the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o principal_n see_v from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n next_o they_o instance_n in_o some_o apostolical_a church_n as_o namely_o from_o ja._n the_o b_o open_fw-mi of_o hiern_n &_o mark_v in_o alexandria_n what_o say_v our_o opposite_n to_o this_o a_o principal_a one_o etc._n salmasius_n by_o name_n call_v this_o alleadgment_n of_o james_n a_o bishop_n false_a and_o foolish_a his_o reason_n be_v because_o james_n be_v a_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o keep_v residence_n in_o one_o see_n first_o be_v it_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o this_o james_n be_v all_o antiquity_n render_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n viz._n accepit_fw-la eusebius_n hierosolymitanae_n epiphanius_n hierom_n jacobo_n egesippus_fw-la hieroolymitanae_n chrysostom_n and_o episcopus_fw-la ambrose_n the_o 21._o synod_n of_o trullo_n how_o then_o shall_v it_o become_v we_o but_o of_o yesterday_n birth_n thus_o to_o pull_v reverend_a antiquity_n by_o the_o beard_n and_o give_v they_o the_o fool_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o restrain_v rational_a man_n from_o reason_v and_o therefore_o we_o answer_v that_o be_v it_o that_o ja._n have_v be_v a_o apostle_n yet_o other_o protestant_a divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v no_o fool_n as_o dr._n plurimi_fw-la scultetus_n episcopus_fw-la zuinglius_fw-la and_o mr._n 7._o moulin_n each_o one_o can_v answer_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o visit_v of_o country_n after_o country_n for_o conversion_n of_o people_n and_o sound_v of_o church_n yet_o whether_o enfeeble_v by_o age_n or_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o may_v fix_v themselves_o to_o one_o province_n but_o yet_o be_v we_o not_o costrain_v to_o this_o answer_n but_o furthermore_o tell_v our_o opposite_n that_o which_o have_v be_v quarto_fw-la judicious_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o this_o be_v not_o james_n that_o apostle_n but_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o only_o a_o apostolical_a disciple_n which_o may_v satisfy_v our_o opposite_n until_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o their_o object_v timothy_n and_o titus_n call_v evangelist_n as_o for_o mark_n if_o in_o the_o line_n of_o succession_n of_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n he_o only_o be_v take_v exclusive_o yet_o must_v the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o see_v be_v necessary_o hold_v apostolical_a xii_o thesis_n that_o the_o apostolical_a antiquity_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v confess_o prove_v out_o of_o ignatius_n vedelius_n that_o learned_a divinity_n professor_n in_o the_o academy_n of_o geneva_n imperatore_n in_o his_o most_o elaborate_a work_n of_o exercitation_n upon_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n for_o vindicate_v his_o doctrine_n from_o the_o false_a gloss_n of_o bellarmine_n baronius_n and_o other_o romish_a writer_n be_v copious_a in_o manifest_v the_o direct_a judgement_n of_o ignatius_n in_o many_o notable_a point_n concern_v ignatius_n himself_o he_o render_v he_o unto_o we_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n a_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n a_o holy_a man_n and_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ._n 2._o concern_v the_o cause_n against_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o who_o will_n have_v bishop_n the_o first_o under_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v under_o christ_n this_o he_o confute_v out_o of_o ignatius_n who_o teach_v that_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o bishop_n and_o bishop_n to_o christ._n 3._o against_o papist_n who_o proclaim_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o bishop_n he_o confess_v ignatius_n hold_v the_o bishop_n in_o every_o church_n to_o be_v the_o next_o under_o christ_n and_o chief_a therein_o 4._o the_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n 〈◊〉_d be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o profess_v for_o himself_o and_o other_o that_o if_o they_o have_v a_o bishop_n such_o as_o be_v polycarpus_n a_o disciple_n also_o of_o the_o apostle_n they_o as_o ignatius_n require_v of_o the_o smyrnaean_n will_v willing_o yea_o necessary_o obey_v he_o so_o he_o in_o this_o maxim_n we_o behold_v two_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n ignatius_n and_o polycarpus_n both_o bishop_n distinct_o from_o presbyter_n and_o governor_n and_o this_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o well_o therefore_o may_v our_o opposite_n deny_v themselves_o to_o have_v depend_v natural_o from_o their_o own_o parent_n as_o bishop_n original_o from_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v to_o pursue_v this_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o xiii_o thesis_n that_o antiquity_n have_v give_v we_o rule_n of_o resolution_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o may_v serve_v in_o the_o case_n of_o episcopacy_n the_o rule_n give_v by_o antiquity_n be_v always_o hold_v catholic_n throughout_o all_o christian_a church_n of_o ancient_a time_n st._n augustine_n rule_n may_v be_v our_o first_o direction_n thus_o creditur_fw-la whatsoever_o the_o universal_a church_n hold_v and_o be_v not_o institute_v by_o counsel_n but_o always_o keep_v that_o must_v most_o right_o be_v judge_v to_o have_v be_v from_o apostolical_a authority_n so_o he_o which_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v as_o much_o as_o dr._n scultetus_n most_o judicious_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o if_o no_o interim_n can_v be_v show_v between_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o day_n immediate_o succeed_v when_o there_o be_v no_o episcopal_a government_n over_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n then_o must_v the_o same_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o apostle_n we_o hold_v this_o most_o reasonable_a even_o as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v what_o the_o practice_n be_v of_o the_o country_n adjoin_v unto_o we_o our_o next_o border_v neighbour_n to_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o competent_a witness_n of_o their_o manner_n such_o have_v be_v hitherto_o our_o proof_n even_o from_o such_o ancient_n as_o either_o have_v see_v the_o apostle_n or_o else_o from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n our_o opposite_n not_o able_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o one_o primitive_a church_n to_o the_o contrary_a only_a object_n a_o community_n of_o name_n of_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n which_o shadow_n will_v vanish_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o shall_v give_v light_n by_o proof_n of_o the_o apostolical_a original_a of_o episcopacy_n in_o diverse_a thesis_n follow_v by_o expression_n confession_n and_o authority_n fourteen_o thesis_n that_o protestant_a divine_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v hold_v it_o most_o equal_a to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_n for_o proof_n of_o a_o practice_n apostolical_a we_o plead_v no_o other_o equity_n in_o this_o cause_n tradiderunt_fw-la than_o what_o calvin_n hold_v necessary_a against_o anabaptisticall_a revelation_n argue_v negative_o in_o this_o manner_n these_o lie_n say_v he_o be_v easy_o confute_v because_o many_o be_v then_o live_v who_o have_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o he_o concern_v doctrine_n how_o much_o more_o convincent_fw-la mus_fw-la this_o argument_n be_v when_o our_o question_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o as_o be_v daily_o do_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n for_o pâ—oof_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o baptise_v of_o infant_n against_o the_o same_o anabaptisticall_a faction_n yea_o why_o not_o also_o for_o the_o like_a original_a practice_n of_o episcopacy_n even_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n of_o excellent_a judgement_n observatus_fw-la beza_n must_v not_o be_v neglect_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o presbyter_n because_o this_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n in_o the_o famous_a church_n of_o alexandria_n so_o he_o this_o be_v well_o but_o he_o have_v not_o quite_o tell_v out_o his_o tale_n which_o he_o do_v elsewhere_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o nominabant_fw-la hierome_n say_v namely_o that_o in_o alexandria_n from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n one_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n who_o they_o name_v bishop_n which_o be_v do_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o schism_n be_v it_o then_o that_o touch_v this_o series_n and_o order_n of_o succession_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o saint_n mark_v the_o apostle_n be_v it_o take_v inclusive_o or_o exclusive_o it_o necessary_o imply_v that_o the_o original_a of_o episcopacy_n be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n master_n moulin_n give_v we_o a_o loud_a accent_n say_v that_o hereafter_o he_o be_v never_o so_o hard_o face_v as_o to_o censure_v these_o bishop_n ignatius_n polycarpe_n augustine_n chrysostome_n and_o other_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v usurp_v a_o unlawful_a function_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o allege_v among_o his_o ancient_n polycarpe_n and_o ignatius_n the_o first_o of_o which_o as_o all_o the_o learned_a know_v live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o
opinion_n of_o singularity_n and_o onelinesse_n as_o a_o thing_n not_o acknowledge_v in_o other_o remote_a and_o reform_a church_n of_o protestant_n not_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n long-ago_a that_o the_o word_n superintendent_n be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o the_o word_n bishop_n both_o from_o the_o same_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o some_o protestant_a church_n practise_v a_o prelacy_n vail_v it_o over_o with_o the_o word_n superintendency_n if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o 365._o zanchie_a will_v speak_v out_o and_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o tell_v we_o that_o episcopi_fw-la who_o we_o call_v bishop_n and_o superintendent_o be_v word_n of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o signification_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o thing_n signify_v there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o altercation_n and_o strife_n about_o word_n but_o what_o will_v he_o say_v to_o the_o practice_n he_o distinguish_v protestant_a church_n in_o this_o respect_n into_o three_o difference_n some_o whereof_o practice_n a_o superiority_n of_o one_o above_o the_o clergy_n under_o the_o proper_a name_n of_o bishop_n another_o sort_n the_o same_o but_o under_o the_o name_n of_o superintendent_o and_o general_n superintendent_o who_o we_o call_v archbishop_n last_o he_o disclose_v a_o three_o kind_n a_o circumstance_n very_o remarkable_a who_o although_o they_o avoid_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n or_o superintendent_o yet_o use_v they_o to_o be_v such_o primarii_fw-la as_o to_o say_v eminent_a in_o prelacy_n as_o in_o who_o for_o so_o he_o say_v the_o whole_a authority_n consist_v now_o therefore_o our_o question_n must_v be_v whether_o the_o church_n exercise_v prelacy_n or_o the_o other_o that_o only_o practise_v equality_n exceed_v in_o number_n the_o number_n of_o church_n which_o have_v prelate_n under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o of_o superintendent_o be_v in_o signification_n the_o same_o seem_v to_o greg._n de_fw-fr valentia_n the_o jesuit_n so_o many_o that_o he_o think_v all_o protestant_a church_n to_o have_v bishop_n a_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n doctor_n duraeus_n and_o a_o zealous_a hunter_n after_o the_o best_a game_n which_o be_v the_o general_a peace_n of_o protestant_a church_n among_o themselves_o have_v set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o the_o church_n reform_v on_o both_o party_n and_o reckon_v if_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v seven_o bishop_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o swede_n in_o denmark_n bishop_n in_o other_o lutheran_n church_n superintendent_o and_o in_o all_o imperial_a city_n among_o the_o protestant_n beside_o divers_a other_o reform_a church_n the_o like_a which_o we_o suppose_v will_v rather_o keep_v their_o conformity_n with_o england_n then_o taste_v new_a wine_n with_o other_o see_v that_o as_o the_o text_n say_v 39_o the_o old_a be_v better_a and_o whether_o the_o episcopal_a form_n be_v not_o the_o only_a and_o apostolical_a come_v now_o to_o be_v discuss_v by_o inquire_v into_o antiquity_n vi_o thesis_n that_o the_o former_a reason_n of_o confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o episcopal_n prelacy_n for_o preservation_n of_o concord_n and_o prevent_v of_o schism_n be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o antiquity_n it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o knowledge_n to_o understand_v that_o the_o former_a confession_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o the_o ecchoing_n unto_o the_o sentence_n of_o ancient_a father_n among_o who_o hierome_n can_v tell_v we_o corrumpat_fw-la that_o the_o original_n of_o episcopacy_n which_o be_v the_o place_n of_o one_o presbyter_n in_o a_o degree_n above_o other_o be_v decree_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o take_v away_o schism_n which_o use_v thereof_o be_v hold_v so_o necessary_a in_o the_o day_n of_o antiquity_n that_o the_o say_v hierome_n spare_v not_o to_o affirm_v sacerdotes_fw-la that_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o who_o except_o some_o eminent_a authority_n be_v give_v there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n in_o the_o church_n so_o he_o and_o before_o he_o tertullian_n thus_o pax._fw-la the_o bishop_n be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o safety_n our_o peace_n will_v be_v also_o safe_a but_o how_o etc._n chrysostome_n and_o gregory_n nyssen_n do_v illustrate_v both_o affirm_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o precentor_n in_o a_o choir_n a_o governor_n in_o a_o camp_n and_o a_o pilot_n in_o a_o ship_n by_o which_o episcopal_a order_n say_v reducantur_fw-la basil_n the_o church_n be_v reduce_v as_o one_o soul_n into_o communion_n and_o concord_n yea_o and_o before_o all_o these_o rome_n cyprian_a bishop_n and_o martyr_n complain_v of_o such_o insolence_n of_o presbyter_n against_o their_o bishop_n as_o be_v cause_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o a_o divine_a power_n of_o government_n so_o he_o these_o will_v some_o say_v be_v but_o their_o say_n and_o shall_v we_o therefore_o think_v that_o their_o say_n be_v not_o the_o symboll_n and_o expression_n of_o their_o meaning_n but_o we_o presume_v better_o of_o they_o that_o be_v ingenuous_a and_o the_o rather_o for_o their_o further_a satisfaction_n which_o may_v be_v have_v in_o the_o next_o thesis_n vii_o thesis_n that_o bishop_n primitive_o be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a champion_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o also_o the_o great_a adversary_n to_o romish_a popedom_n as_o have_v also_o our_o english_a before_o we_o can_v begin_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o thesis_n we_o be_v confront_v by_o our_o opposite_n against_o primitive_a father_n in_o strange_a term_n vindication_n bishop_n by_o advance_v the_o authority_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v thereby_o say_v they_o but_o plead_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o make_v a_o stirrup_n for_o the_o romish_a antichrist_n to_o mount_v into_o his_o pontifical_a saddle_n so_o they_o which_o contumely_n against_o the_o reverend_a antiquity_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o call_v by_o its_o proper_a name_n be_v therefore_o not_o to_o reprove_v other_o but_o to_o prove_v what_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n which_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n live_v in_o the_o torrid_a zone_n of_o fiery_a persecution_n and_o other_o in_o a_o temperate_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o have_v it_o confess_v that_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n do_v above_o all_o other_o make_v their_o inquisition_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o fury_n most_o especial_o upon_o bishop_n we_o have_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o cyprian_a but_o much_o more_o in_o other_o ecclesiastical_a history_n wherein_o as_o be_v confess_v by_o stigmata_fw-la master_n brightman_n although_o dioclesian_n in_o his_o edict_n do_v especial_o command_v the_o destruction_n of_o all_o that_o have_v take_v sacred_a order_n yet_o in_o a_o further_a habuerint_fw-la speciality_n the_o massacre_a of_o bishop_n he_o relate_v that_o one_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o of_o they_o be_v martyr_v in_o two_o place_n yea_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o be_v also_o reckon_v the_o number_n of_o 160._o bishop_n who_o be_v martyr_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o fancy_v that_o these_o afflict_a and_o persecute_v member_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o degree_n sake_n can_v pride_n it_o in_o their_o episcopal_a office_n will_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n they_o will_v rather_o think_v that_o if_o they_o shall_v prelate_n it_o as_o mariner_n use_v to_o frolic_v it_o rather_o in_o a_o calm_a of_o tranquillity_n but_o for_o this_o also_o we_o shall_v easy_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o master_n beza_n who_o when_o he_o be_v thus_o pose_v whether_o he_o shall_v impute_v the_o note_n of_o pride_n unto_o these_o primitive_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o name_n have_v always_o be_v celebrious_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o wit_n basil_n nysen_n nazianzen_n athanasius_n chrysostome_n ambrose_n and_o augustine_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v afterward_o have_v episcopal_a government_n in_o their_o several_a church_n answer_v say_v augustino_n i_o never_o hear_v any_o speak_v or_o read_v any_o write_v otherwise_o then_o honourable_o of_o those_o man_n as_o be_v meet_v so_o he_o of_o his_o time_n he_o can_v not_o prophesy_v of_o the_o future_a it_o be_v good_a that_o these_o who_o use_v this_o new_a and_o broad_a language_n have_v consider_v 20._o that_o bishop_n be_v then_o almost_o the_o only_a one_o who_o as_o occasion_n fall_v out_o either_o pull_v the_o romish_a pope_n out_o of_o his_o saddle_n when_o he_o be_v mount_v or_o else_o pluck_v away_o his_o stirrup_n that_o in_o those_o time_n he_o can_v not_o get_v up_o for_o whereas_o popedom_n be_v a_o double_a usurpation_n one_o of_o plenitude_n of_o authority_n throughout_o universal_a over_o bishop_n and_o the_o other_o of_o a_o infallibility_n of_o judgement_n in_o
more_o eminent_a rank_n so_o he_o if_o that_o our_o objectour_n have_v according_a to_o master_n meade'_v direction_n but_o call_v to_o mind_v his_o own_o explanation_n they_o may_v have_v easy_o perceive_v he_o say_v no_o more_o then_o as_o if_o we_o may_v grant_v that_o under_o the_o word_n angel_n to_o who_o the_o epistle_n be_v in_o special_a direct_v be_v employ_v all_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v therein_o but_o how_o not_o by_o alteration_n of_o his_o person_n but_o by_o communion_n of_o interest_n for_o which_o cause_n master_n beza_n accknowledge_v he_o the_o precedent_n over_o other_o even_o as_o many_o other_o protestant_n divine_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o that_o as_o exact_o as_o either_o we_o can_v desire_v or_o our_o opposite_n mislike_v when_o we_o come_v to_o discharge_v the_o affirmative_a point_n two_o answer_n we_o wish_v our_o opposite_n to_o take_v into_o their_o second_o thought_n one_o as_o they_o have_v present_v he_o by_o way_n of_o comparison_n as_o 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consideration_n of_o master_n meade_n his_o worthiness_n and_o judgement_n touch_v episcopacy_n will_v be_v have_v the_o rather_o because_o we_o have_v read_v the_o translation_n of_o his_o book_n authorise_a in_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o commons_o house_n in_o parliament_n that_o the_o book_n entitle_v the_o key_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v print_v so_o they_o which_o key_n do_v unlock_v unto_o we_o his_o judgement_n in_o behalf_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o be_v so_o full_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o part_n 1._o c._n 4._o v._n 67._o p._n 35._o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n say_v he_o compass_v next_o about_o the_o throne_n which_o represent_v the_o bishop_n and_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v answer_n both_o in_o place_n and_o order_n to_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o camp_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n thus_o master_n meade_n so_o commend_v by_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o who_o if_o they_o shall_v approve_v his_o key_n in_o this_o point_n it_o be_v well_o we_o in_o impart_v thus_o much_o unto_o they_o have_v but_o do_v our_o duty_n the_o three_o argument_n our_o three_o argument_n say_v they_o be_v take_v from_o the_o word_n angel_n 143_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a name_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o messenger_n and_o sure_o if_o christ_n have_v intend_v to_o point_v out_o any_o individual_a person_n he_o will_v have_v use_v some_o distinguish_a name_n as_o to_o have_v call_v he_o precedent_n rector_n superintendent_n so_o they_o as_o if_o by_o this_o their_o sure_o they_o will_v assure_v we_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n if_o we_o shall_v take_v their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a who_o have_v every_o where_o teach_v that_o ever_o since_o angelical_a spirit_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n the_o word_n angel_n speak_v in_o the_o better_a part_n have_v be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o dignity_n of_o their_o office_n and_o according_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n whensoever_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o they_o otherwise_o our_o opposite_n i_o think_v will_v have_v gratify_v we_o with_o the_o allegation_n of_o some_o one_o author_n that_o ever_o fancy_v the_o contrary_a who_o notwithstanding_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v by_o a_o parallel_n in_o the_o word_n apostles_n signify_v messenger_n whereof_o mr._n calvin_n oportuit_fw-la this_o word_n say_v he_o according_a to_o its_o etymon_n agree_v to_o any_o minister_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o entitle_v upon_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a ambassador_n of_o christ._n so_o he_o and_o yet_o we_o presume_v that_o our_o opposite_n will_v not_o because_o of_o the_o community_n thereof_o call_v either_o every_o minister_n of_o christ_n send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n a_o apostle_n or_o every_o cobbler_n send_v on_o a_o message_n a_o angel_n their_o four_o argument_n our_o four_o argument_n say_v they_o stand_v thus_o 146._o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o the_o seven_o candlestick_n be_v the_o seven_o church_n but_o he_o say_v not_o likewise_o that_o the_o seven_o star_n be_v the_o seven_o angel_n but_o in_o mention_v angel_n omit_v the_o word_n seven_o which_o be_v not_o do_v without_o a_o mystery_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o angel_n do_v not_o signify_v seven_o individual_a pastor_n so_o they_o who_o tenant_n be_v two_o first_o that_o the_o ommission_n of_o the_o word_n seven_o argue_v a_o mystery_n second_o that_o the_o mystery_n signify_v thereby_o be_v this_o that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o individual_o but_o collective_o take_v we_o can_v but_o deny_v both_o and_o so_o will_v any_o even_a with_o wonderment_n at_o the_o objectour_n boldness_n in_o utter_v such_o their_o conception_n for_o first_o to_o call_v that_o a_o mystery_n which_o by_o all_o grammar_n learning_n be_v in_o every_o language_n most_o common_a by_o that_o which_o the_o grecian_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v a_o word_n not_o express_v follow_v upon_o course_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o rational_a reader_n as_o for_o example_n if_o any_o one_o of_o our_o opposite_n write_v to_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n to_o bring_v he_o his_o two_o horse_n the_o black_a horse_n and_o the_o white_a omit_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o word_n horse_n which_o word_n do_v follow_v in_o course_n of_o common_a understanding_n yet_o his_o man_n shall_v bring_v only_o the_o black_a but_o not_o the_o white_a may_v his_o excuse_n have_v be_v it_o be_v a_o mystery_n second_o be_v it_o that_o a_o mystery_n shall_v be_v imagine_v therein_o yet_o that_o denial_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n to_o be_v a_o individual_a person_n in_o the_o text_n contradict_v the_o context_n the_o context_n stand_v thus_o cap._n 1._o 26._o the_o star_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o seven_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n &_o cap._n 2._o &_o 3_o the_o same_o angel_n be_v reckon_v prove_v according_o to_o be_v seven_o in_o the_o context_n we_o have_v numerum_fw-la numerantem_fw-la in_o the_o text_n numerum_fw-la numeratum_fw-la that_o that_o which_o make_v up_o a_o number_n shall_v be_v say_v not_o to_o refer_v unto_o a_o number_n which_o be_v before_o express_v by_o christ._n he_o that_o have_v a_o perfect_a natural_a hand_n be_v say_v to_o have_v individual_o every_o finger_n although_o he_o reckon_v they_o not_o to_o be_v five_o their_o last_o argument_n answer_v this_o argument_n say_v they_o be_v take_v from_o christ_n denunoiation_n against_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n vindicat_fw-la to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n out_o of_o its_o place_n if_o he_o do_v not_o repent_v where_o by_o candlestick_n be_v mean_v the_o church_n or_o congregation_n but_o if_o there_o by_o angel_n be_v signify_v one_o individual_a person_n than_o the_o congregation_n and_o people_n shall_v be_v punish_v for_o the_o offence_n of_o that_o one_o pastor_n so_o they_o who_o will_v not_o have_v thus_o argue_v if_o they_o have_v consider_v that_o by_o thus_o oppugn_v our_o exposition_n they_o have_v as_o utter_o undermine_v and_o overthrow_v their_o own_o as_o for_o example_n their_o tenant_n have_v be_v that_o by_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v signify_v the_o order_n and_o college_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n now_o then_o to_o return_v their_o own_o engine_n upon_o they_o if_o the_o candlestick_n signify_v the_o church_n shall_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n except_o those_o pastor_n shall_v repent_v than_o shall_v the_o people_n and_o congregation_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o pastor_n therefore_o all_o the_o odds_o that_o be_v between_o both_o these_o consequence_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n the_o punish_v of_o people_n for_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o for_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o pastor_n in_o extremity_n equal_o
unequal_o in_o both_o whereas_o they_o shall_v have_v labour_v to_o solve_v the_o doubt_n by_o some_o commodious_a and_o congruous_a interpretation_n whether_o thus_o if_o by_o candlestick_n be_v to_o understand_v the_o people_n then_o by_o people_n to_o conceive_v such_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v like_o people_n like_o pastor_n so_o that_o the_o irrepentant_a people_n adhere_v to_o the_o unpenitent_a pastor_n may_v just_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o same_o punishment_n second_o or_o thus_o by_o take_v the_o word_n candlestick_n to_o signify_v the_o pastor_n himself_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o call_v mat._n 5._o 15_o and_o that_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v be_v diverse_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n can_v be_v strange_a to_o he_o who_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o scripture_n as_o where_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o shall_v save_v his_o life_n viz._n mortal_a shall_v loose_v his_o life_n to_o wit_n the_o eternal_a and_o again_o 2._o cor._n 5._o 21._o of_o christ_n he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n proper_o take_v be_v make_v for_o we_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n or_o else_o not_o to_o seek_v further_o by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o word_n place_n as_o here_o betoken_v man_n estate_n and_o condition_n with_o relation_n to_o other_o in_o which_o sense_n may_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v remove_v by_o alter_v the_o relation_n to_o that_o one_o pastor_n both_o by_o not_o acknowledge_v he_o their_o bishop_n and_o by_o withhold_v maintenance_n xxii_o thesis_n that_o our_o opposite_n third_n exposition_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n to_o signify_v one_o only_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v extreme_o new_a and_o naught_o this_o misbeget_v brat_n namely_o a_o exposition_n which_o before_o these_o day_n of_o distraction_n never_o see_v print_n we_o may_v think_v shall_v by_o and_o by_o vanish_v with_o its_o own_o novelty_n how_o much_o more_o for_o the_o safety_n thereof_o which_o we_o be_v rather_o to_o inquire_v after_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v very_o transparent_a for_o the_o reason_n which_o these_o our_o opposite_n may_v have_v read_v in_o irrigationem_fw-la mr._n brightman_n viz._n the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n be_v more_o ennoble_v of_o all_o other_o by_o paul_n triennial_n labour_v therein_o next_o by_o the_o divine_a epistle_n write_v unto_o the_o people_n there_o as_o also_o by_o that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v their_o pastor_n and_o beside_o for_o john_n laborious_a water_v thereof_o for_o so_o many_o year_n together_o so_o he_o but_o how_o successful_a be_v these_o then_o this_o be_v tell_v we_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v act._n 19_o 20._o now_o that_o after_o paul_n long_a residence_n after_o timothy_n pastorship_n and_o after_o saint_n john_n water_v of_o that_o church_n and_o so_o long_a a_o time_n and_o that_o with_o so_o admirable_a success_n and_o yet_o here_o but_o one_o only_a pastor_n among_o they_o be_v this_o credible_a what_o say_v the_o scripture_n the_o harvest_n indeed_o be_v great_a but_o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o but_o here_o in_o the_o mighty_o great_a harvest_n the_o labourer_n be_v few_o than_o few_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o meddle_v with_o such_o trifle_n in_o earnest_n but_o that_o our_o study_n have_v be_v to_o weed_v out_o even_o the_o least_o scruple_n now_o that_o we_o be_v to_o expedite_v a_o matter_n of_o high_a importance_n which_o be_v our_o proof_n of_o episcopacy_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n from_o confutation_n of_o the_o negative_a part_n hold_v by_o our_o opposite_n we_o pass_v to_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o affirmative_a xxiii_o thesis_n that_o by_o the_o word_n angel_n of_o ephesus_n to_o signify_v a_o singular_a and_o individual_a pastor_n have_v a_o prelacy_n over_o presbyter_n be_v prove_v by_o a_o large_a consent_n of_o protestant_a divine_n without_o exception_n judicious_a and_o ingenuous_a the_o divine_n which_o we_o shall_v produce_v shall_v be_v those_o who_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o can_v call_v partialist_n in_o behalf_n of_o bishop_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o remote_a church_n or_o as_o it_o be_v domestic_n in_o our_o own_o country_n of_o the_o first_o kind_n we_o allege_v the_o last_o chief_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n 1._o master_n deodate_v who_o be_v to_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o his_o book_n late_o authorise_a to_o be_v publish_v by_o order_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o this_o parliament_n the_o text_n in_o the_o revelation_n be_v write_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n his_o paraphrase_n thus_o that_o be_v say_v he_o to_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n under_o who_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a church_n the_o church_n to_o be_v employ_v or_o understand_v and_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n under_o who_o person_n which_o because_o person_n can_v be_v but_o one_o according_a to_o the_o etymon_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n persona_fw-la quasi_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la una_fw-la or_o as_o it_o be_v define_v in_o philosophy_n a_o person_n be_v a_o individual_a intellectual_a nature_n yet_o so_o in_o this_o place_n as_o he_o be_v to_o acquaint_v all_o with_o the_o content_n of_o this_o epistle_n all_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o he_o as_o all_o the_o other_o follow_v witness_n will_v acknowledge_v before_o he_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o geneva_n be_v theodore_n ecclesiam_fw-la beza_n by_o angel_n say_v he_o be_v mean_v the_o precedent_n who_o be_v admonish_v and_o his_o colleague_n with_o he_o so_o he_o eccles._n bullinger_n although_o he_o as_o other_o affirm_v that_o the_o epistle_n concern_v as_o well_o people_n as_o pastor_n yet_o do_v he_o consent_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o epistle_n be_v inscribe_v to_o one_o by_o who_o the_o pastor_n and_o people_n may_v be_v inform_v as_o punctual_o and_o pertinent_o episcopum_fw-la marlorat_a some_o thing_n say_v he_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v as_o well_o in_o the_o people_n as_o in_o the_o clergy_n yet_o do_v not_o john_n address_v himself_o unto_o the_o people_n nor_o yet_o to_o the_o clergy_n but_o to_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o that_o not_o without_o good_a reason_n so_o he_o of_o our_o chief_a angelum_fw-la gualther_n hold_v the_o same_o opinion_n with_o further_a evidence_n of_o these_o other_o word_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n write_n that_o be_v say_v he_o to_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o as_o history_n do_v manifest_a arridet_fw-la gaspar_n sibilius_n have_v compare_v the_o divers_a exposition_n confess_v say_v this_o as_o speak_v but_o of_o one_o angel_n please_v i_o better_o ecclesiae_fw-la piscator_fw-la brief_o and_o consonant_o to_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o church_n namely_o bishop_n express_o and_o church_n consequent_o because_o of_o matter_n of_o concernment_n to_o they_o also_o dignatur_fw-la paraeus_n doubt_v not_o to_o make_v his_o explanation_n as_o general_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o that_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v to_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v inscribe_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n or_o church_n proferantur_fw-la aretius_n be_v of_o no_o less_o esteem_n than_o the_o former_a and_o as_o punctual_a altogether_o by_o angel_n interpret_n a_o special_a one_o minister_n and_o disciple_n of_o john_n by_o who_o the_o writing_n may_v be_v commend_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n episcopi_fw-la peter_n martyr_v use_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o first_o worthy_n john_n say_v he_o be_v command_v to_o write_v to_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o do_v we_o multiply_v remote_a author_n when_o one_o of_o their_o doctor_n may_v satisfy_v we_o both_o for_o the_o general_a and_o for_o himself_o velint_fw-la all_o the_o most_o learned_a interpreter_n say_v dr._n scultetus_n by_o angel_n expound_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o interpret_v without_o violence_n to_o the_o text._n so_o he_o after_o our_o so_o long_a peregrination_n in_o remote_a church_n it_o be_v time_n to_o haste_v home_o to_o try_v what_o our_o own_o english_a divine_n have_v judge_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o lest_o now_o we_o be_v too_o numerous_a we_o shall_v single_a out_o three_o who_o will_v be_v hold_v singular_a in_o the_o estimation_n of_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o 3._o dr._n reynolds_n although_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n say_v he_o there_o be_v sundry_a elder_n and_o pastor_n to_o guide_v it_o yet_o among_o those_o sundry_a be_v there_o one_o chief_a who_o our_o saviour_n call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n apoc._n 2._o so_o
the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n james_n and_o john_n to_o be_v choose_v the_o peculiar_a bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o then_o mother_n church_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n the_o just_a 32._o hegesippus_n declare_v that_o symeon_n the_o son_n of_o clopas_n or_o cleophas_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n under_o who_o he_o suffer_v a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o ignatius_n do_v be_v then_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o by_o that_o account_n bear_v before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n where_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o prime_a historian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o 32._o until_o these_o time_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o virgin_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o corrupt_v with_o the_o overspread_n of_o heretical_a doctrine_n for_o howsoever_o heresy_n do_v spring_v up_o before_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o disciple_n who_o have_v hear_v our_o lord_n himself_o preach_v that_o the_o author_n and_o fautor_n thereof_o be_v not_o able_a to_o get_v any_o great_a head_n be_v force_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o opposite_n to_o lurk_v in_o obscurity_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v gather_v unto_o their_o father_n and_o none_o of_o those_o be_v leave_v who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o hear_v the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n own_o mouth_n the_o heretic_n take_v that_o advantage_n begin_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o combination_n and_o with_o open_a face_n public_o to_o maintain_v the_o 20._o opposition_n of_o their_o science_n false_o so_o call_v from_o whence_o they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n or_o man_n of_o knowledge_n against_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o by_o those_o who_o be_v 2._o eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v 3._o once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o beginner_n of_o which_o conspiracy_n be_v one_o thebûthis_n who_o have_v at_o the_o first_o be_v breed_v in_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o sect_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o those_o day_n divide_v but_o afterward_o because_o he_o miss_v of_o a_o bishopric_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v aspire_v this_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v whereunto_o justus_n after_o the_o death_n of_o symeon_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o can_v think_v of_o no_o readyer_n a_o way_n thorough_o to_o revenge_v himself_o of_o this_o disgrace_n than_o by_o raise_v up_o the_o like_a distraction_n among_o the_o christian_n which_o as_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o show_v the_o malignity_n of_o that_o ambitious_a sectary_n so_o do_v it_o in_o the_o occasion_n discover_v withal_o the_o great_a esteem_n that_o in_o those_o early_a day_n be_v have_v of_o episcopacy_n when_o hegesippus_n write_v this_o ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o ancient_a of_o any_o since_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n eleutherius_fw-la as_o we_o hear_v before_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o who_o 4._o lucius_n king_n of_o the_o britain_n as_o our_o bede_n relate_v send_v a_o epistle_n desire_v that_o by_o his_o mean_n he_o may_v be_v make_v christian._n who_o present_o obtain_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o pious_a request_n and_o the_o britain_n keep_v the_o faith_n then_o receive_v sound_a and_o undefiled_a in_o quiet_a peace_n until_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n by_o who_o bloody_a persecution_n the_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o british_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o quite_o extinguish_v but_o that_o within_o ten_o year_n after_o and_o eleven_o before_o the_o first_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a three_o of_o our_o bishop_n be_v present_a and_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n 9_o eborius_n of_o york_n restitutus_n of_o london_n and_o adelfius_n of_o colchester_n if_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v call_v there_o colonia_n londinensium_n the_o first_o root_n of_o who_o succession_n we_o must_v fetch_v beyond_o eleutherius_fw-la and_o as_o high_a as_o s._n peter_n himself_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o junii_fw-la constitute_v church_n here_o and_o ordain_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o they_o as_o symeon_n metaphrastes_n relate_v out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o ibid._n eusebius_n as_o it_o seem_v that_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o our_o hand_n but_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o seven_o singular_a bishop_n who_o be_v the_o constant_a precedent_n over_o those_o church_n be_v point_v at_o under_o that_o name_n for_o other_o sure_a they_o can_v not_o be_v if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o quality_n with_o polycarpus_n the_o then_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n who_o without_o all_o question_n be_v such_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v herein_o unto_o those_o that_o see_v he_o and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o as_o tertullian_n in_o express_a term_n affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v place_v there_o by_o s._n john_n himself_o in_o the_o testimony_n before_o allege_v out_o of_o his_o 2._o prescription_n so_o do_v he_o elsewhere_o from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n not_o obscure_o intimate_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o number_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o the_o same_o descent_n 5._o we_o have_v say_v he_o the_o church_n that_o be_v breed_v by_o john_n for_o although_o martion_n do_v reject_v his_o revelation_n yet_o the_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n reckon_v up_o unto_o their_o original_n will_v stand_v for_o john_n to_o be_v their_o founder_n neither_o do_v the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n mention_v by_o photius_n mean_v any_o other_o by_o those_o seven_o bishop_n who_o assistance_n he_o say_v s._n john_n do_v use_v after_o his_o return_n from_o patmos_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o ephesian_n for_o 254._o be_v revoke_v from_o his_o exile_n say_v he_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o nerva_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o ephesus_n and_o be_v assist_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o seven_o bishop_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o continue_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o piety_n until_o the_o empire_n of_o trajan_n that_o he_o remain_v with_o the_o ephesian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o asia_n until_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n and_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o he_o publish_v his_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o witness_v by_o 3_o ireneus_fw-la that_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o island_n after_o the_o death_n of_o domitian_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v confirm_v likewise_o both_o by_o 23._o eusebius_n and_o by_o 9_o hierom_n who_o further_o add_v that_o matthaei_n at_o the_o earnest_a entreaty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n he_o write_v there_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o also_o be_v free_a from_o his_o banishment_n do_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o diverse_a church_n be_v clear_o testify_v by_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o those_o who_o go_v before_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v far_o from_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v 23._o when_o s._n john_n say_v he_o domitian_n the_o tyrant_n be_v dead_a remove_v from_o the_o island_n of_o patmos_n unto_o ephesus_n by_o the_o entreaty_n of_o some_o he_o go_v also_o unto_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n in_o some_o place_n constitute_v bishop_n in_o other_o sound_v whole_a church_n among_o these_o neighbour_a church_n be_v that_o of_o hierapolis_n which_o have_v papias_n place_v 2._o bishop_n therein_o that_o this_o man_n be_v 33._o a_o hearer_n of_o s._n john_n and_o a_o companion_n of_o polycarpus_n be_v testify_v by_o his_o own_o scholar_n theodoram_fw-la irenaeus_n and_o that_o he_o converse_v with_o meminit_fw-la the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o christ_n also_o he_o himself_o do_v thus_o declare_v in_o the_o proëme_n of_o the_o five_o book_n which_o he_o entitle_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ibid._n if_o upon_o occasion_n any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n which_o have_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n do_v come_v i_o diligent_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o speech_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v what_o andrew_n or_o what_o peter_n do_v say_v or_o what_o philip_n or_o thomas_n or_o james_n or_o john_n or_o
to_o who_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n and_o rome_n shall_v by_o their_o letter_n declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v which_o distinction_n aswell_o in_o the_o forecited_a suprà _fw-la act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n as_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o 588._o sardican_a synod_n and_o 640._o athanasius_n may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v the_o name_n of_o italy_n be_v in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n apply_v therein_o to_o the_o seven_o province_n which_o be_v under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la or_o lieutenant_n of_o italy_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a of_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n and_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o observe_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a afterward_o confirm_v this_o kind_n of_o primacy_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n rome_n and_o antioch_n and_o 6._o in_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o other_o province_n do_v make_v their_o entrance_n into_o that_o canon_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v which_o as_o it_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o confirm_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o conceive_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o alexandria_n to_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_o epistle_n unto_o servianus_n saturnino_n even_o the_o very_a patriarch_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v into_o egypt_n be_v by_o some_o compel_v to_o adore_v serapis_n and_o by_o other_o to_o worship_n christ._n as_o if_o upon_o his_o return_v into_o egypt_n either_o from_o his_o visitation_n of_o lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n which_o this_o same_o nicene_n canon_n show_v to_o have_v of_o old_a belong_v unto_o his_o care_n or_o from_o his_o flight_n in_o that_o present_a time_n of_o persecution_n he_o shall_v suffer_v this_o distraction_n the_o heathen_a labour_a to_o compel_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o serapis_n and_o his_o own_o christian_a flock_n on_o the_o other_o side_n strive_v to_o keep_v he_o constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n for_o that_o either_o the_o heathen_a have_v will_n or_o the_o christian_n power_n at_o that_o time_n to_o force_v the_o jewish_a patriarch_n of_o who_o some_o do_v understand_v the_o place_n to_o the_o adoration_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o probability_n in_o it_o that_o part_n also_o of_o the_o canon_n which_o ratify_v the_o ancient_a right_n of_o metropolitan_o of_o all_o other_o province_n may_v serve_v to_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o complaint_n which_o some_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o synod_n s._n cyprian_n make_v against_o novatianus_n for_o the_o confusion_n which_o by_o his_o schism_n he_o bring_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o 52._o whereas_o long_o since_o in_o all_o province_n and_o in_o all_o city_n bishop_n have_v be_v ordain_v in_o age_n ancient_a sound_a in_o faith_n try_v in_o affliction_n proscribe_v in_o persecution_n yet_o take_v he_o the_o boldness_n to_o create_v other_o false_a bishop_n over_o their_o head_n namely_o subordinate_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n and_o metropolitan_o in_o every_o province_n in_o africa_n at_o that_o time_n although_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a province_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o one_o ecclesiastical_a whereof_o cyprian_n himself_o be_v 2._o archbishop_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o trullan_n synod_n call_v he_o it_o please_v say_v he_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 40._o all_o the_o bishop_n constitute_v either_o in_o our_o province_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o all_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v on_o his_o side_n the_o sea_n do_v belong_v unto_o one_o province_n 45_o for_o our_o province_n say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n be_v spread_v more_o large_o have_v numidia_n also_o and_o both_o the_o mauritaniaes_n annex_v unto_o it_o whence_o that_o great_a council_n assemble_v by_o he_o for_o determine_v the_o question_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v cypriani_fw-la out_o of_o the_o province_n of_o africa_n numidia_n and_o mauritania_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o proconsular_a africa_n wherein_o carthage_n be_v seat_v numidia_n and_o both_o the_o mauritany_n sitifensis_n and_o caesariensis_n be_v account_v three_o distinct_a province_n yet_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o make_v but_o one_o province_n immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o prime_n see_v of_o carthage_n some_o threescore_o year_n before_o this_o african_a council_n be_v hold_v by_o cyprian_a those_o other_o provincial_n synod_n be_v assemble_v by_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o sundry_a nation_n fot_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o paschall_n controversy_n then_o hot_o pursue_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o in_o our_o neighbour_n country_n out_o of_o 23._o the_o parish_n for_o so_o in_o the_o ancient_a language_n of_o the_o church_n those_o precinct_n be_v name_v which_o now_o we_o call_v diocese_n of_o which_o irenaeus_n have_v the_o superintendency_n whence_o also_o he_o write_v that_o free_a epistle_n unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o brethren_n over_o who_o he_o be_v precedent_n at_o which_o time_n and_o before_o the_o 1._o most_o famous_a metropoles_fw-la of_o that_o country_n and_o so_o the_o ibid._n most_o eminent_a church_n therein_o be_v lion_n and_o vienna_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d be_v then_o no_o less_o renown_v a_o prelate_n than_o cyprian_n be_v afterward_o in_o africa_n dionysius_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o corinth_n be_v elder_a than_o they_o who_o among_o many_o other_o epistle_n direct_v one_o 23._o to_o the_o church_n of_o gortyna_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n wherein_o he_o salute_v their_o bishop_n philip._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o that_o time_n aswell_o as_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v 8._o gortyna_n be_v the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o whole_a island_n which_o kind_n of_o superintendency_n there_o eusebius_n the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o titus_n who_o out_o of_o the_o history_n that_o be_v before_o his_o time_n he_o relate_v to_o have_v hold_v 1._o the_o bishopric_n of_o the_o church_n in_o crete_n with_o who_o the_o grecian_n of_o after_o time_n do_v full_o concur_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o subscription_n annex_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d to_o titus_n ordain_v as_o there_o they_o say_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n and_o by_o the_o argument_n prefix_v by_o they_o before_o the_o same_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n that_o oecomeâ—o_n he_o be_v by_o paul_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o that_o great_a country_n and_o have_v commission_n to_o ordain_v the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n unto_o he_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o out_o of_o which_o m._n calvin_n collect_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o general_a we_o learn_v out_o of_o this_o place_n that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o such_o a_o equality_n betwixt_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o one_o who_o be_v precedent_n over_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o counsel_n and_o s_o chrysostom_n for_o the_o particular_a of_o titus_n 1._o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o approve_a man_n he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v that_o whole_a island_n unto_o he_o he_o will_v not_o have_v command_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o bishop_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v very_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o man_n and_o bishop_n jewel_n 5._o upon_o he_o again_o have_v the_o government_n of_o many_o bishop_n what_o may_v we_o call_v he_o but_o a_o archbishop_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o island_n stick_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o control_n to_o deduce_v the_o ordination_n of_o their_o metropolitan_a from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n for_o whereas_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antioch_n do_v claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o cyprus_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o island_n prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o 7._o from_o the_o time_n
of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v ever_o present_a at_o any_o such_o ordination_n or_o do_v ever_o communicate_v the_o grace_n of_o ordination_n to_o that_o island_n and_o that_o the_o former_a bishop_n of_o constantia_n the_o metropolis_n of_o cyprus_n troilus_n sabinus_n epiphanius_n ibid._n and_o all_o the_o holy_a and_o orthodox_n bishop_n which_o be_v before_o they_o ever_o since_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v constitute_v by_o those_o which_o be_v in_o cyprus_n and_o therefore_o desire_v that_o ibid._n as_o in_o the_o begin_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o great_a synod_n of_o nice_a the_o synod_n of_o the_o cyprian_a bishop_n remain_v untouched_a and_o superior_a to_o privy_a undermine_n and_o open_a power_n so_o they_o may_v still_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o ancient_a right_n whereupon_o the_o council_n condemn_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n as_o ibid._n a_o innovation_n bring_v in_o against_o the_o ecclesiastical_a law_n and_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n do_v not_o only_a order_n that_o ibid._n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o cyprus_n shall_v keep_v their_o own_o right_n entire_a and_o inviolable_a according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n and_o their_o ancient_a custom_n but_o also_o ibid._n for_o all_o other_o diocese_n and_o province_n wheresoever_o that_o no_o bishop_n shall_v intrude_v himself_o into_o any_o other_o province_n which_o have_v not_o former_o and_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v under_o he_o or_o his_o predecessor_n the_o beginning_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o subordination_n of_o many_o bishop_n unto_o one_o chief_a if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v derive_v from_o apostolical_a right_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o beza_n fetch_v 4._o from_o the_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o enforcement_n of_o necessity_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o enter_v into_o consociation_n subject_v one_o unto_o another_o and_o by_o bucer_n acknowledge_v to_o have_v 565._o be_v consentaneous_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o right_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o all_o man_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o pattern_n deliver_v by_o god_n unto_o moses_n for_o have_v set_v apart_o the_o three_o family_n of_o the_o levite_n for_o his_o own_o service_n and_o constitute_v a_o chief_a as_o we_o have_v hear_v over_o every_o of_o they_o he_o place_v immediate_o over_o they_o all_o not_o aaron_n the_o high_a priest_n but_o eleazar_n his_o son_n say_v 32._o eleazar_n the_o son_n of_o aaron_n the_o priest_n shall_v be_v chief_a over_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o levite_n and_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o oversight_n as_o he_o have_v by_o the_o septuagint_n warrantable_o enough_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o the_o name_n of_o 16._o a_o bishop_n so_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o honour_v he_o with_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 32._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n of_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o levite_n none_o that_o without_o prejudice_n do_v take_v the_o matter_n into_o consideration_n will_v much_o stick_v to_o afford_v unto_o he_o the_o name_n of_o a_o archbishop_n at_o least_o he_o will_v be_v teach_v hereby_o to_o retain_v that_o reverend_a opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o so_o willing_o submit_v themselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o archiepiscopal_a but_o also_o to_o a_o patriarchical_a government_n which_o calvin_n profess_v he_o do_v that_o in_o all_o this_o they_o be_v far_o from_o have_v a_o thought_n 4._o to_o devise_v another_o form_n of_o church-government_n then_o that_o which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n the_o writer_n which_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v here_o give_v testimony_n for_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o xiiii_o year_n of_o domitian_n about_o the_o xcv_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a account_n s._n john_n write_v his_o revelation_n and_o in_o it_o the_o epistle_n direct_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o philadelphia_n no_o long_o than_o twelve_o year_n after_o that_o time_n ignatius_n s._n john_n scholar_n write_v his_o letter_n unto_o the_o same_o church_n in_o the_o beginning_n whereof_o he_o give_v this_o testimony_n unto_o their_o bishop_n that_o philadelph_n he_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v promote_v not_o of_o himself_o nor_o by_o man_n unto_o that_o ministry_n pertain_v to_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v call_v he_o their_o angel_n afterward_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v but_o ibid._n one_o bishop_n join_v with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n and_o that_o he_o deliver_v this_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n ibid._n take_v heed_n unto_o your_o bishop_n and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n 124._o call_v he_o to_o witness_v for_o who_o he_o be_v bind_v and_o for_o who_o he_o go_v then_o unto_o his_o last_o martyrdom_n that_o he_o have_v not_o this_o from_o humane_a flesh_n or_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o man_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n speak_v it_o without_o the_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o so_o that_o from_o s._n john_n time_n we_o have_v this_o continue_a succession_n of_o witness_n in_o the_o age_n next_o follow_v for_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o year_n cvii_o ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n where_o first_o they_o be_v call_v christian_n cxxx_o hadrian_n the_o emperor_n touch_v the_o bishopâ—_n of_o egypt_n cl._n justin_n martyr_n from_o samaria_n clxix_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n clxxv_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n clxxx_o hegesippus_n from_o judea_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n near_o unto_o we_o cxcu._n tertullian_n from_o africa_n polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n cc._o clemens_n presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n the_o apostolical_a institution_n of_o episcopacy_n deduce_v out_o of_o the_o premise_n by_o w._n c._n if_o we_o abstract_a from_o episcopal_a government_n all_o accidental_n and_o consider_v only_o what_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o no_o more_o but_o this_o a_o appointment_n of_o one_o man_n of_o eminent_a sanctity_n and_o sufficiency_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n within_o a_o certain_a precinct_n or_o diocese_n and_o furnish_v he_o with_o authority_n not_o absolute_a or_o arbitrary_a but_o regulate_v and_o bound_v by_o law_n and_o moderate_v by_o join_v to_o he_o a_o convenient_a number_n of_o assistant_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o all_o the_o church_n under_o he_o may_v be_v provide_v of_o good_a and_o able_a pastor_n and_o that_o both_o of_o pastor_n and_o people_n conformity_n to_o law_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n may_v be_v require_v under_o penalty_n not_o leave_v to_o discretion_n but_o by_o law_n appoint_v to_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n i_o be_o not_o by_o any_o particular_a interest_n so_o devote_v as_o to_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v either_o in_o opposition_n to_o apostolic_a institution_n or_o to_o the_o much_o desire_a reformation_n of_o man_n life_n and_o restauration_n of_o primitive_a discipline_n or_o to_o any_o law_n or_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n for_o that_o be_v to_o maintain_v a_o mean_n contrary_a to_o the_o end_n for_o obedience_n to_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o church_n government_n be_v appoint_v but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o make_v much_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o very_o think_v it_o may_v i._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o government_n settle_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n ii_o that_o it_o be_v as_o complyable_a with_o the_o reformation_n of_o any_o evil_n which_o we_o desire_v to_o reform_v either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n or_o the_o introduction_n of_o any_o good_a which_o we_o desire_v to_o introduce_v as_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n no_o record_n of_o our_o saviour_n against_o it_o then_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v a_o unreasonable_a motion_n if_o we_o humble_o desire_v those_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n especial_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o clamour_n or_o overbear_v by_o violence_n and_o though_o which_o god_n forbid_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o multitude_n shall_v cry_v crucify_v crucify_v yet_o our_o governor_n will_v be_v so_o full_a of_o justice_n and_o courage_n