because_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a law_n in_o the_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v two_o bishop_n in_o one_o diocese_n with_o plenitude_n of_o power_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o serve_v two_o master_n therefore_o these_o 〈◊〉_d be_v entire_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o city_n bishop_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v not_o any_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n that_o i_o be_o aware_a of_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v better_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la than_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n which_o i_o will_v therefore_o transcribe_v at_o length_n into_o english_a they_o who_o reside_v in_o village_n and_o in_o the_o country_n or_o be_v ant._n call_v chorepiscopi_fw-la although_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a synod_n that_o they_o know_v their_o own_o measure_n and_o govern_v the_o church_n subject_v to_o they_o and_o rest_v content_a with_o that_o care_n and_o administration_n that_o they_o constitute_v reader_n subdeacons_n and_o exorcist_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o power_n not_o dare_v to_o ordain_v a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n without_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n unto_o which_o both_o he_o the_o chorepiscopus_n and_o the_o country_n belong_v but_o let_v the_o country_n bishop_n be_v under_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a now_o the_o main_a question_n be_v whether_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v real_a bishop_n superior_a to_o and_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n and_o in_o who_o be_v lodge_v the_o episcopal_a character_n and_o power_n the_o affirmative_a be_v prove_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o i_o consider_v that_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n be_v then_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o can_v never_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v will_v have_v be_v grant_v they_o at_o that_o time_n of_o day_n if_o they_o be_v mere_a presbyter_n they_o be_v under_o the_o same_o bishop_n as_o the_o city_n presbyter_n be_v how_o come_v they_o to_o have_v that_o honourable_a title_n bestow_v on_o they_o which_o the_o city_n presbyter_n have_v not_o be_v the_o country_n presbyter_n such_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v according_a to_o mr._n o._n far_o more_o honourable_a and_o better_o deserve_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n then_o the_o city_n presbyter_n be_v i_o can_v imagine_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o this_o but_o because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o true_a stamp_n and_o character_n of_o bishop_n have_v a_o inherent_a habitual_a power_n to_o do_v whatever_o any_o diocesan_n can_v and_o more_o than_o any_o mere_a presbyter_n be_v able_a to_o do_v only_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n have_v no_o independent_a diocese_n of_o their_o own_o to_o govern_v and_o by_o consequence_n be_v under_o some_o limitation_n which_o diocesan_n be_v not_o 2._o i_o remember_v that_o by_o the_o same_o conncil_n of_o antioch_n they_o be_v seven_o allow_v to_o give_v pacifick_n letter_n to_o the_o clergy_n to_o go_v into_o other_o diocese_n which_o in_o those_o day_n the_o bishop_n only_o can_v do_v and_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n 3._o again_o the_o 10_o canon_n of_o antioch_n decree_n that_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la although_o they_o have_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o bishop_n may_v not_o dare_v to_o ordain_v a_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n the_o obvious_a meaning_n whereof_o be_v that_o although_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v ordain_v bishop_n 〈◊〉_d they_o may_v not_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o deacon_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o diocesan_n if_o a_o chorepiscopus_n receive_v the_o real_a character_n or_o power_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v and_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o well_o as_o the_o diocesan_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o he_o no_o say_v the_o canon_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o prohibition_n be_v manifest_a because_o at_o present_a he_o act_v only_o as_o a_o comminister_v and_o assistant_n in_o another_o diocese_n where_o he_o may_v not_o exert_v his_o episcopal_a power_n without_o licence_n from_o the_o diocesan_n nor_o can_v do_v it_o without_o breach_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n we_o have_v something_o of_o this_o kind_n even_o among_o ourselves_o at_o this_o day_n a_o diocesan_n bishop_n out_o of_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o whilst_o he_o abide_v in_o another_o man_n can_v ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n without_o 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o proper_a bishop_n and_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n i_o find_v in_o the_o 18_o canon_n of_o ancyra_n where_o a_o presbyter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n for_o another_o diocese_n but_o reject_v be_v permit_v to_o return_v to_o his_o former_a post_n but_o still_o to_o as_o be_v a_o presbyter_n though_o retain_v his_o episcopal_a honour_n and_o character_n one_o may_v then_o be_v a_o real_a bishop_n and_o have_v the_o habitual_a power_n and_o intrinsic_a character_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o yet_o can_v put_v forth_o the_o act_n and_o ordain_v in_o another_o diocese_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n he_o shall_v it_o will_v breed_v confusion_n 4._o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v real_a bishop_n because_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n and_o authority_n to_o assist_v vote_n decree_n and_o confirm_v canon_n at_o council_n as_o diocesan_n bishop_n have_v divers_a of_o they_o subscribe_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o mere_a presbyter_n do_v so_o likewise_o but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o name_n and_o stead_n of_o their_o principal_n as_o their_o very_a subscription_n show_v thus_o vito_n or_o victor_n and_o vincentius_n presbyter_n and_o pope_n sylvester_n legate_n subscribe_v the_o nicene_n synod_n yet_o add_v to_o their_o common_a name_n romanus_n or_o roma_fw-la missus_fw-la so_o in_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 419._o two_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o legate_n of_o the_o pope_n do_v philippus_n presbyter_n legatus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la romanae_fw-la asellus_n presbyter_n legatus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la romanae_fw-la but_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la subscribe_v in_o their_o own_o name_n without_o mention_v any_o delegation_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o act_v by_o their_o own_o proper_a inherent_a authority_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v real_a bishop_n have_v i_o presume_v prove_v that_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la have_v the_o true_a episcopal_a character_n impress_v on_o they_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v 141._o what_o advantage_n mr._n o._n will_v make_v of_o '_o they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n from_o the_o 10_o canon_n of_o ant._n a._n d._n 344_o or_o 341_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o that_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la or_o country_n bishop_n ordain_v presbyter_n until_o they_o be_v restrain_v by_o that_o canon_n i_o agree_v with_o mr._n o._n so_o far_o that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la presume_v to_o ordain_v presbyter_n in_o another_o bishop_n diocese_n until_o they_o be_v prohibt_v by_o this_o canon_n it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v restrain_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o the_o church_n from_o have_v a_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n of_o ordain_v in_o another_o bishop_n diocese_n and_o without_o his_o consent_n the_o rule_n be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o observe_v to_o this_o day_n however_o this_o be_v the_o canon_n will_v do_v mr._n o._n no_o service_n if_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v real_a bishop_n and_o more_o than_o presbyter_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o produce_v sufficient_a proof_n again_o mr._n o._n gather_v that_o if_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v bishop_n than_o it_o appear_v that_o bishop_n be_v make_v not_o only_o in_o city_n but_o in_o country_n village_n this_o i_o grant_v also_o unto_o mr._n o._n but_o it_o nothing_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o seat_n and_o principal_a church_n be_v ofttimes_o in_o village_n and_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o be_v not_o diocesan_n but_o the_o comministri_fw-la and_o vicarii_fw-la of_o the_o city_n bishop_n now_o how_o far_o the_o delegated_a power_n of_o a_o chorepiscopus_n extend_v no_o one_o alive_a can_v tell_v at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v nothing_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o village_n only_o as_o mr._n o._n contend_v though_o haply_o his_o ordinary_a residence_n and_o particular_a care_n may_v be_v in_o some_o country-town_n where_o he_o discharge_v the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o on_o that_o score_n may_v be_v account_v as_o a_o country_n presbyter_n under_o the_o city_n bishop_n such_o at_o this_o day_n be_v even_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v by_o commendam_fw-la possess_v of_o a_o rectory_n in_o another_o diocese_n he_o can_v act_n there_o but_o as_o a_o presbyter_n except_o he_o have_v leave_v from_o the_o proper_a bishop_n for_o
that_o timothy_n do_v not_o ordain_v alone_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v constitue_v the_o principal_a judge_n and_o director_n in_o ordination_n as_o in_o all_o other_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n o._n the_o rector_n have_v argue_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o timothy_n 162._o be_v intend_v the_o resident_n governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o minister_n deny_v it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o mat._n 15._o 32._o mark_n 8._o 2._o ans._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o these_o place_n produce_v against_o i_o be_v limit_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n a_o man_n may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o reside_v or_o abide_v in_o a_o place_n one_o two_o or_o three_o day_n or_o month_n or_o year_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o reside_v when_o it_o be_v speak_v undeterminate_o as_o for_o those_o word_n till_o i_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 13._o it_o be_v no_o limitation_n of_o timothy_n residence_n at_o 〈◊〉_d nor_o do_v it_o imply_v that_o his_o authority_n there_o must_v then_o cease_v if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o after_o paul_n be_v come_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v have_v leave_v off_o giving_z attendance_n unto_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o 〈◊〉_d which_o yet_o i_o suppose_v be_v duty_n perpetual_o incumbent_a upon_o he_o let_v the_o apostle_n be_v at_o 〈◊〉_d or_o not_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n go_v short_o to_o timothy_n at_o ephesus_n be_v not_o with_o intent_n to_o remove_v he_o thence_o but_o to_o instruct_v he_o thorough_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v and_o prove_v nevertheless_o lest_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v prevent_v of_o his_o intend_a visit_n and_o shall_v tarry_v long_o as_o he_o suspect_v may_v happen_v he_o send_v he_o for_o the_o present_a this_o epistle_n contain_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o afterward_o when_o he_o come_v to_o ephesus_n he_o will_v more_v at_o large_a communicate_v unto_o he_o but_o these_o be_v repetition_n mr._n o._n to_o prove_v that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o 163._o same_o power_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n and_o thessalonica_n as_o he_o be_v afterward_o at_o ephesus_n allege_v the_o rector_n grant_v that_o unfixt_v evangelist_n govern_v the_o church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n under_o the_o apostle_n ans._n this_o concession_n prove_v not_o that_o timothy_n be_v furnish_v with_o the_o same_o power_n in_o greece_n and_o macedonia_n as_o at_o ephesus_n for_o 1._o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n when_o send_v to_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n but_o in_o st._n paul_n second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n which_o be_v a_o great_a while_n after_o he_o have_v be_v send_v to_o 〈◊〉_d philippi_n and_o thessalonica_n then_o indeed_o it_o be_v intimate_v he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o not_o before_o 2._o it_o seem_v evident_a unto_o i_o that_o timothy_n be_v send_v unto_o greece_n and_o macedonia_n for_o quite_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o govern_v those_o church_n and_o ordain_v they_o elder_n his_o business_n at_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o establish_v and_o comfort_v the_o christian_n there_o concern_v their_o faith_n 1_o thes._n 3._o 2._o and_o afterward_o he_o go_v thither_o again_o to_o hasten_v their_o contribution_n as_o i_o conceive_v his_o business_n to_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o carry_v the_o apostle_n letter_n concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d schism_n and_o contention_n we_o read_v of_o no_o commission_n give_v he_o to_o receive_v accusation_n to_o reprove_v offender_n open_o to_o examine_v the_o qualification_n of_o the_o candidate_n for_o holy_a order_n or_o to_o ordain_v elder_n either_o at_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d or_o thessalonica_n as_o he_o have_v at_o ephesus_n 3._o eusebius_n on_o who_o authority_n the_o hypothesis_n of_o unfixt_v 37._o evangelist_n depend_v describe_v they_o thus_o they_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n or_o where_o no_o church_n be_v as_o yet_o establish_v but_o paul_n have_v already_o plant_v church_n at_o corinth_n philippi_n and_o thessalonica_n these_o than_o be_v not_o place_n proper_a for_o a_o unfixed_a evangelist_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o therefore_o timothy_n do_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n in_o those_o city_n that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o power_n there_o as_o at_z ephesus_z so_o that_o i_o still_o call_v upon_o mr._n o._n to_o prove_v timothy_n be_v furnish_v with_o the_o same_o power_n in_o greece_n and_o macedonia_n as_o he_o be_v after_o at_o ephesus_n 4._o if_o timothy_n have_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o same_o power_n at_o his_o go_v to_o greece_n and_o macedonia_n as_o at_o ephesus_n why_o shall_v paul_n resolve_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o to_o instruct_v 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o office_n and_o because_o he_o foresee_v that_o journey_n may_v possible_o be_v put_v off_o for_o a_o long_a time_n why_o do_v he_o dispatch_v a_o letter_n to_o 〈◊〉_d wherein_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n he_o give_v he_o the_o necessary_a order_n for_o the_o better_a rule_v of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d i_o suppose_v be_v not_o so_o forgetful_a as_o to_o need_v these_o instruction_n if_o he_o have_v before_o be_v furnish_v with_o they_o when_o he_o be_v send_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d mr._n o._n a_o great_a part_n of_o t._n n._n be_v to_o prove_v that_o presbyter_n 165._o be_v not_o supreme_a governor_n because_o the_o apostle_n be_v above'em_v and_o yet_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v supreme_a governor_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v above_o they_o also_o either_o the_o elder_n be_v supreme_a governor_n or_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o ans._n i_o show_v by_o induction_n of_o particular_n that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o single_a act_n of_o government_n that_o either_o a_o apostle_n or_o a_o prophet_n be_v constant_o at_o the_o helm_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v '_o they_o the_o elder_n have_v not_o a_o discretionary_a power_n in_o any_o case_n that_o we_o read_v of_o but_o timothy_n and_o titus_n though_o they_o also_o be_v subject_n to_o st._n paul_n whenever_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o interpose_v yet_o general_o speak_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o own_o private_a discretion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o government_n prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o timothy_n and_o titus_n their_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o of_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n see_v the_o preface_n mr._n o._n whereas_o in_o proof_n of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n i_o cite_v act_n 19_o 10._o all_o they_o which_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o back_v this_o with_o ignatius_n calling_n himself_o the_o bishop_n of_o syria_n not_o of_o antioch_n only_o but_o of_o some_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n the_o minister_n reply_v this_o be_v little_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o that_o man_n will_v talk_v any_o thing_n but_o ans._n do_v not_o these_o observation_n render_v it_o high_o probable_a that_o the_o ephesian_a church_n be_v also_o compose_v of_o several_a assemble_v in_o city_n and_o country_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a account_n why_o a_o bishop_n and_o many_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n not_o serve_v one_o congregation_n alone_o in_o the_o city_n but_o other_o also_o in_o the_o country_n round_o about_o call_v asia_n if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o congregation_n at_o ephesus_n one_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n may_v have_v suffice_v the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n of_o day_n be_v not_o so_o wealthy_a as_o to_o multiply_v church-officer_n more_o than_o need_v this_o be_v not_o i_o confess_v to_o mr._n oh_o purpose_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v think_v to_o i_o mr._n o._n further_o plead_v that_o the_o rector_n understand_v in_o order_n to_o prove_v there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o that_o church_n may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v in_o the_o parthian_n and_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n cappadocia_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o these_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act_n 2._o 9_o 11._o as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o asia_n do_v ans._n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o do_v affirm_v the_o parthian_n and_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n here_o mention_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v convert_v for_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n v_o 9_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n v_o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
faith_n that_o city_n be_v so_o furious_o zealous_a in_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v act._n 19_o 19_o 20._o paul_n testify_v sixthly_a that_o at_o ephesus_n a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a be_v open_v unto_o he_o viz._n a_o most_o advantageous_a opportunity_n of_o bring_v in_o a_o mighty_a harvest_n of_o soul_n to_o christ._n 1_o cor._n 16._o 8_o 9_o put_v all_o these_o together_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v upon_o any_o solid_a 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n these_o be_v the_o assembly_n and_o london_n minister_n argument_n which_o mr._n o._n may_v do_v well_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o confute_v if_o he_o can_v if_o he_o can_v and_o as_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o suspect_v will_v not_o endeavour_v than_o my_o point_n be_v gain_v for_o if_o even_o in_o paul_n day_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n then_o much_o more_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ignatius_n the_o christian_a religion_n doubtless_o get_v ground_n continual_o in_o those_o part_n upon_o the_o gentile_a superstition_n as_o be_v manifest_a afterward_o from_o the_o church_n hereabout_o plant_v and_o mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v magnesia_n and_o trallis_n out_o of_o ignatius_n epistle_n none_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o story_n of_o st._n paul_n except_o laodicea_n that_o i_o can_v remember_v now_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v that_o every_o of_o the_o church_n speak_v of_o in_o ignatius_n be_v 〈◊〉_d diocesan_n not_o know_v how_o early_o they_o be_v plant_v but_o thus_o much_o i_o repeat_v again_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o same_o model_n as_o ephefus_fw-la be_v as_o many_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n fix_v in_o they_o which_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v the_o foundation_n of_o large_a church_n to_o consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n after_o more_o believer_n shall_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o this_o time_n i_o be_o in_o some_o hope_n it_o be_v undeniable_o prove_v 1._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n to_o who_o ignatius_n write_v be_v prelatical_a that_o be_v be_v of_o a_o distinct_a species_n of_o church-officer_n and_o superior_a to_o the_o presbyter_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v likewise_o diocesan_n that_o be_v ruler_n over_o several_a congregation_n and_o over_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o ordinary_o minister_v in_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o who_o sense_n mr._n o._n and_o i_o have_v dispute_v must_v be_v so_o expound_v as_o to_o be_v make_v agreeable_a to_o prelatical_a and_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n whether_o i_o have_v do_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n if_o he_o please_v to_o consult_v the_o t._n n._n to_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o altar_n very_o brief_o because_o he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o the_o famous_a mr._n mede_n for_o one_o numerical_a altar_n and_o not_o a_o specifical_a one_o as_o i_o expound_v it_o those_o word_n in_o ignatius_n epistle_n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v think_v to_o favour_v one_o numerical_a altar_n which_o mr._n o._n contend_v for_o of_o which_o thus_o mr._n mede_n deliver_v himself_o here_o be_v a_o 414._o temple_n with_o a_o altar_n in_o it_o for_o in_o these_o primitive_a time_n they_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n in_o a_o church_n ans._n no_o more_o have_v we_o at_o this_o day_n though_o we_o have_v many_o church_n in_o a_o diocese_n yet_o every_o church_n have_v a_o altar_n and_o but_o one_o and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v at_o magnesia_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o mr._n mede_n go_v on_o it_o shall_v seem_v they_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n to_o a_o church_n take_v church_n for_o the_o company_n or_o corporation_n of_o the_o faithful_a unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o city_n or_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n have_v his_o see_n or_o residence_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v one_o temple_n and_o one_o altar_n for_o the_o whole_a nation_n unite_v under_o one_o highpriest_n the_o author_n endeavour_v to_o confirm_v this_o as_o mr._n o._n true_o say_v out_o of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o st._n cyprian_n ans._n but_o still_o mr._n o._n misrepresent_v mr._n mede_n as_o if_o he_o be_v positive_a herein_o which_o be_v not_o so_o for_o 1._o mr._n mede_n lay_v down_o his_o position_n very_o cautious_o it_o shall_v seem_v intimate_v it_o be_v not_o very_o clear_a from_o those_o word_n of_o ignatius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o these_o word_n many_o imply_v only_o that_o every_o temple_n have_v but_o one_o altar_n as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v more_o temple_n than_o one_o in_o the_o bishop_n church_n and_o therefore_o more_o altar_n 2._o mr._n mede_n at_o the_o same_o time_n think_v the_o bishop_n church_n to_o have_v be_v diocesan_n for_o though_o they_o have_v not_o several_a altar_n yet_o they_o have_v several_a oratory_n or_o lesser_a temple_n say_v he_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o synagogue_n so_o that_o the_o one_o numerical_a altar_n in_o the_o bishop_n church_n do_v not_o prove_v his_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o one_o congregation_n only_o in_o this_o learned_a gentleman_n opinion_n no_o more_o than_o the_o one_o altar_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o jew_n prove_v there_o be_v no_o synagogue_n 3._o mr._n mede_n to_o back_v his_o conjecture_n ground_v on_o ignatius_n produce_v two_o testimony_n the_o one_o out_o of_o justin_n the_o other_o out_o of_o cyprian_a and_o because_o he_o be_v not_o positive_a or_o certain_a of_o the_o conclusion_n he_o draw_v from_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o breach_n of_o modesty_n if_o i_o examine_v whether_o mr._n mede_n have_v well_o ground_v his_o conjecture_n on_o those_o two_o father_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n thus_o write_v all_o that_o live_v in_o city_n or_o country_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plural_a meet_v togeher_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o one_o place_n so_o mr._n mede_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n this_o passage_n do_v not_o evince_v that_o the_o bishop_n church_n take_v for_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o believer_n unite_v under_o he_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n for_o which_o i_o offer_v the_o follow_a reason_n first_o because_o justin_n here_o intend_v not_o to_o give_v the_o gentile_n a_o account_n of_o the_o polity_n and_o government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o how_o many_o sort_n of_o church-officer_n there_o be_v among_o they_o nor_o how_o many_o congregation_n under_o one_o bishop_n but_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o divine_a worship_n and_o that_o not_o in_o one_o single_a congregation_n but_o in_o all_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o all_o town_n and_o country_n throughout_o the_o world_n the_o christian_n belong_v to_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o certain_a district_n meet_v together_o etc._n etc._n for_o all_o this_o there_o may_v be_v several_a congregation_n under_o one_o bishop_n if_o i_o for_o example_n shall_v write_v to_o a_o foreigner_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o worship_n here_o in_o england_n not_o intermeddle_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o government_n may_v i_o not_o ought_v i_o not_o to_o say_v all_o that_o live_v in_o town_n or_o country_n or_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v many_o church_n and_o many_o congregation_n unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o thus_o meet_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n second_o whereas_o justin_n mention_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n who_o celebrate_v the_o divine_a worship_n in_o these_o single_a congregation_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understanding_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n only_o he_o may_v use_v one_o common_a title_n for_o both_o speak_v of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o preside_v over_o the_o divine_a worship_n in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n so_o mr._n mede_n expound_v antistes_fw-la afterward_o not_o the_o bishop_n only_o but_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n that_o be_v he_o who_o minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n at_o that_o time_n three_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o bishop_n he_o do_v but_o instance_n in_o and_o exemplify_v the_o christian_a worship_n by_o the_o most_o honourable_a assembly_n sc_n that_o wherein_o the_o bishop_n himself_o ordinary_o preside_v in_o person_n not_o exclude_v other_o wherein_o the_o presbyter_n minister_v four_o justin_n because_o he_o
shall_v have_v be_v the_o companion_n of_o paul_n or_o of_o barnabas_n this_o last_o also_o be_v the_o evangelist_n of_o who_o the_o dispute_n be_v betwixt_o mr._n o._n and_o i_o who_o be_v but_o once_o mention_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o at_o babylon_n which_o be_v in_o egypt_n as_o many_o with_o reason_n hold_v he_o may_v be_v a_o resident_n evangelist_n at_o alexandria_n though_o occasional_o with_o peter_n at_o the_o writing_n that_o epistle_n at_o babylon_n but_o 〈◊〉_d any_o will_v contend_v st._n peter_n babylon_n be_v rome_n be_v it_o so_o what_o absurdity_n be_v it_o to_o affirm_v with_o eusebius_n that_o peter_n send_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o alexandria_n where_o he_o plant_v that_o church_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n bequeath_v the_o government_n of_o it_o to_o annianus_n yet_o once_o more_o admit_v mark_n after_o he_o have_v form_v and_o regulate_v that_o church_n of_o alexandria_n to_o have_v remove_v unto_o some_o other_o city_n and_o country_n for_o i_o be_o by_o no_o mean_n oblige_v to_o maintain_v that_o he_o die_v there_o nor_o do_v eusebius_n express_o say_v so_o that_o i_o know_v of_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o affirm_v with_o eusebius_n that_o annianus_n take_v the_o administration_n of_o that_o church_n of_o alexandria_n 24._o after_o mark_n leave_v it_o to_o conclude_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mark_n who_o sometime_o be_v with_o peter_n at_o other_o time_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n then_o with_o barnabas_n alone_o after_o that_o with_o paul_n again_o and_o last_o with_o peter_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o at_o last_o he_o settle_v at_o alexandria_n neither_o will_v his_o occasional_a removal_n thence_o at_o the_o apostle_n call_v destroy_v his_o residence_n see_v part_v the_o first_o chapter_n the_o five_o whither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o consider_v mr._n oh_o plea_n on_o this_o argument_n i_o be_o refer_v to_o page_n 126._o st._n jerom_n be_v the_o only_a ancient_a author_n that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o church_n government_n establish_v by_o mark_n 〈◊〉_d alexandria_n and_o on_o who_o authority_n the_o presbyterian_o very_o much_o rely_v what_o he_o say_v be_v the_o alexandrian_a presbyter_n from_o mark_n to_o heraclas_n evag._n and_o dionys._n call_v one_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n i_o say_v call_v he_o bishop_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o not_o who_o choose_v he_o nor_o who_o ordain_v he_o so_o that_o we_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o one_o main_a part_n of_o the_o controversy_n for_o any_o thing_n jerom_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o only_o one_o will_v have_v expect_v that_o if_o the_o presbyter_n at_o any_o time_n have_v ordain_v their_o bishop_n this_o father_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o let_v we_o know_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o himself_o and_o those_o of_o his_o own_o order_n he_o also_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n that_o one_o presbyter_n be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n for_o a_o remedy_n against_o 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o be_v do_v postea_fw-la that_o be_v after_o john_n two_n last_o epistle_n those_o of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o the_o first_o of_o peter_n be_v write_v for_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o till_o then_o as_o he_o suppose_v and_o we_o must_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o believe_v all_o this_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o jerom_n nay_o jerom_n himself_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o for_o he_o confess_v that_o paul_n make_v timothy_n tim._n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n how_o then_o come_v in_o this_o postea_fw-la after_o he_o have_v quote_v st._n paul_n first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n for_o if_o ever_o 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n by_o paul_n it_o be_v before_o st._n paul_n write_v that_o epistle_n and_o if_o so_o how_o come_v jerom_n to_o say_v that_o the_o devise_n be_v form_v postea_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v after_o the_o write_n of_o that_o epistle_n that_o be_v after_o timothy_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v the_o good_a father_n write_v somewhat_o confuse_o and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v at_o present_a one_o thing_n only_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o if_o st._n paul_n constitute_v timothy_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n if_o james_n be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n statim_fw-la 〈◊〉_d apostolos_n and_o if_o mark_v appoint_v a_o bishop_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v over_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d at_o alexandria_n than_o this_o remedy_n against_o schism_n be_v find_v out_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o mark_v die_v before_o peter_n and_o paul_n or_o 〈◊〉_d i_o may_v argue_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o another_o passage_n in_o jerom_n mat_n who_o affirm_v that_o mark_v himself_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n therefore_o this_o remedy_n against_o schism_n be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o therefore_o bishop_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o jerom_n himself_o but_o still_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v who_o choose_v and_o ordain_v the_o bishop_n after_o mark_n be_v go_v here_o mr._n o._n think_v he_o have_v catch_v we_o have_v find_v a_o unquestionable_a testimony_n that_o the_o presbyter_n at_o alexandria_n both_o choose_v their_o bishop_n and_o ordain_v he_o yea_o and_o ordain_v one_o another_o so_o it_o be_v testify_v by_o 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o origines_fw-la 〈◊〉_d set_v forth_o by_o mr._n selden_n many_o year_n ago_o his_o word_n be_v mark_v appoint_v hananias_n or_o annianus_n first_o patriarch_n or_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n and_o twelve_o presbyter_n his_o constant_a assistant_n to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o the_o patriarchship_n be_v vacant_a they_o shall_v choose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o his_o head_n and_o bless_v he_o and_o create_v he_o their_o patriarch_n then_o after_o that_o they_o shall_v elect_v some_o eminent_a person_n and_o make_v he_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o room_n of_o he_o who_o be_v make_v patriarch_n that_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o twelve_o 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n this_o mr._n o._n call_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v and_o 129._o create_v their_o bishop_n and_o that_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o benediction_n or_o prayer_n also_o of_o presbyter_n make_v presbyter_n before_o i_o give_v a_o direct_a reply_n i_o will_v try_v what_o can_v he_o gather_v from_o this_o narrative_a of_o eutychius_n in_o favour_n of_o episcopal_a government_n first_o it_o be_v natural_a hence_o to_o gather_v that_o mark_n not_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o a_o parity_n between_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n his_o conceit_n be_v there_o shall_v be_v twelve_o presbyter_n answerable_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d they_o like_o christ_n over_o his_o 〈◊〉_d second_o by_o this_o constitution_n of_o mark_n be_v at_o alexandria_n episcopacy_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o first_o government_n set_v up_o in_o that_o church_n and_o because_o mark_n be_v a_o inspire_a evangelist_n it_o be_v divine_a also_o three_o note_v that_o according_a to_o eutychius_n the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o bishop_n and_o not_o the_o people_n which_o the_o dissenter_n will_v not_o very_o well_o like_a of_o four_o that_o the_o presbyter_n ordain_v new_a presbyter_n which_o will_v scarce_o go_v down_o with_o the_o dissent_v congregation_n now_o a_o day_n five_o that_o except_v accident_n the_o patriarch_n or_o as_o mr._n o._n the_o moderator_n of_o the_o class_n be_v choose_v for_o life_n which_o the_o presbyterian_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o six_o that_o the_o dissenter_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o depart_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o st._n mark_n be_v model_n as_o they_o can_v pretend_v we_o be_v yea_o and_o much_o more_o too_o thus_o much_o be_v premise_v that_o which_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o 〈◊〉_d his_o story_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o that_o tell_v it_o that_o he_o be_v a_o author_n of_o no_o credit_n and_o that_o there_o be_v considerable_a exception_n to_o be_v make_v against_o he_o and_o his_o tale._n they_o be_v as_o follow_v first_o he_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o selden_n himself_o to_o have_v live_v but_o in_o the_o ten_o century_n about_o 900_o year_n after_o the_o pretend_a constitution_n of_o st._n mark_n he_o allege_v no_o writer_n or_o record_n know_v unto_o we_o from_o whence_o he_o receive_v this_o account_n nor_o be_v it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o beside_o jerom_n who_o be_v several_a time_n in_o egypt_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o which_o be_v very_o strange_a 〈◊〉_d shall_v 500_o year_n after_o and_o
power_n of_o government_n and_o ordination_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o deacon_n in_o scythia_n for_o these_o 70_o year_n as_o blundel_n can_v make_v his_o inference_n for_o presbyter_n the_o most_o probable_a conjecture_n be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n sc_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n four_o i_o may_v demand_v of_o mr._n o._n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o one_o presbyter_n among_o those_o christian_a captive_n which_o haply_o he_o will_v be_v put_v hard_a to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n i_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o one_o bishop_n in_o scythia_n before_o ulphilas_n viz._n theophilus_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o subscribe_v the_o canon_n of_o that_o council_n so_o eusebius_n witness_v also_o the_o bishop_n of_o persis_n be_v present_a at_o the_o synod_n 7._o nor_o be_v there_o want_v a_o scythian_a bishop_n socrates_n name_n he_o theophilus_n who_o being_n bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n 〈◊〉_d there_o present_a subscribe_v 41._o the_o nicene_n council_n theophilus_n therefore_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n before_o the_o nicene_n synod_n and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n and_o subscribe_v it_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o scythian_a church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o presbyter_n among_o the_o christian_a goth_n or_o scythian_n for_o about_o 70_o year_n as_o mr._n o._n and_o blondel_n have_v affirm_v but_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n or_o of_o a_o bishop_n at_o least_o i_o add_v that_o see_v we_o find_v a_o bishop_n among_o the_o goth_n before_o the_o nicene_n synod_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o bishop_n or_o a_o bishop_n at_o first_o go_v along_o with_o the_o captive_a christian_n into_o scythia_n or_o that_o one_o soon_o follow_v they_o thither_o i_o will_v confirm_v this_o con_n jecture_n from_o that_o passage_n in_o sozomen_n who_o inform_v 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o 21._o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n speak_v of_o the_o scythian_n that_o one_o bishop_n only_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o that_o province_n sozomen_n be_v now_o write_v of_o the_o church-affair_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o valentinian_n and_o valens_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 370._o 43_o year_n after_o ulphilas_n have_v be_v first_o ordain_v bishop_n now_o ulphilas_n be_v not_o long_o before_o this_o time_n alive_a according_a to_o socrates_n and_o invent_v the_o gothick_n letter_n 〈◊〉_d the_o reign_n of_o 33._o valens_n without_o all_o peradventure_o therefore_o the_o goth_n have_v bishop_n long_o before_o ulphilas_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o two_o in_o all_o that_o be_v ulphilas_n and_o after_o he_o vetranio_n than_o bishop_n it_o have_v be_v a_o foolish_a remark_n of_o sozomen_n to_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o scythian_a christian_n that_o one_o bishop_n only_o govern_v their_o province_n when_o as_o this_o ancient_a custom_n forsooth_o have_v be_v but_o of_o 40_o year_n continuance_n from_o the_o first_o and_o there_o have_v be_v but_o two_o and_o the_o former_a of_o they_o dead_a but_o about_o four_o year_n before_o for_o both_o ulphilas_n and_o vetranio_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o valens_n 47._o the_o sum_n be_v there_o be_v bishop_n in_o scythia_n during_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o 70_o year_n mention_v by_o mr._n o._n and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n all_o the_o while_n i_o defy_v mr._n o_o to_o show_v the_o contrary_a out_o of_o philostorgius_n or_o any_o other_o historian_n extant_a there_o do_v remain_v indeed_o a_o small_a difficulty_n to_o be_v account_v for_o viz._n how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o philostorgius_n call_v he_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n if_o the_o goth_n have_v bishop_n before_o he_o the_o answer_n hereunto_o be_v easy_a and_o 〈◊〉_d five_o theophilus_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o nicene_n synod_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n beyond_o the_o danube_n or_o ister_n for_o they_o come_v not_o over_o the_o river_n into_o the_o roman_a empire_n till_o after_o the_o say_a synod_n upon_o their_o arrival_n or_o at_o their_o request_n constantine_n allot_v maesia_n for_o they_o to_o inhabit_v that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o lie_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o danube_n on_o this_o side_n the_o river_n and_o name_v ulphilas_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o cisistrian_a scythian_n within_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o ordain_v by_o eusebius_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n though_o theophilus_n before_o he_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o the_o transistrian_a so_o socrates_n moreover_o to_o this_o faith_n even_o ulphilas_n himself_o bishop_n 41._o of_o the_o goth_n than_o first_o consent_v for_o before_o that_o time_n he_o have_v embrace_v the_o 〈◊〉_d faith_n follow_v theophilus_n bishop_n of_o the_o goth_n who_o be_v present_a have_v subscribe_v the_o nicene_n council_n so_o that_o after_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v question_v but_o that_o the_o gothick_n christian_n be_v long_o before_o ulphilas_n govern_v by_o bishop_n although_o blondel_n and_o mr._n o._n have_v so_o roundly_o deny_v it_o without_o yea_o against_o plain_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n upon_o a_o far_a search_n into_o blondel_n i_o find_v he_o acknowledge_v what_o i_o have_v before_o speak_v of_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d but_o mr._n o._n who_o pretend_v to_o improve_v argument_n have_v leave_v this_o lame_a and_o more_o imperfect_a than_o he_o find_v it_o let_v we_o then_o see_v what_o answer_n blundel_n have_v frame_v against_o theophilus_n the_o scythian_a bishop_n it_o be_v as_o follow_v if_o we_o grant_v theophilus_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o gothick_n metropolis_n before_o 〈◊〉_d we_o will_v be_v hereby_o furnish_v with_o a_o strong_a weapon_n justify_v our_o cause_n for_o they_o who_o make_v to_o themselves_o a_o bishop_n their_o superior_a who_o dare_v deny_v they_o a_o power_n of_o ordain_v presbyter_n which_o be_v but_o their_o equal_n ans._n this_o argument_n be_v ground_v upon_o a_o supposition_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v of_o nor_o can_v be_v prove_v blondel_n take_v it_o here_o for_o grant_v the_o scythian_a presbyter_n ordain_v their_o bishop_n theophilus_n for_o instance_n but_o one_o may_v surmise_v several_a other_o thing_n with_o equal_a probabilty_n any_o of_o which_o will_v overthrow_v this_o wonderful_a demonstration_n as_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o a_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n be_v by_o the_o scythian_n at_o their_o irruption_n into_o galatia_n and_o cappadocia_n carry_v captive_n into_o scythia_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v or_o 2._o that_o some_o bishop_n may_v follow_v the_o captive_a christian_n into_o that_o barbarous_a country_n be_v first_o ordain_v in_o the_o empire_n theophilus_n which_o be_v a_o greek_a name_n haply_o be_v so_o make_v and_o ordain_v their_o bishop_n or_o 3._o the_o scythian_a church_n may_v send_v one_o of_o their_o own_o presbyter_n to_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o imperial_a bishop_n as_o ulphilas_n after_o be_v for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o correspondence_n between_o the_o scythian_a and_o imperial_a church_n be_v past_a doubt_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o the_o scythian_n assist_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o philostorgius_n the_o only_a author_n of_o this_o tale_n that_o thwart_v any_o one_o of_o thesethree_a supposition_n or_o that_o countenance_n blondel_n surmise_n of_o the_o scythian_a presbyter_n ordain_v their_o own_o bishop_n that_o of_o ulphilas_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o 2._o if_o the_o scythian_a presbyter_n ordain_v a_o bishop_n to_o preside_v over_o they_o suppose_v this_o it_o hence_o follow_v they_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o have_v one_o and_o rather_o than_o have_v none_o choose_v in_o their_o necessity_n to_o constitute_v and_o ordain_v he_o themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o establish_a method_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a but_o this_o be_v say_v upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n of_o the_o scythian_a presbyter_n ordain_v their_o bishop_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v nor_o at_o all_o probable_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o which_o appear_v above_o board_n be_v that_o the_o scythian_n have_v a_o bishop_n which_o set_v apart_o mere_a conjecture_n on_o both_o side_n be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o purpose_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la the_o occasion_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o i_o conjecture_v be_v either_o 1._o to_o promote_v and_o quicken_v conversion_n in_o the_o country_n and_o village_n subject_a to_o the_o city_n bishop_n or_o 2._o after_o believer_n and_o congregation_n be_v there_o multiply_v to_o be_v as_o suffragans_fw-la and_o assistant_n for_o the_o better_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o
aught_o any_o thing_n then_o that_o mr._n o._n say_v or_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o delegated_a power_n of_o a_o chorepiscopus_n reach_v to_o more_o than_o one_o or_o half_a a_o dozen_o village_n well!_o mr._n o._n go_v on_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o country_n village_n where_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v fix_v be_v but_o thin_o people_v with_o christian_n the_o majority_n or_o at_o least_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n be_v heathen_n by_o which_o he_o add_v we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o bigness_n of_o primitive_a diocese_n which_o be_v scarce_o as_o large_a as_o our_o lesser_a parish_n here_o be_v divers_a thing_n suppose_v and_o assert_v but_o none_o prove_v 1._o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o chorepiscopus_n power_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o village_n or_o country_n parish_n only_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v out_o by_o mr._n o._n 2._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o these_o country_n village_n be_v thin_o people_v with_o christian_n but_o that_o be_v more_o than_o mr._n o._n know_v and_o the_o contrary_n be_v more_o probable_a so_o that_o they_o abound_v with_o christian_n now_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o constantius_n son_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a when_o that_o council_n of_o antioch_n be_v hold_v and_o from_o whence_o mr._n o._n make_v the_o deduction_n beside_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o a_o chorepiscopus_n be_v never_o make_v but_o where_o the_o christian_n be_v numerous_a in_o short_a how_o thin_a soever_o particular_a village_n be_v of_o christian_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o very_o many_o village_n all_o of_o they_o have_v some_o christian_n and_o a_o power_n over_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la this_o note_n of_o mr._n oh_o be_v not_o very_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o however_o from_o the_o premise_n he_o collect_v 4._o that_o we_o may_v thence_o guess_v at_o the_o bigness_n of_o primitive_a diocese_n which_o be_v scarce_o as_o large_a as_o our_o lesser_a parish_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v perhaps_o be_v conjecture_v if_o all_o mr._n o._n have_v assert_v without_o proof_n and_o overlook_v without_o examination_n be_v true_a but_o i_o ask_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o intolerable_a piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o intimate_v at_o this_o rate_n that_o these_o country_n village_n be_v separate_v and_o independent_a diocese_n when_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o very_a canon_n that_o they_o be_v appendage_n of_o the_o city_n diocese_n and_o ant._n subject_a to_o the_o city_n bishop_n here_o then_o instead_o of_o a_o small_a parish_n bishopric_n we_o have_v find_v as_o large_a a_o diocese_n haply_o as_o we_o be_v at_o this_o day_n mr._n o._n proceed_v and_o affirm_v that_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v a_o instance_n of_o bishop_n without_o subject_a presbyter_n they_o be_v but_o parish_n bishop_n under_o city_n bishop_n say_v then_o a_o chorepiscopus_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o one_o only_a single_a village_n or_o particular_a congregation_n special_o allot_v to_o he_o which_o at_o this_o day_n we_o call_v a_o parish_n admit_v this_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n without_o subject_a presbyter_n probable_o he_o have_v some_o district_n of_o the_o diocese_n commit_v to_o his_o particular_a care_n and_o inspection_n the_o canon_n of_o antioch_n seem_v to_o intimate_v thus_o much_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o synod_n that_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a subject_n to_o they_o and_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o this_o care_n and_o solicitude_n of_o constitute_a reader_n but_o grant_v they_o have_v no_o subject_a presbyter_n but_o act_v ordinary_o as_o parish_n presbyter_n yet_o they_o be_v real_a bishop_n and_o ready_a upon_o occasion_n to_o discharge_v the_o diocesan_n office_n when_o require_v which_o prebyter_n can_v not_o morever_o if_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v only_a presbyter_n and_o bishop_n of_o a_o small_a congregation_n as_o mr._n o._n have_v before_o conclude_v why_o be_v the_o caution_n give_v they_o against_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n except_o it_o be_v for_o other_o parish_n or_o church_n for_o sure_o they_o do_v not_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o themselves_o if_o they_o do_v even_o so_o they_o must_v have_v have_v presbyter_n subject_a to_o they_o in_o short_a they_o have_v doubtless_o a_o delegated_a power_n from_o the_o city_n or_o diocesan_n bishop_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o and_o when_o ever_o occasion_n require_v but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n mr._n o._n urge_v the_o second_o council_n of_o 142._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can._n seven_o which_o make_v the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d this_o council_n be_v provincial_a and_o hold_v in_o spain_n anno_fw-la 620._o which_o be_v therefore_o of_o no_o great_a authority_n with_o i_o especial_o since_o the_o argument_n it_o insist_o on_o be_v chief_o draw_v from_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o so_o the_o canon_n conclude_v quoe_v 〈◊〉_d eye_v a_o seed_n apostolica_fw-la prohibita_fw-la esse_fw-la noscuntur_fw-la nevertheless_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o decline_v any_o thing_n say_v on_o this_o subject_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n against_o i_o i_o answer_v that_o although_o by_o the_o first_o design_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la they_o be_v real_a bishop_n so_o it_o be_v before_o and_o after_o the_o council_n of_o ancyra_n and_o antioch_n for_o sometime_o yet_o not_o long_o afterward_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la so_o i_o read_v in_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n can._n 57_o hold_v anno_fw-la 364._o there_o and_o then_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o bishop_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v any_o more_o in_o village_n and_o in_o the_o country_n understand_v within_o another_o diocese_n but_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o their_o stead_n which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v but_o presbyter_n intrufted_a with_o the_o administration_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a what_o be_v after_o add_v as_o for_o those_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o have_v be_v already_o make_v the_o former_a canon_n of_o ancyra_n and_o antioch_n must_v be_v observe_v by_o they_o that_o they_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o city_n bishop_n where_o we_o see_v plain_o a_o supersedeas_fw-la be_v give_v unto_o that_o order_n of_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la for_o the_o future_a nor_o be_v this_o alteration_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o for_o the_o make_v the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la or_o vicarious_a bishop_n in_o the_o country_n belong_v to_o another_o diocese_n be_v mere_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n and_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o it_o be_v introduce_v it_o may_v again_o be_v annul_v i_o observe_v moreover_o that_o the_o 2d_o clause_n above_o mention_v which_o still_o reserve_v to_o the_o former_a chorepiscopi_fw-la their_o power_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o city_n bishop_n show_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o character_n which_o a_o council_n can_v not_o deprive_v they_o of_o for_o otherwise_o the_o power_n of_o the_o former_a chorepiscopi_fw-la may_v have_v be_v abrogate_a as_o well_o as_o the_o order_n its_o self_n entire_o dissolve_v for_o the_o future_a the_o occasion_n of_o this_o change_n make_v by_o the_o laodicean_n father_n doubtless_o be_v that_o they_o have_v by_o experience_n find_v some_o inconvenience_n and_o disorder_n happen_v through_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o it_o may_v be_v can_v never_o be_v hinder_v from_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o other_o bishop_n diocefse_n contrary_a to_o all_o order_n and_o good_a rule_n therefore_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o they_o and_o in_o their_o place_n be_v substitute_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o i_o imagaine_n be_v like_o our_o archdeacon_n at_o this_o day_n and_o be_v institute_v for_o the_o diocesan_n ease_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n but_o upon_o no_o account_n be_v to_o have_v the_o episcopal_a character_n impress_v on_o they_o with_o power_n to_o ordain_v no_o not_o with_o the_o bishop_n licence_n according_o the_o late_a learned_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n observe_v that_o lanfranc_n 〈◊〉_d 146._o make_v a_o archdeacon_n with_o jurisdiction_n in_o his_o see_n that_o thomas_n archbishop_n of_o york_n first_o divide_v his_o diocese_n into_o archdeaconries_n and_o remigius_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n his_o into_o seven_o archdeaconry_n say_v harry_n of_o huntingdon_n one_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v the_o lay_v aside_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la as_o too_o much_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d be_v at_o first_o real_a bishop_n but_o in_o another_o diocese_n where_o they_o may_v put_v forth_o such_o episcopal_a act_n as_o be_v permit_v they_o within_o some_o certain_a
unto_o some_o certain_a place_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n but_o philip_n have_v no_o extraordinary_a call_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n that_o i_o can_v meet_v with_o though_o he_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o read_v philip_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o deacon_n it_o be_v then_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v afterward_o appoint_v the_o resident_n 〈◊〉_d of_o caesarea_n mr._n o._n observe_v very_o true_o and_o i_o free_o acknowledge_v 144._o that_o i_o have_v no_o testimony_n at_o hand_n out_o of_o the_o father_n prove_v philip_n to_o have_v be_v the_o fix_a evangelist_n of_o caesarea_n but_o whereas_o the_o minister_n pretend_v that_o this_o philip_n die_v at_o hierapolis_n and_o by_o consequence_n be_v not_o the_o fix_a evangelist_n of_o caesarea_n cite_v for_o this_o eusebius_n e._n h._n l._n 3._o i_o be_o force_v again_o to_o expose_v his_o unfaithful_a represent_v author_n make_v they_o write_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o the_o historian_n in_o l._n 3._o c._n 31._o first_o speak_v of_o philip_n the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 39_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o die_v at_o hierapolis_n but_o he_o affirm_v it_o not_o of_o philip_n the_o deacon_n or_o evangelist_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d philippus_n apostolus_fw-la script_n in_o phrygia_n praedicat_fw-la evangelium_fw-la domini_fw-la jesus_n sepelitur_fw-la hierapoli_n cum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d bonorifice_n it_o be_v true_a euseb._n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o chapter_n speak_v also_o of_o philip_n the_o evangelist_n and_o his_o daughter_n say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o live_v with_o their_o father_n philip_n in_o caesarea_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o hierapolis_n nay_o here_o be_v a_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o eusebius_n think_v philip_n live_v and_o reside_v in_o 〈◊〉_d here_o than_o we_o have_v another_o instance_n of_o mr._n oh_o false_a deal_n with_o author_n mr._n o._n still_o contend_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o resident_a bishop_n evangelist_n the_o apostle_n call_v they_o both_o 144._o away_o tit._n 3._o 12._o to_o the_o apostle_n titus_n come_v at_o nicopolis_n and_o after_o be_v send_v by_o paul_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 2_o tim_n 4._o 20._o and_o we_o hear_v no_o further_o of_o he_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o ever_o he_o return_v more_o to_o crete_n ans._n from_o scripture_n it_o can_v because_o the_o holy_a history_n script_n there_o end_v sc_n at_o titus_n go_v into_o dalmatia_n but_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o mr._n o._n right_o appeal_v to_o in_o the_o like_a case_n tell_v we_o that_o titus_n die_v in_o crete_n what_o will_v any_o man_n expect_v more_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o eusebius_n assert_v the_o 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v be_v resident_n or_o unfixt_v minister_n in_o l._n 3._o c._n 37_o 38_o 39_o mr._n o._n maintain_v this_o latter_a opinion_n 〈◊〉_d testify_v that_o they_o 145._o preach_v christ_n to_o infidel_n ordain_v pastor_n and_o pass_v into_o other_o country_n and_o nation_n that_o they_o go_v far_o 〈◊〉_d their_o own_o house_n do_v the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n and_o diligent_o preach_v christ_n to_o such_o as_o have_v not_o yet_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o holy_a gospel_n ordain_v other_o pastor_n and_o go_v into_o other_o country_n and_o nation_n ans._n true_a all_o this_o eusebius_n witness_v but_o it_o prove_v not_o mr._n oh_o point_n this_o many_o evangelist_n do_v for_o some_o time_n but_o be_v afterward_o fix_v in_o some_o certain_a place_n to_o govern_v particular_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n eusebius_n produce_v sc_n 〈◊〉_d clemens_n romanus_n polycarp_n and_o papias_n all_o which_o he_o assure_v we_o be_v the_o constant_a reside_a bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n euseb._n l._n 3._o c._n 39_o though_o they_o have_v be_v sometime_o before_o unfixt_v evangelist_n attend_v the_o apostle_n uncertain_a order_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n occasional_o require_v and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o insist_v on_o in_o t._n n._n that_o evangelist_n be_v both_o fix_v and_o unfixt_v according_a as_o the_o apostle_n order_v they_o that_o therefore_o fixedness_n or_o unfixedness_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a note_n nor_o distinguish_a character_n of_o a_o evangelist_n he_o may_v be_v one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o both_o at_o different_a time_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o eusebius_n though_o i_o deliver_v myself_o in_o t._n n._n to_o this_o effect_n mr._n o._n take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o urge_v again_o the_o old_a argument_n avoid_v what_o i_o observe_v out_o of_o eusebius_n in_o proof_n that_o his_o unfixt_v evangelist_n become_v afterward_o the_o fix_a bishop_n of_o church_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o evangelist_n many_o of_o they_o be_v according_a to_o eusebius_n fix_v minister_n which_o be_v all_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o and_o by_o consequence_n so_o may_v timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v another_o controversy_n be_v move_v about_o st._n mark_n whether_o 146._o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n be_v the_o settle_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n ans._n i_o do_v ready_o grant_v that_o mark_n be_v a_o great_a while_n a_o unsettled_a minister_n wait_v on_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o by_o he_o dispatch_v up_o and_o down_o upon_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n though_o afterward_o he_o go_v or_o be_v send_v unto_o alexandria_n where_o he_o plant_v a_o church_n and_o govern_v it_o 24._o after_o who_o annianus_n undertake_v the_o administration_n and_o be_v by_o eusebius_n call_v the_o first_o bishop_n thereof_o which_o imply_v that_o 14._o mark_n be_v the_o evangelist_n of_o it_o the_o administrator_n of_o that_o church_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o perhaps_o receive_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n as_o particular_o belong_v to_o he_o but_o mr._n o._n shake_v i_o off_o by_o object_v i_o may_v as_o well_o make_v peter_n a_o resident_n apostle_n because_o eusebius_n say_v that_o linus_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n ans._n suppose_v peter_n be_v there_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v report_v of_o he_o i_o must_v profess_v i_o think_v he_o be_v the_o resident_n apostle_n of_o rome_n for_o there_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o observation_n who_o will_v tell_v mr._n o._n that_o peter_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o apostle_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o special_a care_n and_o oversight_n over_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n beside_o their_o general_a power_n which_o extend_v unto_o all_o place_n of_o peter_n jerom_n testify_v ibique_fw-la romae_fw-la viginti_fw-la quinque_fw-la annos_fw-la cathedram_fw-la sacerdotalem_fw-la tenuit_fw-la petrus_n and_o i_o hope_v this_o father_n be_v of_o some_o credit_n and_o in_o esteem_n with_o the_o minister_n they_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o from_o one_o city_n or_o country_n to_o another_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a remove_v or_o else_o continue_v and_o fix_v that_o if_o a_o apostle_n upon_o some_o emergent_a occasion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o another_o place_n this_o prove_v not_o that_o he_o be_v not_o before_o his_o removal_n the_o settle_a minister_n of_o the_o former_a church_n no_o more_o than_o when_o a_o non-con_a minister_n leave_v his_o former_a congregation_n and_o run_v into_o a_o remote_a country_n adhere_v to_o a_o new_a one_o will_n mr._n o._n in_o this_o case_n deny_v that_o he_o be_v ever_o the_o settle_a minister_n of_o the_o former_a they_o will_v tell_v he_o that_o a_o apostle_n when_o he_o remove_v do_v still_o hold_v even_o in_o his_o absence_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o leave_v until_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o fix_v his_o successor_n or_o be_v by_o death_n prevent_v take_v any_o further_a care_n of_o it_o there_o want_v not_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n thus_o it_o be_v believe_v euodius_n succeed_v peter_n at_o antioch_n in_o the_o apostle_n life_n time_n and_o linus_n at_o rome_n after_o his_o death_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o annianus_n succeed_v mark_n though_o not_o with_o the_o same_o title_n and_o character_n but_o mr._n o._n have_v st._n chrysostom_n on_o his_o side_n 148._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n who_o go_v not_o about_o every_o where_o but_o only_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n etc._n etc._n he_o grant_v that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o go_v about_o preach_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o where_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v but_o yet_o they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o into_o divers_a place_n as_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v they_o distinguish_v forsooth_o between_o every_o where_o which_o belong_v to_o apostle_n and_o divers_a place_n which_o
from_o act._n 19_o 10._o that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n take_v in_o all_o asia_n all_z they_o of_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o paul_n who_o then_o reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o there_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o in_o the_o synagogue_n v._n 8._o then_o in_o the_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n v._n 9_o asia_n i_o expound_v asia_n the_o proper_a but_o i_o will_v crave_v leave_v a_o little_a to_o mend_v that_o gloss_n understand_v it_o only_o of_o some_o of_o the_o near_a part_n of_o it_o adjoin_v unto_o ephesus_n which_o belong_v ùnto_o asia_n the_o proper_a and_o whereas_o the_o historian_n express_v himself_o thus_o large_o all_o asia_n and_o yet_o intend_v as_o i_o suppose_v only_o the_o neigbhour_a part_n of_o it_o we_o need_v not_o much_o admire_v at_o this_o since_o it_o be_v so_o say_v to_o aggrandise_n and_o magnify_v the_o success_n and_o increase_v of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o expression_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o we_o act._n 19_o 27._o where_o the_o mad_a and_o superstitious_a people_n of_o ephesus_n glory_n of_o their_o goddess_n diana_n that_o all_o asia_n and_o the_o world_n worship_v she_o and_o yet_o v_o 34._o she_o be_v call_v diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n at_o least_o she_o be_v not_o worship_v all_o the_o world_n over_o strict_o speak_v so_o i_o read_v jo._n 12._o 19_o behold_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o and_o yet_o only_a some_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n follow_v christ._n in_o short_a by_o all_o asia_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o ephesian_a asia_n or_o that_o part_n which_o adjoin_v pretty_a close_o unto_o ephesus_n whither_o their_o secular_a business_n oft_o draw_v the_o country_n people_n their_o curiosity_n first_o lead_v they_o unto_o the_o synagogue_n and_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n and_o so_o they_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o embrace_v it_o of_o these_o country_n convert_v we_o read_v in_o this_o chapter_n v_o 31._o and_o certain_a of_o the_o chief_a of_o asia_n which_o be_v his_o friend_n send_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v it_o a_o unusual_a thing_n to_o call_v the_o part_n of_o a_o country_n near_o unto_o the_o principal_a city_n by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o province_n whereof_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a member_n thus_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v ignatius_n style_v himself_o bishop_n of_o syria_n not_o of_o all_o syria_n proper_o so_o call_v as_o will_v i_o hope_v be_v grant_v i_o but_o of_o the_o country_n round_o about_o antioch_n which_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o syria_n so_o than_o if_o all_o they_o which_o dwell_v in_o asia_n in_o the_o adjacent_a part_n of_o ephesus_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o city_n its_o self_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n v_o 10._o and_o this_o within_o the_o space_n of_o those_o two_o year_n the_o apostle_n remain_v at_o ephesus_n it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v too_o numerous_a to_o be_v contain_v within_o one_o single_a congregation_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o congregation_n in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d especial_o in_o ignatius_n time_n which_o the_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n in_o ordinary_a attend_v under_o the_o bishop_n if_o it_o be_v doubt_v whether_o these_o country_n proselyte_n or_o these_o country_n congregation_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n some_o reason_n or_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n must_v be_v assign_v we_o read_v no_o where_o of_o any_o prelatical_a church_n which_o must_v be_v confess_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n thereabouts_o in_o ignatius_n time_n near_o ephesus_n than_o that_o at_o magnesia_n distant_a from_o ephesus_n about_o fourscore_o mile_n but_o that_o the_o country_n presbyter_n and_o congregation_n within_o the_o foresay_a tract_n do_v belong_v unto_o ephesus_n be_v most_o probable_a hence_o that_o the_o scripture_n all_o along_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o asia_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n act_v 20._o 18._o you_o know_v say_v he_o to_o the_o ephesian_a elder_n after_o what_o manner_n i_o have_v be_v with_o you_o from_o the_o first_o day_n that_o i_o come_v into_o asia_n act_n 19_o 31._o certain_a of_o the_o chief_a of_o asia_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 8._o we_o will_v not_o brethren_n have_v you_o ignorant_a of_o our_o trouble_n which_o come_v to_o we_o in_o asia_n act_n 20._o 16._o paul_n determine_v to_o sail_v by_o ephesus_n because_o he_o will_v not_o spend_v the_o time_n in_o asia_n these_o expression_n can_v never_o have_v drop_v from_o the_o holy_a penman_n except_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n have_v extend_v its_o self_n round_o about_o in_o the_o country_n of_o asia_n we_o read_v 〈◊〉_d time_n that_o when_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o corinth_n he_o use_v the_o word_n achaia_n whereof_o corinth_n be_v the_o principal_a city_n rom._n 15._o 26_o 16._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d cor._n 16._o 15._o 2_o cor._n 9_o 2._o 1_o thes._n 1._o 7._o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n comprehend_v a_o good_a part_n of_o achaia_n from_o the_o whole_a i_o gather_v there_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v several_a congregation_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n even_o in_o st._n paul_n day_n much_o more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n and_o if_o so_o then_o onesimus_n be_v a_o diocesan_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n but_o second_o i_o also_o pretend_v to_o evince_v by_o a_o heap_n of_o argument_n 141._o collect_v from_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n draw_v up_o by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o vindicated_n by_o the_o london_n minister_n after_o in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la anglicani_n that_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n there_o be_v several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n mr._n o._n who_o tell_v his_o reader_n somewhere_o in_o his_o defence_n that_o he_o have_v follow_v and_o answer_v i_o paragraph_v by_o paragraph_n have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o skip_v over_o these_o proof_n they_o come_v too_o near_o the_o quick_a i_o shall_v be_v force_v therefore_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o the_o more_o strong_o to_o establish_v my_o position_n to_o repeat_v they_o once_o more_o and_o so_o dismiss_v the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n the_o assembly_n and_o the_o london_n divine_v undertake_v to_o evince_v by_o scripture_n that_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n paul_n there_o be_v several_a congregation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o argue_v as_o follow_v the_o number_n of_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n at_o ephesus_n be_v many_o paul_n continue_v there_o two_o year_n and_o three_o month_n settle_v thereabouts_o twelve_o disciple_n who_o prophesy_v act._n 19_o 1._o 6_o 7._o how_o shall_v these_o thirteen_o minister_n be_v employ_v if_o there_o be_v not_o many_o congregation_n compare_v also_o act._n 20._o 17_o 18_o 36_o 37._o where_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n of_o ephesus_n that_o paul_n 〈◊〉_d down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o and_o they_o all_o weep_v sore_o here_o be_v a_o good_a number_n imply_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n also_o be_v give_v unto_o all_o these_o twelve_o prophet_n act._n 19_o 6_o 7._o to_o what_o end_n if_o they_o have_v not_o several_a congregation_n to_o speak_v unto_o in_o these_o several_a tongue_n the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n must_v needs_o be_v great_a at_o ephesus_n for_o first_o why_o shall_v paul_n who_o have_v universal_a commission_n to_o plant_v church_n in_o all_o the_o world_n stay_v about_o two_o year_n at_o ephesus_n if_o no_o more_o have_v be_v convert_v there_o than_o to_o make_v up_o one_o single_a congregation_n act._n 19_o 8_o 10._o during_o this_o space_n second_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n usual_o meet_v at_o ephesus_n for_o worship_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n act._n 19_o 10._o at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o paul_n miracle_n three_o fear_n fall_v upon_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n dwell_v at_o ephesus_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v magnify_v act._n 19_o 17._o many_o of_o the_o believe_v four_a come_v and_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n v_o 18._o whereby_o be_v intimate_v that_o more_o do_v believe_v than_o do_v thus_o five_o many_o also_o of_o they_o that_o use_v curious_a art_n bring_v their_o book_n together_o and_o burn_v they_o before_o all_o man_n and_o they_o count_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o find_v it_o fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n this_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v public_o if_o the_o major_a part_n or_o atlea_v a_o very_a great_a and_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v not_o embrace_v the_o
and_o beside_o be_v small_a and_o inconsiderable_a conversion_n no_o church_n be_v form_v or_o establish_v among_o they_o for_o so_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o place_n cite_v mention_n many_o other_o country_n where_o happy_o some_o few_o scatter_a christian_n live_v though_o no_o church_n be_v regular_o establish_v now_o though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v i_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o remote_a north_n and_o north-west_n of_o scotland_n now_o so_o call_v beyond_o edinburgh_n be_v not_o mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d yet_o foresee_v it_o will_v not_o satisfy_v other_o who_o interest_n and_o cause_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o easy_o to_o be_v persuade_v i_o will_v therefore_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o offer_v my_o own_o thought_n unto_o the_o reader_n consideration_n my_o conjecture_n then_o be_v that_o the_o loca_fw-la britannorum_fw-la romanis_n inaccessa_fw-la refer_v unto_o by_o 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o other_o than_o ireland_n ptolemy_n reckon_v the_o island_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o first_o taprobane_n the_o great_a the_o next_o be_v great_a britain_n otherwise_o 〈◊〉_d albion_n and_o the_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d another_o island_n of_o the_o britain_n call_v ireland_n and_o pliny_n say_v albion_n be_v name_v brittany_n yet_o all_o the_o neighbour_a island_n be_v call_v britanny_n and_o that_o ireland_n of_o old_a time_n be_v inhabit_v by_o britain_n aristotle_n or_o whoever_o 3._o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n de_fw-fr mundo_fw-la witness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o ocean_n two_o the_o great_a island_n in_o the_o world_n call_v 〈◊〉_d '_z '_z 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d albion_n and_o ireland_n thus_o much_o i_o have_v gather_v from_o mr._n cambden_n i_o shall_v add_v cosm._n one_o of_o my_o own_o collection_n from_o dionysius_n de_fw-la situ_fw-la orbis_n who_o speak_v of_o our_o western_a ocean_n say_v 566._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o then_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o ireland_n be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d be_v britannorum_fw-la loca_fw-la as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o britain_n since_o it_o be_v well_o know_v the_o roman_n never_o carry_v their_o arm_n nor_o extend_v their_o conquest_n so_o far_o as_o unto_o that_o island_n although_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o place_n be_v sure_a in_o tertullian_n day_n no_o nor_o in_o augustus_n time_n when_o dionysius_n the_o african_a write_v 〈◊〉_d himself_o in_o the_o same_o period_n add_v and_o multarum_fw-la insularum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d many_o island_n unknown_a to_o we_o where_o the_o gospel_n have_v get_v foot_v but_o least_o the_o unwary_a reader_n shall_v think_v these_o very_a word_n overthrow_v my_o opinion_n and_o that_o the_o island_n ireland_n be_v unknown_a to_o 〈◊〉_d can_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o loca_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d inaccessa_fw-la it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d he_o intend_v such_o island_n with_o who_o they_o have_v no_o commerce_n in_o ordinary_a nor_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v be_v for_o then_o 〈◊〉_d must_v talk_v at_o random_n and_o nonsense_n how_o can_v he_o say_v that_o christianity_n be_v propagate_v in_o these_o island_n if_o they_o be_v altogether_o 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o passage_n in_o archbishop_n 〈◊〉_d i_o must_v not_o 〈◊〉_d over_o 〈◊〉_d neither_o do_v celestine_n employ_v less_o care_n about_o free_v the_o britain_n from_o the_o pelagian_a heresy_n a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v 〈◊〉_d the_o scot_n while_o be_v study_n to_o preserve_v the_o roman_a island_n catholic_n 〈◊〉_d also_o make_v the_o barbarous_a island_n christian_n the_o former_a whereof_o be_v great-britain_n the_o latter_a ireland_n the_o forecited_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d '_o which_o vitus_n basinstochius_n 198._o thus_o expound_v and_o thereby_o illustrate_v tertullian_n when_o prosper_n say_v britanny_n doubtless_o 〈◊〉_d call_v the_o roman_a island_n britain_n and_o the_o other_o island_n call_v barbarous_a he_o understand_v to_o be_v ireland_n whither_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v believe_v never_o come_v it_o will_v be_v object_v hence_o that_o therefore_o because_o the_o pope_n be_v here_o say_v to_o have_v send_v a_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d be_v mean_v and_o by_o he_o make_v ireland_n christian_n ireland_n embrace_v not_o the_o faith_n till_o that_o time_n 〈◊〉_d about_o 430._o by_o consequence_n 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o ireland_n but_o i_o reply_v first_o that_o prosper_n and_o 〈◊〉_d must_v be_v suppose_v to_o speak_v a_o 〈◊〉_d de_fw-fr rome_n as_o believe_v none_o be_v good_a christian_n but_o who_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n beside_o ireland_n be_v christian_n long_o before_o this_o as_o the_o story_n of_o 〈◊〉_d prove_v but_o second_o it_o may_v with_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d suppose_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o ireland_n be_v yet_o unconvert_v or_o three_o the_o scot_n a_o foreign_a people_n 〈◊〉_d and_o barbarous_a have_v more_o 〈◊〉_d invade_v and_o conquer_a they_o and_o withal_o very_o much_o impair_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d once_o do_v here_o in_o england_n nevertheless_o that_o about_o the_o year_n 430._o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o 〈◊〉_d or_o rather_o st._n patrick_n be_v restore_v again_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v of_o i_o how_o i_o prove_v that_o ireland_n become_v christian_n before_o 〈◊〉_d i_o reply_v it_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d other_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o north_n and_o north_n west_n of_o the_o now_o scotland_n be_v so_o early_o convert_v that_o be_v by_o 〈◊〉_d '_o testimony_n and_o which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o must_v likely_o conjecture_v must_v now_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o reader_n the_o sum_n be_v if_o 〈◊〉_d may_v as_o well_o speak_v of_o ireland_n as_o of_o any_o other_o place_n here_o be_v then_o no_o proof_n of_o so_o early_a a_o conversion_n in_o the_o utmost_a north_n of_o great_a britain_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v what_o mr._n o._n have_v advance_v in_o this_o controversy_n for_o indeed_o my_o business_n be_v with_o he_o he_o begin_v then_o and_o acquaint_v we_o the_o history_n of_o scotland_n tell_v 〈◊〉_d their_o church_n be_v govern_v 143._o by_o 〈◊〉_d without_o bishop_n for_o above_o 200_o year_n and_o therefore_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d in_o confirmation_n hereof_o mr._n o._n cite_v hector_n 〈◊〉_d john_n major_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o indeed_o these_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o only_a witness_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o that_o cause_n except_o the_o invisible_a 〈◊〉_d who_o at_o best_o be_v but_o in_o the_o eleven_o century_n but_o these_o be_v the_o most_o errand_n 〈◊〉_d of_o legend_n as_o ever_o appear_v in_o public_a have_v no_o author_n no_o record_n before_o they_o to_o support_v what_o they_o affirm_v concern_v their_o country_n and_o its_o affair_n thus_o much_o my_o lord_n of_o st._n 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o historical_a account_n have_v object_v against_o these_o and_o other_o such_o fabulous_a historian_n and_o mr._n o._n who_o have_v read_v this_o learned_a bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v urge_v these_o 〈◊〉_d unless_o 〈◊〉_d have_v take_v off_o the_o bishop_n exception_n against_o they_o true_o he_o tell_v we_o archbishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o approbation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d e._n 〈◊〉_d p._n 〈◊〉_d 799._o 800._o but_o when_o i_o consult_v archbishop_n 〈◊〉_d i_o find_v he_o indeed_o cite_v these_o author_n page_n 800._o but_o not_o no_o not_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o with_o approbation_n unless_o his_o very_a cite_v they_o must_v 〈◊〉_d take_v as_o a_o approbation_n of_o they_o which_o i_o must_v 〈◊〉_d mr._n o._n be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o say_a archbishop_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o that_o book_n 〈◊〉_d the_o reader_n will_v object_v against_o he_o the_o obscurity_n and_o little_a credit_n of_o many_o of_o his_o author_n ingenuous_o confess_v that_o he_o have_v gather_v together_o a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o manner_n of_o author_n good_a and_o bad_a new_a and_o old_a to_o the_o end_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d historian_n may_v from_o thence_o pick_v what_o seem_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o probable_a but_o that_o otherwise_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o monmouth_n or_o hector_n boethius_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o low_a form_n as_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hence_o it_o follow_v that_o archbishop_n 〈◊〉_d cite_v they_o not_o with_o approbation_n especial_o not_o 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v the_o vir_fw-la gregis_fw-la the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o leader_n in_o all_o the_o romantic_a story_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scotch_a nation_n and_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v hector_n boethius_n the_o last_o of_o the_o three_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o mend_v the_o former_a fordon_n and_o major_a say_v what_o mr._n o._n leave_v out_o palladius_n be_v the_o first_o
limit_a district_n and_o even_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n when_o express_o delegated_a thereto_o by_o the_o diocesan_n that_o they_o refide_v in_o some_o country_n village_n where_o their_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a work_n be_v no_o other_o than_o of_o presbyter_n and_o so_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o diocesan_n presbyter_n which_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n prejudice_v their_o episcopal_a character_n one_o may_v be_v a_o bishop_n yet_o without_o a_o diocese_n as_o one_o may_v be_v a_o presbyter_n without_o a_o title_n or_o parish_n the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o end_n unto_o this_o order_n so_o do_v the_o roman_n and_o spanish_a church_n as_o also_o the_o english_a haply_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o archdeacon_n may_v have_v the_o title_n of_o chorepiscopi_fw-la for_o some_o while_n continue_v to_o they_o be_v substitute_v in_o their_o room_n but_o this_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n at_o their_o first_o institution_n when_o the_o real_a episcopal_a character_n be_v 〈◊〉_d on_o they_o though_o no_o diocese_n be_v yet_o actual_o allot_v they_o this_o be_v what_o i_o think_v needful_a and_o enough_o to_o be_v offer_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n start_v about_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la as_o for_o that_o epistle_n to_o 〈◊〉_d it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o note_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o be_v account_v spurious_a as_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o bellarmin_n himself_o who_o judgement_n be_v ejus_fw-la scripta_fw-la non_fw-la extant_a exceptis_fw-la scrip._n paucis_fw-la epistolis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sun_n inter_v epistold_n s._n hieronymi_n aliique_fw-la in_o hiftorid_a 〈◊〉_d l._n 2._o c._n 22._o l._n 5._o c._n 10._o 11._o the_o rest_n eccles._n therefore_o and_o this_o in_o particular_a be_v apocryphal_a it_o be_v possible_o counterfeit_v by_o some_o that_o live_v after_o the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a agreement_n between_o this_o epistle_n and_o that_o seven_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n as_o who_o ever_o will_v read_v they_o must_v confess_v we_o shall_v not_o need_v therefore_o to_o be_v concern_v at_o any_o thing_n bring_v against_o we_o out_o of_o this_o connterfeit_a epistle_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a mro._n as_o if_o all_o antiquity_n be_v on_o his_o side_n omit_v not_o to_o argue_v even_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a its_o self_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n ordain_v which_o be_v a_o discovery_n so_o new_a and_o surprise_v that_o one_o will_v 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a chriftian_a church_n have_v be_v blind_a above_o these_o 1300._o year_n last_o paft_n till_o he_o with_o the_o help_n of_o mr._n baxter_n have_v be_v please_v to_o open_v all_o our_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a decree_v 135._o concern_v the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o melitius_fw-la at_o 〈◊〉_d as_o follow_v he_o autem_fw-la qui_fw-la dei_fw-la gratia_n &_o nostris_fw-la lege_fw-la vestris_fw-la precibus_fw-la adjuti_fw-la ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d scbisma_n deflexisse_fw-la compersi_fw-la sunt_fw-la sed_fw-la se_fw-la intra_fw-la catholica_fw-la &_o apostolicae_fw-la 〈◊〉_d fine_n ab_fw-la erroris_fw-la labe_fw-la vacuos_fw-la continuerint_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la 〈◊〉_d tum_fw-la ministros_fw-la 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n mr._n o._n have_v take_v this_o passage_n out_o of_o mr._n baxter_n and_o he_o out_o of_o some_o translator_n that_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o historian_n aright_o the_o word_n be_v part_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o nicene_n father_n to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n wherein_o they_o give_v a_o account_n to_o that_o church_n of_o what_o have_v be_v propound_v and_o examine_v in_o the_o synod_n and_o what_o have_v be_v decree_v and_o confirm_v therein_o as_o first_o that_o the_o impiety_n 9_o of_o arrius_n and_o his_o accomplice_n have_v be_v bring_v into_o question_n and_o condemn_v etc._n etc._n that_o as_o for_o melitius_fw-la it_o please_v the_o synod_n to_o deal_v more_o gentle_o with_o he_o than_o with_o arrius_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v remain_v in_o his_o own_o city_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o ordain_v or_o to_o propose_v the_o name_n of_o the_o candidate_n to_o the_o holy_a function_n only_o he_o may_v retain_v the_o bare_a title_n of_o his_o honour_n that_o be_v of_o bishop_n that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v constitute_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o he_o be_v first_o confirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o religious_a imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o join_v in_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o that_o until_o they_o have_v obtain_v their_o honour_n and_o ministry_n again_o they_o shall_v be_v second_o unto_o all_o those_o who_o in_o every_o diocese_n and_o church_n have_v be_v before_o propose_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o our_o most_o belove_a colleague_n alexander_n and_o moreover_o shall_v have_v no_o power_n to_o propound_v the_o name_n of_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o alexander_n nor_o in_o short_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o alexandria_n this_o be_v all_o the_o nicene_n synod_n write_v concern_v the_o melitian_n or_o those_o who_o have_v be_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v by_o melitius_fw-la here_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o presbyter_n or_o of_o ordain_v minister_n the_o passage_n may_v as_o well_o and_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o bishop_n and_o of_o ordain_v bishop_n but_o for_o the_o more_o through_o understand_v it_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o melitius_fw-la whilst_o peter_n be_v patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n have_v be_v bishop_n of_o lycus_n a_o city_n in_o egypt_n subject_n to_o the_o say_a patriarch_n that_o during_o the_o persecution_n under_o maximinus_n peter_n abscond_v melitius_fw-la have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o constitute_v or_o ordain_v bishop_n 24._o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o patriarch_n to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o indeed_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n also_o nevertheless_o his_o first_o and_o principal_a crime_n as_o i_o believe_v be_v his_o constitute_n or_o ordain_v bishop_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a invasion_n of_o the_o patriarch_n right_a and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d constitute_v and_o ordain_v bishop_n be_v prove_v by_o valesius_fw-la locum_fw-la out_o of_o epiphanius_n nay_o the_o say_v learned_a annotator_n evince_n that_o melitius_fw-la constitute_v or_o ordain_v twenty_o eight_o bishop_n beside_o five_o presbyter_n and_o three_o deacon_n as_o he_o gather_v from_o the_o second_o apology_n of_o athanasius_n against_o the_o arrian_n from_o whence_o he_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o affirm_v that_o socrates_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v chief_o of_o bishop_n constitute_v or_o ordain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d yet_o so_o as_o that_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n also_o be_v 〈◊〉_d by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o if_o the_o nicene_n father_n hide_v herein_o decree_v nothing_o against_o the_o melitian_n 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v leave_v their_o work_n very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a beside_o 〈◊〉_d become_v schismatical_a not_o by_o ordain_v presbyter_n but_o by_o ordain_v bishop_n hence_o sozomen_n observe_v that_o melitius_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d supra_fw-la have_v usurp_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v which_o do_v not_o all_o belong_v unto_o he_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v who_o why_o not_o bishop_n for_o till_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o be_v fall_v into_o 〈◊〉_d he_o have_v certain_o as_o bishop_n power_n to_o 〈◊〉_d priest_n and_o deacon_n but_o not_o of_o ordain_v or_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n without_o the_o 〈◊〉_d leave_v and_o this_o be_v i_o suppose_v if_o not_o his_o only_a fault_n yet_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o when_o the_o nicene_n father_n decree_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v be_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d may_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o constitute_n or_o ordain_v other_o until_o themselves_o have_v be_v confirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o more_o solemn_a imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o must_v thereby_o mean_v that_o the_o melitian_n bishop_n be_v ordain_v schismatical_o be_v suspend_v from_o ordain_v until_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o patriarch_n and_o some_o of_o the_o egyptian_a bishop_n subject_a to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o synod_n declare_v concern_v the_o melitian_n but_o neither_o mr._n o._n nor_o mr._n baxter_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v in_o the_o plea_n have_v take_v any_o notice_n of_o this_o passage_n 〈◊〉_d whereof_o we_o be_v amuse_v with_o something_o less_o pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o show_v for_o the_o nicene_n father_n go_v on_o in_o that_o epistle_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o alexandrian_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o alexander_n the_o
be_v above_o 2000_o mile_n in_o compass_n a_o province_n big_a enough_o for_o a_o bishop_n yet_o have_v none_o in_o justin_n the_o emperor_n time_n which_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 520._o but_z be_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o presbyter_n ordain_v in_o persia_n who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n ordain_v his_o successor_n and_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_n of_o send_v for_o one_o to_o very_o remote_a country_n from_o hence_o mr._n o._n roundly_o conclude_v that_o bishop_n be_v not_o think_v essential_a to_o church_n no_o not_o in_o the_o 6_o age_n and_o that_o mere_a presbyter_n have_v power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o consequent_o of_o ordination_n i_o will_v not_o now_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n let_v we_o rather_o suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v report_v by_o mr._n o._n but_o i_o have_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o reply_v to_o it_o and_o to_o the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o it_o 1._o how_o do_v mr._n o._n know_v that_o this_o presbyter_n and_o his_o deacon_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o christian_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v without_o a_o superior_a bishop_n to_o who_o they_o be_v subject_a they_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o some_o bishop_n in_o persia_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o can_v tell_v or_o the_o first_o relator_n say_v it_o be_v true_a this_o presbyter_n regebat_fw-la he_o do_v rule_v the_o flock_n but_o it_o may_v be_v under_o some_o bishop_n the_o likelihood_n hereof_o be_v the_o great_a because_o he_o be_v ordain_v in_o persia_n and_o from_o thence_o send_v to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n 2._o whereas_o mr._n o._n think_v to_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n and_o to_o show_v what_o vast_a church_n have_v be_v rule_v by_o they_o without_o bishop_n acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o island_n be_v or_o be_v 2000_o mile_n in_o compass_n and_o that_o it_o be_v big_a enough_o for_o a_o bishop_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o ask_v he_o first_o whether_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o island_n heylin_n make_v it_o but_o 700_o or_o 800_o at_o most_o well_o but_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o mr._n o._n for_o 1200_o or_o 1300_o mile_n almost_o two_o three_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d break_v square_n between_o he_o and_o i_o especial_o since_o he_o have_v so_o good_a a_o geographer_n on_o his_o side_n as_o n._n lloyd_n grant_v then_o this_o 2._o neither_o his_o countryman_n lloyd_n nor_o heylin_n make_v any_o mention_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o island_n the_o story_n than_o may_v be_v but_o a_o fable_n at_o last_o 3._o i_o ask_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o single_a congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o island_n or_o more_o than_o one_o presbyter_n and_o his_o deacon_n if_o not_o he_o have_v the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n in_o the_o island_n but_o that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o his_o flock_n be_v subject_a unto_o some_o persian_a bishop_n if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v christian_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o island_n as_o his_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o large_a compass_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o intimate_v and_o many_o congregation_n and_o yet_o this_o presbyter_n rule_v they_o all_o why_o then_o we_o have_v a_o real_a though_o not_o nominal_a bishop_n i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o whereas_o mr._n o._n make_v this_o reflection_n that_o this_o island_n in_o compass_n 2000_o miles_n be_v a_o province_n big_a enough_o for_o a_o bishop_n he_o will_v give_v i_o leave_v i_o hope_v to_o retort_v that_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v not_o too_o big_a for_o one_o presbyter_n and_o his_o deacon_n 3._o let_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o mr._n o._n know_v not_o but_o this_o presbyter_n have_v a_o predecessor_n in_o that_o island_n for_o there_o be_v a_o tradition_n that_o philip_n the_o evangelist_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o persia_n india_n and_o taprobane_n i_o demand_v then_o upon_o that_o supposition_n who_o ordain_v his_o predecessor_n a_o bishop_n in_o persia_n in_o likelihood_n for_o so_o much_o be_v reasonable_o gather_v from_o this_o presbyter_n be_v himself_o ordain_v there_o and_o bishop_n be_v before_o that_o time_n in_o persia_n 14._o if_o so_o there_o be_v more_o probability_n that_o this_o presbyter_n successor_n also_o be_v ordain_v in_o persia_n than_o that_o the_o presbyter_n himself_o ordain_v he_o but_o these_o thing_n be_v all_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o know_v not_o certain_o that_o this_o presbyter_n have_v either_o a_o predecessor_n or_o a_o successor_n and_o so_o mr._n oh_o whole_a argument_n be_v lose_v he_o have_v build_v upon_o no_o foundation_n it_o tumble_v down_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v own_o accord_n i_o add_v it_o be_v likely_a this_o church_n in_o taprobane_n increase_v not_o much_o nor_o continue_v long_o there_o be_v no_o monument_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n there_o but_o the_o monk_n cosma_n tale_n of_o this_o single_a presbyter_n 4._o since_o we_o must_v contend_v with_o likelihood_n i_o ask_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o likely_a that_o this_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v in_o persia_n do_v take_v care_n rather_o that_o his_o successor_n if_o he_o have_v any_o shall_v be_v there_o ordain_v likewise_o than_o that_o himself_o shall_v presume_v to_o ordain_v he_o there_o be_v not_o any_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o conjecture_v that_o the_o presbyter_n himself_o ordain_v he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o to_o think_v that_o his_o successor_n be_v ordain_v in_o persia_n viz._n because_o he_o himself_o be_v 5._o admit_v that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o island_n of_o taprobane_n continue_v there_o for_o some_o age_n if_o it_o increase_v not_o much_o which_o be_v most_o likely_a because_o we_o hear_v nothing_o more_o of_o it_o it_o may_v depend_v upon_o and_o remain_v subject_a unto_o some_o persian_a bishop_n and_o be_v under_o his_o guidance_n and_o direction_n as_o our_o western_a island_n be_v under_o the_o bishop_n of_o london_n if_o it_o flourish_v and_o christian_n multiply_v considerable_o there_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o they_o have_v bishop_n of_o their_o own_o afterward_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v a_o certain_a monk_n call_v cosmas_n a_o man_n of_o no_o note_n and_o reputation_n that_o i_o know_v of_o tell_v a_o lame_a story_n of_o a_o presbyter_n without_o a_o name_n which_o render_v the_o tale_n suspicious_a who_o in_o the_o year_n 520_o when_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o be_v confess_o episcopal_n be_v ordain_v in_o persia_n where_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v episcopal_a and_o rule_v a_o church_n in_o zeilan_n no_o one_o know_v how_o numerous_a or_o how_o long_o he_o rule_v it_o nor_o how_o long_o it_o continue_v a_o church_n without_o a_o superior_a bishop_n say_v mr._n o._n which_o be_v more_o than_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o relator_n and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n ordain_v his_o own_o successor_n and_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o trouble_v of_o send_v for_o one_o to_o very_o remote_a country_n all_o which_o be_v speak_v at_o random_n it_o be_v in_o the_o story_n not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v that_o he_o have_v any_o successor_n or_o that_o he_o ordain_v he_o or_o that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o get_v a_o successor_n from_o a_o remote_a country_n and_o from_o hence_o without_o any_o colour_n of_o pretence_n very_o rash_o and_o very_o weak_o mr._n o._n have_v gather_v that_o even_o in_o the_o 6_o century_n bishop_n be_v think_v essential_a and_o that_o mere_a presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o ordain_v if_o this_o must_v pass_v for_o a_o tolerable_a argument_n against_o episcopal_a government_n or_o in_o the_o least_o favour_n the_o presbyterian_a i_o do_v renounce_v all_o pretence_n to_o common_a sense_n chap._n xvii_o of_o pelagius_n his_o ordination_n we_o have_v now_o be_v a_o long_a journey_n in_o search_n after_o some_o instance_n of_o presbyter_n ordain_v or_o some_o law_n and_o custom_n that_o warrant_v it_o we_o have_v be_v in_o africa_n and_o among_o the_o moor_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o scetis_n at_o taprobane_n which_o lie_v to_o east-india_n among_o the_o northern_a scythian_n in_o england_n and_o in_o france_n and_o among_o the_o pict_n and_o scot_n in_o the_o most_o remote_a part_n of_o britain_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o most_o famous_a council_n and_o their_o definition_n of_o nice_a of_o ancyra_n antioch_n and_o the_o carthaginian_a synod_n and_o all_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o they_o who_o seek_v a_o needle_n in_o a_o bottle_n of_o hay_n we_o be_v now_o at_o length_n go_v to_o visit_v limina_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la rome_n its_o self_n the_o centre_n of_o christendom_n and_o thence_o to_o learn_v what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n successor_n for_o presbyter_n power_n to_o ordain_v and_o sure_o we_o will_v not_o decline_v the_o