10._o they_o be_v all_o dumb_a dog_n they_o can_v bark_v sleep_v lie_v down_o love_v to_o slumber_n etc._n etc._n he_o must_v be_v very_o acute_a that_o can_v convict_v pluralist_n out_o of_o these_o text_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o which_o may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o priest_n possess_v one_o benefice_n as_o two_o nay_o what_o do_v this_o at_o all_o concern_v parochial_a priest_n as_o such_o be_v direct_v against_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n many_o of_o who_o be_v not_o priest_n and_o those_o who_o be_v priest_n not_o fix_v in_o distinct_a parish_n not_o to_o say_v that_o he_o must_v be_v blind_a who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o first_o passage_n be_v direct_v against_o the_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n of_o temporal_a governor_n the_o second_o reprove_v the_o cowardice_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o do_v not_o courageous_o oppose_v idolatry_n nor_o warn_v the_o people_n against_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v when_o wicked_a prince_n endeavour_v to_o introduce_v it_o such_o dumb_a dog_n be_v the_o presbyterian_o and_o other_o dissenter_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o late_a king_n who_o former_o make_v a_o violent_a outcry_n against_o popery_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o other_o king_n when_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o danger_n of_o it_o but_o when_o the_o danger_n become_v real_a and_o popery_n in_o earnest_n begin_v tobe_n introduce_v be_v then_o whole_o silent_a fear_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o rather_o assist_v to_o introduce_v it_o by_o encourage_v that_o unhappy_a prince_n in_o the_o usurpation_n of_o his_o dispense_v power_n i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o trifle_v if_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o serious_a answer_n to_o some_o other_o text_n which_o be_v in_o this_o case_n produce_v by_o our_o adversary_n to_o no_o better_a purpose_n that_o text_n of_o s._n matthew_n allege_v by_o the_o puritan_n conventicler_n 2._o abraham_n beget_v isaac_n whence_o he_o observe_v that_o residence_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o abraham_n have_v not_o reside_v he_o can_v not_o have_v beget_v isaac_n be_v as_o material_a as_o any_o of_o they_o not_o to_o except_v the_o irrefragable_a testimony_n say_v to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n who_o in_o their_o annotation_n on_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n be_v there_o say_v to_o have_v create_v subjoin_v this_o worthy_a note_n here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n arch-deacon_n official_o pluralist_n etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la god_n do_v not_o create_v they_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o residence_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o spanish_a bishop_n and_o divine_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n etc._n who_o often_o and_o strong_o endeavour_v to_o get_v residence_n to_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o consequent_o indispensable_a their_o authority_n in_o this_o case_n never_o fail_v to_o be_v urge_v by_o our_o adversary_n as_o if_o they_o will_v represent_v the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v worse_o than_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n however_o it_o be_v somewhat_o absurd_a to_o urge_v against_o we_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o minor_a part_n of_o that_o council_n when_o themselves_o will_v not_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o it_o we_o believe_v the_o whole_a council_n to_o be_v fallible_a much_o more_o the_o lesser_a part_n they_o pretend_v indeed_o this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o more_o learned_a and_o honest_a part_n of_o the_o council_n this_o be_v speak_v gratis_o and_o may_v as_o easy_o be_v deny_v by_o we_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o spanish_a bishop_n be_v not_o free_a from_o sinister_a and_o corrupt_a design_n herein_o and_o the_o divine_n who_o dispute_v on_o their_o side_n be_v all_o dominican_n friar_n and_o consequent_o no_o impartial_a judge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o secular_a clergy_n but_o to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o their_o authority_n it_o respect_v not_o the_o case_n of_o parochial_a priest_n but_o only_o of_o bishop_n the_o pope_n have_v usurp_v to_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n not_o only_o in_o name_n but_o office_n upon_o pretence_n of_o which_o his_o flatterer_n maintain_v that_o all_o the_o pastoral_a power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v original_o by_o christ_n to_o he_o alone_o and_o from_o he_o derive_v to_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o delegate_n and_o commissioner_n to_o overthrow_v this_o doctrine_n and_o assert_v their_o own_o authority_n the_o spanish_a bishop_n labour_v in_o the_o council_n to_o obtain_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o residence_n since_o if_o that_o be_v allow_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o their_o order_n also_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o not_o only_o by_o papal_a permission_n and_o delegation_n of_o this_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o dependent_n in_o the_o council_n be_v aware_a quash_v their_o undertake_n now_o all_o this_o relate_v only_o to_o bishop_n so_o that_o to_o apply_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o spanish_a bishop_n herein_o to_o the_o case_n of_o parish_n priest_n may_v be_v allow_v indeed_o in_o our_o dissenter_n who_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o two_o order_n but_o be_v unpardonable_a in_o a_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o can_v but_o know_v that_o although_o the_o pope_n have_v not_o original_a jurisdiction_n in_o toto_fw-la &_o in_fw-la solido_fw-la in_o any_o diocese_n beside_o his_o own_o yet_o a_o bishop_n have_v in_o all_o the_o parish_n of_o his_o diocese_n and_o that_o although_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o parochial_a cure_n be_v not_o so_o but_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n i_o will_v examine_v the_o case_n of_o residence_n more_o strict_o and_o first_o by_o such_o consideration_n as_o shall_v equal_o concern_v the_o case_n of_o bishop_n and_o of_o parish_n priest_n second_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o residence_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o last_o show_n that_o although_o the_o residence_n of_o bishop_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o residence_n of_o parish_n priest_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o the_o general_a consideration_n which_o concern_v the_o cause_n of_o both_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o settle_v the_o limit_n and_o term_n of_o this_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la residence_n thing_n of_o this_o nature_n appear_v very_o plausible_a in_o the_o theory_n and_o while_o they_o be_v carry_v no_o further_o seem_v desirable_a and_o excellent_a but_o when_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n the_o folly_n of_o the_o speculation_n will_v soon_o appear_v if_o therefore_o the_o spanish_a bishop_n have_v be_v ask_v in_o the_o council_n whether_o the_o residence_n which_o they_o assert_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n include_v the_o whole_a year_n or_o only_a part_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v agree_v in_o it_o if_o residence_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n be_v require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o what_o warrant_n do_v they_o appear_v in_o that_o place_n out_o of_o their_o diocese_n or_o at_o any_o time_n attend_v their_o prince_n or_o his_o council_n or_o officer_n upon_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o church_n or_o state_n if_o only_o partial_a residence_n be_v require_v who_o shall_v define_v how_o much_o god_n will_v accept_v or_o how_o much_o may_v lawful_o be_v spend_v out_o of_o their_o diocese_n it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v against_o they_o that_o it_o be_v rash_a and_o unwarrantable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o define_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o time_n require_v or_o rather_o that_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v reveal_v nothing_o as_o to_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n that_o he_o intend_v no_o such_o obligation_n that_o if_o residence_n be_v indeed_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la necessary_a no_o authority_n upon_o earth_n can_v dispense_v with_o one_o day_n absence_n but_o if_o so_o the_o interest_n and_o necessity_n and_o emergency_n of_o the_o church_n can_v not_o be_v manage_v successful_o or_o supply_v or_o if_o 40_o or_o 60_o day_n be_v allow_v for_o such_o occasion_n why_o not_o as_o well_o 70_o or_o 80_o since_o here_o be_v no_o fix_a rule_n to_o determine_v the_o number_n beside_o the_o occasion_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o may_v sometime_o as_o well_o require_v a_o absence_n of_o the_o whole_a 365_o day_n as_o of_o sixty_o and_o when_o such_o case_n happen_v such_o a_o total_a absence_n will_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o suppose_v a_o partial_a absence_n to_o be_v so_o the_o
a_o defence_n of_o plurality_n or_o hold_v two_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n as_o now_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavel_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1692._o a_o defence_n of_o plurality_n or_o hold_v two_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n as_o now_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n introduction_n the_o use_n and_o continuance_n of_o plurality_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n since_o the_o reformation_n have_v be_v much_o inveigh_v against_o ever_o since_o the_o rise_n of_o puritanism_n and_o represent_v as_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o subservient_fw-fr only_o to_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o clergy_n that_o the_o puritan_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o heat_n oppose_v it_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v because_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o opposition_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o apparent_a show_n of_o religious_a zeal_n to_o that_o waspish_a generation_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o oppose_v any_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v practise_v or_o permit_v by_o the_o church_n however_o lawful_a and_o indifferent_a or_o perhaps_o decent_a and_o necessary_a and_o no_o artisice_n be_v think_v unlawful_a which_o may_v create_v to_o they_o a_o opinion_n of_o sanctity_n among_o the_o people_n but_o that_o a_o accusation_n raise_v against_o the_o church_n by_o her_o profess_a enemy_n shall_v be_v continue_v and_o prosecute_v by_o she_o own_o member_n we_o shall_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o wonder_v if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v by_o frequent_a example_n to_o what_o intemperancy_n mankind_n may_v be_v betray_v by_o the_o use_n of_o false_a principle_n none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a what_o clamour_n have_v in_o late_a year_n be_v raise_v and_o carry_v on_o against_o plurality_n what_o accusatious_a have_v be_v form_v against_o they_o in_o the_o write_n and_o discourse_n of_o many_o otherwise_o deserve_o eminent_a how_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a relic_n of_o popery_n that_o they_o be_v traduce_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o many_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o church_n affirm_v to_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o or_o little_o less_o than_o such_o obstruct_v the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o destroy_v the_o honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o great_a load_n upon_o they_o all_o the_o violent_a exclamation_n bring_v former_o by_o good_a and_o zealous_a man_n against_o those_o enormous_a plurality_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o present_a permission_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v practise_v among_o we_o without_o any_o restraint_n or_o limitation_n the_o clergy_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n assure_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o impertinence_n of_o these_o exclamation_n have_v remain_v silent_a expect_v that_o this_o unreasonable_a accusation_n shall_v cease_v with_o time_n or_o at_o least_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o those_o who_o the_o solly_n of_o puritanism_n have_v not_o yet_o infect_v but_o when_o many_o person_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o quarrel_n and_o public_o desame_a the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v not_o fit_v the_o injure_a clergy_n shall_v any_o long_o continue_v their_o silence_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v a_o confession_n of_o gild_n or_o give_v way_n to_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o a_o hasty_a and_o imprudent_a change_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v probable_o produce_v to_o the_o church_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a what_o a_o difficult_a province_n i_o have_v undertake_v what_o opposition_n and_o censure_n will_v attend_v it_o many_o will_v esteem_v it_o a_o paradox_n and_o most_o will_v conclude_v it_o a_o rash_a undertake_n to_o oppose_v reason_n to_o a_o popular_a cry_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v what_o almost_o all_o man_n by_o hear_v only_o one_o side_n have_v be_v long_o since_o induce_v to_o condemn_v many_o good_a man_n real_o zealous_a and_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n will_v perhaps_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o apologise_v for_o what_o they_o have_v hitherto_o believe_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o evil._n to_o these_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o give_v entire_a satisfaction_n if_o they_o will_v judge_v with_o candour_n and_o indifferency_n other_o who_o be_v far_o the_o most_o violent_a adversary_n only_o zealous_a in_o pretence_n affect_v to_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o extraordinary_a piety_n not_o real_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n but_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o will_v decry_v the_o author_n of_o this_o apology_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o purity_n as_o a_o ungodly_a pluralist_n who_o prefer_v his_o interest_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o nor_o will_v perhaps_o stop_v here_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o anger_n if_o he_o be_v so_o unfortunate_a as_o to_o be_v discover_v indeed_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o withal_o so_o advantageous_a a_o subject_n to_o expose_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o especial_o the_o suppose_a corruption_n of_o a_o national_a church_n that_o the_o inclination_n of_o ambitious_a man_n to_o oppose_v this_o innocent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n may_v easy_o be_v account_v for_o it_o seem_v to_o unwary_a person_n to_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n of_o exalt_a sanctity_n to_o oppugn_v the_o receive_a discipline_n of_o any_o communion_n since_o this_o insinuate_v as_o if_o they_o be_v more_o religious_a and_o know_v than_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o such_o man_n nothing_o be_v more_o grievous_a than_o to_o be_v tie_v down_o to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o religion_n and_o government_n since_o to_o be_v religious_a in_o the_o common_a way_n will_v never_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n somewhat_o must_v be_v continual_o attempt_v by_o they_o which_o may_v make_v the_o credulous_a part_n of_o mankind_n cry_v out_o see_v a_o man_n more_o religious_a than_o all_o the_o clergy_n who_o go_v before_o or_o be_v contemporary_a with_o he_o they_o all_o practise_v or_o at_o least_o allow_v a_o scandalous_a custom_n this_o man_n piety_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o qualifi_v he_o beyond_o other_o to_o be_v a_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v lamentable_a indeed_o to_o consider_v that_o the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v so_o easy_o wrought_v upon_o by_o design_v man_n and_o that_o impostor_n of_o this_o kind_n shall_v seldom_o want_v success_n such_o exclamation_n against_o the_o receive_a order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o common-place_n to_o all_o ambitious_a clergyman_n desire_v to_o appear_v zealous_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o discover_v vice_n in_o another_o or_o corruption_n in_o a_o society_n this_o be_v a_o subject_a which_o will_v afford_v constant_a matter_n to_o public_a harangue_n and_o can_v never_o be_v exhaust_v at_o the_o same_o time_n nothing_o be_v more_o popular_a in_o that_o it_o quali_v the_o perverse_a nature_n of_o man_n who_o general_o love_v to_o hear_v thing_n and_o person_n of_o public_a esteem_n decry_v and_o secure_v to_o the_o pretend_a zealot_n the_o reputation_n of_o a_o more_o elevate_a piety_n than_o that_o which_o appear_v in_o any_o of_o those_o who_o he_o oppose_v with_o this_o artifice_n a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o create_v authority_n to_o himself_o but_o cover_v his_o own_o fault_n however_o gross_a and_o numerous_a by_o divert_v and_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o or_o if_o his_o own_o crime_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v dissemble_v compensate_v for_o they_o by_o a_o wonderful_a appearance_n of_o zeal_n he_o that_o will_v vehement_o exclaim_v against_o plurality_n and_o the_o other_o suppose_a imperfection_n of_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o neglect_v all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n may_v be_v nonresident_a may_v sordid_o enrich_v himself_o and_o his_o relation_n may_v injure_v his_o equal_n oppress_v his_o inferior_n and_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v easy_o forgive_v in_o consideration_n of_o his_o zeal_n if_o i_o will_v recommend_v myself_o to_o a_o lecture_n in_o the_o city_n i_o can_v take_v no_o more_o successful_a method_n than_o to_o inveigh_v against_o plurality_n to_o accuse_v the_o clergy_n of_o negligence_n and_o covetousness_n the_o name_n of_o a_o zealous_a reformer_n will_v set_v i_o beyond_o all_o competition_n of_o real_a worth_n and_o learning_n if_o i_o desire_v to_o excuse_v any_o scandalous_a immorality_n which_o can_v be_v dissemble_v i_o will_v arraign_v all_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o
bishop_n williams_n hold_v with_o the_o bishopric_n of_o lincoln_n and_o afterward_o with_o the_o archbishopric_n of_o york_n the_o deanery_n of_o westminster_n a_o residentiaries_n place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o lincoln_n the_o prebend_n of_o asgarvey_n in_o the_o same_o and_o the_o rectory_n of_o walgrave_n if_o i_o may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v allow_v to_o speak_v free_o to_o the_o gentleman_n and_o layman_n of_o our_o communion_n who_o the_o popular_a cry_n against_o plurality_n may_v have_v deceive_v i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o reason_n which_o this_o apology_n shall_v offer_v without_o prejudice_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o those_o real_a pest_n of_o the_o church_n mental_a simony_n and_o bond_n of_o resignation_n which_o in_o time_n will_v become_v her_o ruin_n the_o removal_n of_o these_o evil_n will_n far_o more_o become_v their_o zeal_n and_o from_o they_o only_o a_o remedy_n can_v be_v obtain_v herein_o notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a difficulty_n of_o maintain_v what_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o most_o man_n be_v a_o paradox_n notwithstanding_o the_o opposition_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o good_a man_n prepossess_v herein_o and_o bad_a man_n who_o by_o such_o a_o defence_n may_v be_v deprive_v of_o one_o of_o their_o common-place_n of_o declaim_v i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o undertake_v this_o province_n be_v assure_v that_o therein_o i_o shall_v defend_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o ever_o since_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o parish_n have_v permit_v plurality_n and_o can_v now_o be_v well_o support_v without_o they_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o law_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o have_v allow_v they_o of_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o this_o nation_n who_o have_v confirm_v and_o continue_v they_o of_o the_o honourable_a peer_n and_o university_n of_o this_o realm_n who_o have_v qualify_v person_n to_o obtain_v they_o the_o reputation_n of_o many_o excellent_a person_n both_o alive_a and_o dead_a who_o have_v grant_v and_o enjoy_v they_o of_o many_o eminent_a divine_n and_o lawyer_n who_o have_v justify_v they_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v hereby_o free_a the_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o other_o bishop_n reside_v near_o the_o court_n for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o majesty_n and_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o that_o mortal_a sin_n which_o all_o who_o maintain_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o plurality_n fix_v upon_o nonresidence_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o person_n i_o be_o bind_v either_o by_o respect_n or_o duty_n and_o if_o therewith_o the_o former_a practice_n of_o some_o present_a oppugner_n of_o plurality_n be_v defend_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v sorry_a although_o i_o shall_v receive_v no_o thanks_o from_o they_o the_o enemy_n of_o plurality_n proceed_v upon_o these_o head_n either_o that_o to_o hold_v more_o benefice_n than_o one_o with_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la unlawful_a or_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o design_n of_o parochial_a endowment_n or_o that_o it_o be_v high_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o church_n against_o these_o i_o shall_v assert_v and_o in_o order_n prove_v these_o three_o proposition_n i._o plurality_n of_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la unlawful_a ii_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o first_o design_n of_o parochial_a endowment_n iii_o it_o be_v not_o inconvenient_a to_o the_o church_n chap._n i._n that_o plurality_n be_v unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n some_o casuist_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n chief_o those_o of_o the_o mendicant_a or_o jesuit_n order_n have_v maintain_v and_o many_o zealous_a oppugner_n of_o plurality_n among_o the_o reformer_n have_v take_v up_o their_o opinion_n or_o at_o least_o exaggerated_a the_o guilt_n of_o plurality_n so_o far_o as_o that_o it_o can_v searce_v otherwise_o be_v interpret_v if_o we_o inquire_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o heinous_a charge_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la unlawful_a but_o either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o none_o have_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o pretend_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n bathe_v determine_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o place_n that_o direct_v no_o more_o of_o parochial_a priest_n than_o of_o parochial_a constable_n there_o remain_v then_o only_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n express_v in_o scripture_n which_o can_v fix_v this_o guilt_n upon_o plurality_n but_o if_o we_o peruse_v the_o bible_n from_o one_o end_n to_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v find_v no_o direction_n herein_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v therein_o either_o of_o parochial_a priest_n or_o parochial_a cure_n nor_o indeed_o can_v be_v since_o the_o institution_n of_o they_o be_v first_o make_v long_o after_o the_o write_n of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n as_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o as_o for_o text_n which_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o allude_v thereto_o which_o our_o reform_a adversary_n sometime_o allege_v they_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o this_o cause_n since_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a principle_n among_o all_o protestant_n that_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v unlawful_a which_o be_v not_o declare_v to_o be_v such_o either_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n yet_o in_o this_o case_n our_o adversary_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o betray_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o arraign_v that_o as_o malum_fw-la in_o se_fw-la of_o which_o nature_n and_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a in_o our_o dissenter_n this_o opinion_n be_v yet_o much_o more_o unpardonable_a who_o maintain_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v introduce_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o in_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n which_o be_v not_o warrant_v by_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n may_v still_o remain_v so_o notwithstanding_o the_o silence_n of_o scripture_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v change_v from_o indifferent_a to_o unlawful_a without_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n when_o scripture_n can_v be_v produce_v our_o adversary_n fly_v to_o metaphor_n make_v great_a use_n of_o a_o metaphor_n frequent_a in_o ancient_a canon_n wherein_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o episcopal_a or_o parochial_a care_n be_v compare_v to_o marriage_n that_o as_o a_o man_n can_v have_v two_o wife_n so_o neither_o can_v he_o have_v two_o benefice_n but_o alas_o shall_v metaphor_n and_o trope_n and_o simile_n condemn_v a_o man_n have_v the_o scripture_n any_o where_o say_v that_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o marriage_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o case_n of_o benefice_n with_o cure_n of_o soul_n do_v not_o every_o one_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o to_o stretch_v similitude_n too_o far_o or_o more_o fallacious_a than_o to_o argue_v from_o they_o will_v these_o man_n be_v conclude_v by_o the_o similitude_n which_o themselves_o bring_v if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o bishopric_n to_o another_o or_o from_o one_o benefice_n to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v to_o change_v one_o wife_n for_o another_o but_o against_o this_o the_o early_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n have_v prevail_v as_o to_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o the_o too_o common_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v afterward_o restrain_v by_o canon_n and_o as_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o our_o adversary_n will_v maintain_v such_o translation_n to_o be_v unlawful_a but_o the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v the_o necessity_n of_o residence_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o since_o residence_n can_v be_v maintain_v in_o two_o different_a place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o therefore_o plurality_n of_o benefice_n be_v unlawful_a if_o we_o demand_v their_o warrant_n for_o this_o assertion_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o very_o destitute_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o herein_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o urge_v be_v very_o remote_a and_o scarce_o applicable_a to_o our_o case_n such_o be_v that_o reproof_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n in_o ezekiel_n etc._n woe_n to_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n that_o feed_v themselves_o sell_v not_o the_o shepherd_n feed_v the_o flock_n you_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o you_o clothe_v you_o with_o the_o wool_n the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o description_n of_o they_o in_o isaiah_n his_o watchman_n be_v blind_a
that_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n require_v this_o office_n shall_v be_v discharge_v by_o the_o proper_a and_o immediate_a officer_n these_o thing_n sound_v very_o well_o at_o the_o first_o hear_v but_o when_o reduce_v to_o practice_n be_v find_v to_o be_v insignificant_a for_o it_o ofttimes_o happen_v that_o the_o curate_n be_v a_o better_a physician_n of_o soul_n than_o the_o rector_n in_o which_o case_n it_o conduce_v to_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o such_o a_o parish_n that_o the_o cure_n thereof_o be_v supply_v rather_o by_o the_o curate_n than_o by_o the_o rector_n in_o person_n i_o know_v our_o adversary_n will_v present_o cry_v out_o remove_v the_o rector_n and_o let_v the_o curate_n take_v his_o place_n but_o soft_a and_o fair_a it_o will_v scarce_o be_v think_v just_a that_o a_o layman_n shall_v be_v dispossess_v and_o his_o estate_n give_v to_o another_o upon_o no_o other_o title_n than_o the_o great_a worth_n of_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o distinguish_v our_o case_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o spiritual_a concern_v of_o it_o for_o the_o injustice_n in_o both_o case_n be_v alike_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o rector_n though_o inâ—eriour_a to_o the_o curate_n in_o this_o respect_n may_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v far_o superior_a in_o merit_n to_o he_o last_o if_o this_o be_v admit_v no_o quiet_a or_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n can_v ever_o be_v maintain_v as_o upon_o the_o least_o reflection_n will_v be_v evident_a beyond_o contradiction_n further_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v the_o rector_n to_o be_v always_o the_o far_o more_o worthy_a person_n more_o skilful_a to_o direct_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o more_o diligent_a in_o apply_v such_o direction_n yet_o will_v not_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v thence_o evince_v rather_o it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o two_o parish_n for_o although_o he_o ordinary_o supply_v one_o parish_n by_o a_o curate_n yet_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o reside_v at_o that_o some_o considerable_a time_n every_o year_n and_o at_o all_o time_n to_o inspect_n and_o direct_v his_o curate_n by_o which_o mean_v two_o parish_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o excellent_a guide_n which_o without_o the_o permission_n of_o plurality_n will_v have_v be_v afford_v but_o to_o one_o the_o number_n of_o such_o excellent_a person_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n far_o inferior_a to_o the_o number_n of_o parochial_a cure_n in_o england_n the_o last_o effort_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o every_o parish_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o person_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n that_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v this_o account_n by_o any_o proxy_n but_o will_v expect_v that_o every_o parish_n priest_n shall_v render_v it_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o according_a to_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o perform_v the_o divine_a office_n and_o repeat_v sermon_n once_o a_o week_n but_o they_o must_v visit_v the_o sick_a reprove_v the_o scandalous_a reconcile_v difference_n teach_v their_o flock_n by_o constant_a example_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n this_o argument_n be_v plausible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v improve_v by_o a_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o i_o need_v not_o add_v any_o more_o to_o give_v to_o it_o its_o full_a force_n yet_o withal_o it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o include_v nothing_o of_o substance_n if_o it_o be_v narrow_o examine_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o infer_v that_o god_n will_v exact_v from_o every_o parish_n priest_n a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o single_a soul_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n or_o that_o he_o will_v in_o no_o case_n accept_v the_o discharge_n of_o this_o care_n by_o a_o substitute_n be_v false_a for_o no_o more_o can_v be_v require_v than_o that_o the_o priest_n shall_v render_v a_o general_a account_n of_o his_o charge_n that_o he_o have_v be_v diligent_a in_o preach_v in_o administer_a the_o holy_a office_n ready_a to_o apply_v this_o general_a care_n to_o particular_a person_n as_o opportunity_n shall_v offer_v and_o exemplary_a in_o his_o conversation_n and_o then_o as_o to_o a_o proxy_n if_o the_o priest_n allege_v that_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o parish_n to_o he_o do_v disburden_v he_o of_o that_o care_n and_o impose_v it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n upon_o a_o substitute_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o accept_v this_o plea._n we_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o cure_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o weighty_a concern_v that_o great_a diligence_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v whether_o incumbent_n or_o curate_n aught_o to_o be_v conversant_a among_o his_o â—lock_n and_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o make_v constant_a provision_n for_o they_o the_o church_n have_v consider_v this_o long_a since_o and_o however_o our_o anti-pluralists_a be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o singular_a wisdom_n have_v weigh_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n long_o before_o they_o for_o this_o reason_n by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v be_v provide_v that_o two_o populous_a parish_n have_v not_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o one_o person_n that_o if_o one_o be_v far_o more_o populous_a than_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v make_v his_o more_o constant_a residence_n in_o the_o former_a these_o rule_v the_o arch-bishop_n never_o â—ail_v to_o observe_v in_o grant_v dispensation_n of_o plurality_n and_o these_o abundant_o obviate_v all_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n for_o in_o two_o contiguous_a parish_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a case_n of_o plurality_n the_o incumbent_a of_o both_o although_o reside_v constant_o in_o one_o of_o they_o may_v easy_o minister_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o both_o may_v inform_v himself_o of_o the_o behaviour_n of_o his_o flock_n may_v administer_v spiritual_a advice_n to_o they_o may_v be_v exemplary_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o â—ach_v parish_n may_v be_v enable_v of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o soul_n the_o case_n of_o two_o remote_a benefice_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o one_o priest_n be_v more_o rare_a yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n the_o church_n have_v make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o same_o advantage_n by_o direct_v the_o pluralist_n to_o reside_v upon_o the_o one_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o year_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o at_o least_o three_o month_n in_o the_o year_n and_o grant_v to_o he_o a_o dispensation_n upon_o these_o condition_n that_o this_o three_o month_n residence_n upon_o that_o benefice_n which_o be_v less_o frequent_v add_v to_o the_o constant_a residence_n of_o a_o able_a curate_n upon_o it_o will_v full_o supply_v the_o end_n abovementioned_a will_v easy_o appear_v no_o man_n doubt_n that_o a_o parish_n priest_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n hold_v one_o benefice_n there_o and_o reside_v continual_o upon_o it_o may_v be_v able_a full_o and_o conscientious_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n now_o the_o number_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o london_n one_o with_o another_o may_v be_v reasonable_o compute_v to_o be_v about_o 5000._o scarce_o any_o parish_n in_o england_n possess_v by_o a_o pluralist_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o the_o canon_n to_o bestow_v his_o more_o constant_a residence_n include_v 500_o soul_n however_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o number_n in_o this_o parish_n include_v 500_o soul_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o reside_v three_o month_n every_o year_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n of_o the_o incumbent_n to_o his_o parishioner_n and_o a_o particular_a enquiry_n into_o the_o state_n and_o behaviour_n of_o they_o and_o communicate_v the_o influence_n of_o a_o good_a example_n to_o all_o of_o they_o three_o month_n will_v effect_v as_o much_o in_o relation_n to_o 500_o as_o thirty_o month_n and_o much_o more_o than_o twelve_o month_n will_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o these_o 5000._o so_o that_o if_o we_o grant_v the_o people_n of_o london_n to_o be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o their_o spiritual_a concern_v by_o the_o constant_a residence_n of_o their_o parish_n priest_n much_o more_o will_v the_o three_o month_n residence_n of_o any_o rector_n add_v to_o the_o constant_a attendance_n of_o his_o curate_n supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o such_o country_n parish_n these_o
be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o their_o majesty_n and_o the_o reverend_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n will_v revive_v the_o order_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o episcopal_a function_n in_o those_o diocese_n which_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o proper_a bishop_n either_o through_o necessary_a absence_n or_o through_o age_n and_o infirmity_n and_o for_o this_o there_o need_v no_o new_a law_n or_o canon_n i_o have_v pass_v through_o those_o consideration_n which_o do_v particular_o relate_v to_o the_o case_n of_o bishop_n although_o from_o these_o a_o invincible_a argument_n for_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o plurality_n and_o nonresidence_n in_o parish_n priest_n may_v be_v raise_v for_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o bishop_n to_o obtain_v plurality_n and_o use_v nonresidence_n much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o a_o priest_n who_o duty_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a nor_o his_o office_n of_o so_o great_a concern_v to_o the_o church_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v what_o i_o before_o propose_v that_o although_o plurality_n and_o nonresidence_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la forbid_v to_o bishop_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n forbid_v to_o priest_n they_o who_o maintain_v the_o residence_n of_o bishop_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o therefore_o bishop_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la oblige_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n in_o their_o diocese_n which_o office_n they_o suppose_v can_v be_v discharge_v without_o residence_n upon_o this_o principle_n the_o spanish_a bishop_n proceed_v when_o they_o contend_v for_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o residence_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n this_o principle_n we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v allow_v yet_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o residence_n in_o bishop_n do_v not_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o involve_v parochial_a priest_n in_o the_o same_o obligation_n unless_o their_o parochial_a office_n also_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n which_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v i_o know_v the_o presbyterian_o do_v contend_v for_o this_o as_o make_v no_o distinction_n in_o order_n or_o office_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n but_o for_o a_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a to_o argue_v the_o jus_o divinum_fw-la of_o parish_n priest_n residence_n from_o the_o jus_o divinum_fw-la of_o bishop_n residence_n be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o betray_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o episcopacy_n to_o the_o presbyterian_o bishop_n in_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o they_o be_v design_v by_o god_n to_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n in_o certain_a city_n and_o the_o territory_n of_o they_o to_o be_v assign_v to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o order_n but_o the_o designation_n of_o they_o to_o some_o certain_a place_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o territory_n of_o that_o place_n and_o consequent_o the_o greatness_n or_o smallness_n of_o his_o diocese_n do_v indeed_o depend_v upon_o human_a law_n and_o no_o more_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o presbyter_n be_v indeed_o also_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o not_o their_o designation_n to_o any_o certain_a place_n they_o be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v to_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o govern_v and_o instruct_v his_o flock_n not_o necessary_o to_o preside_v in_o any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n diocese_n or_o to_o take_v care_n of_o any_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o to_o assist_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o method_n as_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n shall_v direct_v so_o that_o although_o the_o division_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n into_o many_o diocese_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o the_o division_n of_o any_o diocese_n into_o many_o parish_n be_v not_o so_o all_o this_o will_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o division_n of_o diocese_n into_o parish_n and_o assign_v those_o parish_n to_o the_o perpetual_a care_n of_o so_o many_o priest_n be_v make_v by_o mere_a humane_a authority_n and_o that_o in_o different_a method_n and_o gradual_o and_o not_o begin_v till_o some_o age_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o bishop_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o will_v evince_v all_o that_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o by_o we_o and_o not_o only_o overthrow_v the_o argument_n of_o our_o adversary_n draw_v from_o the_o suppose_a jus_o divinum_fw-la of_o bishop_n residence_n but_o also_o demonstrate_v that_o neither_o plurality_n of_o parochial_a cure_n nor_o nonresidence_n upon_o such_o cure_n can_v be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la unlawful_a to_o a_o presbyter_n it_o be_v absurd_a that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o matter_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a right_n when_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n judge_n hobart_n 149._o well_o maintain_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o plurality_n however_o another_o great_a lawyer_n lord_n chief_z justice_n coke_n be_v so_o far_o mistake_v as_o to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o division_n of_o diocese_n into_o parish_n and_o subjection_n of_o every_o parish_n to_o a_o peculiar_a priest_n be_v make_v by_o humane_a authority_n long_o after_o the_o institution_n of_o bishop_n and_o foundation_n of_o church_n gradual_o and_o not_o uniform_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o propagate_v in_o the_o city_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o it_o be_v very_o late_o before_o it_o extend_v to_o the_o country_n village_n we_o may_v suppose_v that_o for_o some_o time_n at_o least_o one_o church_n supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o city_n that_o the_o bishop_n preside_v in_o that_o one_o church_n none_o will_v doubt_v all_o this_o while_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o appropriation_n of_o certain_a presbyter_n to_o certain_a church_n when_o the_o number_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o any_o city_n or_o in_o the_o neighbour_a country_n multiply_v so_o far_o that_o one_o church_n can_v not_o contain_v they_o other_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o city_n or_o country_n and_o the_o number_n of_o these_o increase_v proportionable_o with_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n of_o any_o diocese_n these_o auxiliary_a church_n be_v no_o other_o than_o chapel_n of_o ease_n to_o the_o mother-church_n at_o which_o the_o bishop_n reside_v and_o be_v account_v as_o such_o until_o at_o least_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o five_o century_n the_o bishop_n himself_o reside_v at_o the_o mother-church_n attend_v by_o his_o presbyter_n the_o auxiliary_a church_n be_v serve_v by_o the_o presbyter_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o bishop_n either_o in_o common_a or_o by_o turn_n or_o in_o any_o other_o method_n which_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o prudence_n shall_v direct_v if_o any_o bishop_n think_v â—it_a to_o appoint_v certain_a presbyter_n to_o attend_v constant_o and_o without_o change_n upon_o certain_a church_n it_o be_v mere_o because_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n other_o bishop_n take_v different_a method_n as_o themselves_o judge_v best_a and_o may_v either_o appoint_v two_o presbyter_n either_o coordinate_a or_o subaltern_a to_o serve_v one_o church_n or_o one_o presbyter_n to_o serve_v two_o church_n or_o all_o presbyter_n to_o take_v their_o turn_n in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v no_o fix_a or_o determinate_a rule_n herein_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o be_v attest_v by_o sozomen_n 1â—_n who_o write_v about_o the_o year_n 430_o for_o he_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o singularity_n in_o the_o diocese_n of_o alexandria_n that_o therein_o parochial_a church_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v those_o auxiliary_a church_n before_o mention_v be_v appropriate_v or_o commit_v to_o so_o many_o certain_a fix_a presbyter_n petavius_n indeed_o contend_v aâ—ianâ_fw-la that_o the_o same_o custom_n obtain_v at_o this_o time_n as_o well_o in_o rome_n as_o in_o alexandria_n but_o his_o opinion_n and_o authority_n be_v confute_v by_o valesius_fw-la in_o his_o note_n upon_o this_o place_n of_o sozomen_n and_o will_v be_v further_o overthrow_v by_o that_o observation_n which_o immediate_o follow_v i_o will_v only_o add_v in_o this_o place_n that_o even_o in_o alexandria_n the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o the_o sacred_a office_n be_v not_o yet_o entrust_v to_o the_o parochial_a clergy_n but_o great_a part_n of_o it_o reserve_v to_o be_v execute_v only_o in_o the_o cathedral_n church_n for_o socrates_n affirm_v 22._o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o presbyter_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o preach_v at_o alexandria_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o about_o this_o time_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o presbyter_n begin_v at_o rome_n to_o be_v fix_v
live_n of_o england_n be_v now_o hold_v by_o pluralist_n who_o hardly_o see_v either_o of_o their_o live_n in_o a_o year_n and_o serve_v by_o mean_a curate_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o calumny_n to_o the_o second_o article_n touch_v dilapidation_n i_o only_o answer_v that_o dilapidation_n be_v no_o more_o incident_a to_o a_o pluralist_n than_o to_o a_o unalist_n and_o for_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o the_o objector_n and_o add_v that_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o archdeacon_n if_o it_o be_v not_o correct_v and_o amend_v the_o three_o objection_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o alm_n and_o hospitality_n and_o to_o this_o the_o former_a answer_n may_v suffice_v that_o pluralist_n be_v no_o more_o guilty_a of_o this_o neglect_n than_o unalist_n but_o because_o the_o objection_n be_v popular_a i_o will_v consider_v it_o somewhat_o further_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o clergy_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o act_n 21_o h._n 8._o to_o maintain_v hospitality_n so_o be_v the_o laity_n possess_v the_o land_n of_o dissolve_a abbey_n not_o only_o by_o the_o design_n but_o by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o act_n 31_o h._n 8._o yet_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v ever_o do_v by_o they_o nor_o require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v add_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o pope_n sylvester_n direct_v a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o it_o be_v somewhat_o shameful_a for_o a_o professor_n of_o the_o law_n to_o cite_v the_o decree_n of_o pope_n sylvester_n as_o genuine_a which_o be_v forge_v almost_o 500_o year_n after_o his_o death_n as_o to_o the_o law_n of_o king_n alfred_n why_o be_v not_o those_o law_n as_o well_o produce_v which_o direct_v a_o community_n of_o possession_n in_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o clergy_n as_o in_o the_o first_o endowment_n of_o the_o church_n may_v that_o clergyman_n be_v accurse_v who_o do_v not_o give_v alm_n of_o that_o he_o have_v and_o maintain_v hospitality_n among_o his_o neighbour_n and_o parishioner_n according_a to_o his_o circumstance_n and_o ability_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v without_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o change_n of_o time_n imagine_v the_o same_o obligation_n of_o alm_n and_o hospitality_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o clergy_n which_o be_v former_o before_o the_o reformation_n it_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o all_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o nation_n to_o maintain_v a_o effuse_n hospitality_n to_o which_o they_o be_v the_o more_o induce_v by_o the_o great_a cheapness_n of_o all_o thing_n consumable_a and_o without_o it_o no_o great_a man_n can_v keep_v up_o his_o interest_n or_o reputation_n now_o the_o lay-nobility_n and_o gentry_n have_v whole_o lay_v it_o aside_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v continue_v by_o the_o clergy_n it_o will_v be_v account_v no_o other_o than_o luxury_n and_o prodigality_n then_o it_o be_v a_o real_a charity_n to_o make_v constant_a feast_n for_o the_o inferior_a people_n who_o live_v very_o mean_o and_o hardly_o now_o they_o general_o live_v so_o well_o that_o a_o good_a entertainment_n will_v very_o little_o oblige_v they_o and_o will_v scarce_o be_v a_o work_n of_o charity_n then_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v very_o great_a no_o tax_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o but_o by_o themselves_o the_o recovery_n of_o their_o right_n and_o due_n be_v easy_a be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o decision_n of_o their_o own_o court_n their_o title_n for_o life_n be_v secure_a what_o ever_o change_n in_o government_n happen_v they_o be_v undisturbed_a they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o make_v any_o provision_n for_o posterity_n and_o last_o little_a learning_n be_v then_o require_v or_o expect_v of_o they_o and_o consequent_o few_o book_n necessary_a to_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a since_o the_o reformation_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o their_o revenue_n have_v be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o and_o even_o of_o that_o little_a which_o remain_v a_o great_a part_n be_v diminish_v by_o prevail_a modi_fw-la decimandi_fw-la and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v often_o not_o to_o be_v obtain_v but_o by_o course_n of_o law_n and_o that_o take_v out_o oâ—_n the_o hand_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o most_o case_n of_o moment_n and_o put_v into_o a_o long_a costly_a and_o difficult_a method_n they_o be_v burden_v with_o constant_a ordinary_a tax_n unknown_a to_o layman_n in_o extraordinary_a tax_n they_o be_v general_o force_v to_o pay_v a_o much_o great_a proportion_n than_o other_o man_n who_o in_o some_o place_n oppress_v they_o as_o they_o please_v herein_o without_o any_o remedy_n concern_v the_o insecurity_n of_o their_o title_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o law_n have_v allow_v they_o to_o bring_v up_o child_n for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o public_a and_o consequent_o to_o make_v a_o competent_a provision_n for_o they_o and_o last_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v become_v necessary_a to_o they_o a_o much_o great_a number_n and_o variety_n of_o book_n be_v now_o requisite_a than_o be_v former_o to_o they_o these_o consideration_n may_v persuade_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o just_a to_o expect_v equal_a alm_n and_o hospitality_n in_o the_o present_a as_o in_o the_o ancient_a clergy_n but_o after_o all_o plurality_n be_v so_o far_o from_o obstruct_v that_o it_o increase_v both_o charity_n and_o hospitality_n in_o the_o clergy_n enable_v they_o to_o perform_v both_o more_o free_o and_o plentiful_o than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v do_v and_o that_o may_v be_v as_o well_o perform_v in_o the_o benefice_n less_o frequent_v as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o benefice_n so_o rich_a which_o a_o man_n may_v not_o if_o he_o so_o please_v expend_v whole_o in_o alm_n and_o hospitality_n in_o that_o three_o month_n residence_n which_o the_o canon_n require_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o no_o such_o residence_n be_v make_v if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o will_v be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o do_v not_o enforce_v the_o pluralist_n to_o observe_v the_o term_n of_o his_o dispensation_n but_o when_o it_o be_v general_o affirm_v it_o be_v no_o more_o true_a than_o that_o other_o charge_n that_o no_o hospitality_n be_v keep_v by_o pluralist_n for_o the_o four_o accusation_n raise_v from_o the_o scandal_n consequent_a to_o plurality_n there_o need_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o that_o since_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o inconvenience_n from_o which_o the_o suppose_a scandal_n do_v arise_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v unjust_o charge_v upon_o plurality_n the_o imputation_n of_o scandal_n must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n if_o plurality_n be_v neither_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o nor_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o endowment_n of_o church_n nor_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o notable_a inconvenience_n as_o have_v be_v large_o prove_v it_o can_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o any_o scandal_n to_o those_o who_o right_o judge_v it_o will_v indeed_o still_o be_v occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o such_o as_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o unjust_a exclamation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v undeceive_v but_o then_o the_o fault_n lie_v whole_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scandal_n who_o represent_v a_o innocent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o inexcusable_a scandal_n if_o the_o surplice_n and_o cross_n be_v scandalous_a to_o any_o those_o man_n only_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v who_o have_v persuade_v the_o simple_a people_n that_o they_o be_v unlawful_a or_o superstitious_a if_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o a_o socinian_n he_o must_v lay_v the_o whole_a blame_n upon_o his_o own_o understanding_n the_o church_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o account_v for_o these_o thing_n nor_o to_o change_v her_o doctrine_n ceremony_n and_o receive_v practice_n to_o please_v the_o humour_n of_o brainsick_a man_n however_o somewhat_o must_v be_v particular_o answer_v to_o that_o violent_a exclamation_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n herein_o to_o be_v more_o corrupt_a and_o enormous_a than_o it_o ever_o be_v before_o the_o reformation_n or_o now_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n after_o all_o her_o impudence_n be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o abuse_n yet_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o practice_n be_v continue_v and_o defend_v by_o she_o the_o example_n of_o france_n be_v produce_v against_o we_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o abuse_n our_o church_n have_v in_o this_o kind_n comparable_a to_o their_o commendatory_a abbot_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o great_a and_o better_a number_n of_o the_o
prelate_n in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v produce_v with_o ostentation_n against_o plurality_n yet_o i_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o history_n of_o that_o council_n 252._o and_o therein_o i_o find_v these_o word_n the_o wise_a sort_n of_o prelate_n agree_v uniform_o to_o inhibit_v all_o of_o what_o condition_n soever_o to_o have_v more_o than_o three_o befice_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o pope_n former_o give_v dispensation_n for_o 〈◊〉_d without_o number_n or_o measure_n and_o present_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a now_o nay_o far_o worse_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o let_v every_o man_n judge_n our_o church_n have_v confine_v her_o dispensation_n to_o the_o number_n of_o two_o benefice_n and_o the_o measure_n to_o the_o distance_n of_o 30_o mile_n the_o number_n be_v never_o exceed_v the_o distance_n very_o rare_o and_o that_o only_o when_o the_o archbishop_n be_v overrule_v by_o a_o express_a command_n from_o court_n which_o have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o late_a year_n 252._o father_n paul_n can_v have_v tell_v the_o author_n of_o this_o objection_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 30_o or_o 40_o benefice_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o christendom_n be_v often_o unite_v in_o favour_n of_o some_o one_o person_n that_o bishopric_n be_v often_o give_v to_o man_n not_o have_v the_o episcopal_a order_n and_o that_o pope_n clement_n vii_o do_v in_o the_o year_n 1534_o grant_v to_o this_o nephew_n the_o cardinal_n de_fw-fr medicis_n all_o the_o benefice_n and_o spiritual_a preferment_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n secular_a and_o regular_a with_o and_o without_o cure_n be_v vacant_a for_o six_o month_n together_o or_o if_o these_o example_n will_v not_o satisfy_v let_v the_o practice_n of_o plurality_n in_o archbishop_n peckham_n time_n as_o it_o be_v before_o set_v down_o be_v remember_v will_v any_o one_o now_o say_v that_o such_o exorbitancy_n of_o plurality_n be_v now_o practise_v in_o our_o church_n after_o the_o conviction_n of_o this_o principal_a article_n of_o accusation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consutation_n of_o lesser_a mistake_n as_o that_o former_o in_o this_o kingdom_n many_o bishopric_n and_o abbey_n be_v enjoy_v by_o foreigner_n who_o never_o see_v they_o whereas_o there_o never_o be_v in_o england_n above_o four_o such_o bishop_n and_o not_o one_o abbot_n that_o i_o can_v ever_o find_v that_o dispensation_n be_v then_o few_o because_o they_o must_v be_v have_v from_o rome_n come_v slow_o etc._n etc._n whereas_o their_o legate_n and_o procurator_n here_o resident_a be_v wont_a to_o grant_v they_o that_o there_o be_v ten_o dispensation_n for_o plurality_n now_o for_o one_o then_o which_o be_v affirm_v without_o any_o proof_n or_o ground_n and_o that_o few_o of_o those_o dispense_v with_o be_v nonresident_a upon_o both_o their_o live_n as_o now_o whereas_o then_o bishop_n and_o nobleman_n be_v wont_a to_o retain_v in_o their_o family_n five_o time_n as_o many_o chaplain_n and_o clergyman_n as_o they_o do_v now_o the_o last_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n pretend_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o plurality_n be_v that_o it_o cause_v the_o clergy_n to_o appear_v worldly-minded_n whereas_o they_o ought_v rather_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o affect_v or_o at_o least_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o poverty_n that_o they_o ought_v only_o to_o propose_v to_o themselves_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o not_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o that_o it_o be_v unevangelical_a to_o desire_v increase_n of_o possession_n these_o topic_n appear_v very_o plausible_a indeed_o and_o be_v therefore_o employ_v against_o the_o secular_a clergy_n former_o by_o the_o mendicant_a friar_n and_o late_o by_o their_o successor_n in_o hypocrisy_n the_o puritan_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o observe_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v more_o greedy_a of_o riches_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n more_o sordid_a than_o any_o other_o generation_n of_o man_n whether_o the_o observation_n be_v not_o true_a of_o these_o also_o let_v the_o world_n judge_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v a_o very_a fallacious_a argument_n to_o infer_v from_o the_o poverty_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o their_o successor_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v deduce_v from_o the_o community_n of_o possession_n which_o obtain_v among_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n that_o the_o good_n of_o all_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v common_a now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n the_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o clergy_n be_v general_o poor_a 26._o for_o not_o many_o wise_a not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v yet_o no_o man_n think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o laity_n shall_v be_v now_o conclude_v by_o this_o example_n to_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o create_v a_o sufficient_a regard_n and_o reverence_n but_o after_o the_o cease_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v to_o the_o clergy_n by_o their_o learning_n and_o authority_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v get_v or_o maintain_v without_o competent_a riches_n certain_o god_n best_o understand_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v herein_o when_o he_o found_v the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o he_o command_v the_o clergy_n to_o be_v endow_v far_o in_o proportion_n above_o the_o laity_n whereas_o now_o all_o that_o the_o clergy_n desire_n be_v that_o the_o small_a remain_a part_n of_o what_o be_v ancient_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o munificence_n of_o our_o prince_n and_o which_o after_o all_o raise_v they_o not_o equal_a level_n with_o ingenuous_a person_n of_o the_o laity_n shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o they_o the_o envy_n and_o malignity_n wherewith_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v indeed_o unaccountable_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o be_v englishman_n and_o freeborn_a subject_n as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o right_n and_o privilege_n with_o other_o that_o what_o they_o possess_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n if_o not_o great_a by_o which_o any_o layman_n hold_v their_o estate_n that_o out_o of_o their_o possession_n they_o contribute_v as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o to_o the_o support_n of_o the_o public_a nay_o far_o more_o than_o any_o other_o in_o proportion_n that_o they_o live_v as_o sober_o and_o inoffensive_o to_o say_v no_o more_o as_o other_o do_v yet_o a_o competent_a estate_n invest_v in_o they_o shall_v be_v envy_v and_o malign_v which_o in_o the_o most_o vicious_a layman_n of_o the_o nation_n will_v have_v escape_v without_o envy_n or_o murmur_v as_o if_o a_o man_n must_v be_v make_v incapable_a of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o life_n only_o because_o he_o peculiar_o attend_v the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o instruct_v other_o man_n in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o profession_n to_o seek_v only_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n all_o this_o other_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o they_o to_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o despise_v riches_n when_o they_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o clergyman_n ought_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o seek_v his_o own_o temporal_a good_a or_o the_o increase_n of_o possession_n be_v fanatical_a nonsense_n which_o no_o man_n that_o ever_o pretend_a to_o it_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o his_o own_o concern_n it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a office_n simple_o to_o desire_v riches_n or_o increase_v of_o possession_n but_o only_o by_o sinister_a method_n to_o procure_v or_o to_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o now_o pluralist_n be_v no_o more_o incline_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o plurality_n to_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o their_o revenue_n or_o possession_n than_o unalist_n be_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o one_o benefice_n to_o do_v the_o same_o any_o one_o may_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o good_a clergyman_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o he_o may_v neglect_v they_o in_o either_o case_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o ill_a use_n not_o the_o be_v of_o riches_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v blame_v in_o clergyman_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o clergy_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o corrupt_a that_o it_o can_v be_v just_o say_v that_o they_o make_v not_o general_o as_o good_a use_n of_o their_o revenue_n as_o other_o man_n i_o have_v answer_v all_o the_o pretend_a inconvenience_n of_o plurality_n and_o show_v