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
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
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
place_n force_v the_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n so_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n determine_v for_o spain_n 18._o this_o holy_a &_o general_a council_n decree_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a canon_n stand_v good_a which_o command_v synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o length_n of_o the_o way_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n the_o bishop_n shall_v assemble_v once_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v the_o 2._o council_n of_o turon_n take_v the_o same_o order_n for_o france_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 1._o it_o have_v please_v this_o holy_a council_n that_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n shall_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n in_o synod_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a by_o his_o discretion_n shall_v choose_v or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o inevitable_a necessity_n then_o without_o all_o excuse_n of_o person_n and_o occasion_n of_o pretence_n once_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v every_o man_n make_v his_o repair_n and_o if_o any_o bishop_n fail_v so_o to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n let_v he_o stand_v excommunicate_a by_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o province_n until_o a_o great_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o province_n presume_v to_o communicate_v with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a realm_n nor_o age_n wherein_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n have_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a as_o well_o under_o believe_v magistrate_n for_o consultation_n and_o direction_n as_o under_o infidel_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o irreligious_a opinion_n withstand_v wicked_a enterprise_n and_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o council_n that_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o country_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o any_o matter_n of_o moment_n come_v in_o question_n which_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o nation_n and_o province_n do_v yearly_o celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n and_o chalcedon_n council_n which_o can_v not_o be_v number_v and_o be_v not_o record_v neither_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o provincial_a synod_n prescribe_v only_o by_o council_n the_o imperial_a law_n command_v the_o like_a 10._o that_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o sacred_a rule_n may_v with_o more_o diligence_n be_v observe_v we_o require_v say_v the_o emperor_n every_o archbishop_n patriarch_n &_o metropolitan_a to_o call_v unto_o he_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o year_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o in_o the_o same_o province_n and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o cause_n which_o bishop_n clerk_n or_o monk_n have_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o determine_v they_o so_o as_o what_o so_o ever_o be_v trespass_v by_o any_o person_n against_o the_o canon_n may_v be_v reform_v the_o law_n of_o charles_n allege_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o chalcedon_n 13._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n with_o their_o metropolitan_a shall_v assemble_v in_o council_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n command_v that_o course_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o 127._o twice_o every_o year_n synod_n to_o be_v assemble_v and_o unless_o you_o give_v the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o every_o parish_n full_a and_o free_a power_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o best_o like_v to_o offer_v what_o wrong_v they_o will_v to_o use_v what_o impiety_n and_o tyranny_n they_o themselves_o listen_v without_o any_o restraint_n or_o redress_n which_o be_v a_o heathenish_a if_o not_o a_o hellish_a confusion_n you_o must_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n magistrate_n as_o oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v none_o yield_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o humane_a society_n have_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a may_v guide_v each_o part_n and_o the_o great_a number_n over-rule_v the_o lesser_a which_o without_o assemble_v in_o synod_n can_v not_o be_v do_v we_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n or_o use_n of_o lawful_a synod_n we_o confess_v 159._o they_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n against_o all_o confusion_n but_o this_o we_o dislike_v that_o you_o give_v the_o power_n to_o call_v synod_n from_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a thereby_o maintain_v a_o needless_a difference_n among_o bishop_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o you_o term_v bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n whereas_o every_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o sit_v there_o and_o by_o consent_n and_o subscription_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o have_v what_o right_a we_o yield_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o call_v synod_n within_o their_o territory_n shall_v soon_o appear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v tell_v we_o who_o call_v synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o prince_n favour_v christian_a religion_n be_v it_o do_v by_o magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v infidel_n or_o by_o metropolitanes_n and_o when_o prince_n protect_v the_o truth_n do_v they_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n by_o their_o substitute_n or_o be_v that_o charge_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n in_o every_o province_n you_o challenge_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o read_v speak_v of_o your_o credit_n who_o call_v in_o ancient_a time_n provincial_a synod_n or_o at_o any_o time_n who_o moderate_v they_o beside_o metropolitanes_n if_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n must_v have_v a_o precedent_n to_o rule_v their_o action_n for_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n how_o can_v synod_n be_v call_v &_o govern_v without_o one_o to_o prescribe_v the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o pastor_n shall_v meet_v and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o guide_v and_o moderate_v their_o assembly_n perceive_v you_o not_o that_o man_n live_v in_o diverse_a city_n and_o country_n and_o assemble_v but_o seldom_o have_v more_o need_n of_o some_o chief_a to_o call_v they_o together_o than_o those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o place_n and_o every_o day_n meet_v and_o if_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o dangerous_a in_o synod_n wherefore_o you_o must_v either_o clean_o reject_v synod_n and_o so_o make_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o parish_n supreme_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o if_o you_o receive_v synod_n you_o must_v withal_o admit_v some_o both_o to_o convocate_v and_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n the_o magistrate_n may_v callthem_n together_o and_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v may_v choose_v a_o director_n &_o guider_n of_o their_o action_n but_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o regard_n but_o rather_o afflict_v the_o church_n as_o in_o time_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n who_o shall_v then_o assemble_v the_o pastor_n of_o any_o province_n to_o deliverate_a and_o determine_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o danger_n shall_v error_n and_o injury_n overwhelm_v the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o any_o public_a remonstrance_n or_o refusance_n in_o question_n of_o faith_n case_n of_o doubt_n matter_n of_o faction_n offer_v of_o wrong_n breach_n of_o all_o order_n and_o equity_n shall_v each_o place_n and_o presbytery_n be_v free_a to_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o depend_v on_o or_o so_o much_o as_o confer_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n call_v you_o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o not_o rather_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o subversion_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o think_v you_o be_v not_o so_o far_o beside_o yourselves_o that_o you_o strive_v for_o this_o pestilent_a kind_n of_o anarchy_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n our_o age_n be_v giddy_a enough_o without_o this_o frenzy_n to_o put_v they_o forward_o howbeit_o we_o seek_v not_o what_o new_a course_n you_o can_v devise_v after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o what_o mean_v the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o prince_n embrace_v the_o truth_n to_o assemble_v synod_n and_o pacify_v controversy_n as_o well_o touch_v religion_n as_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n and_o if_o in_o the_o church_n story_n you_o find_v any_o other_o beside_o metropolicane_n that_o call_v and_o govern_v provincial_a council_n name_v the_o man_n and_o note_v the_o place_n and_o we_o yield_v you_o the_o prize_n metropolitanes_n be_v first_o establish_v if_o not_o devise_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a before_o that_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o any_o metropolitan_a
assist_v his_o father_n 500_o year_n &_o teach_v his_o child_n which_o be_v then_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o continue_v that_o charge_n 112._o year_n after_o his_o father_n death_n enosh_fw-mi do_v the_o like_a to_o seth_n and_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n before_o the_o flood_n to_o their_o father_n god_n always_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o some_o excellent_a man_n to_o preach_v in_o his_o church_n while_o their_o father_n yet_o live_v and_o guide_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o enoch_n please_v god_n and_o prophesy_v in_o his_o church_n 300._o year_n first_o under_o adam_n and_o after_o under_o seth_n in_o who_o time_n he_o be_v translate_v so_o noah_n 2._o preach_v righteousness_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o old_a world_n begin_v under_o enoch_n the_o son_n of_o seth_n and_o hold_v on_o six_o descent_n until_o the_o flood_n come_v the_o very_a same_o year_n that_o his_o grandfather_n methusalem_n die_v after_o who_o death_n and_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o world_n noah_n govern_v the_o church_n 350._o year_n and_o leave_v the_o regiment_n thereof_o as_o also_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n to_o sem_fw-mi his_o elder_a son_n that_o be_v save_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark_n from_o the_o water_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o sem_fw-mi succeed_a his_o father_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o peace_n confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v govern_v the_o church_n 350._o year_n under_o his_o father_n and_o 152._o year_n after_o he_o cven_v till_o abraham_n be_v dead_a isaac_n dinune_n and_o jacob_n 50._o year_n old_a and_o may_v well_o for_o his_o age_n birthright_n and_o blessing_n be_v that_o melchizedec_n king_n of_o salem_n in_o canaan_n that_o 7._o meet_v abraham_n return_v from_o the_o slaughter_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o bless_v he_o that_o have_v the_o promise_n for_o he_o must_v be_v great_a than_o abraham_n that_o bless_a abraham_n 38._o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v and_o great_a than_o abraham_n can_v none_o be_v but_o one_o that_o have_v the_o same_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v and_o that_o before_o he_o now_o noah_n be_v dead_a 13._o year_n before_o abraham_n enter_v canaan_n and_o sem_fw-mi ten_o ascent_n before_o abraham_n inherit_v the_o same_o blessing_n and_o promise_n that_o abraham_n do_v during_o who_o life_n and_o he_o over_o live_v abraham_n none_o of_o he_o of_o spring_n can_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n from_o he_o much_o less_o can_v any_o stranger_n excel_v he_o or_o come_v near_o he_o in_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o priesthood_n for_o first_o in_o his_o house_n be_v the_o church_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v call_v the_o 9_o god_n of_o sem_fw-mi as_o he_o be_v after_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o bless_v his_o tent_n with_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o heavenly_a peace_n that_o noah_n foresee_v it_o in_o spirit_n beseech_v god_n to_o 9_o persuade_v and_o incline_v japheth_n his_o young_a son_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o sem._n next_o in_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_a blessing_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o abraham_n greatness_n and_o that_o 360._o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n and_o from_o he_o god_n lineal_o derive_v it_o unto_o abraham_n by_o that_o blessing_n as_o from_o the_o father_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o abraham_n three_o in_o his_o person_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v to_o be_v chief_a over_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o in_o civil_a regiment_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n fourthlie_o by_o the_o length_n of_o his_o life_n he_o well_o resemble_v the_o true_a melchizedec_n who_o by_o his_o birthright_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o ever_o over_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n as_o from_o a_o other_o world_n no_o man_n live_v that_o know_v his_o beginning_n &_o he_o dure_v more_o than_o 500_o year_n even_o twelve_o descent_n after_o the_o flood_n and_o so_o neither_o the_o beginning_n nor_o end_n of_o his_o day_n be_v know_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n last_o successor_n on_o earth_n he_o leave_v none_o by_o reason_n abraham_n who_o god_n call_v from_o his_o 12._o country_n kindred_n and_o father_n house_n to_o inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n next_o after_o sem_fw-mi and_o likewise_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n with_o he_o sojourn_v as_o stranger_n and_o peregrine_n first_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n where_o sem_fw-mi yet_o live_v and_o by_o force_n of_o his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n continue_v a_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o city_n which_o be_v then_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n until_o the_o departure_n of_o jacobs_n posterity_n thence_o among_o who_o son_n god_n divide_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o sem_fw-mi appoint_v the_o sceptre_n and_o seed_n to_o judah_n the_o priesthood_n to_o levi_n the_o 5._o birthright_n to_o joseph_n and_o never_o conjoin_v they_o after_o in_o any_o but_o in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a priest_n that_o ever_o succeed_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedec_n which_o far_o excel_v the_o order_n of_o aaron_n that_o have_v the_o kingdom_n and_o birthright_n sever_v from_o it_o whosoever_o melchizedec_n be_v this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o sem_fw-mi live_v which_o appear_v in_o the_o person_n of_o melchizedec_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n be_v ruler_n over_o his_o child_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v over_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o in_o piety_n as_o in_o policy_n and_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o elder_a brethren_n to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o father_n house_n represent_v the_o choice_n that_o god_n make_v of_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n his_o son_n to_o be_v 2._o a_o royal_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a unto_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ._n from_o jacob_n to_o moses_n as_o the_o number_n of_o god_n child_n increase_v so_o the_o royal_a priesthood_n utter_o cease_v and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v much_o obscure_v by_o the_o perpetual_a pilgrimage_n of_o jacob_n and_o bondage_n of_o his_o offspring_n till_o god_n by_o moses_n wrought_v their_o deliverance_n the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v guide_v first_o by_o jacob_n then_o by_o joseph_n after_o by_o the_o head_n and_o father_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n judah_n be_v always_o the_o chief_a both_o in_o egypt_n and_o canaan_n and_o his_o 49._o father_n son_n bow_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o jacobs_n blessing_n and_o so_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n we_o find_v a_o continual_a superiority_n of_o the_o father_n over_o his_o child_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v above_o his_o brethren_n approve_a and_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o regiment_n of_o his_o church_n and_o not_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o equality_n chap._n ii_o the_o leviticall_a and_o nationall_n regiment_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n when_o it_o please_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o extend_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o whole_a seed_n of_o jacob_n &_o to_o bring_v a_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a he_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o attend_v the_o ark_n and_o offering_n which_o he_o command_v &_o to_o teach_v their_o brethren_n the_o judgement_n and_o statute_n of_o their_o god_n for_o the_o church_n be_v enlarge_v and_o spread_v over_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o domestical_a discipline_n that_o be_v before_o the_o law_n can_v not_o so_o well_o fit_a the_o government_n of_o a_o people_n as_o of_o a_o household_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o twelve_o tribe_n god_n choose_v one_o to_o retain_v the_o priesthood_n and_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n and_o execution_n of_o all_o sacred_a service_n in_o which_o tribe_n according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o father_n and_o family_n descend_v from_o levi_n the_o son_n of_o jacob_n god_n do_v proportion_n and_o establish_v diverse_a superiority_n and_o dignity_n as_o well_o in_o answer_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n as_o in_o serve_v he_o at_o his_o altar_n and_o those_o not_o only_o of_o priest_n above_o levite_n but_o of_o priest_n above_o priest_n and_o of_o levite_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o distinction_n be_v of_o priest_n above_o levite_n that_o be_v of_o aaron_n &_o his_o son_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o same_o tribe_n who_o be_v restrain_v from_o touch_v or_o see_v the_o holy_a thing_n commit_v to_o the_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