be_v the_o more_o know_v and_o judicious_a and_o of_o best_a repute_n among_o they_o either_o for_o piety_n or_o learning_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o have_v more_o book_n of_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v and_o other_o foreign_a divine_n who_o own_o communion_n with_o she_o than_o of_o any_o other_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o shall_v i_o be_v so_o uncharitable_o judge_v and_o my_o friend_n who_o go_v along_o with_o i_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o apostate_n and_o as_o have_v bad_a end_n and_o design_n and_o as_o some_o of_o they_o i_o hear_v suggest_v against_o i_o that_o i_o do_v it_o for_o a_o live_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v their_o uncharitable_a judgement_n i_o neither_o be_v nor_o yet_o be_o so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o for_o a_o worldly_a live_n as_o some_o imagine_v and_o as_o other_o wish_v and_o desire_n i_o mean_v of_o my_o adversary_n among_o the_o quaker_n who_o have_v prophesy_v of_o my_o outward_a as_o well_o as_o inward_a ruin_n and_o long_v to_o 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the_o spirit_n whereas_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o she_o allow_v that_o minister_n before_o and_o after_o sermon_n may_v pray_v without_o a_o set_a form_n either_o read_v or_o repeat_v from_o the_o bare_a memory_n by_o use_v their_o sanctify_a part_n and_o gift_n of_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v prayer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o she_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n compose_v by_o pious_a man_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n both_o ancient_a and_o late_a but_o for_o the_o great_a conveniency_n and_o profitableness_n of_o they_o yea_o and_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o many_o respect_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n leave_v every_o one_o to_o their_o christian_a freedom_n whether_o to_o use_v or_o not_o use_v set_v form_n in_o their_o closet_n and_o private_a devotion_n but_o to_o this_o i_o say_v the_o most_o pious_a as_o well_o as_o judicious_a who_o the_o dissenter_n esteem_v so_o and_o repute_v as_o their_o father_n and_o other_o that_o repute_v they_o not_o so_o yet_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o be_v very_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a man_n have_v own_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n yea_o not_o only_o the_o lawfulness_n but_o the_o great_a conveniency_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n calvin_n one_o of_o the_o most_o famous_a of_o the_o protestant_a reformer_n be_v for_o they_o as_o i_o prove_v to_o you_o some_o time_n ago_o prayer_n quod_fw-la ad_fw-la formulam_fw-la precum_fw-la etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n note_v that_o i_o great_o approve_v that_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o which_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o pastor_n to_o depart_v in_o their_o function_n both_o to_o guard_v against_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulness_n of_o some_o and_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v be_v more_o certain_o know_v and_o last_o to_o put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o insolent_a liberty_n of_o some_o who_o affect_v certain_a innovation_n so_o than_o it_o behove_v there_o be_v a_o set_a or_o fix_a catechism_n a_o set_a admininistration_n of_o sacrament_n also_o a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o his_o express_a word_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n epist_n 87._o the_o protestant_a church_n abroad_o in_o germany_n holland_n poland_n sweden_n denmark_n and_o france_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v use_v set_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o their_o public_a worship_n and_o yet_o i_o think_v the_o dissenter_n here_o will_v not_o conclude_v that_o their_o worship_n be_v whole_o carnal_a dead_a and_o without_o life_n or_o spirit_n as_o many_o of_o they_o do_v now_o argue_v against_o the_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o life_n and_o spirituality_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o the_o word_n whether_o set_v or_o extempore_o say_v all_o sound_n and_o judicious_a christian_n but_o in_o the_o purity_n and_o fervour_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o therefore_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n may_v be_v very_o formal_a dead_a and_o dry_a and_o a_o prayer_n in_o a_o set_a form_n may_v be_v very_o lively_a powerful_a and_o effectual_a as_o the_o experience_n of_o thousand_o daily_a confirm_v and_o suppose_v the_o dissenter_n will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a to_o judge_v that_o calvin_n prayer_n at_o geneva_n in_o set_a form_n and_o luther_n in_o wittenberg_n and_o all_o the_o other_o protestant_n prayer_n in_o set_a form_n be_v bare_o formal_a carnal_a dead_a and_o dry_a and_o the_o bless_a protestant_n prayer_n who_o die_v martyr_n in_o queen_n mary_n reign_n that_o use_v set_a form_n yea_o many_o of_o these_o now_o in_o use_n which_o will_v
our_o bless_a lord_n to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 5._o 11._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n this_o i_o thank_v god_n be_v my_o case_n i_o charge_v my_o adversary_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o i_o of_o evil_a conversation_n i_o have_v with_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o and_o who_o have_v great_o support_v and_o strengthen_v i_o oppose_v and_o testify_v against_o their_o vile_a error_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o hatred_n against_o 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v 〈…〉_o with_o some_o success_n so_o that_o both_o in_o america_n many_o and_o here_o in_o england_n both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n divers_z have_v come_v from_o quakerism_n and_o go_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o i_o yea_o divers_a have_v prevent_v i_o and_o go_v before_o i_o and_o divers_a here_o i_o hope_v will_v go_v along_o with_o i_o i_o also_o remember_v what_o christ_n say_v john_n 16._o 2._o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n persecutor_n common_o follow_v a_o err_a conscience_n few_o persecutor_n and_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a sort_n that_o know_o and_o wilful_o persecute_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v thus_o far_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n i_o mention_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n on_o the_o forego_n verse_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n and_o a_o weighty_a concern_v lie_v upon_o i_o to_o give_v to_o this_o auditory_a the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o i_o of_o my_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o this_o very_a particular_a why_o i_o have_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n although_o i_o retain_v charity_n to_o all_o the_o honest-hearted_a of_o other_o communion_n hope_v that_o in_o god_n due_a time_n the_o more_o sincere_a will_v follow_v my_o example_n and_o that_o god_n will_v make_v all_o the_o sincere_a to_o be_v not_o only_o of_o one_o faith_n as_o many_o at_o present_a be_v but_o of_o one_o way_n and_o practice_n and_o uniformity_n worship_n and_o church_n discipline_n so_o as_o with_o one_o mouth_n and_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o glorify_v god_n rom._n 15._o 16._o this_o will_v be_v a_o joyful_a day_n which_o i_o hope_v many_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o pray_v for_o why_o then_o will_v you_o not_o help_v it_o forward_o by_o your_o good_a example_n lay_v aside_o all_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a scruple_n which_o upon_o due_a examination_n will_v be_v find_v without_o just_a ground_n and_o why_o find_v you_o fault_n with_o those_o that_o begin_v to_o give_v you_o good_a example_n though_o this_o change_n of_o i_o be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o some_o imagine_v i_o be_v never_o so_o uncharitable_a as_o i_o find_v some_o be_v though_o i_o grant_v i_o have_v be_v too_o uncharitable_a which_o i_o have_v retract_v i_o have_v be_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n very_o charitable_a to_o all_o sober_a and_o religious_a protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o have_v oft_o in_o secret_a bewail_v their_o opposition_n one_o to_o another_o perceive_v that_o in_o great_a part_n it_o come_v more_o from_o prejudice_n of_o judgement_n and_o education_n than_o any_o just_a cause_n i_o date_n not_o my_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n from_o this_o change_n nay_o nor_o from_o my_o first_o turn_v to_o the_o quaker_n my_o gracious_a god_n begin_v early_o to_o deal_v with_o i_o and_o turn_v my_o heart_n towards_o he_o i_o be_v well_o institute_v in_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n by_o the_o good_a education_n i_o have_v for_o which_o i_o praise_v god_n before_o i_o know_v the_o quaker_n and_o though_o in_o too_o many_o thing_n i_o be_v mislead_v by_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o high_a pretence_n to_o perfection_n and_o divine_a enjoyment_n by_o which_o they_o have_v deceive_v many_o as_o well_o as_o i_o yet_o i_o retain_v a_o sound_a faith_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n and_o do_v constant_o profess_v the_o same_o which_o i_o can_v sufficient_o prove_v both_o by_o my_o print_a book_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o divers_a manuscript_n and_o from_o my_o childhood_n to_o this_o day_n god_n have_v in_o mercy_n preserve_v i_o from_o all_o scandalous_a conversation_n and_o practice_n whereof_o some_o of_o good_a credit_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o testimony_n who_o have_v know_v i_o for_o forty_o six_o year_n past_a and_o my_o manner_n of_o conversation_n i_o be_o the_o more_o concern_v to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o say_a change_n chief_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o of_o my_o good_a friend_n here_o present_a who_o though_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n have_v be_v by_o i_o as_o a_o instrument_n bring_v off_o from_o the_o quaker_n error_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n yet_o have_v some_o remain_a scruple_n that_o at_o present_a hinder_v they_o from_o so_o cordial_a a_o join_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v with_o my_o join_n with_o she_o which_o i_o hope_v god_n in_o due_a time_n will_v remove_v and_o so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o i_o will_v endeavour_v as_o his_o instrument_n to_o be_v assist_v to_o they_o as_o also_o for_o the_o more_o confirm_v of_o such_o who_o be_v cordial_o ready_a to_o join_v with_o i_o and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o silence_v the_o unjust_a clamour_n and_o false_a accusation_n of_o my_o profess_a adversary_n and_o other_o ignorant_o prejudice_v against_o i_o i_o be_o desirous_a to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o i_o have_v good_a reason_n for_o what_o i_o have_v do_v and_o have_v act_v as_o a_o rational_a christian_a man_n in_o my_o so_o do_v a_o chief_a reason_n therefore_o which_o i_o offer_v be_v this_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o parity_n or_o equality_n in_o all_o other_o respect_n betwixt_o the_o dissenter_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o mean_v the_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n among_o they_o as_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n sacrament_n and_o church-government_n discipline_n and_o constitution_n of_o member_n yet_o this_o with_o i_o do_v cast_v the_o balance_n and_o i_o think_v aught_o to_o cast_v the_o balance_n with_o any_o rational_a considerate_a person_n that_o on_o that_o supposition_n the_o minority_n or_o lesser_a number_n shall_v yield_v to_o the_o majority_n or_o great_a number_n and_o the_o young_a shall_v yield_v to_o the_o elder_a and_o the_o daughter_n to_o the_o mother_n for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o she_o be_v in_o king_n edward_n vi_o and_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n and_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n be_v the_o mother_n protestant_n church_n the_o dissenter_n forefather_n have_v their_o christianity_n baptism_n and_o christian_a education_n and_o profession_n in_o her_o communion_n and_o be_v nurse_v as_o it_o be_v in_o her_o arm_n and_o suckle_v at_o her_o breast_n and_o the_o more_o sober_a of_o all_o dissenter_n will_v say_v she_o be_v a_o true_a church_n then_o in_o all_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n now_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o she_o be_v change_v from_o what_o she_o then_o be_v either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o sacrament_n or_o worship_n or_o discipline_n or_o church-government_n in_o any_o material_a thing_n from_o better_a to_o worse_o which_o i_o think_v they_o can_v do_v how_o can_v they_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o she_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o add_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o able_a in_o solid_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o in_o the_o sound_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o convince_v or_o put_v to_o silence_n opposer_n to_o refute_v antichristian_a and_o popish_a error_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o old_a and_o late_a heresy_n be_v much_o more_o numerous_a to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o what_o solid_a learning_n the_o able_a of_o the_o dissenter_n have_v have_v so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v acquire_v by_o outward_a mean_n have_v be_v original_o by_o mean_n of_o church_n of_o england_n men._n she_o have_v be_v all_o along_o and_o still_o be_v the_o great_a bulwark_n against_o popery_n whereof_o she_o have_v give_v sufficient_a proof_n from_o time_n to_o time_n witness_v the_o many_o elaborate_a and_o excellent_a book_n and_o tract_n write_v by_o her_o member_n against_o popery_n especial_o and_o other_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n as_o deism_n atheism_n etc._n etc._n yea_o let_v the_o library_n and_o closet_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o dissenter_n minister_n be_v search_v who_o
in_o the_o invisible_a creation_n of_o angel_n and_o spirit_n the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o inform_v we_o as_o angel_n archangel_n throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n cherubin_n and_o seraphim_n jethro_n moses_n father-in-law_n advise_v he_o to_o set_v captain_n over_o ten_o over_o fifty_n over_o hundred_o and_o over_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n for_o the_o better_a and_o easy_a government_n of_o they_o both_o in_o war_n and_o peace_n and_o moses_n hearken_v to_o his_o advice_n exod._n 18._o 24._o and_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o soldier_n the_o chief_a general_n and_o captain_n whereof_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v appoint_v divers_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n distinct_a not_o only_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o kind_n as_o bishop_n presbyter_n otherwise_o call_v priest_n and_o deacon_n answerable_a to_o the_o three_o officer_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o wit_n the_o high_a priest_n priest_n and_o levite_n and_o because_o they_o be_v but_o one_o nation_n all_o live_n within_o a_o small_a compass_n of_o ground_n one_o high_a priest_n do_v suffice_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n this_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o church_n government_n by_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n upon_o a_o further_a search_n into_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o find_v so_o very_o clear_a as_o do_v full_o satisfy_v i_o notwithstanding_o that_o by_o prejudice_n of_o education_n i_o be_v former_o principled_a against_o it_o and_o also_o by_o search_v into_o church-history_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n near_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o succeed_a age_n in_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a decline_a from_o that_o purity_n yet_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n both_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o good_a practice_n still_o remain_v so_o this_o distinction_n of_o church_n ruler_n do_v all_o along_o remain_v general_o in_o all_o place_n as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o age_n where_o god_n have_v any_o visible_a church_n or_o where_o there_o be_v any_o society_n of_o people_n profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n until_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n where_o in_o divers_a country_n abroad_o there_o be_v no_o protestant_a king_n the_o protestant_n set_v up_o church_n without_o bishop_n not_o reject_v the_o office_n nor_o condemn_v it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o antichristian_a as_o some_o in_o late_a time_n have_v do_v but_o excuse_v the_o want_n of_o it_o by_o that_o general_a maxim_n necessity_n have_v not_o law_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v to_o prove_v the_o distinction_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n out_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n general_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o dissenter_n but_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n be_v that_o which_o be_v condemn_v by_o some_o as_o antichristian_a and_o by_o some_o other_o judge_v at_o best_a unnecessary_a and_o no_o part_n of_o christian_a discipline_n belong_v to_o christianity_n either_o essential_a or_o integral_a but_o if_o you_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o prejudice_n of_o education_n and_o uncharitableness_n you_o will_v clear_o and_o evident_o see_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o superiority_n over_o not_o only_o the_o lxx_o but_o all_o other_o minister_n and_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n be_v very_o clear_a from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o compare_v with_o eph._n 4._o 11._o that_o bishop_n be_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o have_v the_o like_a office_n both_o with_o they_o as_o church_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o their_o decease_n and_o also_o after_o their_o decease_n not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o regular_a succession_n be_v evident_a from_o mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o compare_v with_o the_o abovecited_a eph._n 4._o 11._o otherwise_o all_o stand_n or_o settle_a ministry_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v reject_v as_o enthusiast_n general_o do_v yea_o what_o can_v these_o government_n be_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o but_o as_o real_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n as_o of_o presbyter_n over_o the_o deacon_n and_o the_o people_n otherwise_o why_o government_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n also_o what_o be_v these_o dignity_n mention_v jud._n 8._o that_o some_o despise_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 10_o 11._o and_o how_o shall_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n when_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o such_o a_o officer_n be_v so_o express_o set_v down_o 1_o tim._n 3._o from_o v._n 1._o to_o v._o 8._o but_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o see_v there_o be_v only_o mention_v in_o that_o chapter_n a_o twofold_a order_n 1._o of_o bishop_n 2._o of_o deacon_n it_o will_v seem_v that_o presbyter_n be_v there_o understand_v by_o bishop_n otherwise_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o church_n government_n i_o answer_v that_o will_v not_o follow_v 1._o because_o presbyter_n though_o not_o express_v yet_o may_v be_v understand_v and_o imply_v under_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o express_o mention_v the_o name_n deacon_n be_v sometime_o a_o general_a name_n in_o scripture_n signify_v the_o most_o superior_a as_o well_o as_o inferior_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o st._n paul_n call_v himself_o and_o apollo_n by_o the_o name_n of_o deacon_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a and_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 6._o he_o call_v all_o minister_n and_o teacher_n at_o large_a by_o that_o name_n but_o 2._o in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o officer_n at_o first_o except_v the_o apostle_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n in_o many_o place_n at_o first_o be_v small_a the_o bishop_n can_v both_o sufficient_o teach_v and_o rule_v his_o flock_n and_o so_o do_v without_o presbyter_n only_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o deacon_n but_o the_o number_n of_o the_o flock_n increase_v he_o do_v choose_v and_o raise_v up_o those_o that_o have_v well_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 13._o a_o good_a degree_n which_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o even_o as_o those_o that_o well_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v afterward_o raise_v up_o to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v according_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o priority_n of_o nature_n and_o also_o of_o time_n the_o deacon_n be_v before_o the_o presbyter_n though_o in_o priority_n of_o dignity_n the_o presbyter_n be_v before_o the_o deacon_n hence_o according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v in_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n until_o he_o first_o be_v ordain_v a_o deacon_n nor_o can_v he_o at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o time_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v both_o the_o distinction_n and_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v very_o clear_a to_o i_o as_o well_o as_o to_o many_o out_o of_o st._n paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 3_o i._o st._n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n to_o command_v or_o give_v in_o charge_n to_o some_o that_o be_v teacher_n at_o ephesus_n to_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o have_v not_o timothy_n have_v a_o superiority_n of_o office_n above_o other_o teacher_n which_o be_v then_o at_o ephesus_n why_o do_v he_o direct_v both_o his_o epistle_n to_o he_o only_o lay_v down_o excellent_a rule_n and_o method_n of_o government_n for_o he_o to_o follow_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o episcopal_a function_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o with_o respect_n to_o several_a state_n of_o person_n both_o male_a and_o female_a ii_o why_o do_v st._n paul_n give_v the_o charge_n to_o timothy_n to_o count_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o which_o be_v no_o doubt_n under_o he_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o confer_v that_o double_a honour_n upon_o they_o a_o part_n of_o which_o be_v a_o honourable_a maintenance_n according_a to_o what_o follow_v ver_fw-la 18._o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n by_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a
that_o it_o belong_v to_o timothy_n be_v the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n as_o he_o be_v express_o call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o he_o to_o who_o the_o church_n treasure_n make_v up_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o people_n be_v entrust_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o presbyter_n under_o he_o a_o necessary_a maintenance_n which_o manner_n of_o practice_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n have_v the_o dispose_n of_o the_o church_n treasure_n within_o their_o several_a precinct_n during_o all_o that_o time_n the_o church_n have_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o countenance_v she_o and_o long_o after_o iii_o he_o write_v to_o he_o as_o a_o ecclesiastic_a ruler_n and_o judge_n that_o have_v power_n to_o hear_v and_o examine_v accusation_n bring_v against_o presbyter_n and_o according_o to_o judge_v after_o due_a evidence_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n which_o plain_o show_v his_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o iv_o he_o give_v he_o a_o most_o solemn_a charge_n before_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o judicatory_a he_o act_n impartial_o without_o favour_n or_o bias_n of_o affection_n not_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o ver_fw-la 21._o v._o he_o write_v to_o he_o as_o one_o have_v power_n of_o ordination_n to_o ordain_v elder_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o caution_n he_o to_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n ver_fw-la 22._o vi_o he_o write_v to_o he_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o his_o hand_n together_o with_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n viz._n some_o other_o apostle_n that_o may_v joint_o with_o st._n paul_n lay_v hand_n on_o he_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o for_o that_o the_o presbytery_n here_o mention_v be_v a_o college_n only_o of_o presbyter_n be_v a_o bare_a alledgment_n viz._n when_o he_o ordain_v he_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o vii_o he_o will_v he_o that_o he_o commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o teach_v other_o also_o those_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o among_o many_o witness_n which_o behove_v to_o be_v some_o peculiar_a thing_n relate_v in_o great_a part_n to_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o church_n government_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a either_o for_o heathen_n to_o hear_v or_o novice_n in_o the_o faith_n who_o yet_o may_v hear_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n preach_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n viii_o write_v to_o titus_n he_o presuppose_v he_o bishop_n of_o the_o cretan_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o why_o he_o leave_v he_o in_o crete_n that_o he_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v he_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o shall_v be_v think_v lay-elders_a i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v not_o to_o preach_v i_o find_v none_o such_o either_o here_o or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o can_v titus_n exercise_v this_o authority_n in_o such_o a_o spacious_a island_n where_o many_o city_n be_v and_o christian_a congregation_n set_v up_o if_o he_o have_v be_v only_o a_o single_a presbyter_n and_o if_o the_o other_o presbyter_n have_v equal_a power_n with_o he_o why_o do_v not_o he_o write_v to_o he_o and_o they_o joint_o whether_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n other_o joint_o do_v not_o lay_v on_o hand_n with_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o present_a question_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o church_n history_n that_o any_o number_n or_o college_n of_o presbyter_n ordain_v any_o without_o a_o bishop_n preside_v over_o they_o ix_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o teacher_n as_o be_v unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n and_o who_o teach_v thing_n which_o they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n must_v be_v stop_v which_o plain_o show_v his_o authority_n to_o depose_v and_o silence_v false_a teacher_n as_o well_o as_o to_o ordain_v sound_a and_o worthy_a x._o he_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o authority_n to_o judge_v who_o be_v a_o heretic_n and_o how_o after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n if_o he_o amend_v not_o he_o ought_v to_o reject_v he_o by_o these_o instance_n plain_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o may_v i_o think_v appear_v to_o all_o impartial_a person_n that_o well_o and_o due_o consider_v they_o that_o both_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v bishop_n and_o have_v a_o superiority_n of_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordination_n i_o know_v w._n prynne_n have_v print_v a_o book_n which_o he_o call_v the_o unbishoping_a of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o i_o have_v read_v but_o i_o find_v not_o that_o he_o have_v either_o sufficient_o answer_v the_o argument_n bring_v from_o scripture_n to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v bishop_n or_o give_v any_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v also_o see_v another_o great_a book_n of_o he_o give_v a_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o evil_a practice_n of_o many_o bishop_n all_o which_o if_o true_a say_v nothing_o against_o the_o office_n but_o i_o can_v write_v a_o great_a book_n threefold_o great_a give_v a_o historical_a relation_n of_o many_o good_a thing_n bishop_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n many_o bishop_n both_o in_o the_o early_a and_o latter_a age_n have_v be_v eminent_o exemplary_a in_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o for_o divers_a age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n day_n be_v bless_v and_o happy_a instrument_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o unity_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o many_o church_n in_o it_o hinder_v schism_n and_o cure_v they_o that_o do_v threaten_v to_o arise_v cut_v down_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n even_n the_o doctrinal_a word_n outward_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o they_o be_v mighty_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o to_o do_v the_o monstrous_a and_o vile_a heresy_n that_o spring_v up_o from_o time_n to_o time_n oppugn_v the_o christian_a faith_n wherein_o almighty_a god_n bless_v they_o with_o great_a success_n and_o this_o they_o do_v partly_o by_o their_o particular_a write_n treatise_n and_o epistle_n as_o well_o as_o sermon_n and_o partly_o by_o their_o assemble_v in_o great_a number_n in_o synod_n and_o council_n to_o condemn_v they_o and_o that_o many_o time_n to_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o life_n under_o persecute_v king_n and_o emperor_n some_o whereof_o be_v heathen_a and_o some_o arian_n and_o eutychian_n such_o who_o be_v but_o ordinary_o well_o acquaint_v with_o antiquity_n and_o church_n history_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a day_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o the_o famous_a place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christianity_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v be_v by_o succession_n the_o which_o do_v lineal_o descend_v for_o four_o hundred_o year_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o upward_o and_o in_o divers_a place_n to_o this_o age._n there_o be_v two_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o father_n understand_v of_o episcopal_a government_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o psal_n 45._o 16._o be_v a_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n church_n and_o his_o government_n in_o the_o same_o by_o church_n officer_n instead_o of_o thy_o father_n i._n e._n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n and_o be_v her_o father_n shall_v be_v thy_o child_n i._n e._n their_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n after_o their_o decease_n who_o thou_o may_v make_v prince_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o other_o place_n be_v in_o isaiah_n 60._o 17._o i_o will_v appoint_v they_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n and_o deacon_n or_o minister_n in_o faith_n as_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n quote_v it_o in_o his_o famous_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n but_o as_o the_o septuagint_n have_v it_o be_v thus_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thy_o prince_n in_o peace_n and_o thy_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n ignatius_n who_o converse_v with_o st._n 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n and_o as_o his_o disciple_n and_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v commit_v by_o he_o write_v thus_o to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n let_v the_o people_n be_v subject_a to_o their_o deacon_n the_o deacon_n to_o the_o presbyter_n the_o presbyter_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o bishop_n to_o christ_n as_o he_o be_v to_o his_o bishop_n policarp_n also_o be_v constitute_v by_o st._n john_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n who_o both_o suffer_a martyrdom_n as_o church_n history_n give_v 〈…〉_o say_v lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o we_o have_v to_o remember_v they_o who_o be_v appoint_v bishop_n by_o nos_fw-la 〈…〉_o qui_fw-fr ab_fw-la apostalis_n 〈◊〉_d sunt_fw-la episcopi_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la &_o successoret_fw-la eorum_fw-la usque_fw-la and_o nos_fw-la the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o successor_n even_o 〈◊〉_d we_o this_o irenaeus_n be_v bishop_n at_o lion_n and_o live_v within_o about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o st._n john_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o ancient_a writer_n and_o late_a yea_o by_o some_o 〈◊〉_d and_o particular_o by_o david_n paraeus_n that_o the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o who_o st._n john_n write_v be_v the_o seven_o bishop_n set_v over_o those_o seven_o church_n also_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o st._n john_n himself_o have_v plant_v all_o these_o seven_o church_n and_o do_v constitute_v the_o bishop_n in_o they_o hierom_n who_o the_o adversary_n of_o episcopacy_n think_v that_o he_o favour_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n plain_o grant_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v lodge_v in_o the_o bishop_n say_v quid_fw-la enim_fw-la facis_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la i._n e._n for_o what_o do_v the_o bishop_n that_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o on_z ought_v not_o to_o do_v except_o ordination_n epist_n ad_fw-la euagrium_n and_o the_o sense_n affirm_v that_o from_o mark_v the_o evangelist_n until_o heracla_n 〈…〉_o bishop_n there_o the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n do_v name_v he_o bishop_n one_o among_o themselves_o elect_v and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o ordain_v he_o and_o both_o hierom_n and_o clemens_n romanus_n long_o before_o he_o do_v make_v a_o parallel_n betwixt_o the_o high_a priest_n priest_n and_o levite_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n church_n what_o aaren_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n say_v he_o the_o same_o in_o the_o church_n may_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n challenge_v unto_o themselves_o hier._n ad_fw-la eugr._fw-la and_o how_o universal_a the_o extent_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o to_o what_o end_v it_o be_v appoint_v he_o further_o declare_v in_o that_o same_o epist_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v place_v above_o the_o rest_n to_o who_o all_o care_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v belong_v and_o so_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n be_v remove_v thus_o far_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o in_o none_o of_o the_o particular_n above_o mention_a the_o dissenter_n have_v any_o advantage_n above_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o that_o what_o advantage_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v either_o from_o scripture_n or_o church_n history_n and_o antiquity_n lie_v on_o her_o side_n finis_fw-la