of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v ever_o present_a at_o any_o such_o ordination_n or_o do_v ever_o communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o ordination_n to_o that_o island_n and_o that_o the_o former_a bishop_n of_o constantia_n the_o metropolis_n of_o cyprus_n troilus_n sabinus_n epiphanius_n ibid._n and_o all_o the_o holy_a and_o orthodox_n bishop_n which_o be_v before_o they_o ever_o since_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v constitute_v by_o those_o which_o be_v in_o cyprus_n and_o therefore_o desire_v that_o ibid._n as_o in_o the_o begin_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o great_a synod_n of_o nice_a the_o synod_n of_o the_o cyprian_a bishop_n remain_v untouched_a and_o superior_a to_o privy_a undermine_n and_o open_a power_n so_o they_o may_v still_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o ancient_a right_n whereupon_o the_o council_n condemn_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n as_o ibid._n a_o innovation_n bring_v in_o against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n do_v not_o only_a order_n that_o ibid._n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o cyprus_n shall_v keep_v their_o own_o right_n entire_a and_o inviolable_a according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o their_o ancient_a custom_n but_o also_o ibid._n for_o all_o other_o diocese_n and_o province_n wheresoever_o that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v intrude_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o province_n which_o have_v not_o former_o and_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v under_o he_o or_o his_o predecessor_n the_o beginning_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o subordination_n of_o many_o bishop_n unto_o one_o chief_a if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v derive_v from_o apostolical_a right_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o beza_n fetch_v 4._o from_o the_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o enforcement_n of_o necessity_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o enter_v into_o consociation_n subject_v one_o unto_o another_o and_o by_o bucer_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v 565._o be_v consentaneous_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o right_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o all_o man_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o pattern_n deliver_v by_o god_n unto_o moses_n for_o have_v set_v apart_o the_o three_o family_n of_o the_o levite_n for_o his_o own_o service_n and_o constitute_v a_o chief_a as_o we_o have_v hear_v over_o every_o of_o they_o he_o place_v immediate_o over_o they_o all_o not_o aaron_n the_o high_a priest_n but_o eleazar_n his_o son_n say_v 32._o eleazar_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n the_o priest_n shall_v be_v chief_a over_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o levite_n and_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o oversight_n as_o he_o have_v by_o the_o septuagint_n warrantable_o enough_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o name_n of_o 16._o a_o bishop_n so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 32._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o levite_n none_o that_o without_o prejudice_n do_v take_v the_o matter_n into_o consideration_n will_v much_o stick_v to_o afford_v unto_o he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o archbishop_n at_o least_o he_o will_v be_v teach_v hereby_o to_o retain_v that_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o so_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o archiepiscopal_a but_o also_o to_o a_o patriarchical_a government_n which_o calvin_n profess_v he_o do_v that_o in_o all_o this_o they_o be_v far_o from_o have_v a_o thought_n 4._o to_o devise_v another_o form_n of_o church-government_n then_o that_o which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n the_o writer_n which_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v here_o give_v testimony_n for_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o xiiii_o year_n of_o domitian_n about_o the_o xcv_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a account_n s._n john_n write_v his_o revelation_n and_o in_o it_o the_o epistle_n direct_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n no_o long_o than_o twelve_o year_n after_o that_o time_n ignatius_n s._n john_n scholar_n write_v his_o letter_n unto_o the_o same_o church_n in_o the_o beginning_n whereof_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n unto_o their_o bishop_n that_o philadelph_n he_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v promote_v not_o of_o himself_o nor_o by_o man_n unto_o that_o ministry_n pertain_v to_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v call_v he_o their_o angel_n afterward_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o ibid._n one_o bishop_n join_v with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n and_o that_o he_o deliver_v this_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n ibid._n take_v heed_n unto_o your_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n 124._o call_v he_o to_o witness_v for_o who_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o for_o who_o he_o go_v then_o unto_o his_o last_o martyrdom_n that_o he_o have_v not_o this_o from_o humane_a flesh_n or_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v it_o without_o the_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o so_o that_o from_o s._n john_n time_n we_o have_v this_o continue_a succession_n of_o witness_n in_o the_o age_n next_o follow_v for_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o year_n cvii_o ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n where_o first_o they_o be_v call_v christian_n cxxx_o hadrian_n the_o emperor_n touch_v the_o bishopâ—_n of_o egypt_n cl._n justin_n martyr_n from_o samaria_n clxix_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n clxxv_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n clxxx_o hegesippus_n from_o judea_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n near_o unto_o we_o cxcu._n tertullian_n from_o africa_n polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n cc._o clemens_n presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n the_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o episcopacy_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o premise_n by_o w._n c._n if_o we_o abstract_a from_o episcopal_a government_n all_o accidental_n and_o consider_v only_o what_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o no_o more_o but_o this_o a_o appointment_n of_o one_o man_n of_o eminent_a sanctity_n and_o sufficiency_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n within_o a_o certain_a precinct_n or_o diocese_n and_o furnish_v he_o with_o authority_n not_o absolute_a or_o arbitrary_a but_o regulate_v and_o bound_v by_o law_n and_o moderate_v by_o join_v to_o he_o a_o convenient_a number_n of_o assistant_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o he_o may_v be_v provide_v of_o good_a and_o able_a pastor_n and_o that_o both_o of_o pastor_n and_o people_n conformity_n to_o law_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n may_v be_v require_v under_o penalty_n not_o leave_v to_o discretion_n but_o by_o law_n appoint_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n i_o be_o not_o by_o any_o particular_a interest_n so_o devote_v as_o to_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v either_o in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a institution_n or_o to_o the_o much_o desire_a reformation_n of_o man_n life_n and_o restauration_n of_o primitive_a discipline_n or_o to_o any_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o that_o be_v to_o maintain_v a_o mean_n contrary_a to_o the_o end_n for_o obedience_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o church_n government_n be_v appoint_v but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o make_v much_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o very_o think_v it_o may_v i._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o government_n settle_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v as_o complyable_a with_o the_o reformation_n of_o any_o evil_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o reform_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o the_o introduction_n of_o any_o good_a which_o we_o desire_v to_o introduce_v as_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n no_o record_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o it_o then_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v a_o unreasonable_a motion_n if_o we_o humble_o desire_v those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n especial_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o clamour_n or_o overbear_v by_o violence_n and_o though_o which_o god_n forbid_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o multitude_n shall_v cry_v crucify_v crucify_v yet_o our_o governor_n will_v be_v so_o full_a of_o justice_n and_o courage_n
matthew_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o aristion_n and_o john_n the_o elder_a our_o lord_n disciple_n do_v speak_v the_o two_o last_o of_o who_o he_o often_o cite_v by_o name_n in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o work_n relate_v the_o passage_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a presbyter_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o not_o the_o ult_n difference_n only_o betwixt_o presbyter_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v by_o he_o acknowledge_v but_o further_a also_o that_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o three_o office_n in_o his_o judgement_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o 6._o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o angelical_a glory_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n who_o hard_a upon_o the_o time_n of_o the_o forenamed_a papias_n write_v unto_o the_o consul_n servianus_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o egypt_n make_v distinct_a mention_n in_o his_o letter_n of_o saturnini_n the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o ibid._n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o bishop_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o have_v deduce_v episcopacy_n from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o declare_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o father_n term_v bishop_n we_o be_v now_o further_o to_o inquire_v why_o these_o church_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o in_o the_o superscription_n of_o that_o apostolical_a epistle_n prefix_v before_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n 4_o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n where_o s._n john_n direct_v his_o letter_n unto_o they_o thus_o indefinite_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o their_o particular_a name_n can_v by_o common_a intendment_n be_v conceive_v to_o have_v understand_v any_o other_o thereby_o but_o such_o as_o by_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o asia_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n also_o do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n under_o they_o for_o take_v asia_n here_o in_o that_o strict_a sense_n wherein_o the_o new_a testament_n use_v it_o as_o denote_v the_o lydian_a asia_n alone_o of_o the_o circuit_n whereof_o i_o have_v treat_v 2._o elsewhere_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o after_o so_o long_a pain_n take_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n in_o the_o husband_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o more_o but_o seven_o church_n therein_o especial_o since_o s._n paul_n that_o 10._o wise_a master-builder_n profess_v that_o he_o have_v here_o 9_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a open_v unto_o he_o and_o s._n luke_n testify_v according_o that_o 20._o all_o they_o which_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v which_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o labour_n move_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v his_o residence_n 31._o in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n wherein_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o night_n and_o day_n with_o tear_n so_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o these_o seven_o church_n comprise_v all_o the_o rest_n within_o they_o be_v not_o bare_a parochial_a one_o or_o so_o many_o particular_a congregation_n but_o diocesan_n church_n as_o we_o use_v to_o call_v they_o if_o not_o metropolitical_a rather_o for_o that_o in_o 29._o laedicea_n sardis_n smyrna_n ephesus_n and_o 30._o pergamus_n the_o roman_a governor_n hold_v their_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o all_o the_o city_n and_o town_n about_o have_v recourse_n for_o the_o end_n of_o their_o suit_n be_v note_v by_o pliny_n and_o beside_o these_o which_o be_v the_o great_a thyatira_n be_v also_o by_o 5._o ptolemy_n express_o name_v a_o metropolis_n as_o philadelphia_n also_o be_v in_o the_o 5._o greek_a act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n hold_v under_o menas_n which_o give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o seven_o city_n in_o which_o these_o seven_o church_n have_v their_o seat_n be_v all_o of_o they_o metropolitical_a and_o so_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o town_n and_o city_n of_o asia_n as_o unto_o daughter_n rise_v under_o they_o this_o lydian_a asia_n be_v separate_v from_o caria_n by_o the_o river_n maeander_n upon_o the_o bank_n whereof_o magnesia_n and_o trallis_n be_v seat_v to_o the_o christian_n whereof_o ignatius_n direct_v two_o of_o his_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o damas_n bishop_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o polybius_n bishop_n or_o 35._o ruler_n as_o eusebius_n call_v he_o of_o the_o other_o who_o they_o have_v send_v to_o visit_v he_o at_o smyrna_n add_v withal_o in_o that_o to_o the_o trallian_n his_o usual_a admonition_n trallian_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o ibid._n to_o the_o presbytery_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o hope_n ib._n he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o deacon_n such_o a_o one_o be_v defile_v in_o conscience_n ibid._n fare_v you_o well_o in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o presbyter_n wherein_o we_o may_v note_v that_o with_o twelve_o year_n after_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n make_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n for_o then_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v these_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n write_v other_o episcopal_a city_n be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o lydian_a asia_n and_o two_o such_o as_o in_o after_o time_n be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v 90._o under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o ephesus_n but_o whether_o this_o subordination_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n who_o epistle_n be_v extant_a unto_o these_o three_o church_n and_o 35._o damas_n the_o than_o bishop_n of_o magnefia_n with_o polybius_n of_o trallis_n be_v at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o one_o simus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n may_v well_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o ignatius_n direct_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n roman_n which_o have_v presidency_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o body_n thereof_o do_v attribute_n unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o syria_n whereby_o as_o he_o intimate_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o antiock_n but_o also_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o province_n of_o syria_n which_o be_v under_o that_o metropolis_n so_o do_v he_o likewise_o not_o obscure_o signify_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v at_o that_o time_n a_o presidency_n over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o vrbicarian_a region_n as_o the_o imperial_a constitution_n or_o the_o leguntur_fw-la roman_a province_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o arles_n call_v it_o what_o that_o vrbicarian_a region_n be_v i_o will_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o discuss_v whether_o tuscia_n only_o wherein_o rome_n itself_o be_v situate_v which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n be_v one_o entire_a region_n but_o afterward_o divide_v into_o tuscia_n suburbicaria_n and_o annonaeria_n or_o the_o territory_n wherein_o the_o praefectus_fw-la vrbis_fw-la do_v exercise_v his_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o hundred_o mile_n about_o the_o city_n or_o with_o that_o those_o other_o province_n also_o whereunto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la vrbis_fw-la do_v extend_v or_o last_o the_o circuit_n within_o which_o those_o 69._o bishopric_n be_v contain_v that_o 23._o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o frequent_o call_v to_o his_o synod_n the_o name_n whereof_o be_v find_v register_v in_o the_o record_n of_o that_o church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o which_o number_n as_o it_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n receive_v confirmation_n from_o the_o roman_a synod_n of_o seventy_o bishop_n hold_v under_o gelasius_n so_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n from_o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o italy_n we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o ancient_a testimony_n from_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n aurelian_a who_o in_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v betwixt_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o domnus_n for_o the_o house_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d
apostle_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v 9_o able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a nay_o and_o out_o of_o the_o latter_a part_n itself_o where_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o 1._o the_o priest_n the_o levit_n and_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n shall_v eat_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v by_o fire_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n by_o just_a analogy_n infer_v from_o thence_o that_o for_o asmuch_o as_o 14._o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n with_o the_o altar_n even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o what_o show_n of_o reason_n than_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o what_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n in_o the_o law_n for_o mere_a matter_n of_o government_n and_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n without_o all_o respect_n of_o type_n or_o ceremony_n shall_v now_o be_v reject_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o device_n of_o antichrist_n that_o what_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n once_o 2._o plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v now_o be_v so_o turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n that_o no_o purge_v or_o prune_v of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o it_o must_v be_v cut_v down_o root_n and_o branch_n as_o 13._o a_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v never_o plant_v but_o nothing_o be_v so_o familiar_a now_o a_o day_n as_o to_o father_n upon_o antichrist_n whatsoever_o in_o church_n matter_n we_o do_v not_o find_v to_o suit_n with_o our_o own_o humour_n the_o safe_a way_n will_v be_v to_o consult_v with_o christ_n himself_o herein_o and_o hear_v what_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o cause_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n revel_v iii_o 1._o he_o ow_v then_o we_o see_v these_o star_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o they_o he_o thus_o further_o open_v unto_o his_o belove_a disciple_n the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v i_o 20._o from_o which_o word_n a_o learned_a man_n very_o much_o devote_v to_o the_o now_o so_o high_o admire_v discipline_n deduce_v this_o conclusion_n 20._o how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o true_a pastor_n who_o be_v both_o star_n fix_v in_o no_o other_o firmament_n then_o in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n and_o angel_n he_o have_v consider_v well_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephâ—sus_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o here_o point_v at_o there_o be_v many_o 28._o presbyter_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n over_o all_o that_o flock_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o withal_o he_o see_v that_o by_o admit_v one_o angel_n there_o above_o the_o rest_n all_o as_o well_o 18._o extraordinary_a prophet_n as_o 7._o ordinary_a pastor_n be_v in_o their_o own_o several_a station_n account_v angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v also_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o eminency_n of_o one_o bishop_n above_o the_o other_o bishop_n that_o name_n be_v in_o those_o day_n 7._o common_a unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o yield_v withal_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o star_n fix_v in_o no_o other_o firmament_n then_o in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ._n to_o salve_v this_o therefore_o all_o the_o star_n in_o every_o church_n must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o be_v of_o one_o magnitude_n and_o though_o those_o star_n which_o typify_v these_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o seven_o yet_o the_o angel_n themselves_o must_v be_v maintain_v to_o be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n and_o in_o fine_a where_o our_o saviour_n say_v 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v it_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v that_o 1._o any_o one_o angel_n shall_v be_v mean_v hereby_o but_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o pastor_n rather_o and_o all_o upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o poor_a show_n of_o some_o shallow_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n but_o many_o and_o among_o they_o not_o any_o principal_a which_o wrest_v of_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o extreme_a violent_a that_o m._n beza_n though_o every_o way_n as_o zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o new_a discipline_n as_o be_v the_o other_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n digest_v it_o but_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o lord_n direction_n to_o have_v be_v this_o 1._o to_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o the_o precedent_n as_o who_o it_o behove_v special_o to_o be_v admonish_v touch_v those_o matter_n and_o by_o he_o both_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n likewise_o and_o that_o there_o be_v then_o a_o stand_a precedent_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o ephesus_n and_o he_o the_o very_a same_o as_o learned_a 3._o doctor_n rynolds_n add_v with_o he_o who_o afterward_o the_o father_n call_v bishop_n may_v further_o be_v make_v manifest_a not_o only_o by_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n but_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o ignatius_n who_o within_o no_o great_a compass_n of_o time_n then_o twelve_o year_n afterward_o distinguish_v the_o singular_a and_o constant_a precedent_n thereof_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n by_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n unto_o he_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o find_v it_o open_o declare_v in_o the_o general_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n by_o leontius_n bishop_n of_o magnesia_n that_o 11._o from_o timothy_n and_o so_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o seven_o and_o twenty_o bishop_n all_o of_o they_o ordain_v in_o ephesus_n of_o which_o number_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v one_o whether_o it_o be_v timothy_n himself_o as_o 7._o some_o conceive_v or_o one_o of_o his_o next_o successor_n as_o other_o rather_o do_v imagine_v for_o that_o timothy_n have_v be_v some_o time_n 19_o *_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o appellation_n that_o 1._o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n for_o christian_n &_o 〈◊〉_d dionysius_n of_o corinth_n not_o long_o after_o he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o athens_n and_o 72._o marcellus_n bishop_n of_o ancyra_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o julius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v give_v unto_o a_o bishop_n or_o autistes_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o ephesine_n presbytery_n be_v confess_v by_o beza_n himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v in_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o 〈◊〉_d eusebius_n but_o also_o in_o two_o ancient_a treatise_n concern_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n the_o one_o nameless_a in_o the_o library_n of_o 254._o photius_n the_o other_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o 1485._o polycrates_n even_o of_o that_o polycrates_n who_o be_v not_o only_a himself_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o bear_v also_o within_o six_o or_o seven_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o s._n john_n write_v the_o forenamed_a epistle_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o year_n he_o be_v of_o when_o he_o write_v that_o epistle_n unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o 〈◊〉_d seven_o kinsman_n of_o he_o who_o have_v be_v bishop_n he_o himself_o be_v the_o eight_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n who_o 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n and_o 1606._o felix_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o s._n john_n the_o chronographer_n of_o antioch_n report_v to_o have_v be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n by_o s._n peter_n in_o special_a chrysostome_n who_o be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o same_o church_n by_o encomio_fw-la the_o apostle_n in_o general_a and_o without_o all_o controversy_n do_v sit_v in_o that_o see_v the_o very_a same_o time_n wherein_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v command_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n have_v s._n john_n his_o revelation_n manifest_v unto_o he_o 30._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o domitian_n as_o ireneus_fw-la testify_v or_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o his_o government_n as_o johanne_n eusebius_n and_o hierome_n specify_v it_o from_o thence_o there_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n reckon_v
unto_o the_o ten_o of_o trajan_n wherein_o ignatius_n in_o that_o last_o journey_n which_o he_o make_v for_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o glorious_a martyrdom_n at_o rome_n write_v another_o epistle_n unto_o the_o selfsame_a church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o their_o then_o bishop_n onesimus_n as_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o 〈◊〉_d eusebius_n cite_v this_o out_o of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o epistle_n itself_o yet_o extant_a in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ignatius_n have_v accknowledge_v that_o their_o ephes._n numerous_a multitude_n be_v receive_v by_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o their_o bishop_n onesimus_n and_o ibid._n bless_a god_n for_o grant_v unto_o they_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o be_v do_v afterward_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o ibid._n duty_n in_o concur_v with_o he_o as_o he_o show_v their_o worthy_a presbytery_n do_v be_v ibid._n so_o conjoin_v as_o he_o say_v with_o their_o bishop_n as_o the_o string_n be_v with_o the_o harp_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n exhort_v they_o to_o ibid._n obey_v both_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbytery_n with_o a_o undivided_a mind_n in_o the_o same_o journey_n write_v ignatius_n also_o a_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n another_o of_o the_o seven_o unto_o who_o those_o letter_n be_v direct_v in_o s._n john_n revelation_n wherein_o he_o also_o smyrn_n salute_v their_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n exhort_v all_o the_o people_n to_o ibid._n follow_v their_o bishop_n as_o christ_n jesus_n do_v his_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o ibid._n no_o man_n ought_v either_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o this_o bishop_n and_o what_o that_o presbytery_n be_v appear_v by_o another_o epistle_n write_v a_o little_a after_o from_o smyrna_n by_o philippens_n polycarpus_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v with_o he_o unto_o the_o philippian_n and_o that_o the_o same_o polycarpus_n be_v then_o also_o bishop_n there_o when_o s._n john_n write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o then_o irenaeus_n who_o do_v not_o only_o know_v those_o worthy_a man_n 3._o who_o succeed_v polycarpus_n in_o his_o see_n but_o also_o 〈◊〉_d be_v present_a when_o he_o himself_o do_v discourse_n of_o his_o conversation_n with_o s._n john_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o those_o who_o have_v see_v our_o lord_n jesus_n polycarpus_n 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o be_v not_o only_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v christ_n but_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v in_o asia_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n who_o we_o ourselves_o also_o do_v see_v in_o our_o young_a age_n for_o he_o continue_v long_o &_o be_v very_o age_v he_o most_o glorious_o and_o noble_o suffer_v martyrdom_n depart_v this_o life_n now_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n and_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n before_o s._n john_n the_o last_o survivor_n of_o they_o do_v write_v his_o revelation_n who_o but_o he_o can_v there_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n in_o which_o that_o he_o still_o hold_v his_o episcopal_a office_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n which_o fall_v out_o lxxiv_o year_n afterward_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o this_o testimony_n which_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o suffering_n give_v unto_o he_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v the_o most_o admirable_a man_n in_o our_o time_n a_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a doctor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v the_o like_a of_o polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n who_o live_v also_o in_o his_o time_n and_o in_o his_o neighbourhood_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d polycarpus_n to_o have_v be_v both_o bishop_n and_o martyr_n in_o smyrna_n so_o say_v he_o in_o his_o synodica_fw-la epistle_n direct_v unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o 27_o year_n after_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n he_o himself_o be_v at_o that_o time_n 65_o year_n of_o age_n about_o the_o very_a same_o time_n wherein_o polycrates_n write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o victor_n do_v tertullian_n publish_v his_o book_n of_o prescription_n against_o heretic_n wherein_o he_o avouch_v against_o they_o that_o 5._o as_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n have_v polycarpus_n place_v there_o by_o john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o peter_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n also_o do_v show_v what_o bishop_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o traduce_v the_o apostolical_a seed_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o before_o he_o do_v irenaeus_n urge_v against_o they_o 63._o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n in_o every_o place_n 20._o for_o all_o the_o heretic_n say_v he_o be_v much_o late_a than_o those_o bishop_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o church_n and_o 3._o we_o be_v able_a to_o number_v those_o who_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o successor_n unto_o our_o day_n who_o neither_o teach_v nor_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n dream_v of_o for_o proof_n whereof_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n from_o ibid._n liws_o unto_o who_o the_o bless_a apostle_n commit_v that_o episcopacy_n and_o anacletus_fw-la by_o other_o call_v cletus_n and_o clement_n who_o do_v both_o see_v the_o apostle_n and_o confer_v with_o they_o unto_o ibid._n eleutherius_fw-la who_o when_o irenaeus_n write_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o that_o bishopric_n in_o the_o twelve_o place_n after_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o integrity_n which_o then_o continue_v in_o each_o other_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n hegesippus_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v his_o history_n of_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d soter_n succeed_v anicetus_n and_o after_o he_o be_v eleutherius_fw-la now_o in_o every_o succession_n and_o in_o every_o city_n all_o thing_n so_o stand_v as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o lord_n do_v preach_v and_o more_o particular_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o by_o clement_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o some_o faction_n wherewith_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n much_o trouble_v which_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o junii_fw-la the_o apostle_n of_o who_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o hearer_n have_v perfect_a intelligence_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o contention_n that_o shall_v arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n he_o declare_v that_o after_o the_o appease_n of_o this_o tumult_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n continue_v in_o the_o right_a way_n until_o the_o day_n of_o primus_fw-la who_o he_o do_v visit_v in_o his_o sail_v towards_o rome_n which_o primus_n have_v for_o his_o successor_n that_o famous_a dionysius_n who_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o athenian_n have_v be_v before_o nominate_v wherein_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o bishop_n that_o have_v be_v place_v over_o they_o even_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n 34._o s._n paul_n own_o convert_n a_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o doubt_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v if_o any_o question_n be_v now_o make_v of_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v here_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o vi_o or_o queen_n maryes_fw-mi day_n i_o may_v also_o say_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n herself_o if_o with_o 120._o baronius_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o areopagite_n life_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n this_o hegesippus_n live_v next_o after_o the_o first_o succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o expressit_fw-la eusebius_n note_v and_o be_v himself_o a_o christian_n fin_fw-fr of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v careful_a to_o record_v unto_o posterity_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o alteration_n that_o follow_v after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n where_o first_o he_o show_v that_o 〈◊〉_d jame_v the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n surname_v the_o just_a do_v govern_v that_o church_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n yet_o so_o as_o 1._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o write_v some_o twenty_o year_n after_o he_o further_o add_v that_o he_o have_v this_o preferment_n even_o before_o the_o three_o prime_a apostle_n peter_n and_o
the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n james_n and_o john_n to_o be_v choose_v the_o peculiar_a bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o then_o mother_n church_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n the_o just_a 32._o hegesippus_n declare_v that_o symeon_n the_o son_n of_o clopas_n or_o cleophas_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n under_o who_o he_o suffer_v a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o ignatius_n do_v be_v then_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o by_o that_o account_n bear_v before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n where_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o prime_a historian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o 32._o until_o these_o time_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o virgin_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o corrupt_v with_o the_o overspread_n of_o heretical_a doctrine_n for_o howsoever_o heresy_n do_v spring_v up_o before_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o disciple_n who_o have_v hear_v our_o lord_n himself_o preach_v that_o the_o author_n and_o fautor_n thereof_o be_v not_o able_a to_o get_v any_o great_a head_n be_v force_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o opposite_n to_o lurk_v in_o obscurity_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v gather_v unto_o their_o father_n and_o none_o of_o those_o be_v leave_v who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o hear_v the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n own_o mouth_n the_o heretic_n take_v that_o advantage_n begin_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o combination_n and_o with_o open_a face_n public_o to_o maintain_v the_o 20._o opposition_n of_o their_o science_n false_o so_o call_v from_o whence_o they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n or_o man_n of_o knowledge_n against_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o by_o those_o who_o be_v 2._o eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v 3._o once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o beginner_n of_o which_o conspiracy_n be_v one_o thebûthis_n who_o have_v at_o the_o first_o be_v breed_v in_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o sect_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o those_o day_n divide_v but_o afterward_o because_o he_o miss_v of_o a_o bishopric_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v aspire_v this_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v whereunto_o justus_n after_o the_o death_n of_o symeon_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o can_v think_v of_o no_o readyer_n a_o way_n thorough_o to_o revenge_v himself_o of_o this_o disgrace_n than_o by_o raise_v up_o the_o like_a distraction_n among_o the_o christian_n which_o as_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o show_v the_o malignity_n of_o that_o ambitious_a sectary_n so_o do_v it_o in_o the_o occasion_n discover_v withal_o the_o great_a esteem_n that_o in_o those_o early_a day_n be_v have_v of_o episcopacy_n when_o hegesippus_n write_v this_o ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o ancient_a of_o any_o since_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n eleutherius_fw-la as_o we_o hear_v before_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o who_o 4._o lucius_n king_n of_o the_o britain_n as_o our_o bede_n relate_v send_v a_o epistle_n desire_v that_o by_o his_o mean_n he_o may_v be_v make_v christian._n who_o present_o obtain_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o pious_a request_n and_o the_o britain_n keep_v the_o faith_n then_o receive_v sound_a and_o undefiled_a in_o quiet_a peace_n until_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n by_o who_o bloody_a persecution_n the_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o british_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o quite_o extinguish_v but_o that_o within_o ten_o year_n after_o and_o eleven_o before_o the_o first_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a three_o of_o our_o bishop_n be_v present_a and_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n 9_o eborius_n of_o york_n restitutus_n of_o london_n and_o adelfius_n of_o colchester_n if_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v call_v there_o colonia_n londinensium_n the_o first_o root_n of_o who_o succession_n we_o must_v fetch_v beyond_o eleutherius_fw-la and_o as_o high_a as_o s._n peter_n himself_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o junii_fw-la constitute_v church_n here_o and_o ordain_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o they_o as_o symeon_n metaphrastes_n relate_v out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o ibid._n eusebius_n as_o it_o seem_v that_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o our_o hand_n but_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o seven_o singular_a bishop_n who_o be_v the_o constant_a precedent_n over_o those_o church_n be_v point_v at_o under_o that_o name_n for_o other_o sure_a they_o can_v not_o be_v if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o quality_n with_o polycarpus_n the_o then_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n who_o without_o all_o question_n be_v such_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v herein_o unto_o those_o that_o see_v he_o and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o as_o tertullian_n in_o express_a term_n affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v place_v there_o by_o s._n john_n himself_o in_o the_o testimony_n before_o allege_v out_o of_o his_o 2._o prescription_n so_o do_v he_o elsewhere_o from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n not_o obscure_o intimate_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o number_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o the_o same_o descent_n 5._o we_o have_v say_v he_o the_o church_n that_o be_v breed_v by_o john_n for_o although_o martion_n do_v reject_v his_o revelation_n yet_o the_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n reckon_v up_o unto_o their_o original_n will_v stand_v for_o john_n to_o be_v their_o founder_n neither_o do_v the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n mention_v by_o photius_n mean_v any_o other_o by_o those_o seven_o bishop_n who_o assistance_n he_o say_v s._n john_n do_v use_v after_o his_o return_n from_o patmos_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o ephesian_n for_o 254._o be_v revoke_v from_o his_o exile_n say_v he_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o nerva_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o ephesus_n and_o be_v assist_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o seven_o bishop_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o continue_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o piety_n until_o the_o empire_n of_o trajan_n that_o he_o remain_v with_o the_o ephesian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o asia_n until_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n and_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o he_o publish_v his_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o witness_v by_o 3_o ireneus_fw-la that_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o island_n after_o the_o death_n of_o domitian_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v confirm_v likewise_o both_o by_o 23._o eusebius_n and_o by_o 9_o hierom_n who_o further_o add_v that_o matthaei_n at_o the_o earnest_a entreaty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n he_o write_v there_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o also_o be_v free_a from_o his_o banishment_n do_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o diverse_a church_n be_v clear_o testify_v by_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o those_o who_o go_v before_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v far_o from_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v 23._o when_o s._n john_n say_v he_o domitian_n the_o tyrant_n be_v dead_a remove_v from_o the_o island_n of_o patmos_n unto_o ephesus_n by_o the_o entreaty_n of_o some_o he_o go_v also_o unto_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n in_o some_o place_n constitute_v bishop_n in_o other_o sound_v whole_a church_n among_o these_o neighbour_a church_n be_v that_o of_o hierapolis_n which_o have_v papias_n place_v 2._o bishop_n therein_o that_o this_o man_n be_v 33._o a_o hearer_n of_o s._n john_n and_o a_o companion_n of_o polycarpus_n be_v testify_v by_o his_o own_o scholar_n theodoram_fw-la irenaeus_n and_o that_o he_o converse_v with_o meminit_fw-la the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o christ_n also_o he_o himself_o do_v thus_o declare_v in_o the_o proëme_n of_o the_o five_o book_n which_o he_o entitle_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ibid._n if_o upon_o occasion_n any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n which_o have_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n do_v come_v i_o diligent_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o speech_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v what_o andrew_n or_o what_o peter_n do_v say_v or_o what_o philip_n or_o thomas_n or_o james_n or_o john_n or_o