such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n at_o all_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o such_o be_v chief_a pastor_n judge_n head_n master_n rector_n governor_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n as_o such_o have_v no_o direct_a immediate_a formal_a relation_n to_o the_o people_n but_o only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o of_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o presbytery_n but_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n his_o prelacy_n whatever_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n st._n cyprian_n e._n g._n to_o as_o many_o christian_n as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o at_o least_o eight_o presbyter_n cornelius_n too_o as_o many_o as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o forty_o six_o to_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o which_o beside_o forty_o six_o presbyter_n seven_o deacon_n seven_o subdeacon_n forty_o two_o acolyte_n fifty_o two_o exorcist_n lector_n and_o doorkeeper_n there_o be_v more_o than_o fifteen_o hundred_o widow_n and_o poor_a people_n who_o subsist_v by_o charity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o a_o mighty_a and_o innumerable_a laity_n as_o himself_o word_n it_o 43._o these_o thing_n i_o say_v may_v be_v sufficient_a in_o all_o reason_n to_o confute_v our_o author_n notion_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v ii_o how_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v promoted_n to_o his_o chair_n to_o that_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o he_o call_v it_o 103._o and_o we_o shall_v easy_o collect_v another_o demonstration_n against_o our_o author_n notion_n for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v plain_n i._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lawful_a nor_o allowable_a promotion_n of_o one_o to_o a_o bishopric_n which_o have_v be_v possess_v before_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a canonical_a and_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n when_o a_o see_v be_v once_o canonical_o fill_v whosoever_o else_o pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o see_v be_v not_o a_o second_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o in_o st._n cyprian_n judgement_n 104._o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reckon_v of_o he_o as_o another_o bishop_n that_o he_o deem_v he_o not_o a_o christian_n fuse_v innumerable_a be_v his_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 110._o but_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v only_o one_o from_o ep._n 69._o because_o he_o full_o reason_n the_o case_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n whether_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o consider_v how_o st._n cyprian_n decide_v it_o the_o church_n be_v one_o say_v he_o and_o this_o one_o church_n can_v be_v both_o within_o and_o without_o if_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o novatianus_n she_o be_v not_o with_o cornelius_n but_o if_o she_o be_v with_o cornelius_n who_o succeed_v to_o bishop_n fabianus_n by_o lawful_a ordination_n and_o who_o god_n honour_v with_o martyrdom_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n novatianus_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o bishop_n who_o contemn_v the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o succeed_v to_o none_o have_v spring_v from_o himself_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n either_o have_v or_o hold_v a_o church_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n can_v be_v without_o herself_o nor_o divide_v against_o herself_o etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o our_o lord_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o unity_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n say_v i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o and_o again_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v this_o unity_n he_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o flock_n and_o one_o pastor_n but_o if_o the_o flock_n be_v one_o how_o can_v he_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v not_o number_v with_o the_o flock_n or_o how_o can_v be_v he_o deem_v a_o pastor_n who_o while_o the_o true_a pastor_n live_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n by_o a_o succedaneous_a ordination_n succeed_v to_o none_o but_o begin_v from_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o alien_n be_v profane_a be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n he_o dwell_v not_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n none_o can_v dwell_v there_o but_o the_o son_n of_o concord_n and_o unanimity_n 182._o neither_o be_v this_o principle_n peculiar_a to_o st._n cyprian_a cornelius_n in_o his_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n to_o fabius_n insist_o on_o it_o also_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n ridicules_n novatianus_n if_o not_o for_o his_o ignorance_n of_o it_o at_o least_o for_o entertain_v the_o vain_a conceit_n that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o counter-act_n it_o 43._o and_o when_o maximus_n urbanus_fw-la sidonius_n macarius_n etc._n etc._n desert_a novatianus_n and_o return_v to_o cornelius_n his_o communion_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a confession_n that_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o that_o same_o common_a maxim_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v look_v upon_o novatianus_n as_o a_o false_a and_o schismatical_a bishop_n we_o know_v say_v they_o that_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o confess_v our_o error_n we_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o be_v circumvent_v by_o perfidy_n and_o ensnare_a sophistry_n for_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n one_o christ_n our_o lord_n who_o we_o have_v confess_v one_o holy-ghost_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o catholic_n church_n 93._o indeed_o two_o bishop_n at_o once_o of_o one_o church_n or_o city_n be_v then_o think_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o two_o father_n of_o one_o child_n or_o two_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n or_o two_o head_n of_o one_o body_n or_o whatever_o else_o you_o can_v call_v monstrous_a in_o either_o nature_n or_o morality_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o canonical_a vacancy_n no_o place_n for_o a_o new_a bishop_n but_o where_o the_o one_o bishop_n who_o the_o chair_n have_v be_v be_v dead_a or_o have_v cede_v or_o be_v canonical_o depose_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n vacancy_n by_o death_n have_v no_o difficulty_n i_o do_v remember_v to_o have_v observe_v any_o instance_n of_o session_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o there_o be_v some_o before_o and_o many_o after_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o basilides_n who_o after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o sacred_a dignity_n by_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o dreadful_a crime_n of_o idolatry_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v say_v to_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o and_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v favourable_o deal_v by_o if_o thereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o laic_n 67._o we_o have_v instance_n of_o deposition_n in_o the_o same_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n ibid._n in_o marcianus_n 68_o privatus_fw-la lambesitanus_n 36._o evaristus_n 52._o fortunatianus_n 65._o and_o perhaps_o some_o more_o however_o these_o three_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a vacancy_n 3._o when_o a_o see_v be_v thus_o canonical_o vacant_a it_o be_v fill_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n in_o which_o the_o vacancy_n be_v meet_v choose_v and_o ordain_v one_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o he_o be_v to_o govern._n this_o st._n cyprian_n with_o other_o 36_o bishop_n tell_v we_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a form_n not_o only_o in_o africa_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o province_n all_o the_o world_n over_o 10._o i_o know_v it_o be_v controvert_v whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n but_o my_o present_a purpose_n do_v not_o engage_v i_o in_o that_o controversy_n 4._o but_o election_n be_v not_o enough_o tho'_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v already_o a_o presbyter_n and_o in_o priestly_a order_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v promoted_n to_o a_o bishopric_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n a_o new_a ordination_n his_o former_a order_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o that_o supreme_a office_n thus_o e._n g._n st._n cyprian_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v
his_o deacon_n pontius_n euâ—ebius_n and_o st._n jerome_n câ—tal_a thus_o our_o holy_a martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o cornelius_n have_v make_v his_o advances_n gradual_o through_o all_o the_o inferior_a station_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n have_v be_v a_o presbyter_n before_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n 103._o and_o yet_o we_o find_v when_o he_o be_v promoted_n to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n he_o be_v ordain_v by_o 16_o bishop_n 112._o thus_o we_o find_v also_o in_o the_o promotion_n of_o sabinus_n to_o the_o bishopric_n from_o which_o basilides_n have_v fall_v that_o he_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v then_o present_a at_o his_o election_n 172._o thus_o fortunatus_n achimnius_fw-la optatus_n privationus_fw-la donatulus_fw-la and_o fâ—ix_v 6_o bishop_n ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o capsis_fw-la 115._o thus_o heraclus_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n under_o demetrius_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o then_o succeed_v to_o he_o in_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n 20._o dionysius_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n under_o heraclas_n and_o then_o succeed_v to_o he_o ibid._n and_o maximus_n who_o have_v be_v a_o presbyter_n under_o he_o succeed_v to_o dionysius_n 28._o and_o before_o all_o these_o some_o 70_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n irenaeus_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n under_o photinus_n and_o afterward_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o lion_n 5._o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o each_o of_o these_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n by_o a_o new_a ordination_n the_o first_o of_o the_o canon_n common_o call_v apostolical_a which_o require_v that_o a_o bishop_n be_v ordain_v by_o two_o or_o three_o bishop_n be_v doubtless_o all_o along_o observe_v 1._o nay_o this_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o raise_v one_o to_o the_o episcopal_a power_n be_v so_o notorious_a and_o receive_v then_o that_o the_o schismatic_n themselves_o believe_v it_o indispensible_a and_o therefore_o novatianus_n tho'_o former_o a_o presbyter_n as_o cornelius_n tell_v express_o in_o that_o so_o often_o cite_v epistle_n to_o fabius_n when_o he_o rival_v it_o with_o cornelius_n for_o the_o chair_n of_o rome_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o show_n at_o least_o of_o a_o canonical_a ordination_n he_o get_v three_o simple_a inconsiderate_a bishop_n to_o come_v to_o the_o city_n upon_o pretence_n of_o consult_v with_o other_o bishop_n about_o settle_v the_o commotion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v they_o once_o in_o his_o clutch_n he_o shut_v they_o up_o under_o lock_n and_o key_n till_o they_o be_v put_v in_o a_o scandalous_a disorder_n and_o then_o force_v they_o to_o give_v he_o the_o episcopal_a mission_n by_o a_o imaginary_a and_o vain_a imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o cornelius_z word_n it_o 43._o thus_o also_o when_o fortunatus_n one_o of_o the_o five_o presbyter_n who_o join_v with_o the_o schismatical_a felicissumus_fw-la against_o st._n cyprian_n tâ—â—ned_v bold_a to_o set_v up_o as_o a_o anti-bishop_n at_o carthage_n he_o be_v ordain_v by_o five_o false_a bishop_n 113._o and_o now_o sir_n by_o this_o account_v i_o think_v we_o have_v our_o author_n definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n fair_o rout_v a_o second_o time_n for_o how_o can_v the_o maxim_n of_o but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n hold_v if_o that_o bishop_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o single_a presbyter_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v but_o one_o church_n so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o carthage_n and_o yet_o in_o each_o of_o these_o church_n there_o be_v many_o single_a presbyter_n again_o if_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a presbyter_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a sense_n what_o need_v so_o much_o work_v about_o he_o why_o e._n g._n convene_v all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o a_o province_n such_o as_o africa_n or_o numidia_n be_v for_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n in_o carthage_n where_o there_o be_v presbyter_n more_o than_o enough_o to_o have_v perform_v all_o the_o business_n what_o need_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o make_v such_o work_n about_o supply_v such_o a_o vacancy_n as_o be_v there_o before_o cornelius_n be_v promoted_n why_o a_o convention_n of_o sixteen_o neighbour_a bishop_n to_o give_v he_o holy_a order_n may_v not_o the_o forty_o six_o who_o live_v in_o rome_n have_v serve_v the_o turn_n may_v not_o these_o forty_o six_o i_o say_v have_v fill_v fabianus_n his_o room_n with_o far_o great_a ease_n and_o expedition_n if_o they_o make_v such_o work_n and_o have_v such_o difficulty_n as_o we_o find_v they_o have_v about_o a_o bishop_n in_o settle_v one_o single_a brother_n presbyter_n when_o according_a to_o our_o author_n principle_n they_o have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o do_v it_o what_o have_v become_v of_o they_o if_o thirty_o nay_o twenty_o nay_o ten_o of_o the_o forty_o six_o have_v all_o die_v in_o one_o year_n sure_o they_o have_v never_o get_v so_o many_o vacancy_n fill_v and_o then_o be_v not_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n presbyter_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o former_a be_v the_o trâ—e_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o false_a bishop_n of_o that_o city_n if_o so_o what_o need_v of_o a_o new_a election_n and_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o make_v they_o presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v presbyter_n already_o have_v it_o not_o be_v pretty_a pleasant_a in_o such_o a_o grave_n serious_a persecute_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v see_v two_o eminent_a man_n already_o presbyter_n of_o rome_n make_v so_o much_o work_n about_o be_v make_v presbyter_n of_o rome_n and_o all_o the_o clergy_n and_o christian_n of_o rome_n nay_o soon_o or_o late_a of_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n engage_v in_o the_o quarrel_n what_o have_v this_o be_v other_o than_o the_o very_a mystery_n of_o ridiculousness_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o premise_n will_v as_o little_o allow_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n so_o much_o ado_n about_o the_o establishment_n of_o a_o mere_a moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n why_o so_o much_o stress_n lay_v upon_o only_o one_o moderator_n in_o a_o city_n why_o no_o canonical_a vacancy_n of_o his_o moderatorial_n chair_n unless_o in_o the_o case_n of_o death_n session_n or_o forfeiture_n sure_o if_o they_o have_v then_o understand_v all_o the_o exigency_n and_o analogy_n of_o parity_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o a_o constant_a moderator_n no_o they_o will_v have_v judge_v he_o high_o inconvenient_a and_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v shun_v if_o he_o have_v be_v impose_v on_o the_o meeting_n it_o have_v be_v a_o encroachment_n on_o their_o intrinsic_a power_n and_o so_o absolute_o unlawful_a and_o prelacy_n and_o thò_fw-la choose_v by_o themselves_o fatal_a as_o have_v a_o violent_a tendency_n to_o lordly_a prelacy_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o have_v yield_v to_o have_v one_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n 15._o again_o how_o often_o do_v the_o presbytery_n of_o rome_n meet_v in_o the_o interval_n between_o fabianus_n his_o death_n and_o cornelius_n his_o promotion_n how_o many_o excellent_a epistle_n do_v they_o write_v to_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n and_o church_n and_o these_o about_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o important_a matter_n during_o that_o vacancy_n they_o write_v that_o which_o be_v the_o eight_o in_o number_n among_o st._n cyprian_n epistle_n to_o the_o carthaginian_a clergy_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n one_o to_o st._n cyprian_n then_o in_o his_o retirement_n which_o be_v lose_v they_o write_v that_o notable_a epistle_n which_o be_v the_o thirty_o in_o number_n in_o which_o they_o not_o only_o mention_v other_o of_o their_o epistle_n which_o they_o have_v write_v to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o which_o be_v not_o now_o extant_a but_o also_o epistle_n one_o or_o more_o which_o they_o have_v send_v to_o sicily_n they_o write_v also_o that_o considerable_a epistle_n which_o be_v in_o number_n the_o thirty_o six_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o write_v many_o more_o how_o many_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n have_v they_o during_o these_o sixteen_o month_n about_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lapsi_fw-la which_o be_v then_o so_o much_o agitate_a be_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o want_v a_o moderator_n a_o mouth_n of_o their_o meeting_n one_o to_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n be_v bring_v before_o they_o all_o that_o time_n and_o in_o all_o those_o meeting_n how_o can_v they_o without_o one_o handle_v matter_n with_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o what_o be_v there_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o have_v one_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n for_o he_o may_v they_o not_o have_v choose_v one_o as_o safe_o as_o they_o meet_v
adulterate_v and_o unity_n divide_v then_o man_n leap_v out_o into_o heresy_n and_o schism_n when_o when_o the_o priest_n be_v control_v when_o the_o bishop_n be_v envy_v when_o one_o grudge_n that_o himself_o be_v not_o rather_o prefer_v or_o disdain_v to_o bear_v with_o a_o superior_a 223._o indeed_o 4._o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v the_o whole_a society_n have_v such_o a_o dependence_n on_o he_o be_v so_o vircuay_o in_o he_o and_o represent_v by_o he_o that_o what_o he_o do_v as_o bishop_n be_v repute_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o rule_v if_o he_o be_v oxthodox_n and_o catholic_n so_o be_v the_o body_n unite_v to_o he_o reckon_v to_o be_v if_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a it_o go_v under_o the_o same_o denomination_n if_o he_o deny_v the_o faith_n whoso_o adhere_v to_o he_o after_o that_o be_v repute_v to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o he_o confess_v the_o faith_n the_o whole_a church_n be_v reckon_v to_o have_v confess_v it_o in_o he_o thus_o we_o find_v when_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n two_o spanish_a bishop_n commit_v idolatry_n and_o so_o forfeit_v their_o bishopric_n and_o yet_o some_o of_o their_o people_n incline_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o communion_n st._n cyprian_n with_o other_o 36_o bishop_n tell_v those_o people_n that_o it_o behove_v they_o not_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o by_o think_v that_o they_o can_v continue_v to_o communicate_v with_o pollute_v bishop_n and_o withal_o themselves_o continue_v pure_a and_o unpolluted_a for_o all_o that_o communicate_v with_o they_o will_v be_v partaker_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o go_v on_o a_o people_n obey_v and_o fear_v god_n ought_v to_o separate_v from_o criminal_a bishop_n and_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o mix_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacrilegious_a sacrifice_n 171._o and_o again_o in_o that_o same_o synodical_a epistle_n they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o neglect_v of_o divine_a discipline_n and_o a_o unaccountable_a rashness_n to_o communicate_v with_o martialis_n and_o basilides_n for_o whosoever_o joyneâ—_n with_o they_o in_o their_o unlawful_a communion_n be_v pollute_v by_o the_o contagion_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o whosoever_o be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o crime_n will_v not_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o in_o the_o punishment_n 175._o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o great_a purpose_n of_o that_o 67th_o epistle_n as_o also_o of_o the_o 68th_o concern_v marcianus_n who_o by_o communicate_v with_o novatianus_n have_v render_v his_o own_o communion_n infectious_a and_o abominable_a 68_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n confess_v the_o faith_n before_o the_o heathen_a persecutor_n st._n cyprian_n say_v the_o whole_a roman_a church_n confess_v 141._o and_o when_o cyprian_n himself_o have_v confess_v receive_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n be_v then_o at_o utica_n he_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n at_o carthage_n tell_v they_o how_o earnest_a he_o be_v to_o suffer_v at_o carthage_n because_o as_o he_o reason_n it_o be_v most_o congruous_a and_o become_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v confess_v christ_n in_o that_o city_n in_o which_o he_o rule_v christ_n church_n that_o by_o confess_v in_o their_o presence_n they_o may_v be_v all_o ennoble_v for_o whatever_o say_v he_o in_o the_o moment_n of_o confession_n the_o confess_v bishop_n speak_v god_n assist_v he_o he_o speak_v with_o the_o mouth_n of_o all._n and_o he_o go_v on_o tell_v they_o how_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o glorious_a church_n of_o carthage_n shall_v be_v mutilate_v as_o he_o word_v it_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v at_o utica_n especial_o consider_v how_o earnest_a and_o frequent_a he_o have_v be_v in_o his_o prayer_n and_o wish_n that_o he_o may_v both_o for_o himself_o and_o they_o confess_v in_o their_o presence_n at_o carthage_n 239._o and_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o he_o so_o frequent_o call_v his_o people_n his_o bowel_n his_o body_n the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n and_o that_o he_o affirm_v that_o their_o grief_n be_v his_o grief_n their_o wound_n his_o wound_n their_o distress_n his_o distress_n fuse_v etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n it_o be_v also_o that_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n have_v account_v how_o our_o holy_a martyr_n be_v execute_v in_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n fall_v out_o into_o this_o rapture_n o_o bless_a people_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o suffer_v together_o with_o such_o a_o bishop_n with_o their_o eye_n and_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v more_o with_o open_a voice_n and_o be_v crown_v with_o he_o for_o tho'_o all_o can_v not_o suffer_v in_o real_a effect_n according_a to_o their_o common_a wish_n nor_o real_o be_v partaker_n of_o that_o glory_n yet_o whosoever_o be_v sincere_o willing_a to_o suffer_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v look_v on_o and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o bishop_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n send_v a_o embassy_n to_o heaven_n by_o one_o who_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o their_o wish_n 10._o 5._o neither_o be_v this_o of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v a_o novel_a notion_n new_o mint_v in_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n for_o beside_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v general_o believe_v then_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n beside_o that_o st._n cyprian_n still_o argue_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o particular_o in_o the_o same_o very_a case_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o reason_v against_o the_o lapse_v which_o i_o have_v already_o cite_v from_o ep._n 33._o and_o might_n be_v more_o full_o make_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a beside_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v we_o have_v the_o same_o thing_n frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o holy_a ignatius_n who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o genuine_a epistle_n thus_o for_o instance_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o that_o be_v only_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o bishop_n or_o allow_v by_o he_o and_o that_o the_o multitude_n ought_v still_o to_o be_v with_o the_o bishop_n 6._o plain_o import_v this_o much_o at_o least_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a christian_a communion_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o communion_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelphian_o these_o who_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o the_o bishop_n and_o these_o be_v god_n that_o they_o may_v live_v by_o jesus_n christ_n who_o forsake_v their_o sin_n come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 40._o and_o again_o in_o that_o same_o epistle_n god_n do_v not_o dwell_v where_o there_o be_v division_n and_o wrath_n god_n only_a pardon_n those_o who_o repent_v join_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o god_n and_o in_o society_n with_o the_o bishop_n 43._o and_o he_o have_v also_o that_o same_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v represent_v in_o he_o thus_o he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o he_o receive_v their_o whole_a body_n in_o their_o bishop_n onesimus_n 17._o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o trallian_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o polybius_n their_o bishop_n who_o come_v to_o he_o at_o smyrna_n he_o behold_v their_o whole_a society_n 47._o 6._o indeed_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o accountable_a in_o itself_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o organise_v political_a body_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unity_n in_o a_o organical_a body_n whether_o natural_a or_o political_a without_o a_o principle_n of_o unity_n on_o which_o all_o the_o member_n must_v hang_v and_o from_o which_o be_v separate_v they_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v member_n and_o who_o so_o fit_a for_o be_v this_o principle_n for_n unity_n to_o a_o church_n as_o he_o who_o be_v pastor_n ruler_n governor_n captain_n head_z judge_n christ_n vicar_n etc._n etc._n in_o relation_n to_o that_o church_n this_o be_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o that_o other_o maxim_n which_o i_o insist_v on_o before_o viz._n that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n why_o so_o why_o because_o it_o be_v monstrous_a for_o one_o body_n to_o have_v two_o head_n for_o one_o society_n to_o have_v two_o principle_n of_o unity_n if_o what_o i_o have_v say_v do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o tho'_o in_o
can_v refer_v it_o to_o our_o author_n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n bore_v no_o high_a character_n than_o that_o of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o head_n of_o argument_n which_o shall_v be_v four_o to_o give_v you_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a detail_n some_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n ii_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n and_o iii_o that_o all_o the_o other_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n i._o i_o say_v there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n take_v these_o for_o a_o sample_n and_o first_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o confirmation_n of_o impose_v hand_n on_o christian_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n after_o baptism_n for_o this_o we_o have_v st._n cyprian_n most_o express_v testimony_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n where_o he_o tell_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o offer_v such_o as_o be_v baptise_a to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy-ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v by_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o lord_n i._n e._n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o he_o express_o find_v this_o practice_n on_o the_o paterm_fw-la of_o st._n pater_fw-la and_o st._n john_n mention_v act_n 8._o 14._o etc._n etc._n 202._o firmilian_a be_v as_o express_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a say_v in_o plain_a lanugage_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o govern_v the_o church_n possess_v the_o power_n of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o ordination_n 221._o it_o be_v true_a he_o call_v they_o majores_fw-la natu_fw-la elder_a but_o that_o he_o mean_v bishop_n as_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n can_v be_v call_v into_o question_n by_o any_o man_n who_o read_v the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o consider_v his_o style_n all_o along_o and_o withal_o consider_v what_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n the_o bishop_n have_v in_o these_o three_o act_n he_o name_v but_o whatever_o groundless_a altercation_n there_o may_v be_v about_o his_o testimony_n as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o about_o st._n cprian's_n so_o neither_o can_v there_o by_o any_o shadow_n of_o pretext_n for_o any_o about_o cornelius_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o fabius_n so_o often_o mention_v before_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o novatianus_n his_o incapacity_n of_o be_v a_o bishop_n that_o tho'_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n 43._o second_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o that_o of_o whatsoever_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n ordination_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o he_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o regular_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-officer_n this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o full_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v much_o on_o it_o forbear_v therefore_o to_o adduce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o live_v after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n such_o as_o ambrose_n jerom_n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o his_o contemporary_n toi_fw-fr begin_v with_o st._n cyprian_n it_o be_v true_a so_o humble_a and_o condescend_v he_o be_v that_o when_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v nothing_o by_o himself_o concern_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o consult_v not_o only_a his_o clergy_n but_o his_o people_n 33._o i_o call_v this_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a condescension_n it_o wa_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v by_o any_o divine_a prescript_n or_o any_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n his_o very_a word_n import_v so_o much_o which_o you_o may_v see_v on_o the_o margin_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o find_v he_o not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a juncture_n ordain_v without_o ask_v the_o consent_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n but_o still_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o the_o right_n of_o all_o bishop_n and_o particular_o his_o own_o to_o promote_v and_o ordain_v clergyman_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n by_o himself_o and_o without_o any_o concurrence_n thus_o in_o his_o 38th_o epistle_n have_v ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la he_o acquaint_v his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n with_o it_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n now_o consider_v how_o he_o begin_v his_o letter_n in_o all_o clerical_a ordination_n most_o dear_a brethren_n say_v he_o i_o use_v to_o consult_v you_o beforehand_o and_o to_o examine_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o with_o common_a advice_n 74._o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o be_v his_o ordinary_a method_n a_o rule_n he_o have_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o for_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o in_o that_o instance_n in_o which_o testimony_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n evident_a 1._o that_o his_o power_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o all_o ordination_n whether_o of_o presbyter_n or_o other_o for_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o indefinite_o in_o clericis_fw-la ordinationibus_fw-la 2._o that_o he_o use_v only_o to_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o clergy_n about_o the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n he_o be_v to_o ordain_v but_o not_o their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n not_o one_o word_n of_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o use_v not_o to_o concur_v fair_o import_v in_o the_o very_a instance_n of_o aurelius_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v entire_o of_o his_o own_o easiness_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o consult_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n he_o use_v to_o do_v it_o but_o need_v not_o have_v do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o that_o very_a same_o case_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o his_o resolution_n which_o he_o have_v make_v when_o he_o enter_v to_o his_o bishopric_n be_v from_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o absolute_o free_a and_o voluntary_a we_o have_v another_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n where_o he_o tell_v that_o because_o of_o his_o absence_n from_o carthage_n he_o have_v give_v a_o deputation_n to_o â—aldnius_n and_o herculanus_n two_o bishop_n and_o to_o râ—gatianâ—s_n and_o numidicus_n two_o of_o his_o presbyter_n to_o examine_v the_o age_n qualification_n and_o mâ—its_n of_o some_o in_o carthage_n that_o he_o who_o province_n it_o be_v to_o promote_v man_n to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v well_o inform_v about_o they_o and_o promote_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v meek_n humble_a and_o worthy_a 79._o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a testimony_n for_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o he_o not_o only_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o all_o rank_n or_o order_n without_o make_v exception_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o he_o find_v that_o power_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o upon_o his_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o government_n commit_v to_o he_o we_o have_v a_o three_o testimony_n as_o pregnant_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a in_o his_o 72d_o epistle_n write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o represent_v to_o he_o what_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v concern_v such_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o discourse_v thus_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dear_a brother_n we_o tell_v you_o further_o that_o if_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n who_o
present_a for_o the_o bishop_n power_n of_o ordination_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o three_o he_o have_v full_a power_n without_o ask_v the_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n of_o either_o clergy_n or_o people_n to_o settle_v presbyter_n within_o his_o district_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o st._n cyprian_n plant_n namidicus_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n of_o carthage_n our_o martyr_n write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o such_o probable_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o it_o it_o be_v instant_o do_v 40._o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o very_a next_o epistle_n 43._o where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o namidicus_fw-la as_o a_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n receive_v a_o commission_n for_o a_o deputation_n to_o oversee_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n in_o st._n cyprian_n absence_n so_o negligent_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o so_o ignorant_a be_v st._n cyprian_n of_o christ_n testament_n at_o least_o of_o his_o leave_v in_o it_o to_o his_o people_n by_o way_n of_o legacy_n a_o right_a a_o grant_n a_o privilege_n of_o choâ—sing_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o a_o stranger_n have_v he_o be_v to_o all_o the_o analogy_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o i_o proceed_v four_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n the_o bishop_n have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o church_n income_n then_o be_v oblation_n and_o charitable_a contribution_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v heathen_a and_o treat_v she_o common_o with_o persecution_n never_o with_o encouragement_n now_o the_o bishop_n i_o say_v have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o dispose_n of_o these_o contribution_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o have_v his_o own_o quantitas_fw-la propria_fw-la his_o proper_a portion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o considerable_a one_o it_o be_v common_o reckon_v to_o have_v be_v the_o three_o the_o other_o two_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o poor_a but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o have_v his_o own_o portion_n and_o that_o a_o liberal_a one_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o seven_o epistle_n for_o there_o he_o tell_v how_o before_o he_o retire_v he_o give_v the_o trust_n of_o it_o to_o rogatianus_n one_o of_o his_o presbyter_n order_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessitous_a stranger_n at_o carthage_n they_o shall_v have_v maintenance_n out_o of_o it_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n cyprian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o fortunatianus_n who_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o assurae_n but_o have_v forfeit_v by_o sacrifice_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o be_v earnest_n for_o all_o that_o to_o retain_v his_o bishopric_n he_o say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o perquisites_n and_o not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o religion_n 163._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o same_o reason_n move_v basilides_n to_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o bishopric_n after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v it_o also_o 173._o indeed_o the_o bishop_n proper_a portion_n be_v settle_v on_o he_o by_o the_o 40th_o of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o rest_n particular_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n he_o make_v it_o a_o aggravation_n of_o felicissimus_n gild_n that_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o bishop_n he_o shall_v have_v make_v such_o a_o clutter_n about_o the_o division_n of_o the_o contribution_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o praise_v the_o dutifulness_n of_o other_o who_o will_v not_o follow_v fâ—licissimus_n his_o bad_a example_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v satisfy_v to_o take_v their_o share_n as_o the_o bishop_n shall_v please_v to_o dispense_v they_o 80._o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o his_o power_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o aforementioned_a case_n of_o aurelius_n and_o celerinus_n for_o tho'_o he_o promote_v they_o only_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o lector_n yet_o he_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o presbyter_n 78._o and_o as_o for_o that_o part_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o power_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a from_o his_o five_o and_o forty_o first_o epistle_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o indeed_o this_o power_n be_v express_o assert_v to_o they_o by_o the_o thirty_o eight_o and_o forty_o fiâ—st_n of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o find_v bishop_n in_o possession_n of_o it_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o justin_n martyr_n second_o apology_n not_o far_o from_o the_o end_n not_o now_o to_o mention_v that_o it_o seem_v fair_o to_o be_v found_v on_o express_a scripture_n 9_o indeed_o five_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o impose_v charitable_a contribution_n on_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o distress_a stranger_n whether_o captive_n prisoner_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n or_o galley_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o power_n we_o have_v famous_a instance_n in_o his_o 62d_o and_o 78th_o epistle_n you_o may_v consult_v they_o at_o your_o leisure_n and_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n soter_n bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o venerable_a dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n cite_v for_o it_o by_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o manage_v this_o power_n to_o excellent_a purpose_n as_o his_o predecessor_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v do_v before_o he_o take_v his_o own_o word_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a father_n have_v flourish_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n they_o be_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o which_o he_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o this_o have_v be_v your_o custom_n from_o the_o beginning_n i._n e._n ever_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plant_v to_o do_v manifold_a good_a office_n to_o the_o brethren_n and_o send_v supply_n to_o most_o church_n in_o most_o city_n for_o sweeten_v their_o poverty_n and_o refresh_v those_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n you_o roman_n observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n hand_v down_o to_o you_o by_o your_o father_n which_o custom_n your_o bless_a bishop_n soter_n have_v not_o only_o observe_v but_o improve_v etc._n etc._n 23._o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o it_o be_v from_o these_o word_n that_o soter_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v the_o chief_a management_n of_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n impose_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o they_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o afflict_a christian_n of_o whatsoever_o church_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v go_v high_a than_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o my_o main_a argument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o may_v swell_v this_o letter_n to_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n let_v i_o mention_v another_o power_n which_o tertuâ—lian_n who_o live_v before_o st._n cyprian_n also_o in_o plain_a term_n appropriate_n to_o the_o bishop_n a_o considerable_a power_n a_o power_n that_o be_v a_o considerable_a argument_n of_o the_o episcopal_a sovereignty_n and_o it_o be_v sixthly_a the_o power_n of_o indict_v solemn_a fast_n as_o occasion_v require_v to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n you_o have_v his_o word_n plain_a and_o home_n upon_o the_o margin_n 3_o seuâ—nthly_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o now_o i_o return_v to_o it_o as_o such_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n all_o those_o of_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o either_o sit_v with_o he_o or_o stand_v give_v their_o suffrage_n as_o they_o be_v ask_v about_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n all_o learned_a man_n even_o spanhemius_fw-la himself_o our_o author_n be_v diligent_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n confess_v this_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o point_n on_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o necessary_a branch_n of_o his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o agreeable_o we_o find_v cornelius_n account_v about_o it_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a for_o there_o he_o tell_v how_o the_o presbyter_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v side_v with_o novatianus_n turn_v sensible_a of_o their_o error_n come_v not_o straight_o to_o himself_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o do_v that_o or_o rather_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v that_o freedom_n so_o sudden_o but_o to_o his_o
of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o they_o be_v her_o supreme_a governor_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v chief_o bind_v by_o the_o most_o fundamental_a law_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v conscientious_a conservator_n of_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a interest_n and_o indeed_o so_o they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n and_o i._o they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v indispensible_o to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o concord_n the_o unanimity_n the_o honour_n they_o be_v all_o st._n cyprian_n word_n of_o the_o college_n itself_o every_o error_n every_o defect_n every_o thing_n disjoint_v or_o out_o of_o tune_n in_o it_o tend_v natural_o to_o endanger_v the_o great_a interest_n for_o the_o conservation_n and_o procuration_n of_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v for_o this_o end_n 2._o because_o every_o man_n by_o be_v promoted_n to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n be_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la a_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o a_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n all_o possible_a care_n be_v take_v that_o a_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v promote_v and_o that_o the_o promotion_n shall_v be_v unquestionable_a therefore_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v promoted_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v promoted_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n uncanonical_a or_o challengeable_a in_o his_o baptism_n or_o his_o confirmation_n or_o his_o prâ—motion_n to_o any_o former_a order_n as_o i_o have_v show_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o novationus_fw-la therefore_o he_o be_v solemn_o elect_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o either_o his_o crime_n may_v be_v detect_v or_o his_o merit_n publish_v because_o the_o people_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o every_o man_n life_n and_o conversation_n 172._o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v solemn_o ordain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n also_o ibid._n and_o that_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bishop_n at_o few_o tho'_o a_o ordination_n perform_v by_o one_o bishop_n be_v true_o valid_a common_o there_o be_v more_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n 3._o be_v thus_o canonical_o promoted_n his_o first_o work_n be_v to_o send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o all_o other_o bishop_n to_o give_v they_o thereby_o a_o account_n of_o his_o canonical_a promotion_n his_o orthodoxy_n in_o the_o faith_n his_o fraternal_a disposition_n etc._n etc._n thus_o cornelius_n be_v no_o soon_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n than_o he_o instant_o dispatch_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_a 87._o and_o no_o doubt_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v to_o all_o other_o bishop_n at_o least_o to_o all_o metropolitan_o by_o they_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o bishop_n within_o their_o province_n i_o say_v to_o metropolitan_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a than_o that_o there_o be_v metropolitan_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n he_o be_v undoubted_o one_o himself_n 199._o and_o agrippiâ—â—s_n his_o predecessor_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v one_o long_o before_o he_o spanhemius_fw-la himself_n our_o author_n diligem_n searcher_n into_o antiquity_n acknowledge_v it_o 117._o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n novatianus_n also_o tho'_o illegal_o and_o schismatical_o ordain_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o st._n cyptian_a as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v canonical_o and_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 83._o so_o also_o fortunatus_n when_o make_v a_o schismatical_a bishop_n at_o carthage_n send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 135._o indeed_o this_o be_v never_o omit_v 4._o if_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n no_o controversy_n in_o the_o caâ—e_n the_o matter_n be_v at_o a_o end_n the_o promoted_n bishop_n communicatory_a letter_n be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o be_v forthwith_o faithful_o join_v with_o all_o his_o colleague_n as_o st._n cyprian_a word_n it_o 130._o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o competitor_n any_o debate_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o college_n before_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o colleague_n make_v further_a inquiry_n sometime_o they_o send_v some_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n to_o examine_v the_o matter_n sometime_o the_o ordainer_n be_v oblige_v to_o account_v for_o the_o person_n ordain_v and_o the_o whole_a procedure_n of_o the_o ordination_n sometime_o both_o method_n be_v practise_v we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o both_o method_n in_o one_o case_n the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n and_o novationus_fw-la cornelius_n as_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o his_o promotion_n write_v to_o st._n cyprian_a so_o do_v novatianus_n here_o be_v a_o competition_n cyprian_a therefore_o with_o his_o african_a colleague_n send_v caldonius_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o bishop_n to_o rome_n that_o upon_o the_o place_n itself_o where_o they_o may_v have_v the_o sure_a information_n they_o may_v enquâ—re_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o try_v the_o competition_n 45._o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o sixteen_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v cornelius_n write_v to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n and_o satisfy_v they_o upon_o the_o whole_a question_n demonstrate_v cornelius_n title_n and_o condemn_v novatianus_n 104._o such_o care_n be_v take_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v unworthy_o or_o uncanonical_o into_o the_o episcopal_a college_n but_o then_o 5._o there_o be_v equal_a care_n take_v to_o purge_v he_o out_o of_o the_o college_n again_o if_o he_o turn_v either_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a if_o he_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o the_o law_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o communion_n if_o he_o swerve_v from_o these_o he_o be_v forthwith_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n therefore_o say_v st._n cyprian_n to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marcianus_n bishop_n of_o arles_n who_o have_v join_v with_o novatianus_n the_o corporation_n of_o priest_n the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v copious_a be_v cement_v by_o the_o glue_n of_o mutual_a concord_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o unity_n that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o college_n shall_v turn_v heretic_n or_o attempt_v to_o divide_v or_o waste_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n the_o rest_n may_v interpose_v and_o as_o profitable_a and_o merciful_a shepherd_n collect_v our_o lord_n sheep_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o flock_n 178._o and_o this_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n for_o as_o our_o martyr_n subjoin_v tho'_o they_o be_v many_o pastor_n yet_o they_o all_o feed_v but_o one_o flock_n ibid._n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v the_o desolate_a christian_n of_o church_n whereof_o the_o bishop_n have_v turn_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a the_o comfort_n of_o their_o aid_n and_o assistance_n 177._o it_o be_v true_a no_o bishop_n be_v superior_a to_o another_o bishop_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o all_o stand_v collateral_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o so_o no_o bishop_n as_o superior_a to_o another_o in_o a_o straight_a linâ—_n can_v pass_v sentence_n on_o he_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v to_o presbyter_n yet_o all_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o college_n which_o college_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n catholic_n it_o be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a that_o that_o college_n shall_v be_v impower_v to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o by_o consequence_n they_o can_v do_v the_o equivalent_a of_o a_o formal_a and_o authoritative_a deposition_n they_o can_v refuse_v the_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a bishop_n their_o communion_n and_o thereby_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o episcopal_a college_n and_o they_o can_v oblige_v all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n to_o abandon_v his_o communion_n and_o choose_v another_o bishop_n as_o they_o value_v the_o invaluable_a privilege_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o the_o one_o communion_n but_o then_o 6._o so_o long_o as_o a_o bishop_n worthy_o and_o legal_o promoted_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v treat_v he_o be_v encourage_v he_o be_v consult_v he_o be_v correspond_v with_o in_o a_o word_n every_o way_n use_v as_o become_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o ratify_v all_o his_o canonical_a nay_o equitable_a act_n of_o priesthood_n government_n and_o discipline_n whosoever_o be_v baptise_a by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o clergy_n with_o his_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o a_o baptise_a christian_a a_o true_a denizen_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o such_o all_o the_o world_n
over_o every_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n live_v at_o how_o great_a a_o distance_n soever_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v his_o dutiful_a subject_n due_o attest_v by_o he_o and_o to_o excommunicate_v his_o excommunicate_n thus_o for_o instance_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n reject_v felicissimus_n and_o all_o his_o retainer_n and_o fortunatus_n and_o all_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v they_o his_o communion_n because_o excommunicate_v by_o st._n cyprian_n 126._o and_o cyprian_a reject_v novatianus_n and_o all_o his_o party_n because_o not_o in_o communion_n with_o cornelius_n 44_o in_o short_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n he_o that_o be_v injurious_a undutiful_a or_o disobedient_a to_o his_o bishop_n be_v such_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n on_o earth_n he_o that_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o his_o bishop_n altar_n set_v up_o his_o altar_n against_o all_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n if_o a_o bishop_n depose_v or_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o other_o bishop_n to_o receive_v he_o nor_o to_o absolve_v he_o he_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o that_o to_o his_o own_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o bishop_n whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n or_o laity_n and_o restore_v by_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n therapius_n bishop_n of_o bulla_n in_o the_o proconsular_a province_n of_o africa_n absolve_v victor_n who_o have_v be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o have_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n premature_o and_o uncanonical_o and_o yet_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n whereof_o cyprian_n be_v one_o the_o absolution_n be_v ratify_v and_o victor_n be_v allow_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n 158._o so_o eminent_a and_o considerable_a be_v a_o bishop_n then_o as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o to_o this_o relation_n and_o that_o be_v 7._o that_o so_o long_o as_o bishop_n continue_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o informatory_n consultatory_n recommendatory_a communicatory_a congratulatory_a apologetic_a testimonial_a in_o a_o word_n all_o letter_n concern_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o government_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o concord_n the_o correspondence_n the_o harmony_n the_o honour_n the_o hazard_n or_o any_o other_o considerable_a interest_n of_o the_o college_n be_v direct_v to_o he_o or_o receive_v from_o he_o as_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v all_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o both_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v in_o thâ—se_a time_n transact_v by_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o general_n council_n then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v either_o to_o meet_v in_o provincial_a synod_n upon_o great_a emergency_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o to_o transact_v matter_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o general_n determination_n by_o particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n provincial_n synod_n be_v ordinary_o keep_v twice_o a_o year_n and_o by_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n all_o matter_n of_o moment_n be_v determine_v and_o so_o by_o the_o reciprocation_n of_o synodical_a letter_n matter_n come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o general_n agreement_n and_o determination_n as_o in_o the_o result_n be_v full_o equivalent_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o general_n council_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n of_o such_o transaction_n by_o provincial_a synod_n thus_o in_o the_o grand_a case_n of_o the_o lapse_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecusion_n the_o matter_n be_v so_o manage_v by_o provincial_a synod_n in_o africa_n rome_n alexandria_n antiâ—ch_n etc._n etc._n that_o at_o last_o as_o st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o general_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v complete_a their_o term_n of_o penance_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o deadly_a sickness_n 103._o thus_o without_o doubt_n also_o that_o considerable_a canon_n mention_v by_o st._n cyprian_n in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n which_o be_v the_o 67th_o in_o number_n among_o his_o epistle_n viz._n that_o the_o lapse_v however_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v receive_v into_o holy_a order_n 174._o and_o that_o other_o canon_n mention_v by_o he_o also_o that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v tutor_n to_o minor_n i._n thus_o also_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n the_o great_a controversy_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v manage_v in_o many_o synod_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 28._o and_o a_o few_o year_n after_o his_o martyrdom_n the_o case_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la 30._o these_o instance_n be_v only_o for_o a_o sample_n when_o provincial_a synod_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v or_o emergent_a matter_n of_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v convenient_o determine_v in_o they_o than_o recourse_n be_v have_v to_o the_o only_a remain_a method_n viz._n particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n and_o to_o make_v this_o method_n both_o sure_a and_o effectual_a all_o possible_a pain_n be_v take_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o each_o bishop_n shall_v sign_v his_o letter_n and_o send_v it_o not_o by_o every_o common_a carrier_n but_o by_o a_o clergyman_n 55._o in_o short_a they_o have_v such_o mark_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a if_o possible_a to_o counterfeit_v they_o and_o the_o bishop_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o transmit_v it_o for_o his_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o so_o it_o go_v through_o and_o the_o whole_a college_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o accident_n the_o case_n the_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o have_v emerge_v we_o have_v many_o instance_n and_o evidence_n of_o this_o method_n and_o diligence_n in_o st._n cyprian_n write_n thus_o e._n g._n when_o caldonius_n write_v to_o cyprian_a concern_v some_o lapse_v within_o his_o district_n cyprian_n return_v he_o a_o answer_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o purpose_n already_o and_o so_o send_v he_o copy_n of_o five_o epistle_n concern_v the_o case_n require_v he_o to_o transmit_v they_o to_o as_o many_o bishop_n as_o he_o can_v add_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n that_o one_o course_n one_o resolution_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o all_o the_o college_n 50._o and_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o about_o that_o controversy_n be_v trasmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n till_o they_o be_v disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o 102._o thus_o i_o say_v sometime_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manage_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o method_n be_v every_o be_v equivalent_a if_o not_o preferable_a to_o a_o general_n council_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v still_o subsist_v and_o its_o unity_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n without_o such_o council_n as_o it_o be_v effectual_o during_o the_o first_o three_o century_n now_o that_o which_o i_o be_o principal_o concern_v for_o in_o all_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o all_o these_o circular_a letter_n of_o whatsoever_o nature_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v regular_o direct_v only_o to_o the_o bishop_n as_o be_v the_o head_n and_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o their_o respective_a church_n as_o well_o as_o write_v and_o send_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a account_n of_o this_o in_o st._n cyprian_n 48th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n for_o there_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o adrumetum_n have_v receive_v cornelius_n communicatory_a letter_n direct_v to_o polycarpus_n their_o bishop_n and_o see_v their_o bishop_n be_v absent_a find_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n in_o his_o name_n as_o have_v his_o presume_a allowance_n for_o it_o they_o write_v to_o cornelius_n in_o the_o common_a form_n acknowledge_v he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o subjoyn_v polycarpus_n his_o name_n to_o the_o letter_n a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n it_o behove_v all_o the_o letter_n that_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subscribe_v
within_o if_o they_o may_v be_v call_v any_o way_n within_o terror_n or_o peril_n threaten_v a_o bishop_n seeing_z as_o such_o he_o be_v still_o obnoxious_a to_o terror_n or_o peril_n 126._o mean_v that_o in_o those_o time_n bishop_n as_o bishop_n be_v still_o expose_v to_o the_o first_o burn_v of_o all_o persecution_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o the_o human_a galienâ—s_n who_o succeed_v to_o valerianus_n stop_v the_o persecution_n which_o his_o predecessor_n have_v begin_v he_o begin_v his_o imperial_a rescript_n thus_o the_o emperor_n publius_n licâ—nius_n galieâ—â—s_v etc._n etc._n to_o dionysius_n pinnace_n demetrius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o go_v on_o tell_v they_o how_o he_o have_v order_v his_o edict_n of_o grace_n and_o clemency_n to_o be_v publish_v all_o the_o world_n over_o allow_v they_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o full_a security_n against_o all_o molestation_n for_o the_o future_a 13._o thus_o i_o say_v that_o heathen_a emperor_n stop_v the_o current_n of_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n and_o design_v favour_n and_o security_n to_o christian_n direct_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o christian_a bishop_n as_o the_o person_n who_o be_v head_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o in_o all_o persecution_n have_v wont_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o great_a hazard_n thus_o sir_n i_o have_v examine_v our_o author_n definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o have_v demonstrate_v by_o many_o solid_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o single_a presbyter_n nor_o presbyterian_a moderator_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a sense_n of_o the_o term_n but_o a_o true_a prelate_n in_o the_o strict_a propriety_n of_o speech_n consider_v my_o argument_n thorough_o and_o weigh_v they_o only_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o justice_n without_o prejudice_n and_o without_o partiality_n and_o try_v whether_o each_o of_o they_o single_o and_o much_o more_o all_o together_o do_v not_o conclude_v irrefragable_o against_o he_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v concludent_fw-la i_o leave_v it_o next_o to_o you_o to_o determine_v whether_o our_o author_n be_v not_o both_o fair_o and_o formal_o bind_v by_o his_o word_n to_o confess_v himself_o a_o schismatic_a when_o i_o first_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n i_o have_v in_o my_o project_n to_o have_v proceed_v further_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v as_o evident_o as_o what_o i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v that_o the_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o and_o unquestionable_o prelatical_a in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v no_o novel_a usurpation_n no_o late_a invention_n not_o at_o all_o the_o production_n of_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n nor_o any_o age_n late_a than_o the_o apostle_n that_o st._n cyprian_n and_o all_o his_o contemporary_n firm_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n that_o they_o have_v not_o entertain_v it_o have_v so_o little_o temporal_a encouragement_n nay_o so_o great_a and_o many_o temporal_a discouragement_n to_o entertain_v it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o so_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o their_o belief_n as_o fair_o found_v on_o our_o saviour_n own_o ordinance_n and_o full_o hand_v down_o to_o they_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o pass_v among_o they_o as_o a_o common_a principle_n that_o bishop_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v they_o bishop_n as_o they_o be_v then_o that_o be_v clear_o contradistinct_a from_o presbyter_n and_o superior_a to_o they_o bishop_n as_o the_o head_n of_o and_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o their_o respective_a church_n be_v the_o rightful_a true_a and_o genuine_a successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o supreme_a visible_a ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v bishop_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v i_o have_v once_o in_o my_o prospect_n but_o this_o letter_n have_v swell_v to_o such_o a_o bulk_n already_o as_o perhaps_o may_v fright_v you_o from_o read_v it_o and_o you_o may_v command_v i_o to_o prosecute_v what_o be_v lest_o undo_v when_o you_o will_v and_o what_o i_o have_v write_v as_o i_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o sufficient_a in_o point_n of_o argument_n for_o bring_v your_o author_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o state_n as_o well_o as_o a_o candid_a confession_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o plain_o represent_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v with_o my_o best_a christian_a wish_n to_o you_o and_o he_o and_o all_o men._n march_n 28._o 1695._o finish_v advertisement_n there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o press_n and_o will_v be_v publish_v by_o michaelmas_n next_o an_o enquiry_n into_o the_o new_a opinion_n chief_o propagate_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o scotland_n by_o a._n m._n d._n d._n d._n ad_fw-la quest._n 1._o sect._n 5._o 5._o episcoporum_fw-la manifesta_fw-la ubique_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seâ—_n jure_fw-la praesidendi_fw-la convocandi_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la etc._n etc._n epit._n isag._n ad_fw-la hist_o eccles._n nou._n test._n saec._n 3_o sect._n 6._o pag._n miâ—i_o 117._o 117._o sect._n 32._o p._n 28._o 28._o sed_fw-la nec_fw-la huius_fw-la aevi_fw-la ordines_fw-la minores_fw-la quales_fw-la ostiariorum_fw-la copiatarum_fw-la acolythorum_fw-la exorcistarum_fw-la p._n 119._o 119._o suffrag_v 1_o 8_o 31_o 37._o 37._o ep._n 23._o p._n 49._o ep._n 69._o p._n 187._o ep._n 75._o p._n 223._o 223._o hist._n ecd._n lib._n 6._o cap._n 43._o 43._o presbyteri_fw-la &_o diaconi_fw-la in_o adrumâ—tina_fw-la consistentes_fw-la polycarpo_n co-â—piscopo_a nostro_fw-la absente_n ignorabant_fw-la quid_fw-la nobis_fw-la in_o commune_fw-la placuissit_v etc._n etc._n ep._n 49._o p._n 91._o 91._o ep._n 43._o 43._o ep._n 59_o 59_o ep._n 59_o p._n 139._o 139._o h._n e._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 11._o 11._o cum_fw-la sit_fw-la a_o christo_n una_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la totum_fw-la mundum_fw-la in_fw-la multa_fw-la membra_fw-la divisa_fw-la item_n episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la multorum_fw-la concordi_fw-la numerositate_fw-la diffâ—sus_fw-la ille_fw-la post_fw-la dei_fw-la traditionem_fw-la post_fw-la connexam_fw-la &_o ubique_fw-la conjunctam_fw-la catholicae_fw-la ecclâ—siae_fw-la unitatuâ—m_fw-la humanam_fw-la conetur_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la facere_fw-la &_o per_fw-la plurimas_fw-la civitates_fw-la noves_fw-la apoâ—tolos_fw-la suos_fw-la mittat_fw-la ut_fw-la quaedam_fw-la râ—câ—ntia_fw-la institutionis_fw-la suae_fw-la fundamâ—nta_fw-la constituat_fw-la cumque_fw-la jampridem_fw-la per_fw-la omnes_fw-la provincias_fw-la &_o per_fw-la urbes_fw-la singulas_fw-la ordinati_fw-la sâ—nt_fw-la episcopi_fw-la in_o aetate_fw-la antiqui_fw-la in_o â—ide_v integri_fw-la in_fw-la prâ—ssura_fw-la probati_fw-la in_o persecutione_n proscripti_fw-la ille_fw-la super_fw-la eos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d alios_fw-la pseudoepiscopos_a audâ—at_fw-la ep._n 55._o p._n 112._o 112._o quanquam_fw-la sciam_fw-la frater_fw-la charissime_fw-la episcopos_fw-la plurimos_fw-la ecclestis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la mundo_fw-la divina_fw-la dignatione_fw-la praepâ—sitos_fw-la etc._n etc._n ep._n 63._o ab_fw-la init_fw-la init_fw-la divino_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la honorati_fw-la &_o in_o claricis_fw-la ministeriis_fw-la constituti_fw-la non_fw-la nist_n altari_fw-la &_o saâ—rificiiâ—_n the_o fervirâ—_n &_o precibus_fw-la atque_fw-la orationibus_fw-la vacare_fw-la debeant_fw-la ep._n 1._o p._n 1._o 1._o ut_fw-la eum_fw-la clero_fw-la nostro_fw-la dominus_fw-la adjungeret_fw-la &_o desolatam_fw-la per_fw-la lapsum_fw-la quorundam_fw-la presbyterii_fw-la nostri_fw-la copiâ_fw-la gloriosis_n sacerdotibus_fw-la adornarâ—t_fw-la ep._n 40._o p._n 79._o 79._o ep._n 5._o p._n 11._o 11._o ep._n 59_o p._n 134._o &_o de_fw-fr lapsis_fw-la p._n 128._o 128._o ep._n 15_o 16_o 17._o susâ—_n susâ—_n ep._n 61._o p._n 144_o 144_o 〈◊〉_d plane_n &_o ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d frater_fw-la carissâ—me_fw-la 〈◊〉_d &_o authoâ—itate_fw-la communi_fw-la â—t_a etiam_fw-la sâ—_n qui_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la contrâ—_n altar_n unum_fw-la atque_fw-la diviâ—um_fw-la sacrificiâ—_n foris_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sacrilege_n offer_v conati_fw-la sinâ—_n choose_fw-la quoque_fw-la â—ac_fw-la conditione_n suscipi_fw-la cum_fw-la revertuntâ—â—_n at_o communicent_fw-la laici_fw-la nec_fw-la debere_fw-la choose_fw-la râ—vertentes_fw-la eâ—_n apud_fw-la nos_fw-la ordinationis_fw-la &_o honoris_fw-la arma_fw-la retinere_fw-la quibus_fw-la contra_fw-la nos_fw-la rebellaverunt_fw-la oportâ—t_fw-la enim_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la qui_fw-la altari_fw-la &_o sacrificiis_fw-la deserviunt_fw-la intâ—gros_n atque_fw-la immaculatâ—s_fw-la essâ—_n etc._n etc._n ep._n 72._o p._n 197._o 197._o christo_fw-la sunt_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la plebs_fw-la sacâ—rdoti_n adunata_fw-la &_o pastori_fw-la svo_fw-la grex_n adhaerens_fw-la unde_fw-la scire_fw-la dâ—bes_fw-la episcopum_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ—m_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o episcopo_fw-la &_o si_fw-la qui_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopo_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la ep._n 66._o p._n 168._o 168._o quis_fw-la namquâ—_n hic_fw-la est_fw-la superbiae_fw-la tumour_n quae_fw-la arrogantia_fw-la animi_fw-la quae_fw-la mentis_fw-la inflatio_fw-la ad_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la svam_fw-la praepâ—sitos_fw-la &_o sacerdotes_fw-la vocare_fw-la ac_fw-la nisâ—_n apud_fw-la te_fw-la purgati_fw-la fucrimus_fw-la &_o sententia_fw-la tua_fw-la absoluti_fw-la ecce_fw-la jam_fw-la sex_n annis_fw-la nec_fw-la fraternitas_fw-la habuit_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nec_fw-la plâ—bs_fw-la praepositum_fw-la nec_fw-la grex_n