vindiciae_fw-la calvinisticae_fw-la or_o some_o impartial_a reflection_n on_o the_o dean_n of_o londondereys_n consideration_n that_o oblige_v he_o to_o come_v over_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o mr._n chancellor_n king_n answer_n thereto_o in_o which_o he_o no_o less_o unjust_o than_o impertinent_o reflect_v on_o the_o protestant_a dissenter_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n by_o w.b._n d.d._n 3_o ep._n joh._n 9_o 10._o but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o preeminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o neither_o do_v he_o himself_o receive_v the_o brethren_n and_o forbid_v they_o that_o will_v and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n dublin_n print_v by_o a._n crook_n and_o s._n helsham_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n on_o ormond-key_n and_o sell_v by_o the_o bookseller_n of_o london_n and_o westminster_n 1688._o to_o the_o reader_n thou_o will_v find_v the_o worthy_a author_n of_o this_o ensue_a tract_n oppose_v two_o person_n of_o a_o very_a different_a character_n m_o m._n who_o scruâ—les_n be_v so_o mean_v and_o so_o often_o answer_v that_o as_o they_o can_v have_v little_a influence_n in_o his_o change_n so_o they_o deserve_v no_o new_a consideration_n the_o most_o material_a of_o his_o question_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o be_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n by_o her_o usurp_a shift_n propagate_v her_o apostasy_n to_o her_o neighbour_n church_n how_o can_v any_o of_o those_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o they_o cease_v that_o apostasy_n and_o regain_v their_o former_a state_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a unl_a sâ—_n infection_n do_v for_o ever_o subject_a a_o church_n to_o that_o church_n which_o infect_v it_o can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o the_o british_a church_n have_v equal_a authority_n to_o reform_v themselves_o for_o christ_n sake_n as_o they_o have_v to_o admit_v these_o corruption_n for_o the_o pope_n sake_n the_o other_o person_n be_v m_o k_o who_o have_v needless_o yea_o to_o the_o apparent_a damage_n of_o his_o cause_n bitter_o censure_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o nonconformist_n whether_o his_o novel_a notion_n or_o the_o unseasonable_a publication_n of_o matter_n of_o debate_n among_o we_o be_v most_o culpable_a it_o be_v hard_a determine_n the_o sad_a consequence_n be_v so_o obvious_a that_o great_a importunity_n fail_v to_o incline_v my_o undertake_n our_o vindication_n though_o the_o charge_n against_o we_o be_v great_a and_o the_o proof_n attempt_v from_o mistake_a principle_n but_o see_v the_o author_n with_o other_o judge_v a_o reply_n needful_a and_o represent_v our_o silence_n as_o turn_v to_o our_o reproach_n i_o be_o persuade_v to_o preface_n the_o ensue_a book_n wherein_o thou_o will_v find_v both_o evidence_n and_o candour_n i_o shall_v only_o hint_n at_o what_o the_o book_n be_v concern_v in_o and_o insist_v on_o some_o crimination_n the_o author_n overlook_v mr_n k_n exclude_v we_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v harm_v we_o little_o when_o he_o give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o this_o church_n so_o entire_o popish_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o protestant_n church_n s._n 68_o of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o romanist_n and_o we_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n define_v the_o catholic_n church_n in_o the_o creed_n 2._o 4._o bell_n de_fw-fr eccl_n milit_fw-la lib_n 3_o cap_n 2._o to_o be_v the_o invisible_a body_n of_o elect_v saint_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o all_o of_o m_n k_o k_o s._n description_n be_v bellarmine_n own_n who_o strange_o confound_v a_o particular_a church_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a out_o of_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v form_v unless_o you_o admit_v infidel_n for_o member_n and_o into_o which_o they_o be_v resolve_v unless_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n member_n when_o their_o pastor_n die_v or_o remove_v whereas_o m_n k._n may_v have_v know_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o entitive_a be_v make_v up_o of_o profess_v christian_n and_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o secondary_a member_n of_o this_o body_n as_o organical_a by_o aggregation_n but_o the_o dissenter_n will_v deny_v his_o charge_n by_o further_a prove_v that_o they_o be_v subject_n to_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n that_o such_o be_v not_o their_o pastor_n who_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o separation_n from_o and_o they_o can_v justify_v their_o separation_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o no_o bar_n to_o their_o catholic_n privilege_n if_o they_o have_v some_o time_n be_v subject_n to_o such_o yea_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o church_n of_o england_n account_v we_o within_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n by_o her_o call_v we_o brethren_n depart_v in_o the_o faith_n when_o dead_a and_o too_o oft_o excommunicate_v we_o when_o alive_a his_o charge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a rebellion_n can_v yet_o affect_v we_o when_o we_o think_v that_o we_o just_o deny_v the_o convocation_n to_o be_v a_o fit_a representative_a of_o all_o the_o pastor_n in_o england_n and_o not_o a_o supreme_a power_n over_o all_o our_o church_n yea_o and_o suspect_v a_o definition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n by_o such_o regent_n officer_n as_o what_o favour_v the_o universal_a headship_n and_o may_v well_o end_v in_o the_o pope_n as_o principium_fw-la unitatis_fw-la his_o positiveness_n in_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v silent_a when_o suspend_v without_o regard_n to_o justice_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o import_v he_o have_v forget_v that_o casuist_n general_o determine_v that_o a_o unjust_a sentence_n bind_v not_o before_o god_n or_o the_o church_n and_o that_o pastor_n power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n as_o a_o king_n in_o the_o state_n but_o under_o the_o limit_n of_o many_o more_o institute_v law_n but_o these_o matter_n be_v debate_v in_o the_o book_n i_o proceed_v m_o k_o be_v sarcasm_n against_o our_o cant_fw-mi from_o m_n m_o m_o s._n allusion_n to_o a_o plain_a scripture_n p._n 13_o may_v call_v he_o to_o suspect_v what_o spirit_n himself_o be_v of_o luke_o 9_o 55._o and_o other_o of_o his_o sort_n who_o redicule_n scripture_n passage_n though_o use_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o inspire_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v in_o we_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o protestant_a bishop_n but_o yet_o these_o must_v be_v the_o only_a protestant_a successor_n because_o they_o keep_v up_o the_o ceremony_n though_o they_o despise_v many_o important_a doctrine_n which_o they_o more_o value_v themselves_o by_o reader_n thou_o may_v wonder_v how_o m_n k._n that_o affirm_v no_o minister_n may_v reform_v no_o nor_o preach_v against_o the_o establish_v church_n can_v publish_v these_o thought_n of_o his_o so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o very_a catholic_n church_n by_o a_o definition_n of_o it_o so_o opposite_a to_o that_o his_o church_n have_v publish_v he_o reproach_v we_o with_o the_o favour_n we_o new_a receive_v from_o man_n of_o m_n m_o his_o persuasion_n reply_n m_o k._n p_o 39_o reply_n we_o thankful_o own_o the_o king_n favour_n without_o ungrateful_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o nor_o yet_o doubt_v but_o we_o shall_v take_v care_v not_o to_o forfeit_v what_o he_o think_v meet_v to_o grant_v but_o why_o shall_v you_o that_o dislike_v a_o inquisition_n grudge_n we_o a_o little_a ease_n i_o believe_v you_o be_v not_o for_o blame_v the_o magistrate_n when_o the_o rod_n and_o axe_n be_v disuse_v be_v not_o the_o misery_n great_a enough_o which_o we_o have_v endure_v at_o your_o hand_n for_o refuse_v to_o sin_n in_o do_v thing_n which_o you_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o imposer_n to_o plead_v for_o but_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o our_o hardship_n so_o forgoten_a by_o we_o as_o that_o they_o neither_o abate_v charity_n nor_o prevent_v union_n on_o christian_a catholic_n term_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v no_o small_a amazement_n to_o hear_v the_o prelatist_n reflect_v on_o the_o present_a liberty_n of_o dissenter_n be_v we_o unblamable_a for_o meet_v now_o we_o do_v it_o with_o safety_n when_o we_o suffer_v so_o much_o rather_o than_o forbear_v it_o can_v they_o that_o have_v refuse_v preferment_n endure_v prison_n reproach_n and_o loss_n of_o estate_n for_o their_o principle_n be_v suspect_v apt_a to_o renounce_v or_o betray_v they_o for_o a_o smile_n how_o can_v these_o man_n that_o to_o other_o day_n resolve_v all_o law_n into_o the_o king_n mere_a will_n now_o brand_v our_o meeting_n as_o unlawful_a but_o this_o will_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o that_o party_n will_v always_o screw_v up_o the_o point_n of_o loyalty_n who_o interest_n the_o government_n pâ—omotes_n and_o yet_o may_v challenge_v their_o own_o sentiment_n when_o the_o throne_n be_v
mr._n k._n be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v he_o assert_v that_o the_o presbyterian_o independent_o etc._n etc._n have_v make_v a_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n this_o quest_n relate_v to_o the_o regular_a constitution_n of_o their_o church_n who_o then_o be_v the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o these_o presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n from_o who_o they_o have_v separate_v do_v he_o mean_v the_o bishop_n or_o the_o parish_n minister_n if_o the_o bishop_n they_o must_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o the_o king_n officer_n to_o execute_v that_o civil_a power_n which_o he_o have_v circa_fw-la sacra_fw-la and_o so_o the_o presbyterian_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o separate_v not_o from_o they_o or_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o christ_n officer_n to_o exercise_v that_o spiritual_a power_n which_o his_o charter_n give_v and_o as_o such_o the_o presbyterian_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o submit_v to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o their_o office_n or_o they_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v requisie_a that_o church_n shall_v obey_v they_o who_o assign_v they_o their_o office_n or_o consent_n to_o be_v their_o subject_n not_o those_o who_o account_v their_o office_n a_o sinful_a usurpation_n and_o be_v the_o more_o unwilling_a to_o become_v their_o subject_n because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o without_o comply_v with_o sinful_a imposition_n and_o even_o approve_v their_o usurpation_n and_o that_o any_o church_n may_v lawful_o constitute_v new_a officer_n who_o christ_n never_o appoint_v and_o subject_a his_o undoubted_a officer_n to_o their_o authority_n especial_o such_o as_o diocesan_n prelate_n who_o by_o engross_a the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n render_v church-discipline_n impracticable_a be_v a_o proposition_n mr._n k._n will_v hardly_o prove_v if_o the_o parish-minister_n be_v the_o lawful_a governor_n they_o separate_v from_o i_o will_v willing_o know_v how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v the_o lawful_a governor_n or_o pastor_n to_o those_o that_o consent_v not_o to_o their_o pastoral_a relation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o will_n mr._n k._n say_v that_o all_o person_n ought_v to_o commit_v the_o conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o that_o minister_n who_o the_o bishop_n or_o patron_n choose_v and_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a separation_n not_o to_o do_v so_o i_o will_v then_o inquire_v what_o do_v he_o think_v of_o those_o parish_n that_o be_v so_o large_a that_o scarce_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o the_o people_n can_v enjoy_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o parish-minister_n as_o stepney_n giles_n martin_n and_o cripplegate_n parish_n in_o london_n which_o have_v one_o with_o another_o 30000_o or_o 40000_o soul_n in_o each_o of_o they_o do_v he_o think_v it_o a_o unlawful_a separation_n for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o people_n that_o can_v have_v room_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n to_o attend_v the_o ministration_n of_o other_o pious_a and_o judicious_a pastor_n be_v this_o such_o a_o separation_n too_o as_o will_v exclude_v they_o from_o the_o catholic_a church_n to_o assert_v tâ—is_n be_v to_o prefer_v a_o point_n of_o humane_a order_n or_o rather_o disorder_v about_o parish-bound_n bâ—â—ore_v the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a all_o those_o peop_n e_o shall_v want_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o live_v like_o pagan_n or_o atheist_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n than_o such_o a_o point_n of_o church-ordeâ—_a be_v violate_v and_o if_o any_o can_v believe_v all_o this_o it_o be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o they_o know_v what_o soul_n and_o their_o salvation_n be_v again_o what_o do_v mr._n k._n think_v of_o such_o parish-minister_n as_o want_v the_o necessary_a quaâ—ifications_n such_o as_o be_v notorious_o ignorant_a or_o scandalous_o wicked_a do_v those_o in_o their_o parish_n who_o after_o have_v seek_v redress_n in_o vain_a choose_v other_o minister_n of_o eminent_a learning_n and_o hoâ—iness_n make_v a_o sinful_a separation_n even_o such_o as_o will_v argue_v they_o no_o catholic_n member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o say_v this_o he_o still_o prefer_v a_o mere_a point_n of_o humane_a order_n before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o the_o edification_n of_o soul_n and_o have_v rather_o hazard_v their_o damnation_n than_o have_v a_o scandalous_a parish_n minister_v disow_v who_o life_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o debauch_v than_o his_o doctrine_n to_o reform_v his_o hearer_n i_o may_v insi_v on_o many_o such_o question_n as_o these_o but_o because_o mr._n k._n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o any_o reason_n why_o he_o take_v the_o parish-minister_n for_o the_o only_a lawful_a governor_n even_o to_o those_o nonconformist_n that_o consent_n not_o to_o their_o pastoral_a relation_n i_o shaâ—l_v fâ—r_v their_o vindication_n offer_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o nonconformist_n live_v under_o their_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n or_o past_a r_n and_o consequent_o make_v no_o separation_n from_o they_o i_o instance_n in_o the_o presbyterian_o those_o be_v the_o lawful_a spiritual_a governor_n of_o particular_a christian_a flock_n or_o church_n who_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a a_o valid_a ordination_n the_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n and_o who_o in_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o violate_v no_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o just_a law_n of_o man._n but_o such_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o these_o kingdom_n e._n they_o be_v the_o lawful_a pastor_n of_o those_o church_n the_o minor_a prop._n alone_o needs_o proof_n viz._n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbyt_fw-la church_n be_v such_o as_o be_v here_o describe_v for_o their_o qualification_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v which_o they_o may_v safe_o appeal_v to_o those_o that_o know_v they_o â—nly_o i_o will_v here_o suggest_v that_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o minister_n who_o prescribe_v various_a difficult_a exercise_n to_o a_o candidate_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o ability_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o as_o one_o single_a bishop_n who_o usual_o commit_v the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o his_o chaplain_n for_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v that_o good_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n about_o mission_n the_o only_a doubt_n then_o remain_v be_v whether_o these_o pastor_n in_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o their_o flock_n do_v violate_v any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o any_o just_a law_n of_o man_n 1._o for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n i_o can_v understand_v any_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o violate_v but_o either_o that_o law_n that_o enjoin_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n or_o such_o as_o enjoin_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n for_o the_o former_a it_o fall_v in_o with_o what_o doubt_n may_v arise_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o man_n for_o the_o latter_a the_o precept_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n peace_n i_o need_v only_o say_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o clear_v they_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o violate_v they_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n be_v a_o mutual_a forbearance_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o each_o other_o in_o lesser_a difference_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 14_o chapt._n of_o the_o ep._n to_o the_o rom._n to_o the_o 17_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o 15_o where_o these_o duty_n be_v at_o large_a press_v from_o great_a variety_n of_o topic_n and_o urge_v on_o those_o that_o have_v pastor_n among_o they_o and_o to_o say_v this_o great_a rule_n on_o y_o oblige_v christian_n to_o these_o duty_n till_o the_o clergy_n have_v determine_v those_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o by_o their_o impose_v they_o cast_v out_o all_o dissenter_n be_v too_o like_o the_o confidence_n of_o those_o gentleman_n who_o own_o christ_n institute_v the_o communion_n in_o both_o kind_n but_o teâ—l_v we_o his_o institution_n oblige_v not_o now_o the_o church_n have_v please_v to_o command_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o any_o impartial_a judge_n whether_o the_o convocation_n or_o the_o presbyterian_o have_v better_a observe_v this_o great_a rule_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n peace_n but_o 2._o no_o law_n of_o god_n enjoin_v we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n sinful_a for_o the_o church_n peace_n but_o for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n to_o desert_n their_o ministerial_a office_n when_o never_o just_o forbid_v and_o when_o their_o labour_n be_v high_o conducive_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v sinful_a methinks_v those_o man_n that_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o exclaim_v against_o all_o alienation_n of_o
invite_v such_o to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o be_v due_o qualify_v that_o such_o qualify_a person_n shall_v not_o accept_v ordination_n on_o such_o wicked_a term_n be_v past_a doubt_n but_o what_o if_o they_o live_v so_o remote_a from_o any_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v have_v ministerial_a ordination_n elsewhere_o will_n any_o say_v that_o in_o this_o case_n those_o qualify_a person_n for_o want_n of_o this_o ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o â—â—ke_v on_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o those_o people_n which_o god_n hâ—s_v give_v they_o such_o ability_n for_o and_o such_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n 〈◊〉_d to_o say_v this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o rule_n about_o the_o regular_a order_v the_o ministry_n above_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o and_o oâ—_n 〈◊〉_d circumstance_n of_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o wherâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—sitive_a precept_n must_v always_o yield_v to_o moral_n and_o matter_n or_o 〈◊〉_d order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o duty_n order_v and_o the_o former_a must_v nâ—_n be_v plead_v against_o the_o latter_a ordination_n by_o pastor_n be_v noâ—_n therefore_o there_o necessary_a where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o ministry_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o most_o visible_a prejudice_n and_o detriment_n for_o these_o be_v matter_n infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o valuable_a than_o any_o rule_n of_o external_a order_n and_o the_o very_a end_n those_o rule_n aim_v at_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o such_o corrupt_a pastor_n whether_o the_o people_n who_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v like_o atheist_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o he_o that_o assert_v this_o may_v next_o assert_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v be_v canonical_o damn_v than_o uncanonical_o save_v i_o propose_v these_o case_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o that_o notion_n some_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o viz_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o ordination_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v false_a much_o more_o be_v they_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o successive_a prelatical_a ordination_n but_o though_o in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v a_o man_n to_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o ministerial_a ordination_n yet_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o enjoin_v such_o ordination_n do_v oblige_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v and_o divide_v by_o unqualified_a intruder_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n be_v who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n or_o who_o have_v christ_n appoint_v to_o approve_v and_o invest_v other_o in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n answ_n those_o be_v entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o appoint_v to_o this_o woâ—k_n who_o be_v themselves_o such_o bishop_n or_o elder_n or_o pastor_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n describe_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v we_o what_o other_o officer_n the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n be_v entrust_v then_o or_o what_o other_o officer_n claim_v and_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o now_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v the_o state_v pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v too_o palpable_a to_o be_v deny_v however_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n be_v please_v to_o say_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o several_a office_n and_o even_o this_o palpable_a mistake_n among_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v require_v to_o declare_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o who_o be_v 20_o acts._n 17._o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v command_v v._o 28._o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n the_o description_n of_o a_o bishop_n 1_o tim_n 3_o ch_z and_o of_o a_o elder_a 1_o tit._n be_v the_o same_o and_o titus_n when_o direct_v to_o ordain_v elder_n must_v see_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n v._o 6_o 7._o that_o these_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o towards_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o from_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o flock_n be_v require_v to_o pay_v they_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v among_o the_o people_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o know_v and_o esteem_v they_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 12_o 13._o they_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o flock_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n 13_o hebr._n 7_o 17_o 24._o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 20_o act_n 28._o wherein_o the_o apostle_n propose_v his_o own_o practice_n while_o he_o stay_v among_o they_o as_o their_o temporary_a pastor_n for_o their_o imitation_n viz_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n day_n and_o night_n 20_o act_n 20_o 31._o v._n they_o be_v to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5._o v._n 3_o compare_v with_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o they_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o pray_v for_o they_o james_n 5_o 14._o see_v dr._n hammond_n annotation_n on_o these_o place_n apply_v they_o to_o bishop_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o these_o mutual_a duty_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v betwixt_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o the_o congregation_n commit_v to_o their_o care_n or_o betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o so_o vast_a a_o flock_n as_o his_o diocese_n that_o one_o or_o more_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v these_o duty_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o their_o flock_n to_o they_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n but_o can_v these_o mutual_a duty_n be_v perform_v betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n be_v he_o capable_a of_o labour_v among_o they_o in_o word_n and_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o high_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n when_o very_o few_o comparative_o of_o his_o diocese_n ever_o see_v he_o or_o hear_v he_o preach_v can_v he_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o in_o his_o diocese_n as_o his_o flock_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o evil_a course_n when_o he_o know_v not_o one_o of_o they_o in_o many_o score_n thousand_o can_v the_o diocese_n follow_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o bishop_n and_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o propose_v they_o as_o their_o pattern_n when_o not_o one_o in_o many_o thousand_o know_v any_o more_o of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o bishop_n than_o if_o he_o live_v at_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o bishop_n oblige_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a of_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o rule_v they_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n against_o the_o notorious_o scandalous_a when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v forty_o or_o fifty_o thousand_o such_o in_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o use_v all_o the_o due_a process_n of_o serious_a reproof_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v use_v for_o reclaim_v such_o sinner_n when_o there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o those_o so_o remote_a in_o their_o habitation_n and_o the_o bishop_n whole_o
stranger_n to_o the_o most_o of_o they_o these_o be_v so_o palpable_a impossibility_n as_o to_o a_o unbyast_a considerer_n be_v instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o argument_n that_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n which_o these_o text_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o diocesan_n bishop_n i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o the_o overseer_n or_o ruler_n of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o church_n as_o their_o flock_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v all_o these_o pastoral_n work_v and_o the_o flock_n to_o pay_v they_o the_o foremention_v duty_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o people_n as_o they_o can_v thus_o personal_o oversee_v teach_v rule_n watch_v over_o visit_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o a_o number_n as_o can_v pay_v they_o that_o love_n submission_n imitation_n etc._n etc._n prescribe_v in_o the_o forequoted_a text_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v so_o express_o assert_v act_n 14._o v._o 23._o that_o such_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n which_o titus_n be_v also_o appoint_v to_o do_v in_o every_o city_n 1_o tit._n 5._o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v every_o town_n equal_a to_o our_o usual_a market-town_n in_o england_n be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o city_n and_o but_o a_o few_o comparative_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n at_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n i_o grant_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_a begin_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o that_o of_o bishop_n apply_v to_o a_o state_v praeses_fw-la or_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n or_o certain_a number_n of_o elder_n but_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v but_o the_o ruler_n of_o one_o single_a congregation_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n not_o of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o church_n how_o plain_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o know_a passage_n of_o ignatius_n who_o authority_n the_o defender_n of_o prelate_n have_v so_o vain_o boast_v of_o who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelphian_o give_v this_o certain_a mark_n of_o every_o church_n individuation_n viz._n there_o be_v to_o every_o church_n one_o altar_n and_o one_o bishop_n together_o with_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n the_o same_o author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o polycarp_n advise_v that_o good_a bishop_n to_o have_v frequent_a churhc-assembly_n and_o to_o inquire_v after_o all_o by_o name_n and_o not_o to_o despise_v servant_n and_o maid_n so_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o smyrnenses_n fellow_n all_o of_o you_o the_o bishop_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v the_o father_n &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o reverence_v the_o deacon_n as_o the_o appointment_n of_o god._n let_v none_o without_o the_o bishop_n transact_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n let_v that_o be_v account_v a_o valid_a communion_n which_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n or_o by_o his_o permission_n for_o where_o the_o bâ—shop_n be_v there_o let_v the_o multitude_n be_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a without_o the_o bishop_n to_o baptise_v or_o make_v a_o love-feast_n nothing_o can_v more_o full_o evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n have_v their_o b_o shop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o apply_v those_o passage_n to_o a_o modern_a bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n justin_n martyr_n know_a account_n of_o church_n church_n assembly_n evince_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o which_o the_o learned_a mr._n jos_n mede_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o church_n quote_v p._n 48_o 49_o 50._o and_o from_o thence_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v then_o but_o one_o altar_n or_o place_n of_o communion_n to_o a_o church_n take_v for_o the_o company_n or_o coporation_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o unite_v under_o one_o bishop_n tertullian_n account_n of_o particular_a church-assembly_n assure_v we_o cap._n apol._n cap._n that_o church-discipline_n be_v exercise_v in_o they_o and_o that_o by_o the_o probati_fw-la seniores_fw-la or_o approve_a elder_n among_o who_o we_o own_o the_o prese_n be_v call_v bishop_n even_o in_o cyprian_n time_n his_o famous_a church_n of_o carthage_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o he_o frequent_o profess_v he_o will_v do_v nothing_o in_o church-affair_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o presbyter_n and_o all_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o the_o censure_v of_o offender_n as_o in_o his_o ep._n 3.6_o 10_o 11_o 13_o 14_o 26_o 27_o 28_o etc._n etc._n edit_fw-la goul_n and_o ep_v 68_o as_o he_o there_o declare_v the_o people_n have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a priest_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a so_o when_o he_o relate_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o tell_v we_o all_o the_o next_o bishop_n of_o the_o same_o province_n do_v come_v together_o to_o that_o people_n over_o who_o the_o bishop_n be_v set_v and_o the_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v tâ—e_v people_n be_v present_a who_o fullie_v know_v the_o life_n of_o every_o one_o and_o have_v thorough_o see_v the_o act_n of_o every_o one_o conversation_n which_o also_o we_o see_v do_v with_o you_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o sabinus_n our_o colleague_n that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n be_v give_v he_o and_o hand_n impose_v on_o he_o in_o the_o place_n of_o basilides_n by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n and_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o have_v meet_v together_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v what_o the_o bishop_n church_n be_v when_o all_o the_o people_n must_v be_v present_a and_o judge_v of_o his_o life_n and_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o it_o a_o diocese_n of_o the_o modern_a extent_n will_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o pass_v their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o life_n of_o their_o bishop_n the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n call_v apostolical_a assign_v such_o duty_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o plain_o imply_v his_o relation_n to_o a_o congregation_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n as_o his_o charge_n or_o flock_n and_o to_o give_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o those_o proof_n which_o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o insist_v full_o on_o if_o we_o consider_v impartial_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n describe_v as_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n viz._n to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a public_a teacher_n of_o his_o flock_n a_o and_o baptizer_n of_o those_o that_o be_v receive_v into_o his_o church_n b_o to_o confirm_v the_o baptise_a to_o reconcile_v and_o absolve_v all_o penitent_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n c_o to_o receive_v all_o oblation_n etc._n etc._n and_o distribute_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o sick_a and_o stranger_n as_o their_o overseer_n and_o curator_n do_v to_o try_v all_o cause_n about_o scandal_n in_o his_o church_n with_o his_o presbyter_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o flock_n e_o to_o ordain_v other_o bishop_n and_o elder_n to_o keep_v synod_n among_o his_o neighbour_n bishop_n to_o grant_v communicatory_a letter_n f_o &c._n &c._n and_o to_o how_o great_a a_o flock_n one_o man_n be_v capable_a to_o perform_v they_o if_o we_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o presbyter_n live_v usual_o in_o the_o same_o house_n and_o in_o common_a at_o least_o near_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o their_o maintenance_n one_o half_a of_o it_o be_v destine_v to_o repair_v the_o fabric_n or_o temple_n and_o maintain_v the_o poor_a the_o other_o half_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n or_o presbyter_n g_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a custom_n for_o the_o presbyter_n to_o sit_v in_o the_o same_o seat_n with_o the_o bishop_n in_o a_o semicircle_n and_o the_o deacon_n below_o they_o h_z that_o the_o deacon_n be_v always_o mention_v as_o officer_n in_o the_o same_o church_n with_o the_o bishop_n ay_o that_o the_o love-feast_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v without_o the_o bishop_n permission_n and_o he_o be_v to_o have_v his_o share_n send_v he_o if_o absent_a k_n that_o the_o way_n of_o stranger_n communicate_v be_v by_o communicatory_a letter_n or_o certificate_n which_o be_v to_o be_v show_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o desire_v to_o communicate_v l_o that_o a_o schism_n be_v describe_v by_o set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n every_o communicate_v church_n have_v its_o altar_n or_o table_n for_o celebrate_v the_o lords-supper_n and_o bâ—shop_n m_o a_o constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 26._o just_a mart._n apol_n 2_o b_o tertull._n the_o cor_n mil._n c._n 3._o c_o ignat._n ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n p_o 4._o just_a mart_n apol_n 2._o do_v