it_o in_o the_o church_n ascribe_v a_o alike_a dignity_n and_o power_n unto_o the_o prelate_n of_o those_o city_n and_o a_o jurisdiction_n extend_v itself_o unto_o nation_n diocese_n and_o province_n hereby_o the_o lesser_a congregation_n or_o parochial_a church_n be_v weaken_v in_o process_n of_o time_n in_o their_o gift_n and_o interest_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o other_o and_o become_v only_o inconsiderable_a appendix_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v rule_v at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o time_n which_o we_o inquire_v into_o only_o their_o occasion_n begin_v to_o present_v itself_o unto_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o we_o have_v before_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o they_o 4._o some_o church_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v go_v forth_o from_o they_o unto_o other_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n be_v the_o mean_v first_o of_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o faith_n and_o then_o of_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church-state_n afford_v they_o assistance_n in_o all_o thing_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o hence_o there_o new_o form_v church_n in_o lesser_a town_n and_o village_n have_v always_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o the_o church_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o state_v in_o church_n order_n and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n as_o these_o lesser_a church_n decrease_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o fall_v under_o a_o scarcity_n of_o able_a guide_n this_o reverence_n be_v turn_v into_o obedience_n and_o dependence_n and_o they_o think_v it_o well_o enough_o to_o be_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o other_o be_v unable_a well_o to_o rule_v themselves_o on_o these_o and_o the_o like_a account_n there_o be_v quick_o introduce_v a_o inequality_n among_o church_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v equal_a as_o unto_o state_n and_o power_n 4._o church_n may_v admit_v of_o many_o variation_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a form_n and_o order_n which_o yet_o change_v not_o their_o state_n nor_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o be_v congregational_a as_o 1._o suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v many_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o most_o of_o they_o have_v yea_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v so_o act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.6_o 22_o 23._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o 18._o chap._n 21.18_o phil._n 1.1.1_o tim._n 5.17_o tit._n 1.5_o they_o may_v and_o some_o of_o they_o do_v choose_v out_o some_o one_o endue_v with_o especial_a gift_n that_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n preside_v among_o they_o and_o who_o have_v quick_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n appropriate_v unto_o he_o this_o practice_n be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v its_o original_a at_o alexandria_n and_o begin_v general_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o 3_o century_n but_o this_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o have_v no_o divine_a warrant_n to_o authorise_v it_o for_o this_o order_n may_v be_v agree_v unto_o among_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o sundry_a thing_n may_v fall_v out_o incline_v unto_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o from_o a_o distinct_a mention_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o second_o century_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o fancy_n metropolitical_n and_o diocesan_n church_n be_v but_o a_o pleasant_a dream_n 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n that_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_a be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o their_o elder_n in_o common_a may_v for_o the_o ordinary_a duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n meâ—t_n in_o part_n or_o several_a actual_a assembly_n and_o they_o do_v so_o especial_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n nothing_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n in_o secret_a place_n in_o private_a house_n yea_o in_o cave_n and_o den_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v so_o assemble_v together_o how_o this_o disposition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n in_o each_o of_o which_o some_o elder_a or_o elder_n of_o it_o do_v officiate_v give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o distinction_n of_o great_a church_n into_o particular_a title_n or_o parish_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v declare_v it_o may_v be_v so_o elsewhere_o but_o neither_o yet_o do_v this_o alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o original_a institution_n for_o 3._o upon_o all_o extraordinary_a occasion_n all_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n or_o the_o deposition_n of_o they_o the_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o member_n and_o the_o like_a the_o whole_a church_n continue_v to_o meet_v together_o which_o practice_n be_v plain_o continue_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o neither_o do_v it_o appear_v but_o that_o during_o the_o first_o 200_o year_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n oâ—_n the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o solemn_a administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a variation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n which_o come_v in_o partly_o by_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o partly_o be_v receive_v from_o the_o advantage_n and_o accommodation_n which_o they_o pretend_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n continue_v congregational_a only_o for_o 200_o year_n so_o far_o as_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o remain_a monument_n of_o those_o time_n only_o we_o must_v yet_o add_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o testimony_n or_o say_n take_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o in_o follow_v age_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o season_n but_o do_v appeal_n unto_o their_o own_o write_n only_o this_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n whereby_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n will_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o of_o their_o roman_a invention_n he_o affix_v they_o unto_o some_o of_o the_o first_o age_n and_o give_v some_o countenance_n unto_o they_o it_o may_v be_v from_o some_o spurious_a write_n lay_v the_o weight_n of_o confirmation_n on_o testimony_n and_o say_n of_o writer_n many_o year_n yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n age_n afterward_o for_o it_o be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o use_n and_o custom_n have_v wrest_v ecclesiastical_a word_n to_o other_o signification_n than_o at_o first_o they_o be_v apply_v unto_o to_o impose_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n among_o they_o on_o these_o who_o go_v before_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o writer_n themselves_o who_o have_v in_o the_o season_n inquire_v after_o or_o in_o the_o age_n next_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o practice_n that_o which_o first_o offer_v itself_o unto_o we_o and_o which_o be_v a_o invaluable_a testimony_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o epistle_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o epistle_n according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o it_o irenaeus_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o rome_n and_o call_v it_o potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la sub_fw-la hoc_fw-la clement_n dissensione_n non_fw-la modica_fw-la inter_fw-la â—os_v qui_fw-la corinthi_n erant_fw-la fratres_fw-la facta_fw-la scripsit_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la romae_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la potentissimas_fw-la literas_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 3._o by_o eusebius_n it_o be_v term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a and_o admirable_a who_o also_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v public_o read_v in_o some_o church_n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 14._o and_o again_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o most_o powerful_a writing_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 7._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o write_n of_o it_o do_v befall_v he_o humanitû_n that_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o companion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o he_o be_v may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o divine_a institution_n such_o be_v the_o credit_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o the_o vulgar_a fable_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v such_o as_o every_o way_n become_v a_o
3._o this_o therefore_o be_v that_o which_o he_o oppose_v namely_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deviation_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o fall_v of_o from_o the_o original_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o a_o fatal_a apostasy_n this_o be_v that_o which_o on_o the_o present_a occasion_n must_v be_v further_o speak_v unto_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v and_o we_o must_v all_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o state_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n before_o the_o reformation_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v something_o yet_o far_a in_o the_o vindication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o in_o point_n of_o church_n reformation_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n and_o arguing_n of_o the_o doctor_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o necessity_n of_o his_o cause_n compel_v he_o thereunto_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o papist_n about_o the_o apostasy_n of_o their_o church_n in_o faith_n order_n and_o worship_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v namely_o when_o where_o how_o be_v this_o alteration_n make_v who_o make_v opposition_n unto_o it_o and_o the_o like_a when_o these_o inquiry_n be_v multiply_v by_o the_o papist_n as_o unto_o the_o whole_a cause_n between_o they_o and_o we_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o give_v satisfactory_a answer_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o may_v do_v in_o this_o particular_a unto_o himself_o also_o but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o ease_v he_o of_o that_o trouble_n at_o present_a only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o somewhat_o unexpected_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o principle_n bulwark_n of_o the_o papacy_n which_o have_v be_v effectual_o demolish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o protestant_n of_o all_o sort_n shall_v be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o a_o person_n just_o make_v eminent_a by_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n against_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 2._o but_o it_o may_v be_v plead_v that_o although_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o first_o age_n do_v insensible_o degenerate_a from_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n yet_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v so_o from_o a_o adherence_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o their_o original_a constitution_n or_o from_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n lest_o of_o all_o can_v this_o happen_v in_o the_o case_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o as_o unto_o the_o original_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n or_o the_o pastoral_n relation_n of_o one_o person_n of_o a_o distinct_a order_n from_o presbyter_n unto_o many_o particular_a complete_a church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o with_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o and_o over_o they_o unto_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n and_o power_n unto_o their_o own_o edification_n which_o every_o true_a church_n be_v entrust_v withal_o by_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o be_v introduce_v by_o insensible_a degree_n according_a unto_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a order_n namely_o those_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n institute_v at_o first_o in_o all_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o contrary_n may_v be_v evident_o prove_v so_o a_o supposition_n of_o it_o will_v no_o way_n promote_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n until_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o it_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o those_o now_o call_v diocesan_n wherefore_o this_o hypothesis_n begin_v general_o to_o be_v desert_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v by_o this_o author_n other_o suppose_v that_o immediate_o upon_o or_o at_o or_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o new_a order_n of_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v to_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v then_o gather_v or_o plant_v but_o how_o when_o or_o by_o who_o by_o what_o authority_n apostolical_a and_o divine_a or_o ecclesiastical_a only_a and_o humane_a none_o can_v declare_v see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o the_o record_n that_o remain_v of_o the_o primitive_a church_n other_o think_v this_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n take_v its_o occasional_a rise_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n who_o choose_v out_o one_o among_o themselves_o constant_o to_o preside_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o order_n unto_o who_o they_o ascribe_v some_o kind_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o dignity_n peculiar_o appropriate_v unto_o he_o the_o namâ—_n of_o bishop_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o reckon_v it_o unto_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o less_o harmful_a deviation_n from_o their_o original_a constitution_n which_o i_o assign_v unto_o primitive_a church_n but_o many_o addition_n must_v be_v make_v hereunto_o before_o it_o will_v help_v the_o cause_n of_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n what_o other_o occasion_n hereof_o be_v give_v or_o take_v what_o advantage_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o promote_v this_o alteration_n shall_v be_v touch_v upon_o afterward_o 2._o why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v depart_v from_o their_o original_a constitution_n order_n and_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o from_o their_o first_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o they_o do_v gradual_o in_o many_o successive_a age_n until_o both_o be_v utter_o corrupt_v the_o cause_n occasion_n and_o temptation_n lead_v unto_o the_o former_a be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o pregnant_a as_o those_o lead_n unto_o the_o latter_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o vicious_a corrupt_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o begin_v more_o early_o to_o work_v in_o church_n officer_n nor_o do_v more_o grow_v and_o thrive_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o than_o ambition_n with_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o rule_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o diotrephes_n be_v alone_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n nor_o in_o the_o irregular_a act_n of_o his_o undue_o assume_v authority_n however_o we_o have_v one_o signal_n instance_n in_o he_o of_o the_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o he_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o original_a constitution_n for_o he_o prevail_v so_o far_o therein_o as_o by_o his_o own_o single_a episcopal_a power_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o comply_v not_o with_o his_o humour_n how_o effectual_o the_o same_o ambition_n wrought_v afterward_o in_o many_o other_o possess_v the_o same_o place_n in_o their_o church_n with_o diotrephes_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a instance_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o ambition_n yet_o it_o be_v one_o that_o be_v pregnant_a which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o amâ—rose_n for_o say_v he_o ecclesia_fw-la ut_fw-la synagoga_fw-la seniores_fw-la habuâ—â—_fw-la quorum_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agebatur_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la quod_fw-la qua_fw-la neglâ—gentia_fw-la obsoleverit_fw-la nescio_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la aliquid_fw-la videri_fw-la in_o 1._o ad_fw-la timoth._n cap._n 5._o it_o seem_v there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o time_n who_o beginning_n and_o progress_n he_o can_v not_o well_o discover_v and_o trace_v but_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o so_o it_o be_v then_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o if_o he_o who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n wherein_o such_o alteration_n be_v make_v can_v not_o yet_o discover_v their_o first_o insinuation_n nor_o their_o subtle_a progress_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o exact_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o we_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o their_o first_o introduction_n but_o this_o he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pride_n or_o ambition_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o introduce_v that_o alteration_n in_o its_o order_n whereas_o therefore_o we_o see_v in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n all_o alteration_n in_o their_o rule_n and_o order_n do_v issue_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o ambition_n of_o church_n ruler_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o this_o ambition_n be_v signal_o note_v
distribute_v the_o faithful_a at_o rome_n into_o distinct_a title_n or_o parish_n with_o distinct_a presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o for_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o persecution_n be_v at_o its_o height_n the_o meeting_n of_o believer_n be_v occasional_a with_o respect_n unto_o their_o security_n ofttimes_o by_o night_n sometime_o in_o cave_n under_o the_o earth_n or_o in_o desert_a burial_n place_n at_o best_a in_o private_a house_n and_o they_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n act_v 1.13_o 14._o act_n 2.46_o chap._n 4.24_o 31._o chap._n 12.12_o chap._n 18.7_o chap._n 20.8_o chap._n 21.18_o instance_n of_o such_o meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v especial_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o take_v this_o course_n upon_o necessity_n when_o peace_n begin_v to_o be_v restore_v at_o any_o time_n unto_o they_o they_o design_v temple_n that_o may_v receive_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n together_o the_o distribution_n mention_v into_o title_n and_o parish_n begin_v a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o in_o very_a few_o place_n within_o 300_o year_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v what_o alteration_n may_v fall_v out_o in_o some_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a order_n especial_o how_o the_o people_n may_v desert_v their_o diligence_n and_o duty_n in_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v unto_o they_o in_o their_o epistle_n the_o instruction_n direction_n and_o command_n how_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v act_v and_o deport_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v obligatory_a in_o all_o age_n i_o can_v see_v how_o after_o the_o second_o century_n they_o be_v much_o comply_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o single_a instance_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o ruler_n but_o second_o after_o these_o there_o ensue_v great_a occasion_n of_o great_a variation_n from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o people_n for_o 1._o such_o number_n of_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o communion_n require_v in_o they_o as_o will_v afterward_o appear_v and_o the_o relief_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o this_o inconveniency_n in_o distinct_a convention_n supply_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n from_o the_o first_o church_n or_o by_o state_v title_n do_v alter_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n among_o those_o multitude_n which_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o four_o century_n many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o do_v come_v short_a inexpressible_o in_o knowledge_n gift_n grace_n holiness_n and_o uprightness_n of_o conversation_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n complain_v and_o be_v hereby_o uncapable_a of_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o another_o rule_n of_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o government_n without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n or_o consent_n than_o what_o be_v at_o first_o appoint_v which_o be_v gradual_o introduce_v whence_o the_o original_a of_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o canon_n which_o be_v arbitrary_o invent_v afterward_o for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v to_o be_v derive_v and_o it_o may_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o the_o rule_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o ignorance_n manner_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v then_o easy_o win_v unto_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v one_o mean_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o both_o until_o they_o issue_v in_o downright_a tyranny_n and_o idolatry_n but_o much_o more_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o order_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o many_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o season_n to_o manifest_v this_o by_o instance_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o i_o shall_v therefore_o inquire_v only_o into_o one_o or_o two_o thing_n in_o particular_a which_o be_v of_o principal_a consideration_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n order_n and_o rule_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o its_o officer_n for_o it_o issue_v at_o last_o in_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n metropolitan_a and_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o for_o some_o age_n nor_o be_v these_o officer_n introduce_v into_o the_o church_n at_o one_o or_o in_o one_o age_n nor_o with_o the_o power_n which_o they_o afterward_o claim_v and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o it_o be_v do_v gradual_o in_o many_o succeed_a age_n work_v by_o a_o design_n to_o accommodate_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o political_a state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o government_n 2._o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o great_a alteration_n be_v small_a nor_o at_o all_o perceive_v in_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o act_v nor_o be_v it_o agree_v nor_o as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v will_v it_o ever_o be_v agree_v among_o learned_a man_n when_o first_o a_o disparity_n among_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o power_n do_v first_o begin_v nor_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v about_o the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a among_o themselves_o no_o one_o have_v either_o office_n or_o office-power_n above_o other_o so_o be_v all_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v afterward_o no_o intimation_n be_v give_v of_o any_o pre-eminence_n or_o superiority_n among_o they_o of_o one_o over_z other_o yet_o afterward_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n much_o of_o that_o nature_n appear_v it_o begin_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o name_n office_n or_o power_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o hierome_n and_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n p._n 267._o but_o they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o appoint_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n and_o this_o they_o say_v be_v do_v for_o the_o prevention_n of_o schism_n but_o with_o ill_a success_n for_o as_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v that_o there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o episcopacy_n even_o when_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o its_o original_a order_n because_o of_o the_o ambition_n of_o diotrephes_n and_o other_o like_v he_o so_o it_o become_v much_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o schism_n and_o heresy_n when_o it_o begin_v to_o exalt_v itself_o in_o dignity_n and_o reputation_n the_o first_o express_v attempt_n to_o corrupt_v and_o divide_v a_o church_n make_v from_o within_o itself_o be_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n make_v by_o thebulis_fw-la because_o simon_n cleopas_n be_v choose_v bishop_n and_o he_o be_v refuse_v euseb._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 21._o the_o same_o rise_n have_v the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n and_o other_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n certain_a in_o this_o pretend_a succession_n of_o some_o person_n unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o their_o office_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o many_o church_n by_o one_o overseer_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o appointment_n by_o the_o apostle_n or_o any_o of_o they_o no_o record_n of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o and_o unto_o this_o alteration_n can_v be_v produce_v nor_o be_v there_o any_o analogy_n between_o the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o every_o apostle_n over_o all_o church_n and_o care_n for_o they_o and_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o a_o bishop_n over_o a_o small_a number_n which_o lot_n or_o accident_n dispose_v unto_o he_o beside_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v or_o have_v be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o 200_o year_n or_o until_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
second_o century_n of_o any_o one_o person_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o commit_v unto_o he_o or_o do_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o on_o himself_o but_o whereas_o this_o change_n do_v fall_v out_o and_o appear_v evident_o so_o to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o church_n be_v original_o plant_v in_o city_n and_o town_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o absolute_o for_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v and_o church_n gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o clemens_n testify_v in_o such_o city_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n whereunto_o all_o beleiver_n do_v belong_v i_o mention_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o present_a author_n who_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o mistake_v my_o word_n and_o principle_n affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v prove_v be_v that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n at_o first_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n than_o one_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v so_o because_o i_o never_o say_v so_o i_o do_v believe_v indeed_o that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n and_o that_o sometime_o it_o be_v better_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o that_o all_o beleiver_n in_o the_o same_o city_n shall_v be_v keep_v up_o unto_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o edification_n but_o that_o there_o be_v original_o or_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n i_o do_v whole_o deny_v though_o i_o grant_v at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v church_n in_o village_n also_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o but_o though_o there_o be_v one_o church_n only_o in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n yet_o all_o the_o believer_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o church_n do_v not_o live_v in_o that_o city_n but_o sundry_a of_o they_o in_o the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o that_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n have_v its_o solemn_a assembly_n all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o the_o country_n the_o field_n and_o village_n about_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n in_o process_n of_o time_n these_o believer_n in_o the_o country_n do_v great_o increase_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o city-church_n which_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n with_o some_o extraordinary_a help_n beside_o but_o hereon_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v oversee_v for_o on_o this_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unto_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o any_o province_n they_o erect_v and_o plant_v new_a church_n among_o they_o not_o oblige_v they_o all_o unto_o that_o first_o church_n from_o whence_o the_o word_n go_v forth_o for_o their_o conversion_n but_o those_o who_o succeed_v they_o be_v hinder_v by_o many_o reason_n which_o may_v be_v easy_o recount_v from_o thought_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n choose_v rather_o to_o give_v the_o beleiver_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o country_n occasional_a assistance_n by_o presbyter_n of_o their_o own_o than_o to_o dispose_v they_o into_o a_o chrch_n state_n and_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n their_o number_n great_o increase_a they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o supply_v they_o with_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o several_a parcel_n or_o division_n the_o minister_n or_o elder_n thus_o dispose_v among_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v still_o relate_v unto_o and_o depend_v upon_o that_o city_n first_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n daily_a increase_n and_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyter_n in_o their_o distinct_a assembly_n be_v find_v necessary_a they_o come_v to_o be_v call_v church_n though_o continue_v in_o dependence_n both_o for_o a_o supply_n of_o officer_n and_o for_o rule_n on_o the_o first_o or_o city_n church_n whereunto_o they_o esteem_v themselves_o to_o belong_v this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o christian_a assembly_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o hereby_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o church_n become_v by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v a_o distinction_n from_o and_o pre-eminence_n above_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o country_n and_o a_o rule_n over_o those_o assembly_n or_o church_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a among_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o decree_v one_o be_v to_o confirm_v unto_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n that_o power_n over_o the_o neighbour_a church_n which_o they_o have_v enjoin_v from_o this_o occasional_a rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o they_o hereby_o be_v a_o difference_n and_o distinction_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n between_o mother_n and_o dependant_a church_n introduce_v equal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o departure_n which_o be_v therein_o from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n and_o institution_n but_o these_o thing_n fall_v out_o long_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o century_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o before_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o this_o alteration_n which_o take_v place_n before_o that_o insist_v on_o for_o in_o many_o of_o those_o city_n church_n especial_o when_o the_o number_n of_o beleiver_n much_o increase_v there_o be_v many_o bishop_n or_o elder_n who_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o they_o in_o common_a this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o ensue_a record_n of_o church_n affair_n and_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o power_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n but_o after_o a_o while_n to_o preserve_v order_n and_o decency_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o all_o their_o proceed_n they_o choose_v one_o from_o among_o they_o who_o shall_v preside_v in_o all_o church_n affair_n for_o order_n sake_n unto_o who_o after_o a_o season_n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v appropriate_v whether_o the_o rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o herein_o be_v to_o choose_v they_o unto_o this_o dignity_n who_o have_v be_v first_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n or_o first_o call_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v presbyter_n or_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o way_n begin_v in_o those_o church_n wherein_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n apostle_n or_o evangelist_n have_v long_o reside_v it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o they_o have_v some_o design_n to_o represent_v hereby_o somewhat_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o such_o a_o officer_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v fall_v out_o early_o in_o the_o church_n though_o without_o ground_n or_o warrant_n and_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n which_o have_v not_o any_o great_a number_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o yet_o quick_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o dignity_n which_o the_o other_o have_v attain_v justin_n martyr_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o church_n its_o order_n rule_n worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o his_o day_n mention_n one_o singular_a person_n in_o one_o church_n who_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o preside_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o himself_o administer_v all_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n every_o lord_n day_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v and_o meet_v out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o village_n about_o this_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o one_o desire_v this_o office_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v whatever_o accession_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v either_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o first_o ordain_v presbyter_n or_o obtain_v their_o pre-eminence_n non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o eminency_n in_o gift_n and_o holiness_n be_v yet_o quick_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o praelation_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v seek_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o under_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n the_o church_n increase_a every_o day_n in_o number_n and_o wealth_n grow_v insensible_o more_o and_o more_o indy_n magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la decrescente_fw-la disciplina_fw-la into_o a_o form_n and_o
as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o deprave_v inclination_n of_o mind_n that_o wrought_v in_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n and_o which_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n open_o proclaim_v itself_o unto_o the_o scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a disposition_n in_o they_o unto_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n no_o way_n suit_v unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o ambition_n then_o unto_o a_o defection_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n which_o yet_o also_o follow_v 2._o as_o the_o inclination_n of_o many_o lay_n towards_o such_o a_o deviation_n so_o their_o interest_n lead_v they_o unto_o it_o and_o their_o temptation_n cast_v they_o upon_o it_o for_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unto_o our_o author_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o church_n the_o preservation_n of_o its_o order_n and_o discipline_n according_a unto_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o the_o direction_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n about_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o our_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o matter_n so_o weighty_a in_o itself_o so_o dangerous_a as_o unto_o its_o issue_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n trial_n and_o temptation_n lay_v under_o such_o severe_a interdiction_n of_o lordly_a power_n or_o seek_v either_o of_o wealth_n or_o dignity_n that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v ever_o undertake_v it_o but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o call_v from_o christ_n unto_o it_o and_o in_o compliance_n with_o that_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v unto_o he_o it_o be_v no_o pleasant_a thing_n unto_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o conduct_n and_o oversight_n of_o christ_n volunteer_n to_o bear_v with_o their_o manner_n to_o exercise_v all_o patience_n towards_o they_o in_o their_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n to_o watch_v continual_o over_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n and_o thereon_o personal_o to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o all_o to_o search_v diligent_o and_o scrupulous_o into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o their_o warranty_n in_o every_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o duty_n under_o all_o their_o weakness_n and_o miscarriage_n continue_v a_o high_a valuation_n of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n all_o under_o a_o abide_a sense_n of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o great_a account_n which_o they_o must_v give_v of_o the_o whole_a trust_n and_o charge_v commit_v unto_o they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o most_o part_n peculiar_o expose_v unto_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n trouble_n and_o persecution_n without_o the_o least_o encouragement_n from_o wealth_n power_n or_o honour_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v willing_a gradual_o to_o extricate_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o uneasy_a condition_n and_o to_o embrace_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o introduce_v insensible_o another_o rule_n and_o order_n into_o the_o church_n that_o may_v tend_v more_o unto_o the_o exaltation_n of_o their_o own_o power_n authority_n and_o dignity_n and_o free_v they_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o the_o weight_n of_o that_o important_a charge_n and_o continual_a care_n with_o labour_n which_o a_o diligent_a and_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o rule_v give_v for_o their_o order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v oblige_v they_o unto_o and_o this_o be_v do_v according_o until_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o century_n and_o so_o onward_o the_o bishop_n under_o various_a title_n begin_v by_o their_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o part_n and_o divide_v they_o among_o themselves_o without_o their_o own_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n as_o if_o they_o have_v conquer_v they_o by_o the_o sword_n this_o bishop_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o share_n and_o number_n of_o they_o under_o his_o power_n and_o that_o other_o so_o many_o so_o far_o shall_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o one_o extend_v and_o so_o far_o that_o of_o another_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o of_o their_o decree_n and_o law_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v they_o long_o keep_v within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n which_o their_o more_o modest_a ambition_n have_v at_o first_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o take_v occasion_n from_o these_o beginning_n to_o contend_v among_o themselves_o about_o pre-eminence_n dignity_n and_o power_n in_o which_o contest_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n at_o length_n remain_v master_n of_o the_o field_n thereby_o obtain_v a_o second_o conquest_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o gradual_a deviation_n from_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o church_n their_o order_n and_o rule_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o event_n for_o the_o change_n become_v at_o length_n as_o great_a as_o the_o distance_n be_v between_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o antichrist_n set_v over_o the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o this_o change_n be_v not_o wrought_v at_o once_o not_o in_o one_o age_n but_o by_o a_o insensible_a progress_n even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o those_o dark_a and_o evil_a time_n wherein_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n be_v exalt_v into_o a_o absolute_a tyranny_n over_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o satiety_n of_o their_o ambition_n for_o 4._o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n begin_v to_o work_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n though_o in_o a_o manner_n latent_fw-la and_o imperceptible_a unto_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o men._n for_o that_o this_o mystery_n of_o the_o iniquity_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o other_o vice_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n excite_v entice_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n until_o it_o issue_v in_o the_o idolatrous_a persecute_v state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherein_o all_o church_n rule_n order_n and_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v utter_o destroy_v or_o corrupt_v we_o shall_v believe_v until_o we_o see_v a_o answer_n give_v unto_o the_o learned_a write_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o protestant_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o assertion_n which_o the_o doctor_n oppose_v and_o to_o free_v it_o from_o his_o exception_n but_o because_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o the_o supposition_n hereof_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o present_n contest_v about_o church_n order_n and_o rule_n i_o shall_v yet_o proceed_v a_o little_a far_o in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n whereby_o the_o apostasy_n assert_v be_v begin_v and_o carry_v on_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o herein_o insist_v on_o particular_a instance_n nor_o make_v a_o transcription_n of_o story_n out_o of_o ancient_a writer_n give_v evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o do_v by_o other_o especial_o those_o of_o magdeburg_n in_o the_o six_o and_o seven_o chapter_n of_o their_o century_n unto_o who_o observation_n many_o other_o learned_a man_n have_v make_v considerable_a addition_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o treat_v in_o general_a of_o the_o cause_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o apostasy_n or_o declension_n of_o church_n from_o their_o first_o institution_n which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o successive_a age_n after_o the_o apostle_n especial_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n until_o when_o divine_a institution_n as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v entire_a decay_n in_o any_o kind_n even_o in_o thing_n natural_a and_o political_a be_v hardly_o discernible_a but_o in_o and_o by_o their_o effect_n when_o a_o hectic_a distemper_n befall_v the_o body_n of_o any_o man_n it_o be_v ofttimes_o not_o to_o be_v discern_v until_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cure_v the_o roman_a historian_n give_v this_o advice_n unto_o his_o reader_n after_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o empire_n come_v to_o its_o greatness_n labente_fw-la deinde_fw-la disciplina_fw-la velut_fw-la dissidentes_fw-la primo_fw-la mores_fw-la sequatur_fw-la animo_fw-la deinde_fw-la ut_fw-la magis_fw-la magisque_fw-la lapsi_fw-la sint_fw-la tum_fw-la ire_n caeperint_fw-la praecipites_fw-la donec_fw-la ad_fw-la haec_fw-la tempora_fw-la anibus_fw-la nec_fw-la vitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la pati_fw-la possumus_fw-la periculuâ—_fw-la est_fw-la liv._o praefat._v his_o word_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o more_o graphical_a description_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o decay_n as_o unto_o virtue_n and_o vice_n
their_o rule_n but_o leave_v that_o unto_o the_o discretion_n and_o authority_n of_o man_n as_o they_o think_v meet_v when_o they_o have_v outward_a power_n for_o their_o warranty_n but_o if_o by_o these_o particular_a appointment_n and_o framing_n of_o church_n with_o their_o order_n man_n be_v dispose_v of_o as_o unto_o their_o spiritual_a concernment_n beyond_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o moral_n â—aw_v we_o must_v yet_o inquire_v who_o give_v they_o this_o right_a and_o title_n to_o make_v this_o disposal_n of_o they_o 2._o authority_n as_o right_o and_o title_n respect_v the_o person_n of_o man_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n so_o authority_n respect_v the_o rule_n â—aws_n order_n and_o statute_n to_o be_v make_v prescribe_v and_o establish_v whereby_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o new_a society_n be_v convey_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o enjoin_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v take_v unto_o it_o earthly_a potentate_n who_o will_v dispose_v of_o man_n into_o a_o state_n and_o government_n absolute_o new_a unto_o they_o as_o unto_o all_o their_o temporal_a concernment_n of_o life_n liberty_n inheritance_n and_o possession_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v hold_v all_o of_o they_o in_o dependence_n on_o and_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o new_a government_n and_o kingdom_n must_v have_v these_o two_o thing_n namely_o right_o and_o title_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v by_o conquest_n or_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o all_o their_o interest_n and_o concern_v into_o their_o disposal_n and_o authority_n thereon_o to_o constitute_v what_o order_n what_o kind_n of_o state_n rule_n and_o government_n they_o please_v without_o these_o they_o will_v quick_o find_v their_o endeavour_n and_o undertake_n frustrate_v the_o gospel_n church-state_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o new_a whereunto_o all_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n as_o they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o contain_v privilege_n so_o they_o have_v no_o obligation_n unto_o it_o as_o it_o prescribe_v duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o both_o those_o right_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o authority_n as_o unto_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o until_o man_n can_v pretend_v unto_o these_o thing_n both_o unto_o this_o right_a and_o authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o inheritance_n of_o christ_n and_o leave_v hunt_v after_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o the_o the_o frame_n or_o form_v evangelical_n church_n or_o make_v of_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o government_n this_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o ascribe_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v enâ—â—â—sed_v unto_o he_o so_o as_o that_o no_o other_o can_v have_v any_o interest_n in_o it_o see_v mat._n 28.18_o rev._n 3.7_o isa._n 9.6_o 7_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o he_o be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o isa._n 22.22_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o derivation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o unto_o other_o but_o it_o extend_v itself_o no_o far_o save_v only_o that_o they_o shall_v direct_v teach_v and_o command_v those_o who_o he_o send_v they_o unto_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28.20_o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o he_o be_v over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o he_o both_o constitute_v its_o state_n and_o gives_z law_n for_o its_o rule_n the_o disorder_n the_o confusion_n the_o turn_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n upside_o down_o which_o have_v enâ—ued_v upon_o the_o usurpation_n of_o man_n take_v upon_o they_o a_o legislative_a power_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n can_v easy_o be_v declare_v for_o upon_o a_o slight_a pretence_n no_o way_n suit_v or_o serviceable_a unto_o their_o end_n of_o the_o advice_n give_v and_o determination_n make_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o temporary_a constitution_n about_o the_o use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o 5_o the_o century_n take_v upon_o themselves_o power_n to_o make_v law_n canon_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n bring_v in_o many_o new_a institution_n on_o a_o pretence_n of_o the_o same_o authority_n neither_o do_v other_o who_o follow_v they_o cease_v to_o build_v on_o their_o sandy_a foundation_n until_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o church-state_n be_v alter_v a_o new_a law_n make_v for_o its_o government_n and_o a_o new_a christ_n or_o antichrist_n assume_v in_o the_o head_n of_o its_o rule_n by_o that_o law_n for_o all_o this_o pretend_a authority_n of_o make_v law_n and_o constitution_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o that_o sink_v of_o abomination_n which_o they_o call_v the_o canon-law_n let_v any_o man_n but_o of_o a_o tolerable_a understanding_n and_o free_v from_o infatuate_a prejudices_fw-la but_o read_v the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v of_o the_o gospel_n church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o what_o representation_n be_v make_v on_o the_o other_o of_o a_o church_n state_n its_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n the_o only_a effect_n of_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o legislative_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o do_v not_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v contrary_a as_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o that_o by_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o take_v away_o i_o shall_v never_o trust_v to_o the_o use_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o their_o honesty_n any_o more_o this_o authority_n be_v first_o usurp_v by_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o bishop_n of_o what_o use_n they_o be_v at_o any_o time_n to_o declare_v and_o give_v testimony_n unto_o any_o article_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o in_o their_o day_n be_v oppose_v by_o heretic_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n claim_v by_o they_o to_o make_v law_n and_o canon_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o monument_n leave_v of_o their_o weakness_n ambition_n self-interest_n and_o folly_n as_o there_o be_v in_o what_o remain_v of_o their_o constitution_n their_o whole_a endeavour_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o best_o but_o the_o build_n of_o wood_n hay_o and_o stubble_n on_o the_o foundation_n in_o who_o consumption_n they_o shall_v suffer_v loss_n although_o they_o be_v save_v themselves_o but_o in_o make_v of_o law_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a church_n in_o and_o about_o thing_n useless_a and_o trivial_a no_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o religion_n teach_v we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o for_o the_o establishment_n or_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o power_n jurisdiction_n authority_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o several_a dominion_n in_o and_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o new_a frames_n and_o state_n of_o church_n and_o new_a way_n of_o the_o government_n of_o they_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o new_a modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o the_o confusion_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o in_o mutual_a animosity_n fight_n division_n schism_n and_o anathematism_n to_o the_o horrible_a scandal_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o cease_v not_o until_o they_o have_v utter_o destroy_v all_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o introduce_v into_o its_o room_n a_o carnal_a worldly_a church-state_n and_o rule_n suit_v unto_o the_o interest_n of_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o tyrannical_a prelate_n the_o most_o of_o they_o indeed_o know_v not_o for_o who_o they_o wrought_v in_o provide_v material_n for_o that_o babel_n which_o by_o a_o hide_a skill_n in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v out_o of_o their_o provision_n for_o after_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o carve_v shape_a form_v and_o guild_v the_o pope_n appear_v in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n be_v not_o this_o great_a babylon_n that_o i_o have_v build_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o might_n of_o my_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o my_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o fatal_a event_n of_o man_n invade_v the_o right_n of_o christ_n and_o
person_n of_o a_o apostolical_a spirit_n consonant_n unto_o the_o stile_n and_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o a_o precious_a jewel_n and_o just_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v from_o it_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o other_o church-state_n but_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a although_o there_o be_v the_o high_a cause_n and_o reason_n for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n then_o in_o be_v the_o case_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o ecclesiastical_a sedition_n or_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n have_v unjust_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v all_o of_o they_o give_v advice_n herein_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v all_o sort_n of_o argument_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n direct_v all_o probable_a mean_n for_o their_o cure_n he_o never_o once_o send_v they_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o head_n of_o unity_n unto_o all_o church_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o metropolitical_a or_o diocesan_n church_n and_o its_o rule_n or_o of_o any_o single_a bishop_n and_o his_o authority_n no_o one_o of_o any_o such_o order_n do_v he_o either_o commend_v or_o condemn_v or_o once_o address_v himself_o unto_o with_o either_o admonition_n exhortation_n encouragement_n or_o direction_n he_o only_o handle_v the_o cause_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v state_v between_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o its_o elder_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n at_o corinth_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n in_o the_o city_n and_o about_o it_o or_o comprehensive_a as_o some_o say_v of_o the_o whole_a region_n of_o achaia_n that_o there_o be_v a_o single_a officer_n or_o bishop_n over_o that_o whole_a church_n but_o none_o such_o be_v here_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o he_o be_v either_o depose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o he_o be_v not_o if_o he_o be_v depose_v he_o be_v only_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v only_a presbyter_n that_o be_v depose_v if_o he_o be_v not_o why_o be_v he_o not_o once_o call_v on_o to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n in_o cure_v of_o that_o schism_n or_o blame_v for_o his_o neglect_n certain_o there_o be_v never_o great_a prevarication_n use_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o cause_n than_o be_v by_o clemens_n in_o this_o if_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n its_o rule_n and_o order_n be_v such_o as_o some_o now_o pretend_v for_o he_o neither_o let_v the_o people_n know_v wherein_o their_o sin_n and_o schism_n do_v lie_v namely_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o their_o bishop_n nor_o do_v once_o mention_v the_o only_a proper_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o all_o their_o evil_n but_o he_o know_v their_o state_n and_o order_n too_o well_o to_o insist_v on_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o then_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la and_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v 2._o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o corinth_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v as_o a_o stranger_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o dwell_v or_o sojourn_v at_o corinth_n for_o although_o that_o church_n be_v then_o in_o disorder_n under_o no_o certain_a rule_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o their_o elder_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o only_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sister-church_n but_o salute_v the_o brethren_n of_o it_o in_o the_o follow_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d call_v and_o sanctify_v through_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a in_o those_o day_n to_o condemn_v the_o person_n nor_o to_o judge_v the_o church-state_n and_o condition_n of_o other_o on_o every_o miscarriage_n real_a or_o suppose_a as_o some_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a age_n 2._o this_o address_n be_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n unto_o that_o at_o corinth_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a entire_a community_n of_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o one_o another_o as_o they_o be_v sister-churche_n and_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o the_o transaction_n of_o all_o affair_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n who_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o consult_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n see_v also_o chap._n 21.22_o this_o they_o do_v not_o nor_o aught_o to_o do_v without_o the_o presence_n guidance_n conduct_v and_o consent_n of_o their_o elder_n or_o ruler_n where_o they_o have_v any_o but_o this_o they_o be_v not_o exclude_v from_o and_o that_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n or_o fraternity_n whereof_o do_v advise_v and_o consult_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v the_o church_n who_o send_v this_o epistle_n unto_o the_o corinthian_n claudius_n ephebus_n 73._o valerius_n bibo_n fortunatus_n be_v name_v as_o their_o messenger_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v by_o we_o our_o messenger_n our_o apostle_n in_o these_o matter_n such_o as_o the_o church_n make_v use_v of_o on_o all_o such_o occasion_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o and_o the_o person_n who_o they_o send_v be_v only_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o officer_n nor_o do_v we_o any_o where_o hear_v of_o they_o under_o that_o character_n now_o they_o can_v not_o be_v send_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o its_o consent_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n consent_n without_o its_o assemble_v together_o this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o first_o church_n in_o that_o communion_n which_o be_v among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v a_o singular_a concern_v in_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o each_o other_o and_o be_v solicitous_a about_o they_o in_o their_o trial_n hence_o those_o who_o be_v plant_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n than_o will_v allow_v frequent_a personal_a converse_n with_o their_o respective_a member_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n send_v messenger_n unto_o one_o another_o sometime_o mere_o to_o visit_v they_o in_o love_n and_o sometime_o to_o give_v or_o take_v advice_n but_o these_o thing_n as_o indeed_o almost_o all_o other_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o one_o another_o be_v either_o utter_o lose_v and_o bury_v or_o keep_v above_o ground_n in_o a_o pretence_n of_o episcopal_a authority_n churches_n themselves_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o any_o concernment_n in_o they_o but_o as_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v give_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 1._o and_o send_v by_o messenger_n of_o their_o own_o 3._o the_o description_n give_v of_o the_o state_n way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 4._o that_o be_v that_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o fall_v afterward_o into_o that_o disorder_n which_o be_v reprove_v before_o their_o fall_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o bespeak_v their_o walk_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o society_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o good_a man_n desire_n that_o he_o may_v see_v church_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n unto_o who_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o who_o member_n that_o description_n may_v be_v honest_o and_o just_o accommodate_v one_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o full_a or_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o you_o all_o so_o that_o be_v full_a or_o fill_v with_o a_o holy_a will_n holiness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o good_a readiness_n of_o mind_n with_o a_o pious_a devout_a confidence_n you_o stretch_v out_o your_o hand_n in_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n supplicate_v his_o clemency_n or_o mercy_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o your_o involuntary_a sin_n sin_n fall_v into_o by_o infirmity_n or_o
the_o surprisal_n of_o temptation_n not_o consent_v to_o not_o delight_v or_o continue_v in_o your_o labour_n or_o contention_n of_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d col._n 2.1_o be_v night_n and_o day_n in_o your_o prayer_n for_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n that_o be_v especial_o of_o their_o own_o church_n itself_o that_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v may_v be_v save_v in_o mercy_n through_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o he_o this_o be_v their_o state_n this_o be_v their_o liturgy_n this_o their_o practice_n 1._o there_o be_v on_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v respect_n be_v have_v unto_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o of_o the_o same_o church_n 1_o cor._n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o same_o grace_n be_v yet_o continue_v unto_o they_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n on_o all_o of_o they_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v sanctify_v their_o mind_n be_v enable_v to_o pour_v forth_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n 3_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o live_v in_o any_o open_a sin_n or_o any_o secret_a sin_n know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o be_v only_o subject_a unto_o involuntary_a surprisal_n who_o pardon_n they_o continual_o pray_v for_o 4._o their_o love_n and_o sense_n of_o duty_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o labour_v mighty_o in_o their_o prayer_n with_o fervency_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o elect_a believer_n whether_o throughout_o the_o world_n or_o more_o especialâ—y_o those_o in_o and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n he_o that_o shall_v ascribe_v these_o thing_n unto_o any_o of_o those_o church_n which_o now_o in_o the_o world_n claim_v to_o be_v so_o only_o will_v quick_o find_v himself_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o assert_n do_v we_o all_o sedulous_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v church_n unto_o their_o primitive_a state_n and_o frame_n it_o will_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n than_o all_o our_o contention_n about_o rule_n and_o domination_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a excess_n in_o the_o deposition_n and_o rejection_n of_o their_o elder_n 62._o who_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n judge_v to_o have_v preside_v among_o they_o laudable_o and_o unblamable_o as_o unto_o their_o whole_a walk_n and_o work_v among_o they_o and_o this_o they_o do_v by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o envious_a discontent_a person_n and_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a from_o some_o digression_n in_o the_o epistle_n taint_v with_o those_o error_n which_o have_v former_o infest_a that_o church_n as_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v therefore_o here_o reflect_v on_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a epistle_n the_o church_n be_v nowhere_o reprove_v for_o assume_v a_o authority_n unto_o themselves_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o it_o seem_v what_o cyprian_n afterward_o affirm_v be_v then_o acknowledge_v namely_o that_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v severe_o reprove_v for_o the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o power_n for_o they_o have_v exercise_v they_o on_o ill_a ground_n by_o ill_a mean_n for_o ill_a end_n and_o in_o a_o most_o unjust_a cause_n he_o therefore_o exhort_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o return_v unto_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o restauration_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o schism_n that_o every_o one_o will_v subject_v themselves_o unto_o the_o restore_a presbyter_n and_o say_v 69._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v do_v the_o thing_n appoint_v or_o command_v by_o the_o multitude_n the_o church_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n the_o plebs_fw-la the_o multitude_n the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 4.32_o chap._n 6.2_o 5._o chap._n 15.12_o 30._o have_v then_o right_o and_o power_n to_o appoint_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o order_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o have_v it_o without_o or_o in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n ruler_n and_o guide_n but_o in_o a_o concurrence_n with_o they_o and_o subordination_n to_o they_o whence_o the_o act_n conclude_v on_o may_v be_v esteem_v and_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n this_o order_n can_v be_v observe_v or_o this_o can_v fall_v out_o only_o in_o a_o congregational_a church_n all_o who_o member_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o discipline_n and_o if_o no_o more_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o it_o but_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o people_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o right_n and_o power_n yet_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v fall_v out_o in_o they_o as_o do_v so_o fall_v out_o in_o that_o church_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a or_o order_n with_o it_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o who_o may_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v any_o church-state_n into_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n that_o they_o may_v be_v caution_v against_o that_o great_a evil_n which_o this_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o suppose_a liberty_n fâ—ll_o into_o i_o can_v but_o transcribe_v a_o few_o of_o those_o excellent_a word_n which_o be_v use_v plentiful_o with_o cogent_a reason_n in_o this_o epistle_n against_o it_o 62._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shameful_a belove_a exceed_v shameful_a which_o be_v report_v of_o you_o that_o the_o most_o firm_a and_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o or_o two_o person_n seditious_o tumultuate_a against_o their_o elder_n and_o herein_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v the_o dreadful_a scandal_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o both_o among_o believer_n and_o infidel_n the_o instruction_n also_o which_o he_o add_v hereunto_o be_v worthy_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o church_n member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v bless_v advice_n for_o all_o church-member_n that_o he_o give_v let_v a_o man_n be_v faithful_a let_v he_o be_v powerful_a in_o knowledge_n or_o the_o declaration_n of_o it_o let_v he_o be_v wise_a to_o judge_v the_o word_n or_o doctrine_n let_v he_o be_v chaste_a or_o pure_a in_o his_o work_n the_o great_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o humble_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v have_v no_o trouble_n by_o he_o nor_o his_o gift_n but_o to_o return_v 5._o have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n he_o name_v only_o the_o two_o rank_n of_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n 55._o as_o the_o apostle_n also_o do_v phil._n 1.1_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v the_o word_n through_o region_n and_o city_n they_o appoint_v the_o first_o fruit_n as_o the_o house_n of_o stephan_n as_o be_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o achaia_n who_o therefore_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o saint_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o or_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n after_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o their_o fitness_n for_o their_o work_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o convert_v the_o apostle_n gather_v they_o into_o church-order_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v any_o fit_a among_o they_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n so_o that_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o add_v unto_o they_o after_o they_o be_v leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o bishop_n he_o affirm_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v the_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o same_o with_o those_o depose_v by_o the_o corinthian_n 58._o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v act._n 20.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n it_o be_v no_o small_a sin_n in_o we_o to_o reject_v or_o cast_v off_o they_o who_o have_v offer_v the_o gift_n or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o episcopacy_n holy_o and_o without_o blame_n bless_a be_v the_o elder_n who_o go_v before_o namely_o as_o he_o express_v it_o because_o they_o be_v free_v from_o that_o amotion_n from_o their_o office_n which_o those_o elder_n now_o among_o they_o have_v undergo_v after_o they_o have_v
due_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o episcopacy_n other_o distinction_n and_o difference_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n beside_o that_o of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o those_o day_n know_v not_o such_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o any_o one_o single_a person_n to_o preside_v over_o many_o church_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church-state_n distinct_a from_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a clemens_n know_v nothing_o in_o his_o day_n but_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o order_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o such_o a_o pretence_n 6._o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o from_o this_o excellent_a epistle_n but_o only_o the_o account_n give_v in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d our_o apostle_n therefore_o know_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o will_v contention_n arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v episcopacy_n itself_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o thing_n they_o appoint_v those_o forementioned_a their_o first_o convert_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o future_a describe_v or_o give_v order_n about_o the_o course_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o other_o approve_a man_n may_v succeed_v they_o in_o their_o ministry_n these_o elder_n therefore_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o other_o famous_a man_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n sundry_a thing_n we_o may_v observe_v in_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o apostle_n foresee_v there_o will_v be_v strife_n and_o contention_n about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o be_v the_o office_n itself_o and_o those_o who_o shall_v possess_v it_o this_o episcopacy_n be_v that_o office_n which_o the_o depose_a elder_n have_v well_o discharge_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n this_o they_o may_v foresee_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n unto_o pre-eminence_n and_o the_o instance_n they_o have_v see_v in_o their_o own_o day_n in_o such_o as_o diotrephes_n with_o the_o former_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o very_a church_n about_o their_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 1.12_o but_o moreover_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n through_o his_o divine_a spirit_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o therefore_o they_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o that_o for_o the_o first_o time_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n not_o that_o they_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o of_o they_o be_v appoint_v for_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o their_o practice_n act._n 1.15_o 22_o 23_o 26._o chap._n 6.3_o chap._n 14.23_o but_o that_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v for_o they_o themselves_o spiritual_o try_v and_o approve_v of_o fit_a person_n so_o to_o lead_v the_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n wherefore_o that_o which_o be_v add_v afterward_o of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 2._o they_o give_v rule_n and_o order_n namely_o in_o their_o write_n concern_v the_o office_n and_o officer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v substitute_v into_o the_o place_n and_o room_n of_o they_o that_o be_v decease_v as_o we_o know_v they_o have_v do_v in_o their_o write_n 3._o after_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n other_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o evangelist_n do_v the_o same_o these_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o ordination_n and_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o the_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o other_o church_n who_o usual_o give_v their_o assistance_n in_o the_o set_n apart_o and_o ordination_n of_o other_o unto_o the_o ministry_n be_v intend_v i_o have_v insist_v long_o on_o this_o testimony_n be_v lead_v on_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o writing_n itself_o nothing_o remain_v write_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v any_o that_o be_v extant_a which_o be_v write_v afterward_o give_v such_o a_o evidence_n of_o apostolical_a wisdom_n gravity_n and_o humility_n neither_o be_v there_o in_o all_o antiquity_n after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n such_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o state_n order_n and_o rule_n of_o first_o evangelical_n churches_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n unto_o the_o pretension_n of_o future_a age_n that_o this_o apostolical_a person_n handle_v a_o most_o weighty_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n make_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o such_o office_n power_n and_o proceed_n as_o wherein_o some_o will_v have_v all_o church-rule_a and_o order_n to_o consist_v the_o epistle_n of_o polycarpus_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n with_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philippian_n be_v the_o next_o on_o roll_n of_o antiquity_n nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a to_o intimate_v any_o other_o church-state_n or_o order_n than_o that_o describe_v by_o clemens_n the_o epistle_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o philippi_n not_o unto_o any_o particular_a bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o usual_a style_n of_o those_o day_n so_o be_v it_o use_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o clemens_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v use_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o polycarpus_n by_o the_o church_n at_o smyrna_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o his_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n at_o vienna_n and_o lion_n in_o france_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n and_o phrygia_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o these_o be_v plain_a testimony_n of_o that_o communion_n among_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n which_o be_v hold_v in_o and_o by_o the_o body_n of_o each_o church_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n which_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o their_o state_n and_o order_n and_o those_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o philippian_n call_v their_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n polycarpus_n call_v their_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n it_o behoove_v you_o say_v he_o unto_o the_o church_n there_o to_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a unto_o the_o elder_n and_o deacon_n nor_o do_v he_o mention_v any_o other_o bishop_n among_o the_o philippian_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o these_o primitive_a write_n there_o be_v still_o a_o distinction_n make_v after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guide_n ruler_n bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o assign_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o elder_n nowhere_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o people_n though_o the_o church_n in_o its_o complete_a state_n comprehend_v both_o sort_n unto_o this_o time_n that_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 107_o or_o 108_o do_v belong_v the_o epistle_n ascribe_v unto_o ignatius_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o polycarpus_n write_v his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o philippian_n after_o ignatius_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n before_o in_o asia_n many_o be_v the_o contest_v of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o epistle_n which_o remain_v whether_o they_o be_v genuine_a or_o the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o he_o for_o that_o he_o do_v write_v epistle_n unto_o sundry_a church_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o whereas_o there_o have_v in_o this_o age_n be_v two_o copy_n find_v and_o publish_v of_o these_o epistle_n wherein_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o just_a exception_n in_o those_o before_o publish_v do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v yet_o man_n be_v not_o agree_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o many_o yet_o deny_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v those_o write_v by_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o interpose_v in_o this_o contest_v only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o if_o any_o of_o his_o genuine_a write_n do_v yet_o remain_v yet_o the_o corruption_n and_o interpolation_n of_o they_o for_o many_o age_n must_v needs_o much_o impair_v the_o authority_n of_o what_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o he_o nor_o be_o
i_o deliver_v from_o these_o thought_n by_o the_o late_a either_o more_o sound_a or_o more_o maim_a edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o corruption_n and_o fiction_n of_o epistolical_a write_n in_o the_o first_o age_n be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o that_o very_o little_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v preserve_v sincere_a and_o unquestionable_a hence_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n complain_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n his_o own_o epistle_n be_v so_o corrupt_v by_o addition_n and_o detraction_n so_o as_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o will_v have_v they_o no_o more_o esteem_v as_o he_o euseb._n ecclesiast_n hist._n lib._n 4._o cap._n 22._o but_o yet_o because_o these_o epistle_n be_v so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o ignatius_n i_o shall_v not_o pass_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n i_o do_v therefore_o affirm_v that_o in_o these_o epistle_n in_o any_o edition_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v or_o description_n give_v of_o any_o church_n or_o church_n state_n but_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v congregational_a that_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o all_o the_o member_n whereof_o do_v meet_v and_o be_v oblige_v to_o meet_v for_o divine_a worship_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o same_o place_n what_o be_v the_o distinction_n they_o observe_v among_o their_o officer_n of_o what_o fort_n they_o be_v and_o what_o number_n belong_v not_o unto_o our_o present_a enquiry_n our_o concernment_n be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v none_o of_o they_o bishop_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o or_o of_o any_o church_n that_o shall_v consist_v of_o a_o collection_n or_o association_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v no_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v of_o their_o own_o all_o these_o epistle_n that_o be_v the_o seven_o most_o esteem_v be_v write_v as_o that_o of_o clemens_n unto_o the_o body_n or_o whole_a fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v direct_v in_o distinction_n from_o their_o bishop_n elder_n and_o deacon_n except_v only_o that_o unto_o polycarpus_n which_o be_v unto_o a_o single_a person_n under_o that_o consideration_n namely_o of_o the_o entire_a fraternity_n in_o distinction_n from_o their_o officer_n do_v he_o address_v unto_o they_o and_o therein_o do_v he_o ascribe_v and_o assign_v such_o duty_n unto_o they_o as_o can_v not_o be_v attend_v unto_o nor_o perform_v but_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o they_o all_o such_o be_v the_o direction_n he_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v receive_v penitent_n return_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v into_o that_o duty_n by_o their_o benignity_n and_o patience_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v he_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o and_o this_o assemble_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n namely_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o do_v frequent_o intimate_v and_o express_v some_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v repeat_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v all_o of_o you_o together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v there_o be_v one_o prayer_n in_o common_a of_o all_o epist._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la this_o direction_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o again_o to_o the_o philadelphian_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o your_o pastor_n be_v there_o follow_v you_o as_o sheep_n and_o how_o they_o may_v do_v so_o be_v declare_v immediate_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o write_v with_o confidence_n unto_o your_o godly_a love_n and_o persuade_v you_o to_o use_v one_o faith_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o it_o one_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o one_o eucharist_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n for_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v shed_v for_o we_o in_o one_o one_o bread_n be_v break_v to_o all_o and_o one_o cup_n distribute_v among_o all_o there_o be_v one_o altar_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o one_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbytery_n and_o the_o deacon_n my_o fellow_n servant_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n in_o its_o order_n and_o assembly_n for_o worship_n in_o one_o place_n that_o he_o describe_v nor_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o a_o church_n of_o any_o other_o form_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n treat_v about_o the_o church_n send_v their_o bishop_n or_o other_o on_o their_o occasion_n he_o tell_v they_o in_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o appoint_v a_o bishop_n who_o may_v perform_v the_o embassy_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o to_o glorify_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a how_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n shall_v choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o this_o time_n for_o they_o have_v one_o of_o their_o own_o who_o ignatius_n great_o extol_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n or_o duty_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n for_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o be_v their_o own_o right_a and_o duty_n alone_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n any_o the_o least_o dependence_n on_o that_o at_o philadelphia_n it_o may_v be_v he_o intend_v only_o their_o assistance_n therein_o as_o immediate_o before_o he_o ascribe_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o antiochian_o unto_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o philadelphian_o for_o my_o part_n i_o judge_v he_o intend_v not_o the_o proper_a bishop_n of_o either_o place_n but_o some_o elder_n which_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v as_o a_o messenger_n to_o send_v to_o antioch_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o their_o present_a condition_n for_o in_o those_o day_n there_o be_v person_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o assist_v other_o church_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n these_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 8.23_o the_o especial_a apostle_n of_o the_o church_n as_o vers_n 19_o it_o be_v say_v of_o luke_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o service_n there_o mention_v such_o be_v this_o bishop_n who_o be_v send_v on_o god_n errand_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n by_o his_o advice_n and_o counsel_n as_o unto_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o assembly_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n though_o at_o present_a their_o bishop_n be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o ephesian_n he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o he_o rejoice_v at_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o numerous_a multitude_n who_o he_o persuade_v and_o urge_v unto_o a_o common_a concurrence_n in_o prayer_n with_o their_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o or_o two_o be_v so_o effectual_a that_o they_o bring_v christ_n among_o they_o how_o much_o more_o will_v the_o consent_a prayer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o so_o he_o again_o explain_v his_o mind_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v your_o diligence_n to_o meet_v together_o frequent_o for_o when_o you_o frequent_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v destroy_v and_o many_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n occur_v in_o those_o epistle_n we_o be_v no_o way_n at_o present_a concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n about_o that_o distinction_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o those_o epistle_n do_v assert_v this_o only_a i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v in_o none_o of_o they_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n or_o give_v the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o church-state_n but_o such_o alone_a wherein_o the_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v constant_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o every_o where_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o ascribe_v such_o duty_n and_o right_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o can_v be_v observe_v and_o preserve_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n only_o nor_o do_v he_o leave_v any_o room_n for_o any_o other_o church-state_n whatever_o although_o therefore_o there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o probable_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n from_o what_o be_v of_o primitive_a institution_n yet_o be_v there_o as_o yet_o no_o such_o change_n in_o
and_o interest_n of_o the_o papal_a see_v have_v no_o bottom_n for_o or_o supportment_n of_o their_o church_n state_n and_o order_n but_o regal_a favour_n and_o mutable_a law_n there_o have_v on_o such_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o mention_v ensue_v such_o emulation_n of_o the_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o such_o contempt_n of_o the_o commonâ—people_n as_o leave_v it_o questionable_a whether_o their_o adherence_n unto_o the_o government_n be_v not_o more_o burdensome_a and_o dangerous_a unto_o it_o than_o be_v their_o ancient_a contest_v and_o opposition_n chap._n vii_o no_o other_o church-state_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v general_o grant_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o can_v be_v modest_o deny_v that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a institution_n as_o also_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n continue_v long_o in_o that_o form_n or_o order_n but_o it_o will_v be_v far_o plead_v that_o grant_v or_o suppose_v this_o divine_a institution_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v church_n of_o another_o form_n and_o order_n also_o as_o diocesan_n or_o national_a that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v unto_o for_o although_o the_o apostle_n appoint_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n ordain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o every_o city_n and_o town_n where_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v and_o clemens_n affirm_v that_o they_o do_v themselves_o constitute_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o region_n or_o village_n and_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o form_n afterward_o introduce_v theodoret_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v eight_o hundred_o church_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n epist._n 113._o whereof_o many_o be_v in_o town_n and_o city_n have_v no_o bishop_n of_o their_o own_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o scythia_n though_o there_o be_v in_o it_o many_o city_n village_n and_o fortress_n yet_o have_v but_o one_o bishop_n who_o residence_n be_v at_o tomis_n all_o other_o church_n be_v under_o he_o as_o zozoman_n declare_v lib._n 6._o cap._n 20._o so_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o divers_a province_n belong_v of_o old_a unto_o the_o greek-church_n as_o in_o moldavia_n and_o walachia_n where_o they_o have_v one_o who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o leader_n or_o ruler_n that_o preside_v over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o this_o oâ—der_n of_o thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o small_a church_n be_v first_o confirm_v in_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o sardis_n in_o the_o year_n 347._o in_o answer_n hereunto_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n order_n state_n or_o church-form_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o do_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la take_v away_o or_o overthrow_v the_o liberty_n power_n and_o order_n of_o particular_a congregation_n such_o as_o we_o have_v describe_v second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o church_n of_o another_o state_n or_o order_n as_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n and_o ruler_n or_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o form_n order_n or_o church_n state_n divine_o institute_v that_o shall_v annul_v the_o institution_n of_o particular_a congregation_n or_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o liberty_n or_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o power_n commit_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church-state_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o inquire_v after_o whatever_o of_o that_o kind_a either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o entrenche_n not_o on_o the_o state_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n man_n may_v frame_v and_o order_n what_o they_o please_v and_o what_o advantage_n they_o make_v thereby_o shall_v not_o be_v envy_v unto_o they_o whilst_o they_o injure_v not_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n but_o 1._o these_o church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n to_o say_v they_o be_v church_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o in_o themselves_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o speak_v contradiction_n or_o to_o grant_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v power_n ability_n and_o fitness_n to_o attain_v those_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v church_n that_o which_o have_v so_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o have_v not_o so_o be_v none_o man_n may_v if_o they_o please_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n but_o then_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o will_v find_v any_o that_o be_v so_o for_o instance_n suppose_v man_n shall_v deny_v all_o the_o parochial_a church_n in_o england_n to_o be_v such_o church_n as_o be_v entrust_v with_o church-power_n and_o administration_n what_o church_n in_o the_o first_o instance_n can_v they_o require_v our_o communion_n withal_o will_v they_o say_v it_o be_v with_o the_o national_a or_o diocesan_n church_n neither_o of_o these_o do_v or_o can_v as_o such_o administer_v sacred_a ordinance_n a_o man_n can_v preach_v nor_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o in_o a_o particular_a assembly_n the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o any_o presential_a local_a communion_n of_o believer_n among_o themselves_o like_o that_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n chap._n 12._o and_o chap._n 14._o be_v otherwise_o attain_v no_o communion_n be_v first_o and_o immediate_o require_v or_o can_v be_v require_v with_o diocesan_n church_n as_o such_o wherefore_o it_o be_v parochial_a particular_a church_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o we_o say_v therefore_o these_o parochial_a church_n be_v either_o real_o and_o true_o so_o endue_v with_o church-power_n and_o liberty_n or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v or_o be_v acknowledge_v so_o to_o be_v we_o have_v herein_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o be_v we_o require_v to_o join_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o those_o society_n that_o be_v not_o church_n and_o if_o we_o refrain_v so_o do_v we_o be_v charge_v with_o schism_n which_o be_v to_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n for_o 2._o it_o be_v utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o a_o monster_n unto_o antiquity_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v pure_a and_o regardable_a in_o this_o cause_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v church_n with_o a_o part_n half_a more_o or_o less_o of_o church-power_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a neither_o in_o right_a nor_o exercise_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v church-officer_n elder_n presbyter_n or_o bishop_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o partiary_a power_n half_a or_o a_o three_o part_n or_o less_o of_o that_o which_o entire_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n they_o hold_v let_v one_o testimony_n be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o antiquity_n which_o we_o appeal_v unto_o unto_o this_o purpose_n and_o we_o shall_v cease_v our_o plea_n but_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o understanding_n be_v set_v on_o rack_n withal_o every_o day_n there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o supreme_a church-power_n in_o the_o nation_n whereof_o it_o be_v here_o at_o the_o entrance_n we_o fall_v into_o a_o double_a disquietment_n for_o 1._o we_o know_v not_o as_o yet_o what_o this_o national_a church_n be_v here_o or_o in_o france_n nor_o of_o what_o person_n it_o do_v consist_v 2._o we_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o national_a church_n have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o reserve_v for_o some_o addition_n from_o beyond_o sea_n if_o thing_n be_v well_o accommodate_v then_o that_o there_o be_v diocesan_n church_n who_o original_a with_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o bound_n limit_n power_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n i_o think_v god_n alone_o know_v perfect_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n mention_v of_o any_o of_o their_o concernment_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o know_v that_o these_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v all_o the_o power_n that_o christ_n have_v entrust_v his_o church_n withal_o because_o there_o be_v another_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o on_o which_o they_o do_v depend_v but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v the_o next_o degree_n of_o power_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a but_o whatever_o their_o power_n be_v it_o be_v so_o administer_v by_o chancellor_n commissary_n official_o in_o such_o way_n and_o for_o such_o end_n that_o i_o shall_v believe_v a_o dissent_n from_o they_o and_o it_o
of_o that_o nation_n and_o by_o live_v within_o such_o parochial_a precinct_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n have_v arbitrary_o establish_v be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v account_v so_o far_o to_o belong_v unto_o these_o church_n as_o to_o render_v they_o liable_a unto_o all_o outward_a punishment_n that_o shall_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o they_o so_o far_o as_o these_o persuasion_n and_o act_n according_a unto_o they_o do_v prevail_v so_o far_o be_v they_o destructive_a of_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o the_o external_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o man_n join_n themselves_o in_o or_o unto_o any_o church_n society_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o free_a choice_n in_o mere_a obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o sacred_a a_o truth_n so_o evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n so_o necessary_a from_o its_o subject_a matter_n so_o testify_v unto_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o first_o church_n as_o that_o it_o despise_v all_o opposition_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o can_v reconcile_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o give_v man_n the_o reputation_n or_o reality_n of_o be_v member_n of_o or_o belong_v unto_o this_o or_o that_o church_n as_o unto_o total_a communion_n who_o desire_n or_o choose_v no_o such_o thing_n unto_o this_o acknowledge_a principle_n 5._o there_o be_v a_o double_a join_n unto_o the_o church_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v as_o unto_o total_a communion_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v that_o whereof_o we_o treat_v 2._o a_o adherence_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o edification_n to_o be_v attain_v thereby_o so_o person_n may_v adhere_v unto_o any_o church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o meet_v or_o free_a on_o some_o present_a consideration_n to_o confederate_a with_o it_o as_o unto_o total_a communion_n see_v act._n 5.13_o 14._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v the_o baptise_a child_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o although_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o perform_v church-duty_n or_o enjoy_v churchâ—priviledges_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n nor_o can_v have_v a_o right_n unto_o total_a communion_n before_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n thereunto_o and_o choice_n thereof_o yet_o be_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n under_o the_o care_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v thereunto_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 6._o the_o proposition_n respect_v a_o visible_a profess_v church_n and_o i_o intend_v such_o a_o church_n in_o general_n as_o avow_v authority_n from_o christ_n 1._o for_o the_o ministerial_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n 2._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 3_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o 4._o to_o give_v a_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n not_o contradict_v their_o profession_n with_o any_o corrupt_a principle_n or_o practice_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o what_o be_v require_v in_o particular_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v meet_a to_o be_v join_v unto_o such_o a_o church_n we_o shall_v afterward_o inquire_v 7._o it_o be_v general_o say_v that_o out_o of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v testify_v unto_o in_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2.47_o 1_o pet._n 3.20_o 21._o matth._n 16.18_o ephes._n 5.26_o 27._o joh._n 10.16_o 8_o this_o be_v true_a both_o positive_o and_o negative_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n invisible_a of_o the_o elect_a all_o that_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o ephes._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a profess_v church_n negative_o that_o no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v save_v that_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n rom._n 10.10_o 9_o this_o position_n of_o truth_n be_v abuse_v by_o interest_n and_o pride_n a_o enclosure_n of_o it_o be_v make_v by_o they_o who_o of_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v lay_v the_o least_o and_o weak_a claim_n unto_o it_o namely_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v that_o catholic_n church_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n and_o wherein_o none_o can_v perish_v like_o the_o ark_n of_o noah_n that_o it_o require_v the_o high_a charity_n to_o reckon_v they_o unto_o that_o visible_a profess_v church_n whereof_o the_o great_a part_n may_v perish_v and_o do_v so_o undoubted_o 10._o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o assertion_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel-worship_n and_o discipline_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o can_v lay_v a_o claim_n unto_o this_o privilege_n as_o belong_v unto_o itself_o alone_o this_o be_v the_o ancient_a donatism_n they_o confine_v salvation_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o their_o way_n alone_o and_o after_o many_o false_a charge_n of_o it_o on_o other_o it_o begin_v real_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o our_o day_n for_o some_o dispute_n that_o salvation_n be_v confine_v unto_o that_o church_n alone_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o donatism_n the_o judgement_n and_o determination_n make_v concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o some_o difference_n among_o christian_n about_o church_n their_o state_n and_o order_n be_v absurd_a foolish_a and_o impious_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n use_v by_o they_o who_o sufficient_o proclaim_v that_o they_o know_v neither_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v nor_o do_v use_v any_o diligence_n about_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o salvation_n depend_v absolute_o on_o no_o particular_a church-state_n in_o the_o world_n he_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n who_o can_v real_o think_v it_o do_v person_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o for_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v for_o they_o if_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n be_v for_o they_o who_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n much_o more_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o adulterer_n a_o idolater_n a_o railer_n a_o hater_n &_o scoffer_n of_o godliness_n if_o he_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n if_o he_o be_v ignorant_a and_o profane_a in_o a_o word_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o from_o above_o be_v he_o of_o what_o church_n he_o will_v and_o whatsoever_o place_n he_o possess_v therein_o he_o can_v be_v save_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v know_v he_o in_o his_o person_n office_n doctrine_n and_o grace_n trust_v unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o he_o if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o yield_v sincere_a and_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n and_o to_o be_v conform_v unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n follow_v his_o example_n have_v for_o these_o end_n receive_v of_o his_o spirit_n though_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v reject_v he_o yet_o he_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v if_o any_o shall_v hence_o infer_v that_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o church_n any_o one_o be_v i_o answer_v 1._o that_o although_o the_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o any_o man_n yet_o the_o adherence_n unto_o some_o church_n or_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v in_o their_o constitution_n and_o worship_n may_v prejudice_v yea_o ruin_n the_o salvation_n of_o any_o that_o shall_v so_o do_v 2._o the_o choice_n of_o what_o church_n we_o will_v join_v unto_o belong_v unto_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o our_o edification_n and_o he_o that_o make_v no_o conscience_n hereof_o but_o mere_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o event_n of_o be_v save_v at_o last_o will_v probable_o come_v short_a thereof_o 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o that_o a_o person_n be_v cast_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n into_o such_o a_o place_n or_o season_n as_o
which_o have_v as_o they_o think_v undue_o enough_o fail_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n it_o become_v the_o destruction_n of_o a_o church_n state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o church_n where_o such_o mistake_v have_v happen_v as_o they_o surmise_a but_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v hold_v communion_n with_o they_o but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n other_o notion_n of_o schism_n beside_o those_o insist_v on_o we_o acknowledge_v not_o nor_o be_v any_o other_o advance_v with_o the_o least_o probality_n of_o truth_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o be_v move_v with_o outcry_n about_o schism_n wherein_o without_o regard_n to_o truth_n or_o charity_n man_n contend_v for_o their_o own_o interest_n of_o those_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n sober_a and_o learned_a we_o decline_v a_o trial_n by_o none_o that_o only_o except_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o pope_n and_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v all_o that_o be_v schism_n in_o the_o world_n which_o indeed_o be_v none_o at_o all_o that_o which_o be_v now_o so_o fierce_o plead_v by_o some_o concern_v different_a observation_n of_o external_a modes_n rite_n custom_n some_o more_o or_o none_o at_o all_o to_o make_v man_n schismatic_n be_v at_o once_o to_o judge_v all_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o be_v schismatical_a their_o difference_n variety_n and_o diversity_n among_o they_o about_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v enumerate_v and_o so_o without_o any_o disadvantage_n unto_o the_o faith_n or_o breach_n of_o love_n they_o continue_v to_o be_v until_o all_o church_n order_n and_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o papal_a tyranny_n ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o pernicious_a then_o ten_o thousand_o such_o dispute_n for_o a_o close_a unto_o this_o whole_a discourse_n concern_v the_o original_a nature_n and_o state_n of_o gospel_n church_n i_o shall_v use_v that_o liberty_n which_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n put_v into_o my_o possession_n church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n convert_v to_o god_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o baptize_v seed_n associate_a themselves_o in_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n command_n and_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o common_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o observance_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o religious_a worship_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o these_o believer_n thus_o associate_v in_o society_n know_v the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n for_o that_o end_n do_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v their_o ruler_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o institution_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v on_o various_a consideration_n elder_n bishop_n pastor_n and_o the_o like_a name_n of_o dignity_n authority_n and_o office_n who_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n they_o be_v solemn_o appoint_v ordain_v or_o set_v apart_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o with_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o by_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n after_o their_o decease_n this_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o call_v and_o set_v apart_o of_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o ordinary_a church_n ruler_n under_o the_o law_n the_o people_n look_v out_o and_o choose_v fit_a person_n who_o moses_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o and_o in_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n act_n 6._o the_o apostle_n use_v the_o same_o word_n or_o word_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o moses_n do_v to_o the_o people_n act_v 6.31_o assert_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o same_o way_n and_o order_n in_o their_o call_n and_o whereas_o he_o who_o be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v to_o office_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o a_o double_a consideration_n namely_o of_o a_o officer_n in_o general_n and_o of_o a_o apostle_n which_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v a_o threefold_a act_n in_o his_o call_n the_o people_n choose_v two_o one_o of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n act_v 1.23_o god_n immediate_a determination_n of_o one_o as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 24._o and_o the_o obedient_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n in_o compliance_n with_o that_o determination_n ver_fw-la 26._o the_o foundation_n of_o these_o church_n be_v general_o in_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n but_o their_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a until_o they_o be_v supply_v with_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o former_a be_v of_o of_o several_a sort_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o and_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o in_o every_o church_n who_o number_n be_v increase_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v so_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o every_o ten_o family_n shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15_o for_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o any_o one_o single_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o any_o church_n of_o any_o sort_n whatever_o either_o absolute_o or_o by_o way_n of_o pre-eminence_n but_o as_o the_o elder_n of_o each_o church_n be_v many_o at_o least_o more_o thenone_o so_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o they_o and_o a_o equality_n in_o order_n power_n and_o rule_n nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o church_n one_o only_o be_v original_o plant_v in_o one_o city_n town_n or_o village_n this_o way_n be_v take_v from_o conveniency_n for_o edification_n and_o not_o from_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o where_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o the_o number_n in_o these_o church_n multiply_v daily_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o multiplication_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n among_o they_o hereon_o the_o advantage_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o priority_n of_o conversion_n or_o of_o ordination_n in_o age_n gift_n and_o grace_n especial_o in_o ability_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o administer_a the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o preserve_a order_n in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o elder_n themselves_o give_v he_o peculiar_a dignity_n pre-eminence_n and_o title_n he_o be_v soon_o after_o the_o bishop_n without_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o church_n for_o in_o those_o church_n in_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o evangelist_n continue_v for_o a_o long_a season_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o church_n affair_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_o esteem_v by_o they_o who_o have_v eminent_a yea_o apostolical_a gift_n as_o to_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o clemens_n of_o the_o many_o other_o elder_n who_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n it_o may_v be_v not_o many_o have_v gift_n for_o the_o constant_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v call_v thereunto_o hence_o justin_n martyr_n seem_v to_o assign_v the_o constant_a public_a administration_n of_o sacred_a ordinance_n unto_o one_o precedent_n and_o this_o also_o promote_v the_o constant_a presidency_n of_o one_o in_o who_o the_o apostolical_a aid_n by_o evangelist_n may_v be_v supply_v these_o church_n thus_o fix_v and_o settle_v in_o one_o place_n each_o of_o they_o city_n town_n or_o village_n be_v each_o of_o they_o entrust_v with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v unto_o or_o endue_v his_o church_n withal_o this_o power_n be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n or_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o have_v respect_n only_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a be_v mere_o ministerial_a every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o unity_n through_o the_o exercise_n of_o peculiar_a sincere_a and_o fervent_a love_n among_o all_o their_o member_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o peace_n and_o useful_a communion_n with_o all_o othâ—â—_n church_n in_o the_o
much_o concern_v my_o word_n be_v vindic._n p._n 41._o though_o many_o alteration_n be_v before_o that_o time_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o when_o cyprian_n be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n that_o the_o whole_a community_n of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o determine_v of_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o common_a interest_n according_a unto_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v their_o right_n and_o liberty_n in_o those_o day_n i_o think_v no_o man_n who_o be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n as_o our_o author_n apparent_o be_v can_v have_v deny_v the_o truth_n hereof_o nor_o do_v i_o say_v it_o be_v so_o do_v by_o he_o only_o he_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n at_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n cotton_n who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n the_o express_a and_o lively_a lineament_n of_o the_o very_a body_n of_o congregational_a discipline_n herein_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v who_o do_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o the_o people_n do_v meet_v together_o unto_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n such_o as_o be_v the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o the_o readmission_n of_o they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v fall_v through_o infirmity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o public_a offence_n and_o division_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o cyprian_n wherein_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o the_o right_n of_o choose_v worthy_a and_o of_o reject_v unworthy_a officer_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o such_o case_n he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o their_o consent_n that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v but_o hereon_o he_o ask_v where_o i_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o appeal_v to_o st._n cyprian_n for_o the_o democratical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o indeed_o i_o do_v not_o do_v nor_o any_o thing_n which_o look_v like_a unto_o it_o and_o he_o add_v that_o they_o have_v this_o advantage_n from_o the_o appeal_n that_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v any_o deviation_n then_o from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n whereas_o my_o word_n be_v positive_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v many_o alteration_n introduce_v into_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n such_o thing_n will_v partiality_n in_o a_o cause_n and_o aim_v at_o success_n in_o disputation_n produce_v m._n cotton_n affirm_v that_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o congregational_a discipline_n be_v find_v in_o that_o church_n that_o there_o be_v therein_o a_o just_a representation_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n that_o be_v i_o presume_v diocesan_n because_o that_o alone_o be_v unto_o his_o purpose_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v any_o church_n after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o church_n state_n and_o order_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v absolute_o determine_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v and_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o three_o party_n dissent_v about_o church_n order_n rule_n and_o worship_n will_v attempt_v a_o agreement_n between_o themselves_o upon_o the_o representation_n make_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a which_o all_o of_o they_o lay_v some_o claim_n unto_o although_o it_o will_v be_v a_o abridgement_n of_o some_o of_o their_o pretension_n it_o may_v bring_v they_o all_o near_a together_o and_o it_o may_v be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o some_o thing_n near_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v no_o more_o church_n but_o one_o in_o that_o city_n many_o occasional_a meeting_n and_o assembly_n in_o several_a place_n for_o divine_a exercise_n and_o worship_n there_o be_v but_o state_v church_n with_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o member_n peculiar_o belong_v unto_o they_o discipline_n among_o they_o such_o as_o our_o reverend_a author_n do_v afterward_o affirm_v and_o describe_v our_o parochial_a church_n to_o be_v there_o be_v none_o nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v 2._o that_o in_o this_o one_o church_n there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n who_o rule_v the_o whole_a body_n or_o community_n of_o it_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n whether_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o attend_v unto_o rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v but_o that_o they_o be_v many_o and_o such_o as_o do_v not_o stand_v in_o any_o peculiar_a relation_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n but_o concur_v in_o common_a to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v be_v evident_a in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o by_o cyprian_n himself_o 3._o that_o among_o those_o elder_n in_o that_o one_o church_n there_o be_v one_o peculiar_o call_v the_o bishop_n who_o do_v constant_o preside_v among_o they_o in_o all_o church_n affair_n and_o without_o who_o ordinary_o nothing_o be_v do_v as_o neither_o do_v he_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o this_o may_v be_v allow_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v worth_a consideration_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n who_o have_v equal_a interest_n in_o and_o right_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o order_n that_o one_o do_v preside_v in_o their_o meeting_n and_o consultation_n who_o custom_n give_v some_o pre-eminence_n unto_o 4._o that_o the_o people_n be_v rule_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o that_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o cast_v out_o and_o the_o receive_n in_o of_o lapse_v member_n have_v their_o suffrage_n in_o the_o determination_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o there_o be_v no_o imposition_n of_o liturgy_n or_o ceremony_n or_o any_o humane_a invention_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a acknowledge_v rule_n in_o discipline_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n in_o those_o day_n and_o although_o there_o be_v some_o alteration_n in_o it_o from_o the_o first_o divine_a institution_n of_o church_n yet_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difference_n among_o we_o then_o what_o will_v remain_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o this_o state_n for_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v concern_v congregational_a or_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v refer_v the_o doctor_n and_o the_o reader_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v far_o plead_v concern_v they_o in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n nor_o be_o i_o satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o sufficient_a answer_n unto_o what_o be_v before_o allege_v in_o the_o vindication_n but_o have_v pass_v by_o what_o be_v most_o pregnant_a with_o evidence_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o a_o mistake_n of_o my_o mind_n or_o word_n divert_v very_o much_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o before_o yet_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o be_v material_a in_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n sect_n 5._o p._n 234_o he_o say_v i_o affirm_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n it_o seem_v evident_o exemplyfy_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n unto_o what_o be_v now_o again_o declare_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o he_o add_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o when_o church_n grow_v too_o big_a for_o one_o single_a congregation_n in_o a_o city_n than_o a_o new_a congregational_a church_n be_v set_v up_o under_o new_a officer_n with_o a_o separate_a power_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o that_o city_n but_o this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v original_o more_o particular_a church_n than_o one_o in_o one_o city_n i_o do_v grant_v in_o the_o word_n next_o quote_v by_o he_o that_o there_o be_v not_o express_v mention_n make_v that_o any_o such_o church_n do_v divide_v itself_o into_o more_o congregation_n with_o new_a officer_n but_o this_o