suppose_v it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o a_o parson_n and_o lecturer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n will_v not_o this_o sufficient_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a that_o though_o for_o some_o accidental_a respect_n they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o appellation_n yet_o original_o and_o frequent_o they_o be_v call_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n the_o same_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n though_o for_o some_o contingent_a and_o adventitious_a reason_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v discriminate_v in_o their_o title_n yet_o original_o they_o be_v always_o and_o afterward_o sometime_o call_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o appellation_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v just_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n but_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o think_v cogent_a enough_o the_o three_o and_o last_o will_v unquestionable_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n and_o most_o clear_o evince_v the_o identity_n or_o sameness_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o to_o order_n and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v express_o say_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o distinct_a ecclesiastical_a order_n viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n and_o if_o there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o presbyter_n can_v be_v distinct_a from_o bishop_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v three_o now_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o order_n viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v plain_a from_o that_o golden_a ancient_n remain_v of_o clemens_n romanus_n wherein_o he_o thus_o write_v 54._o in_o the_o country_n and_o 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v they_o ordain_v their_o first_o convert_v for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n over_o those_o who_o shall_v believe_v nor_o be_v these_o order_n new_a for_o for_o many_o age_n past_o it_o be_v thus_o prophesy_v concern_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n i_o will_v appoint_v their_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n and_o their_o deacon_n in_o faith_n this_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v here_o quote_v be_v in_o isa._n 60._o 17._o i_o will_v make_v thy_o officer_n peace_n and_o thy_o exactor_n righteousness_n whether_o it_o be_v right_o apply_v be_v not_o my_o business_n to_o determine_v that_o that_o i_o observe_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o order_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n which_o clemens_n suppose_v be_v prophetical_o promise_v long_o before_o and_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_o assert_v in_o another_o passage_n of_o the_o say_v clemens_n a_o little_a after_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o 57_o apostle_n foreknow_v through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o contention_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o therefore_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foreknowledge_n appoint_v the_o aforesaid_a officer_n viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o leave_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o succession_n describe_v that_o so_o when_o they_o die_v other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o and_o reform_v their_o office_n so_o that_o there_o be_v only_o the_o two_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o they_o ordain_v but_o those_o two_o i_o think_v no_o one_o have_v ever_o a_o commission_n to_o add_v a_o three_o or_o to_o split_v one_o into_o two_o as_o must_v be_v do_v if_o we_o separate_v the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n from_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n but_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v the_o order_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n be_v include_v therein_o will_v manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o induction_n of_o those_o forecited_n passage_n in_o clemens_n epistle_n and_o his_o drift_n and_o design_n thereby_o which_o be_v to_o appease_v and_o calm_v the_o schism_n and_o faction_n of_o some_o unruly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o design_v to_o depose_v their_o presbyter_n and_o that_o he_o may_v dissuade_v they_o from_o this_o violent_a and_o irregular_a action_n among_o other_o argument_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o that_o this_o be_v to_o thwart_v the_o design_n and_o will_n of_o god_n who_o will_v that_o all_o shall_v live_v orderly_o in_o their_o respective_a place_n do_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o station_n not_o invade_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o other_o and_o that_o for_o this_o end_n that_o all_o occasion_n of_o disorderliness_n and_o confusion_n may_v be_v prevent_v he_o have_v institute_v diversity_n of_o office_n in_o his_o church_n appoint_v every_o man_n to_o his_o particular_a work_n to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o apply_v himself_o without_o violent_o leap_v into_o other_o man_n place_n and_o that_o particular_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v through_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o contentious_a and_o unruly_a man_n will_v irregular_o aspire_v to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n by_o the_o deposition_n of_o their_o lawful_a presbyter_n therefore_o that_o such_o turbulent_a spirit_n may_v be_v repress_v or_o leave_v inexcusable_a they_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n where_o they_o preach_v and_o describe_v the_o manner_n and_o qualification_n of_o their_o successor_n who_o shall_v come_v after_o they_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o be_v revere_v and_o obey_v with_o the_o same_o respect_n and_o obedience_n as_o they_o before_o be_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o perverter_n of_o the_o divine_a institution_n and_o contemner_n of_o the_o apostolic_a authority_n who_o dare_v to_o degrade_v their_o presbyter_n who_o have_v receive_v their_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o a_o immediate_a succession_n from_o those_o who_o 〈◊〉_d advance_v to_o that_o dignity_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n for_o which_o the_o forequote_v passage_n be_v speak_v which_o clear_o evince_v that_o presbyter_n be_v include_v under_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n or_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v bishop_n for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v clemens_n exhort_v the_o schismatical_a corinthian_n to_o obey_v their_o presbyter_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o apostle_n ordination_n of_o bishop_n if_o their_o presbyter_n have_v not_o be_v bishop_n but_o that_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n will_v appear_v also_o from_o that_o place_n of_o irenaeus_n where_o he_o exhort_v we_o 278._o to_o withdraw_v from_o those_o presbyter_n who_o serve_v their_o lust_n and_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n contemn_v other_o and_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o first_o session_n but_o to_o adhere_v to_o those_o who_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o with_o their_o presbyterial_a order_n be_v inoffensive_a and_o exemplary_a in_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n to_o the_o information_n and_o correction_n of_o other_o for_o such_o presbyter_n the_o church_n educate_n and_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n say_v i_o will_v 〈◊〉_d thou_o prince_n in_o peace_n and_o bishop_n in_o righteousness_n now_o that_o by_o these_o presbyter_n bishop_n be_v mean_v i_o need_v not_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o precedent_a chapter_n positive_o assert_v it_o the_o description_n of_o they_o in_o this_o quotation_n by_o their_o enjoy_n the_o dignity_n of_o the_o first_o session_n and_o the_o application_n of_o that_o text_n of_o isaiah_n unto_o they_o clear_o evince_v it_o no_o one_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v bishop_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v superior_a in_o degree_n to_o other_o presbyter_n or_o as_o irenaeus_n style_v it_o honour_v with_o the_o first_o session_n but_o yet_o he_o also_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o different_a in_o order_n be_v of_o the_o presbyterial_a order_n which_o include_v both_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o this_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n i_o shall_v subjoin_v that_o of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n who_o though_o he_o mention_n 481._o the_o process_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n from_o which_o some_o conclude_v the_o bishop_n superiority_n of_o order_n yet_o the_o subsequent_a word_n evident_o declare_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o degree_n and_o that_o as_o to_o order_n they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o he_o immediate_o add_v that_o those_o office_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o angelic_a glory_n and_o of_o that_o dispensation_n which_o as_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o wait_v for_o who_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o the_o apostle_n live_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o evangelick_n righteousness_n for_o these_o the_o apostle_n write_v shall_v be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o cloud_n here_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o saint_n glorification_n in_o 1_o thess._n 4._o 17._o then_o we_o which_o be_v alive_a and_o remain_v shall_v be_v catch_v up_o together_o with_o they_o in_o the_o cloud_n to_o meet_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o shall_v we_o ever_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o there_o first_o as_o deacon_n attend_v and_o then_o
according_a to_o the_o process_n or_o next_o station_n of_o glory_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o presbytery_n for_o glory_n differ_v from_o glory_n till_o they_o increase_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n now_o in_o this_o passage_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o ecclesiastical_a order_n viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n or_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o first_o be_v that_o he_o say_v that_o those_o order_n be_v resemble_v by_o the_o angelic_a order_n now_o the_o scripture_n mention_n but_o two_o order_n of_o angel_n viz._n archangel_n and_o angel_n the_o archangel_n preside_v over_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o angel_n obey_v and_o attend_v on_o the_o archangel_n according_a to_o this_o resemblance_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v but_o two_o ecclesiastical_a order_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v bishop_n or_o 〈◊〉_d byter_n preside_v and_o govern_v with_o the_o deacon_n attend_v and_o obey_v the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o passage_n which_o prove_v but_o two_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v his_o liken_v of_o they_o to_o the_o progressive_a glory_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o at_o the_o judgement_n day_n shall_v be_v catch_v up_o in_o the_o cloud_n and_o there_o shall_v first_o as_o deacon_n attend_v and_o wait_v on_o christ_n judgment-seat_n and_o then_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v over_o shall_v have_v their_o glory_n perfect_v in_o be_v place_v on_o the_o celestial_a throne_n of_o that_o sublime_a presbytery_n where_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v blessed_v and_o happy_a so_o that_o there_o be_v only_o the_o two_o order_n of_o deacon_n and_o presbyter_n the_o former_a whereof_o being_n the_o inseriour_a order_n never_o sit_v at_o their_o 〈◊〉_d convention_n but_o like_o servant_n origen_n stand_v and_o wait_v on_o the_o latter_a who_o 84._o sit_v down_o on_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o seat_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o semicircle_n whence_o they_o be_v frequent_o call_v consessus_fw-la presbyterii_fw-la or_o the_o session_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o which_o session_n he_o that_o be_v more_o peculiarly_a the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o parish_n sit_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o semicircle_n on_o a_o seat_n somewhat_o elevate_v above_o those_o of_o his_o 64._o colleague_n as_o cyprian_n call_v they_o and_o so_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o by_o his_o priority_n in_o the_o same_o order_n but_o not_o by_o his_o be_v of_o another_o order_n thus_o the_o foresay_a clemens_n alexandrinus_n distinguish_v the_o bishop_n from_o the_o presbyter_n by_o his_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o first_o seat_n in_o the_o presbytery_n not_o by_o his_o sit_v in_o a_o different_a seat_n from_o they_o for_o thus_o he_o write_v 480._o he_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o do_v and_o teach_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o ordain_v by_o man_n or_o esteem_v just_a because_o a_o presbyter_n but_o because_o just_a therefore_o receive_v into_o the_o 〈◊〉_d who_o although_o he_o be_v not_o honour_v with_o the_o first_o seat_n on_o earth_n yet_o shall_v hereafter_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o twenty_o and_o four_o throne_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n judge_v the_o people_n so_o that_o both_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o presbytery_n only_o the_o bishop_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a seat_n therein_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o what_o i_o come_v now_o from_o prove_v viz._n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v equal_a in_o order_n but_o different_a in_o degree_n that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o minister_n of_o their_o respective_a parish_n and_o the_o latter_a their_o curate_n or_o assistant_n whether_o this_o have_v be_v full_o prove_v or_o whether_o the_o precedent_a quotation_n do_v natural_o conclude_v the_o premise_n the_o learned_a reader_n will_v easy_o determine_v i_o be_o not_o conscious_a that_o i_o have_v stretch_v any_o word_n beyond_o their_o natural_a signification_n have_v deduce_v from_o they_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o fair_o import_v if_o i_o be_o mistake_v i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v pardon_v since_o i_o do_v it_o not_o design_o or_o voluntary_o as_o before_o so_o now_o i_o profess_v again_o that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o kind_a and_o oblige_v to_o give_v i_o better_a information_n i_o shall_v thankful_o and_o willing_o acknowledge_v and_o quit_v my_o error_n but_o till_o that_o information_n be_v give_v and_o the_o falsity_n of_o my_o present_a opinion_n be_v evince_v which_o after_o the_o impartial_a and_o narrow_a enquiry_n i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v i_o hope_v no_o one_o will_v be_v offend_v that_o i_o have_v assert_v the_o equality_n or_o identity_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o to_o order_n and_o their_o difference_n as_o to_o preeminency_n or_o degree_n §_o 4._o now_o from_o this_o notion_n of_o presbyter_n there_o evident_o result_v the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o one_o church_n even_o for_o the_o same_o intent_n and_o end_n though_o more_o necessary_a and_o needful_a that_o curate_n be_v now_o to_o those_o minister_n and_o incumbent_n who_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o variety_n of_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n do_v frequent_o occur_v both_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n and_o persecution_n the_o particular_n whereof_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o enumerate_v that_o disable_v the_o bishop_n from_o attend_v on_o and_o discharge_v their_o pastoral_a office_n therefore_o that_o such_o vacancy_n may_v be_v supply_v and_o such_o inconvenience_n remedy_v they_o entertain_v presbyter_n or_o curate_n who_o during_o their_o absence_n may_v supply_v their_o place_n who_o also_o be_v helpful_a to_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v present_a with_o their_o flock_n to_o counsel_n and_o advise_v they_o whence_o bishop_n cyprian_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o 55._o common_a council_n of_o his_o presbyter_n beside_o this_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o christianity_n churches_n be_v in_o most_o place_n thin_a and_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o a_o bishop_n by_o any_o disaster_n be_v incapacitate_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o function_n it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o get_v a_o neighbour_a bishop_n to_o assist_v he_o to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o public_a school_n or_o university_n except_o we_o say_v the_o catechetick_a lecture_n at_o alexandria_n be_v one_o for_o the_o breed_n of_o young_a minister_n who_o may_v succeed_v the_o bishop_n as_o they_o die_v wherefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o church_n take_v care_n to_o instruct_v and_o elevate_v some_o young_a man_n who_o may_v be_v prepare_v to_o come_v in_o their_o place_n when_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o thus_o for_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reason_n most_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o presbyter_n who_o help_v the_o bishop_n while_n live_v and_o be_v fit_v to_o succeed_v they_o when_o dead_a §_o 5._o i_o say_v only_o most_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o presbyter_n because_o all_o be_v not_o especial_o those_o church_n which_o be_v new_o plant_v where_o either_o the_o number_n or_o ability_n of_o the_o belîever_n be_v small_a and_o inconsiderable_a neither_o indeed_o be_v presbyter_n essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n a_o church_n may_v be_v without_o they_o as_o well_o as_o a_o parish_n can_v be_v without_o a_o 〈◊〉_d now_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o have_v a_o bishop_n a_o presbyter_n be_v only_o necessary_a for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o office_n and_o to_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o succeed_a he_o in_o his_o place_n and_o dignity_n after_o his_o death_n for_o as_o 〈◊〉_d write_v 457._o where_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n the_o bishop_n alone_a administer_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n §_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o time_n when_o presbyter_n begin_v to_o i_o it_o seem_v plain_a that_o their_o office_n be_v even_o in_o the_o apostolic_a age_n though_o by_o their_o name_n they_o be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o bishop_n till_o sometime_o after_o the_o first_o author_n now_o extant_a who_o distinct_o mention_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n who_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o second_o century_n but_o without_o doubt_n before_o his_o time_n even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o church_n increase_v or_o be_v somewhat_o large_a there_o be_v more_o in_o holy_a order_n than_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20._o 28._o and_o philippi_n philip._n 1._o 1._o which_o
a_o collection_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n who_o mention_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n 214._o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o africa_n and_o numidia_n else_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o this_o sense_n in_o any_o write_n either_o of_o this_o or_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n but_o whenever_o they_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o any_o kingdom_n or_o province_n they_o always_o say_v in_o the_o plural_a the_o church_n never_o in_o the_o singular_a the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o kingdom_n or_o province_n thus_o dyonisius_n alexandrinus_n do_v not_o say_v the_o church_n 251._o but_o the_o church_n of_o cilicia_n and_o so_o irenaeus_n mention_n 36._o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o germany_n spain_n france_n the_o east_n egypt_n and_o lybia_n so_o also_o tertullian_n speak_v of_o the_o 314._o church_n of_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n and_o 386._o the_o church_n of_o greece_n and_o so_o of_o every_o country_n they_o always_o express_v the_o church_n thereof_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n v._o the_o word_n church_n frequent_o occur_v for_o that_o which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o invisible_a church_n that_o be_v for_o those_o who_o by_o a_o sound_a repentance_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n be_v actual_o interest_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o this_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n must_v we_o understand_v tertullian_n when_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n have_v 196._o espouse_v the_o church_n and_o that_o 455._o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a marriage_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o irenaeus_n 308._o that_o the_o church_n be_v fit_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o word_n oftentimes_o use_v in_o other_o of_o the_o father_n as_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o any_o one_o do_v doubt_v it_o vi_o the_o word_n church_n be_v frequent_o to_o be_v interpret_v of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n irenaeus_n pray_v that_o the_o 229._o heretic_n may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o their_o heresy_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o exhort_v all_o sincere_a christian_n not_o to_o follow_v heretic_n but_o to_o 342._o fly_v to_o the_o church_n upon_o which_o account_n heretic_n be_v say_v to_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n as_o tertullian_n tell_v martion_n that_o when_o he_o become_v a_o heretic_n 13._o he_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o heresy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v dissonant_n from_o the_o church_n as_o origen_n write_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n be_v 1._o alien_a from_o the_o church_n there_o be_v yet_o several_a other_o signification_n of_o this_o word_n though_o not_o so_o usual_a as_o some_o of_o the_o forementioned_a one_o nor_o so_o pertinent_a to_o my_o design_n so_o that_o i_o may_v just_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v they_o but_o lest_o any_o shall_v be_v desirous_a to_o know_v they_o i_o will_v just_o name_v they_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o what_o be_v more_o material_a beside_o then_o those_o former_a signification_n the_o word_n according_a to_o its_o original_a import_n be_v also_o use_v for_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_a sometime_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o heretic_n as_o tertullian_n call_v the_o marcionite_n 255._o the_o church_n of_o martion_n at_o other_o time_n it_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o orthodox_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heretic_n as_o by_o the_o same_o 69._o tertullian_n sometime_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o heathen_a assembly_n as_o by_o 128._o origen_n at_o other_o time_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o believe_a gentile_n as_o by_o 271._o irenaeus_n in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o deputy_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o in_o 52._o ignatius_n in_o other_o place_n it_o signify_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a in_o heaven_n which_o we_o common_o call_v the_o church_n triumphant_a as_o in_o 104._o clemens_n alexandriaeus_fw-la once_o i_o find_v it_o denote_v the_o 279._o laity_n only_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o clergy_n and_o once_o signify_v only_a 382._o christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o faithful_a §_o 2._o but_o the_o usual_a and_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o which_o we_o must_v chief_o treat_v be_v that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n under_o their_o proper_a pastor_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o exercise_v of_o christian_a discipline_n now_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o natural_o present_v its_o self_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o make_v up_o and_o compose_v such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 134._o elect_n 1._o the_o call_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o innumerable_a place_n they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o brethren_n because_o of_o their_o brotherly_a love_n and_o affection_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o faithful_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o have_v no_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n nor_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o more_o particular_o we_o may_v divide_v they_o into_o two_o part_n into_o the_o people_n that_o compose_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o person_n who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a employment_n or_o to_o conform_v to_o our_o ordinary_a dialect_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v a_o early_a distinction_n be_v mention_v by_o 53._o clemens_n romanus_n and_o after_o he_o by_o 1._o origen_n and_o several_a other_o §_o 3._o each_o of_o these_o have_v their_o particular_a office_n and_o both_o together_o have_v their_o joint_a employment_n to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o speak_v in_o the_o ensue_a tract_n as_o they_o natural_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o these_o three_o particular_n i._n the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n ii_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n iii_o the_o joint_a act_n of_o they_o both_o by_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o three_o question_n some_o discovery_n will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o constitution_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o their_o practice_n with_o respect_n to_o many_o point_n unhappy_o controvert_v among_o we_o §_o 4._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n now_o here_o must_v be_v consider_v the_o function_n of_o every_o particular_a order_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o we_o may_v say_v to_o be_v three_o viz._n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n who_o employment_n we_o shall_v several_o handle_v as_o also_o several_a other_o point_n which_o under_o those_o head_n shall_v offer_v themselves_o unto_o we_o i_o shall_v begin_v first_o with_o the_o bishop_n but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n both_o of_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o state_n of_o paganism_n and_o darkness_n have_v their_o understanding_n cloud_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n alienate_v from_o god_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o he_o applaud_v their_o own_o brutish_a invention_n and_o adore_v as_o god_n whatever_o their_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o silly_a fancy_n propose_v to_o they_o as_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o homage_n into_o this_o miserable_a state_n all_o mankind_n except_o the_o jew_n have_v wilful_o cast_v themselves_o and_o have_v not_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n enlighten_v they_o they_o will_v have_v continue_v in_o that_o lose_a and_o blind_a condition_n to_o this_o very_a day_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v on_o his_o cross_n triumph_v over_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o perfect_o conquer_v the_o devil_n who_o before_o have_v rule_v effectual_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n he_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o be_v then_o assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n indue_a they_o thereby_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n and_o both_o commissionate_v and_o fit_v they_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n who_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o on_o high_a go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o
to_o the_o gentile_n declare_v those_o glad_a tiding_n to_o all_o kingdom_n and_o province_n so_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v rom._n 10._o 18._o their_o sound_n go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n every_o one_o take_v a_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o his_o proper_a province_n to_o make_v know_v the_o joyful_a news_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n through_o christ_n therein_o thus_o st._n andrew_n principal_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o scythia_n st._n bartholomew_n in_o india_n st._n matthew_n in_o parthia_n st._n john_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o particular_a province_n allot_v they_o wherein_o they_o go_v forth_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o as_o they_o come_v to_o any_o city_n town_n or_o village_n they_o publish_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o the_o bless_a news_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n through_o jesus_n christ_n constitute_v the_o first_o convert_v of_o every_o place_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o church_n which_o they_o there_o gather_v so_o say_v clemens_n romanus_n 54._o the_o apostle_n go_v forth_o preach_v in_o city_n and_o country_n appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n general_o leave_v those_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n to_o govern_v and_o enlarge_v those_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o they_o have_v place_v they_o whilst_o they_o themselves_o pass_v forward_o plant_v other_o church_n and_o place_v governor_n over_o they_o thus_o say_v tertullian_n 80._o clemens_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o st._n peter_n and_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smirna_n by_o st._n john_n §_o 5._o whether_o in_o the_o apostolic_a and_o primitive_a day_n there_o be_v more_o bishop_n than_o one_o in_o a_o church_n at_o first_o sight_n seem_v difficult_a to_o resolve_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o 2._o clemens_n romanus_n mention_v many_o in_o one_o church_n be_v certain_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o ignatius_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o the_o follow_a father_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o in_o a_o church_n these_o contradiction_n may_v at_o the_o first_o view_n seem_v inextricable_a but_o i_o hope_v the_o follow_a account_n will_v reconcile_v all_o these_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o withal_o afford_v we_o a_o fair_a and_o easy_a conception_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n i_o shall_v then_o lay_v down_o as_o sure_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o supreme_a bishop_n in_o a_o place_n that_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bishop_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o propriety_n the_o proper_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n to_o who_o care_n and_o trust_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o church_n or_o parish_n over_o which_o he_o preside_v be_v principal_o and_o more_o immediate_o commit_v so_o say_v cyprian_n 138._o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n and_o so_o cornelius_n object_n to_o novatian_n that_o he_o do_v not_o remember_v 244._o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a epistle_n of_o ignatius_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o writer_n succeed_v he_o we_o find_v but_o one_o single_a bishop_n in_o a_o church_n who_o quotation_n to_o which_o purpose_n will_v be_v fruitless_a to_o recite_v here_o since_o the_o 〈◊〉_d practise_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n confirm_v it_o and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n will_v clear_o illustrate_v it_o only_o it_o may_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o remark_n this_o by_o the_o way_n that_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o orthodox_n be_v wont_a to_o prove_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o novelty_n of_o that_o of_o the_o heretic_n 78._o let_v they_o demonstrate_v the_o original_a of_o their_o church_n as_o tertullian_n challenge_v the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o heretic_n let_v they_o turn_v over_o the_o order_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v have_v a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o any_o one_o who_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a man_n thus_o the_o true_o apostolic_a church_n have_v as_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n have_v polycarp_n there_o place_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o peter_n and_o other_o church_n can_v tell_v who_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n over_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o have_v be_v their_o successor_n to_o this_o very_a day_n so_o also_o say_v irenaeus_n 170._o we_o challenge_v the_o heretic_n to_o that_o tradition_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o in_o the_o 171._o next_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o book_n the_o say_a father_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n till_o his_o day_n by_o who_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v successive_o transmit_v down_o from_o the_o apostle_n in_o which_o catalogue_n we_o find_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o a_o time_n and_o as_o he_o die_v so_o another_o single_a person_n succeed_v he_o in_o the_o charge_n of_o that_o flock_n or_o parish_n so_o that_o this_o consideration_n evidence_n also_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n strict_o so_o call_v in_o a_o church_n at_o a_o time_n who_o be_v relate_v to_o his_o flock_n 90._o as_o a_o pastor_n to_o his_o sheep_n and_o a_o parent_n to_o his_o child_n the_o title_n of_o this_o supreme_a church-officer_n be_v most_o of_o they_o reckon_v up_o in_o one_o place_n by_o cyprian_a which_o be_v 208._o bishop_n pastor_n precedent_n governor_n superintendent_n and_o priest_n and_o this_o be_v he_o which_o in_o the_o revelation_n be_v call_v 34._o the_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n as_o origen_n think_v which_o appellation_n denote_v both_o his_o authority_n and_o office_n his_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v somewhat_o treat_v after_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o circuit_n and_o extent_n of_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o superintendency_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o content_n of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o as_o but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n so_o but_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n cure_n never_o call_v a_o diocese_n but_o usual_o a_o parish_n no_o large_a than_o our_o parish_n §_o 2._o demonstrate_v by_o several_a argument_n §_o 3._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o several_a bishopric_n as_o they_o be_v in_o ignatius_n day_n as_o of_o smirna_n §_o 4._o ephesus_n §_o 5._o magnesia_n §_o 6._o philadelphia_n and_o §_o 7._o trallium_n §_o 8._o the_o bigness_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o antioch_n §_o 9_o of_o rome_n §_o 10._o of_o carthage_n §_o 11._o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o diocese_n of_o alexandria_n §_o 12._o bishop_n in_o village_n §_o 13._o all_o the_o christian_n of_o a_o diocese_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n every_o sunday_n to_o serve_v god_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v in_o this_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o single_a consideration_n viz._n that_o the_o ancient_a diocese_n be_v never_o say_v to_o contain_v church_n in_o the_o plural_a but_o only_o a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a so_o they_o say_v 62._o the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 171._o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o magnesia_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n 45._o the_o church_n in_o antioch_n and_o so_o of_o any_o other_o place_n whatsoever_o the_o church_n of_o or_o in_o such_o a_o place_n this_o be_v the_o common_a name_n whereby_o a_o bishop_n cure_n be_v denominate_v the_o bishop_n himself_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o tertullian_n say_v 171._o that_o polycarp_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smirna_n as_o for_o the_o word_n diocese_n by_o which_o the_o bishop_n flock_n be_v now_o usual_o express_v i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o ever_o i_o find_v it_o use_v in_o this_o sense_n by_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v another_o word_n still_o retain_v by_o we_o by_o which_o they_o frequent_o denominate_v the_o bishop_n cure_n and_o that_o be_v parish_n so_o in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n of_o irenaeus_n to_o pope_n victor_n the_o bishopric_n of_o asia_n be_v twice_o call_v 193._o parish_n and_o in_o eusebius_n ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o word_n be_v so_o apply_v in_o several_a hundred_o place_n it_o be_v usual_a
of_o the_o bishop_n we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n to_o a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n to_o a_o bishop_n we_o have_v show_v the_o bishop_n office_n and_o function_n election_n and_o ordination_n what_o far_a to_o add_v on_o this_o head_n i_o know_v not_o for_o as_o for_o those_o other_o act_n which_o he_o perform_v joint_o with_o his_o flock_n we_o must_v refer_v they_o to_o another_o place_n till_o we_o have_v handle_v those_o other_o matter_n which_o previous_o propose_v themselves_o unto_o we_o the_o first_o of_o which_o will_v be_v a_o examination_n into_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n which_o because_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o long_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o the_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o a_o presbyter_n what_o he_o be_v §_o 2._o inferior_a to_o a_o bishop_n in_o degree_n §_o 3._o but_o equal_a to_o a_o bishop_n in_o order_n §_o 4._o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n in_o a_o church_n §_o 5._o presbyter_n not_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n §_o 6._o when_o presbyter_n begin_v §_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v both_o needless_a and_o tedious_a to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o ancient_n general_o mention_v presbyter_n distinct_a from_o bishop_n every_o one_o i_o suppose_v will_v ready_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o the_o great_a question_n which_o have_v most_o deplorable_o sharpen_v and_o sour_v the_o mind_n of_o too_o many_o be_v what_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v about_o this_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v most_o uncharitable_o divide_v some_o equalise_v a_o presbyter_n in_o every_o thing_n with_o a_o bishop_n other_o as_o much_o debase_v he_o each_o according_a to_o their_o particular_a opinion_n either_o advance_v or_o degrade_v he_o in_o many_o controversy_n a_o middle_a way_n have_v be_v the_o safe_a perhaps_o in_o this_o the_o medium_fw-la between_o the_o two_o extreme_n may_v be_v the_o true_a whether_o what_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o say_v be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o matter_n i_o leave_v to_o the_o learned_a reader_n to_o determine_v i_o may_v be_v deceive_v neither_o my_o year_n nor_o ability_n exempt_v i_o from_o mistake_v and_o error_n but_o this_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a researche_n and_o impartial_a inquiry_n the_o follow_a notion_n seem_v to_o i_o most_o plausible_a and_o most_o consentaneous_a to_o truth_n and_o which_o with_o a_o great_a facility_n and_o clearness_n solve_v those_o doubt_n and_o objection_n which_o according_a to_o those_o other_o hypothesis_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v but_o yet_o however_o i_o be_o not_o so_o wed_v and_o bigoted_a to_o this_o opinion_n but_o if_o any_o shall_v produce_v better_o and_o more_o convince_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a i_o will_v not_o contentious_o defend_v but_o ready_o relinquish_v it_o since_o i_o search_v after_o truth_n not_o to_o promote_v a_o particular_a party_n or_o interest_n now_o for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v first_o lay_v down_o a_o definition_n and_o description_n of_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o prove_v the_o part_n thereof_o now_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o presbyter_n may_v be_v this_o a_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n have_v thereby_o a_o inherent_a right_n to_o perform_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o be_v possess_v of_o no_o place_n or_o parish_n not_o actual_o discharge_v it_o without_o the_o permission_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o place_n or_o parish_n but_o lest_o this_o definition_n shall_v seem_v obscure_a i_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d it_o by_o this_o follow_a instance_n as_o a_o curate_n have_v the_o same_o mission_n and_o power_n with_o the_o minister_n who_o place_n he_o supply_v yet_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o place_n he_o can_v perform_v there_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministerial_a function_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o minister_n thereof_o so_o a_o presbyter_n have_v the_o same_o order_n and_o power_n with_o a_o bishop_n who_o he_o assist_v in_o his_o cure_n yet_o be_v not_o the_o bishop_n or_o minister_n of_o that_o cure_n he_o can_v not_o there_o perform_v any_o part_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n without_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o so_o that_o what_o we_o general_o render_v bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n will_v be_v more_o intelligible_a in_o our_o tongue_n if_o we_o do_v express_v it_o by_o rector_n vicar_n and_o deacon_n by_o rector_n understand_v the_o bishop_n and_o by_o vicar_n the_o presbyter_n the_o former_a be_v the_o actual_a incumbent_n of_o a_o place_n and_o the_o latter_a curate_n or_o assistant_n and_o so_o different_a in_o degree_n but_o yet_o equal_a in_o order_n now_o this_o be_v what_o i_o understand_v by_o a_o presbyter_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o which_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v i._o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o bishop_n curate_n and_o assistant_n and_o so_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a commission_n ii_o that_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o have_v the_o same_o inherent_a right_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o so_o be_v not_o of_o a_o distinct_a specific_a order_n from_o they_o or_o more_o brief_o thus_o 1._o that_o the_o presbyter_n be_v different_a from_o the_o bishop_n in_o gradu_fw-la or_o in_o degree_n but_o yet_o 2._o they_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o ordine_fw-la or_o in_o order_n §_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o presbyter_n be_v but_o the_o bishop_n curate_n and_o assistant_n inferior_a to_o they_o in_o degree_n or_o in_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a commission_n this_o will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v in_o effect_n already_o prove_v if_o we_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v assert_v touch_v the_o bishop_n and_o his_o office_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o church_n that_o he_o usual_o perform_v all_o the_o part_n of_o divine_a service_n that_o he_o be_v the_o general_a disposer_n and_o manager_n of_o all_o thing_n within_o his_o diocese_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v there_o without_o his_o consent_n and_o approbation_n to_o which_o we_o may_v particular_o add_v 1._o that_o without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o baptize_v thus_o say_v tertullian_n 602._o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o right_a of_o baptise_v than_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n but_o yet_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n not_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n say_v ignatius_n 6._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o baptize_v except_o the_o bishop_n permit_v he_o 2._o without_o the_o bishop_n permission_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n 6._o that_o eucharist_n say_v ignatius_n be_v only_o valid_a which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o who_o he_o shall_v permit_v for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n without_o leave_n from_o the_o bishop_n 3._o without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o preach_v and_o when_o he_o do_v preach_v he_o can_v not_o choose_v his_o own_o subject_a but_o discourse_v on_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v enjoin_v he_o by_o the_o bishop_n as_o 1._o the_o bishop_n command_v origen_n to_o preach_v about_o the_o witch_n of_o endor_n 4._o without_o the_o bishop_n permission_n a_o presbyter_n can_v not_o absolve_v offender_n therefore_o cyprian_n 37._o severe_o chide_v some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n because_o they_o dare_v in_o his_o absence_n without_o his_o consent_n and_o leave_v to_o give_v the_o church_n peace_n to_o some_o offend_a criminal_n but_o what_o need_v i_o reckon_v up_o particular_n when_o in_o general_a there_o be_v no_o ecclesiastical_a office_n perform_v by_o the_o presbyter_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o permission_n of_o the_o bishop_n so_o say_v ignatius_n 6._o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v of_o ecclesiastical_a concern_v without_o the_o bishop_n for_o 7._o whosoever_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o the_o devil_n now_o have_v the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o equal_a power_n in_o the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v impudent_a and_o usurp_a in_o they_o to_o have_v perform_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n and_o consent_v no_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o just_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v preach_v or_o govern_v in_o a_o parish_n without_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n thereof_o for_o where_o church_n have_v be_v regular_o form_v under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o their_o proper_a bishop_n it_o
must_v be_v understand_v of_o what_o be_v afterward_o distinct_o call_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n so_o likewise_o we_o read_v in_o st._n timothy_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o of_o a_o presbytery_n which_o in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v find_v to_o the_o contrary_a perpetual_o signify_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o parish_n and_o to_o this_o 〈◊〉_d may_v add_v what_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n report_v of_o st._n john_n that_o he_o go_v into_o the_o neighbour_a province_n of_o ephesus_n 92._o partly_o that_o he_o may_v constitute_v bishop_n partly_o that_o he_o may_v plant_v new_a church_n and_o partly_o that_o he_o may_v appoint_v such_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o clergy_n as_o shall_v be_v command_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n where_o by_o the_o word_n clergy_n be_v oppose_v to_o bishop_n and_o so_o consequent_o different_a from_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v either_o deacon_n alone_o or_o which_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n chap._n v._n §_o 1._o the_o order_n and_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n §_o 2._o subdeacons_n wat_fw-mi §_o 3._o of_o acolyte_n exorcist_n and_o lector_n through_o those_o office_n the_o bishop_n gradual_o ascend_v to_o their_o episcopal_a dignity_n §_o 4._o of_o ordination_n first_o of_o deacon_n §_o 5._o next_o of_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d candidate_n for_o that_o office_n present_v themselves_o to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o be_v ordain_v §_o 6._o by_o they_o examine_v about_o 〈◊〉_d qualification_n viz._n their_o age._n §_o 7._o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 8._o their_o conversation_n §_o 9_o and_o their_o understanding_n humane_a learning_n needful_a §_o 10._o some_o inveigh_v against_o humane_a learning_n but_o condemn_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n §_o 11._o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v presbyter_n general_o pass_v through_o the_o inferior_a office_n §_o 12._o when_o to_o be_v ordain_v propound_v to_o the_o people_n for_o their_o attestation_n §_o 13._o ordain_v in_o but_o not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n §_o 14._o ordain_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n §_o 15._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o particular_a concern_v the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n §_o 1._o next_o to_o the_o presbyter_n be_v the_o deacon_n concern_v who_o office_n and_o order_n i_o shall_v say_v very_o little_a since_o there_o be_v no_o great_a controversy_n about_o it_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o have_v render_v this_o discourse_n complete_a and_o entire_a i_o shall_v in_o silence_n have_v pass_v it_o over_o brief_o therefore_o their_o original_a institution_n as_o in_o 〈◊〉_d 6._o 2._o be_v to_o serve_v table_n which_o include_v these_o two_o thing_n a_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a and_o a_o attendance_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n as_o for_o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a origen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o 1._o deacon_n dispense_v to_o they_o the_o church_n money_n be_v employ_v under_o the_o bishop_n to_o inspect_v and_o relieve_v all_o the_o indigent_a within_o their_o diocese_n as_o for_o their_o attendance_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n their_o office_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o consist_v in_o prepare_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o cleanse_v the_o sacramental_a cup_n and_o other_o such_o like_a necessary_a thing_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v by_o ignatius_n 48._o deacon_n of_o meat_n and_o cup_n assist_v also_o in_o some_o place_n at_o least_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n 97._o deliver_v the_o element_n to_o the_o communioant_n they_o also_o preach_v of_o which_o more_o in_o another_o place_n and_o in_o the_o 602._o absence_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n baptize_v in_o a_o word_n according_a to_o the_o signification_n of_o their_o name_n they_o be_v as_o ignatius_n call_v they_o 48._o the_o church_n servant_n set_z apart_z on_o purpose_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o attend_v on_o their_o business_n be_v constitute_v as_o eusebius_n term_v it_o 38._o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o public_a §_o 2._o next_o to_o the_o deacon_n be_v the_o subdencon_n who_o be_v mention_v both_o by_o 55._o cyprian_a and_o 244._o cornelius_n as_o the_o office_n of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v the_o bishop_n so_o they_o be_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v the_o deacon_n and_o as_o the_o presbyter_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o bishop_n so_o probable_o the_o subdeacons_n be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o deacon_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o what_o we_o may_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o origin_n and_o rise_v of_o these_o subdeacons_n which_o may_v be_v this_o that_o in_o no_o church_n whatsoever_o be_v it_o usual_a to_o have_v more_o than_o seven_o deacon_n because_o that_o be_v the_o original_a number_n institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n wherefore_o when_o any_o church_n grow_v so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o this_o stint_a number_n of_o deacon_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o discharge_v their_o necessary_a ministration_n that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o apostolical_a example_n they_o add_v assistant_n to_o the_o deacon_n who_o they_o call_v subdeacons_n or_o under_o deacon_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o head_n or_o chief_a deacon_n to_o do_v those_o service_n in_o their_o stead_n and_o room_n to_o which_o by_o their_o office_n they_o be_v oblige_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o subdeacons_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n with_o the_o deacon_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v because_o this_o office_n be_v now_o antiquate_v it_o be_v not_o very_o pertinent_a to_o my_o design_n i_o only_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o learned_a who_o have_v will_n and_o ability_n to_o search_v into_o it_o §_o 3._o beside_o those_o forementioned_a order_n who_o be_v immediate_o consecrate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o by_o he_o commission_v thereunto_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastic_n who_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o mean_a office_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o 87._o acolyte_n 238._o exorcist_n and_o 81._o lector_n who_o office_n because_o they_o be_v now_o disuse_v except_o that_o of_o the_o lector_fw-la i_o shall_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n reserve_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o lector_fw-la for_o another_o place_n only_o in_o general_n these_o be_v candidate_n for_o the_o ministry_n who_o by_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o these_o mean_a employ_v be_v to_o give_v proof_n of_o their_o ability_n and_o integrity_n the_o bishop_n in_o those_o day_n not_o usual_o arrive_v per_fw-la saltum_fw-la to_o that_o dignity_n and_o honour_n but_o common_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o inferior_a office_n and_o so_o gradual_o proceed_v through_o the_o other_o till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o supreme_a office_n of_o all_o as_o cornelius_z bishop_n of_o rome_n 115._o do_v not_o present_o leap_v into_o the_o episcopal_a throne_n but_o first_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n gradual_o ascend_v to_o that_o sublime_a dignity_n the_o church_n in_o those_o happy_a day_n by_o such_o a_o long_a trial_n and_o experience_n use_v all_o possible_a precaution_n and_o exactness_n that_o none_o but_o fit_a and_o qualify_v man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o those_o sacred_a function_n and_o order_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o 〈◊〉_d dreadful_a and_o tremendous_a a_o charge_n and_o this_o now_o bring_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o the_o primitive_a ordination_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o discourse_v of_o in_o this_o place_n since_o i_o shall_v find_v none_o more_o proper_a for_o it_o throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n §_o 4._o as_o for_o the_o various_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n which_o may_v be_v put_v on_o the_o word_n ordination_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o meddle_v with_o they_o that_o ordination_n that_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o be_v this_o the_o grant_v of_o a_o peculiar_a commission_n and_o power_n which_o remain_v indelible_a in_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a or_o raze_v out_o except_o the_o person_n himself_o cause_v it_o by_o his_o heresy_n apostasy_n or_o most_o extreme_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a impiety_n now_o this_o sort_n of_o ordination_n be_v confer_v only_o upon_o deacon_n and_o presbyter_n or_o on_o deacon_n and_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o bishop_n be_v here_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o all_o one_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o church-universal_a as_o for_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n there_o be_v no_o great_a dispute_n about_o that_o so_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o concern_v it_o than_o that_o we_o have_v the_o manner_n thereof_o at_o their_o first_o institution_n in_o act_n 6._o 6._o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v
77._o begin_v first_o with_o the_o lowermost_a office_n of_o a_o lector_fw-la though_o by_o his_o extraordinary_a merit_n he_o deserve_v those_o that_o be_v more_o sublime_a and_o honourable_a §_o 12._o that_o this_o be_v their_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a practice_n i_o dare_v not_o affirm_v i_o rather_o think_v the_o contrary_a as_o i_o may_v easy_o prove_v be_v it_o pertinent_a to_o my_o design_n this_o that_o follow_v be_v more_o certain_a that_o whether_o they_o be_v gradual_o or_o present_o ordain_v presbyter_n their_o name_n be_v publish_v or_o propound_v to_o the_o people_n of_o that_o church_n where_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v that_o so_o if_o worthy_a of_o that_o office_n they_o may_v have_v the_o testimony_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o people_n or_o if_o unworthy_a and_o unfit_a they_o may_v be_v debar_v and_o exclude_v from_o it_o 201._o by_o which_o course_n the_o crime_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v discover_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o good_a declare_v and_o the_o ordination_n become_v valid_a and_o legitimate_a be_v examine_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o judgement_n of_o all_o §_o 13._o if_o the_o people_n object_v nothing_o against_o the_o person_n propose_v but_o approve_v their_o fitness_n for_o that_o office_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o follow_v be_v their_o actual_a ordination_n in_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o they_o be_v so_o propound_v not_o that_o they_o be_v only_o ordain_v for_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o it_o they_o be_v ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a be_v at_o liberty_n either_o to_o serve_v that_o church_n where_o they_o receive_v their_o order_n or_o if_o they_o have_v a_o legal_a call_n to_o spend_v their_o labour_n elsewhere_o in_o other_o church_n as_o origen_n be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n though_o he_o be_v 209._o ordain_v in_o palestina_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o 84._o numidicus_n be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n though_o he_o receive_v his_o order_n elsewhere_o hence_o the_o presbyter_n of_o a_o church_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o a_o set_a number_n as_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v but_o be_v sometime_o more_o sometime_o less_o as_o fit_a person_n for_o that_o office_n present_v themselves_o so_o be_v they_o ordain_v some_o of_o who_o still_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o church_n where_o they_o receive_v their_o order_n and_o other_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o church_n every_o one_o go_v where_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v call_v he_o §_o 14._o but_o now_o their_o formal_a ordination_n be_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n usual_o of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o the_o parish_n where_o they_o be_v ordain_v for_o this_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o that_o injunction_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 〈◊〉_d tim._n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n as_o for_o imposition_n of_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o ceremony_n that_o be_v various_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o new_a and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n use_v on_o sundry_a occasion_n to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o enumerate_v one_o of_o those_o action_n be_v ordination_n of_o church-officer_n wherein_o i_o think_v it_o be_v never_o omit_v thus_o novatian_n be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n 245._o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o caesarea_n and_o jerusalem_n 209._o impose_v hand_n on_o origen_n to_o make_v he_o a_o presbyter_n the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v the_o completion_n of_o ordination_n or_o the_o final_a act_n thereof_o for_o whosoever_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o forementioned_a examination_n and_o attestation_n and_o consequent_o to_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n he_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o as_o legal_o ordain_v and_o be_v ever_o after_o deem_v to_o have_v sufficient_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o exert_v and_o discharge_v the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o the_o presbytership_n to_o which_o by_o those_o action_n he_o be_v advance_v and_o promote_v §_o 15._o here_o now_o i_o shall_v conclude_v what_o i_o design_v to_o write_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o first_o particular_a concern_v the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n under_o which_o i_o have_v discourse_v distinct_o of_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o also_o of_o several_a other_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o dignity_n as_o for_o those_o other_o act_n of_o they_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o i_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o they_o here_o for_o though_o they_o may_v have_v some_o rapport_v or_o connexion_n to_o this_o head_n yet_o they_o more_o proper_o and_o immediate_o respect_v the_o three_o unto_o which_o place_n therefore_o i_o shall_v refer_v their_o discussion_n and_o examination_n chap._n vi_o §_o 1._o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n propose_v to_o be_v discourse_v of_o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o church-membership_n §_o 2._o the_o people_n in_o some_o case_n have_v power_n to_o depose_v their_o bishop_n §_o 3._o the_o conjunct_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n propose_v to_o be_v discourse_v of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v manage_v by_o their_o joint_a endeavour_n §_o 1._o have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n treat_v of_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o clergy_n i_o come_v now_o in_o this_o to_o speak_v something_o to_o the_o peculiar_a act_n of_o the_o laity_n and_o to_o inquire_v into_o those_o action_n and_o power_n which_o they_o exert_v distinct_o by_o themselves_o and_o here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o first_o of_o all_o to_o make_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o laity_n that_o be_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v first_o admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o membership_n they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o all_o those_o power_n which_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o mention_v now_o for_o answer_n hereunto_o in_o general_a 175._o all_o those_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v a_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o except_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o grof_n and_o scandalous_a sin_n as_o idolatry_n murder_n adultery_n and_o such_o like_a for_o than_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o admit_v again_o till_o by_o a_o penitent_a and_o holy_a deportment_n they_o have_v testify_v their_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o unholy_a and_o irregular_a action_n for_o as_o origen_n say_v 143._o we_o do_v our_o utmost_a that_o our_o assembly_n be_v compose_v of_o good_a and_o wise_a men._n so_o that_o 178._o none_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o our_o congregation_n and_o prayer_n be_v vicious_a and_o wicked_a except_o very_o rare_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o a_o particular_a bad_a man_n may_v be_v conceal_v in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n but_o since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v adult_a person_n at_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o admission_n into_o church-fellowship_n and_o society_n therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o prerequisites_n of_o baptism_n since_o that_o sacrament_n give_v they_o a_o right_n and_o title_n to_o that_o admission_n or_o reception_n now_o those_o person_n who_o design_v to_o leave_v heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o present_o advance_v to_o that_o degree_n but_o be_v first_o continue_v a_o certain_a space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o rank_n of_o the_o catechuman_n or_o the_o catechise_v one_o these_o be_v candidate_n of_o christianity_n who_o be_v to_o stay_v some_o time_n in_o that_o order_n for_o these_o two_o reason_n the_o one_o be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v catechuman_n and_o the_o other_o be_v 142._o that_o they_o may_v give_v demonstration_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o their_o intention_n by_o the_o change_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o conversation_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o this_o estate_n or_o rather_o in_o a_o preparatory_a thereunto_o 142._o they_o be_v first_o private_o instruct_v at_o home_n till_o they_o understand_v the_o more_o intelligible_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o then_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o first_o rank_n of_o catechuman_n who_o be_v call_v by_o tertullian_n 89._o edocti_fw-la or_o those_o that_o be_v teach_v these_o be_v permit_v 〈◊〉_d to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n where_o they_o stand_v in_o a_o place_n by_o themselves_o 143._o and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o sermon_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o their_o capacity_n be_v discourse_n of_o