the_o bishop_n office_n since_o which_o time_n every_o city_n &_o diocese_n adjoin_v have_v but_o one_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n for_o y_fw-fr â—_o west_n dislike_v &_o prohibit_v the_o make_n of_o bishop_n in_o village_n &_o small_a city_n 6._o licentia_fw-la danda_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la episcopum_fw-la aut_fw-la in_o vico_fw-la aliquo_fw-la aut_fw-la in_o modica_fw-la civitate_fw-la cvi_fw-la sufficit_fw-la unus_fw-la presbyter_n none_o must_v be_v permit_v to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n either_o in_o a_o village_n or_o small_a city_n where_o one_o presbyter_n will_v suffice_v the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n do_v the_o like_a for_o the_o east_n 56._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d none_o must_v place_v bishop_n in_o town_n &_o village_n &_o those_o that_o be_v already_o place_v must_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n as_o then_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n but_o in_o city_n so_o be_v there_o no_o presbytery_n to_o attend_v and_o assist_v the_o bishop_n but_o in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o chief_a charge_n and_o church_n and_o therefore_o your_o urge_v of_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n and_o village_n be_v a_o thing_n utter_o dissonant_n from_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o each_o populous_a city_n there_o be_v a_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v a_o number_n of_o priest_n to_o help_v the_o bishop_n in_o all_o sacred_a action_n and_o advise_v he_o in_o all_o judicial_a and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n and_o these_o be_v call_v 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o priest_n of_o the_o city_n by_o the_o ancient_a council_n of_o ancyra_n and_o neocesaria_n the_o village_n and_o country_n town_n as_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o number_n that_o believe_v need_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v a_o resident_a among_o they_o and_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o maintain_v one_o so_o repair_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n next_o to_o they_o and_o desire_v of_o he_o a_o fit_a man_n to_o serve_v their_o necessity_n and_o become_v subject_a both_o the_o people_n and_o priest_n to_o that_o bishop_n who_o first_o gain_v they_o to_o christ_n or_o who_o first_o erect_v and_o order_v their_o church_n by_o which_o mean_v each_o bishop_n have_v not_o only_o his_o principal_a church_n and_o chair_n in_o that_o city_n where_o he_o be_v pastor_n which_o the_o ancient_a council_n and_o story_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o have_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o town_n and_o village_n round_o about_o that_o city_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o import_v a_o country_n parish_n as_o our_o age_n abuse_v the_o word_n and_o whereon_o some_o unwiselie_o have_v collect_v that_o every_o such_o parish_n have_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o bishop_n but_o the_o great_a city_n with_o their_o suburb_n and_o the_o chief_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o term_v as_o appear_v by_o 28._o eusebius_n call_v alexandria_n corinth_n jerusalem_n ephesus_n lion_n carthage_n antioch_n and_o such_o other_o famous_a city_n and_o church_n by_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a be_v extant_a in_o the_o same_o writer_n li._n 4._o ca._n 1._o 4._o 5._o 15._o 19_o 23._o li._n 5._o ca._n 22._o 23._o 27._o li._n 6._o ca._n 1._o 8._o &_o li._n 7._o ca._n 28._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a composition_n of_o the_o word_n import_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contain_v not_o only_o the_o citizen_n but_o all_o such_o borderer_n &_o stranger_n as_o dwell_v near_o and_o repair_v to_o any_o chief_a church_n or_o city_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d comprise_v all_o the_o village_n and_o church_n that_o be_v disperse_v in_o diverse_a place_n but_o under_o the_o regiment_n of_o one_o bishop_n jerome_n show_v that_o in_o his_o time_n and_o long_o before_o not_o only_o a_o city_n but_o also_o a_o province_n or_o region_n belong_v to_o each_o bishop_n in_o which_o though_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n baptize_v with_o his_o leave_n yet_o he_o always_o impose_v hand_n and_o examine_v and_o confirm_v their_o baptism_n luciferianos_fw-la tuin_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la recipis_fw-la laicum_fw-la unam_fw-la animam_fw-la recipiendo_fw-la saluas_fw-la &_o ego_fw-la in_o recipiendo_fw-la episcopum_fw-la non_fw-la diâ—am_fw-la unius_fw-la civitatis_fw-la populos_fw-la sed_fw-la universam_fw-la cvi_fw-la praeest_fw-la provinciam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la socio_fw-la you_o in_o admit_v a_o lay_v man_n to_o repentance_n save_o one_o soul_n by_o receive_v he_o i_o in_o receive_v a_o bishop_n join_v to_o the_o church_n i_o say_v not_o the_o people_n of_o one_o city_n but_o the_o whole_a province_n or_o dioecese_n which_o be_v under_o he_o then_o bishop_n have_v not_o only_o the_o people_n of_o one_o city_n but_o of_o one_o province_n or_o country_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o subject_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o diocese_n do_v reach_v even_o to_o far_o town_n and_o village_n where_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n have_v cure_v of_o soul_n under_o they_o as_o jerom_n elsewhere_o remember_v luciferianos_fw-la non_fw-la abnuo_fw-la hanc_fw-la esse_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la longè_fw-la in_fw-la minoribus_fw-la urbibus_fw-la per_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la &_o diaconos_fw-la baptizati_fw-la sunt_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ad_fw-la invocationem_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la manum_fw-la impositurus_fw-la excurrat_fw-la i_o deny_v not_o say_v jerome_n but_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v go_v even_o to_o those_o that_o a_o far_o off_o in_o lesser_a town_n be_v baptize_v by_o priest_n and_o deacon_n and_o impose_v hand_n to_o invocate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o they_o but_o this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n on_o party_n baptize_v jerome_n say_v be_v reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n rather_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o priesthood_n then_o for_o necessity_n of_o their_o salvation_n ibidem_fw-la otherwise_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v only_o at_o the_o bishop_n prayer_n lugendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o vinculis_fw-la aut_fw-la in_o castellis_fw-la aut_fw-la in_o remotioribus_fw-la locis_fw-la per_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la &_o diaconos_fw-la baptizati_fw-la ante_fw-la dormierunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la ab_fw-la episcopis_fw-la inviserentur_fw-la their_o case_n say_v he_o be_v lamentable_a that_o be_v baptize_v by_o priest_n and_o deacon_n in_o village_n castle_n and_o place_n far_o distant_a die_v before_o the_o bishop_n can_v visit_v they_o no_o bishop_n may_v order_v or_o confirm_v but_o in_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o a_o other_o man_n diocese_n be_v no_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n but_o repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n there_o belong_v therefore_o to_o the_o bishop_n not_o only_o the_o city_n where_o their_o chief_a church_n be_v but_o also_o uillage_n town_n castle_n and_o remote_a place_n in_o which_o priest_n and_o deacon_n discharge_v divine_a service_n and_o sacrament_n and_o those_o place_n the_o bishop_n under_o who_o they_o be_v do_v at_o certain_a time_n visit_v to_o examine_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o baptize_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o baptism_n lest_o to_o church_n and_o chappelles_n far_o distant_a heresy_n may_v have_v the_o easy_a access_n by_o the_o bishop_n absence_n clergy_n man_n then_o there_o be_v in_o every_o diocese_n that_o minister_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o village_n and_o small_a town_n but_o none_o be_v of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o assist_v and_o advise_v the_o bishop_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n save_v only_o the_o clergy_n and_o priest_n of_o that_o city_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o church_n and_o seat_n the_o rural_a bishop_n for_o such_o you_o confess_v there_o be_v have_v they_o no_o presbytery_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o ecclesiasticallaction_n and_o censure_n they_o need_v none_o for_o they_o be_v bishop_n in_o word_n but_o not_o in_o deed_n they_o enjoy_v the_o name_n not_o the_o power_n and_o preeminence_n of_o bishop_n but_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n restrain_v as_o other_o priest_n be_v and_o subject_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n in_o who_o circuit_n they_o be_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n say_v of_o they_o 10._o those_o that_o be_v in_o town_n and_o village_n call_v rural_a bishop_n though_o they_o have_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o bishop_n yet_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o this_o sacred_a synod_n they_o shall_v acknowledge_v their_o degree_n or_o measure_n &_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o care_n of_o their_o own_o church_n &_o not_o to_o presume_v to_o impose_v hand_n on_o a_o priest_n or_o deacon_n without_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o both_o himself_n and_o his_o charge_n be_v subject_a the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n command_v the_o rural_a bishop_n â—6_n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o like_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n so_o that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n rule_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o their_o city_n under_o who_o they_o be_v and_o not_o direct_v by_o any_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o if_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o that_o the_o ancient_a counsel_n shall_v endure_v the_o name_n &_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v give_v to_o who_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v not_o give_v he_o must_v consider_v for_o what_o cause_v they_o first_o permit_v rural_a bishop_n to_o be_v make_v the_o one_o be_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n that_o often_o happen_v in_o the_o absence_n or_o sickness_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o which_o case_n be_v but_o vicegerent_n in_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o power_n and_o prerogative_n the_o right_a bishop_n have_v without_o their_o leave_n or_o like_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o erect_v another_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o diocese_n beside_o and_o against_o the_o true_a bishop_n and_o not_o to_o place_v a_o substitute_n under_o he_o the_o next_o cause_n be_v to_o content_v such_o as_o be_v bishop_n amongst_o schismatic_n who_o will_v rather_o persist_v in_o their_o faction_n then_o return_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o honour_n and_o calling_n they_o have_v before_o and_o therefore_o to_o such_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n may_v either_o allow_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o bishop_n if_o it_o so_o please_v he_o or_o else_o appoint_v they_o the_o place_n and_o charge_n of_o rural_a bishop_n and_o so_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a decree_v 8._o if_o any_o of_o the_o novatians_n will_v return_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n either_o in_o village_n or_o city_n where_o there_o be_v already_o a_o bishop_n or_o priest_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v the_o authority_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o he_o that_o be_v repute_v a_o bishop_n among_o the_o novatians_n shall_v retain_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o priest_n unless_o it_o please_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n to_o impart_v with_o he_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o title_n if_o he_o like_v not_o so_o to_o do_v let_v some_o place_n of_o a_o rural_a bishop_n or_o priest_n be_v provide_v for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o clergy_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n touch_v presbytery_n then_o though_o they_o be_v needful_a for_o great_a city_n where_o they_o may_v well_o be_v maintain_v yet_o in_o village_n and_o small_a town_n there_o be_v neither_o use_n of_o they_o nor_o provision_n for_o they_o by_o reason_n the_o country_n church_n be_v small_a and_o can_v not_o find_v many_o and_o the_o party_n that_o live_v in_o such_o place_n be_v subject_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n direct_v by_o he_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n at_o the_o first_o have_v under_o one_o 43._o bishop_n 46._o priest_n 7._o deacon_n 7._o subdeacons_n 42._o acoluthe_n exorcist_n reader_n and_o sexten_v 52._o in_o the_o whole_a 155._o all_o find_v through_o the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n there_o beside_o 1500._o widow_n and_o afflict_a person_n in_o like_a sort_n sustain_v by_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o people_n the_o number_n of_o priest_n so_o increase_v afterward_o that_o jerome_n say_v of_o they_o 2._o diaconospaucitas_fw-la honorabiles_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la turba_fw-la contemptibiles_fw-la facit_fw-la the_o scarcity_n of_o deacon_n make_v they_o to_o be_v more_o esteem_v the_o multitude_n of_o priest_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v less_o regard_v in_o constantinople_n the_o number_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a y_z â—_o the_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o &_o therefore_o the_o emperor_n by_o his_o law_n be_v force_v to_o limit_v how_o many_o there_o shall_v be_v of_o every_o degree_n and_o so_o he_o clericâ—rum_fw-la appoint_v 60._o priest_n 100_o deacons_n 90._o subdeacons_n 110._o reader_n 25._o singer_n 100_o sexten_n in_o sum_n 485._o clergy_n man_n to_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o bishop_n the_o number_n of_o clergy_n man_n that_o be_v in_o other_o city_n be_v not_o so_o precise_o describe_v but_o the_o proof_n of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v every_o where_o occurrent_a the_o presbytery_n of_o alexandria_n euagrium_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n to_o the_o lib._n kill_n of_o proterius_n after_o the_o great_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o of_o antioch_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o 9_o burn_a of_o the_o say_a city_n by_o the_o persian_n be_v often_o remember_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a 32._o history_n and_o diverse_a presbyter_n of_o either_o church_n that_o be_v famous_a man_n and_o writer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n name_v by_o 5._o eusebius_n ecclesiast_fw-la jerome_n and_o illustribus_fw-la gennadius_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n among_o other_o clemens_n origen_n heraclas_n 327._o pierius_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n geminus_n 327._o malchion_n 327._o lucianus_n chrysostome_n and_o diverse_a such_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n have_v ecclesiast_fw-la tertullian_n and_o ecclesiast_fw-la cyprian_n who_o be_v after_o make_v bishop_n of_o the_o same_o city_n and_o force_v to_o be_v absent_a write_v 24._o many_o letter_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o church_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n be_v irenaeus_n a_o presbyter_n under_o pothynus_n who_o he_o succeed_v in_o the_o bishopric_n at_o hippo_n saint_n austen_n be_v first_o 148._o a_o presbyter_n under_o talerius_fw-la and_o be_v bishop_n himself_o have_v under_o he_o 137._o a_o number_n of_o presbyter_n that_o be_v 110._o colleague_n and_o clerk_n ignatius_n remember_v the_o presbytery_n of_o smyrna_n philodelphia_n philippi_n magnesia_n trallis_n and_o ephesus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o same_o church_n of_o other_o city_n and_o age_n the_o like_a may_v be_v show_v but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n rather_o urge_v then_o doubt_v by_o you_o i_o will_v spare_v that_o pain_n as_o superfluous_a he_o that_o read_v either_o the_o counsel_n or_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v soon_o perceive_v every_o bishop_n have_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o same_o city_n with_o he_o and_o under_o he_o we_o be_v far_o from_o deny_v there_o be_v presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n but_o that_o they_o consist_v only_o of_o clergy_n man_n neither_o do_v we_o believe_v it_o nor_o can_v you_o prove_v it_o we_o never_o learn_v to_o prove_v the_o negative_a we_o affirm_v they_o be_v clergy_n man_n and_o that_o we_o prove_v you_o think_v there_o be_v also_o lay_v man_n among_o they_o which_o we_o deny_v that_o must_v you_o prove_v your_o want_n of_o proof_n in_o that_o point_n make_v our_o assertion_n good_a you_o have_v all_o this_o while_n scan_v the_o father_n and_o over-looked_n the_o counsel_n bring_v now_o but_o one_o for_o lay_v elder_n we_o give_v you_o the_o rest_n their_o general_a silence_n be_v a_o full_a inference_n against_o you_o which_o avouch_v they_o have_v such_o and_o can_v not_o show_v where_o they_o mention_v any_o such_o yet_o this_o will_v i_o do_v name_v i_o but_o one_o father_n or_o council_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o presbyter_n and_o you_o shall_v present_o see_v he_o mean_v clergy_n man_n or_o if_o that_o please_v you_o not_o look_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o admit_v presbyter_n into_o the_o church_n their_o sit_v serve_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o church_n their_o maintain_v by_o the_o church_n and_o their_o remove_n from_o the_o church_n and_o you_o shall_v clear_o find_v there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n ioyve_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o any_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n but_o clergy_n man_n they_o be_v ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o so_o be_v not_o lay_v elder_n they_o sit_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o chancel_v apart_o from_o all_o lay_v man_n they_o baptize_v and_o consecrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o so_o may_v not_o lay_v man_n they_o live_v under_o strict_a rule_n than_o lay_v man_n do_v as_o not_o to_o have_v strange_a woman_n about_o they_o not_o to_o change_v city_n not_o to_o resort_v to_o spectacle_n or_o vittail_v house_n not_o to_o travel_v without_o letter_n of_o licence_n and_o such_o like_a which_o all_o lay_v man_n be_v free_a from_o they_o be_v maintain_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v not_o lay_v man_n and_o when_o they_o
very_a body_n of_o your_o discipline_n in_o sunder_o for_o hardly_o can_v so_o many_o pastor_n in_o every_o parish_n be_v get_v as_o you_o must_v have_v and_o more_o hardly_o maintain_v you_o be_v drive_v to_o change_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o instead_o of_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n must_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o return_v we_o a_o quest_n of_o lay_v elder_n which_o you_o think_v may_v be_v find_v in_o every_o place_n and_o will_v not_o be_v so_o costly_a as_o the_o former_a and_o to_o give_v they_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o censure_v doctrine_n and_o manner_n in_o all_o man_n even_o in_o pastor_n by_o deprivation_n excommunication_n or_o howsoever_o and_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v to_o make_v they_o teacher_n and_o watchman_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o the_o ancient_a and_o learned_a father_n and_o council_n and_o contrary_a no_o less_o to_o the_o scripture_n then_o to_o your_o own_o position_n but_o master_n you_o must_v either_o confound_v all_o and_o make_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n which_o now_o you_o be_v fair_a for_o or_o will_v you_o will_v you_o you_o must_v exclude_v lay_v elder_n from_o these_o action_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o pastor_n and_o so_o have_v no_o presbytery_n but_o where_o meet_a man_n may_v be_v have_v and_o in_o christian_a manner_n honour_a and_o succour_v for_o their_o pain_n and_o consequent_o country_n parish_n which_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v be_v provide_v either_o of_o man_n or_o maintenance_n sufficient_a for_o such_o presbytery_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n allow_v must_v have_v their_o pastor_n restrain_v by_o none_o and_o subject_v to_o none_o but_o pope-like_a if_o not_o lucifer-like_a to_o be_v more_o than_o prince_n or_o if_o that_o be_v not_o tolerable_a then_o must_v they_o be_v unite_v and_o annex_v to_o some_o city_n that_o lie_v near_o they_o and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n of_o that_o place_n even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v and_o so_o be_v part_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o diocefe_n how_o ancient_a diocese_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o how_o general_o receive_v and_o approve_v will_v soon_o appear_v by_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o all_o antiquity_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n renew_a 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o canon_n of_o their_o father_n ancient_o establish_v that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v undertake_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o those_o thing_n only_a which_o pertain_v to_o his_o own_o church_n and_o the_o country_n town_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o every_o bishop_n have_v full_a power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o in_o all_o the_o country_n round_o about_o which_o be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o his_o city_n to_o make_v priest_n and_o deacon_n and_o dispose_v every_o thing_n discreet_o the_o general_a council_n of_o constantinople_n say_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n must_v not_o invade_v the_o church_n that_o be_v without_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o dioecese_n ibidem_fw-la unlessethey_a be_v call_v they_o may_v not_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o dioecese_n either_o for_o order_v of_o minister_n or_o for_o any_o other_o ecclesiasticalbusines_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d observe_v the_o canon_n that_o be_v already_o establish_v of_o every_o man_n dioecese_n the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n have_v report_n make_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n presume_v to_o order_n in_o cyprus_n without_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o diocese_n and_o province_n repress_v that_o his_o enterprise_n be_v as_o they_o term_v it_o cypri_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o innovation_n against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n &_o against_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o decree_v the_o bishop_n of_o cyprus_n shall_v hold_v their_o right_a untouched_a &_o unuiolated_a according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o their_o ancient_a custom_n add_v there_o withal_o that_o the_o self_n same_o rule_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o other_o diocese_n and_o province_n whatsoever_o that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v invade_v a_o other_o limit_n which_o be_v not_o ancient_o and_o from_o the_o beginning_n subject_n to_o he_o or_o his_o predecessor_n the_o great_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n determine_v 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o rural_a church_n and_o country_n parish_n shall_v remain_v unmooveable_a or_o without_o alteration_n to_o the_o bishop_n that_o have_v have_v they_o special_o if_o they_o have_v quiet_o possess_v and_o govern_v they_o above_o thirty_o year_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o diocese_n upon_o the_o return_n of_o schismatics_n and_o heretic_n to_o the_o church_n and_o part_v they_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o former_a bishop_n where_o the_o circuit_n be_v too_o wide_a and_o troublesome_a or_o join_v they_o where_o the_o people_n so_o desire_v he_o that_o will_v may_v read_v the_o 57_o 102._o 103._o 119._o 120._o 121._o 122_o canon_n of_o the_o great_a african_a council_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o city_n beside_o his_o principal_a and_o cathedral_n church_n have_v the_o village_n and_o parish_n of_o the_o country_n round_o about_o that_o city_n belong_v to_o his_o diocese_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o these_o partition_n and_o distribution_n begin_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n avouch_v and_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o the_o four_o great_a and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o receive_v and_o continue_v by_o all_o the_o godly_a bishop_n and_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n wherefore_o they_o be_v mighty_o deceive_v that_o think_v cathedral_n church_n and_o episcopal_a diocese_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o antichrist_n pomp_n and_o pride_n and_o his_o first_o invention_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n spirit_n devise_v &_o settle_v that_o course_n even_o from_o the_o first_o enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n &_o all_o the_o general_a and_o provincial_a council_n like_v &_o allow_v the_o same_o there_o be_v almost_o no_o council_n that_o do_v not_o mention_n &_o confirm_v to_o every_o bishop_n his_o diocese_n and_o inhibit_v all_o other_o to_o enter_v or_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o cause_n or_o person_n in_o a_o other_o man_n circuit_n the_o council_n of_o ancypra_n suffer_v not_o the_o 13._o rural_a bishop_n to_o ordain_v without_o the_o licence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n the_o council_n of_o neocesaria_n provide_v that_o 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o same_o region_n shall_v not_o minister_v the_o lord_n supper_n when_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n be_v present_a the_o council_n of_o gangris_n accurse_v all_o that_o assemble_v any_o congregation_n for_o divine_a service_n 6._o unless_o a_o presbyter_n licence_v by_o the_o bishop_n be_v present_a with_o they_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n forbid_v any_o 56._o bishop_n to_o be_v make_v in_o country_n town_n and_o village_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n callethit_n 9_o a_o canon_n of_o their_o father_n that_o antientlie_o stand_v in_o force_n even_o as_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a before_o they_o say_v it_o be_v 6._o a_o ancient_a use_n the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n make_v it_o a_o cypriorum_fw-la apostolic_a rule_n the_o council_n of_o carthage_n keep_v by_o constantine_n procurement_n inhibit_v 10._o ne_fw-la quis_fw-la alienos_fw-la fine_n usurpet_fw-la aut_fw-la alterius_fw-la plebes_fw-la sine_fw-la eius_fw-la petitu_fw-la quia_fw-la inde_fw-la cetera_fw-la mala_fw-la omne_fw-la generantur_fw-la that_o no_o bishop_n shouldusurpe_v upon_o a_o other_o border_n or_o cure_n without_o his_o request_n because_o thence_o come_v all_o other_o mischief_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n like_o wise_a 18._o illud_fw-la prohibeat_fw-la sanctitas_fw-la vestra_fw-la ut_fw-la nulli_fw-la episcopo_fw-la liceat_fw-la alterius_fw-la episcopi_fw-la civitatis_fw-la ministrum_fw-la ecclesiasticum_fw-la solicitare_fw-la &_o in_fw-la sva_fw-la dioecesi_fw-la vel_fw-la suis_fw-la parochijs_fw-la ordinare_fw-la let_v your_o holiness_n prohibit_v that_o no_o bishop_n procure_v away_o any_o ecclesiastical_a minister_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o city_n &_o order_v he_o in_o his_o own_o dioecese_n or_o parish_n the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n will_v have_v 20._o no_o bishop_n usurp_v over_o a_o othersflock_n nor_o encroach_v on_o his_o colleague_n within_o his_o dioecese_n the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n command_v the_o 36_o presbyter_n that_o guide_v church_n through_o the_o diocese_n to_o fetch_v chrism_n not_o from_o any_o bishop_n but_o from_o their_o
own_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o aurelia_n 19_o all_o the_o church_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v daily_o build_v in_o sundry_a place_n we_o decree_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o former_a canon_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o bishop_n in_o who_o territory_n they_o stand_v as_o the_o use_n of_o diocese_n be_v ancient_a so_o the_o reason_n that_o first_o occasion_v they_o be_v inevitable_a even_o by_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a discipline_n for_o when_o country_n town_n and_o village_n first_o begin_v to_o receive_v the_o faith_n how_o be_v they_o furnish_v with_o fit_a pastor_n and_o how_o be_v their_o church_n govern_v but_o by_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n of_o some_o city_n adjoin_v lay_v presbytery_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n never_o have_v any_o yea_o the_o scripture_n permit_v none_o to_o rule_v pastourall_a action_n other_o presbytery_n those_o place_n be_v neither_o able_a to_o have_v nor_o to_o maintain_v what_o now_o be_v leave_v but_o only_o to_o submit_v and_o incorporate_v themselves_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o some_o city_n near_o they_o by_o who_o their_o church_n may_v be_v both_o guide_v and_o supply_v when_o any_o need_v require_v even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o city_n be_v if_o to_o avoid_v schisine_n rise_v every_o where_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n bishop_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n place_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o city_n that_o accept_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v and_o moderate_v the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v many_o shall_v we_o think_v this_o order_n be_v needful_a only_o for_o city_n and_o needless_a for_o town_n and_o uillage_n be_v not_o the_o presbyter_n of_o so_o many_o parish_n as_o one_o shire_n do_v yield_v as_o like_a to_o trouble_v the_o region_n with_o schism_n and_o heresy_n as_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n you_o lack_v sense_n if_o you_o think_v that_o dissension_n and_o error_n can_v not_o creep_v as_o well_o into_o uillage_n as_o into_o city_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n provide_v one_o kind_n of_o regiment_n for_o city_n another_o for_o country_n parish_n if_o all_o the_o church_n in_o one_o city_n which_o at_o rome_n be_v 16._o above_o forty_o in_o optatus_n time_n be_v govern_v by_o one_o bishop_n why_o may_v not_o the_o uillage_n and_o parish_n conftn_a round_o about_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n so_o that_o for_o diocese_n as_o well_o the_o necessity_n as_o the_o antiquity_n of_o they_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o have_v presbyter_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o round_n of_o such_o as_o die_v in_o country_n parish_n but_o from_o the_o bishop_n in_o who_o diocese_n the_o church_n be_v he_o supply_v their_o want_n out_o of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o presbytery_n which_o serve_v to_o store_v the_o whole_a diocese_n otherwise_o within_o his_o circuit_n none_o other_o bishop_n can_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n nor_o without_o his_o leave_n may_v any_o clergy_n man_n depart_v his_o church_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n 22._o a_o bishop_n may_v not_o invade_v a_o other_o city_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o nor_o country_n not_o pertain_v to_o he_o to_o ordain_v any_o neither_o he_o appoint_v presbyter_n or_o deacon_n in_o place_n that_o be_v under_o a_o other_o bishop_n unless_o it_o be_v with_o the_o like_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o region_n or_o country_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a 16._o if_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n or_o other_o clergy_n man_n not_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n nor_o know_v the_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n leave_v their_o own_o church_n they_o must_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v receive_v in_o another_o church_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v withhold_v a_o clergy_n man_n belong_v to_o another_o and_o ordain_v he_o in_o his_o own_o church_n the_o bishop_n from_o who_o he_o depart_v not_o agree_v his_o order_n shall_v be_v utter_o void_a this_o be_v the_o general_a and_o perpetual_a discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n in_o all_o the_o coast_n and_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n as_o may_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o view_v these_o place_n the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n 1._o ca._n 2._o and_o 3._o of_o chalcedon_n ca._n 8._o of_o carthage_n the_o first_o ca._n 5._o the_o second_o ca._n 11._o the_o three_o ca._n 20._o and_o 21._o the_o four_o ca._n 27._o of_o orleans_n ca._n 22._o of_o sardica_n ca._n 18._o 19_o of_o taurine_a ca._n 6._o of_o aurenge_n ca._n 8._o of_o venice_n ca._n 10._o of_o tours_n ca._n 9_o 11._o and_o so_o the_o milevitane_n council_n ca._n 15._o affricane_n ca._n 21._o aurelian_a the_n three_o ca._n 15._o the_o epaunine_a ca._n 5._o the_o valentine_n ca._n 6._o and_o aruernine_n ca._n 9_o and_o 10._o if_o these_o rule_n be_v universal_o and_o ancient_o observe_v that_o no_o presbyter_n may_v remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o nor_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v first_o call_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o bishop_n neither_o may_v any_o other_o man_n impose_v hand_n on_o he_o or_o admit_v he_o and_o invest_v he_o into_o any_o church_n without_o the_o like_n and_o goodwill_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o who_o diocese_n the_o church_n stand_v and_o of_o who_o clergy_n the_o party_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n can_v any_o country_n parish_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v any_o presbyter_n but_o from_o some_o city_n &_o that_o not_o without_o the_o like_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o force_v all_o country_n town_n and_o village_n to_o matriculate_v and_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o the_o church_n of_o some_o city_n by_o who_o bishop_n their_o presbyter_n live_v be_v govern_v and_o die_v be_v supply_v even_o as_o the_o church_n in_o city_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o do_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o their_o fact_n for_o if_o bishop_n be_v place_v by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o contain_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n lest_o in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n emulation_n may_v breed_v confusion_n which_o all_o the_o father_n be_v full_o resolve_v be_v the_o apostle_n deed_n they_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o opinion_n the_o apostle_n mean_v to_o have_v country_n town_n and_o uillage_n guide_v and_o assist_v the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o they_o leave_v for_o city_n and_o the_o same_o man_n that_o govern_v the_o one_o all_o thing_n consider_v be_v the_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o other_o if_o you_o object_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n can_v employ_v no_o pastoral_a care_n but_o where_o they_o be_v present_a i_o answer_v that_o all_o the_o council_n and_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v what_o pastoral_a oversight_n a_o bishop_n may_v yield_v to_o town_n and_o church_n far_o distant_a from_o he_o though_o he_o be_v not_o present_a to_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n amongst_o they_o to_o see_v they_o always_o store_v with_o a_o sound_n and_o able_a pastor_n that_o shall_v watch_v over_o their_o soul_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o be_v right_o teach_v and_o sober_o guide_v to_o keep_v both_o presbyter_n and_o people_n from_o schism_n heresy_n and_o open_a impiety_n to_o direct_v in_o danger_n and_o determine_v doubt_n without_o trouble_v the_o whole_a province_n to_o meet_v upon_o every_o particular_a occasion_n and_o contention_n these_o be_v good_a part_n of_o pastoral_a vigilancy_n and_o very_o needful_a effect_n of_o episcopal_a regiment_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v as_o well_o in_o a_o diocese_n as_o in_o a_o city_n in_o any_o man_n harvest_n he_o that_o labour_v himself_o and_o oversee_v the_o rest_n do_v more_o good_a than_o any_o other_o in_o each_o man_n house_n the_o steward_n that_o well_o order_v and_o guide_v the_o family_n be_v more_o profitable_a than_o any_o of_o his_o fellow_n in_o god_n house_n and_o harvest_n shall_v the_o overlook_v of_o other_o be_v count_v either_o needless_a or_o fruitless_a saint_n paul_n himself_o know_v not_o these_o curious_a position_n when_o he_o appoint_v tite_n to_o take_v the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o whole_a island_n of_o crete_n and_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o one_o man_n may_v not_o perform_v many_o pastoral_n and_o episcopal_a duty_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o country_n with_o he_o but_o what_o seek_v i_o more_o example_n when_o we_o have_v the_o pattern_n from_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o first_o allot_v diocese_n to_o bishop_n and_o the_o like_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o provincial_a and_o general_a council_n that_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v as_o well_o the_o partition_n as_o distinction_n of_o territory_n and_o
church_n and_o burden_v he_o with_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o god_n and_o man_n law_n if_o they_o find_v any_o just_a impediment_n they_o reject_v he_o as_o unfit_a and_o proceed_v to_o the_o like_a election_n of_o some_o other_o on_o who_o both_o presbyter_n and_o citizen_n can_v accord_v alexander_n severus_n the_o roman_a emperor_n do_v commend_v and_o imitate_v the_o christian_n manner_n in_o try_v and_o examine_v their_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n sever_v when_o he_o will_v send_v say_v lampridius_n any_o ruler_n to_o the_o province_n or_o make_v governor_n he_o propose_v their_o name_n exhort_v the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o can_v object_v any_o crime_n they_o shall_v make_v just_a proof_n and_o use_v to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n not_o to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o province_n which_o the_o christian_n do_v in_o proclaim_v their_o priest_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v when_o the_o city_n have_v not_o store_n of_o clergy_n man_n or_o not_o such_o as_o they_o like_v they_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v a_o bishop_n from_o another_o church_n and_o then_o do_v they_o go_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a or_o mother_n city_n in_o the_o same_o province_n and_o of_o he_o desire_v to_o have_v such_o a_o man_n for_o their_o bishop_n or_o else_o some_o other_o who_o the_o metropolitan_a that_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o mother_n church_n or_o city_n shall_v think_v fit_a for_o they_o this_o be_v call_v postulation_n upon_o their_o request_n the_o metropolitan_a confer_v with_o the_o bishop_n who_o presbyter_n be_v desire_v and_o call_v unto_o he_o at_o the_o least_o two_o other_o bishop_n try_v and_o examine_v the_o party_n like_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o other_o be_v and_o then_o ordain_v he_o or_o if_o he_o be_v reject_v some_o other_o likewise_o try_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n that_o want_v a_o pastor_n and_o as_o to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o faction_n &_o the_o presbyter_n from_o ambition_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o choice_n &_o to_o see_v the_o election_n go_v forward_o in_o christian_a and_o decent_a manner_n without_o corruption_n canvas_n or_o tumult_n so_o to_o restrain_v the_o bishop_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o disorder_v the_o action_n for_o hatred_n or_o favour_n of_o any_o side_n the_o whole_a order_n of_o their_o proceed_n be_v to_o be_v intimate_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a before_o they_o impose_v hand_n and_o if_o any_o just_a complaint_n be_v make_v of_o their_o partiality_n the_o metropolitan_a have_v power_n to_o stay_v they_o from_o go_v forward_o and_o with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n to_o discuss_v and_o upon_o cause_n to_o reverse_v the_o election_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a will_v 4._o a_o bishop_n to_o he_o make_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n and_o if_o any_o difficulty_n suffer_v not_o all_o to_o assemble_v yet_o at_o least_o three_o to_o meet_v and_o the_o rest_n by_o letter_n to_o give_v their_o consent_n before_o the_o party_n be_v ordain_v yea_o they_o make_v it_o a_o clear_a case_n that_o 6._o if_o any_o be_v ordain_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a he_o shall_v be_v no_o bishop_n as_o also_o that_o if_o any_o diversity_n of_o judgement_n grow_v among_o the_o bishop_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o most_o part_n shall_v prevail_v for_o the_o make_n of_o presbyter_n there_o do_v not_o assemble_v so_o many_o bishop_n since_o one_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o howbeit_o the_o same_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o try_v &_o examine_v presbyter_n that_o i_o mention_v before_o in_o bishop_n &_o the_o public_a testimony_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o people_n touch_v their_o conversation_n be_v not_o omit_v except_o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o assure_v of_o their_o good_a behaviour_n that_o they_o will_v take_v it_o upon_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n 22._o let_v no_o man_n be_v make_v a_o clergy_n man_n say_v the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n nisi_fw-la probatus_fw-la vel_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la examine_v vel_fw-la populi_fw-la testimonio_fw-la unless_o he_o be_v allow_v by_o y_z e_z examination_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o people_n and_o likewise_o 22._o the_o bishop_n must_v not_o ordain_v clerk_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o clergy_n &_o have_v also_o theassent_v &_o testimony_n of_o the_o citizen_n the_o people_n may_v not_o elect_v presbyter_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n do_v utterlie_o prohibit_v it_o 13._o the_o multitude_n must_v not_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v priest_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v either_o y_fw-es â—_o place_n where_o they_o sit_v or_o the_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v yet_o may_v they_o present_v such_o as_o they_o take_v to_o be_v meet_a man_n for_o that_o place_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o pray_v he_o to_o examine_v and_o allow_v they_o according_a to_o his_o discretion_n yea_o they_o be_v desire_v by_o the_o bishop_n to_o find_v out_o such_o among_o themselves_o as_o they_o suppose_v for_o learning_n and_o life_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o that_o call_n though_o unknowen_a as_o yet_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o offer_v they_o that_o he_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o clergy_n may_v try_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worthy_a that_o function_n so_o be_v s._n austen_n 148._o violent_o catch_v by_o the_o people_n when_o valerius_n exhort_v they_o to_o look_v out_o of_o themselves_o some_o meet_a man_n to_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v ordain_v the_o like_a 2._o violence_n be_v offer_v to_o many_o by_o the_o people_n as_o austen_n confess_v jerome_n touch_v this_o order_n of_o present_v by_o the_o people_n when_o he_o say_v to_o rusticus_n forma_fw-la cum_fw-la ad_fw-la perfectam_fw-la aetatem_fw-la veneris_fw-la &_o te_fw-la vel_fw-la populus_fw-la vel_fw-la pontifex_fw-la civitatis_fw-la in_o clerum_fw-la elegerit_fw-la when_o thou_o come_v to_o perfect_a year_n and_o either_o the_o people_n or_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n choose_v thou_o into_o the_o clergy_n thereby_o note_v that_o in_o city_n some_o be_v assume_v by_o the_o bishop_n some_o offer_v by_o the_o people_n as_o meet_v man_n to_o be_v take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o clergy_n man_n in_o country_n parish_n when_o they_o want_v they_o desire_v a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o who_o diocese_n they_o be_v and_o he_o according_a to_o their_o necessity_n do_v furnish_v they_o out_o of_o his_o own_o presbytery_n or_o out_o of_o the_o store_n of_o some_o other_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o they_o repair_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a who_o do_v furnish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o whole_a province_n 5â—_n it_o happen_v often_o say_v aurelius_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n that_o church_n which_o want_v deacon_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n ask_v they_o of_o i_o and_o i_o mindful_a of_o the_o canon_n send_v to_o the_o bishop_n under_o who_o he_o be_v and_o acquaint_v he_o that_o his_o clerk_n be_v desire_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o withstand_v but_o least_o hereafter_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o deny_v i_o require_v this_o of_o they_o if_o i_o demand_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o one_o of_o my_o fellow_n bishop_n with_o two_o or_o three_o of_o your_o place_n join_v with_o i_o and_o he_o be_v irreligious_a and_o not_o regard_v i_o your_o charity_n must_v determine_v what_o i_o shall_v do_v for_o you_o know_v that_o i_o sustain_v the_o care_n of_o many_o church_n and_o ordination_n they_o answer_v this_o seat_n have_v have_v always_o liberty_n whence_o soever_o to_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n that_o be_v desire_v of_o he_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o any_o church_n one_o bishop_n may_v ordain_v many_o presbyter_n but_o a_o presbyter_n meet_v for_o a_o bishopric_n be_v hardly_o find_v three_o at_o least_o be_v requisite_a to_o impose_v hand_n on_o a_o bishop_n but_o any_o one_o bishop_n may_v ordain_v presbyter_n as_o the_o ancient_a canon_n of_o the_o church_n import_n 2._o let_v a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o two_o or_o three_o bishop_n but_o a_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n by_o one_o bishop_n the_o primitive_a manner_n of_o elect_a bishop_n we_o see_v wherein_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o impose_v hand_n have_v their_o warrant_n by_o god_n law_n to_o reject_v the_o party_n choose_v if_o they_o find_v he_o unfit_a either_o for_o learning_n or_o manner_n the_o word_n of_o
upon_o urgent_a necessity_n i_o have_v finish_v in_o the_o like_a case_n write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o whole_a people_n of_o carthage_n he_o say_v of_o caelerinus_n that_o open_o profess_a christ_n and_o valiant_o endure_v the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecuter_n 5._o exult_v and_o rejoice_v with_o we_o at_o the_o read_n of_o our_o letter_n by_o which_o i_o and_o my_o colleague_n which_o be_v present_a signify_v unto_o you_o that_o caelerinus_n our_o brother_n be_v receive_v into_o our_o clergy_n not_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n but_o by_o god_n acceptance_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o seemly_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o ecclesiastical_a honour_n who_o the_o lord_n so_o honour_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o and_o aurelius_n be_v appoint_v for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v reader_n but_o now_o know_v you_o that_o we_o have_v assign_v unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o have_v the_o same_o allowance_n with_o the_o presbyter_n &_o to_o sit_v with_o we_o when_o they_o come_v to_o ripe_a &_o perfect_a year_n of_o numidicus_n we_o speak_v 176._o before_o why_o he_o be_v take_v by_o cyprian_a into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n and_o that_o without_o the_o consent_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o people_n or_o clergy_n i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v clear_a by_o these_o example_n which_o be_v your_o own_o that_o as_o cyprian_a for_o his_o discharge_n do_v take_v the_o like_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n for_o the_o better_a examine_v of_o their_o life_n and_o behaviour_n that_o be_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o when_o he_o find_v such_o as_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o know_v to_o be_v fit_a and_o worthy_a he_o and_o other_o bishop_n his_o colleague_n impose_v hand_n on_o they_o without_o expect_v the_o assent_n or_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n or_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n where_o he_o be_v bishop_n these_o be_v the_o father_n which_o yourselves_o pick_v out_o to_o muster_v before_o her_o majesty_n presence_n as_o pregnant_a witness_n for_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n and_o these_o if_o you_o suffer_v they_o to_o tell_v on_o their_o tale_n most_o clearelie_o refute_v your_o lay_v elder_n other_o place_n i_o know_v be_v allege_v or_o rather_o abuse_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o the_o mistake_n of_o they_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o child_n will_v not_o be_v deceive_v with_o they_o for_o what_o if_o the_o word_n presbyter_n in_o greek_a signify_v a_o age_a man_n as_o well_o as_o a_o priest_n have_v it_o any_o sound_n or_o show_v of_o reason_n where_o the_o council_n and_o father_n use_v the_o word_n presbyteri_fw-la you_o shall_v straight_o enforce_v they_o be_v lay_v elder_n to_o innovate_v the_o discipline_n receive_v and_o establish_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n you_o shall_v have_v better_a ground_n than_o these_o you_o will_v otherwise_o hardly_o discharge_v your_o credit_n before_o man_n howsoever_o you_o will_v your_o conscience_n before_o god_n for_o my_o part_n though_o i_o compare_v not_o with_o their_o gift_n which_o first_o begin_v and_o now_o maintain_v this_o devise_n yet_o by_o peruse_v their_o proof_n i_o find_v that_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n rather_o incline_v they_o to_o this_o conceit_n than_o the_o weight_n either_o of_o scripture_n or_o father_n for_o be_v they_o not_o over_o willing_a to_o embrace_v this_o fancy_n where_o there_o be_v one_o place_n for_o they_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v a_o hundred_o fair_a and_o plain_a testimony_n to_o recall_v they_o and_o direct_v they_o to_o the_o ancient_a and_o true_a discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n so_o that_o in_o this_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o lay_v elder_n to_o govern_v the_o primitive_a church_n no_o diligent_a or_o indifferent_a examiner_n of_o the_o father_n can_v long_o err_v the_o case_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o unless_o we_o affect_v rather_o our_o will_n then_o the_o truth_n we_o can_v be_v lead_v away_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v touch_v lay_v elder_n rest_v in_o three_o point_n which_o i_o wish_v the_o learned_a advisedlie_o to_o consisider_v and_o the_o rest_n careful_o to_o remember_v first_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o by_o scripture_n or_o father_n that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o after_o any_o lie_v elder_n be_v part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o that_o any_o such_o be_v authorize_v or_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n secondlie_o if_o there_o be_v such_o censor_n of_o manner_n appoint_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o remove_v the_o unrulie_a and_o banish_v they_o from_o the_o fellowship_n and_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a lest_o their_o offensive_a behaviour_n shall_v be_v a_o shame_n and_o slander_v to_o the_o gospel_n yet_o no_o text_n nor_o title_n can_v be_v show_v in_o scripture_n council_n or_o father_n that_o they_o govern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n which_o concern_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n in_o those_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o not_o to_o rule_v their_o pastor_n thirdlie_o though_o the_o oversight_n and_o restraint_n of_o evil_n dispose_v and_o disorder_a pastor_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o such_o elder_n for_o want_v of_o believe_v magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n thereof_o yet_o since_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o government_n of_o such_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o of_o civil_a affair_n belong_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o they_o have_v straight_a charge_n high_a power_n and_o better_a mean_n to_o repress_v such_o disorder_n and_o refourme_v such_o abuse_n in_o pastor_n and_o other_o whatsoever_o pretence_n may_v be_v make_v for_o lay_v elder_n and_o governor_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o must_v utterlie_o cease_v and_o give_v place_n where_o the_o magistrate_n receive_v the_o faith_n and_o uphold_v the_o church_n his_o power_n not_o only_o include_v but_o exclude_v they_o since_o they_o be_v governor_n by_o consent_n of_o private_a man_n and_o the_o magistrate_n have_v his_o power_n and_o sword_n deliver_v he_o immediate_o from_o god_n to_o which_o all_o man_n pastor_n lay_v elder_n and_o whosoever_o must_v be_v subject_a not_o only_o for_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n but_o for_o regard_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a synedrion_fw-mi to_o which_o some_o man_n fly_v for_o help_v it_o can_v be_v as_o i_o have_v touch_v before_o either_o rule_n or_o refuge_n for_o the_o lay_v presbytery_n god_n erect_v that_o as_o the_o plot-form_n of_o the_o jew_n common_a wealth_n and_o make_v their_o elder_n civil_a magistrate_n to_o execute_v the_o judicial_a part_n of_o moses_n law_n as_o well_o without_o as_o under_o the_o king_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o may_v not_o alter_v it_o so_o we_o must_v not_o urge_v it_o in_o christian_a kingdom_n it_o contradict_v the_o truth_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o tie_v all_o christian_a common_a wealth_n to_o the_o pattern_n of_o moses_n policy_n yea_o that_o position_n if_o it_o be_v stiff_o stand_v too_o maym_v all_o monarchy_n and_o reduce_v they_o to_o popular_a or_o at_o least_o to_o synedricall_a regiment_n the_o consequent_n whereof_o be_v so_o desperate_a and_o dangerous_a to_o all_o christendom_n that_o i_o trust_v of_o yourselves_o you_o will_v forbear_v and_o if_o need_v be_v disclaim_v that_o assertion_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o both_o side_n there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o church_n but_o those_o you_o say_v be_v clergy_n man_n not_o in_o every_o church_n but_o in_o every_o city_n there_o be_v presbyter_n assist_v and_o aid_v the_o bishop_n and_o those_o be_v clergy_n man_n the_o church_n in_o village_n and_o country_n town_n have_v neither_o bishop_n nor_o presbytery_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n within_o who_o precinct_n the_o village_n be_v and_o have_v a_o presbyter_n or_o priest_n ordain_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o send_v from_o the_o bishop_n to_o teach_v they_o and_o yield_v they_o divine_a service_n and_o sacrament_n and_o where_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n be_v content_a to_o ease_v their_o own_o travel_n and_o supply_v their_o absence_n or_o sickness_n that_o in_o certain_a country_n town_n bishop_n shall_v be_v appoint_v who_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o country_n bishop_n be_v so_o restrain_v by_o the_o 10._o canon_n that_o without_o special_a leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a they_o may_v execute_v no_o part_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o in_o short_a space_n after_o be_v abolish_v for_o 86._o presumption_n and_o intrusion_n upon_o
that_o be_v you_o shall_v hear_v his_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o thereby_o perceive_v that_o many_o of_o the_o point_n which_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o sure_a that_o no_o man_n learned_a can_v with_o any_o truth_n resist_v they_o 2_o habebant_fw-la ergo_fw-la singulae_fw-la civitates_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la collegium_fw-la qui_fw-la pastor_n erant_fw-la ac_fw-la doctores_fw-la no_o &_o apud_fw-la populum_fw-la munus_fw-la docendi_fw-la exhortandi_fw-la &_o corrigendi_fw-la quod_fw-la paulus_n episcopis_fw-la iniungit_fw-la omnes_fw-la obibant_fw-la quibus_fw-la docendi_fw-la munus_fw-la iniunctum_fw-la erat_fw-la eos_fw-la omnes_fw-la nominabant_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la illi_fw-la ex_fw-la svo_fw-la numero_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la unum_fw-la eligebant_fw-la cvi_fw-la specialiter_fw-la dabant_fw-la titulum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ne_fw-la ex_fw-la aequalitate_fw-la ut_fw-la fieri_fw-la solet_fw-la dissidia_fw-la nascerentur_fw-la unicuique_fw-la civitati_fw-la attributa_fw-la erat_fw-la regio_fw-la quae_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la inde_fw-la sumeret_fw-la &_o veluâ—_fw-la corpori_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la illius_fw-la accenseretur_fw-la every_o city_n have_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o they_o all_o have_v the_o function_n of_o teach_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v in_o the_o congregation_n which_o paul_n enjoin_v unto_o bishop_n to_o who_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v allot_v they_o be_v all_o call_v presbyter_n these_o in_o every_o city_n choose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o special_a title_n of_o a_o bishop_n lest_o by_o a_o equality_n as_o be_v usual_o find_v division_n shall_v arise_v to_o every_o city_n be_v appoint_v a_o certain_a region_n which_o take_v their_o presbyter_n from_o the_o city_n and_o be_v count_v part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n first_o then_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o be_v not_o have_v but_o in_o city_n next_o lest_o equality_n shall_v breed_v confusion_n over_o these_o presbyter_n in_o each_o city_n as_o well_o as_o over_o the_o flock_n be_v a_o bishop_n who_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n be_v above_o they_o three_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o region_n or_o dioecese_n beside_o his_o city_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v design_v for_o such_o country_n parish_n as_o be_v within_o his_o circuit_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o city_n and_o repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n not_o only_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o they_o be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o caluin_n himself_o confess_v you_o shall_v take_v all_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v no_o dominion_n over_o his_o brethren_n but_o as_o a_o consul_n in_o the_o senate_n shall_v propose_v matter_n ask_v voice_n go_v before_o other_o in_o advise_v warning_n exhort_v and_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n with_o his_o authority_n and_o execute_v that_o which_o be_v decree_v by_o common_a consent_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o regiment_n he_o say_v the_o father_n acknowledge_v first_o enter_v humano_fw-la consensu_fw-la by_o the_o consent_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n though_o it_o be_v very_o ancient_a as_o at_o alexandria_n ever_o since_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n i_o honour_v caluin_n for_o his_o wonderful_a gift_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o can_v easy_o be_v enduce_v to_o embrace_v his_o judgement_n be_v it_o not_o that_o in_o this_o case_n a_o manifest_a truth_n confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n father_n and_o by_o himself_o enforce_v i_o to_o the_o contrary_n jeromes_n word_n i_o have_v examine_v before_o they_o do_v not_o import_v that_o bishop_n first_o begin_v by_o humane_a devise_n and_o policy_n ignatius_n irenaeus_n egesippus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n dionysius_n of_o corinth_n origen_n tertullian_n eusebius_n methodius_n and_o jerom_n himself_o affirm_v the_o first_o bishop_n be_v make_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n saint_n john_n in_o his_o revelation_n write_v to_o the_o seven_o pastor_n or_o chief_a moderatour_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n while_o saint_n john_n live_v as_o eusebius_n record_v there_o succeed_v at_o antioch_n interpret_v ignatius_n after_o interpret_v euodius_n at_o alexandria_n interpret_v abilius_n after_o interpret_v amianus_n at_o rome_n interpret_v clemens_n after_o interpret_v anacletus_fw-la and_o interpret_v linus_n at_o jerusalem_n interpret_v simeon_n after_o interpret_v james._n yea_o saint_n john_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n make_v ignatio_n polycarpe_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n as_o irenaeus_n tertullian_n eusebius_n and_o jerome_n affirm_v and_o that_o next_o after_o 22._o eucharius_n as_o socrates_n note_v he_o do_v the_o like_a in_o many_o 3._o other_o place_n as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n write_v i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n forsake_v so_o many_o ancient_a and_o assure_a witness_n whereof_o some_o live_v with_o polycarpe_n and_o be_v his_o scholar_n to_o follow_v the_o mistake_n of_o a_o few_o word_n in_o jerome_n by_o whosoever_o yea_o caluin_n himself_o say_v 7._o nec_fw-la humanum_fw-la est_fw-la inventum_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la ipsius_fw-la institutum_fw-la quod_fw-la singulis_fw-la svas_fw-la assignamus_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la paulus_n ipse_fw-la archippum_fw-la colossensium_fw-la episcopum_fw-la commemorate_fw-la it_o be_v not_o man_n devise_n but_o the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o assign_v to_o every_o man_n his_o church_n paul_n himself_o mention_v archippus_n bishop_n of_o colossus_n that_o be_v pastor_n of_o colossus_n and_o so_o we_o grant_v each_o church_n ought_v by_o god_n law_n to_o have_v a_o pastor_n we_o must_v ask_v further_a whether_o by_o god_n law_n each_o church_n must_v have_v one_o or_o many_o if_o one_o we_o have_v our_o desire_n if_o many_o there_o must_v yet_o be_v one_o chief_a to_o avoid_v confusion_n 4._o equality_n as_o caluin_n note_v breed_v faction_n jerome_n say_v euagrium_n to_o suppress_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n one_o be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v luciferianos_fw-la as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n beza_n make_v it_o a_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o have_v one_o chief_a in_o each_o presbytery_n his_o word_n be_v 153._o essentiale_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la hic_fw-la agimus_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la perpetua_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuit_fw-la est_fw-la &_o erit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o presbyterio_n quispiam_fw-la &_o loco_fw-la &_o dignitate_fw-la primus_fw-la actioni_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la praesit_fw-la cum_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsidivinitus_fw-la attributum_fw-la est_fw-la jure_fw-la this_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n which_o must_v always_o endure_v it_o have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v needful_a that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v moderate_v and_o rule_v every_o action_n with_o that_o right_n which_o be_v allow_v he_o by_o god_n law_n and_o in_o this_o he_o say_v right_a for_o a_o multitude_n ungoverned_a must_v needs_o be_v confuse_v which_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o government_n there_o can_v be_v none_o where_o all_o be_v equal_a when_o the_o shepehearde_n lead_v into_o diverse_a pasture_n who_o shall_v the_o sheep_n follow_v when_o sundry_a lord_n make_v sundry_a law_n which_o shall_v the_o subject_n obey_v sure_o if_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n no_o church_n can_v endure_v two_o pastor_n while_o they_o consent_v they_o have_v but_o one_o mind_n though_o many_o man_n when_o they_o dissent_v which_o in_o all_o person_n be_v casual_a and_o in_o all_o place_n usual_a then_o will_v there_o be_v as_o many_o side_n as_o there_o be_v leader_n you_o be_v as_o good_a set_v two_o head_n on_o one_o body_n as_o two_o chief_a ruler_n over_o one_o company_n if_o you_o confess_v there_o must_v by_o god_n law_n be_v one_o chief_a pastor_n in_o one_o church_n then_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o each_o city_n be_v the_o bishop_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o he_o by_o your_o own_o position_n be_v authorize_v as_o pastor_n of_o the_o place_n by_o god_n ordinance_n this_o you_o shall_v never_o avoid_v do_v what_o you_o can_v each_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v many_o presbyter_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o witness_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o v._n 6._o and_o 23_o of_o antioch_n act._n 13._o v._n 1_o of_o ephesus_z act._n 20._o v._n 17._o and_o 28_o of_o rome_n rom._n 16_o of_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 14._o v._n 29_o of_o philippi_n philip._n 1._o v._n 1_o of_o thessalonica_n 1._o thess._n 5._o v._n 12_o of_o other_o church_n the_o like_a be_v affirm_v hebr._n 13._o v._o 17_o jame_v 5._o v._o 14_o 1._o pet._n 5._o v._n 1._o now_o by_o god_n essential_a and_o
no_o cause_n why_o some_o writer_n in_o our_o day_n shall_v discredit_v the_o report_n and_o reason_n which_o epiphanius_n make_v against_o aerius_n that_o a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o be_v equal_a with_o a_o bishop_n for_o so_o much_o as_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n aerium_fw-la engender_v father_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o able_a to_o beget_v father_n by_o the_o regeneration_n of_o baptism_n beget_v child_n unto_o the_o church_n but_o not_o father_n or_o teacher_n and_o so_o no_o possibility_n to_o make_v a_o presbyter_n that_o have_v not_o receive_v power_n to_o impose_v hand_n equal_a with_o a_o bishop_n for_o what_o do_v epiphanius_n avouch_v in_o these_o word_n which_o athanasius_n jerom_n chrysostome_n and_o ambrose_n do_v not_o like_a wise_n avouch_v or_o what_o say_v he_o more_o than_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o her_o general_a and_o provincial_a council_n decree_v against_o colluthus_n maximus_n and_o other_o and_o observe_v without_o alteration_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n die_v if_o we_o reject_v this_o assertion_n of_o epiphanius_n that_o only_a bishop_n shall_v impose_v hand_n to_o ordain_v and_o not_o presbyter_n we_o reject_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n in_o this_o behalf_n as_o epiphanius_n do_v and_o confirm_v the_o very_a same_o resolution_n with_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n where_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v and_o believe_v for_o by_o power_n to_o ordain_v the_o christian_n world_n have_v always_o distinguish_v bishop_n from_o presbyter_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v by_o all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n that_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n either_o of_o council_n story_n or_o father_n and_o as_o by_o impose_v oâ—_n hand_n so_o by_o succeed_v in_o the_o chair_n have_v bishop_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v sever_v from_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o to_o all_o that_o do_v not_o eagerlie_a seek_v to_o captivate_v the_o truth_n to_o their_o own_o desire_n be_v a_o argument_n unrefellable_n that_o the_o first_o place_v of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v apostolic_a tertullian_n say_v 4._o constabit_fw-la id_fw-la esse_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n traditum_fw-la quod_fw-la apud_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la fuerit_fw-la sacrosanctum_fw-la it_o be_v certain_a that_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v sacred_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o austen_n 24._o quod_fw-la universa_fw-la tenet_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la nec_fw-la concilijs_fw-la institutum_fw-la sed_fw-la semper_fw-la retentum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la authoritate_fw-la apostolica_fw-la traditum_fw-la rectissime_fw-la creditur_fw-la that_o which_o the_o whole_a church_n keep_v and_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o council_n but_o always_o retain_v that_o be_v most_o right_o believe_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n now_o that_o in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o coadjutor_n one_o have_v be_v sever_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o place_v above_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o honour_n of_o y_fw-fr t_o episcopal_n chair_n before_o there_o be_v any_o general_a council_n to_o decree_v that_o manner_n of_o government_n &_o so_o continue_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n person_n &_o hand_n to_o this_o present_a age_n the_o perpetual_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o those_o principal_a church_n where_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o helper_n preach_v and_o govern_v &_o like_o wise_a in_o all_o other_o church_n of_o the_o world_n follow_v their_o step_n will_v strong_o and_o full_o confirm_v if_o the_o apostle_n place_v bishop_n with_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o depart_v ordying_a they_o leave_v bishop_n to_o succeed_v they_o if_o their_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n embrace_v &_o use_v that_o course_n to_o set_v bishop_n above_o presbyter_n for_o save_v the_o church_n from_o schism_n &_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o after-commer_n i_o trust_v there_o be_v few_o man_n so_o deep_o drown_v in_o their_o own_o conceit_n or_o whole_o addict_v to_o their_o fancy_n but_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o first_o distinction_n &_o institution_n of_o bishop_n from_o and_o above_o presbyter_n be_v if_o not_o command_v &_o impose_v by_o the_o apostle_n precept_n on_o the_o church_n yet_o at_o least_o ordain_v &_o deliver_v unto_o the_o faithful_a by_o their_o example_n as_o the_o best_a way_n to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o the_o custom_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o church_n which_o austen_n speak_v of_o that_o the_o bishop_n office_n shall_v be_v great_a they_o the_o presbyter_n &_o the_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o jerome_n mention_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o they_o and_o may_v not_o be_v reverse_a and_o reâ—ealed_v after_o 150._o year_n unless_o we_o challenge_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a able_a to_o order_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o the_o apostle_n be_v eusebius_n the_o first_o and_o best_a collector_n of_o ancient_a and_o ecclesiastical_a momunent_n egesippus_fw-la and_o clemens_n be_v lose_v derive_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o four_o principal_a church_n of_o the_o world_n jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n and_o alexandria_n from_o the_o apostle_n age_n unto_o his_o own_o time_n by_o which_o as_o by_o a_o line_n we_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o see_v what_o manner_n of_o episcopal_a succession_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n have_v &_o from_o who_o the_o first_o original_n of_o bishop_n descend_v i_o will_v set_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o table_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n &_o their_o follower_n unto_o the_o time_n they_o meet_v in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a about_o 320._o year_n after_o christ_n and_o then_o examine_v more_o exact_o whence_o they_o take_v their_o first_o beginning_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n james_n the_o apostle_n simeon_n justus_n zacheus_n tobias_n benjamin_n johannes_n mathias_n philippus_n sâ—nnecas_n justus_n levi_n ephrem_fw-la joseph_n judas_n marcus_n cassianus_n publius_n maximus_n julianus_n caius_n symmachus_n caius_n julianus_n capito_n maximus_n antoninus_n valens_n dolichianus_fw-la narcissus_n dius_n germanion_n gordius_n narcissus_n iterum_fw-la alexander_n mazabanes_n hymeneus_n zambdas_n hermon_n macarius_n maximus_n cyrillâ—s_n johannes_n iwenalis_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n peter_n the_o apostle_n euodius_n ignatius_n heros_n cornelius_n eros_n theophilus_n maximinus_n serapion_n asclepiades_fw-la phileto_n zebinus_n babilas_n fabius_n demetrius_n paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la domnus_n timeus_n cyrillus_n tyrannus_n vitalius_n philagonius_fw-la eâ—stathius_n paulinus_n &_o miletius_n flavianus_n porphyrius_n alexander_n johannes_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n peter_n and_o paul_n linus_n anacletus_fw-la clemens_n euaristus_n alexander_n sixtus_n thelesphorus_n higinus_n pius_n anâ—cetus_n soter_n eleutherius_fw-la victor_n zepherinus_n calixtus_n vrbanus_n pontianus_n antâ—rus_n fabianus_n cornelius_n lucius_n stephanus_n xistus_fw-la dionysius_n fellix_fw-la eutichianus_fw-la caius_n marcellinus_n marcellus_n eusebius_n meltiades_n sylvester_n marcus_n julius_n liberius_n damasus_n siricius_n anastasius_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n mark_v the_o evangelist_n anianus_n abilius_n cerdo_n primus_fw-la justus_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippa_n julianus_n demetrius_n heraclas_n dionysius_n maximus_n theonas_n petrus_n achilles_n alexander_n athanasius_n petrus_n timotheus_n theophilus_n cyrillus_n these_o catalogue_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n and_o alexandria_n eusebius_n pursue_v unto_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o own_o time_n leave_v off_o at_o 31._o hermon_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n 31._o tyrannous_a bishop_n of_o antioch_n 31._o marcellinus_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o 31._o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n the_o rest_n be_v supply_v out_o of_o other_o as_o in_o the_o see_v of_o alexandria_n &_o achilles_n &_o alexander_n 15_o athanasius_n and_o 20._o peter_n out_o of_o socrates_n &_o vitalius_n &_o philagonius_fw-la and_o 7._o eustathius_n out_o of_o theodoret_n as_o also_o 2._o macarius_n for_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n marcellus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v out_o of_o 2._o optatus_n and_o 165._o augustine_n the_o four_o bishop_n of_o these_o church_n that_o meet_v and_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v sylvester_n for_o rome_n by_o vitus_n and_o vincentius_n his_o presbyter_n sozomene_n say_v it_o be_v julius_n alexander_n for_o alexandria_n macarius_n for_o jerusalem_n and_o eustathius_n for_o antioch_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o subscription_n unto_o the_o say_a council_n now_o when_o these_o succession_n begin_v and_o who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n and_o ordainer_n of_o they_o let_v we_o see_v what_o proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o james_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n clemens_n egefippus_fw-la eusebius_n jerome_n chrysostome_n epiphanius_n ambrose_n and_o augustine_n confirm_v clemens_n in_o his_o sirt_n book_n
that_o they_o write_v and_o testify_v thus_o much_o neither_o speak_v they_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o hearsay_n they_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n scholar_n &_o receive_v from_o their_o mouth_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o witness_v to_o posterity_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o most_o church_n they_o same_o with_o their_o eye_n &_o confer_v with_o they_o irenaeus_n that_o in_o his_o youth_n be_v polycarpus_n scholar_n say_v 3._o habemus_fw-la annumerare_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n instituti_fw-la sunt_fw-la episcopi_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesijs_fw-la &_o successores_fw-la eorum_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la st_o recondita_fw-la mysteria_fw-la scissent_fw-la apostoli_fw-la quae_fw-la seorsim_fw-la &_o latenter_fw-la ab_fw-la reliquis_fw-la perfectos_fw-la docebant_fw-la hijs_fw-la vel_fw-la maxim_n traderent_fw-la ea_fw-la quibus_fw-la etiam_fw-la ipsas_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la committebant_fw-la valde_fw-la enim_fw-la perfectos_fw-la &_o irrâ—prehensibiles_fw-la 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and_o diverse_a other_o bishop_n as_o he_o go_v and_o find_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o every_o succession_n and_o in_o every_o city_n say_v he_o as_o i_o travel_v they_o keep_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n himself_o preach_v and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n persist_v in_o the_o right_a way_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o primus_fw-la bishop_n of_o corinth_n and_o show_v how_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n come_v first_o to_o be_v trouble_v with_o heresy_n he_o say_v jbidem_fw-la after_o that_o james_n the_o just_a who_o be_v both_o a_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v martyr_v by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o death_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n uncle_n to_o james_n be_v make_v bishop_n who_o all_o prefer_v for_o this_o respect_n because_o he_o be_v a_o other_o of_o christ_n cousin_n as_o the_o former_a be_v that_o church_n man_n call_v a_o virgin_n for_o as_o yet_o she_o be_v not_o infect_v with_o false_a doctrine_n but_o thebulis_fw-la because_o he_o be_v not_o make_v bishop_n be_v the_o first_o that_o corrupt_v she_o dionysius_n equal_a in_o age_n with_o egesippus_fw-la and_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n straight_o after_o primus_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o athenian_n put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o 23._o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o s._n paul_n be_v their_o first_o bishop_n and_z publius_z another_z of_o their_o bishop_n martyr_v by_o the_o persecuter_n of_o those_o time_n &_o their_o church_n restore_v by_o quadratus_n a_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n that_o next_o succeed_v publius_n in_o the_o bishopric_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n to_o saint_n john_n the_o apostle_n report_v out_o of_o former_a story_n that_o s._n john_n 23._o return_v from_o his_o banishment_n to_o ephesus_n go_v to_o the_o church_n round_o about_o be_v thereto_o request_v and_o in_o some_o place_n make_v bishop_n in_o other_o place_n choose_v such_o into_o the_o clergy_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n signify_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o even_o than_o the_o bishop_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v over_o and_o above_o all_o both_o clergy_n and_o people_n methodius_n say_v that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n direct_v 100_o eucharius_n one_o of_o the_o 70._o disciple_n with_o valerius_n and_o maternus_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o germany_n and_o france_n and_o eucharius_n plant_v a_o church_n at_o trever_n hold_v the_o bishopric_n of_o that_o city_n 23._o year_n and_o then_o die_v 100_o trevericae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la culmen_fw-la valerio_n derelinquit_fw-la relinquish_v the_o chief_a dignity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o trever_n to_o valerius_n who_o after_o fifteen_o year_n leave_v the_o pastoral_n charge_n to_o maternus_n 100_o after_o maternus_n have_v hold_v the_o regiment_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n 40._o year_n one_o auspicius_fw-la sit_v in_o his_o place_n and_o so_o along_o by_o lawful_a succession_n many_o singular_a and_o excellent_a man_n for_o holiness_n and_o grace_n namely_o serenus_n felix_n manscetus_fw-la clemens_n moses_n martinus_n anastasius_n andreas_n rusticus_n fabricius_n fortunatus_n cassianus_n marcus_n and_o many_o other_o about_o 5._o irenaeus_n time_n who_o succeed_v 5._o pothynus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n that_o be_v martyr_v when_o he_o be_v 5._o 90._o year_n of_o age_n we_o find_v 24_o thraseas_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n after_o polycarpe_n 21._o apollinarius_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n after_o 35._o papias_n another_o of_o saint_n johns_n scholar_n 22._o banchillus_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n after_o primus_fw-la and_o 21._o dionysius_n 24_o polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n succeed_v some_o of_o his_o kinsman_n in_o the_o same_o seat_n 22._o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o cesaria_n to_o have_v be_v renown_v &_o the_o most_o of_o they_o writer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n of_o his_o time_n tertullian_n say_v hereticos_fw-la percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la adhuc_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidentur_fw-la etc._n etc._n surueie_v the_o apostolic_a church_n where_o the_o very_a chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o this_o day_n succeed_v or_o continue_v be_v achaia_n near_o to_o thou_o there_o thou_o have_v corinth_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o macedonia_n thou_o have_v philippos_n and_o thessalonica_n if_o thou_o travel_v into_o asia_n thou_o have_v ephesus_n if_o thou_o lie_v near_o to_o italy_n thou_o have_v rome_n in_o cyprian_n time_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n the_o bishop_n of_o caesarea_n be_v 5._o theoctistus_n and_o after_o he_o 14._o domnus_n than_o 14._o theotecnus_n and_o 32._o agapius_n the_o bishop_n of_o laodicea_n be_v 5._o heliodorus_n that_o succeed_v 5._o thelimydre_n and_o after_o heliodorus_n follow_v 32._o socrates_n 32._o eusebius_n 32._o anatolius_n 32._o stephanus_n and_o 32._o theodotus_n the_o bishop_n of_o tyrus_n be_v 5._o marinus_n before_o who_o be_v 5._o alexander_n and_o 27_o cassius_n and_o after_o who_o come_v 13._o tirammion_n and_o 3._o paulinus_n yea_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o these_o and_o other_o church_n dure_v from_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a but_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o in_o many_o place_n to_o this_o present_a day_n for_o where_o s._n john_n the_o evangelist_n write_v to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n to_o wit_n of_o 3_o ephesus_n smyrna_n pergamus_n thyatira_n sardis_n philadelphia_n and_o laodicea_n their_o successor_n sit_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a retain_v the_o same_o place_n and_o office_n of_o bishop_n which_o their_o predecessor_n have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o there_o subscribe_v with_o the_o rest_n niceni_n menophante_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n niceni_n eutychius_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n niceni_n serras_n bishop_n of_o thyatira_n niceni_n artemidorus_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n niceni_n cyrion_n bishop_n of_o philadelphia_n and_o niceni_n theodotus_n bishop_n of_o laodicea_n together_o with_o the_o niceni_n bishop_n of_o athens_n thessalonica_n hierapolis_n and_o many_o other_o place_n that_o have_v their_o first_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n hand_n in_o the_o 4._o 5._o and_o 6._o general_a council_n which_o be_v keep_v 676._o year_n after_o christ_n the_o bishop_n that_o succeed_v in_o the_o same_o seat_n do_v like_o wise_a subscribe_n and_o so_o have_v the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o many_o place_n of_o christendom_n continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o this_o present_a age_n in_o some_o country_n where_o christianity_n be_v decay_v their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n be_v interrupt_v otherwise_o throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n no_o example_n before_o our_o age_n can_v be_v show_v that_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o place_n or_o time_n since_o the_o apostle_n die_v have_v any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n then_o by_o bishop_n succeed_a and_o rule_v as_o well_o the_o presbyter_n
father_n so_o do_v you_o nothing_o without_o the_o bishop_n whether_o you_o be_v presbyter_n deacon_n or_o lay_v man_n and_o again_o sarsenses_n presbyter_n be_v subject_a to_o your_o bishop_n deacon_n to_o your_o pesbyter_n and_o lay_v man_n to_o both_o my_o soul_n for_o they_o that_o observe_v this_o order_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v always_o with_o they_o the_o canon_n report_v the_o ancient_a discipline_n that_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n say_v 38._o let_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v he_o to_o who_o charge_n the_o people_n be_v commit_v and_o who_o shall_v render_v a_o account_n for_o their_o soul_n tertullian_n that_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n proove_v that_o in_o his_o time_n neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n may_v baptize_v without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n baptismo_fw-la the_o right_a to_o give_v baptism_n have_v the_o high_a priest_n which_o be_v the_o bishop_n than_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n non_fw-la tamen_fw-la sine_fw-la episcopi_fw-la authoritate_fw-la propter_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honorem_fw-la quo_fw-la saluo_fw-la salua_fw-la pax_fw-la est_fw-la but_o not_o without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n for_o that_o honour_n the_o church_n yield_v to_o bishop_n which_o be_v preserve_v peace_n be_v maintain_v emulation_n be_v the_o mother_n ofschisme_n the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n that_o be_v elder_a than_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a show_v it_o be_v 13._o not_o lawful_a for_o rural_a bishop_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o deacon_n nor_o for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o charge_n without_o the_o licence_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n express_v the_o bishop_n preeminence_n say_v 56._o the_o rural_a bishop_n that_o be_v already_o make_v must_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n likewise_o the_o presbyter_n must_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o like_n of_o their_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o arle_n in_o constantine_n day_n 19_o presbyteri_fw-la sine_fw-la conscientia_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la nihil_fw-la faciant_fw-la the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n jerome_n give_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o tertullian_n do_v if_o the_o chief_a priest_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n luciferianos_fw-la eminent_a above_o all_o without_o partner_n there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n ind_n venit_fw-la ut_fw-la sine_fw-la episcopi_fw-la missione_n neque_fw-la presbyter_n neque_fw-la diaconus_fw-la ius_fw-la habeant_fw-la baptizandi_fw-la thence_o be_v it_o that_o without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n neither_o presbyter_n nor_o deacon_n may_v baptize_v if_o presbyter_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o obey_v their_o bishop_n and_o may_v do_v nothing_o no_o not_o baptize_v without_o the_o bishop_n leave_v how_o far_o be_v they_o from_o overruling_a &_o censure_v their_o bishop_n by_o number_n of_o voice_n which_o you_o attribute_v to_o your_o presbyter_n this_o be_v that_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n which_o jerome_n confess_v be_v against_o the_o divine_a disposition_n if_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o be_v their_o presbytery_n nothing_o like_o your_o consistory_n neither_o do_v the_o bishop_n as_o a_o consul_n in_o the_o senate_n ask_v voice_n and_o execute_v what_o the_o most_o part_n decree_v but_o as_o a_o pastor_n he_o govern_v &_o over-looked_n as_o well_o the_o presbyter_n as_o the_o people_n and_o without_o his_o consent_n and_o like_n the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v nothing_o no_o not_o haptize_v nor_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n neither_o do_v jerome_n say_v that_o this_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n be_v against_o the_o divine_a disposition_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o condemn_v it_o that_o he_o say_v luciferianos_fw-la the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v thereon_o but_o jerome_n will_v the_o bishop_n to_o remember_v that_o though_o the_o whole_a care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o church_n be_v now_o give_v to_o they_o and_o take_v from_o presbyter_n for_o prevent_v of_o schism_n yet_o they_o shall_v use_v they_o with_o honour_n and_o consult_v with_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n because_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a disposition_n afore_o schism_n begin_v they_o be_v trust_v in_o common_a with_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n that_o disposition_n which_o he_o call_v divine_a we_o seek_v torestore_v by_o pretence_n of_o those_o word_n you_o proclaim_v your_o own_o devise_n under_o the_o title_n of_o god_n ordinance_n otherwise_o the_o charge_n that_o paul_n give_v timothy_n make_v strong_o for_o bishop_n against_o your_o presbytery_n but_o that_o we_o interpret_v his_o word_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o conceive_v that_o though_o the_o chief_a power_n and_o care_n be_v commit_v to_o bishop_n yet_o their_o presbytery_n be_v not_o exclude_v for_o as_o then_o bishop_n have_v no_o mean_n to_o be_v direct_v or_o assist_v but_o only_o their_o presbytery_n afterward_o when_o upon_o the_o general_a prevail_a of_o the_o gospel_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n synod_n begin_v to_o assemble_v and_o the_o pastor_n of_o diverse_a church_n use_v by_o letter_n and_o meeting_n to_o confer_v about_o such_o order_n and_o rule_v as_o they_o think_v needful_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o their_o church_n the_o presbytery_n of_o every_o particular_a place_n have_v more_o leisure_n and_o leave_n to_o play_v by_o reason_n provincial_a council_n undertake_v the_o debate_n and_o resolve_v of_o those_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n that_o before_o trouble_v the_o presbytery_n and_o as_o you_o tie_v your_o precedent_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o your_o presbyter_n shall_v decree_v so_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v great_a reason_n and_o better_a ground_n to_o bind_v her_o bishop_n to_o see_v those_o thing_n perform_v which_o be_v conclude_v by_o general_a assent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o any_o province_n where_o you_o may_v see_v upon_o what_o occasion_n the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n first_o decrease_v not_o that_o bishop_n wrongful_o encroch_v on_o their_o liberty_n and_o violent_o overmastered_n they_o but_o what_o thing_n be_v before_o handle_v and_o debate_v in_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o place_n come_v now_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o conclude_v in_o the_o synod_n and_o full_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o one_o kingdom_n or_o country_n so_o that_o synod_n in_o consultation_n and_o determination_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a grief_n and_o cause_n be_v prefer_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o court_n of_o great_a judgement_n high_a power_n better_a experience_n and_o more_o indifferency_n than_o presbytery_n and_o if_o malice_n do_v not_o blind_v you_o you_o will_v confess_v the_o same_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o find_v in_o any_o presbytery_n so_o many_o grave_n wise_a learned_a and_o sufficient_a man_n as_o in_o a_o province_n in_o presbytery_n affection_n and_o faction_n mighty_o prevail_v by_o reason_n man_n that_o live_v together_o upon_o like_v or_o dislike_n soon_o link_v together_o in_o synod_n where_o all_o be_v stranger_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o party_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v fear_v in_o presbytery_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o bishop_n to_o have_v his_o forth_o for_o that_o the_o rest_n be_v subject_a unto_o he_o and_o may_v many_o way_n be_v displease_v by_o he_o if_o he_o will_v seek_v revenge_n in_o synod_n they_o be_v all_o his_o brethren_n and_o equal_n no_o way_n in_o danger_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v sincere_a and_o indifferent_a judge_n and_o as_o for_o authority_n i_o trust_v yourselves_o do_v not_o mean_v in_o every_o parish_n to_o erect_v a_o pope_n and_o a_o college_n of_o cardinal_n from_o who_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o appeal_n of_o who_o wrong_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o redress_n who_o censure_n must_v stand_v indissoluble_a that_o be_v of_o all_o tyranny_n the_o most_o intolerable_a in_o all_o christian_a society_n the_o whole_a of_o like_a power_n and_o calling_n be_v great_a than_o any_o part_n and_o a_o province_n must_v be_v respect_v before_o a_o parish_n wherefore_o presbytery_n must_v yield_v to_o synod_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o each_o place_n be_v more_o bind_v to_o regard_n and_o execute_v synodal_n then_o presbyterall_a decree_n this_o while_o you_o mark_v not_o you_o imagine_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n conspire_v against_o presbyter_n to_o suppress_v they_o &_o to_o change_v the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o regiment_n where_o in_o deed_n the_o decree_n of_o council_n and_o law_n of_o christian_a prince_n moderate_v and_o determine_v all_o those_o doubt_n and_o
hear_n of_o such_o grief_n then_o â—ate_z the_o presbyter_n with_o the_o bishop_n only_o as_o beholder_n and_o adviser_n of_o his_o judgement_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v public_a may_v be_v handle_v with_o the_o more_o gravity_n and_o sincerity_n not_o withstand_v to_o examine_v it_o or_o reverse_v it_o pertain_v only_o to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n if_o none_o but_o bishop_n may_v ex_fw-la communicate_v how_o do_v your_o judge_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o be_v no_o minister_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v it_o they_o take_v not_o upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n but_o inâ—â—icâ—â—_n punishment_n for_o disobedience_n contain_v all_o those_o penalty_n that_o by_o law_n be_v ordain_v for_o such_o as_o contemn_v the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o call_v it_o be_v it_o a_o suspension_n condemnation_n or_o excommunication_n it_o great_o skill_v not_o so_o long_o as_o they_o claim_v it_o not_o by_o god_n law_n but_o by_o man_n and_o yet_o if_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o canon_n wrap_v all_o contempt_n within_o the_o band_n of_o excommunication_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n but_o lie_v judge_n may_v denounce_v the_o offendor_n to_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o canon_n for_o that_o be_v more_o than_o if_o they_o pronounce_v he_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o consequent_o to_o have_v incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n which_o the_o canon_n decree_v and_o of_o all_o man_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a which_o give_v your_o lie_v presbyter_n power_n to_o censure_v their_o pastor_n by_o number_n of_o voice_n and_o make_v excommunication_n to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n comprise_v as_o well_o the_o people_n as_o the_o presbyter_n for_o our_o part_n though_o we_o take_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o have_v pastoral_a charge_n of_o soul_n in_o their_o degree_n yet_o to_o avoid_v the_o infinite_a shower_n of_o excommunication_n which_o will_v overslow_v all_o church_n and_o parish_n and_o the_o intolerable_a quarrel_n and_o brabble_n that_o will_v ensue_v if_o every_o presbyter_n may_v excommunicate_v at_o his_o pleasure_n we_o praise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n church_n in_o suffer_v no_o inferior_a to_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n and_o licence_n and_o for_o aught_o that_o i_o know_v we_o follow_v the_o same_o rule_n sure_o have_v we_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o excommunicatour_n where_o we_o have_v one_o lightning_n â—â—ie_v not_o so_o fast_o about_o in_o a_o tempest_n as_o excommunication_n will_v in_o every_o diocese_n to_o increase_v the_o power_n of_o bishop_n you_o make_v they_o pastor_n over_o church_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o pastoral_a care_n they_o be_v further_a off_o but_o grant_v they_o to_o be_v pastor_n they_o can_v be_v but_o over_o those_o church_n that_o be_v in_o city_n over_o whole_a shire_n they_o can_v be_v since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v present_a in_o so_o many_o place_n to_o do_v any_o pastoral_a duty_n have_v we_o first_o devise_v or_o else_o divide_a diocese_n for_o bishop_n you_o may_v well_o have_v challenge_v we_o for_o make_v they_o large_a than_o pastoral_a care_n may_v extend_v unto_o but_o your_o quarrel_n in_o deed_n be_v not_o to_o the_o length_n or_o breadth_n of_o their_o diocese_n which_o must_v whole_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n you_o dislike_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v any_o diocese_n at_o all_o or_o govern_v any_o church_n beside_o that_o one_o wherein_o he_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o nice_a conceit_n of_o you_o not_o only_o condemn_v the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o assign_a diocese_n unto_o bishop_n but_o contradict_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o example_n of_o that_o government_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v behind_o they_o do_v the_o apostle_n appoint_v diocese_n for_o bishop_n that_o be_v news_n indeed_o no_o such_o news_n but_o that_o your_o own_o principle_n will_v confirm_v the_o same_o for_o what_o order_n say_v you_o do_v the_o apostle_n leave_v behind_o they_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n do_v they_o trust_v one_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n alone_o in_o each_o place_n to_o do_v as_o he_o think_v good_a or_o else_o do_v they_o provide_v direction_n and_o assistance_n in_o dangerous_a and_o doubtful_a case_n to_o guide_v he_o and_o help_v he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o one_o man_n in_o each_o church_n to_o do_v what_o he_o will_v be_v he_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n yourselves_o affirm_v be_v antichristian_a and_o devilish_a and_o i_o think_v you_o say_v truth_n if_o he_o will_v have_v neither_o associate_n to_o restrain_v he_o nor_o superior_n to_o overlook_v he_o that_o be_v to_o plant_v a_o pope_n in_o every_o parish_n with_o plenitude_n of_o power_n to_o do_v what_o please_v himself_o what_o you_o detest_v in_o bishop_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o endure_v in_o the_o presbyter_n or_o pastor_n of_o every_o parish_n church_n in_o the_o country_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o alone_o to_o guide_v his_o flock_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n without_o consent_n or_o oversight_n of_o any_o man_n you_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o abhor_v it_o as_o the_o poison_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o the_o very_a root_n of_o antichristes_n pride_n mean_v to_o avoid_v it_o i_o see_v none_o but_o that_o every_o rural_a pastor_n must_v have_v either_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o place_n with_o he_o or_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o church_n appoint_v over_o he_o that_o may_v both_o direct_v he_o and_o rule_v he_o as_o he_o do_v the_o presbyter_n of_o his_o own_o city_n if_o he_o have_v no_o help_n at_o home_n he_o must_v needs_o seek_v it_o abroad_o one_o of_o the_o twain_o be_v inevitable_a now_o for_o presbytery_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n to_o have_v either_o so_o many_o meet_a clergy_n man_n or_o so_o much_o maintenance_n as_o will_v serve_v they_o in_o every_o country_n parish_n fit_a pastor_n for_o so_o many_o place_n put_v one_o to_o a_o parish_n can_v never_o yet_o be_v find_v whence_o then_o shall_v we_o get_v so_o many_o thousand_o able_a presbyter_n as_o to_o furnish_v â—ch_a parish_n with_o three_o or_o fourer_n which_o be_v few_o enough_o and_o too_o few_o respect_v the_o burden_n that_o they_o must_v be_v be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n again_o have_v we_o store_n of_o man_n which_o we_o have_v not_o nor_o no_o age_n before_o we_o have_v from_o who_o shall_v we_o have_v maintenance_n for_o they_o and_o they_o from_o the_o people_n half_n the_o realm_n of_o england_n employ_v to_o that_o use_n will_v etten_v but_o serve_v the_o people_n now_o yield_v a_o ten_o part_n unto_o god_n and_o their_o minister_n which_o proportion_n be_v so_o moderate_a that_o where_o the_o parish_n be_v small_a the_o pastor_n have_v work_n enough_o to_o live_v thereon_o then_o must_v they_o consequent_o give_v five_o part_n of_o ten_o which_o be_v just_a the_o half_a of_o allthey_v have_v before_o there_o can_v be_v any_o show_n of_o a_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n i_o do_v not_o ask_v you_o how_o well_o the_o people_n that_o be_v god_n know_v poor_a enough_o in_o many_o place_n with_o these_o nine_o part_n which_o they_o have_v will_v like_v to_o spare_v so_o much_o to_o the_o further_a of_o your_o fancy_n or_o how_o a_o christian_a prince_n can_v bige_v to_o have_v all_o her_o subject_n so_o disable_v and_o half_o the_o realm_n allot_v to_o support_v your_o conceit_n these_o block_n and_o a_o hundred_o such_o you_o never_o stumble_v at_o while_o you_o run_v yourselves_o out_o of_o breath_n to_o pursue_v the_o perfection_n and_o profit_n of_o your_o discipline_n but_o this_o i_o will_v know_v do_v the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o indeed_o be_v a_o divine_a precept_n impose_v this_o charge_n on_o every_o parish_n by_o god_n commandment_n or_o do_v ever_o any_o christian_a kingdom_n or_o common_a wealth_n since_o christ_n ascension_n abide_v this_o yoke_n if_o they_o do_v show_v the_o instance_n and_o claim_v your_o maintenance_n if_o you_o can_v show_v no_o such_o thing_n do_v you_o not_o perceive_v that_o your_o little_a finger_n be_v heavy_a to_o god_n people_n then_o the_o apostle_n loin_n be_v and_o that_o your_o discipline_n be_v far_o greevous_a to_o the_o faithful_a than_o their_o doctrine_n the_o best_a be_v you_o may_v talk_v long_o enough_o before_o either_o prince_n or_o people_n rich_a or_o poor_a will_v admit_v or_o endure_v this_o chargeable_a frame_n of_o your_o needless_a and_o proofelesse_a government_n to_o amend_v these_o flaw_n which_o rend_v the_o
and_o bishop_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v investiture_n from_o he_o so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v choose_v bishop_n by_o the_o clergy_n and_o people_n except_o he_o be_v also_o approve_v &_o invest_v by_o the_o say_a king_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v consecrate_v which_o privilege_n to_o 1111._o give_v bishoprike_v and_o abbey_n by_o a_o ring_n and_o a_o staff_n continue_v in_o the_o roman_a emperor_n more_o than_o 300._o year_n after_o charles_n and_o be_v restore_v to_o henry_n the_o five_o 1111._o year_n after_o christ_n by_o paschalis_n the_o second_o &_o not_o afterward_o wrest_v from_o he_o &_o his_o successor_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n but_o with_o extreme_a treachery_n bloodshed_n and_o violence_n as_o the_o emperor_n of_o rome_n use_v this_o superiority_n in_o election_n of_o bishop_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o charles_n so_o the_o king_n of_o france_n continual_o practise_v the_o same_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o empire_n come_v to_o their_o hand_n after_o licinius_n the_o nine_o bishop_n of_o turon_n 31._o in_o the_o ten_o place_n theodorus_n and_o proculus_n be_v surrogated_a by_o the_o commandment_n of_o queen_n chrodieldis_n wife_n to_o chlodoveus_fw-la the_o first_o christian_n king_n of_o france_n 17._o the_o eleven_o be_v dinifius_n who_o come_v to_o the_o bishopric_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o say_a king_n the_o twelve_o 17._o be_v ommatius_fw-la who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o commandment_n of_o king_n clodomere_n one_o of_o chlodovees_fw-la son_n at_o aruerne_v four_o year_n after_o chlodovees_fw-la death_n 2._o theodorike_n another_o of_o his_o son_n command_v quintianus_n to_o be_v make_v bishop_n there_o and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o he_o add_v he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o own_o city_n for_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n he_o bear_v to_o us._n and_o the_o messenger_n straight_a way_n depart_v call_v the_o bishop_n and_o people_n together_o and_o place_v he_o in_o the_o chair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o aruerne_n and_o when_o 5_o quintianus_n be_v dead_a gallus_z by_o the_o king_n help_n be_v substitute_v in_o his_o chair_n after_o who_o decease_n 6._o cato_n elect_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o most_o part_n of_o the_o people_n bear_v himself_o for_o bishop_n but_o when_o king_n theodovaldus_fw-la hear_v it_o 7._o certain_a bishop_n be_v call_v unto_o mastright_n and_o cautinus_fw-la ordain_v bishop_n and_o direct_v by_o the_o king_n commandment_n to_o aruerne_v be_v glad_o receive_v of_o the_o clergy_n and_o citizen_n there_o the_o same_o cato_n be_v afterward_o choose_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o king_n chlotharius_fw-la to_o the_o bishopric_n of_o turon_n for_o so_o the_o clergy_n tell_v he_o 11_o non_fw-la nostra_fw-la te_fw-la voluntate_fw-la expetivimus_fw-la sed_fw-la regis_fw-la praeceptione_fw-la we_o desire_v thou_o not_o of_o our_o own_o will_n but_o by_o the_o king_n commandment_n which_o he_o refuse_v and_o thereupon_o they_o of_o turon_n suggest_v another_o to_o the_o king_n to_o who_o the_o king_n reply_v 15_o praeceperam_fw-la ut_fw-la cato_n presbyter_n illic_fw-la ordinaretur_fw-la &_o cur_n est_fw-la spreta_fw-la nostra_fw-la iussio_fw-la i_o command_v that_o cato_n the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v ordain_v bishop_n there_o and_o why_o be_v our_o commandment_n despise_v they_o answer_v we_o request_v he_o but_o he_o will_v not_o come_v and_o while_o they_o be_v with_o the_o king_n cato_n himself_o come_v and_o beseech_v the_o king_n that_o cautinus_fw-la be_v remoove_v he_o may_v be_v place_v at_o aruerne_n at_o which_o the_o king_n smile_v he_o than_o second_o request_v he_o may_v be_v ordain_v at_o turon_n which_o before_o he_o have_v neglect_v to_o who_o the_o king_n say_v i_o first_o command_v they_o shall_v consecrate_v you_o to_o that_o bishopric_n but_o as_o i_o hear_v you_o despise_v the_o place_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o it_o when_o pientius_fw-la bishop_n of_o poicter_n be_v dead_a austraphius_fw-la hope_v to_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n 18._o but_o king_n charibert_n one_o of_o chlothaâ—ius_n son_n turn_v his_o mind_n and_o pascentius_n succeed_v by_o the_o king_n commandment_n the_o like_a precept_n of_o diverse_a christian_n king_n of_o france_n 1000_o year_n before_o our_o day_n for_o the_o make_n of_o 7._o jovinus_n 9_o domnolus_fw-la 15._o nonnichius_fw-la 38._o innocentius_n ca._n sulpitius_n ca._n promotus_n 20._o nicetius_n 22._o desiderius_n ca._n gundegisilus_fw-la 23._o virus_n 24._o charimeres_n fronimius_fw-la and_o other_o bishop_n of_o france_n in_o sundry_a church_n of_o that_o realm_n he_o that_o like_v to_o see_v may_v read_v in_o the_o story_n of_o gregory_n make_v bishop_n of_o turon_n before_o gregory_n the_o first_o be_v place_v to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o other_o prince_n beside_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v from_o their_o first_o profession_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o rule_v the_o election_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n but_o appoint_v such_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o place_n to_o be_v consecrate_v without_o depend_v on_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n or_o clergy_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v christian_n prince_n to_o take_v this_o right_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n from_o the_o people_n since_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n in_o god_n law_n to_o bind_v the_o church_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v elect_v their_o bishop_n and_o consequent_o the_o manner_n of_o elect_v they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o law_n of_o each_o country_n without_o expect_v the_o people_n consent_n bullinger_n a_o man_n of_o great_a read_n and_o judgement_n allege_v both_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n of_o cyprian_a which_o be_v before_o repeat_v at_o large_a and_o also_o the_o use_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o choose_v their_o bishop_n cóclude_v thus_o augliaregem_fw-la quanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la illis_fw-la omnino_fw-la colligere_fw-la nolim_fw-la deligendi_fw-la episcopiâ—us_fw-la ad_fw-la promiscuae_fw-la plebis_fw-la suffragia_fw-la esse_fw-la reducendum_fw-la utrum_fw-la enim_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la comitijs_fw-la a_o paucorum_fw-la suffragijs_fw-la episcopum_fw-la designari_fw-la melius_fw-la sit_fw-la nulla_fw-la potest_fw-la certa_fw-la omnibus_fw-la praescribi_fw-la ecclesâ—is_fw-la constitutio_fw-la sunt_fw-la enim_fw-la alijs_fw-la regionibus_fw-la alia_fw-la jura_n alij_fw-la ritus_fw-la &_o instituta_fw-la si_fw-mi qui_fw-la abutuntur_fw-la jure_fw-la illo_fw-la per_fw-la tyrannidem_fw-la cogantur_fw-la in_o ordinem_fw-la à _fw-la sancto_fw-la magistratu_fw-la vel_fw-la transferatur_fw-la ab_fw-la eye_n ius_fw-la designandi_fw-la ministros_fw-la satius_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la eligendi_fw-la munere_fw-la seniores_fw-la aliquot_fw-la ex_fw-la regis_fw-la vel_fw-la magistratus_fw-la iussu_fw-la defungi_fw-la advocatis_fw-la consultisque_fw-la etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o i_o will_v not_o collect_v by_o these_o that_o the_o right_a to_o choose_v a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v recall_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v meet_a to_o have_v a_o bishop_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o a_o few_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n prescribe_v to_o all_o church_n for_o diverse_a country_n have_v different_a law_n and_o custom_n but_o if_o any_o tyrannical_o abuse_v their_o right_n they_o may_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o godly_a magistrate_n or_o the_o right_n of_o elect_v take_v from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v better_a that_o some_o grave_a man_n by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o the_o king_n commandment_n make_v the_o election_n call_v to_o they_o and_o consult_v with_o such_o as_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o function_n of_o a_o bishop_n what_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o people_n and_o church_n where_o he_o be_v place_v and_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o every_o man_n learning_n and_o manner_n beza_n that_o hold_v hard_a for_o discipline_n give_v over_o popular_a election_n as_o no_o part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o confess_v that_o in_o geneva_n itself_o though_o their_o state_n be_v popular_a yet_o they_o allow_v the_o people_n no_o such_o power_n 155._o the_o erect_n of_o the_o deconship_n say_v he_o be_v essential_a &_o never_o to_o be_v abrogate_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o appoint_v some_o for_o that_o function_n in_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n by_o election_n be_v likewise_o essential_a but_o that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v call_v together_o &_o give_v their_o voice_n that_o be_v neither_o essential_a nor_o perpetual_a for_o after_o when_o experience_n teach_v that_o confusion_n &_o ambition_n rise_v by_o occasion_n of_o the_o multitude_n increase_v be_v to_o be_v prevent_v the_o synod_n of_o laodicea_n be_v indeed_o but_o provincial_a yet_o approve_v by_o the_o sixth_o ecumenical_a council_n prudent_o take_v order_n by_o their_o 13._o canon_n that_o the_o election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o multitude_n or_o to_o the_o people_n not_o
form_n of_o election_n it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o prince_n be_v y_o â—_o first_o founder_n of_o church_n and_o endower_n of_o bishoprike_n have_v have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o 5._o custody_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o vacancy_n and_o the_o westminster_n presentment_n and_o collation_n of_o those_o prelacy_n as_o lord_n and_o aduowees_n of_o all_o the_o land_n and_o possession_n that_o belong_v either_o to_o cathedral_n church_n or_o bishop_n if_o you_o speak_v of_o former_a age_n when_o as_o yet_o bishop_n live_v on_o the_o oblation_n of_o the_o faithful_a i_o have_v then_o likewise_o show_v by_o the_o example_n of_o theodosius_n and_o other_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o prince_n though_o not_o as_o patroness_n yet_o as_o high_a power_n make_v election_n of_o bishop_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o reserve_v all_o election_n to_o their_o personal_a and_o royal_a assent_n yet_o in_o their_o stead_n the_o 20._o magistrate_n and_o chief_a man_n of_o each_o city_n be_v to_o consent_v before_o the_o election_n can_v be_v good_a yea_o they_o be_v to_o 123._o make_v the_o election_n joint_o with_o the_o clergy_n as_o we_o find_v confirm_v by_o the_o roman_a law_n not_o only_o princesbut_a patroness_n be_v suffer_v in_o every_o church_n to_o present_v who_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o take_v cure_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o the_o people_n be_v every_o way_n defeat_v of_o their_o choice_n call_v not_o that_o the_o defeat_v the_o people_n of_o their_o right_n which_o be_v begin_v with_o so_o great_a reason_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n and_o have_v now_o continue_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n warrant_v by_o the_o law_n and_o practise_v with_o the_o like_n of_o all_o nation_n the_o law_n of_o this_o land_n know_v not_o the_o beginning_n of_o patronage_n &_o aduocation_n &_o 13._o presentation_n be_v remember_v in_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la as_o thing_n long_o before_o currant_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n marlebridge_n the_o plea_n of_o quare_fw-la impedit_fw-la when_o the_o bishop_n refuse_v the_o patroness_n clerk_n as_o well_o for_o the_o summonition_n as_o for_o the_o return_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o statute_n of_o marlebridge_n anno_fw-la 52._o henrici_fw-la 3._o the_o law_n of_o foreign_a country_n be_v far_o elder_a than_o we_o that_o be_v extant_a among_o the_o law_n of_o charles_n the_o great_a make_v for_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o collect_v by_o ansegisus_fw-la in_o the_o yecre_n 827._o this_o be_v one_o 84._o statutum_n est_fw-la ut_fw-la sine_fw-la authoritate_fw-la &_o consensu_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la presbyteriin_n quibuslibet_fw-la ecclesijs_fw-la nec_fw-la constituantur_fw-la nec_fw-la expellantur_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la laici_fw-la clericos_fw-la probabilis_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la &_o doctrinae_fw-la episcopis_fw-la consecrandos_fw-la suisque_fw-la in_o ecolesijs_fw-la constituendos_fw-la obtulerint_fw-la nulla_fw-la qualibet_fw-la occasione_n eosreijciant_fw-la it_o be_v decree_v that_o presbyter_n shall_v not_o be_v appoint_v in_o any_o church_n nor_o remoove_v from_o thence_o without_o the_o authority_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o if_o lay_v man_n offer_v clerk_n of_o tolerable_a life_n and_o learning_n unto_o bishop_n to_o be_v place_v in_o their_o own_o church_n that_o be_v where_o lie_v man_n be_v patroness_n the_o bishop_n upon_o no_o manner_n of_o occasion_n shall_v reject_v they_o neither_o may_v the_o patron_n place_n a_o clerk_n without_o the_o bishop_n neither_o can_v the_o bishop_n refuse_v the_o patroness_n clarke_n if_o he_o be_v such_o as_o the_o canon_n do_v tolerate_v in_o spain_n about_o the_o 7._o year_n of_o king_n reccesiunthus_fw-la and_o the_o 654._o year_n of_o christ_n the_o council_n of_o coledo_n make_v this_o canon_n 2._o we_o decree_v that_o as_o long_o as_o the_o founder_n of_o church_n remain_v in_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o have_v the_o chief_a and_o continual_a care_n of_o the_o say_a place_n atque_fw-la rectores_fw-la idoneos_fw-la in_o eisdem_fw-la basilicis_fw-la ijdem_fw-la ipsi_fw-la offerant_fw-la episcopo_fw-la ordinandos_fw-la and_o themselves_o shall_v offer_v meet_a rector_n unto_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v ordain_v in_o those_o very_a church_n quod_fw-la si_fw-la spretis_fw-la eisdem_fw-la fundatoribus_fw-la rectores_fw-la ibidem_fw-la praesumpserit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinare_fw-la &_o ordinationem_fw-la svam_fw-la irritam_fw-la esse_fw-la noverit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la verecundiam_fw-la svam_fw-la alios_fw-la in_o eorum_fw-la loco_fw-la quos_fw-la ijsdem_fw-la ipsi_fw-la fundatores_fw-la condignos_fw-la elegerint_fw-la ordinari_fw-la and_o if_o the_o bishop_n neglect_v the_o founder_n shall_v presume_v to_o place_v any_o other_o let_v he_o know_v that_o his_o admission_n shall_v be_v void_a and_o to_o his_o shame_n other_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o their_o stead_n even_o such_o as_o the_o founder_n shall_v choose_v being_z not_o unworthy_a long_o before_o this_o the_o roman_a law_n determine_v the_o like_a throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n 18._o if_o any_o man_n build_v a_o church_n or_o house_n of_o prayer_n and_o will_v have_v clerk_n to_o be_v place_v there_o he_o or_o his_o heir_n if_o he_o allow_v maintenance_n for_o those_o clerk_n and_o name_v such_o as_o be_v worthy_a let_v they_o be_v ordain_v upon_o his_o nomination_n but_o if_o such_o as_o they_o choose_v be_v prohibit_v by_o the_o canon_n as_o unworthy_a then_o let_v the_o bishop_n take_v care_n to_o promote_v some_o who_o he_o think_v more_o worthy_a this_o law_n give_v two_o reason_n for_o patronage_n which_o i_o take_v indeed_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n of_o that_o interest_n they_o have_v at_o this_o day_n to_o wit_n build_v the_o church_n &_o maintain_v the_o minister_n before_o the_o law_n for_o tithe_n be_v make_v in_o city_n the_o clergy_n line_v of_o the_o voluntary_a oblation_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o country_n village_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o discretion_n to_o yield_v what_o allowance_n he_o think_v good_a out_o of_o his_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v but_o his_o husbandman_n and_o servant_n have_v neither_o wealth_n to_o build_v church_n nor_o right_a to_o give_v any_o part_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o profit_n of_o their_o lord_n land_n so_o that_o either_o church_n must_v not_o at_o all_o have_v be_v build_v in_o country_n town_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o each_o place_n be_v to_o be_v provoke_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o church_n and_o allow_v convenient_a proportion_n with_o the_o honour_n and_o pre-eminence_n to_o dispose_v their_o own_o to_o their_o like_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n law_n against_o it_o for_o when_o you_o affirm_v the_o people_n shall_v elect_v their_o pastor_n i_o trust_v you_o do_v not_o include_v in_o that_o word_n child_n servant_n beggar_n or_o bondman_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o discretion_n to_o choose_v &_o ability_n to_o maintain_v their_o pastor_n put_v then_o the_o case_n which_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o the_o villager_n &_o husbandman_n of_o each_o place_n have_v no_o state_n nor_o interest_n in_o the_o land_n which_o they_o till_v but_o serve_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n &_o have_v allowance_n for_o their_o pain_n out_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n at_o his_o pleasure_n what_o assurance_n or_o maintenance_n can_v those_o man_n yield_v unto_o their_o pastor_n call_v to_o mind_n but_o y_z t_z conquest_n of_o this_o land_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o freeholder_n nor_o copie-holder_n but_o all_o bond_n beside_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v then_o elect_v a_o clerk_n but_o only_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o place_n since_o no_o man_n be_v free_a but_o he_o alone_o wherefore_o patronage_n &_o presentation_n be_v far_o ancient_a in_o this_o &_o all_o other_o christian_a realm_n then_o either_o the_o liberty_n or_o hability_n of_o husbandman_n &_o copie-holders_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n of_o village_n have_v erect_v church_n &_o allot_v out_o portion_n for_o divine_a service_n make_v afterward_o some_o free_a &_o some_o bond_n tenant_n do_v either_o god_n or_o man_n law_n command_v or_o intend_v that_o their_o latter_a grant_n shall_v overthrow_v their_o former_a right_n that_o which_o have_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n be_v settle_v and_o receive_v by_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o the_o remembrance_n &_o inheritance_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n or_o donour_n of_o every_o church_n shall_v a_o few_o curious_a head_n make_v the_o world_n now_o believe_v it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o your_o eager_a impugn_v of_o patronage_n without_o understand_v either_o the_o intent_n or_o effect_v of_o they_o wise_a man_n may_v soon_o see_v what_o soundness_n of_o judgement_n the_o rest_n of_o your_o discipline_n be_v likely_a to_o carry_v to_o close_v up_o this_o question_n if_o the_o allowance_n give_v
this_o cause_n all_o the_o scruple_n be_v what_o kind_n of_o presbyter_n they_o be_v lay_v presbyter_n i_o read_v of_o none_o &_o therefore_o i_o can_v admit_v none_o to_o be_v of_o that_o council_n beside_o such_o of_o the_o seventy_o and_o such_o other_o prophet_n as_o assist_v james_n in_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v in_o all_o reason_n express_v by_o that_o name_n for_o since_o the_o whole_a church_n there_o be_v divide_v into_o apostle_n presbyter_n and_o brethren_n the_o helper_n &_o coadjutor_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v they_o prophet_n or_o evangelist_n that_o either_o come_v with_o paul_n &_o barnabas_n from_o antioch_n or_o be_v commorant_n with_o james_n &_o the_o rest_n at_o jerusalem_n must_v rather_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n they_o sort_v with_o the_o general_a multitude_n for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o many_o what_o man_n of_o more_o worthiness_n be_v there_o to_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o title_n of_o presbyter_n i_o hope_v the_o next_o degree_n to_o apostle_n be_v not_o your_o lay_n elder_n s._n paul_n be_v then_o foul_o overshoot_v to_o set_v 12_o first_o apostles_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n and_o to_o reject_v governor_n which_o you_o take_v for_o your_o lie_v presbyter_n into_o the_o 7._o place_n howbeit_o unless_o you_o make_v some_o fresh_a and_o better_a proof_n for_o they_o then_o yet_o i_o see_v your_o lie_v elder_n be_v not_o where_o number_v by_o s._n paul_n for_o church_n governor_n as_o for_o presbyter_n y_fw-mi â—_o be_v beneath_o apostle_n understand_v by_o that_o name_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n teacher_n or_o who_o you_o will_v so_o no_o lay_n elder_n we_o deny_v they_o neither_o place_n nor_o voice_n in_o synod_n so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v right_a to_o teach_v or_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n for_o we_o esteem_v synod_n to_o be_v but_o the_o assembly_n &_o conference_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o church_n of_o any_o province_n or_o nation_n for_o the_o word_n &_o doctrine_n be_v commit_v and_o therefore_o to_o our_o synod_n be_v call_v as_o yourselves_o know_v not_o only_o bishop_n but_o dean_n archdeacon_n &_o other_o clerk_n aswell_o of_o the_o principal_a &_o cathedral_n presbytery_n where_o the_o episcopal_a seat_n &_o church_n be_v as_o of_o the_o diocese_n at_o large_a and_o though_o some_o romish_a writer_n do_v stiff_o maintain_v that_o none_o but_o bishop_n have_v voice_n in_o council_n yet_o you_o see_v the_o ancient_a institution_n of_o our_o synodal_a assembly_n in_o this_o realm_n overthrow_v their_o late_a &_o new_a assertion_n neither_o lack_v we_o example_n of_o the_o course_n which_o we_o keep_v even_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o synod_n of_o rome_n call_v by_o cornelius_n against_o novatus_fw-la about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 255_o consist_v of_o 43._o 60._o bishop_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o euseb._n note_v from_o the_o synod_n of_o antioch_n that_o depose_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 270._o write_v not_o only_a bishop_n but_o 30_o presbyter_n &_o deacon_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o epistle_n in_o the_o council_n of_o eliberis_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n sit_v beside_o the_o bishop_n 282._o 36._o presbyter_n in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o arle_n about_o the_o same_o time_n subscribe_v 293._o 12._o presbyter_n beside_o deacon_n &_o other_o clergy_n man_n the_o like_a may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o council_n of_o rome_n 951._o under_o hilarius_n &_o under_o gregory_n where_o 88_o 34._o presbyter_n subscribe_v after_o 22._o bishop_n &_o in_o you_o â—_o first_o under_o symmachus_n where_o after_o 72._o bishop_n subscribe_v 1002._o 67._o presbyter_n so_o in_o the_o three_o five_o &_o sixth_o under_o the_o same_o symmachus_n felix_n also_o bishop_n of_o rome_n keep_v a_o council_n of_o 43._o bishop_n &_o 959._o 74._o presbyter_n &_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n have_v diverse_a other_o metropolitanes_n assemble_v in_o their_o provincial_a synod_n aswell_o presbyter_n be_v bishop_n the_o council_n of_o antisiodorum_n say_v 7._o let_v all_o the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v come_v to_o the_o synod_n in_o the_o city_n the_o 4._o council_n of_o toledo_n describe_v y_fw-mi â—_o celebrate_n of_o aprovinciall_a council_n in_o this_o wise_a â—_o let_v the_o bishop_n assemble_v go_v to_o the_o church_n together_o &_o sit_v according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n after_o all_o the_o bishop_n be_v enter_v and_o set_v let_v the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v and_o the_o bishop_n sit_v in_o a_o compass_n let_v the_o presbyter_n sit_v behind_o they_o and_o the_o deacon_n stand_v before_o they_o the_o council_n of_o tarracon_n 1100._o year_n ago_o prescribe_v almost_o the_o very_a same_o order_n that_o we_o observe_v at_o this_o day_n 13._o let_v letter_n be_v send_v by_o the_o metropolitan_a unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o unto_o the_o synod_n not_o only_o some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n but_o also_o of_o each_o dioecese_n and_o why_o shall_v this_o seem_v strange_a even_o to_o the_o romish_a crew_n when_o as_o in_o the_o great_a council_n of_o lateran_n as_o they_o call_v it_o under_o innocentius_n the_o three_o there_o be_v but_o 482._o bishop_n and_o of_o abbat_n and_o prior_n conventuall_a almost_o double_a the_o number_n even_o 3_o eight_o hundred_o if_o presbyter_n have_v right_a to_o sit_v in_o provincial_a synod_n why_o be_v they_o exclude_v from_o general_a council_n many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o be_v not_o expedient_a i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n may_v sit_v and_o deliberate_a in_o council_n yet_o will_v it_o breed_v a_o sea_n of_o absurdity_n to_o call_v all_o the_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o world_n into_o one_o place_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v to_o have_v any_o matter_n determine_v or_o order_v in_o the_o church_n as_o therefore_o in_o civil_a policy_n when_o a_o whole_a realm_n assemble_v not_o all_o y_z e_z person_n there_o live_v be_v call_v together_o but_o certain_a chief_a over_o the_o rest_n or_o choose_v by_o y_z e_z rest_n to_o represent_v the_o state_n and_o to_o consult_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a common_a wealth_n so_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o only_o superfluous_a and_o tedious_a but_o monstrous_a to_o send_v for_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n into_o one_o city_n and_o there_o to_o stay_v they_o from_o their_o cure_n and_o church_n till_o all_o thing_n needful_a can_v be_v agree_v and_o conclude_v it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o as_o sufficient_a in_o right_n that_o some_o of_o every_o place_n excel_v other_o in_o dignity_n or_o elect_v by_o general_a consent_n shall_v be_v send_v to_o supply_v the_o room_n of_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v absent_a and_o to_o confer_v in_o common_a for_o the_o direct_n and_o order_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o christian_a prince_n in_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n never_o send_v for_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o general_a council_n but_o only_o for_o the_o chief_a of_o every_o principal_a church_n and_o city_n or_o for_o some_o to_o be_v send_v from_o every_o realm_n far_o distant_a as_o legate_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o their_o council_n though_o not_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n send_v for_o by_o his_o letter_n not_o all_o the_o preacher_n &_o presbyter_n of_o the_o world_n but_o 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n of_o every_o place_n and_o there_o come_v 8._o from_o all_o the_o church_n through_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o best_a or_o chief_a of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n each_o country_n send_v not_o all_o their_o bishop_n for_o then_o will_v they_o farrc_n have_v excede_v the_o number_n of_o 318._o but_o ibidem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o special_a and_o select_a man_n they_o have_v and_o though_o there_o be_v present_v ibidem_fw-la a_o infinite_a number_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n that_o come_v with_o the_o bishop_n yet_o the_o council_n consist_v of_o 318._o bishop_n and_o no_o more_o by_o reason_n the_o emperor_n send_v not_o for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o place_n but_o for_o the_o bishop_n the_o like_a example_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o three_o general_a council_n that_o follow_v where_o only_a bishop_n determine_v matter_n in_o question_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o subscribe_v in_o the_o council_n