though_o never_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a see_v cod._n eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o and_o at_o the_o famous_a conference_n at_o carthage_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o donatist_n bishop_n by_o the_o command_n of_o constantine_n the_o emperor_n who_o be_v become_v christian_a the_o rule_n on_o both_o side_n agree_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n or_o diocese_n see_v conference_n of_o the_o first_o day_n and_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n the_o two_o great_a schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o africa_n and_o the_o novatian_a at_o rome_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o instead_o hereof_o see_v how_o st._n cyprian_n among_o other_o aggravate_v the_o schism_n of_o novatius_fw-la for_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o for_o say_v he_o since_o there_o can_v be_v a_o second_o after_o the_o first_o whosoever_o be_v make_v bishop_n where_o one_o be_v make_v already_o be_v not_o another_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o cypr._n epist_n 52._o n._n 4._o and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o epistle_n 55._o n._n 6._o 9_o declare_v that_o to_o have_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o prevent_v schism_n see_v st._n cypr._n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la eccles_n n._n 3_o 4._o and_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o epistle_n 162._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o now_o that_o it_o be_v so_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o allow_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o reconcile_v this_o to_o their_o hypothesis_n but_o by_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o either_o the_o city_n be_v very_o small_a in_o those_o day_n or_o else_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o they_o be_v so_o few_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o this_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o do_v in_o the_o ordinary_a city_n which_o mr._n clarkson_n in_o his_o book_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n affirm_v be_v no_o large_a than_o our_o ordinary_a market-town_n in_o england_n but_o even_o in_o the_o very_o large_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v more_o christian_n than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o church_n to_o serve_v god_n as_o in_o rome_n alexandria_n constantinople_n carthage_n and_o the_o rest_n all_o which_o far_o exceed_v any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n both_o for_o largeness_n and_o number_n of_o people_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o strange_a old_a rome_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o city_n so_o large_a and_o populous_a that_o it_o excel_v london_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n as_o far_o as_o london_n now_o do_v new_a rome_n and_o have_v by_o computation_n at_o that_o time_n above_o 1000000_o inhabitant_n as_o dr._n maurice_n show_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n p._n 340._o and_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o one_o consider_v those_o vast_a and_o mighty_a piece_n of_o workmanship_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v do_v there_o the_o ruin_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n as_o dr._n burnet_n in_o his_o travel_n tell_v we_o who_o gather_v from_o thence_o that_o that_o city_n must_v have_v be_v vast_o populous_a about_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v in_o aurelius_n his_o day_n 50_o mile_n in_o circumference_n dr._n m._n p._n 212._o and_o yet_o will_v mr._n clarkson_n allow_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o this_o great_a city_n than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o of_o alexandria_n which_o be_v 15_o mile_n in_o circumference_n according_a to_o pliny_n l._n 5._o 9_o and_o the_o rest_n all_o great_a far_o than_o london_n now_o be_v but_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n they_o will_v reduce_v they_o all_o to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o consequence_n give_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v they_o unchristian_a heretic_n schismatic_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v strange_a that_o christianity_n shall_v make_v no_o better_o a_o progress_n consider_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o city_n and_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o they_o and_o consider_v the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o learned_a father_n of_o those_o age_n and_o their_o extraordinary_a gift_n that_o in_o so_o large_a and_o populous_a a_o city_n as_o rome_n christianity_n shall_v gain_v no_o more_o proselyte_n in_o 300_o year_n than_o can_v meet_v all_o in_o one_o church_n notwithstanding_o st._n paul_n himself_o have_v preach_v there_o for_o many_o year_n the_o very_a quaker_n in_o london_n which_o be_v not_o comparable_a to_o old_a rome_n have_v make_v more_o proselyte_n already_o than_o the_o apostle_n in_o much_o long_a time_n for_o be_v all_o the_o quaker_n in_o london_n assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n i_o doubt_v that_o never_o a_o church_n in_o the_o kingdom_n will_v be_v find_v large_a enough_o to_o contain_v they_o but_o beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v so_o few_o as_o these_o dissenter_n will_v make_v they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n in_o less_o than_o 300_o year_n they_o have_v no_o interest_n at_o court_n nor_o in_o the_o army_n but_o be_v presecute_v by_o the_o emperor_n all_o that_o time_n unless_o in_o two_o reign_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o human_a cause_n assign_v for_o it_o but_o their_o great_a number_n but_o far_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a city_n entire_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o cesaria_n and_o lydda_n act_v 9_o 35._o and_o other_o so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n whole_a city_n and_o country_n be_v become_v christian_a as_o eusebius_n affirm_v praep._n evang._n l._n 1._o p._n 12_o 13._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o single_a congregation_n to_o contain_v a_o quarter_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n much_o less_o of_o a_o whole_a diocese_n for_o beside_o the_o large_a and_o populous_a city_n every_o bishop_n have_v a_o territory_n within_o his_o diocese_n which_o extend_v itself_o for_o several_a mile_n round_o the_o city_n for_o every_o city_n have_v a_o large_a territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n round_o about_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o govern_v the_o city_n and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o magistrate_n reach_v in_o civil_a matter_n so_o far_o do_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n reach_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n see_v can._n apostolic_a 34._o by_o which_o a_o bishop_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a or_o archbishop_n but_o what_o relate_v to_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o the_o territory_n under_o it_o and_o see_v can._n antioch_n 9_o &_o 10._o but_o that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v far_o beyond_o the_o wall_n or_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o theodoret_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o cyrus_n have_v a_o diocese_n 40_o mile_n square_a and_o yet_o he_o reckon_v his_o episcopacy_n of_o divine_a institution_n see_v his_o epist_n 42._o and_o he_o have_v within_o his_o diocese_n 800_o parish_n church_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o epist_n 113._o to_o leo._n this_o be_v a_o instance_n so_o clear_a against_o our_o dissenter_n that_o mr._n baxter_n and_o mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v no_o way_n to_o answer_v it_o but_o first_o that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n which_o objection_n be_v full_o remove_v by_o dr._n still_v fleet_n in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 256._o and_o by_o dr._n maur._n def._n of_o dioc._n episc_n p._n 396._o and_o this_o epist_n of_o theod._n prove_v to_o be_v his_o own_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o his_o other_o write_n and_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o liberatus_n who_o infallible_o know_v theodoret_n style_n and_o write_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o come_v from_o the_o vatican_n library_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v authentic_a but_o when_o people_n be_v drown_v rather_o than_o sink_v they_o will_v catch_v hold_n of_o a_o bulrush_n the_o other_o exception_n they_o take_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o bishop_n of_o a_o single_a diocese_n but_o of_o a_o province_n and_o that_o theodoret_n be_v a_o archbishop_n but_o that_o cyprus_n of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o bishop_n be_v no_o metropolis_n at_o that_o time_n nor_o theodoret_n primate_n of_o a_o province_n but_o under_o a_o metropolitan_a appear_v by_o his_o 16_o ep._n and_o by_o his_o 81_o 82_o 34_o 94_o and_o 161._o alexander_n be_v then_o his_o metropolitan_a but_o theodoret_n be_v
clement_n st._n cyprian_n st._n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o st._n clement_n say_v in_o his_o ep._n 54_o 55_o 56_o 57_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o reserve_v this_o power_n of_o appoint_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o themselves_o to_o prevent_v the_o contention_n that_o may_v happen_v about_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o person_n choose_v and_o to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v true_a the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o new_a bishop_n for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o be_v man_n blameless_a and_o of_o good_a report_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o the_o people_n that_o best_o know_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n shall_v be_v present_a to_o testify_v the_o same_o and_o herewith_o agree_v st._n cyprian_n ep._n 68_o who_o mr._n baxter_n vouch_v for_o the_o contrary_a say_v he_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v choose_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o by_o their_o presence_n their_o fault_n may_v be_v publish_v or_o their_o good_a action_n commend_v but_o say_v not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o people_n power_n of_o elect_v he_o prayer_n all_o our_o ordination_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v demand_v of_o the_o bishop_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o can_v or_o will_v except_v against_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v see_v the_o form_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o book_n of_o common_a prayer_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o no_o church_n power_n which_o they_o have_v but_o they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o common_a stock_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a the_o community_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o st._n chrysostom_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr sacerdotio_fw-la complain_v much_o of_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o judge_v in_o such_o matter_n so_o do_v st._n augustine_n ep._n 110._o and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o own_o minister_n but_o the_o mischief_n that_o will_v necessary_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o when_o ever_o the_o people_n assume_v this_o power_n of_o choose_v it_o cause_v so_o great_a disturbance_n in_o the_o church_n that_o at_o antioch_n the_o division_n of_o the_o people_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n have_v kindle_v such_o a_o flame_n as_o have_v almost_o destroy_v both_o church_n and_o city_n the_o like_a at_o rome_n upon_o the_o choice_n of_o damascus_n and_o if_o the_o people_n have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a independent_a anabaptist_n quaker_n and_o papist_n teacher_n all_o in_o one_o parish_n and_o so_o this_o will_v set_v open_a a_o door_n to_o infinite_a division_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o popular_a election_n the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o people_n by_o several_a council_n as_o 12._o and_o 13._o can._n conc._n laodicea_n conc._n antioch_n c._n 18._o etc._n etc._n conc._n 2_o d._n of_o nice_a c._n 3._o the_o reason_n that_o first_o give_v layman_n a_o title_n to_o the_o nomination_n of_o minister_n be_v when_o christian_a prince_n and_o other_o have_v give_v large_a endowment_n to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v think_v but_o just_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o nomination_n of_o the_o minister_n for_o those_o church_n that_o they_o have_v build_v and_o endow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o prerogative_n in_o the_o king_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n here_o and_o long_o before_o any_o freedom_n of_o election_n be_v pretend_v to_o see_v stat._n 25._o edw._n 3._o and_o the_o case_n of_o the_o king_n be_v ecclesiastical_a power_n in_o lord_n cook_n be_v 8_o the_o rep._n and_o the_o case_n of_o praemunire_n in_o sir_n john_n davenant_n report_n case_n ult_n and_o this_o title_n of_o patronage_n have_v be_v confirm_v to_o layman_n by_o several_a council_n as_o 1_o st_z coun._n of_o orange_n anno_fw-la dom._n 441._o 2_o d._n counc_fw-la of_o arles_n anno_fw-la 452._o 9_o the_o counc_fw-la of_o toledo_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o right_n of_o presentation_n be_v not_o only_o use_v in_o england_n but_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n in_o denmark_n the_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v by_o the_o king_n so_o they_o be_v in_o swedeland_n so_o in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n the_o superintendant_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o several_a prince_n and_o the_o patron_n present_v before_o ordination_n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n have_v a_o salvo_n for_o the_o right_n of_o patronage_n in_o france_n the_o minister_n be_v choose_v by_o minister_n at_o geneva_n by_o the_o council_n of_o state_n who_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o depose_v they_o and_o beza_n in_o his_o ep._n 83._o declare_v against_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n as_o a_o thing_n without_o any_o ground_n in_o scripture_n grotius_n ep._n ad_fw-la boatslaer_n ep._n 62._o p._n 21._o agree_v herein_o how_o come_v then_o our_o english_a dissenter_n to_o make_v this_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n to_o wit_n the_o deprive_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n when_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o never_o have_v any_o such_o right_n but_o when_o they_o get_v it_o by_o usurpation_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o even_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n at_o this_o day_n but_o beside_o the_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o attend_v it_o by_o make_v the_o people_n run_v into_o division_n and_o faction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n very_o unreasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o such_o a_o ignorant_a proud_a unpeaceable_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o mr._n baxter_n himself_o confess_v in_o his_o sacrilegiae_fw-la dissert_n p._n 102._o etc._n etc._n the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v judge_n of_o their_o minister_n ability_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n who_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o revile_v the_o best_a and_o grave_a minister_n as_o the_o same_o mr._n baxter_n say_v himself_o in_o his_o cure_n of_o divis_n p._n 393._o sure_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v provide_v able_a and_o fit_a minister_n for_o we_o than_o such_o sort_n of_o people_n as_o these_o unless_o any_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o magistrate_n and_o clergy_n be_v all_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o ignorant_a common_a people_n the_o only_a incourager_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v say_v it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o a_o parish_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o take_v a_o minister_n put_v into_o the_o cure_n by_o some_o young_a raw_a extravagant_a heir_n that_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o estate_n to_o which_o the_o advowson_n do_v belong_v but_o perhaps_o be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o a_o minister_n as_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o parish_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o such_o ignorant_a person_n may_v sometime_o have_v the_o right_n of_o presentation_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o put_v into_o the_o cure_n any_o minister_n they_o please_v for_o the_o patron_n have_v only_o the_o right_n of_o present_v his_o clerk_n who_o must_v be_v admit_v and_o institute_v by_o the_o bishop_n before_o the_o cure_n be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a and_o if_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o clergy_n after_o examination_n have_v etc._n etc._n do_v think_v he_o any_o way_n unqualify_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n he_o may_v reject_v he_o and_o put_v the_o patron_n to_o present_v another_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n which_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o do_v within_o six_o month_n from_o the_o time_n the_o church_n become_v void_a he_o shall_v lose_v his_o presentation_n for_o that_o turn_n and_o the_o bishop_n shall_v present_v so_o that_o the_o patron_n it_o seem_v can_v put_v who_o he_o will_v on_o the_o people_n for_o their_o pastor_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o find_v personam_fw-la idoneam_fw-la a_o fit_a person_n and_o now_o before_o we_o pass_v from_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o silence_n minister_n or_o not_o doubtless_o he_o have_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v safe_a for_o since_o the_o
the_o case_n state_v between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n wherein_o the_o first_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n and_o the_o latter_a plain_o demonstrate_v from_o their_o own_o write_n and_o those_o of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v downright_a schismatic_n collect_v from_o the_o best_a author_n on_o either_o side_n and_o make_v public_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o have_v revive_v matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o be_v find_v fault_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n with_o the_o london_n case_n when_o they_o drop_v the_o dispute_n while_o their_o author_n be_v live_v by_o e._n s._n d._n d._n victrix_n causa_fw-la this_o placuit_fw-la sed_fw-la victa_fw-la catoni_fw-la lucan_n london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o john_n nut_n neâ—â—_n stationers-hall_n mdcc_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o dissenter_n have_v again_o take_v the_o field_n and_o revive_v a_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v some_o time_n lay_v aside_o i_o can_v neither_o think_v it_o useless_a or_o impertinent_a to_o rise_v up_o in_o defence_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n against_o which_o they_o be_v declare_v enemy_n and_o vindicate_v the_o best_a of_o church_n in_o its_o excellency_n of_o government_n and_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o though_o many_o learned_a person_n have_v already_o oblige_v the_o public_a with_o unanswerable_a discourse_n in_o her_o favour_n and_o leave_v we_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o her_o worship_n and_o discipline_n yet_o since_o her_o adversary_n have_v rally_v again_o and_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o death_n of_o some_o of_o her_o champion_n as_o dr._n scot_n dr._n calamy_n etc._n etc._n be_v employ_v in_o pick_v holes_n in_o the_o london_n case_n i_o can_v not_o but_o think_v it_o very_o proper_a to_o remind_v they_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o what_o they_o be_v attacking_z and_o give_v they_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o her_o beauty_n whilst_o they_o be_v make_v inquiry_n after_o her_o fault_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o have_v collect_v the_o argument_n which_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o on_o both_o side_n and_o give_v the_o reader_n the_o true_a state_n of_o a_o controversy_n which_o none_o but_o man_n of_o invincible_a obstinacy_n will_v maintain_v after_o such_o clear_a conviction_n that_o the_o church_n which_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o by_o make_v use_n of_o her_o ceremony_n worship_n god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o by_o breathe_v forth_o her_o desire_n in_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n show_v a_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o that_o make_v she_o i_o need_v say_v very_o little_a in_o relation_n to_o the_o name_n of_o those_o author_n i_o have_v have_v recourse_n to_o on_o either_o side_n they_o be_v gentleman_n of_o know_a authority_n by_o their_o write_n and_o be_v eminent_a in_o the_o several_a congregation_n they_o belong_v to_o but_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v satisfy_v after_o a_o due_a perusal_n that_o the_o dissenter_n have_v eye_n and_o see_v not_o have_v ear_n and_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o like_o the_o adder_n be_v deaf_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o charmer_n charm_v he_o never_o so_o wise_o else_o they_o will_v fling_v themselves_o into_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v unity_n and_o who_o purity_n so_o persuasive_a as_o may_v make_v even_o her_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o she_o the_o case_n state_v etc._n etc._n when_o god_n almighty_a first_o give_v a_o be_v to_o man_n and_o do_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o permit_v he_o to_o wear_v his_o maker_n image_n he_o appoint_v he_o no_o other_o guide_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o reason_n under_o the_o government_n of_o which_o he_o live_v the_o first_o two_o thousand_o year_n after_o his_o creation_n but_o as_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o keep_v man_n in_o that_o unalterable_a obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o creator_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a to_o give_v he_o more_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o wherefore_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n to_o write_v a_o law_n for_o his_o people_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a and_o sometime_o of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n this_o law_n be_v reveal_v to_o man_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o angel_n but_o it_o consist_v chief_o of_o type_n and_o ceremony_n and_o consequent_o not_o have_v that_o plainess_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o humane_a capacity_n as_o that_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n god_n do_v then_o often_o appear_v to_o his_o people_n himself_o and_o instruct_v they_o more_o immediate_o in_o the_o way_n he_o will_v have_v they_o go_v by_o and_o the_o path_n it_o be_v his_o will_n they_o shall_v shun_v and_o man_n live_v under_o this_o law_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n superad_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o reasonable_a creature_n till_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o pleasure_n to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o full_a and_o excellent_a manner_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o to_o this_o very_a day_n be_v absolve_v by_o it_o from_o our_o obedience_n to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a vid._n galat._n 4._o and_o as_o this_o law_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o after_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a so_o the_o precept_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o be_v most_o extraordinary_a have_v nothing_o in_o they_o which_o be_v either_o superfluous_a or_o want_v towards_o the_o lead_a man_n to_o heaven_n on_o very_o reasonable_a condition_n it_o be_v so_o adapt_v and_o fit_v to_o all_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o the_o very_o mean_a capacity_n may_v easy_o understand_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n and_o this_o evangelical_n law_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o walk_v by_o but_o notwithstanding_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v leave_v the_o world_n such_o plain_a and_o positive_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o none_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o so_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o never_o want_v some_o within_o it_o of_o such_o restless_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n as_o to_o disturb_v its_o peace_n and_o quiet_n by_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o it_o which_o st._n paul_n foresee_v when_o he_o tell_v the_o elder_n act_n 20._o 30._o also_o of_o yourselves_o shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o but_o though_o there_o have_v be_v always_o some_o division_n in_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o plant_v of_o it_o yet_o for_o the_o first_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v much_o few_o than_o what_o have_v be_v since_o and_o those_o that_o be_v be_v much_o more_o discountenance_a and_o oppose_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n than_o they_o be_v afterward_o in_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n a_o little_a before_o st._n augustine_n day_n there_o arise_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n that_o the_o bishopric_n be_v too_o large_a and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n too_o great_a and_o because_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o so_o able_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o because_o they_o dislike_v the_o liturgy_n and_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o suchlike_a reason_n and_o a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o three_o century_n begin_v the_o novatian_a schism_n at_o rome_n for_o that_o novatus_n think_v the_o bishopric_n too_o large_a will_v needs_o be_v choose_v bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n where_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v before_o but_o both_o these_o schism_n be_v condemn_v this_o by_o the_o council_n of_o carth._n and_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o by_o st._n cyprian_n ep._n 52._o n._n 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o of_o the_o donatist_n by_o all_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n at_o the_o conference_n at_o carth._n see_v conference_n of_o the_o three_o day_n chap._n 4._o and_o by_o st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n against_o permenian_a petilian_a and_o the_o other_o donatist_n bishop_n but_o not_o long_o after_o about_o the_o five_o and_o six_o century_n the_o error_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o increase_v more_o abundant_o and_o appear_v more_o barefaced_a and_o open_o than_o former_o they_o have_v do_v for_o that_o
swallow_v up_o in_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v full_a power_n to_o execute_v every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o and_o four_o that_o the_o people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o pastor_n first_o say_v they_o our_o parochial_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n for_o christ_n they_o say_v institute_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n than_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o he_o give_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v themselves_o distinct_o and_o independent_a of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o where_o have_v they_o authority_n for_o this_o opinion_n where_o do_v they_o find_v that_o church_n be_v limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n not_o in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a at_o first_o there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o a_o city_n than_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n but_o where_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o when_o they_o multiply_v into_o more_o congregation_n they_o make_v new_a and_o distinct_a church_n under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n of_o this_o dr._n stillingfleet_n say_v he_o be_v well_o assuâ—ed_v there_o be_v no_o mark_n or_o footstep_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o plain_a instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o may_v better_o limit_v church_n to_o private_a family_n than_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o of_o that_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a instance_n in_o scripture_n rom._n 16._o 3._o 5._o col._n 4._o 15._o in_o the_o house_n of_o priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v to_o these_o plain_a instance_n of_o scripture_n they_o may_v full_o enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n of_o break_v the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v every_o congregation_n a_o independent_a church_n that_o it_o plain_o show_v we_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v then_o the_o same_o with_o a_o diocese_n or_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n which_o be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o bishop_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o observation_n not_o once_o to_o fail_v that_o when_o church_n be_v speak_v of_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o a_o province_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judaea_n 1_o thess_n 2._o 14._o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act_v 15._o 41._o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o gal._n 1._o 2._o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v still_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o it_o seem_v plain_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o church_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a congregation_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o large_a of_o these_o city_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o more_o than_o can_v convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n which_o shall_v be_v show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o hereafter_o but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v congregational_a as_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v not_o what_o then_o that_o may_v have_v be_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o small_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v always_o continue_v so_o why_o do_v they_o not_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n as_o christ_n do_v and_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o do_v the_o same_o 12._o same_o and_o if_o they_o must_v keep_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n why_o do_v any_o of_o their_o minister_n marry_v a_o second_o wife_n for_o st._n paul_n say_v plain_o let_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 2._o &_o 12._o so_o the_o first_o civil_a government_n be_v by_o god_n own_o institution_n over_o family_n they_o may_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o overthrow_v kingdom_n to_o bring_v thing_n back_o to_o god_n first_o institution_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o ridiculous_a that_o fancy_n of_o they_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o we_o must_v stick_v so_o precise_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o day_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o vary_v from_o it_o in_o any_o little_a indifferent_a circumstance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o public_a order_n or_o conveniency_n but_o as_o this_o notion_n of_o congregational_a church_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o with_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o a_o diocese_n which_o comprehend_v many_o congregation_n or_o parish_n see_v canon_n nicen._n 6_o 15_o 16._o constant_n c._n 6._o chalcedon_n 17._o 20._o 26._o antioch_n c._n 2._o 5._o codex_fw-la eccles_n africa_n c._n 53._o 55._o council_n gangrae_fw-la c._n 6._o council_n carthag_n c._n 10_o 11._o and_o thus_o much_o as_o to_o the_o first_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n as_o differ_v from_o those_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n and_o therefore_o not_o of_o christ_n institution_n the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o our_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n be_v unlawful_a for_o say_v they_o it_o be_v make_v a_o new_a species_n of_o church_n and_o church-government_n without_o god_n appointment_n for_o say_v mr._n baxter_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n no_o church_n must_v be_v big_a than_o that_o the_o same_o bishop_n may_v perform_v the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o they_o in_o present_a communion_n and_o so_o he_o will_v have_v three_o sort_n of_o bishop_n by_o divine_a right_n first_o general_z bishop_n that_o in_o every_o nation_n be_v over_o many_o church_n second_o episcopi_fw-la gregis_fw-la or_o rule_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v all_o true_a presbyter_n three_o episcopi_fw-la praesides_fw-la which_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o particular_a church_n this_o be_v mr._n baxter_n notion_n of_o bishop_n but_o other_o be_v not_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v allow_v of_o but_o one_o kind_n of_o bishop_n and_o such_o they_o make_v the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n but_o that_o both_o these_o notion_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v false_a will_v appear_v for_o that_o first_o it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o large_a for_o our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v no_o rule_n about_o limit_n the_o apostle_n follow_v the_o form_n of_o the_o empire_n plant_v in_o every_o city_n a_o complete_a and_o entire_a church_n who_o bishop_n as_o to_o his_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n resemble_v that_o of_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o city_n the_o presbyter_n that_o of_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o several_a church_n the_o several_a corporation_n so_o say_v dr._n still_o in_o his_o mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 237._o and_o quote_v origen_n c._n cell_n l._n 3._o and_o dr._n maurice_n in_o his_o def._n of_o diocese_n episcopacy_n p._n 377_o etc._n etc._n affirm_v the_o same_o and_o prove_v it_o at_o large_a and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o territory_n of_o the_o city_n extend_v itself_o so_o far_o do_v the_o diocese_n of_o the_o bishop_n extend_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o city_n have_v but_o one_o territory_n but_o though_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n agree_v upon_o by_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yet_o because_o some_o may_v be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o deny_v this_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o african_a church_n for_o which_o mr._n baxter_n dr._n owen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o dissenter_n express_v a_o esteem_n above_o all_o other_o church_n it_o be_v a_o inviolable_a rule_n among_o the_o african_a church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n
not_o the_o only_a bishop_n that_o have_v such_o a_o large_a diocese_n for_o st._n chrysostom_n have_v one_o full_a as_o large_a and_o which_o contain_v as_o many_o parish_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o all_o the_o territory_n thereto_o belong_v and_o do_v not_o think_v it_o in_o his_o conscience_n too_o large_a for_o if_o he_o do_v so_o good_a a_o man_n as_o he_o will_v either_o have_v divide_v or_o quit_v it_o and_o athanasius_n be_v bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o the_o territory_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o he_o say_v ap._n p._n 781_o 802._o maoretis_fw-la be_v a_o region_n belong_v to_o alexandria_n and_o all_o the_o church_n there_o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n but_o because_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o africa_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n to_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n to_o avoid_v all_o cavil_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o have_v choose_v that_o very_a church_n to_o be_v decide_v by_o as_o to_o the_o episcopal_a government_n now_o in_o dispute_n between_o we_o and_o therefore_o first_o he_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o be_v one_o single_a congregation_n and_o this_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o st._n cyprian_n own_v epistle_n in_o his_o banishment_n particular_o in_o his_o 5_o the_o book_n ep._n 28._o he_o complain_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o his_o clergy_n be_v absent_a and_o the_o few_o that_o remain_v be_v hardly_o sufficient_a for_o their_o work_n and_o that_o these_o presbyter_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o the_o particular_a care_n and_o government_n of_o st._n cyprian_n as_o their_o bishop_n appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n lib._n 3._o ep._n 10_o and_o 12._o to_o the_o people_n of_o carthage_n he_o complain_v to_o they_o of_o his_o presbyter_n that_o they_o do_v not_o reserve_v to_o their_o bishop_n that_o honour_n due_a to_o his_o place_n for_o that_o they_o receive_v penitent_n to_o communion_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o his_o epist_n 28._o he_o threaten_v to_o excommunicate_v those_o presbyter_n that_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o the_o future_a and_o all_o the_o other_o bishop_n give_v their_o approbation_n to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o so_o do_v and_o the_o same_o st._n cyprian_n in_o his_o 3_o book_n ep._n 65._o tell_v they_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o disobedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o disorder_n see_v more_o full_o concern_v this_o matter_n in_o dr._n stillingfleet_n mischief_n of_o separation_n p._n 228_o 229._o etc._n etc._n and_o now_o since_o dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v agree_v to_o appeal_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n we_o must_v suppose_v they_o allow_v no_o deviation_n in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v then_o any_o one_o may_v judge_v and_o st._n augustine_n be_v another_o bishop_n in_o the_o african_a church_n he_o be_v bishop_n of_o hippo_n regia_n the_o diocese_n of_o which_o extend_v at_o least_o forty_o mile_n as_o appear_v by_o st._n augustine_n own_a epist_n 262._o it_o be_v true_a the_o african_a church_n come_v most_o near_o the_o congregational_a way_n of_o any_o other_o the_o diocese_n be_v small_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o sectary_n there_o the_o donatist_n and_o many_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n mr._n baxter_n and_o the_o rest_n express_v so_o great_a a_o esteem_n for_o it_o but_o that_o their_o bishopric_n be_v much_o too_o large_a to_o serve_v either_o the_o presbyterian_o or_o independent_o turn_v and_o that_o they_o never_o allow_v more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o large_a city_n sufficient_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o in_o the_o african_a code_n there_o be_v a_o canon_n that_o say_v express_o no_o bishop_n shall_v leave_v his_o cathedral_n church_n and_o go_v to_o any_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n to_o reside_v there_o see_v codex_fw-la eccl._n africa_n c._n 71._o which_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n territory_n and_o jurisdiction_n extend_v into_o distant_a place_n from_o the_o city_n as_o well_o in_o the_o african_a church_n as_o in_o other_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o this_o that_o calvin_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n out_o of_o dispute_n among_o learned_a man_n that_o a_o church_n do_v not_o only_o take_v in_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n also_o see_v calv._n instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 4._o n._n 2._o but_o though_o there_o be_v never_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1._o church_n v._o conc._n eph._n part_n 2._o act._n 1._o yet_o some_o bishop_n have_v have_v two_o or_o more_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o farmissus_n and_o eudocias_n athanasius_n be_v bishop_n of_o diveltus_n and_o sozopolis_n and_o there_o have_v be_v some_o bishopric_n that_o have_v have_v no_o city_n at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o only_a village_n for_o there_o be_v some_o country_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o they_o so_o have_v we_o at_o this_o day_n bishop_n in_o ireland_n and_o wales_n that_o have_v no_o city_n in_o their_o diocese_n but_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o diocese_n be_v confine_v to_o any_o single_a village_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o sardica_n vi_o all_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o sardica_n agree_v that_o it_o shall_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v lawful_a to_o ordain_v any_o bishop_n in_o village_n or_o small_a city_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n may_v not_o be_v contemptible_a from_o the_o meanness_n of_o the_o place_n but_o say_v mr._n clarkson_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o then_o mr._n clarkson_n name_v the_o place_n to_o wit_n antioch_n iconium_n lystra_n and_o other_o village_n and_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n they_o will_v have_v bishop_n but_o first_o i_o say_v that_o during_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v common_o use_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o but_o not_o after_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n here_o speak_v of_o may_v be_v as_o well_o take_v for_o ordinary_a presbyter_n or_o priest_n as_o for_o bishop_n but_o allow_v these_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n what_o advantage_n will_v it_o be_v to_o they_o for_o first_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n confine_v their_o authority_n to_o those_o place_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a and_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v their_o turn_n but_o second_o these_o city_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v elder_n be_v large_a city_n at_o that_o time_n by_o much_o too_o great_a to_o come_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n iconium_n be_v then_o a_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v many_o other_o city_n under_o it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o large_a city_n but_o before_o i_o conclude_v this_o point_n i_o must_v make_v one_o observation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o mr._n clarkson_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n have_v no_o more_o but_o one_o congregation_n undertake_v to_o show_v how_o small_a some_o city_n be_v but_o it_o be_v remarkable_a he_o quote_v for_o his_o authority_n some_o author_n who_o speak_v of_o they_o long_o before_o there_o be_v any_o bishop_n and_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v small_a place_n then_o will_v needs_o have_v they_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a for_o under_o the_o roman_a emperor_n both_o the_o roman_a and_o the_o grecian_a city_n be_v at_o their_o height_n and_o do_v very_o much_o surpass_v both_o for_o their_o magnificence_n and_o number_n of_o people_n any_o that_o have_v be_v before_o or_o since_o nor_o be_v this_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o since_o our_o city_n do_v now_o stand_v upon_o much_o narrow_a foundation_n as_o to_o their_o constitution_n our_o city_n have_v seldom_o any_o liberty_n half_a a_o mile_n beyond_o their_o wall_n and_o be_v general_o but_o a_o assembly_n of_o tradesman_n whereas_o the_o roman_a city_n have_v each_o a_o territory_n as_o it_o be_v a_o county_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n magistrate_n and_o the_o citizen_n be_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n i_o have_v now_o show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o