Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	church_n	faith_n	pillar_n	2,322	5	10.2633	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A20733	A defence of the sermon preached at the consecration of the L. Bishop of Bath and VVelles against a confutation thereof by a namelesse author. Diuided into 4. bookes: the first, prouing chiefly that the lay or onely-gouerning elders haue no warrant either in the Scriptures or other monuments of antiquity. The second, shewing that the primitiue churches indued with power of ecclesiasticall gouernment, were not parishes properly but dioceses, and consequently that the angels of the churches or ancient bishops were not parishionall but diocesan bishops. The third, defending the superioritie of bishops aboue other ministers, and prouing that bishops alwayes had a prioritie not onely in order, but also in degree, and a maioritie of power both for ordination and iurisdiction. The fourth, maintayning that the episcopall function is of apostolicall and diuine institution.	Downame, George, d. 1634.	1611 (1611)	STC 7115; ESTC S110129	556,406	714

church_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o church_n upon_o earth_n whereunto_o i_o answer_v by_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n that_o every_o company_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o true_o a_o church_n and_o also_o a_o true_a church_n so_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o faithful_a upon_o earth_n the_o true_a church_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n so_o be_v the_o company_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o nation_n or_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v term_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n for_o even_o as_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n profess_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v one_o church_n though_o contain_v very_o many_o particular_a congregation_n or_o synagogue_n which_o also_o be_v so_o many_o church_n even_o so_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o england_n profess_v through_o god_n mercy_n the_o true_a catholic_a and_o apostolic_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o whereas_o some_o allege_v that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v one_o because_o it_o be_v under_o one_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v a_o figure_n and_o therefore_o cease_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v one_o church_n because_o it_o be_v one_o people_n or_o commonwealth_n rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n profess_v the_o same_o religion_n both_o before_o there_o be_v one_o high_a priest_n and_o after_o there_o be_v through_o corruption_n more_o than_o one_o neither_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o preeminence_n and_o government_n over_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n a_o type_n of_o christ_n for_o then_o have_v he_o as_o well_o as_o melchisedeck_v be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o kingly_a office_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o consequent_o christ_n may_v have_v be_v a_o priest_n of_o the_o order_n of_o aaron_n as_o well_o as_o of_o melchisedeck_v but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o intercession_n for_o they_o and_o his_o entrance_n alone_o within_o the_o sanctuary_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n for_o christ_n government_n appertain_v to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o to_o his_o priesthood_n likewise_o the_o christian_a people_n of_o any_o city_n and_o country_n adjoin_v whether_o that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o province_n or_o diocese_n though_o consist_v of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n be_v right_o term_v a_o church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n smyrna_n sardes_n philadelphia_n etc._n etc._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o christian_a people_n of_o one_o town_n or_o village_n contain_v but_o one_o congregation_n which_o we_o call_v a_o parish_n be_v true_o call_v a_o church_n as_o perhaps_o that_o of_o cenchreae_n and_o to_o conclude_v the_o company_n of_o faithful_a in_o one_o family_n do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v indeed_o that_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n city_n and_o country_n town_n parish_n or_o family_n family_n i_o say_v be_v alone_o and_o not_o a_o part_n of_o a_o congregation_n but_o as_o a_o entire_a church_n or_o parish_n by_o itself_o may_v be_v account_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o be_v require_v beside_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n consist_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o eutaxy_n or_o some_o good_a order_n of_o government_n not_o that_o all_o governor_n be_v to_o be_v place_v in_o every_o society_n or_o church_n but_o that_o the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o government_n be_v to_o redound_v to_o every_o particular_a for_o as_o well_o may_v a_o high_a council_n of_o state_n or_o parliament_n such_o as_o be_v the_o synedrion_fw-mi of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v but_o one_o for_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v require_v in_o every_o city_n and_o a_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n such_o as_o be_v in_o london_n and_o other_o chief_a city_n in_o every_o village_n as_o a_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n 6._o all_o which_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o note_v because_o some_o have_v first_o strong_o conceit_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o parish_n nor_o lawful_a church-officer_n but_o parishional_a have_v hale_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o ecclesia_fw-la be_v mention_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o conceit_n and_o thereupon_o as_o their_o chief_a foundation_n have_v build_v their_o newfound_a parish_n discipline_n synagogue_n whereas_o in_o very_a truth_n scarce_o any_o one_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n as_o we_o call_v a_o parish_n can_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o at_o the_o very_a first_o conversion_n of_o city_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o the_o people_n convert_v be_v sometime_o not_o much_o great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n place_v among_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v but_o a_o small_a congregation_n but_o those_o church_n be_v in_o constitute_v they_o be_v not_o full_o constitute_v until_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v they_o have_v their_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n their_o presbytery_n and_o deacon_n without_o which_o ignatius_n say_v there_o be_v no_o church_n mean_v no_o accomplish_a or_o full_o constitute_v church_n neither_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbytery_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v place_v in_o any_o city_n provide_v only_o for_o that_o set_a number_n which_o be_v already_o convert_v but_o they_o be_v there_o place_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o country_n thereto_o belong_v their_o ministry_n be_v like_a to_o the_o leven_n put_v into_o three_o peck_v of_o meal_n which_o by_o degree_n season_v the_o whole_a lump_n neither_o be_v it_o mean_v that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n of_o each_o city_n and_o territory_n be_v much_o increase_v shall_v continue_v but_o one_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n assemble_v in_o one_o place_n but_o that_o upon_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_n division_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n into_o diverse_a particular_a congregation_n which_o after_o happen_v in_o all_o church_n according_o but_o upon_o this_o division_n there_o be_v not_o to_o every_o several_a congregation_n allot_v a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbytery_n but_o only_o several_a presbyter_n assign_v singuli_fw-la singulis_fw-la some_o of_o the_o presbyter_n continue_v with_o the_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n himself_o remain_v as_o it_o be_v first_o intend_v and_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n every_o where_o throughout_o the_o world_n expound_v that_o intent_n by_o their_o practice_n the_o pastor_n or_o superintendent_n of_o the_o whole_a city_n and_o country_n adjoin_v neither_o be_v all_o the_o disciplinarian_o in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v after_o the_o division_n of_o parish_n and_o assignment_n of_o several_a presbyter_n unto_o they_o any_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n and_o one_o presbytery_n for_o a_o whole_a diocese_n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n writer_n have_v show_v that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o savour_n their_o conceit_n who_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o a_o parish_n the_o word_n signify_v according_a to_o the_o usual_a phrase_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n any_o company_n of_o christian_n whether_o great_a or_o small_a i_o be_o now_o to_o declare_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la paroecia_fw-la dioecesis_fw-la which_o be_v common_o translate_v church_n parish_n diocese_n in_o ancient_a writer_n where_o i_o be_o to_o note_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o general_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la signify_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n or_o the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o it_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o which_o sense_v paroecia_fw-la and_o dioecesis_fw-la be_v not_o use_v as_o also_o the_o large_a signification_n of_o dioecesis_fw-la contain_v the_o whole_a circuit_n of_o a_o patriarchall_a and_o archiepiscopall_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o diocese_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n contain_v all_o egypt_n libya_n and_o pentapolis_n the_o diocese_n of_o antioch_n the_o east_n country_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o sense_n the_o word_n paroecia_fw-la be_v not_o use_v set_v aside_o i_o say_v these_o large_a signification_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la and_o dioecesis_fw-la otherwise_o these_o three_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la paroecia_fw-la and_o dioecesis_fw-la be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v as_o word_n of_o the_o same_o signification_n for_o as_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n common_o each_o of_o they_o do_v signify_v a_o diocese_n except_v wherein_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o diocese_n paroecia_fw-la be_v oppose_v

a_o defence_n of_o the_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o l._n bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o welles_n against_o a_o confutation_n thereof_o by_o a_o nameless_a author_n divide_v into_o 4_o book_n the_o first_o prove_v chief_o that_o the_o lay_v or_o onely-governing_a elder_n have_v no_o warrant_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o other_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n the_o second_o show_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n endue_v with_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v not_o parish_n proper_o but_o diocese_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v not_o parishional_a but_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o defend_v the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o other_o minister_n and_o prove_v that_o bishop_n always_o have_v a_o priority_n not_o only_o in_o order_n but_o also_o in_o degree_n and_o a_o maioritie_n of_o power_n both_o for_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n the_o four_o maintain_v that_o the_o episcopal_a function_n be_v of_o apostolical_a and_o divine_a institution_n by_o george_n downame_n doctor_n of_o divinity_n london_n print_v by_o thomas_n creed_n william_n hall_n and_o thomas_n snodham_n 1611._o to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o mighty_a monarch_n james_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n france_n and_o ireland_n defender_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n all_o true_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a felicity_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v the_o prudent_a speech_n of_o the_o politic_a historiographer_n most_o gracious_a and_o dread_a sovereign_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n verify_v of_o we_o in_o this_o church_n thucydi●_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n be_v slay_v or_o at_o the_o least_o wise_a assail_v on_o both_o side_n the_o romanist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n blame_v we_o for_o depart_v too_o far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n our_o innovatour_n accuse_v we_o on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o come_v too_o near_o the_o same_o which_o contrary_a accusation_n of_o man_n be_v in_o contrary_a extreme_n beati_fw-la be_v a_o good_a evidence_n for_o we_o that_o we_o hold_v the_o mean_a for_o neither_o be_v we_o depart_v further_o from_o the_o now-roman_a church_n than_o it_o have_v swerve_v by_o apostasy_n from_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o in_o depart_v from_o they_o we_o be_v return_v neither_o have_v we_o retain_v either_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n or_o for_o the_o form_n of_o discipline_n any_o thing_n almost_o agree_v with_o they_o which_o with_o they_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v either_o from_o the_o doctrine_n or_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o from_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o high_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o singular_a commendation_n of_o your_o majesty_n so_o also_o to_o the_o contentation_n and_o joy_n of_o all_o your_o love_a subject_n god_n have_v vouchsafe_v unto_o we_o this_o especial_a favour_n for_o which_o his_o name_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o magnify_v among_o we_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o church_n under_o the_o sun_n which_o both_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o form_n of_o discipline_n do_v come_v so_o near_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o prime_n and_o apostolical_a church_n as_o these_o under_o your_o gracious_a government_n your_o majesty_n also_o have_v be_v a_o bless_a instrument_n of_o god_n not_o only_o for_o the_o retain_v of_o the_o true_o catholic_a and_o apostolic_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n in_o all_o your_o dominion_n but_o also_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a government_n where_o it_o be_v in_o use_n before_o and_o likewise_o for_o renew_v and_o restore_v the_o same_o though_o to_o your_o great_a cost_n and_o charge_n where_o it_o be_v former_o abolish_v these_o unestimable_a benefit_n if_o we_o in_o this_o land_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v and_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n by_o your_o majesty_n we_o must_v confess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v not_o only_o unthankful_a both_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o gracious_a author_n and_o to_o your_o highness_n who_o be_v the_o happy_a mean_n of_o these_o benefit_n but_o also_o unworthy_a to_o enjoy_v they_o if_o we_o do_v according_a to_o our_o bind_a duty_n acknowledge_v so_o much_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n almighty_a as_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a doctrine_n and_o sound_a religion_n continue_v among_o we_o by_o walk_v worthy_a our_o call_n ●●_o and_o by_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o apostolical_a form_n of_o government_n establish_v among_o we_o 13_o by_o a_o due_a and_o respective_a countenance_v of_o it_o on_o all_o hand_n for_o howsoever_o a_o great_a number_n in_o these_o day_n have_v think_v so_o much_o the_o better_a of_o themselves_o by_o how_o much_o they_o have_v think_v the_o worse_a of_o bishop_n yet_o be_v it_o most_o certain_a that_o the_o contempt_n of_o bishop_n be_v the_o cause_n if_o not_o of_o all_o evil_n which_o notwithstanding_o chrysostome_n seem_v to_o affirm_v yet_o of_o very_a much_o evil_n among_o us._n ti●_n this_o contempt_n therefore_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v prevent_v and_o avoid_v as_o by_o the_o godly_a and_o religious_a care_n both_o of_o your_o highness_n in_o prefer_v worthy_a man_n to_o this_o high_a and_o sacred_a function_n and_o of_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n in_o show_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o that_o honour_n whereof_o they_o will_v and_o indeed_o shall_v be_v account_v worthy_a so_o also_o by_o instruct_v the_o people_n to_o conceive_v a_o right_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o honourable_a call_n and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pernicious_a schism_n and_o division_n which_o be_v among_o we_o proceed_v from_o a_o erroneous_a conceit_n either_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a discipline_n be_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v unlawful_a and_o antichristian_a i_o be_v persuade_v for_o my_o part_n that_o i_o can_v not_o perform_v a_o service_n either_o more_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n or_o more_o profitable_a to_o his_o church_n then_o to_o publish_v those_o argument_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o which_o have_v persuade_v i_o own_o soul_n not_o only_o that_o the_o presbyterian_a discipline_n be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n and_o new_a devise_n have_v no_o ground_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o other_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n but_o also_o that_o the_o episcopal_a function_n be_v of_o apostolical_a and_o divine_a institution_n and_o whereas_o my_o sermon_n publish_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o honourable_a call_n of_o bishop_n have_v be_v eager_o oppugn_v by_o a_o nameless_a refuter_fw-la i_o think_v myself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o deliver_v the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v defend_v from_o his_o sophistical_a cavillation_n the_o which_o through_o god_n good_a blessing_n upon_o my_o labour_n i_o have_v so_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o sentence_n of_o the_o sermon_n if_o any_o at_o all_o oppugn_v by_o the_o adversary_n which_o i_o have_v not_o defend_v by_o plain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n these_o my_o labour_n i_o have_v presume_v to_o dedicate_v to_o your_o majesty_n as_o the_o principal_a patron_n under_o christ_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o defend_v not_o only_o entreat_v your_o highness_n to_o accept_v in_o good_a part_n my_o poor_a endeavour_n but_o also_o commend_v myself_o and_o they_o to_o your_o most_o gracious_a patronage_n and_o royal_a protection_n the_o king_n of_o king_n bless_v prosper_v and_o preserve_v your_o excellent_a majesty_n to_o his_o glory_n the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o your_o own_o everlasting_a comfort_n amen_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a and_o loyal_a subject_n george_n downame_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n the_o first_o book_n treat_v chief_o of_o lay-elder_n chap._n 1._o answer_v the_o refuters_n preamble_n concern_v the_o author_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o sermon_n and_o the_o text._n chap._n 2._o divide_v the_o sermon_n and_o defend_v the_o first_o part_n thereof_o which_o he_o call_v the_o preface_n chap._n 3._o defend_v the_o two_o first_o section_n concern_v elder_n and_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o minister_n chap._n 4._o contain_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o lay-elder_n be_v not_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o chap._n 5._o maintain_v the_o second_o reason_n chap._n 6._o mayntain_v the_o three_o reason_n chap._n 7._o that_o ambrose_n on_o 1_o tim._n 5.1_o do_v not_o give_v testimony_n to_o lay-elder_n and_o that_o their_o exposition_n of_o ambrose_n be_v untrue_a chap._n 8._o

the_o which_o sentence_n when_o aurelius_n the_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n and_o precedent_n of_o that_o council_n have_v consent_v unto_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o parish_n in_o the_o country_n together_o with_o the_o several_a presbyter_n set_v over_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n even_o they_o also_o sometime_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o diocese_n in_o the_o council_n 35._o of_o toledo_n bishop_n be_v require_v per_fw-la cunctas_fw-la dioeceses_fw-la parochiasque_fw-la svas_fw-la to_o go_v yearly_a through_o all_o their_o diocese_n and_o parish_n and_o again_o 32._o so_o to_o rule_v their_o diocese_n that_o be_v parish_n that_o they_o do_v not_o presume_v to_o take_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o right_n but_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o former_a counsel_n they_o take_v only_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o offering_n and_o tithe_n but_o in_o a_o other_o council_n 2_o it_o be_v determine_v that_o no_o b._n walk_v per_fw-la svas_fw-la dioeceses_fw-la through_o his_o diocese_n shall_v take_v any_o thing_n beside_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o chair_n that_o be_v 2d_o shilling_n or_o require_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o oblation_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n sometime_o it_o be_v use_v for_o a_o parish_n church_n in_o which_o sense_n a_o parish_n presbyter_n be_v say_v in_o the_o council_n 54._o of_o agatha_n dioecesin_fw-la tenere_fw-la in_o the_o council_n of_o orleans_n 18._o dioecesis_fw-la &_o basilica_n be_v use_v promiscuous_o as_o synonyma_fw-la to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v say_v 32._o that_o if_o any_o man_n have_v or_o desire_v to_o have_v dioecesin_fw-la that_o be_v a_o church_n in_o his_o ground_n he_o must_v assign_v sufficient_a land_n unto_o it_o &_o provide_v a_o clerk_n for_o it_o chap._n ij._n prove_v by_o other_o argument_n that_o the_o ancient_a church_n which_o have_v bishop_n be_v not_o parish_n but_o dioceses_n and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o name_n about_o which_o the_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v bring_v have_v be_v almost_o so_o many_o evidence_n for_o the_o diocesan_n and_o against_o the_o parishional_a bishop_n now_o i_o proceed_v to_o other_o argument_n desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v such_o church_n as_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o wit_n whether_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o age_n follow_v they_o be_v parish_n as_o we_o call_v they_o or_o diocese_n and_o first_o i_o will_v show_v they_o be_v not_o parish_n and_o after_o that_o they_o be_v dioceses_n for_o if_o parish_n than_o the_o parish_n either_o in_o the_o country_n or_o city_n be_v such_o but_o neither_o the_o parish_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n have_v a_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o and_o a_o presbytery_n which_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n to_o they_o that_o have_v read_v the_o counsel_n history_n and_o father_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wonder_v how_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o read_v be_v also_o man_n of_o conscience_n can_v deny_v it_o but_o see_v it_o be_v deny_v i_o must_v be_v content_a to_o prove_v it_o viz._n that_o regular_o lawful_o ordinary_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o several_a parish_n for_o these_o word_n i_o hope_v may_v be_v add_v with_o the_o refuter_n leave_v see_v neither_o it_o can_v be_v preiudicious_a to_o i_o what_o be_v at_o any_o time_n unlawful_o do_v nor_o advantageous_a to_o he_o unless_o he_o will_v urge_v a_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o which_o be_v irregular_o extraordinary_o and_o unlawful_o govern_v first_o therefore_o for_o country_n parish_n because_o i_o maintain_v the_o negative_a and_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o affirmative_a lie_v upon_o my_o adversary_n i_o challenge_v he_o to_o produce_v some_o proof_n if_o he_o be_v able_a within_o 400._o year_n after_o christ_n of_o country_n parish_n lawful_o regular_o ordinary_o furnish_v with_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o govern_v by_o their_o own_o bishop_n such_o as_o they_o speak_v of_o assist_v with_o their_o presbytery_n which_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v as_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v he_o be_v not_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v his_o parish_n bishop_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o his_o lay-presbyters_a that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o mere_a counterfeit_n but_o not_o expect_v his_o proof_n i_o will_v prove_v that_o neither_o they_o have_v bishop_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o yet_o presbytery_n as_o touch_v the_o former_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o in_o some_o place_n the_o presbyter_n of_o parish_n grow_v ambitious_a have_v desire_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o their_o parish_n and_o their_o people_n vain_a glorious_a have_v second_v their_o desire_n but_o in_o all_o well_o order_v church_n their_o presumption_n have_v be_v resist_v and_o their_o vain_a desire_n frustrate_v i_o do_v confess_v that_o in_o africa_n which_o always_o bring_v forth_o some_o novelty_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o t._n c._n his_o news_n in_o this_o cause_n do_v come_v some_o part_n of_o the_o diocese_n be_v very_o populous_a have_v obtain_v a_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o but_o when_o 101._o when_o the_o charge_n be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o by_o itself_o it_o seem_v to_o deserve_v a_o bishop_n and_o how_o first_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o city_n in_o who_o diocese_n it_o be_v second_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a and_o the_o provincial_a synod_n three_o he_o which_o obtain_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v a_o bishop_n be_v advance_v to_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o himself_o have_v before_o or_o other_o country_n pastor_n have_v and_o be_v ordain_v a_o bishop_n by_o the_o metropolitan_a and_o two_o other_o bishop_n at_o the_o least_o africa_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o both_o to_o recite_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o african_a counsel_n in_o this_o behalf_n though_o touch_v before_o and_o also_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o determination_n of_o godly_a bishop_n and_o canon_n of_o holy_a counsel_n elsewhere_o 5._o in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o diocese_n meaning_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n of_o any_o diocese_n in_o the_o country_n which_o never_o receive_v bishop_n of_o their_o own_o may_v have_v none_o and_o that_o diocese_n which_o sometime_o have_v may_v still_o have_v a_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o and_o if_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o faith_n increase_v the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v multiply_v shall_v desire_v to_o have_v a_o governor_n of_o their_o own_o that_o then_o they_o may_v have_v a_o bishop_n with_o his_o leave_n in_o who_o power_n the_o diocese_n be_v 54._o in_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v beeen_n determine_v in_o many_o counsel_n that_o the_o people_n which_o be_v in_o the_o parish_n or_o diocese_n hold_v by_o the_o bishop_n which_o never_o have_v a_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o shall_v not_o receive_v governor_n of_o their_o own_o that_o be_v to_o say_v bishop_n but_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o who_o from_o the_o beginning_n they_o have_v be_v enjoy_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o some_o have_v obtain_v this_o honour_n abuse_v it_o tyrannical_o and_o withdraw_v themselves_o schismatical_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o bishop_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o also_o certain_a presbyter_n lift_v up_o their_o neck_n against_o their_o bb._n use_v indirect_a mean_n to_o allure_v their_o people_n that_o themselves_o may_v be_v make_v bishop_n therefore_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o such_o a_o people_n in_o the_o paroecia_fw-la or_o diocese_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o never_o have_v a_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o shall_v not_o obtain_v a_o proper_a doctor_n meaning_n bishop_n and_o as_o touch_v those_o which_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o honour_n unlawful_o and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o synod_n of_o bishop_n it_o be_v determine_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o lose_v their_o diocese_n but_o also_o their_o own_o church_n for_o it_o be_v fit_a the_o bishop_n which_o be_v unite_v to_o all_o their_o brethren_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a synod_n shall_v just_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o own_o cathedra_fw-la or_o see_v but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v possess_v such_o diocese_n and_o whereas_o some_o 57_o be_v make_v bishop_n in_o part_n of_o other_o man_n diocese_n with_o their_o leave_n and_o consent_n do_v encroach_v upon_o part_n of_o the_o diocese_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o he_o which_o in_o the_o diocese_n be_v prefer_v to_o be_v

not_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o oversway_v they_o without_o comparison_n no_o writer_n till_o our_o age_n give_v testimony_n no_o church_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n until_o this_o present_a age_n give_v approbation_n to_o lay-elder_n but_o all_o writer_n and_o church_n before_o our_o time_n give_v testimony_n and_o approbation_n to_o the_o government_n of_o bishop_n to_o omit_v that_o as_o in_o the_o number_n of_o learned_a man_n we_o be_v not_o inferior_a so_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o church_n at_o this_o day_n which_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o lay-elder_n ult_n we_o be_v far_o superior_a as_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v show_v and_o thus_o much_o i_o hope_v will_v suffice_v for_o the_o first_o point_n finis_fw-la london_n imprint_v by_o thomas_n creed_n 1611._o the_o second_o book_n prove_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n endue_v with_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n 5._o be_v not_o parish_n proper_o but_o diocese_n point_n and_o that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n or_o ancient_a bishop_n be_v not_o parishional_a but_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o first_o chapter_n entreat_v of_o the_o diverse_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d church_n diocese_n and_o that_o which_o be_v translate_v parish_n in_o this_o second_o conflict_n i_o find_v the_o refuter_fw-la very_o confident_a like_o the_o man_n of_o ai_fw-fr though_o not_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n as_o though_o my_o force_n be_v not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o he_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o former_a assault_n i_o have_v take_v the_o acropolis_n &_o chief_a hold_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a discipline_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v with_o the_o man_n of_o a_z look_v back_o and_o see_v the_o chief_a tower_n of_o his_o defence_n i_o mean_v the_o presbytery_n vanish_v as_o it_o be_v a_o smoke_n his_o courage_n will_v be_v abate_v for_o the_o presbytery_n be_v down_o what_o have_v he_o wherewith_o to_o hold_v out_o bishop_n for_o see_v the_o primitive_a church_n be_v govern_v either_o by_o diocesan_n bishop_n as_o we_o hold_v or_o by_o pastor_n of_o parish_n assist_v with_o lay-elder_n as_o they_o imagine_v who_o see_v not_o that_o upon_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o presbytery_n the_o government_n by_o bishop_n be_v necessary_o infer_v have_v therefore_o prove_v the_o first_o point_n of_o the_o five_o with_o such_o evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o i_o be_o well_o assure_v all_o the_o gainsayer_n thereof_o will_v never_o be_v able_a sound_o and_o substantial_o to_o confute_v i_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o prevail_a in_o the_o rest_n as_o for_o the_o 2._o next_o point_n which_o i_o handle_v concern_v diocese_n and_o diocesan_n the_o refuter_fw-la think_v they_o be_v the_o weak_a of_o all_o the_o five_o 53._o and_o the_o worst_a appoint_v and_o thereupon_o will_v take_v occasion_n to_o cavil_n at_o my_o order_n as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o learn_v method_n of_o he_o whereas_o indeed_o his_o imputation_n of_o weakness_n to_o these_o 2._o part_n if_o it_o be_v true_a will_v commend_v my_o disposition_n of_o they_o as_o homerical_a see_v i_o have_v marshal_v they_o nestorio_n more_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o nestor_n in_o medio_fw-la infirma_fw-la place_v the_o weak_a in_o the_o midst_n the_o chief_a point_n in_o my_o estimation_n be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o two_o last_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o do_v more_o light_o pass_v over_o these_o two_o than_o the_o rest_n but_o not_o out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o weakness_n in_o the_o point_n themselves_o but_o partly_o in_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o evidence_n and_o partly_o in_o consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o either_o so_o worthy_a or_o so_o needful_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o as_o the_o rest_n for_o first_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o howsoever_o t._n c._n in_o who_o step_n our_o new_a disciplinarian_n tread_v upon_o weak_a ground_n than_o a_o man_n of_o learning_n &_o judgement_n shall_v have_v stand_v upon_o do_v deny_v they_o yet_o scarce_o any_o other_o man_n of_o learning_n &_o judgement_n beside_o he_o will_v gainsay_v they_o second_o that_o the_o three_o weighty_a point_n which_o be_v most_o contradict_v and_o in_o which_o these_o 2._o be_v presuppose_v be_v most_o worthy_a in_o that_o brevity_n whereto_o i_o be_v confine_v to_o be_v stand_v upon_o and_o three_o that_o i_o need_v not_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a in_o prove_v of_o they_o see_v the_o chief_a patroness_n of_o the_o pretend_a discipline_n as_o calvin_n and_o beza_n etc._n etc._n do_v herein_o join_v with_o we_o against_o our_o new_a sect_n of_o disciplinarian_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v now_o whereas_o i_o bring_v forth_o these_o force_n intend_v only_o a_o light_a skirmish_n &_o velitationem_fw-la quandam_fw-la tanquam_fw-la levis_fw-la armaturae_fw-la my_o adversary_n bring_v his_o main_a battle_n into_o the_o field_n as_o if_o the_o event_n of_o this_o whole_a warfare_n depend_v upon_o this_o encounter_n i_o will_v therefore_o not_o only_o bring_v a_o new_a supply_n like_o those_o of_o the_o israelite_n which_o come_v upon_o the_o man_n of_o ai_fw-fr as_o they_o be_v pursue_v the_o other_o company_n of_o israel_n but_o also_o cause_v these_o argument_n which_o now_o like_o the_o troop_n of_o israel_n seem_v in_o his_o conceit_n to_o fly_v before_o he_o to_o return_v upon_o he_o a_o fresh_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o here_o we_o be_v to_o entreat_v of_o church_n scripture_n parish_n and_o diocese_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o name_n which_o be_v diverse_o take_v and_o first_o with_o the_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la which_o signify_v general_o translation_n any_o assembly_n company_n or_o congregation_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a holy_a or_o profane_a be_v in_o all_o the_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n except_v act._n 19_o appropriate_v to_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o whereas_o all_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o company_n the_o one_o be_v the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n contain_v many_o particular_a company_n which_o be_v all_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o other_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o latter_a be_v call_v ecclesia_fw-la signify_v a_o company_n of_o man_n as_o redeem_v so_o also_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o greek_a word_n import_v ecclesia_fw-la therefore_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o salvation_n by_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v more_o brief_o the_o church_n do_v signify_v a_o company_n of_o christian_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n either_o more_o general_o to_o signify_v either_o the_o universal_a company_n of_o they_o that_o be_v elect_v in_o christ_n or_o call_v to_o be_v saint_n as_o ephes._n 1.22_o &_o 3.21_o &_o 5.23_o 24.25.27.29_o 32._o act_n 2.47_o colos._n 1.18.24_o the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n as_o heb._n 12_o 23._o militant_a on_o earth_n as_o mat._n 16.18_o 1._o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n 3.10_o 1._o tim._n 3.15_o and_o that_o either_o disperse_v in_o diverse_a nation_n and_o country_n throughout_o the_o world_n 1._o cor._n 10.32_o &_o 15_o 9_o act._n 8.3_o gal_n 1.13_o phil._n 3.6_o congregat_v in_o a_o universal_a or_o ecumenical_a synod_n particular_o &_o that_o either_o definite_o to_o signify_v the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o number_n singular_a act._n 7_o 38._o plural_a rom._n 16.4_o 1._o cor._n 16.1.19_o 2._o co._n 8.1_o ga._n 1.2.22_o and_o these_o either_o disperse_a or_o congregate_a into_o a_o synod_n or_o consistory_n mat._n 18.17_o act._n 15.22_o congregation_n whether_o set_v or_o uncertain_a as_o act._n 11.26_o &_o 14.27_o 1._o cor._n 11_o 18_o 22._o &_o 14.5.12.19_o 23.28.34.35.3_o joh._n 6._o city_n and_o country_n adjoin_v act._n 5.11_o &_o 8.1_o &_o 11.12_o &_o 12.1.5_o &_o 13.1_o &_o 14.23_o &_o 20._o 17.28_o 1._o cor._n 1.2_o 2_o co._n 1.1_o &_o 8.23_o col_fw-fr 4.16_o 2._o thes._n 1.1_o 1._o tim._n 5.16_o jam._n 5.14_o apoc._n 1.4_o 11.20_o &_o 2.1.7.8.12.18_o &_o 3.1.7.14_o village_n or_o town_n rom._n 16_o 1._o family_n rom._n 16.5_o 1._o cor._n 16_o 9_o col._n 4.5_o philem_n 2._o indefinite_o signify_v any_o company_n of_o christian_n not_o define_v either_o the_o place_n society_n whether_o of_o a_o nation_n city_n etc._n etc._n quantity_n whether_o a_o entire_a church_n or_o but_o a_o part_n as_o act._n 9_o ●1_n &_o 15_o 3.4.41_o &_o 18.22_o rom._n 16.16_o 23.1_o co._n 4.17_o &_o 6.4_o &_o 11.16_o &_o 14._o 33._o 2._o cor._n 8.18.19.24_o &_o ●1_n 8.28_o &_o 12.13_o phil._n 4.15_o 1._o thes._n 2.14_o 2._o thes._n 1.4_o ●_o tim._n 3.5.3_o john_n 9_o 10._o apoc._n 2.7.17.23.29_o &_o 3.6.13.22_o &_o 22.16_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n church_n be_v so_o manifold_a in_o the_o scripture_n