come_v of_o lay_v man_n the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n say_v 9_o indecorum_n est_fw-la laicum_fw-la vicarium_fw-la esse_fw-la episcopi_fw-la &_o seculares_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la iudicare_fw-la vndâ—_n oportet_fw-la nos_fw-la &_o divinis_fw-la libris_fw-la &_o sanctorum_fw-la patrâ—m_fw-la obedire_fw-la praecepâ—is_fw-la constituentes_fw-la ut_fw-la hij_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o administrationibus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pontificibus_fw-la sociantur_fw-la discrepare_fw-la non_fw-la debe_fw-la ant_n nec_fw-la professione_n nec_fw-la habitu_fw-la it_o be_v a_o unseemly_a thing_n for_o a_o lie_v man_n to_o be_v vice_n gerent_fw-la to_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o secular_a man_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o must_v obey_v the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o father_n be_v holy_a man_n decree_a that_o they_o which_o be_v join_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o differ_v from_o they_o neither_o in_o profession_n nor_o habit_n iflaie_v elder_n have_v be_v currant_n in_o gregory_n time_n and_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o clergy_n man_n cause_n as_o his_o coassessor_n the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n not_o long_o after_o he_o do_v open_a wrong_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o say_v it_o be_v against_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o forefather_n that_o lie_v man_n shall_v be_v join_v with_o bishop_n in_o any_o cause_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o yet_o see_v they_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o no_o more_o than_o be_v long_o before_o confirm_v as_o well_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n as_o public_a law_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 21._o si_fw-mi ecclesiastica_fw-la causa_fw-la est_fw-la nullam_fw-la communionem_fw-la habeant_fw-la judices_fw-la â—iuâ—les_fw-la circa_fw-la talem_fw-la examinationem_fw-la sed_fw-la sanctissimus_fw-la episcopus_fw-la secundum_fw-la sacr_n as_o regulas_fw-la causae_fw-la finem_fw-la imponat_fw-la if_o it_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n say_v justinian_n the_o emperor_n let_v not_o the_o civil_a or_o temporal_a judge_n any_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o the_o examination_n thereof_o but_o according_a to_o the_o sacred_a rule_n let_v the_o most_o holy_a bishop_n determine_v the_o matter_n now_o who_o be_v to_o be_v present_a with_o the_o bishop_n when_o he_o sit_v in_o judgement_n and_o assist_v he_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n declare_v in_o these_o word_n 23._o episcopus_fw-la nullius_fw-la causam_fw-la audiat_fw-la absque_fw-la praesentia_fw-la clericorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la alioquin_fw-la irrita_fw-la erit_fw-la sententia_fw-la episcopâ—_n nisi_fw-la clericorum_fw-la praesentia_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la let_v the_o bishop_n determine_v no_o man_n cause_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o clergy_n otherwise_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v void_a that_o be_v not_o confirm_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o bishop_n sit_v not_o lay_v elder_n in_o judgement_n but_o his_o own_o clergy_n and_o those_o not_o all_o but_o the_o grave_a and_o elder_a sort_n of_o they_o the_o deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n beneath_o their_o degree_n may_v not_o sit_v with_o the_o priest_n much_o less_o with_o the_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o nice_a say_v 18._o sed_fw-la nec_fw-la sedere_fw-la diaconis_fw-la licet_fw-la in_o medio_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la the_o deacon_n may_v not_o sit_v in_o the_o company_n or_o assembly_n of_o priest_n so_o that_o only_a clergy_n man_n and_o priest_n sit_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o church_n and_o consistory_n and_o their_o presence_n and_o advice_n be_v require_v as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n before_o the_o bishop_n may_v give_v judgement_n against_o any_o man_n this_o course_n gregory_n will_v the_o bishop_n of_o panormus_n in_o sicily_n to_o observe_v as_o near_o to_o the_o canon_n and_o free_a from_o all_o challenge_n when_o he_o convent_v any_o clergy_n man_n not_o rash_o to_o pronounce_v but_o advise_o to_o deliberate_v with_o the_o wise_a and_o elder_a of_o his_o clergy_n and_o then_o to_o proceed_v according_o for_o priest_n and_o deacon_n the_o case_n be_v clear_a the_o bishop_n alone_o may_v not_o deprive_v they_o the_o council_n of_o hispalis_n say_v 6._o episcopus_fw-la sacerdotibus_fw-la ac_fw-la ministry_n solus_fw-la honorem_fw-la dare_v potest_fw-la solus_fw-la auferre_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la the_o bishop_n alone_o may_v give_v priest_n and_o deacon_n their_o honour_n but_o he_o can_v not_o take_v it_o from_o they_o alone_o they_o may_v not_o be_v condemn_v by_o one_o neither_o may_v they_o loose_v the_o privilege_n of_o their_o honour_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o but_o be_v present_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o synod_n let_v they_o be_v rule_v and_o order_v as_o the_o canon_n prescribe_v over_o the_o rest_n the_o bishop_n alone_o may_v sit_v judge_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o bishop_n but_o not_o without_o the_o elder_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o clergy_n for_o so_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n decree_v and_o gregory_n advise_v 20._o if_o any_o priest_n or_o deacon_n be_v accuse_v let_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o party_n accuse_v discuss_v their_o cause_n take_v to_o he_o a_o lawful_a number_n six_o in_o a_o priest_n three_o in_o a_o deacon_n of_o the_o bishop_n adjoin_v such_o as_o the_o defendant_n shall_v require_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n alone_o shall_v hear_v and_o determine_v lay_v elder_n i_o trust_v be_v exclude_v by_o this_o canon_n from_o decide_v or_o debate_v the_o cause_n of_o any_o priest_n deacon_n or_o other_o clergy_n man_n and_o so_o be_v they_o by_o all_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v ever_o make_v in_o any_o council_n provincial_a or_o general_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n last_o the_o canon_n law_n itself_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o name_n of_o lay_v elder_n i_o may_v take_v just_a exception_n against_o the_o compiler_n of_o those_o decree_n his_o corruption_n and_o oversight_n do_v pass_v the_o number_n of_o his_o leaf_n hieromes_n name_n be_v twice_o abuse_v by_o he_o and_o twice_o allege_v by_o you_o without_o any_o regard_n whether_o those_o authority_n be_v find_v in_o his_o work_n or_o make_v to_o your_o purpose_n the_o first_o be_v 16._o quaest_n 1._o §_o ecclesia_fw-la which_o place_n be_v not_o where_o find_v in_o hierome_n though_o his_o book_n ad_fw-la rusticum_n be_v extant_a prescribe_v the_o manner_n how_o a_o monk_n shall_v order_v his_o life_n some_o of_o the_o word_n be_v patch_v out_o of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o esaie_n and_o the_o rest_n touch_v monk_n add_v which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o hierome_n the_o second_o place_n distinct_a 95._o ecce_fw-la ego_fw-la be_v a_o lusty_a tale_n not_o of_o hierom_n but_o of_o some_o other_o in_o his_o name_n beginning_n with_o a_o forge_a inscription_n and_o end_v with_o a_o presumptuous_a untruth_n and_o freight_v in_o the_o middle_n with_o unsavourie_a rail_n hierome_n write_v in_o deed_n to_o rusticus_n a_o french_a man_n but_o as_o yet_o no_o clergy_n man_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v unto_o he_o after_o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o narbon_n neither_o do_v we_o read_v it_o in_o any_o of_o his_o work_n neither_o be_v it_o likely_a for_o so_o much_o as_o leo_n bishop_n of_o rome_n more_o than_o thirty_o year_n after_o hieromes_n death_n write_v 94._o ad_fw-la rusticum_n narbonensem_fw-la episcopum_fw-la to_o rusticus_n bishop_n of_o narbon_n and_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o this_o counterfeit_a hierome_n talk_v 86._o leo_n write_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o france_n and_o germany_n convict_v this_o prater_n of_o manifest_a falsehood_n for_o where_o this_o forge_a hierome_n say_v it_o be_v use_v in_o rome_n in_o africa_n in_o the_o east_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o britain_n and_o call_v they_o proud_a envious_a and_o most_o injurious_a prelate_n that_o otherwise_o do_v leo_n with_o a_o council_n of_o bishop_n affirm_v it_o be_v not_o use_v but_o where_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o expresselie_o forbid_v it_o by_o a_o synodall_n consent_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o sturdy_a epistle_n he_o turn_v your_o lie_v elder_n clean_o out_o of_o door_n for_o as_o he_o affirm_v that_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v dicâ—_n at_o first_o judge_n of_o the_o church_n affair_n and_o present_a at_o the_o bishop_n council_n so_o he_o say_v the_o same_o elder_n must_v ibidem_fw-la preach_v in_o the_o church_n bless_v and_o exhort_v the_o people_n consecrate_v christ_n at_o the_o altar_n restore_v the_o communion_n visit_v the_o sick_a at_o que_fw-la omne_fw-la dei_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la complere_fw-la and_o finish_v all_o the_o sacrament_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o here_o be_v no_o room_n for_o lay_v elder_n the_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o if_o you_o but_o read_v they_o i_o think_v you_o will_v quick_o resign_v all_o
other_o side_n shun_v as_o much_o popular_a tumult_n and_o anarchy_n prefer_v a_o middle_a course_n betwixt_o they_o of_o aristocracy_n think_v the_o church_n will_v then_o be_v best_a guide_v when_o neither_o one_o for_o danger_n of_o tyranny_n nor_o all_o for_o fear_v of_o mutiny_n do_v bear_v the_o sway_n but_o a_o number_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o sincere_a undertake_v the_o manage_n of_o all_o matter_n incident_a to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n and_o for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n in_o every_o church_n and_o parish_n to_o find_v a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a company_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o consider_v and_o dispose_v of_o all_o cause_n occurrent_a and_o the_o people_n as_o they_o think_v will_v the_o better_o endure_v the_o proceed_n and_o censure_n of_o their_o consistory_n if_o some_o of_o themselves_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v judge_n in_o those_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o preacher_n they_o compound_v their_o presbytery_n partly_o of_o pastor_n and_o partly_o of_o lay_v elder_n who_o they_o name_v govern_v presbyter_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o suppose_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v both_o permanent_a and_o indifferent_a to_o proclaim_v this_o as_o a_o fresh_a devise_n of_o their_o own_o will_v be_v some_o what_o odious_a and_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n as_o well_o with_o example_n as_o authority_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v ancient_a for_o the_o better_a accomplish_n of_o their_o desire_n first_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o jewish_a synedrion_fw-mi which_o have_v lay_v elder_n mix_v with_o levites_n in_o every_o city_n to_o determine_v the_o people_n cause_n and_o that_o order_n be_v establish_v by_o moses_n they_o enforce_v it_o as_o a_o perpetual_a pattern_n for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v to_o that_o end_n they_o bring_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 18._o tell_v it_o the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o ethnic_a and_o publican_n next_o they_o peruse_v the_o apostle_n writing_n to_o see_v what_o mention_n may_v be_v there_o find_v of_o elder_n and_o governor_n and_o light_v on_o this_o sentence_n of_o saint_n paul_n 4._o the_o elder_n which_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n they_o resolutelie_o conclude_v there_o be_v some_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n that_o govern_v and_o yet_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o those_o be_v lay_v presbyter_n after_o this_o place_n they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o lay_v elder_n be_v governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o settle_v their_o judgement_n in_o that_o behalf_n that_o they_o will_v hear_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_n thirdlie_o because_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a that_o lay_v elder_n every_o where_o govern_v the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n no_o council_n story_n nor_o father_n do_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o name_v they_o or_o remember_v they_o or_o so_o conceive_v the_o word_n and_o meaning_n of_o saint_n paul_n until_o our_o age_n they_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v some_o show_n of_o they_o in_o the_o father_n writing_n lest_o otherwise_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v marvel_v to_o see_v a_o new_a sort_n of_o governor_n wrench_v and_o force_v out_o of_o s._n paul_n word_n who_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o therefore_o certain_a doubtful_a speech_n of_o the_o father_n be_v draw_v to_o that_o intent_n as_o where_o they_o say_v 1._o the_o church_n at_o first_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o presbyter_n and_o 5._o the_o church_n have_v her_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o forward_o and_o willing_a to_o hear_v of_o their_o lie_v presbyter_n that_o wheresoever_o any_o council_n or_o father_n mention_v presbyter_n they_o straightway_o skor_v up_o the_o place_n for_o lay_v elder_n this_o be_v the_o warp_n and_o web_n of_o the_o lie_v presbytery_n that_o have_v so_o enfold_v some_o man_n wit_n that_o they_o can_v unreave_v their_o cogitation_n from_o admire_v their_o new_a find_a consistory_n and_o in_o deed_n the_o credit_n of_o their_o first_o deviser_n do_v somewhat_o amuse_v i_o as_o i_o think_v it_o do_v other_o till_o partly_o incline_v for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a and_o partly_o require_v where_o i_o may_v not_o refuse_v i_o begin_v more_o serious_o to_o rip_v up_o the_o whole_a and_o then_o i_o find_v both_o the_o slenderness_n of_o the_o stuff_n and_o looseness_n of_o the_o work_n that_o have_v deceive_v so_o many_o man_n eye_n as_o first_o for_o the_o jewish_a synedrion_n i_o see_v it_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v obtrude_v on_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o judicial_a part_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v abolish_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremonial_a the_o tribunal_n of_o moses_n must_v no_o more_o remain_v than_o the_o priesthood_n do_v moses_n judge_n be_v appoint_v to_o execute_v moses_n law_n the_o punishment_n therefore_o and_o judgement_n of_o moses_n law_n cease_v as_o under_o the_o gospel_n there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o they_o do_v all_o such_o consistory_n as_o moses_n erect_v must_v needs_o be_v therewith_o end_v &_o determine_v again_o they_o be_v civil_a magistrate_n that_o moses_n place_v in_o every_o city_n to_o judge_v the_o people_n and_o have_v the_o sword_n to_o punish_v as_o the_o law_n do_v limit_v levites_n be_v admix_v with_o they_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o law_n such_o presbytery_n if_o they_o frame_v we_o in_o every_o parish_n without_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o leave_v they_o make_v a_o fair_a entry_n upon_o the_o prince_n sword_n and_o sceptre_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o consistory_n which_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v well_o advise_v before_o they_o adventure_n last_o that_o lie_v elder_n in_o moses_n law_n do_v meddle_v with_o discern_v or_o judge_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thing_n holy_a and_o unholy_a person_n clean_a and_o unclean_a or_o do_v intermeddle_v with_o the_o sacrifice_n or_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n i_o do_v not_o read_v but_o rather_o the_o execution_n and_o superuision_n of_o sacred_a thing_n and_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o prophet_n priest_n and_o levite_n so_o that_o lie_v presbytery_n under_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v no_o agreement_n with_o the_o synedricall_a court_n of_o moses_n much_o less_o any_o derivement_n from_o they_o unless_o they_o will_v tie_v all_o christian_a kingdom_n to_o the_o tribunal_n and_o judicial_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o give_v their_o elder_n the_o sword_n in_o stead_n of_o the_o word_n which_o god_n have_v assign_v to_o prince_n and_o not_o to_o presbyter_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o 18._o of_o matthew_n tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o urge_v to_o that_o end_n if_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o magistrate_n as_o moses_n appoint_v and_o to_o who_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o his_o law_n be_v to_o make_v their_o complaint_n then_o pertain_v they_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v a_o special_a direction_n for_o those_o time_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n live_v and_o those_o person_n that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n if_o they_o be_v take_v as_o a_o perpetual_a rule_n to_o strengthen_v the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n church_n then_o touch_v they_o no_o way_n the_o synedrion_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o any_o other_o court_v establish_v by_o moses_n let_v they_o choose_v which_o they_o will_v neither_o hurt_v we_o nor_o help_v they_o the_o place_n of_o saint_n paul_n at_o a_o glimce_n seem_v to_o make_v for_o they_o but_o when_o i_o advise_o look_v into_o it_o i_o find_v the_o text_n so_o little_o favour_v they_o that_o in_o precise_a term_n it_o exclude_v lay_v elder_n as_o no_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n there_o charge_v that_o all_o presbyter_n which_o rule_v well_o shall_v have_v double_a honour_n his_o word_n be_v plain_a 5._o the_o presbyter_n that_o rule_n well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n honour_n in_o this_o place_n be_v apparent_o take_v for_o maintenance_n as_o the_o proof_n follow_v do_v import_n 5._o thou_o shall_v not_o mussel_n the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o thy_o corn_n and_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n now_o by_o no_o precept_n nor_o example_n will_v it_o ever_o be_v prove_v that_o lay_v presbyter_n have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n double_a honour_n and_o
or_o father_n they_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o some_o late_a writer_n that_o as_o touch_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n will_v fain_o find_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o next_o age_n ensue_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v to_o have_v reject_v the_o universal_a order_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o good_a and_o sufficient_a warrant_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n and_o church_n be_v so_o strong_a against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v hard_o drive_v to_o hunt_v after_o every_o syllable_n that_o sound_v any_o thing_n that_o way_n &_o yet_o can_v they_o light_v on_o no_o sure_a ground_n to_o build_v their_o late_a devise_n on_o or_o to_o weaken_v the_o general_a and_o perpetual_a course_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o all_o place_n keep_v inviolable_a even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o few_o word_n of_o ambrose_n be_v set_v down_o to_o bear_v all_o this_o burden_n but_o they_o be_v so_o insufficient_a and_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o bewray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o new_a frame_n for_o ambrose_n speak_v not_o one_o word_n either_o of_o go_v by_o course_n or_o of_o change_v after_o a_o time_n only_o he_o say_v bishop_n at_o first_o be_v place_v by_o order_n and_o not_o by_o election_n that_o be_v the_o elder_a or_o worthy_a have_v the_o place_n while_o he_o live_v and_o after_o he_o the_o next_o in_o order_n without_o any_o further_a choice_n for_o that_o order_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o such_o be_v proceed_v from_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o go_v either_o by_o senioritie_n of_o time_n or_o priority_n of_o place_n allot_v every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o we_o may_v free_o grant_v without_o any_o repugnance_n or_o annoyance_n to_o the_o vocation_n or_o function_n of_o bishop_n let_v the_o disciplinist_n confess_v there_o be_v a_o superior_a and_o distinct_a charge_n of_o the_o precedent_n or_o chief_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o in_o guide_v the_o key_n as_o impose_v hand_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v take_v to_o the_o office_n by_o election_n or_o by_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v all_o one_o i_o hope_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o order_n according_a to_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n oversight_n and_o direction_n and_o so_o long_o whether_o they_o set_v such_o in_o order_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o place_n or_o whether_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o discretion_n and_o election_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o great_o force_v not_o howbeit_o the_o word_n of_o jerome_n be_v so_o express_v that_o bishop_n be_v make_v by_o election_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v with_o their_o collection_n out_o of_o ambrose_n euagrium_n alexandria_n à _fw-fr marco_n euangelista_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la unum_fw-la semper_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_fw-la celsiore_fw-la gradu_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la at_o alexandria_n even_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n the_o presbyter_n always_o choose_v one_o of_o themselves_o and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n call_v he_o a_o bishop_n mark_v die_v six_o year_n before_o peter_n and_o paul_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a story_n witness_v &_o consequent_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n be_v elect_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n yea_o that_o church_n as_o jerome_n say_v do_v always_o elect_v there_o never_o succeed_v any_o by_o order_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o succeed_n whether_o by_o order_n or_o by_o choice_n i_o make_v not_o so_o great_a account_n as_o for_o their_o continuance_n the_o patroness_n of_o the_o late_a discipline_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o episcopal_a dignity_n or_o regiment_n of_o the_o presbytery_n go_v round_o by_o course_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o dure_v a_o week_n or_o some_o such_o time_n for_o ghess_n must_v serve_v they_o when_o other_o proof_n fail_v they_o which_o assertion_n of_o they_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o proceed_v of_o too_o much_o ignorance_n or_o too_o little_a conscience_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o well_o learned_a i_o shall_v suspect_v ignorance_n if_o the_o case_n be_v not_o more_o than_o clear_a i_o will_v not_o challenge_v their_o conscience_n but_o be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o the_o case_n so_o clear_a that_o in_o my_o simple_a read_n i_o never_o see_v clear_a nor_o plain_o except_v always_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n judge_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o pronounce_v with_o what_o intent_n a_o manifest_a truth_n be_v not_o only_o dissemble_v but_o stout_o contradict_v and_o a_o evident_a falsehood_n avouch_v and_o advance_v to_o the_o height_n of_o a_o apostolic_a and_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o the_o chief_a pillar_n of_o these_o new_a find_v consistory_n it_o be_v late_o deliver_v as_o a_o oracle_n that_o under_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o they_o and_o we_o call_v bishop_n but_o such_o as_o dure_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o change_v round_o by_o course_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o apostolic_a and_o divine_a institution_n how_o palpale_v a_o untruth_n this_o be_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o mean_a scholar_n to_o discern_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n after_o mark_n be_v anianus_n make_v the_o 24._o eightyeere_n of_o nero_n reign_n and_o he_o continue_v 13._o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o abilius_n succeed_v he_o abilius_n sit_v 21._o thirteen_o year_n and_o die_v leave_v the_o place_n to_o cerdo_v these_o three_o succeed_v one_o a_o other_o saint_n john_n yet_o live_v neither_o have_v alexandria_n any_o more_o than_o two_o bishop_n in_o 35._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n 45._o euodius_n make_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n suruive_v they_o one_o year_n and_o after_o he_o succeed_v 71_o ignatius_n who_o outlive_v saint_n john_n and_o die_v in_o the_o 111._o eleven_o year_n of_o traiane_n leave_v the_o place_n to_o heron_n after_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o forty_o year_n so_o that_o in_o 66._o year_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v but_o two_o bishop_n at_o jerusalem_n 63._o jame_v call_v the_o lord_n brother_n sit_v bishop_n thirty_o year_n and_o 111._o simeon_n that_o succeed_v he_o keep_v the_o place_n eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o threescore_o and_o eight_o year_n but_o two_o bishop_n at_o rome_n while_o saint_n john_n live_v there_o be_v but_o three_o bishop_n linus_n anacletus_fw-la and_o clemens_n which_o three_o continue_v two_o and_o thirty_o year_n if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a let_v they_o take_v the_o example_n of_o polycarpe_n make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n and_o 3_o depart_v this_o life_n a_o very_a age_a man_n with_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o most_o noble_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n the_o space_n he_o sit_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n if_o it_o be_v not_o 15._o fourscore_o and_o six_o year_n for_o so_o long_o he_o have_v serve_v christ_n as_o his_o answer_n show_v to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o asia_n yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v above_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n for_o he_o live_v so_o many_o year_n after_o saint_n john_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v and_o by_o who_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o die_v as_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o their_o letter_n entitle_v he_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n at_o smyrna_n this_o one_o instance_n be_v able_a to_o mar_v the_o whole_a plot_n of_o their_o suppose_a apostolical_a &_o changeable_a regency_n for_o no_o part_n of_o this_o story_n can_v be_v doubt_v be_v he_o not_o make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n polycarpo_fw-es jerom_n 35._o eusebius_n heretic_n tertullian_n and_o 3._o irenaeus_n that_o live_v with_o he_o and_o learned_a so_o much_o of_o he_o affirm_v it_o live_v he_o not_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o long_a time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v he_o that_o title_n at_o his_o death_n their_o letter_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o eusebius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o he_o die_v be_v 1â—_n marcus_n antoninus_n and_o lucius_n aurelius_n commodus_n as_o eusebius_n and_o jerome_n do_v witness_n who_o begin_v their_o reign_n 164._o 64._o after_o the_o death_n of_o saint_n john_n polycarpe_n suffer_v the_o
assist_v his_o father_n 500_o year_n &_o teach_v his_o child_n which_o be_v then_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o continue_v that_o charge_n 112._o year_n after_o his_o father_n death_n enosh_fw-mi do_v the_o like_a to_o seth_n and_o all_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n before_o the_o flood_n to_o their_o father_n god_n always_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o some_o excellent_a man_n to_o preach_v in_o his_o church_n while_o their_o father_n yet_o live_v and_o guide_v the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o enoch_n please_v god_n and_o prophesy_v in_o his_o church_n 300._o year_n first_o under_o adam_n and_o after_o under_o seth_n in_o who_o time_n he_o be_v translate_v so_o noah_n 2._o preach_v righteousness_n and_o repentance_n to_o the_o old_a world_n begin_v under_o enoch_n the_o son_n of_o seth_n and_o hold_v on_o six_o descent_n until_o the_o flood_n come_v the_o very_a same_o year_n that_o his_o grandfather_n methusalem_n die_v after_o who_o death_n and_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o world_n noah_n govern_v the_o church_n 350._o year_n and_o leave_v the_o regiment_n thereof_o as_o also_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o blessing_n and_o promise_n to_o sem_fw-mi his_o elder_a son_n that_o be_v save_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ark_n from_o the_o water_n and_o bless_v by_o he_o sem_fw-mi succeed_a his_o father_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o peace_n confirmation_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v govern_v the_o church_n 350._o year_n under_o his_o father_n and_o 152._o year_n after_o he_o cven_v till_o abraham_n be_v dead_a isaac_n dinune_n and_o jacob_n 50._o year_n old_a and_o may_v well_o for_o his_o age_n birthright_n and_o blessing_n be_v that_o melchizedec_n king_n of_o salem_n in_o canaan_n that_o 7._o meet_v abraham_n return_v from_o the_o slaughter_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o bless_v he_o that_o have_v the_o promise_n for_o he_o must_v be_v great_a than_o abraham_n that_o bless_a abraham_n 38._o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v and_o great_a than_o abraham_n can_v none_o be_v but_o one_o that_o have_v the_o same_o promise_n which_o abraham_n have_v and_o that_o before_o he_o now_o noah_n be_v dead_a 13._o year_n before_o abraham_n enter_v canaan_n and_o sem_fw-mi ten_o ascent_n before_o abraham_n inherit_v the_o same_o blessing_n and_o promise_n that_o abraham_n do_v during_o who_o life_n and_o he_o over_o live_v abraham_n none_o of_o he_o of_o spring_n can_v have_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o priesthood_n from_o he_o much_o less_o can_v any_o stranger_n excel_v he_o or_o come_v near_o he_o in_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o priesthood_n for_o first_o in_o his_o house_n be_v the_o church_n god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v call_v the_o 9_o god_n of_o sem_fw-mi as_o he_o be_v after_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o so_o bless_v his_o tent_n with_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n and_o heavenly_a peace_n that_o noah_n foresee_v it_o in_o spirit_n beseech_v god_n to_o 9_o persuade_v and_o incline_v japheth_n his_o young_a son_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o sem._n next_o in_o his_o seed_n be_v the_o promise_a blessing_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o abraham_n greatness_n and_o that_o 360._o year_n before_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n and_o from_o he_o god_n lineal_o derive_v it_o unto_o abraham_n by_o that_o blessing_n as_o from_o the_o father_n both_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o abraham_n three_o in_o his_o person_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v to_o be_v chief_a over_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o in_o religion_n as_o in_o civil_a regiment_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n fourthlie_o by_o the_o length_n of_o his_o life_n he_o well_o resemble_v the_o true_a melchizedec_n who_o by_o his_o birthright_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n for_o ever_o over_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o he_o come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n as_o from_o a_o other_o world_n no_o man_n live_v that_o know_v his_o beginning_n &_o he_o dure_v more_o than_o 500_o year_n even_o twelve_o descent_n after_o the_o flood_n and_o so_o neither_o the_o beginning_n nor_o end_n of_o his_o day_n be_v know_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n last_o successor_n on_o earth_n he_o leave_v none_o by_o reason_n abraham_n who_o god_n call_v from_o his_o 12._o country_n kindred_n and_o father_n house_n to_o inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n next_o after_o sem_fw-mi and_o likewise_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n with_o he_o sojourn_v as_o stranger_n and_o peregrine_n first_o in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n where_o sem_fw-mi yet_o live_v and_o by_o force_n of_o his_o birthright_n and_o blessing_n continue_v a_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o city_n which_o be_v then_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o after_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n until_o the_o departure_n of_o jacobs_n posterity_n thence_o among_o who_o son_n god_n divide_v the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o sem_fw-mi appoint_v the_o sceptre_n and_o seed_n to_o judah_n the_o priesthood_n to_o levi_n the_o 5._o birthright_n to_o joseph_n and_o never_o conjoin_v they_o after_o in_o any_o but_o in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a priest_n that_o ever_o succeed_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedec_n which_o far_o excel_v the_o order_n of_o aaron_n that_o have_v the_o kingdom_n and_o birthright_n sever_v from_o it_o whosoever_o melchizedec_n be_v this_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o long_o as_o sem_fw-mi live_v which_o appear_v in_o the_o person_n of_o melchizedec_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n be_v ruler_n over_o his_o child_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v over_o his_o brethren_n as_o well_o in_o piety_n as_o in_o policy_n and_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o elder_a brethren_n to_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o father_n house_n represent_v the_o choice_n that_o god_n make_v of_o his_o saint_n in_o christ_n his_o son_n to_o be_v 2._o a_o royal_a priesthood_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n acceptable_a unto_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ._n from_o jacob_n to_o moses_n as_o the_o number_n of_o god_n child_n increase_v so_o the_o royal_a priesthood_n utter_o cease_v and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v much_o obscure_v by_o the_o perpetual_a pilgrimage_n of_o jacob_n and_o bondage_n of_o his_o offspring_n till_o god_n by_o moses_n wrought_v their_o deliverance_n the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v guide_v first_o by_o jacob_n then_o by_o joseph_n after_o by_o the_o head_n and_o father_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n judah_n be_v always_o the_o chief_a both_o in_o egypt_n and_o canaan_n and_o his_o 49._o father_n son_n bow_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o jacobs_n blessing_n and_o so_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n we_o find_v a_o continual_a superiority_n of_o the_o father_n over_o his_o child_n and_o the_o first_o bear_v above_o his_o brethren_n approve_a and_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o regiment_n of_o his_o church_n and_o not_o any_o precept_n or_o precedent_n for_o equality_n chap._n ii_o the_o leviticall_a and_o nationall_n regiment_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n when_o it_o please_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o extend_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o whole_a seed_n of_o jacob_n &_o to_o bring_v a_o people_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a he_o sever_v from_o the_o rest_n the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n to_o attend_v the_o ark_n and_o offering_n which_o he_o command_v &_o to_o teach_v their_o brethren_n the_o judgement_n and_o statute_n of_o their_o god_n for_o the_o church_n be_v enlarge_v and_o spread_v over_o the_o whole_a nation_n the_o domestical_a discipline_n that_o be_v before_o the_o law_n can_v not_o so_o well_o fit_a the_o government_n of_o a_o people_n as_o of_o a_o household_n and_o therefore_o out_o of_o twelve_o tribe_n god_n choose_v one_o to_o retain_v the_o priesthood_n and_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n and_o execution_n of_o all_o sacred_a service_n in_o which_o tribe_n according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o father_n and_o family_n descend_v from_o levi_n the_o son_n of_o jacob_n god_n do_v proportion_n and_o establish_v diverse_a superiority_n and_o dignity_n as_o well_o in_o answer_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o people_n as_o in_o serve_v he_o at_o his_o altar_n and_o those_o not_o only_o of_o priest_n above_o levite_n but_o of_o priest_n above_o priest_n and_o of_o levite_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o distinction_n be_v of_o priest_n above_o levite_n that_o be_v of_o aaron_n &_o his_o son_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o same_o tribe_n who_o be_v restrain_v from_o touch_v or_o see_v the_o holy_a thing_n commit_v to_o the_o
perpetual_a ordinance_n as_o yourselves_o confess_v there_o must_v be_v one_o chief_a and_o pastor_n of_o each_o church_n and_o presbytery_n to_o guide_v aswell_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v teacher_n as_o the_o flock_n that_o be_v hearer_n with_o that_o power_n which_o god_n law_n allow_v unto_o pastor_n tell_v i_o now_o i_o pray_v you_o what_o difference_n betwixt_o chief_a pastor_n establish_v in_o every_o city_n by_o god_n law_n as_o you_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v and_o bishop_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o church_n &_o chair_n as_o the_o father_n affirm_v if_o you_o mislike_v the_o word_n bishop_n it_o be_v catholic_a and_o apostolic_a if_o you_o mislike_v the_o office_n it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n by_o your_o own_o assertion_n we_o grant_v the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o regiment_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o you_o yield_v more_o to_o your_o chief_a pastor_n and_o bishop_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n allow_v they_o as_o namely_o you_o suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v for_o life_n where_o they_o shall_v govern_v but_o for_o a_o month_n or_o a_o week_n you_o alotte_n they_o diocese_n which_o shall_v be_v but_o parish_n you_o give_v they_o not_o only_o a_o distinction_n from_o presbyter_n but_o a_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n who_o shall_v be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o most_o voice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n all_o which_o thing_n we_o say_v be_v against_o the_o scripture_n you_o frame_v church_n to_o your_o fancy_n and_o then_o you_o straight_o way_n think_v the_o scripture_n do_v answer_v your_o devise_n if_o we_o give_v bishop_n any_o thing_n which_o the_o ancient_a and_o catholic_a church_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o first_o give_v they_o in_o god_n name_n spare_v we_o not_o let_v the_o world_n know_v it_o but_o if_o we_o prefer_v the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n touch_v the_o power_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n before_o your_o particular_a and_o late_a dream_n you_o must_v not_o blame_v us._n they_o be_v near_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o likely_a to_o understand_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n than_o you_o that_o come_v after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n with_o a_o new_a plot_n of_o church_n government_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n can_v not_o at_o one_o time_n join_v in_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o kind_n of_o government_n have_v it_o not_o be_v deliver_v and_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o scholar_n that_o convert_v the_o world_n so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n and_o saint_n that_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n will_v never_o consent_v to_o alter_v the_o apostle_n discipline_n which_o be_v once_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o apostle_n warrant_v wherefore_o we_o construe_v the_o apostle_n writing_n by_o their_o do_n you_o measure_v the_o scripture_n after_o your_o own_o humour_n whether_o of_o we_o twain_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o hit_v the_o truth_n as_o for_o your_o repine_n at_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o give_v to_o bishop_n we_o great_o regard_v it_o not_o so_o long_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contradict_v they_o we_o smile_v rather_o at_o your_o devise_n which_o say_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v govern_v for_o a_o week_n and_o then_o change_v and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o next_o presbyter_n for_o a_o other_o week_n and_o so_o round_o by_o course_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n what_o scripture_n confirm_v that_o circular_a and_o weekly_a regiment_n of_o you_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v you_o give_v it_o the_o name_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n when_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o you_o without_o proof_n or_o truth_n she_z we_o one_o example_n or_o authority_n for_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o take_v the_o cause_n succession_n by_o course_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n after_o the_o example_n of_o 156._o the_o priest_n of_o aaron_n do_v the_o son_n of_o aaron_n lose_v their_o priesthood_n when_o their_o course_n be_v end_v no_o but_o they_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o course_n and_o so_o be_v bishop_n appoint_v by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o guide_v the_o presbytery_n be_v this_o all_o the_o ground_n you_o have_v upon_o this_o slender_a and_o single_a similitude_n to_o make_v god_n ordinance_n what_o please_v you_o if_o such_o reason_n may_v serve_v we_o can_v soon_o conclude_v the_o perpetual_a function_n of_o bishop_n than_o you_o can_v the_o weekly_a for_o not_o only_o the_o high_a priest_n keep_v his_o honour_n during_o his_o life_n but_o likewise_o every_o priest_n that_o be_v chief_a of_o his_o order_n indeed_o their_o course_n be_v end_v they_o depart_v home_o but_o they_o lose_v not_o their_o dignity_n but_o what_o rove_a be_v this_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n will_v any_o wise_a man_n be_v move_v with_o such_o ghess_n make_v we_o good_a proof_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o leave_v tie_v god_n ordinance_n to_o your_o appetite_n ambrose_n be_v the_o man_n that_o affirm_v it_o if_o you_o come_v once_o to_o father_n i_o hope_v we_o have_v ten_o to_o one_o that_o affirm_v otherwise_o if_o ambrose_n do_v say_v so_o we_o can_v not_o believe_v he_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n yea_o and_o against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o election_n of_o bishop_n be_v prescribe_v by_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n and_o not_o succession_n in_o order_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o ambrose_n say_v any_o such_o thing_n he_o say_v the_o next_o in_o order_n succeed_v he_o name_v neither_o change_n nor_o course_n it_o be_v your_o own_o devise_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o ambrose_n meaning_n anianus_n the_o next_o after_o mark_n that_o be_v bishop_n of_o alexandria_n six_o year_n before_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v put_v to_o death_n be_v he_o make_v by_o order_n or_o by_o election_n jerome_n say_v express_o euagrium_n a_o marco_n euangelista_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la semper_fw-la unum_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o of_o alexandria_n ever_o since_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n do_v always_o choose_v their_o bishop_n he_o never_o succeed_v in_o order_n neither_o do_v anianus_n govern_v for_o a_o week_n or_o a_o year_n he_o sit_v bishop_n there_o &_o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n as_o eusebius_n write_v and_o abilius_n the_o next_o that_o be_v choose_v after_o his_o death_n sit_v chrâ—nicon_n thirtene_v year_n more_o before_o he_o die_v and_o then_o succeed_v cerdo_v and_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o time_n all_o choose_v and_o all_o sit_v in_o the_o pastoral_n chair_n so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v the_o like_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o keep_v the_o episcopal_a chair_n during_o life_n and_o not_o by_o course_n 13._o linus_n sit_v twelve_o year_n &_o anacletus_fw-la twelve_o chronicon_fw-la clemens_n nine_o saint_n john_n the_o apostle_n live_v and_o order_v the_o whole_a church_n while_o the_o three_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o of_o alexandria_n succeed_v by_o election_n and_o govern_v without_o change_v for_o the_o term_n of_o their_o life_n wherefore_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o upstart_n fancy_n be_v far_o from_o god_n ordinance_n if_o you_o trust_v not_o i_o mark_v how_o your_o own_o friend_n i_o will_v not_o say_v yourselves_o do_v cross_a and_o confute_v your_o own_o invention_n you_o say_v it_o be_v god_n disposition_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o chief_a of_o your_o presbytery_n shall_v go_v by_o course_n and_o that_o order_n you_o call_v divine_a they_o say_v it_o be_v accidental_a and_o no_o part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n 153_o accidentale_n fuit_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alij_fw-la alijs_fw-la per_fw-la vice_n initio_fw-la succedebant_fw-la it_o be_v accidental_a that_o the_o presbyter_n do_v in_o this_o chiefdome_n at_o the_o first_o beginning_n succeed_v one_o a_o other_o by_o course_n you_o tell_v we_o the_o elect_v one_o to_o continue_v chief_a of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v a_o humane_a order_n but_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o election_n in_o all_o sacred_a function_n be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o may_v not_o be_v alter_v 154_o aliud_fw-la est_fw-la electionis_fw-la mandatum_fw-la quam_fw-la immotan_fw-mi non_fw-la tantùm_fw-la in_o diaconis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o sacris_fw-la functionibus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la seruatam_fw-la oportuiâ—_n aliud_fw-la electionis_fw-la modus_fw-la the_o commandment_n of_o election_n be_v one_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v observe_v not_o only_o in_o deacon_n but_o in_o all_o sacred_a function_n the_o manner_n of_o election_n be_v a_o other_o thing_n the_o precept_n can_v be_v immutable_a unless_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o apostolic_a other_o have_v no_o such_o power_n to_o command_v now_o for_o my_o learning_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v this_o rule_v by_o
170_o seven_o year_n of_o their_o empire_n and_o irenaeus_n testify_v that_o he_o come_v to_o rome_n under_o 3._o anicetus_n the_o ten_o bishop_n there_o &_o declare_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n do_v he_o through_o ambition_n retain_v the_o place_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o long_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o so_o alter_v the_o apostolical_a kind_n of_o government_n i_o have_v rather_o challenge_v the_o consistorian_n for_o mistake_v ambrose_n then_o polycarpe_n for_o invert_v the_o apostolic_a discipline_n the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n call_v he_o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a teacher_n of_o their_o time_n irenaeus_n say_v of_o he_o 3._o hic_fw-la docuit_fw-la semper_fw-la quae_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n didicerat_fw-la quae_fw-la &_o ecclesiae_fw-la tradidit_fw-la &_o sola_fw-la sunt_fw-la vera_fw-la he_o always_o teach_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o learn_v of_o the_o apostle_n which_o he_o deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o they_o only_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o far_o more_o authority_n and_o certain_a fidelity_n than_o any_o that_o contradict_v he_o yet_o have_v we_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christendom_n &_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o history_n and_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o bishop_n live_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n &_o make_v by_o the_o apostle_n hand_n continue_v their_o place_n till_o they_o die_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o man_n live_v that_o be_v able_a to_o show_v one_o example_n to_o the_o contrary_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n then_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a and_o false_a surmise_n which_o some_o in_o our_o age_n so_o mighty_o maintain_v that_o the_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v to_o rule_v the_o presbytery_n dure_v for_o some_o short_a space_n &_o change_v by_o course_n that_o superiority_n go_v round_o in_o order_n to_o every_o presbyter_n &_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o presbyter_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n so_o long_o as_o they_o do_v it_o careful_o be_v man_n invention_n and_o no_o apostolic_a institution_n the_o domination_n of_o bishop_n will_v be_v their_o last_o refuge_n otherwise_o in_o election_n of_o bishop_n to_o continue_v while_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o best_a learned_a of_o they_o confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v or_o shall_v be_v reprehend_v only_o they_o repine_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v have_v jurisdiction_n over_o his_o copresbyter_n and_o here_o they_o be_v plentiful_a with_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o if_o we_o go_v about_o to_o make_v bishop_n lord_n and_o master_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n they_o allege_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n 20._o great_a man_n exercise_v authority_n you_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o and_o of_o peter_n 5._o feed_v the_o flock_n not_o as_o lord_n or_o commander_n over_o god_n inheritance_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n i_o see_v not_o mean_o they_o by_o these_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o superiority_n nor_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o that_o pastor_n have_v no_o power_n over_o their_o flock_n it_o be_v more_o than_o childish_a to_o impugn_v one_o truth_n by_o another_o they_o themselves_o do_v agnise_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v superiority_n and_o 15._o authority_n by_o christ_n own_o commission_n above_o and_o 15._o over_o all_o other_o degree_n to_o erect_v and_o order_v the_o church_n where_o they_o preach_v and_o they_o yield_v 20._o pastors_n authority_n over_o their_o flock_n to_o command_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o neither_o these_o place_n nor_o any_o other_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v bar_v pastoral_a power_n over_o the_o flock_n nor_o distinction_n of_o degree_n betwixt_o the_o teacher_n superior_a and_o inferior_a degree_n if_o christ_n word_n do_v exclude_v no_o man_n may_v admit_v they_o or_o defend_v they_o as_o lawful_a if_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o and_o of_o who_o christ_n there_o speak_v do_v not_o withstand_v his_o speech_n retain_v diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v evident_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o forbid_v superiority_n but_o empire_n not_o pastoral_a but_o regal_a authority_n not_o fatherly_a but_o masterly_a preeminence_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n aswell_o of_o the_o people_n as_o of_o the_o presbyter_n peter_n call_v the_o people_n god_n heritage_n and_o before_o and_o after_o name_v they_o the_o lord_n flock_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o since_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v the_o faithful_a to_o 13._o obey_v their_o leader_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o no_o scripture_n do_v cross_v the_o authority_n and_o inspection_n which_o the_o guider_n of_o christ_n church_n shall_v have_v over_o their_o flock_n and_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a law_n comprise_v pastor_n under_o the_o name_n of_o father_n and_o assign_v they_o the_o honour_n due_a unto_o parent_n we_o may_v not_o by_o colour_n of_o any_o word_n bereave_v they_o of_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n no_o more_o then_o of_o maintenance_n which_o be_v the_o part_n and_o effect_n of_o fatherly_a power_n and_o honour_n so_o long_o then_o as_o we_o give_v bishop_n no_o charge_n but_o pastoral_n no_o power_n but_o paternal_a we_o be_v not_o in_o danger_n of_o violate_v either_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n precept_n and_o consequent_o this_o kind_n of_o superiority_n may_v not_o be_v call_v or_o suppose_v to_o be_v dominion_n nor_o empire_n without_o wrong_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v confirm_v it_o as_o needful_a and_o healthful_a for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n even_o from_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o will_v easy_o grant_v fatherly_a moderation_n and_o pastoral_n power_n unto_o bishop_n over_o the_o people_n but_o not_o over_o the_o presbyter_n on_o this_o they_o set_v up_o their_o rest_n that_o no_o pastor_n shall_v have_v power_n over_o other_o of_o the_o same_o call_n and_o hope_v assure_o to_o have_v the_o victory_n but_o they_o must_v first_o reconcile_v their_o own_o contrariety_n they_o will_v triumph_v else_o before_o the_o conquest_n for_o each_o presbytery_n as_o themselves_o confess_v must_v have_v a_o precedent_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n i_o ask_v now_o whether_o god_n give_v any_o man_n a_o bare_a title_n without_o any_o truth_n and_o a_o regiment_n without_o all_o authority_n or_o whether_o in_o god_n law_n deed_n and_o word_n concur_v and_o he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o precedent_n that_o be_v appoint_v and_o authorize_v by_o god_n to_o execute_v that_o office_n the_o mouth_n of_o god_n intend_v not_o for_o mockery_n as_o man_n do_v and_o therefore_o the_o name_n never_o go_v without_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v just_a in_o his_o speech_n and_o will_v not_o utter_v the_o word_n that_o shall_v delude_v the_o hearer_n if_o then_o by_o god_n law_n there_o must_v be_v precedent_n over_o presbytery_n inevitable_o there_o must_v be_v governor_n and_o superior_n over_o they_o if_o some_o must_v moderate_v the_o meeting_n of_o presbyter_n and_o execute_v their_o decree_n of_o force_n they_o must_v have_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o presbyter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v main_o consequent_a out_o of_o their_o own_o position_n which_o they_o most_o refuse_v again_o when_o paul_n leave_v timothy_n at_o ephesus_n to_o 5._o impose_v hand_n to_o 5._o receive_v accusation_n against_o presbyter_n and_o 5._o open_o to_o rebuke_v such_o as_o sin_v do_v he_o not_o give_v he_o power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o even_o the_o self_n same_o that_o be_v challenge_v at_o this_o day_n to_o belong_v to_o bishop_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a at_o ephesus_n for_o timothy_n to_o have_v that_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v joint-pastor_n with_o he_o how_o come_v it_o now_o to_o be_v a_o tyrannical_a and_o antichristian_a power_n in_o his_o successor_n timothy_n they_o will_v say_v be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o can_v have_v no_o successor_n if_o none_o can_v succeed_v he_o in_o that_o power_n how_o come_v their_o presbytery_n to_o have_v it_o will_v they_o be_v evangelist_n what_o lay_v elder_n and_o all_o and_o shall_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n succeed_v timothy_n in_o his_o charge_n at_o ephesus_n that_o be_v news_n in_o deed_n if_o this_o authority_n to_o impose_v hand_n to_o receive_v accusation_n and_o rebuke_v sin_n must_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o must_v then_o be_v it_o no_o euangelisticall_a authority_n but_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o may_v and_o do_v admit_v other_o to_o succeed_v