owe_v he_o still_o the_o duty_n of_o child_n notwithstanding_o his_o absence_n and_o last_o that_o he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o short_o by_o way_n of_o apostolical_a visitation_n and_o examine_v the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o competition_n with_o he_o for_o as_o far_o as_o his_o line_n or_o diocese_n or_o province_n do_v extend_v so_o far_o he_o pretend_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n to_o govern_v salmeron_n rom_n 15.19_o 2_o cor._n 10.13_o to_o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dioecesis_fw-la sive_fw-la certus_fw-la pastorum_fw-la &_o ecâ—lesiarum_fw-la numerus_fw-la unit._fw-la frat._n bohem._n sect._n de_fw-fr anti_v regulam_fw-la vocat_fw-la ditionem_fw-la &_o praescriptum_fw-la praedicationis_fw-la terminum_fw-la salmeron_n and_o exercise_v diocesan_n jurisdiction_n upon_o all_o within_o his_o rule_n but_o when_o this_o line_n be_v so_o far_o extend_v that_o he_o neither_o be_v able_a to_o visit_v every_o part_n himself_o and_o his_o communication_n by_o letter_n will_v not_o answer_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v 2.15_o 1._o tim._n 1.3_o 18._o c._n 2.14_o 15._o c._n 4.12_o 14._o c._n 5.21.22_o tit._n 1.5_o c._n 2.15_o he_o provide_v for_o they_o not_o by_o leave_v every_o congregation_n independent_a and_o resign_v all_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o particular_a presbytery_n but_o by_o send_v person_n endue_v not_o only_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n but_o with_o apostolical_a power_n to_o ordain_v elder_n to_o end_n dispute_v to_o censure_v the_o unruly_a and_o irregular_a whether_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o people_n to_o confute_v heretic_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o in_o short_a by_o all_o mean_n to_o provide_v for_o thou_o welfare_n of_o those_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o now_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o ordain_v assistant_n elder_n in_o the_o several_a church_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v for_o the_o ordinary_a attendance_n of_o the_o congregation_n so_o now_o he_o take_v to_o himself_o assistant_n of_o another_o sort_n suffragans_fw-la for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o province_n which_o he_o distribute_v as_o he_o find_v most_o expedient_a timoth._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n l._n 1._o c._n 12._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d theod_n in_o 1_o tim._n 3._o phil._n 3.25_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d acceperat_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la apostolatus_fw-la officium_fw-la hieron_n in_o locum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d anonym_n 〈◊〉_d phot._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost_n in_o timoth._n and_o these_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v sometime_o call_v apostle_n or_o evangelist_n bishop_n presbyter_n fellow_n labourer_n helper_n deacon_n etc._n etc._n but_o their_o successor_n leave_v great_a and_o more_o invidious_a title_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o ordinary_a presbyter_n at_o first_o though_o the_o office_n be_v always_o distinct_a of_o this_o kind_n we_o have_v several_a mention_v in_o scripture_n of_o st._n paul_n province_n as_o barnabas_n timothy_n titus_n crescens_n epaphraditus_fw-la sosthenes_n and_o some_o other_o that_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o james_z the_o just_a mark_n linus_n clemens_n etc._n etc._n these_o exercise_v episcopal_a jurisdiction_n in_o that_o district_n where_o they_o be_v appoint_v ordain_v presbyter_n receive_v accusation_n against_o they_o reprove_v and_o censure_v they_o as_o there_o be_v cause_n and_o in_o short_a govern_v those_o church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o full_a apostolical_a power_n which_o be_v transmit_v to_o their_o successor_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a ability_n of_o some_o of_o these_o man_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o several_a other_o church_n make_v their_o residence_n less_o constant_a in_o the_o diocese_n where_o they_o be_v place_v 4.9_o 2_o tim._n 4.9_o than_o otherwise_o may_v have_v be_v expect_v 2._o phil._n 2._o and_o therefore_o timothy_n the_o bishop_n and_o apostle_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v to_o rome_n by_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v employ_v as_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v require_v titus_n be_v send_v to_o dalmatia_n though_o crete_n be_v his_o first_o province_n but_o this_o conclude_v no_o more_o against_o their_o be_v diocesan_n than_o the_o voyage_n of_o germanus_n and_o lupus_n into_o britain_n to_o oppose_v the_o pelagian_a heresy_n will_v conclude_v against_o their_o be_v bishop_n now_o what_o care_n be_v take_v for_o those_o church_n which_o these_o apostolic_a diocesan_n leave_v whether_o they_o return_v again_o to_o their_o province_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o ecclesiastical_a record_n show_v a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n from_o the_o bishop_n in_o several_a church_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v all_o so_o unfixed_a as_o they_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o episcopacy_n for_o mark_n who_o be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n remain_v in_o that_o province_n auth._n euseb_n hist_o l._n 2._o c._n 16._o niceph._n l._n 2._o c._n 43._o gelas_n in_o conc._n rom._n in_o decr_n de_fw-fr lib._n auth._n plant_v church_n in_o the_o country_n round_o about_o and_o govern_v they_o by_o apostolical_a authority_n which_o after_o his_o martyrdom_n there_o be_v derive_v to_o his_o successuor_n in_o the_o same_o charge_n now_o this_o order_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o necessity_n in_o the_o church_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n to_o preserve_v unity_n they_o be_v multiply_v according_a as_o the_o apostle_n find_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o eminent_a city_n become_v the_o residence_n of_o these_o first_o bishop_n not_o because_o god_n take_v great_a care_n of_o city_n than_o he_o do_v of_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n but_o because_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o the_o most_o natural_a way_n to_o follow_v the_o distribution_n that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o more_o civilzed_a part_n of_o the_o world_n st._n john_n a_o little_a while_n before_o his_o death_n mention_n seven_o in_o the_o lydian_a asia_n under_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v it_o probable_a there_o be_v any_o more_o in_o that_o province_n the_o seven_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o all_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n paraus_n rev._n 1.20.2.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d andr._n caesar_n ego_fw-la puto_fw-la simul_fw-la inveniri_fw-la posse_fw-la angelum_fw-la &_o hominem_fw-la bonos_fw-es ecclesia_fw-la episcopos_fw-la origen_n in_o lucam_n hom._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ut_fw-la collegas_fw-la moneat_fw-la beza_n ad_fw-la episcopum_fw-la loci_fw-la dirigitur_fw-la paraus_n and_o carolus_n à _fw-it sancto_fw-it paulo_n conclude_v the_o same_o thing_n out_o of_o st._n john_n cu_z in_o asia_n septem_fw-la tantum_fw-la hisce_fw-la temporibus_fw-la essent_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o apocalypsi_fw-la legere_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la majorem_fw-la corum_fw-la numerum_fw-la in_o ponto_n tunc_fw-la fuisse_fw-la probalile_fw-la est_fw-la 162._o geogr._n sacra_fw-la p._n 289._o dissert_n 4._o c._n 5._o quod_fw-la si_fw-la de_fw-fr angelis_n superiorum_fw-la coelorum_fw-la &_o non_fw-fr de_fw-fr praepositis_fw-la ecclesie_n intelligi_fw-la vellet_fw-la none_o consequenter_fw-la diceret_fw-la laudatur_fw-la sub_fw-la angeli_fw-la nomine_fw-la praepositas_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la aug._n ep._n 162._o but_o dr._n hammond_n make_v all_o these_o angel_n to_o be_v metropolitan_o have_v several_a bishop_n under_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n i_o must_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o dissertation_n thus_o far_o the_o scripture_n discover_v the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n under_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v large_a province_n to_o supervise_v and_o their_o suffragans_fw-la such_o as_o be_v common_o call_v evangelist_n have_v several_a congregation_n to_o govern_v and_o this_o be_v undeniable_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v be_v whether_o the_o office_n expire_v with_o those_o person_n or_o be_v design_v to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n the_o adversary_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o all_o agree_v as_o to_o this_o point_n the_o presbyterian_o general_o look_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n extraordinary_a as_o the_o person_n be_v mr._n b._n be_v something_o more_o scrupulous_a because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v any_o where_o that_o christ_n design_v to_o have_v this_o alter_v and_o yet_o he_o condemn_v diocesan_n episcopacy_n as_o be_v altogether_o different_a from_o it_o i_o have_v say_v something_o to_o this_o already_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v answer_v here_o more_o brief_o 1._o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v from_o scripture_n that_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o for_o a_o time_n only_o
own_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o call_v they_o their_o fellow_n presbyter_n or_o fellow_n deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o do_v not_o take_v at_o all_o to_o derogate_v from_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o order_n no_o more_o than_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v themselves_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n can_v be_v a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o their_o apostleship_n which_o they_o take_v care_n to_o vindicate_v when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o ambition_n of_o some_o teacher_n that_o enter_v into_o competition_n with_o they_o tit._n theodor._n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la in_o ep._n ad_fw-la phil._n ad_fw-la tim._n tit._n theodoret_n observe_v the_o same_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o can_v yet_o see_v that_o there_o be_v bishop_n then_o superior_a to_o presbyter_n and_o in_o that_o time_n proper_o call_v apostle_n the_o greek_a scholiast_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o oecumenus_n see_v the_o same_o but_o be_v still_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o episcopal_a office_n be_v always_o distinct_a from_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o jerom_n build_v his_o conjecture_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o current_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n who_o can_v discern_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n notwithstanding_o the_o name_n be_v confound_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n upon_o which_o that_o conceit_n do_v whole_o stand_v all_o jeroms_n allegation_n be_v to_o this_o effect_n all_o the_o additional_a confirmation_n of_o salmasius_n and_o blondel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o from_o the_o phrase_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n who_o do_v not_o always_o distinguish_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n but_o speak_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o these_o author_n write_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v distinguish_v and_o except_v only_a clemens_n romanus_n blondel_n and_o salmasius_n do_v both_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o to_o return_v to_o jerom_n let_v we_o considet_fw-la the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n something_o more_o particular_o before_o there_o be_v faction_n in_o religion_n the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o presbyter_n of_o equal_a authority_n but_o what_o faction_n be_v these_o that_o give_v birth_n to_o episcopacy_n what_o time_n be_v that_o when_o the_o church_n be_v under_o presbyterian_a government_n he_o inform_v we_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n before_o it_o be_v say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o i_o of_o apollo_n and_o i_o of_o cephas_n if_o we_o understand_v this_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n we_o must_v conclude_v this_o to_o be_v very_o early_o for_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o that_o division_n be_v mention_v be_v write_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 52_o and_o then_o this_o notion_n will_v do_v little_a service_n against_o episcopacy_n for_o this_o will_v make_v it_o of_o apostolic_a institution_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v true_a for_o the_o church_n be_v now_o govern_v by_o apostle_n and_o not_o by_o presbyter_n and_o if_o in_o most_o city_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a bishop_n ordain_v yet_o it_o be_v because_o the_o apostle_n be_v their_o bishop_n and_o visit_v they_o to_o establish_v good_a order_n to_o ordain_v officer_n to_o punish_v the_o disorderly_a as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o be_v present_a they_o send_v their_o order_n in_o writing_n and_o exercise_v episcopal_a authority_n at_o a_o distance_n but_o blondel_n contend_v earnest_o against_o the_o literal_a understanding_n of_o that_o passage_n and_o show_v that_o jerom_n can_v not_o mean_v this_o of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n but_o of_o some_o follow_a schism_n that_o spring_v up_o after_o the_o example_n of_o this_o of_o corinth_n his_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o passage_n whereby_o jerom_n confirm_v his_o opinion_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o be_v write_v after_o that_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o have_v show_v before_o how_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o jerom_n speak_v without_o a_o figure_n and_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v it_o here_o but_o these_o thing_n you_o will_v say_v not_o can_v consist_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o jerom_n when_o he_o write_v this_o passage_n do_v consider_v in_o what_o order_n of_o time_n st._n paul_n epistle_n be_v write_v what_o if_o it_o be_v a_o oversight_n for_o want_n of_o state_v the_o chronelogy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o jerom_n a_o man_n of_o that_o great_a learning_n and_o diligence_n and_o particular_a knowledge_n also_o in_o chronology_n as_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o his_o translate_n of_o eusebius_n his_o chronicon_fw-la can_v hardly_o commit_v such_o a_o mistake_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o according_a to_o blondel_n computation_n who_o make_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o century_n he_o will_v be_v as_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o for_o suppose_v wâ—_n shall_v say_v that_o jerom_n point_v to_o the_o year_n 135_o as_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v change_v how_o shall_v we_o reconcile_v jerom_n to_o himself_o for_o in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n he_o reckon_v several_a bishop_n long_o before_o that_o time_n he_o make_v james_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n statim_fw-la post_fw-la ascensionem_fw-la present_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n he_o call_v timothy_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n he_o make_v anianus_n to_o succeed_v mark_n in_o alexandria_n in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o nero._n how_o shall_v we_o make_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o consist_v do_v he_o think_v james_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o simple_a presbyter_n or_o timothy_n can_v he_o fancy_n he_o to_o have_v no_o superiority_n over_o the_o elder_n he_o be_v to_o ordain_v or_o to_o govern_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a or_o shall_v we_o say_v that_o in_o these_o relation_n he_o only_o transcribe_v out_o of_o other_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v his_o own_o opinion_n well_o suppose_v this_o either_o he_o must_v have_v some_o authority_n for_o his_o opinion_n great_a than_o that_o of_o such_o author_n he_o follow_v in_o that_o book_n or_o not_o if_o he_o have_v none_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v he_o against_o all_o antiquity_n nay_o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v so_o uncharitable_o of_o he_o as_o that_o he_o will_v deliver_v those_o thing_n he_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o the_o least_o warning_n to_o the_o reader_n or_o that_o he_o will_v believe_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o all_o the_o tradition_n and_o history_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o authority_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v any_o authority_n from_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n to_o ground_v his_o opinion_n upon_o why_o be_v they_o not_o produce_v nay_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v in_o this_o point_n that_o he_o have_v none_o from_o that_o catalogue_n of_o writer_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o since_o he_o have_v see_v none_o but_o what_o eusebius_n have_v see_v before_o he_o and_o cite_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o for_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o confirm_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v apostolical_a and_o to_o have_v begin_v long_o before_o this_o time_n which_o blondel_n will_v have_v jerom_n think_v to_o assign_v for_o its_o original_a so_o that_o what_o way_n soever_o jerom_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n he_o be_v either_o manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o or_o with_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n but_o his_o scripture_n authority_n you_o will_v say_v do_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o yet_o introduce_v into_o the_o church_n nothing_o less_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o those_o presbytery_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o establish_v they_o or_o by_o some_o assistant_n or_o suffragan_n or_o unless_o they_o can_v make_v out_o that_o timothy_n titus_n and_o divers_a other_o of_o that_o rank_n be_v no_o more_o than_o simple_a presbyter_n after_o this_o time_n whensoever_o it_o be_v st._n jerom_n add_v it_o be_v decree_v over_o all_o the_o world_n that_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o govern_v before_o in_o common_a shall_v be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n in_o what_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v this_o decree_n register_v who_o ever_o hear_v of_o it_o before_o st._n jerom_n what_o general_a council_n pass_v it_o what_o authority_n make_v it_o authentic_a or_o by_o what_o mean_n do_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n agree_v to_o this_o change_n what_o be_v there_o no_o opposition_n make_v against_o this_o alteration_n of_o the_o apostolical_a government_n what_o do_v all_o the_o little_a ecclesiastic_a aristocracy_n submit_v without_o dispute_n to_o this_o innovation_n we_o
may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o all_o the_o republic_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o faction_n become_v monarchy_n by_o mutual_a consent_n nay_o this_o might_n with_o great_a reason_n be_v believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o what_o form_n of_o government_n they_o please_v may_v agree_v to_o shake_v off_o together_o a_o form_n that_o they_o find_v very_o incommodious_a but_o that_o so_o many_o society_n as_o there_o be_v church_n in_o the_o world_n appoint_v by_o divine_a direction_n shall_v so_o universal_o change_v what_o the_o apostle_n have_v institute_v without_o any_o noise_n or_o resistance_n and_o that_o by_o one_o common_a decree_n be_v altogether_o incredible_a and_o one_o may_v say_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o conspire_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o change_v their_o creed_n have_v examine_v st._n jeroms_n singular_a opinion_n concern_v the_o rise_n of_o episcopal_a government_n i_o shall_v now_o conclude_v that_o point_n if_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o opinion_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o consider_v such_o passage_n in_o it_o as_o be_v allege_v against_o episcopacy_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a to_o make_v a_o conjecture_n of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o inscription_n of_o it_o afford_v blondel_n a_o argument_n against_o episcopacy_n for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o clergy_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o it_o be_v write_v the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o blondel_n infer_v that_o since_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o clergy_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v then_o not_o by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o one_o man_n but_o by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o it_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n subjacuisse_fw-la ubi_fw-la cum_fw-la nulla_fw-la peculiaris_fw-la vel_fw-la scribentis_fw-la mentio_fw-la vel_fw-la cleri_fw-la romani_fw-la praerogativa_fw-la vel_fw-la corinthiaci_n presbyterii_fw-la a_o plebe_fw-la discretio_fw-la appareat_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la confertim_fw-la scripsisse_fw-la compertum_fw-la sit_fw-la luce_fw-fr meridiana_fw-la clarius_fw-la clucescit_fw-la tune_n temporis_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la communi_fw-la praepositorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la gubernatas_fw-la non_fw-la unius_fw-la regi_fw-la mini_fw-la à _fw-la cujus_fw-la â—utu_fw-la penderent_fw-la omnes_fw-la subjacuisse_fw-la or_o of_o that_o of_o corinth_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o laity_n it_o be_v clear_a nay_o clear_a than_o the_o day_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n to_o see_v two_o man_n with_o their_o eye_n open_a dispute_v fierce_o whether_o it_o be_v noonday_n or_o midnight_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v our_o case_n that_o consequence_n which_o to_o he_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v to_o other_o if_o he_o have_v say_v because_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o the_o inscription_n as_o the_o govern_n part_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o clergy_n or_o the_o clergy_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o inference_n will_v have_v appear_v but_o what_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v in_o it_o i_o need_v not_o say_v other_o inscribe_v epistle_n in_o the_o same_o style_n to_o the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o place_n where_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o a_o clergy_n 23._o diony_n corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o yet_o in_o the_o body_n of_o these_o letter_n he_o mention_n the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n irenaeus_n ubi_fw-la supra_fw-la euseb_n l._n 4._o c._n 23._o and_o this_o argument_n of_o blondel_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o ancient_n though_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o this_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n and_o its_o inscription_n yet_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n see_v this_o consequence_n that_o be_v now_o draw_v from_o it_o irenaeus_n have_v doubtless_o see_v that_o epistle_n for_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n common_o read_v in_o church_n and_o yet_o he_o think_v clemens_n who_o write_v it_o to_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n notwithstanding_o his_o name_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o it_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n say_v it_o be_v read_v in_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o bishop_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o bishop_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o dionysius_n areopagita_n be_v ordain_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o first_o bishop_n of_o athens_n so_o that_o these_o ancient_a writer_n it_o seem_v be_v as_o blind_a as_o we_o and_o can_v not_o observe_v either_o in_o the_o inscription_n or_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n what_o blondel_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v perceive_v as_o clear_v as_o the_o noon_n day_n and_o yet_o those_o writer_n if_o they_o have_v suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v easy_o satisfy_v by_o their_o father_n who_o may_v have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n about_o which_o the_o difficulty_n be_v and_o so_o tell_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n whether_o the_o government_n be_v episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a and_o therefore_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v this_o light_n which_o blondel_n talk_v of_o that_o those_o who_o live_v near_o the_o east_n the_o rise_n of_o it_o can_v see_v no_o more_o than_o we_o but_o some_o man_n sure_o have_v glass_n for_o distance_n of_o time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n and_o can_v see_v far_o in_o the_o apostolic_a time_n than_o the_o next_o generation_n that_o follow_v they_o but_o to_o proceed_v clemens_n own_a but_o two_o order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o apostolic_a institution_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o deacon_n which_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n ordain_v out_o of_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o those_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v and_o these_o be_v appoint_v in_o city_n and_o the_o country_n or_o region_n round_o about_o from_o whence_o blondel_n draw_v many_o observation_n and_o out_o of_o he_o mr._n b._n as_o 1._o that_o in_o those_o day_n no_o body_n think_v of_o what_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n do_v afterward_o decree_n that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o any_o village_n or_o small_a city_n lest_o the_o dignity_n of_o that_o office_n shall_v be_v undervalue_v and_o grow_v cheap_a this_o be_v ground_v as_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o blondel_n and_o mr._n b.'s_n argument_n from_o this_o epistle_n upon_o a_o mistake_n and_o i_o fear_v a_o wilful_a one_o concern_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n for_o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o clemens_n who_o he_o say_v be_v apponited_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v only_a presbyter_n than_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n do_v not_o do_v any_o extraordinary_a thing_n by_o that_o prohibition_n of_o bishop_n in_o little_a diocese_n for_o presbyter_n be_v still_o allow_v in_o the_o country_n village_n by_o that_o council_n and_o therefore_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o institution_n late_a than_o clemens_n this_o council_n have_v do_v nothing_o so_o contrary_a to_o this_o by_o forbid_v bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o allow_v presbyter_n to_o reside_v in_o country_n village_n some_o there_o be_v that_o interpret_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o province_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o for_o this_o though_o the_o phrase_n will_v very_o well_o bear_v it_o for_o these_o bishop_n i_o believe_v with_o blondel_n and_o mr._n b._n be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n such_o as_o be_v first_o appoint_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o proper_a bishop_n of_o those_o church_n they_o found_v and_o as_o they_o find_v occasion_n appoint_v other_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o eminence_n of_o authority_n over_o such_o district_n of_o the_o apostolical_a province_n as_o they_o judge_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o edification_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o church_n officer_n by_o clemens_n into_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o less_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o as_o exact_v 60.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d esay_n 60.17_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v only_o with_o allusion_n to_o a_o place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o those_o
countenance_n to_o that_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a constitution_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o let_v st._n jerom_n think_v as_o he_o please_v mr._n b._n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v his_o reason_n by_o this_o mean_n say_v he_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v make_v by_o they_o the_o bishop_n no_o church_n 55._o p._n 22._o §_o 55._o as_o have_v no_o rule_v pastor_n that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v who_o to_o baptize_v or_o admit_v to_o communion_n or_o refuse_n but_o only_o of_o chapel_n have_v preach_a curate_n but_o must_v every_o parish_n be_v a_o independent_a church_n and_o exercise_v all_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n within_o its_o self_n may_v not_o several_a parish_n associate_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o same_o bishop_n but_o that_o they_o must_v be_v unchurch_v if_o it_o be_v no_o church_n that_o have_v no_o bishop_n what_o will_v become_v of_o all_o presbyterian_a church_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o class_n do_v not_o they_o unchurch_n parish_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n but_o they_o be_v make_v no_o church_n for_o want_v of_o govern_v pastor_n this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n every_o parish_n with_o we_o have_v a_o govern_v pastor_n but_o it_o be_v in_o subordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o with_o exception_n to_o some_o act_n that_o concern_v the_o general_a union_n of_o all_o the_o parish_n associate_v be_v he_o no_o governor_n because_o he_o be_v not_o independent_a be_v he_o no_o officer_n that_o be_v subordinate_a at_o this_o rate_n every_o constable_n shall_v be_v a_o king_n and_o every_o captain_n a_o general_n but_o our_o pastor_n mr._n b._n say_v have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o judge_v who_o to_o baptise_v this_o be_v a_o calumny_n that_o have_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v notorious_a that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v to_o communion_n or_o refuse_n be_v not_o true_a they_o have_v power_n to_o admit_v any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o excommunicate_v or_o natural_o incapable_a and_o they_o may_v likewise_o refuse_v the_o communion_n to_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v notorious_o unfit_a but_o must_v afterward_o approve_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o bishop_n several_n have_v use_v their_o liberty_n and_o discretion_n in_o this_o point_n without_o offence_n however_o it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o since_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v upon_o the_o right_a application_n of_o church-censure_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o ordinary_a minister_n in_o this_o particular_a yet_o there_o be_v no_o church-censure_n can_v have_v any_o effect_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o that_o parish_n where_o he_o live_v against_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v the_o minister_n refusal_n indeed_o may_v expose_v he_o to_o great_a inconvenience_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a when_o his_o refusal_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o opposition_n yet_o he_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o produce_v his_o reason_n and_o why_o shall_v he_o despair_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n of_o convince_a his_o ordinary_a however_o though_o the_o power_n of_o church-censure_n be_v not_o allow_v parish_n presbyter_n under_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n it_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o the_o right_n for_o neither_o under_o the_o apostle_n nor_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n do_v they_o ever_o exercise_v it_o as_o principal_n or_o independent_a 2._o mr._n b_n second_o reason_n against_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n be_v 22._o p._n 22._o that_o all_o the_o first_o order_n of_o bishop_n in_o single_a church_n be_v depose_v as_o if_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n shall_v have_v put_v down_o a_o thousand_o bishop_n about_o he_o and_o make_v himself_o the_o sole_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n this_o reason_n go_v upon_o the_o same_o supposition_n with_o the_o other_o that_o every_o single_a congregation_n have_v a_o bishop_n the_o proof_n of_o which_o we_o will_v examine_v in_o due_a place_n the_o bishop_n of_o great_a city_n have_v several_a parish_n or_o congregation_n under_o they_o in_o the_o first_o time_n which_o never_o have_v any_o other_o bishop_n but_o themselves_o and_o it_o be_v not_o this_o but_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o great_a bishop_n and_o metropolitan_o of_o old_a for_o instead_o of_o depose_v little_a bishop_n they_o multiply_v they_o to_o strengthen_v their_o party_n in_o council_n carthag_n vid._n collat._n carthag_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o vie_v with_o one_o another_o in_o number_n of_o suffrage_n as_o if_o the_o archbishop_n of_o york_n shall_v make_v every_o town_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n a_o episcopal_a seat_n that_o he_o may_v have_v as_o many_o suffrage_n as_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n this_o i_o hope_v to_o prove_v in_o due_a place_n and_o to_o show_v the_o reader_n how_o far_o mr._n b._n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o schism_n and_o that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o some_o of_o they_o than_o the_o multiply_a the_o number_n of_o the_o lesser_a bishop_n by_o their_o metropolitan_o 3._o his_o three_o reason_n be_v that_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v change_v to_o semi-presbyters_a what_o then_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v it_o not_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o public_a worship_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o exhort_v to_o admonish_v to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a this_o all_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v full_a liberty_n to_o do_v and_o i_o wish_v all_o will_v take_v care_n to_o execute_v their_o function_n as_o full_o as_o it_o be_v permit_v they_o 4._o discipline_n be_v make_v impossible_a 22._o p._n 22._o as_o it_o be_v for_o one_o general_n without_o inferior_a captain_n to_o rule_v a_o army_n but_o be_v there_o not_o subordinate_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o camp_n how_o then_o be_v discipline_n impossible_a if_o the_o general_n reserve_v to_o himself_o certain_a act_n of_o jurisdiction_n do_v he_o by_o that_o mean_v supersede_n the_o commission_n of_o all_o inferior_a commander_n mr._n b._n be_v much_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o discipline_n be_v impossible_a under_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n because_o one_o man_n he_o think_v can_v govern_v so_o many_o parish_n admit_v in_o all_o thing_n he_o may_v not_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a he_o shall_v but_o in_o such_o act_n of_o government_n that_o be_v reserve_v to_o he_o it_o be_v possible_a enough_o and_o have_v be_v practise_v from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o present_a time_n this_o point_v you_o may_v find_v excellent_o discuss_v by_o mr._n dodwel_n in_o his_o second_o letter_n to_o mr._n b._n which_o mr._n b._n confute_v brief_o cb._n hist_n 2._o part_n by_o tell_v the_o reader_n that_o if_o he_o will_v believe_v those_o reason_n he_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o he_o a_o short_a way_n of_o confute_v and_o one_o will_v wonder_v that_o he_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o shall_v write_v so_o many_o and_o great_a book_n of_o controversy_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a now_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v who_o have_v make_v it_o so_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o have_v first_o weaken_v the_o authority_n and_o obstruct_v the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n and_o when_o the_o subordinate_a officer_n agitate_a cabal_v against_o their_o superior_a commander_n it_o be_v not_o wonder_v if_o government_n be_v make_v impracticable_a however_o the_o accusation_n sound_v ill_a from_o those_o man_n by_o who_o mutiny_n and_o seditious_a practice_n thing_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o evil_a pass_n mr._n b._n pursue_v his_o point_n further_o 55._o §_o 55._o and_o add_v much_o more_o do_v it_o become_v then_o unlawful_a when_o first_o depose_v all_o presbyter_n from_o government_n by_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n they_o put_v the_o same_o key_n even_o the_o power_n of_o decretive_a excommunication_n and_o absolution_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o layman_n call_v chancellor_n and_o set_v up_o court_v like_a to_o the_o civil_a than_o ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v a_o question_n i_o can_v easy_o resolve_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o king_n or_o the_o bishop_n that_o govern_v by_o the_o chancellor_n but_o whoever_o govern_v by_o they_o they_o neither_o have_v no_o nought_o to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o decisive_n excommunication_n or_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n but_o act_n only_o as_o assistant_n and_o judge_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o apply_v the_o canon_n which_o determine_v what_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o excommunication_n if_o they_o do_v any_o more_o i_o neither_o undertake_v the_o defence_n nor_o will_v i_o suppose_v those_o that_o employ_v they_o own_o their_o action_n any_o far_o however_o the_o presbyterian_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o censure_n with_o our_o diocesan_n for_o
this_o etc._n p._n 109_o 110_o 111._o sect_n 32_o etc._n etc._n what_o concard_a do_v these_o late_a council_n procure_v to_o the_o church_n from_o that_o time_n most_o of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v distract_v into_o faction_n hereticate_a and_o kill_v one_o another_o the_o alexandrian_n murder_v proterius_n their_o bishop_n choose_v by_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o to_o aggravate_v the_o cruelty_n mr._n b._n say_v they_o spare_v not_o to_o taste_v his_o entrail_n with_o their_o tooth_n like_o dog_n canum_fw-la gustare_fw-la more_o canum_fw-la the_o miracle_n of_o taste_v with_o tooth_n will_v be_v much_o great_a than_o the_o cruelty_n and_o go_v a_o great_a way_n to_o justify_v the_o barbarity_n of_o the_o action_n if_o it_o be_v true_a but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o these_o lamentable_a consequence_n of_o these_o council_n be_v it_o the_o misfortune_n or_o the_o fault_n of_o these_o only_a not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o heal_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o be_v the_o defect_n in_o the_o council_n or_o the_o blame_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o obstinate_a man_n that_o oppose_v the_o rule_n establish_v by_o they_o these_o be_v not_o the_o first_o council_n that_o have_v miscarry_v as_o to_o their_o design_n of_o universal_a reconciliation_n the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n under_o the_o apostle_n that_o determine_v the_o controversy_n about_o circumcision_n do_v not_o present_o silence_v all_o dispute_n about_o that_o question_n for_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v present_o after_o divide_v about_o it_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a though_o it_o quiet_v the_o arian_n controversy_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prevent_v those_o lamentable_a contention_n which_o the_o same_o question_n afterward_o occasion_v or_o if_o bishop_n and_o their_o council_n can_v provide_v no_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o the_o violent_a distemper_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o see_v what_o presbyterian_a synod_n have_v do_v the_o synod_n of_o dort_n condemn_v the_o arminian_o and_o subscribe_v certain_a article_n declare_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n yet_o the_o disease_n be_v so_o far_o from_o abate_v that_o it_o grow_v more_o violent_a and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v oblige_v to_o second_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o synod_n by_o inflict_a imprisonment_n and_o exile_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o subscribe_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v for_o the_o same_o breach_n remain_v unclosed_a unto_o this_o day_n our_o author_n in_o his_o meek_a answer_n to_o the_o dean_n of_o paul_n sermon_n say_v very_o kind_a thing_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o yet_o these_o with_o their_o catechism_n directory_n and_o annotation_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n government_n upon_o which_o they_o charge_v all_o the_o miscarriage_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reconcile_a the_o people_n that_o after_o this_o they_o be_v distract_v into_o innumerable_a schism_n never_o be_v there_o so_o lamentable_a a_o face_n of_o thing_n never_o such_o variety_n of_o heresy_n and_o such_o wantonness_n and_o extravagance_n in_o blaspheme_v god_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n whither_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v drive_v again_o experience_n they_o say_v be_v the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n but_o they_o be_v fool_n to_o be_v beg_v who_o even_a experience_n so_o dear_o purchase_v be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v wise_a but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o success_n of_o these_o council_n now_o since_o council_n whether_o of_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n have_v oftentimes_o so_o bad_a success_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v what_o other_o remedy_n shall_v we_o find_v more_o effectual_a the_o papist_n have_v leave_v the_o use_n of_o general_n council_n of_o late_a he_o who_o have_v among_o they_o the_o chief_a authority_n of_o summon_v such_o council_n be_v grow_v jealous_a of_o that_o way_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a roman_a empire_n have_v be_v for_o some_o age_n not_o unlike_a that_o in_o which_o livy_n represent_v the_o heathen_a roman_a empire_n in_o his_o time_n nec_fw-la vitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la far_o possumus_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la at_o last_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o western_a church_n weary_a of_o expect_v relief_n by_o a_o general_n council_n from_o that_o tyranny_n and_o corruption_n under_o which_o it_o labour_v be_v force_v to_o use_v extraordinary_a mean_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v all_o together_o they_o do_v several_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n it_o be_v the_o good_a fortune_n of_o our_o church_n to_o reform_v itself_o with_o the_o countenance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v do_v it_o by_o degree_n and_o with_o great_a moderation_n than_o other_o church_n who_o must_v contend_v with_o the_o civil_a power_n about_o it_o and_o who_o have_v no_o other_o strength_n than_o the_o zealand_n resolution_n of_o the_o people_n as_o soon_o as_o this_o reformation_n begin_v to_o take_v root_n deep_a enough_o here_o the_o clergy_n assemble_v in_o a_o national_a synod_n establish_v a_o rule_n for_o unity_n and_o peace_n and_o to_o prevent_v dispute_v as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a this_o rule_n comprehend_v the_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n of_o this_o church_n which_o be_v at_o first_o receive_v with_o universal_a joy_n and_o approbation_n none_o but_o papist_n oppose_v it_o but_o some_o time_n after_o some_o few_o discontent_a man_n under_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n against_o popery_n take_v the_o part_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o this_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o as_o one_o faction_n grow_v up_o and_o gather_v strength_n so_o do_v the_o other_o that_o one_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n can_v hardly_o grow_v in_o even_a proportion_n so_o that_o one_o will_v fancy_v that_o either_o they_o advance_v by_o some_o secret_a consent_n or_o be_v nourish_v from_o the_o same_o common_a stomach_n it_o may_v be_v from_o he_o that_o palavicini_n call_v the_o stomach_n as_o well_o as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pope_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v at_o last_o do_v for_o these_o protestant_n as_o they_o call_v themselves_o shall_v every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o without_o any_o rule_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o shall_v this_o rule_n be_v alter_v we_o can_v have_v no_o assuance_n that_o when_o it_o be_v alter_v we_o shall_v find_v any_o conformity_n to_o it_o then_o more_o than_o now_o and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o any_o innovation_n if_o for_o nothing_o else_o yet_o for_o its_o stand_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a establishment_n in_o short_a these_o that_o cry_v out_o against_o this_o rule_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o protestant_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n and_o that_o reign_n be_v count_v the_o golden_a age_n of_o this_o kingdom_n let_v we_o consider_v then_o what_o be_v 〈…〉_o their_o rule_n whether_o 36_o or_o 39_o article_n and_o that_o rule_n that_o make_v they_o so_o happy_a may_v if_o preserve_v entire_a keep_v we_o so_o still_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o author_n of_o heresy_n schism_n and_o corruption_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v all_o bishop_n i_o have_v hitherto_o go_v along_o with_o mr._n b._n step_n by_o step_n conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o more_o particular_a vindication_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o time_n as_o well_o because_o they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v have_v for_o true_a piety_n and_o zeal_n as_o also_o because_o our_o church_n profess_v to_o receive_v the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n and_o last_o because_o all_o sober_a moderate_a christian_n have_v always_o have_v and_o still_o retain_v a_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o many_o of_o those_o person_n that_o be_v represent_v so_o odious_o in_o mr._n b._n be_v church-history_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o justify_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o council_n of_o those_o time_n there_o have_v be_v wicked_a man_n and_o wicked_a bishop_n in_o all_o time_n and_o the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n nay_o their_o own_o order_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o have_v none_o but_o good_a man_n of_o it_o but_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v show_v sufficient_o that_o thing_n be_v not_o as_o mr._n b._n represent_v they_o and_o that_o most_o of_o his_o particular_a accusation_n be_v void_a of_o all_o truth_n and_o ingenuity_n i_o must_v deal_v with_o he_o hereafter_o more_o summary_o and_o answer_v the_o drift_n and_o design_n of_o his_o book_n which_o be_v to_o render_v episcopacy_n odious_a under_o the_o more_o invidious_a name_n of_o
they_o to_o be_v troublesome_a in_o any_o state_n or_o circumstance_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o qualify_v they_o more_o for_o mischief_n and_o other_o that_o dispose_v they_o for_o it_o there_o may_v be_v many_o wicked_a man_n that_o may_v be_v willing_a enough_o to_o make_v a_o disturbance_n but_o they_o may_v want_v part_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o work_n any_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o a_o wicked_a opinion_n but_o every_o one_o can_v recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o there_o be_v few_o that_o care_n for_o be_v heretic_n by_o themselves_o but_o where_o malice_n and_o a_o evil_a temper_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o natural_a and_o acquire_v endowment_n like_o sulphur_n and_o salt_n peter_n it_o do_v not_o only_o present_o take_v fire_n but_o have_v likewise_o a_o extraordinary_a force_n and_o capacity_n to_o destroy_v it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n that_o most_o of_o the_o haeresiarchae_fw-la the_o author_n of_o heresy_n or_o sect_n psalm_n aug._n com._n in_o psalm_n be_v man_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o accutness_n in_o reason_v non_fw-la enim_fw-la putetis_fw-la fratres_n potuisse_fw-la fieri_fw-la haereses_fw-la per_fw-la paruas_fw-la quasdam_fw-la animas_fw-la non_fw-la fecerunt_fw-la haereses_fw-la nisi_fw-la magni_fw-la homines_fw-la do_v not_o think_v that_o heresy_n be_v first_o raise_v by_o ordinary_a mean_a person_n they_o be_v great_a man_n that_o set_v they_o up_o and_o within_o the_o same_o page_n he_o mention_n several_a of_o they_o considerable_a man_n the_o same_o observation_n st._n hierom_n make_v 9_o hieron_n com._n in_o osâ—â—_n c._n 9_o nullus_fw-la enim_fw-la potest_fw-la haeresim_fw-la struere_fw-la nisi_fw-la qui_fw-la arden_n ingenii_n est_fw-la &_o habet_fw-la dona_fw-la natura_fw-la qua_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la artifice_n sunt_fw-la creata_fw-la talis_fw-la valentinus_n talis_fw-la martion_n quos_fw-la doctissimos_fw-la legimus_fw-la talis_fw-la bardesanes_n cujus_fw-la etiam_fw-la philosophi_fw-la admirantur_fw-la ingenium_fw-la none_o but_o man_n of_o great_a part_n be_v able_a to_o set_v up_o a_o heresy_n valentinus_n and_o martion_n we_o find_v be_v very_o learned_a man_n and_o bardesanes_n be_v admire_v even_o by_o philosopher_n vincentius_n lirinensis_n amplify_v upon_o this_o subject_n with_o great_a art_n and_o passion_n he_o tell_v the_o great_a endowment_n of_o such_o as_o raise_v heresy_n and_o reckon_v up_o particular_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o have_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o and_o their_o doctrine_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v they_o be_v a_o mighty_a temptation_n enough_o almost_o to_o stagger_v the_o most_o confirm_a orthodox_n believe_v haeres_fw-la vincent_n lir._n adv_o haeres_fw-la allude_v i_o suppose_v to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o by_o that_o trial_n or_o temptation_n they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a it_o be_v a_o question_n that_o puzzle_v the_o most_o understanding_n heathen_a i_o think_v that_o ever_o be_v cicer._n cicer._n how_o god_n shall_v ever_o bestow_v reason_n and_o wit_n upon_o such_o man_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o gift_n against_o the_o donor_n this_o christian_a religion_n render_v more_o easy_a when_o it_o show_v we_o the_o end_n of_o this_o permission_n the_o manifestation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v now_o though_o these_o qualification_n of_o malice_n and_o wit_n where_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o the_o same_o person_n do_v dispose_n and_o fit_v he_o for_o disturbance_n yet_o he_o seldom_o break_v out_o into_o any_o extremity_n before_o some_o outward_a occasion_n of_o discontent_n do_v inflame_v he_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o temper_n that_o no_o fortune_n no_o honour_n can_v content_v and_o render_v easy_a to_o itself_o or_o restrain_v from_o disturb_v the_o world_n but_o this_o extravagancy_n be_v not_o common_a and_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o not_o very_o quiet_a or_o peaceable_a in_o their_o disposition_n yet_o when_o they_o have_v gain_v their_o point_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o wealth_n and_o honour_n they_o be_v common_o willing_a to_o secure_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o possession_n by_o let_v thing_n run_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n but_o if_o one_o of_o these_o man_n happen_v to_o labour_v under_o repulse_n and_o disappointment_n his_o patience_n be_v soon_o at_o a_o end_n upon_o this_o account_n many_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n that_o have_v stand_v in_o competition_n for_o a_o bishopric_n and_o lose_v it_o have_v break_v off_o all_o communion_n with_o their_o bishop_n who_o competitor_n they_o be_v so_o novatianus_n and_o several_a other_o become_v heretic_n sometime_o grow_v impatient_a with_o wait_v for_o the_o death_n of_o their_o bishop_n they_o have_v revolt_v against_o he_o and_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o they_o thus_o arius_n and_o macedonius_n become_v the_o head_n of_o sect_n sometime_o despair_n of_o promotion_n after_o long_o wait_v and_o envy_v against_o those_o they_o see_v prefer_v before_o they_o have_v carry_v away_o unsteaddy_a man_n to_o set_v up_o for_o singularity_n and_o to_o make_v new_a sect_n thus_o aetius_n separate_v from_o the_o arian_n and_o teach_v new_a blasphemy_n of_o his_o own_o sometime_o vain_a man_n have_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o applause_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n that_o flock_v after_o they_o and_o through_v their_o church_n to_o set_v up_o themselves_o against_o their_o bishop_n upon_o presumption_n of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o people_n this_o st._n austin_n make_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o heresy_n sic_fw-la enim_fw-la fiunt_fw-la haereses_fw-la &_o schismata_fw-la sin_n aug._n de_fw-fr bapt._n cont_n donat._n prop._n sin_n cum_fw-la dicit_fw-la plebs_fw-la carnâ—lis_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o charitate_fw-la dei_fw-la fundate_fw-it non_fw-la est_fw-la ibo_fw-la post_fw-la amatores_fw-la meos_fw-la cum_fw-la quibus_fw-la utique_fw-la sive_fw-la per_fw-la fidei_fw-la corruptionem_fw-la sive_fw-la per_fw-la elationem_fw-la superbiae_fw-la turpiter_fw-la fornicantur_fw-la heresy_n and_o schism_n be_v cause_v by_o giddy_a people_n that_o have_v itch_a ear_n and_o run_v after_o such_o teacher_n as_o they_o fancy_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o these_o pretend_v great_a edification_n for_o a_o excuse_n of_o their_o curiosity_n yet_o this_o good_a bishop_n do_v not_o like_o the_o reason_n and_o make_v it_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o mischief_n that_o befall_v the_o church_n nay_o the_o apostle_n express_v no_o small_a dislike_n of_o those_o that_o heap_n themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n be_v that_o great_a apostle_n and_o that_o great_a bishop_n alive_a now_o what_o will_v they_o say_v when_o they_o shall_v hear_v man_n renounce_v all_o order_n and_o rule_v and_o profess_v to_o follow_v their_o fancy_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o great_a edification_n yet_o this_o i_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o how_o good_a soever_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v for_o separation_n it_o sound_v not_o well_o from_o the_o teacher_n who_o commendation_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o reason_n they_o may_v sure_o give_v the_o people_n leave_v to_o say_v it_o and_o that_o may_v have_v save_v their_o modesty_n without_o lose_v the_o argument_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n almost_o all_o the_o heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o have_v distract_v the_o church_n have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o so_o many_o defection_n of_o the_o discontent_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o more_o pragmatical_a part_n of_o the_o laity_n from_o their_o rightful_a bishop_n 55_o cyp_n ep._n 55_o non_fw-la aliundè_fw-la haereses_fw-la obortae_fw-la sunt_fw-la aut_fw-la nata_fw-la sunt_fw-la schismata_fw-la quam_fw-la inde_fw-la quod_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la non_fw-la obtemperatur_fw-la 69._o ep._n 69._o schism_n and_o heresy_n spring_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n than_o disobedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n ind_n haereses_fw-la obortae_fw-la sunt_fw-la dum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la qui_fw-la unus_fw-la est_fw-la contemnitur_fw-la all_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pure_o for_o want_v of_o observe_v that_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.17_o heb._n 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n i._n e._n obey_v those_o that_o be_v rightful_o over_o you_o and_o submit_v to_o they_o not_o choose_v yourselves_o new_a teacher_n and_o run_v after_o your_o own_o fancy_n sâ—yr_n epad._n sâ—yr_n which_o ignatius_n seem_v to_o paraphrase_n as_o he_o be_v cite_v by_o antiochus_n let_v the_o people_n assemble_v where_o the_o bishop_n be_v present_a the_o sheep_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v wander_v whither_o they_o please_v but_o as_o the_o shepherd_n lead_v they_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o conclude_v what_o he_o order_v to_o be_v most_o please_v to_o god_n and_o sure_o any_o one_o will_v think_v this_o the_o secure_a course_n those_o that_o seduce_v the_o people_n into_o faction_n they_o may_v have_v interest_n of_o their_o own_o to_o serve_v by_o make_v a_o breach_n and_o a_o
apostle_n which_o be_v those_o bishop_n he_o have_v give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o before_o and_o last_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o government_n of_o those_o church_n they_o have_v plant_v he_o make_v they_o much_o ancient_a than_o those_o heretic_n that_o disturb_v the_o church_n and_o draw_v a_o argument_n from_o their_o apostolic_a institution_n and_o their_o constant_a succession_n in_o that_o office_n against_o those_o that_o bring_v in_o new_a doctrine_n tertullian_n make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o argument_n 42._o quapropter_fw-la eye_n qui_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la sant_z presbyteris_fw-la obandire_fw-la oportet_fw-la his_fw-la qui_fw-la successionem_fw-la habent_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n sicut_fw-la oftendimus_fw-la qui_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la successione_n charisma_n veritatis_fw-la certum_fw-la acceperunt_fw-la l._n 7._o c._n 42._o and_o require_v of_o the_o heretic_n a_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o origen_n speak_v of_o bishop_n make_v they_o likewise_o to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o office_n tradiderunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la enim_fw-la two_o valde_fw-la posterieres_fw-la quam_fw-la episcopi_fw-la quibus_fw-la episcope_n ecclesias_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la in_o short_a it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o aerius_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o epiphanius_n if_o not_o as_o a_o heretic_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d c._n 1._o yet_o at_o least_o as_o a_o innovator_n for_o maintain_v a_o equality_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n for_o if_o the_o bishop_n be_v only_o the_o first_o presbyter_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o that_o time_n that_o there_o be_v no_o original_a difference_n between_o the_o order_n 75._o haeres_fw-la 75._o epiphanius_n can_v not_o have_v observe_v this_o as_o a_o singularity_n in_o aerius_n therefore_o the_o common_a opinion_n then_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o notion_n they_o must_v apprehend_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o apostolical_a order_n derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o succession_n first_o to_o those_o assistant_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o from_o they_o to_o the_o succeed_v bishop_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n who_o judgement_n and_o knowledge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a antiquity_n be_v great_a than_o ordinary_a 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o also_o clemens_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n by_o clemens_n alexand._n strom._n l._n 4._o he_o make_v bishop_n at_o first_o to_o be_v call_v apostle_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o from_o such_o apostle_n as_o epaphroditus_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o philippi_n bishop_n be_v descend_v according_a to_o his_o opinion_n but_o that_o out_o of_o modesty_n the_o succeed_v bishop_n change_v the_o title_n of_o apostle_n for_o that_o of_o bishop_n and_o this_o for_o some_o time_n after_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o presbyter_n though_o the_o office_n than_o be_v manifest_o distinct_a all_o this_o consider_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o the_o conjecture_n of_o st._n jerom_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n against_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o particular_a church_n concern_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n gather_v by_o eusebius_n shall_v obtain_v not_o only_o among_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o that_o order_n but_o even_o among_o many_o that_o retain_v it_o therefore_o for_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o original_a of_o bishop_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v that_o prejudice_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o jerom_n have_v do_v it_o who_o have_v advance_v a_o singular_a notion_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v and_o afterward_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o st_o jerom_n observe_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n use_v in_o scripture_n promiscuous_o and_o without_o distinction_n conclude_v 1._o idem_fw-la est_fw-la ergo_fw-la presbyter_n qui_fw-la episcopus_fw-la &_o antequam_fw-la diaboli_fw-la instinctu_fw-la studia_fw-la in_o religione_fw-la fierent_fw-la communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la concilio_n ecclesiae_fw-la gubernahantur_fw-la postquam_fw-la vero_fw-la unisquisque_fw-la eos_fw-la quos_fw-la baptizaverat_fw-la suos_fw-la put_v a_o bat_n esse_fw-la non_fw-la christi_fw-la in_fw-la toto_fw-la orb_n decretum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la unus_fw-la de_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la electus_fw-la caeteris_fw-la superponeretur_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la omnis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cura_fw-la pertineret_fw-la &_o schismatum_fw-la semina_fw-la tollerentur_fw-la hieron_n in_o titum_fw-la c._n 1._o that_o the_o office_n be_v not_o not_o then_o distinct_a but_o that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v but_o two_o name_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o order_n but_o when_o division_n be_v occasion_v in_o the_o church_n by_o this_o parity_n between_o the_o presbyter_n the_o church_n who_o be_v govern_v before_o by_o a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n for_o to_o remedy_v that_o evil_a consent_v that_o one_o shall_v be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o rest_n who_o shall_v be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o be_v call_v more_o peculiarly_a their_o bishop_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v appertain_v that_o all_o the_o seed_n and_o occasion_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v take_v away_o but_o that_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o ancient_n make_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o be_v in_o short_a the_o opinion_n of_o st._n jerom_n i_o will_v in_o the_o next_o place_n examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o evagr._fw-la apud_fw-la veteres_fw-la idem_fw-la episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la erant_fw-la idem_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la ocean_n cum_fw-la apostolus_fw-la perspicue_n doctat_fw-la cosdem_fw-la esse_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la quos_fw-la &_o episcopos_fw-la id_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la evagr._fw-la it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o allegation_n of_o jerom_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v ground_v chief_o upon_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o bishop_n be_v call_v presbyter_n or_o presbyter_n bishop_n and_o then_o from_o the_o synonomy_n of_o the_o name_n conclude_v to_o a_o identity_n of_o the_o office_n and_o then_o he_o add_v one_o may_v perhaps_o think_v this_o to_o be_v my_o sense_n and_o not_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n 1.1_o phil._n 1.1_o let_v he_o read_v the_o apostle_n word_n to_o the_o philippian_n his_o salutation_n of_o that_o church_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n which_o he_o confirm_v by_o act_n 20.27_o 28._o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o and_o now_o suppose_v all_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o they_o again_o presbyter_n yet_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o will_v hardly_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v the_o same_o and_o some_o of_o those_o text_n cite_v by_o st._n jerom_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o that_o of_o peter_n the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n among_o you_o who_o be_o myself_o a_o elder_n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o if_o the_o reason_n of_o st._n jerom_n hold_v will_v prove_v likewise_o that_o apostle_n be_v no_o more_o than_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o if_o peter_n be_v but_o a_o presbyter_n we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n to_o find_v any_o bishop_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n jerom_n cite_v those_o text_n of_o st._n john_n the_o elder_a to_o the_o elect_a lady_n 1_o 2_o john_n 1._o 3_o john_n 1_o the_o elder_a to_o his_o belove_a gaius_n which_o plain_o overthrow_v his_o argument_n for_o if_o a_o apostle_n be_v of_o a_o office_n superior_a to_o a_o presbyter_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o yet_o be_v call_v presbyter_n in_o scripture_n than_o bishop_n may_v be_v of_o a_o superior_a degree_n to_o presbyter_n though_o they_o may_v some_o time_n be_v so_o call_v or_o if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o these_o presbyter_n again_o be_v call_v bishop_n it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n at_o all_o for_o so_o some_o messenger_n of_o church_n be_v call_v apostle_n as_o andronicus_n and_o junia_n who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n 16._o rom._n 16._o beside_o there_o be_v several_a of_o the_o father_n that_o observe_v this_o synonomy_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o jerom_n but_o can_v not_o observe_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o inference_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v then_o no_o bishop_n but_o presbyter_n 1._o chrysost_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la phil._n c._n 1._o chrysostom_n confess_v the_o title_n be_v confound_v but_o he_o take_v notice_n likewise_o that_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a title_n be_v so_o as_o well_o as_o these_o that_o bishop_n be_v sometime_o call_v deacon_n and_o that_o timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n be_v command_v to_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n or_o his_o deaconship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o do_v he_o wonder_v at_o this_o at_o all_o since_o in_o his_o own_o time_n the_o bishop_n when_o they_o write_v to_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n
est_fw-la curam_fw-la parochiae_fw-la habere_fw-la hispani_fw-la episcopi_fw-la docent_fw-la &_o baptizare_fw-la posse_fw-la mendoza_n where_o it_o be_v order_v that_o if_o a_o deacon_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o a_o congregation_n or_o parish_n without_o a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n shall_v baptise_v any_o the_o bishop_n shall_v perfect_v it_o by_o confirmation_n or_o if_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o party_n die_v we_o be_v to_o hope_v well_o of_o he_o the_o council_n of_o neocaesarea_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v signify_v the_o same_o distribution_n of_o diocese_n into_o several_a parish_n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n conc._n neocaes_n c._n 13._o where_o the_o country_n presbyter_n be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o former_a be_v forbid_v to_o officiate_v in_o the_o city_n be_v cathedral_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n belong_v to_o they_o now_o when_o constantine_n conversion_n have_v make_v so_o great_a and_o happy_a a_o change_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o civil_a power_n that_o hitherto_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o destroy_v it_o take_v it_o not_o only_o into_o its_o protection_n but_o to_o special_a favour_n and_o kindness_n and_o study_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o render_v it_o great_a and_o honourable_a the_o number_n of_o bishop_n and_o diocese_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v diminish_v that_o they_o soon_o after_o be_v exceed_o increase_v partly_o by_o the_o emperor_n multiply_a metropoles_fw-la partly_o by_o the_o unhappy_a division_n that_o soon_o after_o afflict_v the_o church_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o deduction_n when_o constantine_n indict_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a it_o appear_v from_o eusebius_n that_o he_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n as_o can_v well_o come_v together_o 6._o euseb_n â—e_z vita_fw-la constant_n l_o 3_o c._n 6._o for_o which_o purpose_n he_o furnish_v many_o of_o they_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n with_o convenience_n for_o travail_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o as_o many_o as_o can_v have_v any_o mean_n of_o go_v will_v be_v carry_v thither_o by_o their_o curiosity_n to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o christian_a emperor_n that_o new_a miracle_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o church_n and_o according_o they_o come_v from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o some_o from_o the_o nation_n beyond_o it_o the_o country_n that_o lie_v next_o to_o nice_n do_v doubtless_o send_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o bishop_n as_o may_v be_v infer_v by_o compare_v the_o subscription_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o palestine_n phoenicia_n coelosyria_n egypt_n and_o some_o other_o country_n either_o with_o the_o ancient_n notiâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o those_o country_n or_o the_o subscription_n of_o follow_a council_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o province_n of_o bythinia_n where_o this_o council_n be_v hold_v have_v but_o 13_o bishop_n present_v though_o the_o principal_a bishop_n of_o the_o province_n be_v extreme_o concern_v and_o at_o last_o condemn_v by_o this_o synod_n therefore_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o that_o province_n have_v very_o few_o more_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o care_n to_o make_v a_o full_a assembly_n the_o number_n of_o bishop_n scarce_o exceed_v 250._o as_o eusebius_n who_o be_v present_a do_v affirm_v man_n 232._o according_a to_o the_o ms._n cite_v by_o mr._n selden_n in_o eutich_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o sandius_n take_v to_o be_v sabinus_n often_o mention_v by_o socrates_n and_o one_o that_o expose_v this_o council_n as_o consist_v of_o poor_a illiterate_a man_n and_o eustatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n reckon_v but_o 20_o more_o though_o the_o common_a opinion_n reckon_v 318._o and_o yet_o how_o small_a a_o number_n be_v this_o in_o comparison_n of_o some_o succeed_a council_n where_o we_o find_v without_o half_a the_o apparatus_fw-la that_o belong_v to_o the_o nicene_n council_n double_v the_o number_n meet_v together_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n have_v near_o 300._o the_o heretic_n have_v great_a number_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o philippopolis_n the_o arrian_n council_n of_o sirmium_n have_v 300_o western_a bishop_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o east_n that_o of_o ariminum_n have_v 400._o bishop_n from_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n for_o in_o the_o east_n there_o be_v another_o council_n call_v at_o seleucca_n and_o last_o that_o of_o chalcedon_n have_v no_o less_o than_o 600._o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a account_n give_v of_o this_o difference_n 3.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n vit_fw-mi const_n l._n 3.17_o but_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o diocese_n be_v strange_o increase_v for_o constantine_n design_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o be_v as_o great_a and_o magnificent_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v nay_o be_v outdo_v by_o some_o provincial_a council_n of_o africa_n and_o as_o the_o number_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a show_v that_o diocese_n in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o so_o many_o nor_o small_a as_o they_o become_v afterward_o so_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o same_o council_n do_v suppose_v bishopric_n to_o be_v very_o large_a and_o forbid_v the_o divide_n of_o they_o for_o one_o canon_n order_n that_o every_o bishop_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n 〈◊〉_d can._n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consider_v how_o large_a ecclesiastical_a province_n be_v then_o they_o can_v suppose_v all_o the_o pastor_n of_o every_o congregation_n to_o meet_v nor_o indeed_o the_o minister_n of_o every_o good_a town_n or_o substantial_a village_n which_o in_o several_a province_n will_v amount_v to_o several_a thousand_o without_o make_v such_o a_o assembly_n more_o numerous_a than_o any_o general_a council_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n â—_o can._n â—_o another_o canon_n provide_v against_o the_o divide_n of_o diocese_n in_o case_n a_o novatian_a bishop_n shall_v happy_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v content_a with_o the_o place_n of_o presbyter_n unless_o the_o catholic_n bishop_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o leave_v he_o the_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n if_o not_o chorepiscopus_fw-la inveniat_fw-la eâ—_n locum_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o parochia_fw-la chorepiscopus_fw-la then_o to_o make_v he_o a_o chorepiscopus_n i._n e._n the_o rector_n of_o a_o country_n parish_n in_o his_o diocese_n or_o a_o city_n presbyter_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v two_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o city_n the_o african_a council_n take_v another_o course_n as_o we_o have_v see_v and_o divide_v the_o diocese_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o when_o they_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o council_n we_o find_v they_o change_v their_o practice_n for_o augustin_n when_o he_o have_v design_v his_o successor_n yet_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v ordain_v in_o his_o life_n time_n because_o he_o will_v not_o violate_v this_o canon_n although_o his_o predecessor_n have_v permit_v his_o ordination_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a ep._n august_n ep._n but_o augustin_n make_v his_o excuse_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v of_o this_o canon_n then_o and_o yet_o his_o diocese_n be_v large_a enough_o to_o hold_v two_o but_o he_o understand_v this_o one_o city_n with_o all_o its_o dependency_n and_o think_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o canon_n there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v two_o bishop_n together_o in_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n that_o be_v above_o forty_o mile_n in_o length_n the_o diocese_n of_o constantinople_n to_o which_o constantine_n be_v so_o great_a a_o patron_n 46._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n vit_fw-mi const_n l._n 3._o c._n 46._o be_v very_o considerable_a in_o his_o time_n for_o it_o have_v so_o far_o outgrow_v the_o measure_n of_o one_o congregation_n that_o the_o emperor_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o build_v a_o great_a many_o church_n and_o very_o large_a temple_n or_o martyria_fw-la because_o they_o be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o martyr_n and_o this_o not_o only_o within_o the_o city_n but_o in_o the_o suburb_n that_o be_v in_o the_o language_n of_o that_o time_n the_o territory_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n there_o be_v no_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n that_o can_v inform_v the_o welmeaning_a emperor_n that_o this_o be_v mistake_v devotion_n to_o submit_v all_o these_o church_n to_o one_o bishop_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n suppose_v bishop_n to_o have_v large_a diocese_n 8._o an._n ch._n 341._o can._n 8._o and_o therefore_o provide_v that_o country_n presbyter_n shall_v not_o give_v canonical_a epistle_n not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o
next_o neighbour_a bishop_n but_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la may_v send_v such_o as_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o friendly_a correspondence_n and_o concord_n and_o the_o next_o canon_n about_o the_o power_n of_o metropolitan_o 9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d can._n 9_o where_o it_o be_v forbid_v any_o bishop_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n that_o may_v concern_v the_o whole_a province_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a do_v notwithstanding_o allow_v that_o he_o may_v govern_v his_o own_o church_n and_o all_o the_o region_n under_o his_o jurisdiction_n another_o canon_n suppose_v more_o than_o one_o city_n in_o a_o diocese_n and_o therefore_o order_n that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v not_o ordain_v a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o deacon_n in_o another_o city_n than_o his_o own_o 22._o own_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n can._n 22._o or_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o he_o civitate_fw-la council_n agrippin_n an._n 346._o non_fw-fr opinion_n sed_fw-la veritate_fw-la cognovi_fw-la pro_fw-la finitimi_fw-la loci_fw-la conjuncta_fw-la civitate_fw-la the_o council_n of_o colen_n discover_v the_o diocese_n thereabouts_o to_o be_v very_o large_a for_o the_o bishop_n assemble_v have_v most_o of_o they_o their_o seat_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o colen_n sêrvatius_n bishop_n of_o tongre_n in_o his_o subscription_n add_v something_o concern_v his_o own_o knowledge_n of_o euphrata_n bishop_n of_o colen_n and_o he_o give_v for_o his_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v his_o next_o neighbour_n and_o yet_o their_o city_n be_v fifty_o or_o sixty_o english_a mile_n distant_a one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o colen_n appear_v from_o the_o same_o council_n where_o not_o only_o the_o people_n of_o the_o city_n exhibit_v their_o complaint_n against_o he_o but_o of_o all_o the_o town_n of_o the_o second_o germany_n provinciar_n subscriptio_fw-la servatii_n cumque_fw-la recitata_fw-la fuisset_fw-la epifiola_n plebis_fw-la agrippinensis_n sed_fw-la &_o omnium_fw-la castrorum_fw-la germaniae_fw-la secundae_fw-la ap._n conc._n acta_fw-la provincia_n germaniae_fw-la secundae_fw-la metropolis_n civitas_n agrippinens_n colozia_n libel_n provinciar_n whereof_o colen_n be_v metropolis_n and_o most_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o that_o diocese_n the_o council_n of_o sardica_n consider_v what_o course_n the_o arian_n take_v to_o strengthen_v their_o party_n by_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o bishop_n as_o the_o instance_n of_o ischyras_n presbyter_n of_o mareote_n show_v who_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o a_o village_n by_o the_o arian_n council_n of_o tyre_n think_v fit_a to_o declare_v against_o such_o proceed_n as_o derogate_a from_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o decree_n that_o no_o village_n or_o inconsiderable_a city_n shall_v have_v a_o bishop_n 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d con._n sard._n c._n 6._o or_o any_o place_n where_o a_o presbyter_n may_v suffice_v and_o lest_o you_o may_v imagine_v this_o a_o innovation_n to_o favour_v the_o grow_a greatness_n of_o the_o bishop_n they_o add_v immediate_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o province_n shall_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o those_o city_n where_o there_o be_v any_o before_o which_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v several_a city_n after_o the_o empire_n become_v christian_n that_o have_v never_o yet_o have_v bishop_n nay_o they_o add_v far_o that_o when_o a_o city_n grow_v very_o populous_a so_o as_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o bishop_n it_o may_v have_v one_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n hold_v after_o that_o of_o sardica_n and_o much_o late_a than_o be_v general_o pretend_v that_o bishop_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v in_o village_n merca._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d visitatores_fw-la qui_fw-la circumtant_fw-la isid_n merca._n or_o in_o the_o country_n but_o visitor_n who_o by_o the_o name_n they_o bear_v appear_v to_o be_v diocesan_n because_o they_o have_v several_a congregation_n under_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o visit_v and_o as_o for_o such_o country_n bishop_n as_o be_v already_o they_o must_v take_v care_n to_o act_v nothing_o of_o moment_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o privity_n of_o the_o city_n bishop_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n dioceses_n do_v multiply_v against_o all_o mean_n use_v to_o prevent_v it_o as_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a number_n that_o meet_v in_o council_n synod_n acciti_fw-la atque_fw-la tracti_fw-la 400_o &_o à mplius_fw-la episcopi_fw-la sul._n seu._n l._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiph._n synod_n ap_fw-mi athan._n de_fw-fr synod_n exceed_v very_o much_o the_o great_a of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o extraordinary_a number_n meet_v at_o sirmium_n and_o ariminum_n at_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o west_n be_v say_v to_o have_v meet_v for_o the_o emperperors_n officer_n be_v send_v all_o over_o illyricum_n italy_n africa_n spain_n france_n to_o summon_v the_o bishop_n to_o meet_v at_o ariminum_n and_o all_o the_o bishop_n be_v say_v to_o come_v thither_o from_o all_o the_o city_n of_o the_o west_n and_o now_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o number_n of_o bishop_n and_o diocese_n to_o increase_v so_o we_o may_v make_v some_o judgement_n concern_v the_o occasion_n from_o that_o little_a light_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o this_o particular_a we_o have_v but_o a_o very_a obscure_a account_n of_o the_o erect_n of_o bishopric_n how_o and_o when_o most_o of_o they_o be_v found_v but_o those_o instance_n that_o be_v preserve_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o comprehend_v how_o the_o number_n come_v to_o increase_v so_o sensible_o after_o the_o break_n out_o of_o the_o arian_n controversy_n and_o in_o egypt_n some_o time_n before_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meletian_a schism_n 68_o epiph._n she_o 68_o meletius_n have_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n form_v a_o separate_a faction_n and_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o every_o country_n and_o in_o every_o place_n through_o which_o he_o pass_v nor_o be_v he_o content_a to_o set_v up_o only_o one_o altar_n against_o another_o but_o to_o erect_v several_a in_o the_o same_o diocese_n nor_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o end_n of_o divide_v diocese_n but_o these_o increase_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n 68_o meletius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n epiph._n haer._n 68_o and_o as_o the_o meletian_a schism_n multiply_v bishop_n in_o egypt_n the_o author_n of_o that_o sect_n ordain_v bishop_n in_o every_o region_n and_o in_o every_o place_n that_o he_o pass_v through_o several_a in_o the_o same_o diocese_n and_o as_o the_o arian_n controversy_n make_v bishop_n where_o there_o never_o be_v any_o before_o so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o controversy_n which_o follow_v 2._o athan._n ap._n 2._o multiply_a diocese_n no_o less_o than_o these_o but_o beside_o this_o the_o multiply_a of_o metropolitan_o by_o the_o christian_a emperor_n contribute_v no_o less_o to_o multiply_v bishop_n we_o have_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o province_n of_o cappadocia_n in_o the_o time_n of_o basil_n the_o great_a the_o province_n be_v divide_v between_o two_o civil_a metropoles_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o tyana_n the_o new_a metropolis_n think_v that_o according_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n that_o belongeâ—â—o_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o his_o city_n become_v no_o less_o subject_n to_o he_o as_o his_o ecclesiastical_a province_n which_o occasion_v great_a dispute_n and_o animosity_n between_o the_o two_o metropolitan_o basil_n complain_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o second_o cappadocia_n that_o they_o present_o renounce_v he_o in_o a_o manner_n 259._o ep._n 259._o and_o when_o he_o make_v any_o difficulty_n of_o ordain_v any_o bishop_n belong_v to_o his_o province_n anthimus_n be_v ready_a to_o admit_v he_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o faustus_n therefore_o to_o oppose_v the_o power_n of_o this_o new_a usurp_a metropolitan_a he_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o ordinary_a relief_n of_o make_v more_o suffragans_fw-la that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o may_v have_v some_o remedy_n from_o a_o provincial_a synod_n 23._o epist_n 58._o &_o 195._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d naz._n de_fw-fr vit._n suâ_fw-la &_o ep._n 22_o 23._o to_o this_o purpose_n sasima_n a_o small_a town_n belong_v to_o caesarea_n be_v make_v a_o episcopal_a seat_n and_o gregory_n nazianzen_n be_v prefer_v to_o it_o much_o against_o his_o will_n as_o a_o person_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o he_o against_o his_o antagonist_n which_o he_o complain_v of_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o basil_n and_o in_o his_o account_n of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o so_o sensible_a be_v he_o of_o basil_n engage_v he_o in_o this_o quarrel_n basil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d naz._n or._n de_fw-la basil_n that_o he_o can_v forbear_v express_v his_o resentment_n even_o
bishop_n it_o seem_v be_v so_o few_o that_o we_o find_v but_o eight_o of_o they_o subscribe_v in_o that_o council_n the_o council_n of_o valence_n have_v twenty_o one_o bishop_n and_o this_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o the_o province_n of_o one_o metropolitan_a in_o these_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a one_o of_o several_a province_n or_o of_o all_o gallia_n for_o there_o be_v a_o epistle_n of_o this_o synod_n direct_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n and_o church_n of_o gallia_n by_o way_n of_o preface_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o it_o a_o thing_n never_o assume_v by_o the_o particular_a synod_n of_o a_o province_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v yet_o more_o probable_a by_o compare_v this_o with_o other_o council_n that_o follow_v the_o council_n of_o regium_n or_o riez_n consist_v but_o of_o thirteen_o bishop_n personal_o present_a and_o one_o presbyter_n who_o be_v proxy_n for_o a_o bishop_n the_o first_o council_n of_o orange_n have_v but_o sixteen_o personal_o present_a and_o one_o proxy_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o imagine_v the_o gallican_n bishop_n to_o be_v so_o negligent_a as_o not_o to_o attend_v these_o provincial_a synod_n let_v we_o but_o consider_v the_o eighteen_o and_o nineteenth_o canon_n of_o the_o second_o council_n of_o arles_n which_o provide_v against_o this_o neglect_n there_o it_o be_v order_v that_o if_o any_o bishop_n be_v hinder_v by_o sickness_n he_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o send_v his_o proxy_n but_o if_o any_o bishop_n shall_v neglect_v to_o come_v or_o depart_v before_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o assembly_n let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o his_o brethren_n communion_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v until_o the_o next_o synod_n shall_v restore_v he_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o injunction_n the_o synod_n of_o anger_n be_v assemble_v the_o year_n follow_v have_v but_o eight_o bishop_n and_o the_o three_o council_n of_o arles_n within_o three_o year_n after_o 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obtineat_fw-la or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v rector_n of_o one_o parish_n in_o the_o diocese_n if_o the_o bishop_n think_v fit_a but_o be_v to_o have_v the_o government_n of_o no_o more_o than_o one_o parish_n and_o the_o city_n bishop_n to_o ordain_v all_o his_o assistant_n the_o first_o council_n of_o orange_n appoint_v that_o if_o a_o bishop_n shall_v build_v a_o church_n in_o another_o bishop_n territory_n 10._o gon._n arans_n 1._o can._n 10._o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n to_o serve_v it_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n in_o who_o territory_n it_o be_v but_o the_o right_n of_o presentation_n and_o patronage_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o founder_n of_o that_o church_n which_o suppose_v a_o diocese_n of_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o the_o council_n of_o vaison_n vasense_n enjoin_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o parish_n within_o every_o diocese_n to_o repair_v to_o their_o proper_a bishop_n for_o chrism_n every_o 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bishop_n all_o the_o venom_n be_v direct_v it_o be_v certain_a indeed_o that_o we_o have_v bishop_n betimes_o for_o we_o find_v some_o of_o their_o subscription_n to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o arles_n 2._o a._n d._n 314._o sulp._n sever._n l._n 2._o and_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o present_a about_o forty_o year_n after_o in_o the_o council_n of_o ariminum_n but_o how_o large_a their_o bishop_n be_v then_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o demonstrate_v ascens_fw-la hist_o briton_n l._n 2._o c._n 1._o ed_z ascens_fw-la jeffrey_n of_o monmouth_n reckon_v twenty_o eight_o bishop_n and_o three_o arch-bishop_n in_o lucius_n his_o time_n set_v up_o in_o the_o place_n of_o so_o many_o flamen_n and_o arch-flamin_n who_o be_v the_o directour_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n here_o 2_o vid._n usser_v de_fw-fr primord_n eccl._n brit._n p._n 57_o gild._n bis_fw-la denis_fw-la bisque_fw-la quaternis_fw-la ciut_fw-la tibus_fw-la munita_fw-la bede_n hist_o l._n 1._o c._n 1._o bede_n l_o 2._o c._n 2_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v from_o gildas_n de_fw-fr victoria_n aurelii_n ambrosii_n but_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o gildas_n de_fw-fr exidio_fw-la britanniae_fw-la where_o he_o mention_n twenty_o eight_o city_n in_o brittian_n and_o another_o out_o of_o bede_n who_o follow_v gildas_n the_o flamen_n i_o suppose_v be_v add_v for_o ornament_n afterward_o by_o some_o imposture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o gildas_n but_o all_o the_o account_n that_o i_o know_v of_o the_o number_n of_o bishop_n here_o be_v in_o bede_n who_o say_v that_o in_o a_o synod_n assemble_v in_o worcestershire_n about_o the_o receive_n augustine_n the_o monk_n there_o be_v seven_o british_a bishop_n present_a and_o probable_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o country_n be_v there_o this_o be_v the_o second_o synod_n assemble_v upon_o that_o subject_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v final_o decide_v the_o bishop_n that_o be_v present_a in_o the_o first_o conference_n pretend_v they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o make_v a_o
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superseeded_a and_o a_o bishop_n may_v act_v in_o any_o place_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o general_a power_n he_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o ordination_n so_o that_o this_o first_o exception_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o evangelist_n be_v unfixt_v and_o bishop_n determine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v make_v no_o essential_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o visitor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n they_o make_v evident_o against_o mr._n b_n notion_n of_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o bishop_n and_o evangelist_n for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o residence_n be_v fix_v to_o certain_a city_n and_o their_o jurisdiction_n confine_v within_o certain_a province_n as_o the_o superintendent_n of_o the_o country_n of_o orkney_n be_v to_o keep_v his_o residence_n in_o the_o town_n of_o keirkwall_n 158._o spotswood_n hist_o scot._n l._n 3._o p._n 158._o he_o of_o rosse_n in_o the_o channory_n of_o rosse_n and_o so_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o town_n appoint_v for_o their_o residence_n their_o office_n be_v to_o try_v the_o life_n diligence_n and_o behaviour_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o order_n of_o their_o church_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n how_o the_o poor_a be_v provide_v and_o how_o the_o youth_n be_v instruct_v they_o must_v admonish_v where_o admonition_n need_v and_o dress_v all_o thing_n that_o by_o good_a counsel_n they_o be_v able_a to_o compose_v final_o they_o must_v take_v note_n of_o all_o heinous_a crime_n that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v correct_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o of_o their_o constitution_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o mr._n knox_n first_o project_n of_o church-polity_n 258._o spotswood_n p._n 258._o and_o their_o practice_n be_v altogether_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n as_o bishop_n spotswood_n describe_v it_o the_o superintendent_o hold_v their_o office_n during_o life_n and_o their_o power_n be_v episcopal_a for_o they_o do_v elect_v and_o ordain_v minister_n they_o preside_v in_o synod_n and_o direct_v all_o church_n censure_n neither_o be_v any_o excommunication_n pronounce_v without_o their_o warrant_n and_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v how_o the_o constitution_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n become_v a_o crime_n and_o yet_o these_o visitor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n conformable_a to_o divine_a institution_n as_o to_o the_o second_o exception_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v episcopi_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la and_o have_v bishop_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n which_o our_o diocesan_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n but_o of_o particular_a church_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o make_v no_o difference_n at_o leastwise_o no_o essential_a one_o for_o the_o same_o person_n may_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o diocese_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o supervise_v power_n over_o several_a other_o but_o in_o this_o point_n mr._n b._n do_v but_o equivocate_a and_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n for_o by_o his_o episcopus_fw-la gregis_fw-la he_o mean_v only_o a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o particular_a bishop_n may_v have_v jurisdiction_n over_o such_o without_o any_o injury_n or_o prejudice_n do_v to_o the_o office_n which_o from_o its_o first_o institution_n have_v be_v under_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o superior_a apostolical_a power_n if_o therefore_o these_o presbyter_n do_v retain_v all_o that_o power_n which_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o under_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n how_o be_v they_o degrade_v in_o short_a either_o this_o order_n of_o congregational_a episcopacy_n be_v different_a from_o presbytery_n or_o the_o same_o with_o it_o if_o the_o same_o how_o be_v it_o abrogate_a by_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n since_o presbyter_n be_v still_o in_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n if_o they_o be_v distinct_a how_o then_o come_v mr._n b._n to_o confound_v they_o as_o he_o do_v §_o 16._o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o set_v more_o than_o one_o of_o these_o elder_n or_o bishop_n in_o every_o church_n so_o then_o those_o apostolic_a man_n as_o bishop_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n wherein_o as_o they_o reside_v have_v authority_n over_o presbyter_n within_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o diocese_n and_o a_o general_a supervise_v care_n of_o several_a other_o church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v episcopi_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la in_o the_o first_o they_o be_v succeed_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o the_o latter_a by_o metropolitan_o which_o yet_o be_v never_o look_v upon_o as_o two_o order_n essential_o distinct_a but_o after_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o mr._n b_n episcopacy_n unless_o we_o take_v along_o with_o it_o his_o notion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o he_o set_v down_o p._n 6._o §_o 19_o there_o be_v great_a evidence_n of_o history_n 6._o p._n 6._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o apostle_n settle_v be_v essential_o only_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n pastor_n and_o people_n associate_v for_o personal_a holy_a communion_n and_o mutual_a help_n in_o holy_a doctrine_n worship_n conversation_n and_o order_n therefore_o it_o never_o consist_v of_o so_o few_o or_o so_o many_o or_o so_o distant_a as_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o personal_a help_n and_o communion_n but_o be_v ever_o distinguish_v as_o from_o accidental_a meeting_n so_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o many_o church_n or_o distant_a christian_n which_o be_v hold_v but_o by_o delegate_n synod_n of_o pastor_n or_o letter_n and_o not_o by_o personal_a help_n in_o presence_n not_o that_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o always_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o that_o usual_o they_o do_v so_o or_o at_o due_a time_n at_o least_o and_o be_v no_o more_o nor_o more_o distant_a than_o can_v so_o meet_v sometime_o persecution_n hinder_v they_o sometime_o the_o room_n may_v be_v too_o small_a even_o independent_a church_n among_o we_o sometime_o meet_v in_o diverse_a place_n
that_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o mistake_n for_o this_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v a_o consultation_n than_o a_o council_n and_o as_o if_o they_o have_v want_v authority_n to_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o ticklish_a point_n of_o receive_v the_o lapse_v into_o communion_n they_o only_o agree_v this_o 31._o ap_fw-mi cypr._n ep._n 31._o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v change_v before_o the_o election_n of_o their_o next_o bishop_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o letter_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o carthage_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v here_o present_a be_v such_o as_o come_v to_o assist_v and_o advise_v the_o roman_a clergy_n in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o great_a danger_n and_o not_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n authoritative_o in_o council_n much_o less_o to_o be_v preside_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n after_o this_o say_v he_o 26._o p._n 35._o §_o 26._o there_o be_v another_o council_n in_o carthage_n two_o in_o rome_n and_o one_o in_o carthage_n about_o the_o same_o controversy_n these_o he_o pass_v over_o very_o light_o and_o the_o schism_n that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o of_o they_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o charge_v it_o upon_o any_o bishop_n cyprian_n behave_v himself_o like_o a_o prudent_a good_a man_n and_o a_o indulgent_a father_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o can_v not_o prevent_v schism_n and_o conventicle_n faelicissimus_fw-la priest_n of_o carthage_n make_v the_o first_o breach_n who_o mr._n b._n mistake_v for_o felicissimus_n the_o deacon_n 26._o §_o 26._o who_o join_v himself_o afterward_o with_o novatus_n against_o the_o good_a bishop_n cyprian_n novatus_n a_o african_a presbyter_n improve_v this_o difference_n and_o not_o content_a to_o disturb_v his_o own_o church_n go_v to_o rome_n and_o kindle_a discord_n and_o dissension_n there_o baronius_n will_v have_v this_o novatus_n to_o be_v a_o bishop_n because_o he_o be_v say_v by_o cyprian_n to_o have_v ordain_v felicissimus_n a_o deacon_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a as_o well_o out_o of_o cyprian_a as_o the_o chronicle_n of_o eusebius_n that_o he_o be_v but_o priest_n novatus_n presbyter_n cypriani_fw-la romam_fw-la veniens_fw-la 49._o ep._n 49._o etc._n etc._n say_v eusebius_n and_o cyprian_a after_o he_o have_v show_v what_o manner_n oâ—_n man_n he_o be_v add_v that_o be_v conscious_a of_o such_o horrid_a crime_n he_o must_v expect_v non_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d presbyterio_n excitari_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o communicatione_n prohiberi_fw-la and_o as_o for_o the_o ordination_n oâ—_n felicissimus_n cyprian_n in_o the_o same_o epistle_n shewâ—_n it_o to_o have_v be_v do_v against_o all_o rule_n and_o order_n because_o he_o say_v that_o he_o do_v it_o nec_fw-la pâ—mittente_fw-la i_o nec_fw-la sciente_fw-la but_o sva_fw-la factione_n &_o ambitione_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o novatâ—â—_fw-la be_v cyprian_n presbyter_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v ordain_v a_o deacon_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o he_o or_o by_o his_o permissionâ—_n whereas_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o bishop_n his_o right_n to_o the_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n will_v have_v be_v unquestionable_a this_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o schism_n mr._n b._n favour_n so_o much_o throughout_o his_o whole_a history_n and_o claim_v kindred_n with_o they_o as_o the_o puritan_n and_o nonconformist_n of_o those_o time_n yet_o have_v know_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o have_v be_v he_o may_v have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o progenitor_n who_o if_o cyprian_a be_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v always_o restless_a arrogant_a proud_a perfidious_a a_o flatterer_n and_o a_o incendiary_n that_o carry_v a_o tempest_n with_o he_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v and_o be_v a_o swear_a enemy_n to_o peace_n and_o settlement_n he_o rob_v the_o orphan_n cheat_v the_o widow_n purloin_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n he_o suffer_v his_o father_n to_o starve_v and_o will_v not_o as_o much_o as_o bury_v he_o when_o dead_a he_o kick_v his_o wife_n be_v great_a with_o child_n and_o cause_v sudden_a abortion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a saint_n and_o puritan_n that_o can_v find_v no_o church_n no_o bishop_n holy_a enough_o for_o his_o communion_n this_o be_v the_o severe_a judge_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v repentance_n and_o represent_v god_n cruel_a and_o implacable_a as_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v real_o his_o opinion_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n that_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n for_o the_o lapse_v no_o not_o with_o god_n and_o that_o mr._n b._n mistake_v when_o he_o affirm_v this_o rigour_n to_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o refuse_v a_o outward_a reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n the_o next_o be_v another_o council_n of_o carthage_n 36._o p._n 36._o under_o cyprian_a where_o one_o victor_n be_v condemn_v for_o make_v a_o priest_n guardian_n of_o his_o child_n and_o entangle_v a_o man_n devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n all_o that_o he_o have_v to_o except_v against_o this_o be_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o sentence_n that_o forbid_v his_o name_n to_o be_v mention_v in_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o oblation_n make_v for_o his_o rest_n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a pray_v for_o the_o dead_a be_v intend_v rather_o as_o a_o honourable_a remembrance_n of_o they_o than_o any_o act_n of_o charity_n towards_o the_o soul_n depart_v else_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a so_o good_a and_o indulgent_a a_o man_n as_o st._n cyprian_n be_v will_v have_v be_v so_o cruel_a in_o his_o intention_n as_o to_o deprive_v a_o poor_a soul_n of_o any_o relief_n he_o have_v judge_v necessary_a for_o it_o â—8_o p._n â—5_n §_o â—8_o after_o this_o he_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o several_a council_n call_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o rebaptisation_n of_o heretic_n and_o here_o to_o do_v he_o right_o he_o be_v just_a enough_o in_o his_o remark_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n be_v for_o rebaptise_v heretic_n and_o consider_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n the_o first_o heretic_n be_v it_o be_v probable_a they_o have_v tradition_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n however_o mr._n b._n endeavour_n fair_o to_o excuse_v these_o difference_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n with_o honour_n and_o respect_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o eminent_a piety_n and_o worth_n have_v he_o use_v the_o same_o candour_n towards_o other_o who_o be_v no_o less_o eminent_a it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n but_o his_o contrary_a unequal_a deal_v be_v not_o much_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o charity_n and_o modesty_n there_o be_v a_o mistake_n §_o 29._o where_o he_o make_v eus_n bius_fw-la to_o speak_v that_o in_o his_o own_o person_n 〈…〉_o 〈…〉_o which_o he_o cite_v not_o of_o dionysius_n alexandrinus_n that_o he_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o rebaptise_v of_o heretic_n 6._o euseb_n l._n 7_o c._n 6._o which_o be_v a_o tradition_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n that_o condemn_v paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la be_v in_o effect_n acquit_v by_o mr._n b._n when_o he_o acknowledge_v he_o that_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o council_n a_o gross_a heretic_n that_o infamous_a meeting_n of_o traditor_n at_o cyrta_n parmen_fw-la p._n 36._o §_o 37._o a_o meeting_n of_o 12_o evil_a man_n that_o be_v bishop_n lib._n 1._o contra_fw-la parmen_fw-la be_v rather_o a_o conspiracy_n than_o a_o council_n and_o i_o be_o sorry_a mr._n b._n have_v not_o do_v that_o right_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o show_v who_o these_o man_n be_v opatus_fw-la milev_n reproach_n his_o donatist_n adversary_n with_o these_o progenitor_n among_o these_o be_v donatus_n masculitanus_n victor_n rusicciadiensis_n marinus_n ab_fw-la aquis_fw-la tibilitanis_n donatus_n calumensis_n and_o the_o murderer_n purpurius_n limatensis_n the_o great_a promoter_n of_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n of_o that_o sect_n yet_o these_o man_n though_o they_o be_v confess_v traditor_n become_v of_o so_o tender_a conscience_n soon_o after_o as_o to_o abhor_v communion_n with_o cecilianus_n because_o he_o be_v ordain_v by_o felix_n who_o they_o suspect_v of_o the_o same_o crime_n that_o they_o have_v pardon_v one_o another_o the_o church_n be_v so_o unconcern_v with_o the_o crime_n of_o these_o man_n that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n her_o vindication_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o and_o they_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n because_o their_o crime_n make_v they_o despair_v of_o enjoy_v it_o the_o next_o council_n he_o mention_n 38._o c._n 2._o §_o 38._o be_v that_o of_o sinuessa_n one_o of_o the_o most_o nonsensical_a piece_n of_o forgery_n that_o ever_o i_o see_v three_o hundred_o bishop_n be_v say_v to_o meet_v together_o to_o judge_v pope_n marcellinus_n and_o can_v find_v no_o better_a
endeavour_v to_o set_v up_o now_o how_o these_o shall_v be_v no_o presbyterian_o who_o set_v up_o presbytery_n how_o they_o be_v episcopal_n that_o destroy_v episcopacy_n be_v i_o must_v confess_v too_o hard_a a_o riddle_n for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o plain_a understanding_n unless_o one_o may_v think_v that_o mr._n b._n give_v this_o bishop-destroying_a parliament_n the_o title_n of_o episcopal_n as_o the_o roman_n honour_v several_a of_o their_o general_n with_o the_o title_n of_o those_o nation_n they_o have_v overcome_v or_o else_o that_o mr._n b._n speak_v by_o a_o figure_n too_o frequent_a though_o not_o very_o decent_a in_o history_n call_v fiction_n as_o to_o the_o particular_n with_o which_o mr._n b._n conclude_v this_o chapter_n i_o have_v so_o long_o dwell_v upon_o of_o the_o parliament_n army_n generals_z lord_n lieutenant_n assembly_n of_o divine_n be_v episcopal_n and_o conformist_n i_o have_v rather_o and_o body_n else_o shall_v disprove_v than_o i_o not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a a_o matter_n for_o who_o that_o can_v remember_v so_o long_o or_o can_v read_v english_a do_v not_o know_v the_o contrary_a but_o because_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o renew_v the_o memory_n of_o so_o unpleasant_a and_o odious_a thing_n and_o hearty_o wish_v that_o as_o our_o gracious_a king_n pass_v a_o act_n of_o oblivion_n for_o those_o matter_n so_o they_o who_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o act_n of_o grace_n will_v suffer_v we_o to_o forget_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o or_o cease_v to_o presume_v that_o we_o have_v so_o far_o lose_v all_o memory_n and_o sense_n that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o see_v they_o act_v over_o again_o but_o however_o mr._n b._n inform_v we_o of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o late_a rebellion_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o we_o have_v a_o very_a different_a account_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o independent_o contend_v who_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o have_v carry_v on_o that_o cause_n and_o there_o be_v one_o who_o be_v very_o particular_a in_o this_o matter_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o seq_fw-la bastwick_n of_o independ_v p._n 624._o &_o seq_fw-la to_o who_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n for_o his_o satisfaction_n chap._n i._n a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o other_o government_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o episcopacy_n if_o eminent_a place_n or_o office_n as_o they_o give_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n can_v likewise_o secure_v those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o they_o from_o error_n in_o administration_n if_o any_o character_n or_o order_n can_v so_o consecrate_v the_o person_n that_o bear_v it_o as_o to_o exempt_v he_o from_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v wicked_a the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v happy_a by_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o constitution_n and_o then_o schism_n and_o sedition_n will_v have_v no_o pretext_n but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o accession_n of_o authority_n and_o honour_n man_n retain_v their_o nature_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o passion_n as_o they_o be_v before_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o degree_n and_o denomination_n can_v furnish_v numerous_a instance_n of_o vice_n and_o infamy_n and_o the_o more_o eminent_a any_o order_n be_v the_o more_o frequent_a example_n of_o evil_a man_n it_o common_o afford_v for_o the_o blemish_n of_o such_o person_n be_v more_o conspicuous_a and_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n and_o observation_n and_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n be_v fix_v upon_o they_o so_o as_o they_o will_v quick_o discern_v what_o be_v amiss_o nor_o be_v they_o less_o forward_o to_o censure_v their_o miscarriage_n beside_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o govern_v part_n may_v not_o always_o consist_v of_o the_o best_a man_n for_o ambition_n make_v man_n industrious_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o power_n and_o go_v a_o short_a and_o general_o a_o more_o effectual_a though_o less_o direct_a way_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n they_o begin_v to_o discover_v that_o temper_n they_o before_o artificial_o conceal_v and_o become_v more_o open_a since_o they_o have_v less_o restraint_n last_o even_o power_n itself_o be_v a_o great_a temptation_n and_o a_o eminent_a private_a virtue_n have_v often_o time_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o authority_n as_o weak_a head_n grow_v giddy_a when_o they_o be_v place_v upon_o a_o height_n but_o however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o government_n whether_o of_o church_n or_o state_n which_o any_o one_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disgrace_v it_o may_v not_o show_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o very_o infamous_a person_n and_o that_o the_o best_a that_o have_v possess_v it_o be_v not_o without_o their_o fault_n if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o reproach_n monarchy_n there_o be_v nero_n and_o caligula_n enough_o nay_o augustus_n and_o trajan_n who_o be_v reckon_v the_o best_a of_o that_o rank_n have_v great_a and_o some_o inexcusable_a fault_n if_o one_o he_o incline_v to_o rail_v against_o commonwealth_n the_o ingratitude_n of_o athene_n or_o rome_n or_o carthage_n towards_o their_o best_a friend_n and_o preserver_n will_v furnish_v he_o with_o infinite_a matter_n if_o one_o will_v disgrace_n episcopaacy_n church_n history_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n contentious_a bishop_n paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la eusebius_n nicome_v nestorius_n dioscorus_n and_o innumerable_a other_o and_o the_o most_o orthodox_n and_o holy_a be_v not_o without_o their_o blemish_n theophilus_n cyril_n epiphanius_n have_v very_o undecent_a heat_n nay_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v a_o judas_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o be_v not_o free_a from_o misunderstanding_n which_o must_v needs_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o the_o church_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o in_o this_o case_n shall_v we_o submit_v to_o no_o government_n that_o have_v be_v profane_v by_o evil_a administration_n shall_v we_o be_v of_o no_o church_n that_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v we_o renounce_v monarchy_n because_o we_o have_v read_v of_o tyrant_n or_o throw_v down_o episcopacy_n because_o some_o of_o that_o order_n have_v be_v unworthy_a of_o it_o by_o this_o reason_n we_o must_v have_v no_o government_n or_o order_n at_o all_o or_o as_o the_o apostle_n infer_v we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o since_o our_o necessity_n require_v some_o kind_n of_o order_n and_o there_o can_v no_o number_n of_o man_n live_v by_o any_o common_a rule_n whether_o of_o religion_n or_o law_n without_o authority_n place_v in_o some_o hand_n or_o other_o to_o enforce_v it_o and_o since_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o appoint_v the_o kind_n of_o government_n under_o which_o his_o church_n be_v to_o be_v notwithstanding_o that_o evil_a man_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o office_n we_o remain_v still_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o alter_v that_o constitution_n this_o mr._n b._n and_o all_o the_o dissenter_n will_v easy_o grant_v and_o therefore_o they_o say_v that_o they_o contend_v only_o for_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o church_n government_n be_v it_o so_o yet_o this_o long_a deduction_n of_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n do_v not_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o office_n and_o this_o notwithstanding_o episcopacy_n may_v be_v the_o church_n government_n of_o the_o apostle_n settle_v for_o those_o thing_n that_o fill_v mr._n b.'s_n indictment_n against_o bishop_n be_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o man_n not_o of_o the_o office_n and_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n may_v be_v discover_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n government_n that_o be_v not_o episcopal_a and_o since_o every_o project_n be_v more_o plausible_a and_o seem_v to_o have_v few_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o idea_n than_o in_o the_o use_n lest_o any_o one_o for_o want_v of_o experience_n or_o history_n may_v think_v presbytery_n or_o any_o church_n government_n that_o be_v not_o episcopal_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o abuse_n or_o disorder_n i_o will_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n that_o have_v obtain_v in_o such_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n as_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o bishop_n and_o show_v that_o they_o have_v suffer_v under_o the_o same_o calamity_n that_o have_v befall_v episcopal_a church_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o most_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o require_v subscription_n conformity_n etc._n etc._n as_o our_o bishop_n against_o who_o all_o this_o history_n and_o bitterness_n be_v direct_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n that_o the_o church_n have_v know_v any_o other_o government_n but_o episcopal_n and_o
they_o believe_v they_o be_v baptise_a both_o man_n and_o woman_n now_o the_o apostle_n who_o remain_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o they_o hear_v of_o this_o success_n send_v peter_n and_o john_n thither_o who_o confirm_v the_o believer_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o why_o can_v not_o philip_n do_v this_o epiphan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d schol._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epiphan_n he_o can_v dispossess_v unclean_a spirit_n and_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n he_o can_v preach_v powerful_o so_o as_o to_o convert_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o whole_a city_n and_o why_o can_v not_o he_o do_v all_o other_o act_n that_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n but_o that_o these_o apostle_n must_v be_v take_v authority_n upon_o they_o in_o his_o church_n it_o be_v something_o like_o diocesan_n prelacy_n to_o reserve_v any_o act_n of_o order_n or_o discipline_n to_o themselves_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o give_v 〈◊〉_d by_o their_o hand_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o government_n they_o establish_v there_o theophylact._n chrysost_n oecumenius_n theophylact._n do_v not_o appear_v and_o some_o pretend_v to_o give_v reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o appoint_v a_o clergy_n there_o as_o afterward_o they_o do_v in_o other_o place_n because_o they_o say_v that_o samaria_n be_v near_o enough_o to_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v reside_v and_o thither_o their_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n may_v repair_v for_o more_o solemn_a ordination_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v mean_a of_o the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n than_o we_o ought_v and_o measure_v it_o by_o the_o progress_n of_o sectary_n as_o anabaptist_n and_o quaker_n as_o mr._n b._n do_v with_o too_o much_o disparagement_n to_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christian_a religion_n st._n luke_n give_v we_o a_o short_a account_n of_o loâ—e_a visitation_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o let_v we_o see_v hoâ—_n wonderful_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v at_o first_o for_o when_o that_o apostle_n pass_v through_o 〈◊〉_d quarter_n and_o come_v to_o the_o saint_n that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n heb._n act_n 9.32_o 33._o etc._n etc._n saron_n tractus_n quidam_fw-la regionis_fw-la non_fw-la procul_fw-la à _fw-la caesaria_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joseph_n antiq_fw-la l._n 20._o c._n 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joseph_n de_fw-fr bello_fw-la jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 37._o lydda_n civitas_n palestinae_fw-la quae_fw-la diospolis_fw-la appellatur_fw-la hieron_n de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d heb._n and_o heal_v miraculous_o a_o person_n that_o have_v be_v long_o bedridden_a 〈◊〉_d that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n see_v he_o and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o town_n anâ—_n territory_n mention_v with_o it_o be_v large_a enough_o for_o a_o considerable_a diocesan_n church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o likelihood_n it_o be_v divide_v under_o several_a church_n government_n mr._n b._n confess_v that_o no_o city_n with_o the_o village_n adjoin_v have_v any_o more_o than_o one_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d a_o long_a time_n after_o this_o and_o in_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d the_o council_n of_o nice_a it_o be_v a_o episcopal_a seat_n for_o we_o find_v aetius_n bishop_n of_o the_o place_n among_o the_o subscription_n of_o thâ—_n council_n the_o next_o considerable_a church_n that_o waâ—_n found_v be_v that_o of_o antioch_n the_o greated_a city_n of_o all_o the_o east_n and_o the_o church_n dâ—â—_n soon_o bear_v a_o good_a proportion_n to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n â—1_n act_n 11._o â—1_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v wâ—â—_n they_o the_o scatter_a disciple_n and_o a_o greâ—â—_n number_v believe_v and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n anâ—_n when_o barnabar_fw-la have_v come_v from_o jerusalem_n assist_v in_o this_o work_n 24._o v._o 24._o much_o people_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o barnabas_n have_v bring_v paul_n to_o antioch_n they_o assemble_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n 26._o v._o 26._o and_o teach_v much_o people_n it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o all_o these_o proselyte_n mention_v hitherto_o be_v jew_n or_o such_o as_o be_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o have_v renounce_v idolatry_n and_o such_o must_v the_o greek_n be_v to_o who_o those_o of_o cyprus_n preach_v the_o word_n at_o antioch_n v._o 20._o for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n sometime_o after_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n as_o a_o extraordinary_a thing_n 14.27_o act_n 14.27_o that_o god_n have_v open_v the_o door_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v â—ncouraged_v by_o that_o success_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n at_o antioch_n too_o while_o they_o abide_v â—here_o a_o long_a time_n with_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o gentile_a convert_v make_v â—equestion_n about_o circumcision_n of_o so_o great_a â—â—portance_n as_o to_o require_v a_o determination_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n assemble_v in_o council_n for_o before_o that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o several_a congregation_n probable_o but_o separate_a church_n and_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o distribute_v but_o diviâ—ed_v 〈◊〉_d gal._n 2.12_o compare_v with_o act_n 15.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o rend_v into_o separate_a assembly_n unless_o we_o shall_v â—â—terpret_v this_o separation_n â—o_o be_v rather_o a_o scruple_n reâ—â—ting_v to_o conversation_n and_o â—â—iet_n than_o to_o public_a and_o church_n communique_a as_o it_o be_v most_o likely_a though_o even_o this_o must_v â—ave_n likewise_o a_o evil_a influence_n upon_o their_o communion_n too_o for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o jew_n if_o they_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o law_n about_o choice_n of_o meat_n shall_v care_v much_o for_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gentile_n when_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v profane_a and_o pollute_a by_o the_o transgression_n of_o that_o law_n barnius_n make_v two_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n together_o aâ—_n this_o time_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o dissersion_n 1._o martyrolog_n rom._n feb._n 1._o evodius_n and_o ignatius_n the_o one_o choses_fw-fr by_o paul_n the_o other_o by_o peter_n but_o the_o misery_n be_v that_o the_o author_n that_o give_v this_o light_n be_v confess_v to_o mistake_v ignat._n clemens_n const_n l._n 7._o c._n 46._o orat._n in_o s._n ignat._n by_o make_v paul_n 〈◊〉_d choose_v ignatius_n and_o peter_n evodius_n whereas_o chrysostom_n say_v the_o contrary_a that_o ignaâ—â—â—_n be_v ordain_v by_o peter_n and_o to_o speak_v free_o i_o believe_v this_o no_o better_o than_o what_o barâ—â—â—â—_n will_v forbid_v his_o reader_n to_o imagine_v a_o fiâ—â—â—â—_n which_o he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v shift_n with_o iâ—_n reconcile_v the_o contradiction_n of_o eusebius_n aâ—â—_n chrysostom_n chronicon_fw-la euseb_n hist_o l._n 3._o c._n 22._o ed._n valâ—sâ—i_n euseb_n chronicon_fw-la the_o former_a make_v peter_n to_o be_v dead_a before_o evodius_n to_o who_o he_o make_v ignatius_n to_o succeed_v the_o latter_a express_o afirm_v that_o apostle_n to_o have_v ordain_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o believe_v that_o the_o traditionâ—â—_n chronology_n of_o eusebius_n and_o the_o preciâ—â—_n time_n of_o the_o succession_n and_o government_n 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o bishop_n be_v not_o otherwise_o know_v to_o he_o be_v not_o a_o foundation_n firm_a enough_o to_o build_v any_o opinion_n upon_o h._n vid._n dissert_n spanhemii_fw-la blond_n praesat_fw-la apol._n pro_fw-la scent_n h._n especiaâ—â—_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o place_n as_o we_o as_o time_n of_o st._n peter_n martyrdom_n be_v question_v not_o without_o some_o appearance_n 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o the_o whole_a business_n be_v involve_v in_o so_o many_o difficulty_n blondel_n take_v greaâ—_n pain_n to_o confute_v the_o conjecture_n of_o baronius_n but_o advance_v another_o of_o his_o own_o more_o strange_a and_o improbable_a and_o what_o be_v yet_o worse_a draw_v important_a consequence_n from_o it_o and_o pretend_v by_o these_o seem_a contradiction_n to_o discover_v the_o nature_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o succession_n but_o all_o that_o be_v trifle_v it_o be_v plain_a of_o chrysostom_n that_o he_o think_v ignatius_n the_o immediate_a successor_n of_o peter_n and_o therefore_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o evodius_n at_o all_o unless_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o peter_n may_v ordain_v ignatius_n as_o he_o do_v timothy_n or_o titus_n as_o a_o evangelist_n and_o that_o afterward_o he_o become_v the_o fix_a bishop_n of_o antioch_n though_o chrysostoms_n word_n will_v hardly_o bear_v that_o sense_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n at_o large_a but_o however_o it_o fare_v either_o with_o baronius_n his_o divide_a episcopacy_n or_o blondel_n succession_n by_o seniority_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n even_o at_o this_o time_n be_v a_o diocesan_n have_v the_o oversight_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n for_o if_o we_o reflect_v
upon_o the_o multitude_n say_v to_o be_v convert_v the_o number_n of_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a labourer_n common_o reside_v in_o this_o city_n the_o conjunction_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n under_o the_o common_a title_n and_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v too_o great_a for_o one_o congregation_n especial_o before_o the_o place_n of_o assembly_n can_v be_v imagine_v very_o capacious_a and_o i_o believe_v mr._n b._n do_v not_o imagine_v such_o vast_a cathedral_n as_o paul_n to_o be_v very_o primitive_a ign._n orat_fw-la de_fw-la s._n ign._n but_o what_o ever_o number_n of_o christian_n there_o may_v be_v at_o that_o time_n ignatius_n his_o bishopric_a be_v never_o the_o less_o diocesan_n in_o its_o constitution_n and_o design_n or_o else_o chrysostom_n mistake_v one_o topick_n of_o his_o commendation_n he_o reckon_v five_o thing_n that_o be_v much_o to_o his_o honour_n whereof_o two_o bring_v he_o under_o suspicion_n of_o diocesan_n prelacy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o greatness_n of_o his_o authority_n or_o government_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n whereof_o he_o be_v bishop_n the_o first_o i_o suppose_v refer_v to_o his_o metropolitan_a power_n the_o second_o to_o his_o peculiar_a diocese_n but_o if_o this_o bishop_n be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o congregation_n what_o will_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n signify_v how_o many_o more_o will_v have_v the_o same_o honour_n with_o he_o or_o what_o so_o great_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o a_o full_a congregation_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o city_n and_o another_o as_o full_a in_o chelsey_n at_o leastwise_o what_o honour_n do_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o city_n do_v the_o minister_n of_o that_o single_a congregation_n and_o now_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n where_o st._n paul_n preach_v for_o a_o year_n and_o six_o month_n upon_o a_o divine_a assurance_n of_o extraordinary_a success_n and_o that_o god_n have_v much_o people_n in_o that_o place_n 11._o act_n 18.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o where_o many_o effectual_o believe_v and_o be_v baptise_a where_o peter_n and_o apollo_n preach_v with_o that_o effect_n as_o to_o leave_v many_o disciple_n 3._o 1_o cor._n 3._o who_o call_v themselves_o by_o their_o name_n and_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o ephesus_n where_o a_o numerous_a church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v by_o st._n paul_n who_o preach_v there_o for_o two_o year_n and_o not_o only_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o ephesus_n but_o all_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n 19.10_o act_n 19.10_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o considerable_a that_o the_o shrine-maker_n apprehend_v the_o ruin_n of_o their_o trade_n when_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v that_o paul_n not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n but_o throughout_o all_o asia_n have_v persuade_v and_o turn_v away_o much_o people_n 26._o v._o 26._o to_o pass_v by_o these_o and_o several_a other_o eminent_a church_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o diocese_n of_o rome_n as_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a who_o lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o this_o church_n though_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o before_o paul_n come_n there_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o receive_v seq_fw-la rom._n 1.13_o 15_o 17._o &_o seq_fw-la but_o their_o church_n be_v very_o considerable_a for_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n write_v long_o before_o his_o come_n there_o as_o he_o himself_o witness_v say_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o salutation_n in_o the_o end_n of_o that_o epistle_n he_o make_v appear_v the_o number_n of_o christian_n in_o that_o city_n salute_v priscilla_n and_o aquila_n beza_n rom._n 16._o ostendit_fw-la congregationem_fw-la fidelium_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la nominari_fw-la hieron_n in_o lo_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d coetum_fw-la fidelium_fw-la nec_fw-la mirum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la be_fw-mi plâ_fw-la civitate_fw-la distinctos_fw-la fuisse_fw-la fidelium_fw-la coetus_fw-la beza_n with_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o house_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v occasionly_a mention_v and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o several_a that_o be_v mention_v with_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v with_o they_o may_v be_v the_o officer_n of_o several_a congregation_n for_o it_o appear_v that_o most_o of_o these_o be_v of_o the_o ministry_n and_o such_o by_o who_o mean_n the_o roman_n believe_v and_o that_o they_o be_v stranger_n come_v thither_o from_o other_o part_n where_o paul_n have_v know_v they_o hieron_n congregationem_fw-la vert_fw-fr eras_n istos_fw-la amat_n quos_fw-la satutat_fw-la intelligimus_fw-la ex_fw-la nominiâ—us_fw-la suiffe_fw-mi peregrinos_fw-la per_fw-la quorum_fw-la exemylum_fw-la atque_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la non_fw-la absurd_a existimamus_fw-la credidisse_fw-la roman_n hieron_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o see_v rome_n and_o this_o number_n be_v afterward_o increase_v considerable_o by_o the_o come_n of_o paul_n who_o convert_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o afterward_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o whole_a year_n no_o man_n forbid_v he_o and_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o city_n may_v be_v far_o observe_v from_o the_o persecution_n of_o nero_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v put_v a_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o they_o to_o death_n 15._o ingens_fw-la multitude_n hand_n perinde_v in_o crimint_n ineendii_fw-la quam_fw-la odio_fw-la bumani_fw-la generis_fw-la convicti_fw-la sunt_fw-la tac._n h._n l._n 15._o upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o have_v fire_v rome_n and_o the_o heathen_a historian_n say_v that_o they_o who_o confess_v be_v first_o lay_v hold_v on_o than_o a_o vast_a company_n be_v convict_v by_o their_o indication_n where_o by_o the_o by_o beside_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o sufferer_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v mistake_v general_o as_o if_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o have_v confess_v the_o fact_n and_o accuse_v the_o rest_n lipsius_n thus_o understand_v the_o passage_n give_v tacitus_n the_o lie_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v they_o confess_v the_o fact_n but_o they_o confess_v without_o express_v the_o particular_n but_o what_o do_v they_o confess_v then_o if_o it_o be_v this_o crime_n that_o theâ—_n own_a themselves_o and_o charge_v other_o with_o how_o come_v he_o to_o add_v that_o they_o be_v not_o convict_v so_o much_o of_o this_o crime_n by_o this_o indication_n as_o by_o the_o hatred_n of_o all_o mankind_n therefore_o this_o confession_n be_v no_o more_o than_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o the_o hatred_n they_o be_v in_o make_v this_o sufficient_a conviction_n to_o these_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o some_o more_o considerable_a city_n 〈◊〉_d eccles_n hist_o l._n 2._o c._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v add_v only_o the_o general_a account_n which_o eusebius_n give_v of_o the_o success_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n immediate_o after_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o it_o that_o present_o in_o all_o city_n and_o village_n church_n abound_v with_o innumerable_a multitude_n be_v assemble_v and_o the_o granary_n of_o christ_n be_v fill_v up_o to_o the_o top_n with_o the_o wheat_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o hitherto_o i_o have_v observe_v chief_o the_o growth_n of_o christianity_n under_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o some_o city_n such_o a_o number_n of_o christian_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n for_o personal_a communion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o must_v show_v in_o order_n to_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n must_v be_v that_o such_o number_n of_o believer_n make_v but_o one_o church_n govern_v by_o one_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o have_v show_v already_o from_o the_o most_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a writing_n that_o james_n the_o just_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o church_n i._n e._n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n nor_o be_v that_o tradition_n without_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o st._n paul_n reckon_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n among_o the_o apostle_n of_o that_o church_n 1.19_o sal._n 1.19_o though_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o twelve_o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o mention_n he_o as_o a_o person_n in_o eminent_a place_n and_o authority_n there_o one_o that_o have_v send_v several_a brethren_n to_o antioch_n before_o that_o certain_a brethren_n come_v from_o james_n 12_o â—_o 12_o here_o we_o find_v the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o alter_v in_o favour_n of_o episcopacy_n for_o hitherto_o the_o messenger_n who_o be_v send_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o be_v
be_v say_v to_o contain_v many_o church_n by_o that_o canon_n whereby_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o equitius_n the_o bishop_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v depose_v and_o another_o put_v in_o his_o place_n and_o for_o the_o easy_a effect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v ecclesiae_fw-la ibi_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la retinentur_fw-la qui_fw-la equitii_fw-la facinorosam_fw-la communionem_fw-la declinaverunt_fw-la the_o diocese_n whereof_o xantippus_n be_v bishop_n must_v be_v suppose_v of_o good_a extent_n 236._o august_n ep._n 236._o for_o augustine_n complain_v to_o he_o of_o one_o abundantius_fw-la a_o presbyter_n in_o fundo_fw-la strabonensi_fw-la at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o his_o bishop_n and_o near_o it_o seem_v to_o augustine_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o complaint_n in_o the_o same_o place_n there_o be_v 〈…〉_o presbyter_n gippitanus_n who_o be_v neighbour_n to_o this_o abundantius_fw-la or_o rather_o they_o live_v both_o together_o though_o they_o have_v several_a cure_n alypius_n bishop_n of_o tagastis_n 289._o id_fw-la ep._n 289._o have_v likewise_o the_o church_n thyana_n under_o he_o which_o probable_o be_v a_o considerable_a city_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n augustin_n to_o melania_n who_o son_n be_v force_v by_o a_o tumult_n of_o the_o people_n of_o hippo_n to_o take_v order_n hippo_n regia_n the_o diocese_n of_o st._n augustin_n be_v very_o large_a ep._n ep._n 74.212_o 236._o ep._n he_o mention_n many_o parochial_a presbyter_n and_o parish_n in_o it_o as_o presbyter_n germaniciensis_n armemansis_n subsana_n where_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v reader_n which_o occasion_v not_o small_a trouble_n malliana_n turres_n ciran_n vitalis_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o be_v the_o number_n of_o church_n in_o his_o diocese_n that_o he_o excuse_v himself_o to_o a_o friend_n who_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o assist_v in_o some_o kind_n of_o study_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n because_o he_o be_v go_v upon_o his_o visitation_n which_o will_v hold_v a_o considerable_a time_n and_o therefore_o he_o remit_v he_o to_o one_o of_o his_o presbyter_n quoniam_fw-la visitandarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la ad_fw-la meam_fw-la curam_fw-la pertinentium_fw-la necessitate_v profectus_fw-la sum_fw-la but_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o diocese_n than_o of_o any_o other_o in_o africa_n town_n id_fw-la ep._n 261._o volens_fw-la prodesse_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la in_o nostra_fw-la vicinitate_fw-la this_o neighbourhood_n which_o mr._n b._n sometime_o argue_v from_o to_o show_v the_o smallness_n of_o diocese_n then_o be_v not_o the_o next_o door_n or_o the_o next_o town_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o celestinus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n where_o he_o mention_n a_o place_n in_o his_o neighbourhood_n as_o he_o express_v it_o that_o belong_v to_o his_o diocese_n and_o have_v never_o have_v a_o bishop_n of_o its_o own_o yet_o forty_o mile_n distant_a from_o hippo_n the_o passage_n because_o it_o be_v something_o remarkable_a i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o st._n augustine_n word_n fussala_n dicitur_fw-la territorio_fw-la hipponensi_fw-la confine_v castellum_n antea_fw-la ibi_fw-la nunquam_fw-la episcopus_fw-la fuit_fw-la sed_fw-la simul_fw-la cum_fw-la contigua_fw-la sibi_fw-la region_fw-la ad_fw-la paroeciam_fw-la hipponensis_n ecclesiae_fw-la pertinebat_fw-la i._n e._n tâ—e_v place_n be_v call_v fussala_n a_o town_n adjoin_v to_o the_o territory_n of_o hippo_n which_o never_o have_v a_o bishop_n of_o it_o own_o but_o belong_v to_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n with_o the_o country_n about_o it_o sed_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la hippone_v memoratum_fw-la castellum_fw-la millibus_fw-la quadraginta_fw-la sejungitur_fw-la because_o it_o be_v forty_o mile_n distant_a from_o hippo_n and_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o that_o church_n require_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o ordain_v one_o for_o they_o which_o not_o prove_v as_o useful_a as_o he_o expect_v he_o send_v this_o letter_n to_o excuse_v himself_o nor_o be_v we_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o diocese_n of_o hippo_n be_v singular_o great_a above_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o africa_n 1.65_o collat._n carth._n 1.65_o but_o that_o carthage_n cirta_n milevis_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o more_o eminent_a bishopric_n have_v more_o church_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o bishop_n and_o the_o diocese_n of_o milevis_n particular_o have_v beside_o town_n and_o village_n city_n likewise_o belong_v to_o it_o for_o beside_o milevis_n civitas_n tuncensis_n belong_v to_o that_o bishop_n and_o now_o if_o mr._n b._n and_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o who_o name_n he_o make_v diocesan_n episcopacy_n a_o reason_n of_o separation_n have_v live_v in_o africa_n in_o the_o time_n of_o cyprian_a or_o augustin_n they_o must_v have_v renounce_v their_o communion_n or_o must_v have_v renounce_v these_o principle_n they_o must_v have_v be_v nonconformist_n there_o and_o abhor_v the_o largeness_n of_o the_o bishop_n diocese_n no_o less_o than_o the_o donatist_n do_v the_o largeness_n of_o their_o charity_n augustin_n will_v have_v be_v reckon_v for_o all_o his_o learning_n and_o holiness_n no_o better_a than_o a_o antichristian_a bishop_n and_o our_o reformer_n must_v have_v have_v toleration_n to_o separate_a from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o sweet_a liberty_n of_o all_o to_o discharge_v their_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n upon_o he_o so_o that_o this_o be_v our_o comfort_n that_o these_o man_n that_o be_v such_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o our_o church_n will_v have_v be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o the_o prophet_n the_o holy_a primitive_a bishop_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o reproach_v we_o they_o must_v reproach_v the_o ancient_a renown_a church_n of_o christ_n nay_o the_o church_n universal_a as_o will_v further_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v although_o it_o may_v seem_v sufficient_a for_o my_o design_n to_o have_v show_v the_o progress_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n in_o africa_n the_o country_n that_o mr._n b._n single_v out_o as_o retain_v the_o clear_a footstep_n of_o the_o congregational_a form_n yet_o for_o far_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v brief_o show_v the_o progress_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n in_o other_o nation_n and_o show_v how_o at_o first_o they_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n not_o only_o for_o want_v of_o christian_n in_o all_o city_n and_o village_n but_o by_o choice_n and_o when_o they_o come_v afterward_o to_o be_v multiply_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o increase_n of_o believer_n as_o from_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o increase_n of_o metropoles_fw-la by_o the_o christian_a emperor_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n i_o have_v do_v hitherto_o from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v disperse_v into_o all_o part_n and_o city_n and_o the_o small_a number_n of_o bishop_n that_o meet_v in_o council_n especial_o provincial_a where_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v present_a as_o also_o from_o some_o general_a expression_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o some_o bishop_n in_o the_o early_a time_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o in_o the_o early_a time_n of_o the_o church_n the_o provincial_a synod_n be_v the_o majority_n at_o least_o of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o several_a province_n so_o the_o first_o synod_n have_v so_o few_o bishop_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v their_o number_n then_o to_o be_v very_o small_a for_o instance_n therefore_o the_o gallic_a synod_n assemble_v at_o lion_n under_o irenaeus_n synod_n exit_fw-la libello_fw-la synod_n against_o martion_n and_o other_o heretic_n have_v but_o twelve_o bishop_n in_o it_o the_o synod_n of_o hierapolis_n under_o apolinarius_n against_o montanus_n and_o maximilla_n have_v twenty_o six_o ibid._n ibid._n the_o synod_n of_o anchialus_n under_o sotas_n have_v twelve_o or_o thirteen_o bishop_n ibid._n ibid._n and_o eusebius_n have_v cite_v two_o or_o three_o subscription_n out_o of_o serapions_n epistle_n 9_o hist_o â—ocl_n l._n 5._o c._n 9_o add_v that_o there_o be_v the_o subscription_n of_o many_o more_o not_o name_v the_o number_n perhaps_o because_o in_o his_o time_n it_o will_v have_v look_v but_o inconsiderable_a all_o be_v but_o twelve_o the_o synod_n of_o ephesus_n under_o polycrates_n about_o the_o time_n of_o easter_n be_v probable_o more_o numerous_a than_o most_o of_o the_o provincial_a council_n of_o this_o age_n as_o consist_v not_o only_a of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n but_o of_o those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a country_n as_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o victor_n attempt_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o synod_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n l._n 5._o c._n 25._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d libà l_o synod_n polycrates_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o victor_n say_v they_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v write_v down_o all_o their_o name_n it_o will_v seem_v a_o great_a multitude_n but_o no_o number_n be_v any_o where_o express_v