not_o the_o bishop_n without_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o people_n without_o the_o bishop_n but_o both_o conjunct_o constitute_v that_o supreme_a tribunal_n which_o censure_v delinquent_n and_o transgressor_n as_o will_v be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v all_o the_o power_n that_o any_o church-court_n exert_v be_v derive_v from_o that_o promife_n and_o commission_n of_o christ_n in_o matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n now_o this_o power_n some_o of_o the_o ancient_n mention_n as_o give_v to_o the_o bishop_n thus_o origen_n write_v 1._o that_o the_o bishop_n apply_v to_o themselves_o this_o promise_n that_o be_v make_v to_o peter_n teach_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o our_o saviour_n that_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v bind_v that_o be_v condemn_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v loose_v by_o they_o be_v also_o loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o say_v he_o may_v be_v orthodox_o enough_o apply_v to_o they_o if_o they_o hold_v peter_n confession_n and_o be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o and_o so_o also_o say_v cyprian_n 62._o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o bishop_n by_o who_o every_o ecclesiastical_a action_n be_v govern_v other_o of_o the_o ancient_n mention_v this_o power_n as_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n according_a to_o that_o in_o matth._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o 〈◊〉_d if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o 〈◊〉_d but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o church_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n unto_o which_o some_o of_o the_o father_n attribute_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o tertullian_n 612._o if_o thou_o fear_v heaven_n to_o be_v shut_v remember_v the_o lord_n give_v its_o key_n to_o peter_n and_o by_o he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o firmilian_a 240._o the_o power_n of_o remit_v sin_n be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o constitute_v and_o to_o the_o bishop_n who_o succeed_v they_o now_o from_o this_o different_a attribution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n we_o may_v infer_v this_o that_o it_o be_v so_o lodge_v both_o in_o bishop_n and_o people_n as_o that_o each_o have_v some_o share_n in_o it_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o whole_a executive_a and_o part_n of_o the_o legislative_a power_n and_o the_o people_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o legislative_a though_o not_o in_o the_o executive_a as_o for_o the_o executive_a power_n by_o which_o i_o understand_v the_o formal_a pronunciation_n of_o suspension_n and_o excommunication_n the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o the_o absolution_n of_o penitent_n and_o such_o like_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o none_o but_o by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n depute_a and_o commission_v by_o he_o as_o the_o sequel_n will_v evince_v but_o as_o for_o the_o legislative_a decretive_a or_o judicatorial_n power_n that_o 〈◊〉_d both_o to_o clergy_n and_o laity_n who_o conjunct_o make_v up_o that_o supreme_a consistorial_n court_n which_o be_v in_o every_o parish_n before_o which_o all_o offender_n be_v try_v and_o if_o find_v guilty_a sentence_v and_o condemn_v now_o that_o the_o clergy_n be_v member_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a court_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o evident_o know_v and_o grant_v by_o all_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o quotation_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v but_o just_o confirm_v it_o after_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o laity_n be_v member_n thereof_o and_o judge_n therein_o be_v sharer_n with_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o judicial_a power_n of_o the_o spiritual_a court_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o follow_a testimony_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o that_o place_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n where_o he_o write_v 69._o who_o will_v say_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o moses_n if_o sedition_n contention_n and_o schism_n be_v happen_v because_o of_o i_o i_o will_v depart_v i_o will_v go_v wheresoever_o you_o please_v and_o i_o will_v do_v what_o be_v enjoin_v i_o by_o the_o people_n so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o peace_n so_o origen_n describe_v a_o criminal_a as_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o dyonisius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o fabius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n speak_v of_o one_o serapion_n that_o have_v fall_v in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n who_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v before_o the_o church_n to_o beg_v their_o pardon_n but_o 246._o no_o one_o do_v ever_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o cyprian_n be_v most_o full_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o when_o two_o subdeacons_n and_o a_o acolyth_a of_o his_o parish_n have_v commit_v some_o great_a misdemeanour_n he_o profess_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a judge_n of_o their_o crime_n but_o 64._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v try_v by_o all_o the_o people_n and_o concern_v felicissimus_n the_o 〈◊〉_d he_o write_v to_o his_o people_n from_o his_o exile_n that_o if_o it_o please_v god_n he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o after_o easter_n and_o then_o that_o 94._o affair_n shall_v be_v adjust_v according_a to_o their_o arbitrement_n and_o common_a counsel_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o condemn_v the_o rash_a precipitation_n of_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n in_o admit_v the_o lapse_v to_o communion_n because_o of_o some_o pacificatory_a libel_n obtain_v from_o the_o confessor_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o admit_v no_o more_o till_o peace_n be_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v 30._o plead_v their_o cause_n before_o the_o clergy_n and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o concern_v the_o same_o matter_n he_o write_v in_o another_o letter_n to_o the_o people_n of_o his_o parish_n 37._o that_o when_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o church_n and_o reduce_v he_o from_o his_o exile_n that_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v examine_v in_o their_o presence_n and_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o consistory_n court_n be_v compose_v of_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o bishop_n each_o of_o who_o have_v a_o negative_a voice_n therein_o on_o one_o side_n the_o bishop_n can_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o people_n so_o when_o several_a return_v from_o the_o schism_n of_o fortunatus_n and_o bishop_n cyprian_n be_v willing_a to_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n peace_n he_o complain_v of_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o his_o people_n to_o admit_v they_o and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n he_o have_v to_o obtain_v their_o consent_n as_o he_o thus_o describe_v it_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 143._o o_o my_o dear_a brother_n if_o you_o can_v be_v present_a with_o i_o when_o those_o man_n return_v from_o their_o schism_n you_o will_v wonder_v at_o what_o pain_n i_o take_v to_o persuade_v our_o brethren_n to_o be_v patient_a that_o lay_v aside_o their_o grief_n of_o mind_n they_o will_v consent_v to_o the_o heal_n and_o receive_v of_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a i_o can_v scarce_o 〈◊〉_d yea_o i_o extort_v a_o grant_n from_o my_o people_n that_o such_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v to_o communion_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o people_n can_v do_v dthe_v without_o the_o bishop_n as_o when_o one_o of_o the_o three_o bishop_n that_o 〈◊〉_d ordain_v novatian_n come_v back_o to_o the_o church_n and_o desire_a admission_n the_o people_n alone_o can_v not_o receive_v he_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d for_o else_o they_o will_v
author_n mention_v in_o this_o treatise_n together_o with_o those_o edition_n that_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o be_v as_o follow_v s._n ignatii_n epistolae_fw-la graeco-latin_a quarto_fw-la edit_fw-la isaci_n vossii_n amstelodam_n 1646._o s._n barnabae_n epistola_fw-la catholica_fw-la edit_fw-la ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la s._n ignatii_n quarto_n amstelodam_n 1646._o s._n clementis_fw-la romani_fw-la epistolae_fw-la graeco-latin_a quaerto_o edit_n patricii_fw-la junii_fw-la oxonii_n 1633._o s._n irenaei_n opera_fw-la folio_n edit_fw-la nic._n galasii_fw-la genevae_n 1580._o s._n justini_n martyris_fw-la opera_fw-la graeco-latin_a folio_n coloniae_fw-la 1686._o epistola_fw-la plinii_n secundi_fw-la trojano_n imperatori_fw-la de_fw-la christianis_fw-la in_o front_n operum_fw-la justin._n martyr_n colon._n 1686._o clementis_fw-la alexandrini_n opera_fw-la folio_n edit_n heinsii_n lugdun_fw-la batav_n 1616._o tertulliani_n opera_fw-la folio_n edit_n paris_n 1580._o novatiani_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr cibis_fw-la judaicis_fw-la inter_fw-la opera_fw-la tertulliani_n edit_fw-la paris_n 1580._o cypriani_fw-la opera_fw-la folio_n edit_fw-la sim._n goulart_n apud_fw-la johan_n le_fw-fr preux_fw-fr 1593._o vita_fw-la cypriani_fw-la per_fw-la pontium_fw-la ejus_fw-la diaconum_fw-la in_o front_n oper._n cyprian_n edit_fw-la goulart_n 1593._o fragmentum_fw-la victorini_n petavionensis_n de_fw-fr fabrica_fw-la mundi_fw-la pag._n 103_o 104._o histor._n literar_n dr._n s._n cave_n edit_fw-la folio_n londini_fw-la 1688._o minucii_fw-la felice_n octavius_n edit_fw-la ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la tertullian_n apolog._n per_fw-la desiderium_fw-la heraldum_n quarto_fw-la paris_n 1613._o origenis_n commentaria_fw-la omne_fw-la quae_fw-la graece_fw-la reperiuntur_fw-la edit_fw-la de_fw-fr huetii_n 2_o vol._n folio_n rothomagi_n 1668._o originis_fw-la contra_fw-la celsum_fw-la libri_fw-la octo_fw-la &_o ejusdem_fw-la philocalia_n graeco-latin_a edit_fw-la quarto_fw-la per_fw-la gulielm_n spencer_n cantabrigiae_fw-la 1677._o originis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seu_fw-la de_fw-fr oratione_fw-la graeco-latin_a octavo_fw-la oxonii_fw-la 1685._o as_o for_o those_o other_o work_v of_o origen_n which_o be_v extant_a only_o in_o latin_a i_o have_v make_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o those_o of_o ruffin_n translation_n except_o his_o creed_n since_o in_o they_o we_o know_v not_o which_o we_o read_v whether_o origen_n or_o ruffin_n and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v translate_v by_o more_o faithful_a hand_n i_o have_v use_v the_o edition_n of_o merlin_n or_o erasmus_n without_o nominate_v the_o page_n eusebii_n pamphili_n ecclesiastica_fw-la historia_fw-la graeco-latin_a folio_n edit_fw-la henric._n vales._n paris_n 1659._o i_o have_v read_v only_o the_o seven_o first_o book_n of_o eusebius_n history_n because_o the_o three_o other_o go_v beyond_o my_o limit_a time_n as_o for_o the_o write_n of_o s._n gregory_n of_o neocaesarea_n they_o be_v but_o few_o and_o from_o thence_o i_o have_v take_v nothing_o but_o his_o creed_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o mention_v any_o edition_n of_o his_o work_n the_o same_o i_o may_v say_v also_o of_o the_o short_a epistle_n of_o polycarp_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v but_o once_o and_o therein_o have_v use_v the_o version_n of_o dr._n cave_n extant_a in_o his_o apostolici_fw-la pag._n 127._o there_o be_v vet_n some_o other_o father_n who_o remain_a tract_n i_o have_v read_v as_o theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la athenagoras_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v not_o cite_v in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d because_o i_o have_v find_v nothing_o in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d to_o my_o design_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o constitution_n discipline_n unity_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o the_o various_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n church_n §_o 2._o a_o particular_a church_n the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n the_o constituent_a part_n thereof_o twofold_n viz._n clergy_n and_o laity_n §_o 3._o each_o of_o these_o have_v their_o particular_a function_n and_o both_o their_o joint_a office_n three_o thing_n on_o which_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n depend_v propose_v to_o be_v handle_v viz._n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o the_o joint_a act_n of_o they_o both_o §_o 4._o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n propound_v to_o be_v discuss_v according_a to_o their_o several_a order_n first_o of_o the_o bishop_n a_o view_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o christianity_n necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v where_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o convert_v to_o be_v bishop_n thereof_o §_o 5._o but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n the_o orthodoxness_n of_o the_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o title_n and_o relation_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o his_o flock_n §_o 1._o that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a answer_n to_o this_o important_a query_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o first_o examine_v the_o primitive_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n church_n upon_o the_o due_a apprehension_n of_o which_o depend_v the_o right_a understanding_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o follow_a discourse_n this_o word_n church_n as_o in_o our_o modern_a acceptation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v equivocal_a have_v different_a signification_n according_a to_o the_o different_a subject_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v i_o shall_v not_o here_o concern_v myself_o about_o the_o derivation_n of_o the_o word_n or_o its_o original_a use_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o who_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o only_o take_v notice_n of_o its_o various_a uses_n among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n which_o be_v many_o as_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o often_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a that_o be_v of_o all_o those_o who_o throughout_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n profess_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n this_o irenaeus_n call_v 34._o the_o church_n disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o 36._o the_o church_n scatter_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o origen_n call_v it_o 226._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o heaven_n this_o be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o catholic_n church_n for_o catholic_n signify_v the_o same_o as_o universal_a thus_o polycarp_n when_o he_o be_v seize_v by_o his_o murderer_n pray_v for_o 131._o the_o catholic_n church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n dionysius_n alexandrinus_n call_v the_o persecute_v emperor_n macrianus_n 256._o a_o warrior_n against_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o god_n ii_o the_o word_n church_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v of_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n who_o at_o one_o time_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n do_v associate_v themselves_o together_o and_o concur_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o their_o proper_a pastor_n and_o minister_n thus_o irenaeus_n mention_n that_o church_n 158._o which_o be_v in_o any_o place_n and_o so_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n write_v that_o when_o he_o be_v banish_v to_o cephro_n in_o lybia_n 259._o there_o come_v so_o many_o christian_n unto_o he_o that_o even_o there_o he_o have_v a_o church_n tertullian_n think_v that_o 457._o three_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v understand_v 70._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n 8._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 129._o the_o church_n of_o athens_n the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n or_o the_o church_n in_o any_o other_o such_o place_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n assemble_v all_o together_o for_o religious_a exercise_n at_o rome_n antioch_n smirna_n athens_n alexandria_n or_o such_o like_a place_n iii_o the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o place_n where_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n meet_v for_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a service_n thus_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o heretical_a bishop_n of_o antioch_n order_v certain_a woman_n to_o stand_v 281._o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o church_n and_o fing_a psalm_n in_o his_o praise_n so_o clemens_n alexandrinui_n advise_v that_o man_n and_o woman_n shall_v with_o all_o modesty_n and_o humility_n enter_v 189._o into_o the_o church_n so_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o their_o letter_n to_o cyprian_a concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v give_v as_o their_o advice_n 71._o that_o they_o shall_v only_o come_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o church-door_n but_o not_o go_v over_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n frequent_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o velandis_fw-la tertullian_n 132._o origen_n and_o other_o to_o recite_v who_o testimony_n at_o large_a will_v be_v both_o tedious_a and_o needless_a iv._o i_o find_v the_o word_n church_n once_o use_v by_o cyprian_a for_o
a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n who_o mention_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n 214._o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o africa_n and_o numidia_n else_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o any_o write_n either_o of_o this_o or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n but_o whenever_o they_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o province_n they_o always_o say_v in_o the_o plural_a the_o church_n never_o in_o the_o singular_a the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o kingdom_n or_o province_n thus_o dyonisius_n alexandrinus_n do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n 251._o but_o the_o church_n of_o cilicia_n and_o so_o irenaeus_n mention_n 36._o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o germany_n spain_n france_n the_o east_n egypt_n and_o lybia_n so_o also_o tertullian_n speak_v of_o the_o 314._o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n and_o 386._o the_o church_n of_o greece_n and_o so_o of_o every_o country_n they_o always_o express_v the_o church_n thereof_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n v._o the_o word_n church_n frequent_o occur_v for_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v for_o those_o who_o by_o a_o sound_a repentance_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v actual_o interest_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o this_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v we_o understand_v tertullian_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v 196._o espouse_v the_o church_n and_o that_o 455._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o irenaeus_n 308._o that_o the_o church_n be_v fit_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n oftentimes_o use_v in_o other_o of_o the_o father_n as_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o any_o one_o do_v doubt_v it_o vi_o the_o word_n church_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n irenaeus_n pray_v that_o the_o 229._o heretic_n may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o heresy_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v all_o sincere_a christian_n not_o to_o follow_v heretic_n but_o to_o 342._o fly_v to_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o account_n heretic_n be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n as_o tertullian_n tell_v martion_n that_o when_o he_o become_v a_o heretic_n 13._o he_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o heresy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dissonant_n from_o the_o church_n as_o origen_n write_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n be_v 1._o alien_a from_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o several_a other_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n though_o not_o so_o usual_a as_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a one_o nor_o so_o pertinent_a to_o my_o design_n so_o that_o i_o may_v just_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o but_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o know_v they_o i_o will_v just_o name_v they_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v more_o material_a beside_o then_o those_o former_a signification_n the_o word_n according_a to_o its_o original_a import_n be_v also_o use_v for_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_a sometime_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o heretic_n as_o tertullian_n call_v the_o marcionite_n 255._o the_o church_n of_o martion_n at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o orthodox_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heretic_n as_o by_o the_o same_o 69._o tertullian_n sometime_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o heathen_a assembly_n as_o by_o 128._o origen_n at_o other_o time_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n as_o by_o 271._o irenaeus_n in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o in_o 52._o ignatius_n in_o other_o place_n it_o signify_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o church_n triumphant_a as_o in_o 104._o clemens_n alexandriaeus_fw-la once_o i_o find_v it_o denote_v the_o 279._o laity_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o once_o signify_v only_a 382._o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o 2._o but_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o which_o we_o must_v chief_o treat_v be_v that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_v of_o christian_a discipline_n now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o natural_o present_v its_o self_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o make_v up_o and_o compose_v such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 134._o elect_n 1._o the_o call_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o brethren_n because_o of_o their_o brotherly_a love_n and_o affection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o faithful_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o two_o part_n into_o the_o people_n that_o compose_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o person_n who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a employment_n or_o to_o conform_v to_o our_o ordinary_a dialect_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v a_o early_a distinction_n be_v mention_v by_o 53._o clemens_n romanus_n and_o after_o he_o by_o 1._o origen_n and_o several_a other_o §_o 3._o each_o of_o these_o have_v their_o particular_a office_n and_o both_o together_o have_v their_o joint_a employment_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a tract_n as_o they_o natural_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o these_o three_o particular_n i._n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n ii_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n iii_o the_o joint_a act_n of_o they_o both_o by_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o three_o question_n some_o discovery_n will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o constitution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o their_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o many_o point_n unhappy_o controvert_v among_o we_o §_o 4._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n now_o here_o must_v be_v consider_v the_o function_n of_o every_o particular_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o we_o may_v say_v to_o be_v three_o viz._n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o employment_n we_o shall_v several_o handle_v as_o also_o several_a other_o point_n which_o under_o those_o head_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o we_o i_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o bishop_n but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n both_o of_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o state_n of_o paganism_n and_o darkness_n have_v their_o understanding_n cloud_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n alienate_v from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o applaud_v their_o own_o brutish_a invention_n and_o adore_v as_o god_n whatever_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o silly_a fancy_n propose_v to_o they_o as_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o homage_n into_o this_o miserable_a state_n all_o mankind_n except_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o cast_v themselves_o and_o have_v not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n enlighten_v they_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o that_o lose_a and_o blind_a condition_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v on_o his_o cross_n triumph_v over_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o perfect_o conquer_v the_o devil_n who_o before_o have_v rule_v effectual_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o be_v then_o assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n indue_a they_o thereby_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n and_o both_o commissionate_v and_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o on_o high_a go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o
he_o that_o be_v condemn_v and_o bind_v by_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n remain_v bind_v none_o in_o heaven_n unloose_v he_o §_o 6._o no_o wonder_n then_o that_o man_n in_o their_o right_a sense_n be_v affrightn_v at_o the_o tremendous_a misery_n of_o a_o excommunicate_v condition_n and_o that_o when_o through_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o wicked_a practice_n they_o have_v incur_v that_o sentence_n they_o never_o leave_v fast_v watch_v weep_v and_o the_o endurance_n of_o the_o severe_a course_n of_o mortification_n till_o they_o be_v absolve_v from_o it_o and_o reinstate_v in_o god_n and_o the_o church_n favour_n which_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o search_v into_o the_o course_n that_o offender_n take_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n again_o the_o usual_a method_n whereof_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v thus_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o miserable_a state_n in_o the_o first_o place_n in_o a_o most_o penitent_a and_o humble_a manner_n come_v weep_v and_o cry_v unto_o the_o church-door_n where_o they_o lie_v grovel_v on_o the_o ground_n prostrate_v themselves_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o go_v into_o church_n and_o beg_v their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o the_o behaviour_n of_o these_o man_n be_v thus_o elegant_o express_v by_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o cyprian_a 71._o let_v they_o say_v they_o knock_v at_o the_o church-door_n but_o not_o break_v they_o let_v they_o come_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o pass_v over_o it_o let_v they_o watch_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o celestial_a tent_n but_o arm_v with_o modesty_n by_o which_o they_o may_v remember_v they_o be_v deserter_n let_v they_o resume_v the_o trumpet_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o not_o to_o sound_v a_o alarm_n to_o battle_n let_v they_o arm_v themselves_o with_o the_o dart_n of_o modesty_n and_o retake_v that_o shield_n which_o by_o their_o apostasy_n they_o lose_v that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v arm_v not_o against_o the_o church_n which_o grieve_v at_o their_o misery_n but_o against_o their_o adversary_n the_o devil_n a_o modest_a petition_n a_o bashful_a supplication_n a_o necessary_a humility_n and_o a_o industrious_a patience_n will_v be_v advantageous_a to_o they_o let_v they_o express_v their_o grief_n by_o their_o tear_n and_o their_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n for_o their_o crime_n by_o their_o groan_n so_o tertullian_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n describe_v one_o in_o this_o state_n 381._o by_o lie_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n by_o have_v a_o squalid_a body_n and_o a_o deject_a soul_n by_o fast_v pray_v weep_a groan_a and_o roar_a night_n and_o day_n by_o throw_v himself_o at_o the_o clergy_n foot_n and_o kneel_v before_o the_o faithful_a beg_v and_o desire_v their_o prayer_n and_o pardon_n §_o 7._o if_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n think_v their_o repentance_n to_o be_v real_a and_o those_o external_a expression_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n to_o proceed_v from_o suitable_a affection_n of_o heart_n than_o they_o begin_v to_o incline_v to_o some_o term_n of_o remission_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o give_v the_o delinquent_n some_o hope_n of_o it_o by_o admit_v they_o to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o to_o stay_v at_o some_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o not_o at_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o to_o communicate_v with_o the_o faithful_a till_o they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a space_n of_o time_n which_o they_o then_o impose_v on_o they_o by_o their_o humble_a and_o modest_a carriage_n give_v good_a proof_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n this_o fix_a time_n of_o trial_n be_v call_v the_o time_n of_o penance_n during_o which_o the_o penitent_a as_o he_o be_v now_o call_v appear_v in_o all_o the_o formality_n of_o sorrow_n with_o a_o course_n habit_n and_o a_o deject_a countenance_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v lament_a and_o bemoan_v the_o greatness_n and_o aggravation_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o father_n all_o which_o to_o transcribe_v will_v be_v very_o tedious_a wherefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o translate_n a_o few_o elegancy_n pertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n out_o of_o cyprian_n book_n de_fw-fr lapsis_fw-la wherein_o he_o thus_o inveigh_v against_o those_o who_o in_o a_o state_n of_o penance_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o delight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o flesh_n 285._o can_v we_o think_v that_o that_o man_n weep_v with_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o with-fasting_n tear_n and_o sigh_n beseech_v god_n who_o from_o the_o very_a first_o day_n of_o his_o offence_n daily_o frequent_v the_o bath_n who_o indulge_v to_o his_o gluttonous_a appetite_n this_o day_n vomit_v up_o his_o undigested_a crudity_n the_o next_o day_n and_o do_v not_o communicate_v of_o his_o meat_n and_o drink_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a he_o that_o go_v gay_a and_o jocund_a how_o do_v he_o bewayl_v his_o death_n do_v that_o woman_n weep_v and_o mourn_v who_o spend_v her_o time_n in_o put_v on_o splendid_a garment_n and_o do_v not_o think_v upon_o the_o garment_n of_o christ_n which_o she_o lose_v who_o seek_v after_o precious_a ornament_n and_o rich_a jewel_n and_o do_v not_o bewail_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a adorn_v although_o thou_o put_v on_o exotic_a garb_n and_o silken_a garment_n thou_o be_v naked_a although_o thou_o beautifie_v thyself_o with_o gold_n and_o pearl_n without_o the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n thou_o be_v deform_v and_o thou_o who_o die_v thy_o hair_n now_o leave_v it_o off_o in_o this_o time_n of_o penance_n and_o thou_o who_o painte_v thy_o eye_n wash_v it_o off_o with_o thy_o tear_n if_o thou_o shall_v lose_v any_o one_o of_o thy_o dear_a friend_n by_o death_n thou_o will_v sorrowful_o weep_v and_o howl_v and_o express_v the_o greatness_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n by_o thy_o disregard_v face_n mourn_a garment_n neglect_a hair_n cloudy_a countenance_n and_o deject_a visage_n why_o o_o wretch_n thou_o have_v lose_v thy_o soul_n and_o will_v not_o thou_o bitter_o weep_v and_o continual_o lament_v 286._o now_o therefore_o pray_v and_o supplicate_v more_o earnest_o pass_v the_o day_n in_o weep_v the_o night_n in_o watch_v and_o cry_v both_o night_n and_o day_n in_o tear_n and_o lamentation_n prostrate_v yourselves_o upon_o the_o ground_n roll_v yourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n after_o have_v lose_v the_o garment_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o clothing_n here_o have_v taste_v the_o devil_n meat_n choose_v now_o to_o fast_o §_o 8._o how_o long_o these_o penitentiary_n station_n be_v can_v be_v define_v since_o they_o differ_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o offender_n according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d court_n who_o impose_v they_o some_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o penance_n two_o year_n some_o three_o some_o five_o some_o ten_o some_o more_o some_o even_n to_o their_o life_n end_n but_o how_o long_o and_o rigorous_a soever_o their_o penance_n be_v they_o be_v patient_o humble_o and_o thankful_o to_o endure_v it_o the_o whole_a time_n be_v not_o absolve_v till_o they_o have_v undergo_v 164._o the_o legal_a and_o full_a time_n of_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n see_v fit_a to_o dispense_v with_o the_o usual_a length_n and_o severity_n of_o their_o inflict_v discipline_n as_o in_o 39_o case_n of_o death_n 132._o of_o a_o approach_a persecution_n or_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n and_o eminent_a lead_v person_n be_v cencern_v in_o the_o same_o offence_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o trophimus_n which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 52d_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a beside_o these_o the_o confessor_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o restore_v penitent_n before_o the_o usual_a time_n which_o irregular_a and_o unreasonable_a practice_n of_o they_o cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a which_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o several_a epistle_n extant_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o work_n but_o lay_v aside_o these_o unusual_a circumstance_n the_o fix_a period_n of_o penance_n be_v never_o anticipate_v but_o how_o long_o and_o severe_a soever_o it_o be_v the_o penitent_n cheerful_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o penance_n be_v end_v the_o penitent_a apply_v himself_o to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n for_o absolution_n who_o 37._o examine_v his_o demeanour_n and_o action_n which_o if_o they_o approve_v and_o like_v they_o then_o proceed_v to_o the_o formal_a assoyl_a of_o he_o of_o which_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n §_o 9_o on_o the_o appoint_a day_n for_o absolution_n the_o penitent_a or_o he_o that_o be_v now_o to_o