say_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n and_o by_o the_o argument_n prefix_v by_o they_o before_o the_o same_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n that_o oecomeâ—o_n he_o be_v by_o paul_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o that_o great_a country_n and_o have_v commission_n to_o ordain_v the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n unto_o he_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o out_o of_o which_o m._n calvin_n collect_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o general_a we_o learn_v out_o of_o this_o place_n that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o such_o a_o equality_n betwixt_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o one_o who_o be_v precedent_n over_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o counsel_n and_o s_o chrysostom_n for_o the_o particular_a of_o titus_n 1._o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o approve_a man_n he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v that_o whole_a island_n unto_o he_o he_o will_v not_o have_v command_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o bishop_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v very_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o man_n and_o bishop_n jewel_n 5._o upon_o he_o again_o have_v the_o government_n of_o many_o bishop_n what_o may_v we_o call_v he_o but_o a_o archbishop_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o island_n stick_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o control_n to_o deduce_v the_o ordination_n of_o their_o metropolitan_a from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n for_o whereas_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antioch_n do_v claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o cyprus_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o island_n prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o 7._o from_o the_o time_n
opinion_n of_o singularity_n and_o onelinesse_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o acknowledge_v in_o other_o remote_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o protestant_n not_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n long-ago_a that_o the_o word_n superintendent_n be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o the_o word_n bishop_n both_o from_o the_o same_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o some_o protestant_a church_n practise_v a_o prelacy_n vail_v it_o over_o with_o the_o word_n superintendency_n if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o 365._o zanchie_a will_v speak_v out_o and_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o tell_v we_o that_o episcopi_fw-la who_o we_o call_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o be_v word_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o thing_n signify_v there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o altercation_n and_o strife_n about_o word_n but_o what_o will_v he_o say_v to_o the_o practice_n he_o distinguish_v protestant_a church_n in_o this_o respect_n into_o three_o difference_n some_o whereof_o practice_n a_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o the_o clergy_n under_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o bishop_n another_o sort_n the_o same_o but_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o and_o general_n superintendent_o who_o we_o call_v archbishop_n last_o he_o disclose_v a_o three_o kind_n a_o circumstance_n very_o remarkable_a who_o although_o they_o avoid_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_o yet_o use_v they_o to_o be_v such_o primarii_fw-la as_o to_o say_v eminent_a in_o prelacy_n as_o in_o who_o for_o so_o he_o say_v the_o whole_a authority_n consist_v now_o therefore_o our_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o the_o church_n exercise_v prelacy_n or_o the_o other_o that_o only_o practise_v equality_n exceed_v in_o number_n the_o number_n of_o church_n which_o have_v prelate_n under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o of_o superintendent_o be_v in_o signification_n the_o same_o seem_v to_o greg._n de_fw-fr valentia_n the_o jesuit_n so_o many_o that_o he_o think_v all_o protestant_a church_n to_o have_v bishop_n a_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n doctor_n duraeus_n and_o a_o zealous_a hunter_n after_o the_o best_a game_n which_o be_v the_o general_a peace_n of_o protestant_a church_n among_o themselves_o have_v set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o church_n reform_v on_o both_o party_n and_o reckon_v if_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v seven_o bishop_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o swede_n in_o denmark_n bishop_n in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n superintendent_o and_o in_o all_o imperial_a city_n among_o the_o protestant_n beside_o divers_a other_o reform_a church_n the_o like_a which_o we_o suppose_v will_v rather_o keep_v their_o conformity_n with_o england_n then_o taste_v new_a wine_n with_o other_o see_v that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v 39_o the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o whether_o the_o episcopal_a form_n be_v not_o the_o only_a and_o apostolical_a come_v now_o to_o be_v discuss_v by_o inquire_v into_o antiquity_n vi_o thesis_n that_o the_o former_a reason_n of_o confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o episcopal_n prelacy_n for_o preservation_n of_o concord_n and_o prevent_v of_o schism_n be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o the_o ecchoing_n unto_o the_o sentence_n of_o ancient_a father_n among_o who_o hierome_n can_v tell_v we_o corrumpat_fw-la that_o the_o original_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o one_o presbyter_n in_o a_o degree_n above_o other_o be_v decree_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o take_v away_o schism_n which_o use_v thereof_o be_v hold_v so_o necessary_a in_o the_o day_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o say_v hierome_n spare_v not_o to_o affirm_v sacerdotes_fw-la that_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o who_o except_o some_o eminent_a authority_n be_v give_v there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n in_o the_o church_n so_o he_o and_o before_o he_o tertullian_n thus_o pax._fw-la the_o bishop_n be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o safety_n our_o peace_n will_v be_v also_o safe_a but_o how_o etc._n chrysostome_n and_o gregory_n nyssen_n do_v illustrate_v both_o affirm_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o precentor_n in_o a_o choir_n a_o governor_n in_o a_o camp_n and_o a_o pilot_n in_o a_o ship_n by_o which_o episcopal_a order_n say_v reducantur_fw-la basil_n the_o church_n be_v reduce_v as_o one_o soul_n into_o communion_n and_o concord_n yea_o and_o before_o all_o these_o rome_n cyprian_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n complain_v of_o such_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n against_o their_o bishop_n as_o be_v cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o a_o divine_a power_n of_o government_n so_o he_o these_o will_v some_o say_v be_v but_o their_o say_n and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o their_o say_n be_v not_o the_o symboll_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o meaning_n but_o we_o presume_v better_o of_o they_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o the_o rather_o for_o their_o further_a satisfaction_n which_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o next_o thesis_n vii_o thesis_n that_o bishop_n primitive_o be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a champion_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o also_o the_o great_a adversary_n to_o romish_a popedom_n as_o have_v also_o our_o english_a before_o we_o can_v begin_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o thesis_n we_o be_v confront_v by_o our_o opposite_n against_o primitive_a father_n in_o strange_a term_n vindication_n bishop_n by_o advance_v the_o authority_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v thereby_o say_v they_o but_o plead_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o make_v a_o stirrup_n for_o the_o romish_a antichrist_n to_o mount_v into_o his_o pontifical_a saddle_n so_o they_o which_o contumely_n against_o the_o reverend_a antiquity_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o call_v by_o its_o proper_a name_n be_v therefore_o not_o to_o reprove_v other_o but_o to_o prove_v what_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n which_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n live_v in_o the_o torrid_a zone_n of_o fiery_a persecution_n and_o other_o in_o a_o temperate_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o have_v it_o confess_v that_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n do_v above_o all_o other_o make_v their_o inquisition_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o fury_n most_o especial_o upon_o bishop_n we_o have_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o cyprian_a but_o much_o more_o in_o other_o ecclesiastical_a history_n wherein_o as_o be_v confess_v by_o stigmata_fw-la master_n brightman_n although_o dioclesian_n in_o his_o edict_n do_v especial_o command_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o that_o have_v take_v sacred_a order_n yet_o in_o a_o further_a habuerint_fw-la speciality_n the_o massacre_a of_o bishop_n he_o relate_v that_o one_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o of_o they_o be_v martyr_v in_o two_o place_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o be_v also_o reckon_v the_o number_n of_o 160._o bishop_n who_o be_v martyr_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o fancy_v that_o these_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v member_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o degree_n sake_n can_v pride_n it_o in_o their_o episcopal_a office_n will_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n they_o will_v rather_o think_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v prelate_n it_o as_o mariner_n use_v to_o frolic_v it_o rather_o in_o a_o calm_a of_o tranquillity_n but_o for_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v easy_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n beza_n who_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o pose_v whether_o he_o shall_v impute_v the_o note_n of_o pride_n unto_o these_o primitive_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o name_n have_v always_o be_v celebrious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n basil_n nysen_n nazianzen_n athanasius_n chrysostome_n ambrose_n and_o augustine_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v afterward_o have_v episcopal_a government_n in_o their_o several_a church_n answer_v say_v augustino_n i_o never_o hear_v any_o speak_v or_o read_v any_o write_v otherwise_o then_o honourable_o of_o those_o man_n as_o be_v meet_v so_o he_o of_o his_o time_n he_o can_v not_o prophesy_v of_o the_o future_a it_o be_v good_a that_o these_o who_o use_v this_o new_a and_o broad_a language_n have_v consider_v 20._o that_o bishop_n be_v then_o almost_o the_o only_a one_o who_o as_o occasion_n fall_v out_o either_o pull_v the_o romish_a pope_n out_o of_o his_o saddle_n when_o he_o be_v mount_v or_o else_o pluck_v away_o his_o stirrup_n that_o in_o those_o time_n he_o can_v not_o get_v up_o for_o whereas_o popedom_n be_v a_o double_a usurpation_n one_o of_o plenitude_n of_o authority_n throughout_o universal_a over_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o of_o a_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n in_o
take_v he_o at_o his_o own_o word_n in_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v some_o way_n a_o authoritative_a prelacy_n and_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o extraordinary_a it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o receive_v a_o ordinary_a but_o a_o true_a answer_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o press_v his_o confession_n as_o we_o may_v do_v his_o reason_n thereof_o deduct_v from_o the_o text_n themselves_o concern_v their_o prelatical_a power_n of_o order_v matter_n that_o be_v amiss_o tit._n 1._o 5._o of_o receive_a accusation_n against_o presbyter_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o and_o the_o like_a but_o our_o other_o opposite_n will_v needs_o pose_v we_o require_v we_o to_o answer_v their_o first_o objection_n videl_n smect_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o pedigree_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n then_o this_o be_v prove_v say_v they_o by_o two_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v the_o identity_n of_o their_o name_n which_o quoth_v they_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n we_o answer_v yea_o rather_o of_o none_o at_o all_o else_o be_v master_n beza_n but_o of_o small_a judgement_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v confess_v appellatione_fw-la that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v then_o a_o precedent_n over_o they_o yea_o when_o the_o community_n of_o name_n so_o he_o of_o presbyter_n and_o bpâ—_n remain_v among_o they_o according_o as_o 3._o dr_n reynolds_n have_v say_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v then_o one_o who_o be_v precedent_n over_o they_o when_o as_o yet_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o who_o furthermore_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o distinguish_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n whither_o soon_o or_o late_a here_o or_o there_o he_o say_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v afterward_o appropriate_v by_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o presidentship_n over_o the_o elder_n so_o he_o hereby_o grant_v that_o the_o presidentship_n by_o bishop_n be_v of_o force_n before_o the_o title_n and_o name_n be_v appropriate_v and_o allot_v unto_o they_o if_o our_o opposite_n have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o learned_a author_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v their_o pain_n in_o oppugn_v episcopacy_n how_o much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v consult_v with_o god_n own_o oracle_n in_o his_o word_n wherein_o we_o find_v which_o former_o we_o point_v at_o that_o saint_n peter_n entitle_v himself_o a_o co-presbyte_a 1._o pet._n 5._o &_o 1_o saint_n john_n himself_o a_o presbyter_n 1._o john_n 1_o and_o saint_n paul_n himself_o thrice_o he_o can_v then_o stoop_v no_o low_a a_o deacon_n col._n 1._o 23._o &_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 3._o &_o 6._o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o inferior_a appellation_n they_o hold_v still_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o apostelship_n we_o end_v this_o point_n in_o hope_n that_o our_o opposite_n will_v take_v out_o this_o lesson_n which_o calvin_n learn_v from_o the_o divine_a text_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o titus_n what_o be_v that_o even_o our_o full_a conclusion_n in_o this_o cause_n praeâ—sset_fw-la we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o a_o equality_n say_v he_o among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o one_o be_v with_o authority_n place_v over_o other_o their_o second_o convince_a objection_n will_v be_v discuss_v xviii_o thesis_n that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v have_v a_o prelacy_n as_o bishop_n over_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v call_v evangelist_n according_a to_o consent_v of_o protestant_n of_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o second_o and_o only_o other_o objection_n which_o our_o opposite_n enforce_v in_o this_o case_n to_o wit_n 115._o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n with_o all_o other_o such_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o assistant_n and_o immediate_a successor_n do_v take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o proper_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n who_o have_v no_o settle_a residence_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o but_o be_v encounter_v with_o other_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remote_a church_n in_o good_a number_n for_o praeerat_fw-la luther_n among_o his_o other_o resolution_n insert_v this_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n ground_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o text_n specify_v titus_n his_o government_n in_o crete_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o augustine_n 2._o their_o learned_a quadrent_fw-la scultetus_n show_v that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o assist_v the_o apostle_n for_o collect_v of_o church_n at_o evangelist_n but_o for_o govern_v of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v collect_v as_o the_o general_a precept_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o do_v prove_v thereby_o to_o become_v the_o example_n &_o type_n for_o the_o successor_n to_o follow_v and_o thereupon_o he_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o who_o otherwise_o be_v call_v evangeliste_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o their_o superintendency_n bishop_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n preminentiae_fw-la master_n moulin_n will_v have_v it_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v whether_o as_o bishop_n or_o evangelist_n it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o continual_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o other_o confess_v as_o james_n have_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o mark_v in_o alexandria_n which_o be_v episcopal_a titus_n say_v episcopus_fw-la tossahus_o after_o his_o peregrination_n with_o paul_n be_v appoint_v bishop_n of_o crect_n and_o before_o these_o utriusque_fw-la zuinglius_fw-la confess_v that_o tim._n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o paul_n advise_v he_o to_o pursue_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4._o be_v then_o bishop_n in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o by_o all_o consequence_n 5._o dr._n gerhard_n a_o late_a famous_a theological_a author_n be_v copious_a in_o this_o argument_n who_o in_o the_o same_o show_v that_o the_o word_n evangelist_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o paul_n write_v unto_o he_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a acceptation_n and_o not_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o assistant_n even_o as_o luther_n say_v he_o understand_v it_o beside_o he_o show_v out_o of_o scripture_n exact_o the_o several_a station_n which_o timothy_n have_v with_o saint_n paul_n in_o exercise_v his_o office_n before_o that_o time_n that_o he_o be_v place_v bishop_n in_o ephesus_n we_o forbear_v the_o full_a allegation_n of_o the_o like_a author_n cite_v by_o other_o that_o we_o may_v hearken_v to_o our_o english_a doctor_n reynolds_n nothing_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o tell_v we_o of_o that_o very_a time_n when_o paul_n assemble_v the_o ministry_n at_o miletum_n act._n 20._o 28._o 3._o one_o be_v choose_v as_o chief_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o gâ—â—d_v it_o the_o same_o who_o afterward_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n call_v bishop_n so_o he_o and_o for_o confirmation_n hereof_o show_v that_o which_o must_v indeed_o be_v impregnable_a to_o wit_n a_o lineal_a succession_n of_o 27._o bishop_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o timothy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o for_o surplus_n age_n to_o all_o this_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o object_v reason_n propound_v for_o timothy_n nonresidence_n in_o ephesus_n by_o that_o qualification_n which_o jurisconsulti_fw-la calvin_n have_v do_v in_o like_a case_n namely_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o tie_v to_o their_o glebe_n or_o charge_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o help_v other_o church_n upon_o necessary_a occasion_n as_o for_o the_o object_v term_n of_o evangelist_n we_o moreover_o answer_v from_o scripture_n where_o we_o find_v philip_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o samaria_n act._n 8._o 5._o call_v a_o evangelist_n act._n 21._o 8._o and_o yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o mean_v deacon_n act._n 6._o 5._o our_o quaere_fw-la be_v why_o timothy_n may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v a_o bishop_n as_o philip_n be_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n name_v in_o evangelist_n be_v a_o deacon_n we_o think_v all_o this_o shall_v be_v satisfactory_a although_o no_o more_o be_v say_v but_o more_o we_o have_v xix_o thesis_n that_o antiquity_n teach_v a_o episcopacy_n both_o in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n our_o strong_a opposite_a extitere_fw-la salmasius_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v concern_v antiquity_n although_o he_o spurn_v against_o it_o that_o chrysostome_n epiphaneus_n theophylact_fw-mi theodoret_n and_o other_o greek_a commentatour_n have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n that_o titus_n be_v very_o bishop_n of_o creeâ—e_n and_o that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v divers_a bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v our_o