all_o conscience_n it_o ought_v it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n more_o demonstrative_o then_o be_v please_v only_o to_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v betwixt_o this_o principle_n and_o that_o which_o i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v and_o that_o be_v second_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n a_o bishop_n cononical_o promoted_n be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n immediate_o subject_a to_o jesus_n christ_n independent_a on_o any_o unaccountable_a to_o any_o earthly_a ecclesiastical_a superior_a there_o be_v no_o universal_a bishop_n then_o under_o jesus_n christ_n who_o may_v be_v the_o supreme_a visible_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o universal_a bishopric_n but_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v by_o any_o one_o single_a person_n there_o be_v a_o unus_n episcopatus_fw-la one_o episcopacy_n one_o episcopal_a office_n one_o bishopric_n but_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o part_n and_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o shâ—re_n of_o it_o assign_v he_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v with_o the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n 108._o there_o be_v one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o divide_v into_o many_o member_n and_o there_o be_v one_o episcopacy_n diffuse_v in_o proportion_n to_o that_o one_o church_n by_o the_o harmonious_a numerosity_n of_o many_o bishop_n 112._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o in_o other_o word_n the_o one_o catholic_n church_n be_v divide_v into_o many_o precinct_n districts_n or_o diocese_n call_v they_o as_o you_o will_v each_o of_o those_o districtâ—_n have_v its_o singular_a bishop_n and_o that_o bishop_n within_z that_o district_n have_v the_o supreme_a power_n he_o be_v subordinate_a to_o none_o but_o the_o great_a bishop_n of_o soul_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a universal_a bishop_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n he_o be_v independent_a on_o and_o stand_v collateral_a with_o all_o other_o bishop_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o full_o or_o more_o plain_o or_o more_o frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o st._n cyprian_n than_o this_o great_a principle_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o short_a view_n of_o it_o from_o he_o and_o his_o contemporary_n and_o i._o he_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o parity_n which_o our_o lord_n institute_v among_o his_o apostle_n christ_n say_v he_o give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o i_o send_v you_o receive_v you_o the_o holy-ghost_n 107._o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o that_o st._n peter_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n ibid._n now_o st._n cyprian_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v bishop_n successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n as_o perchance_o i_o may_v prove_v full_o hereafter_o thus_o i_o say_v he_o find_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o by_o consequence_n every_o bishop_n supremacy_n within_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o agreeable_o he_o reason_n most_o frequent_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o few_o instance_n 2._o then_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o antonianus_n discourse_v concern_v the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v and_o show_v how_o upon_o former_a occasion_n different_a bishop_n have_v take_v different_a measure_n about_o restore_a penitent_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n he_o conclude_v with_o this_o general_n rule_n that_o every_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o maintain_v the_o bond_n of_o concord_n and_o preserve_v catholic_n unity_n have_v power_n to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o own_o church_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n 110._o plain_o import_v that_o no_o bishop_n can_v give_v law_n to_o another_o or_o call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o his_o management_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n about_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n these_o thing_n most_o dear_a brother_n say_v he_o i_o have_v write_v to_o you_o as_o i_o be_v able_a neither_o prescribe_v to_o nor_o impose_v on_o any_o man_n see_v every_o bishop_n have_v full_a power_n to_o do_v as_o he_o judge_v most_o fit_v 210._o etc._n etc._n the_o same_o way_n he_o conclude_v his_o epistle_n to_o magnus_n concern_v that_o same_o case_n of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o heretic_n 188._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o whole_a strain_n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o florentius_n pupianus_n 66._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a or_o full_a than_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o the_o open_n of_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 256_o more_o than_o eighty_o bishop_n meet_v to_o determine_v concern_v that_o same_o matter_n of_o baptism_n administer_v by_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n st._n cyprian_n be_v praeses_fw-la and_o have_v brief_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o thus_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o each_o of_o we_o speak_v his_o sense_n free_o judge_v no_o man_n refuse_v our_o communion_n to_o no_o man_n tho'_o he_o shall_v dissent_v from_o we_o for_o none_o of_o we_o costitute_n himself_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n nor_o force_v his_o colleague_n upon_o a_o necessity_n of_o obey_v by_o a_o tyrannical_a terror_n see_v every_o bishop_n be_v entire_o master_n of_o his_o own_o resolution_n and_o can_v no_o more_o he_o judge_v by_o other_o than_o he_o can_v judge_v other_o but_o we_o all_o expect_v the_o judgement_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o alone_o have_v power_n of_o make_v we_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n and_o call_v we_o to_o a_o account_n for_o our_o administration_n 229._o 3._o neither_o do_v the_o principle_n hold_v only_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o or_o the_o other_o bishop_n but_o all_o without_o exception_n even_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n stand_v upon_o a_o level_n and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v as_o pregnant_a proof_n as_o possible_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o when_o the_o schismatical_a party_n at_o carthage_n set_v up_o fortunatus_n as_o a_o anti-bishop_n and_o thereupon_o send_v some_o of_o their_o partisan_n to_o rome_n toi_fw-fr inform_a cornelius_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o justify_v they_o to_o he_o cyprian_a write_v to_o he_o also_o and_o thus_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o he_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o go_v to_o rome_n to_o tell_v you_o that_o they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o false_a bishop_n against_o the_o bishop_n either_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o be_v please_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v or_o they_o be_v penitent_a land_n willing_a to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n unity_n if_o the_o latter_a they_o know_v whither_o they_o may_v return_v for_o see_v it_o be_v determine_v by_o we_o all_o and_o withal_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o that_o every_o one_o cause_n shall_v be_v examine_v where_o the_o crime_n be_v commit_v and_o see_v there_o be_v a_o portion_n of_o flock_n the_o catholic_n church_n assign_v to_o every_o bishop_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v be_v accountable_a to_o god_n our_o subject_n ought_v not_o to_o run_v about_o from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n nor_o break_v the_o harmonious_a concord_n which_o be_v among_o bishop_n by_o their_o subtle_a and_o fallacious_a temerity_n but_o every_o man_n cause_n ought_v there_o to_o be_v discuss_v where_o he_o may_v have_v accuser_n and_o witness_n of_o his_o crime_n 36._o etc._n etc._n in_o which_o reason_v we_o have_v these_o thing_n plain_a 1._o that_o by_o st._n cyprian_n principle_n every_a bishop_n be_v judge_v of_o his_o own_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v within_o his_o district_n 2._o that_o no_o bishop_n no_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v superior_a to_o another_o bishop_n nor_o can_v receive_v appeal_n from_o his_o sentence_n and_o 3._o that_o this_o independency_n of_o bishop_n this_o unaccountableness_n of_o one_o bishop_n to_o another_o as_o to_o his_o superior_a be_v found_v on_o every_o bishop_n have_v his_o portion_n of_o the_o flock_n assign_v to_o he_o to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n i._n e._n upon_o his_o visible_a supremacy_n in_o his_o own_o church_n his_o be_v immediate_o subordinate_a to_o god_n only_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n also_o for_o have_v tell_v he_o his_o mind_n free_o concern_v those_o who_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v and_o how_o recceive_v etc._n etc._n he_o conclude_v thus_o we_o know_v that_o some_o be_v tenacious_a and_o unwilling_a to_o alter_v what_o they_o have_v once_o determine_v and_o that_o they_o will_v needs_o retain_v some_o method_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o but_o still_o with_o
the_o safety_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n with_o their_o colleague_n in_o which_o case_n we_o offer_v violence_n we_o proscribe_v law_n to_o no_o man_n see_v every_o bishop_n have_v full_a liberty_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o will_v answwer_v to_o god_n 198._o and_o how_o do_v both_o st._n cyprian_a and_o firmilian_a resent_v stephen_n extravagance_n in_o threaten_v to_o refuse_v his_o communion_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o the_o same_o sentiment_n with_o himself_o about_o the_o baptism_n of_o heretic_n let_v any_o man_n read_v st._n cyprian_n epistle_n to_o pompeius_n and_o firmilian_n to_o st._n cyprian_n 75._o and_o he_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o this_o purpsoe_n will_v you_o have_v yet_o more_o then_o take_v a_o most_o memorable_a acknowledgement_n from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o rome_n st._n cyprian_n have_v write_v to_o they_o while_o the_o bishop_n chair_n be_v vacant_a and_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o his_o resolution_n about_o the_o lapse_v those_o who_o have_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n now_o consider_v how_o they_o begin_v their_o answer_n to_o he_o although_o say_v they_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v without_o check_n of_o conscience_n that_o be_v support_v by_o the_o vigour_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n and_o bear_v witness_n to_o itself_o that_o it_o have_v square_v its_o action_n by_o the_o divine_a commandment_n use_v to_o content_v itself_o with_o god_n as_o its_o only_a judge_n and_o neither_o seek_v other_o man_n approbation_n nor_o fear_v their_o accusation_n yet_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a praise_n who_o while_o they_o know_v their_o conscience_n be_v subject_a to_o god_n only_o as_o its_o judge_n do_v yet_o desire_v that_o their_o administration_n shall_v have_v their_o brethren_n comprobation_n 56._o so_o clear_o acknowledge_v st._n cyprian_n and_o by_o consequence_n every_o bishop_n supremacy_n within_o his_o own_o district_n and_o his_o independency_n or_o non-subordination_n to_o any_o other_o bishop_n that_o even_o rigaltius_n himself_o in_o his_o annotation_n on_o st._n cyprian_n tho'_o a_o papist_n confess_v it_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o 4._o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n every_o bishop_n be_v christ_n vicar_n within_o his_o own_o district_n 129._o have_v a_o primacy_n in_o his_o own_o church_n 184._o manage_v the_o balance_n of_o her_o government_n 177._o be_v by_o his_o be_v bishop_n elevate_v to_o the_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n 103._o have_v the_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o its_o vigour_n 126._o the_o prelatic_a power_n in_o its_o plenitude_n 108._o a_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n 126._o and_o none_o can_v be_v call_v bishop_n of_o bishop_n 195._o every_o bishop_n be_v head_n of_o his_o own_o church_n supra_fw-la and_o she_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o in_o her_o politic_a capacity_n passim_fw-la he_o and_o he_o only_o be_v her_o visible_a judge_n supra_fw-la and_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v subordinate_a to_o any_o visible_a superior_a in_o short_a the_o constitution_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n in_o those_o time_n be_v a_o well-tempered_n monarchy_n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o monarch_n and_o the_o presbytery_n be_v in_o senate_n all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n depend_v on_o he_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o he_o depend_v on_o no_o man_n so_o that_o i_o may_v fair_o conclude_v this_o point_n with_o that_o famous_a testimony_n of_o st._n ierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o evagrius_n wherever_o a_o bishop_n be_v whether_o at_o rome_n or_o eugubium_n constantinople_n or_o rhegium_n alexandria_n or_o tani_n he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o merit_n and_o the_o same_o priesthood_n neither_o the_o power_n of_o riches_n nor_o the_o humility_n of_o poverty_n make_v a_o bishop_n high_o or_o low_a but_o they_o be_v all_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n evagrium_fw-la it_o be_v true_a indeed_o st._n jerom_n live_v after_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n but_o i_o suppose_v our_o author_n will_v pretend_v to_o own_o his_o authority_n as_o soon_o as_o any_o father_n be_v in_o the_o point_n of_o church-government_n let_v i_o represent_v to_o you_o only_o one_o principle_n more_o which_o prevail_v in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n cyprian_a and_o that_o be_v three_o that_o whatever_o the_o highpriest_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o the_o other_o priest_n and_o levite_n etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a bishop_n be_v the_o same_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o same_o honour_n and_o obedience_n be_v due_a to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o st._n cyprian_n frequent_o insist_v on_o and_o reason_v from_o thus_o in_o his_o three_o epistle_n direct_v to_o rogatianu_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v divine_a law_n and_o warrant_n for_o punish_v his_o rebellious_a and_o undutiful_a deacon_n and_o then_o cite_v that_o text_n deut._n 17._o 12._o and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v do_v presumptuous_o and_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o priest_n or_o unto_o the_o judge_n even_o that_o man_n shall_v die_v and_o all_o the_o people_n shall_v bear_v and_o fear_v and_o do_v no_o more_o presumptuous_o and_o confirm_v it_o far_o by_o show_v how_o god_n punish_v gorah_n datham_n and_o abiram_n for_o rebel_a against_o aaroâ—_n numb_a 16._o 1._o and_o when_o the_o israelite_n weary_a of_o samuel_n government_n ask_v a_o king_n to_o judge_v they_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o samuel_n harken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o that_o they_o say_v unto_o thou_o for_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v thou_o but_o they_o have_v reject_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o reign_v over_o they_o 1._o sam._n 8._o 7._o therefore_o he_o give_v they_o saul_n for_o a_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o st._n paul_n be_v challenge_v for_o revile_v god_n high_a priest_n he_o excuse_v himself_o say_v he_o wist_v not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n have_v he_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v so_o he_o will_v not_o have_v treat_v he_o so_o for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o they_o people_n act._n 23._o 4_o 5._o and._n as_o he_o go_v further_a on_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n our_o god_n king_n and_o judge_n to_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o his_o passion_n pay_v suitable_a honour_n to_o the_o priest_n tho'_o they_o neither_o fear_v god_n nor_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o when_o he_o have_v cleanse_v the_o lâ—per_n he_o bid_v he_o go_v show_v himself_o to_o the_o priest_n and_o offer_v his_o gift_n matth._n 8._o 4._o and_o at_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o his_o passion_n when_o he_o be_v beat_v as_o if_o he_o have_v answer_v irreverent_o to_o the_o high_a priest_n he_o utter_v no_o reproachful_a thing_n against_o the_o person_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o rather_o defend_v his_o own_o innocence_n say_v if_o i_o have_v speak_v evil_a bear_v witness_n of_o the_o evil_a but_o if_o well_o why_o smite_v thou_o i_o john_n 18._o 22_o 23._o all_o which_o thing_n be_v do_v humble_o and_o patient_o lby_v he_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pattern_n of_o patience_n and_o humility_n propose_v to_o we_o for_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o give_v all_o dutiful_a honour_n to_o true_a priest_n by_o behave_v so_o towards_o false_a priest_n 5._o thus_o st._n cyprian_n reason_v and_o these_o be_v his_o argument_n for_o oblige_v all_o man_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n to_o honour_n and_o obey_v their_o bishop_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o write_v in_o his_o four_o epistle_n to_o pomponius_n concern_v some_o virgin_n and_o deacon_n that_o live_v scandalous_o let_v they_o not_o think_v they_o can_v be_v save_v say_v he_o if_o they_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o bishop_n see_v god_n say_v in_o deuteronomy_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v deut._n 17._o 12_o 9_o he_o insist_o on_o the_o same_o argument_n in_o his_o 59th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n when_o he_o be_v give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o the_o rebellion_n and_o schismatical_a practice_n of_o fortunatus_n and_o felicissimus_n the_o one_o a_o presbyter_n and_o the_o other_o a_o deacon_n 128._o he_o insist_o on_o they_o over_o again_o in_o his_o 66th_o epistle_n to_o florentius_n papianus_n 166._o he_o insist_o large_o on_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o corah_n and_o his_o complice_n for_o rebel_a against_o aaron_n and_o make_v it_o the_o same_o very_a sin_n in_o schismatic_n who_o separate_v from_o their_o lawful_a bishop_n in_o his_o 69th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o magnus_n 183._o and_o in_o his_o 73d_o epistle_n direct_v to_o jubaianus_n 201._o and_o firmilian_a also_o st._n cyprian_n contemporary_a insist_o on_o the_o same_o argument_n 225._o indeed_o the_o name_n priest_n priesthood_n altar_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n so_o much_o use_v those_o time_n be_v a_o pregnant_a argument_n
can_v refer_v it_o to_o our_o author_n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n bore_v no_o high_a character_n than_o that_o of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o head_n of_o argument_n which_o shall_v be_v four_o to_o give_v you_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a detail_n some_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n ii_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n and_o iii_o that_o all_o the_o other_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n i._o i_o say_v there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n take_v these_o for_o a_o sample_n and_o first_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o confirmation_n of_o impose_v hand_n on_o christian_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n after_o baptism_n for_o this_o we_o have_v st._n cyprian_n most_o express_v testimony_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n where_o he_o tell_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o offer_v such_o as_o be_v baptise_a to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy-ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v by_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o lord_n i._n e._n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o he_o express_o find_v this_o practice_n on_o the_o paterm_fw-la of_o st._n pater_fw-la and_o st._n john_n mention_v act_n 8._o 14._o etc._n etc._n 202._o firmilian_a be_v as_o express_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a say_v in_o plain_a lanugage_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o govern_v the_o church_n possess_v the_o power_n of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o ordination_n 221._o it_o be_v true_a he_o call_v they_o majores_fw-la natu_fw-la elder_a but_o that_o he_o mean_v bishop_n as_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n can_v be_v call_v into_o question_n by_o any_o man_n who_o read_v the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o consider_v his_o style_n all_o along_o and_o withal_o consider_v what_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n the_o bishop_n have_v in_o these_o three_o act_n he_o name_v but_o whatever_o groundless_a altercation_n there_o may_v be_v about_o his_o testimony_n as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o about_o st._n cprian's_n so_o neither_o can_v there_o by_o any_o shadow_n of_o pretext_n for_o any_o about_o cornelius_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o fabius_n so_o often_o mention_v before_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o novatianus_n his_o incapacity_n of_o be_v a_o bishop_n that_o tho'_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n 43._o second_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o that_o of_o whatsoever_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n ordination_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o he_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o regular_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-officer_n this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o full_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v much_o on_o it_o forbear_v therefore_o to_o adduce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o live_v after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n such_o as_o ambrose_n jerom_n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o his_o contemporary_n toi_fw-fr begin_v with_o st._n cyprian_n it_o be_v true_a so_o humble_a and_o condescend_v he_o be_v that_o when_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v nothing_o by_o himself_o concern_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o consult_v not_o only_a his_o clergy_n but_o his_o people_n 33._o i_o call_v this_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a condescension_n it_o wa_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v by_o any_o divine_a prescript_n or_o any_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n his_o very_a word_n import_v so_o much_o which_o you_o may_v see_v on_o the_o margin_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o find_v he_o not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a juncture_n ordain_v without_o ask_v the_o consent_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n but_o still_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o the_o right_n of_o all_o bishop_n and_o particular_o his_o own_o to_o promote_v and_o ordain_v clergyman_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n by_o himself_o and_o without_o any_o concurrence_n thus_o in_o his_o 38th_o epistle_n have_v ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la he_o acquaint_v his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n with_o it_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n now_o consider_v how_o he_o begin_v his_o letter_n in_o all_o clerical_a ordination_n most_o dear_a brethren_n say_v he_o i_o use_v to_o consult_v you_o beforehand_o and_o to_o examine_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o with_o common_a advice_n 74._o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o be_v his_o ordinary_a method_n a_o rule_n he_o have_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o for_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o in_o that_o instance_n in_o which_o testimony_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n evident_a 1._o that_o his_o power_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o all_o ordination_n whether_o of_o presbyter_n or_o other_o for_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o indefinite_o in_o clericis_fw-la ordinationibus_fw-la 2._o that_o he_o use_v only_o to_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o clergy_n about_o the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n he_o be_v to_o ordain_v but_o not_o their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n not_o one_o word_n of_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o use_v not_o to_o concur_v fair_o import_v in_o the_o very_a instance_n of_o aurelius_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v entire_o of_o his_o own_o easiness_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o consult_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n he_o use_v to_o do_v it_o but_o need_v not_o have_v do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o that_o very_a same_o case_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o his_o resolution_n which_o he_o have_v make_v when_o he_o enter_v to_o his_o bishopric_n be_v from_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o absolute_o free_a and_o voluntary_a we_o have_v another_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n where_o he_o tell_v that_o because_o of_o his_o absence_n from_o carthage_n he_o have_v give_v a_o deputation_n to_o â—aldnius_n and_o herculanus_n two_o bishop_n and_o to_o râ—gatianâ—s_n and_o numidicus_n two_o of_o his_o presbyter_n to_o examine_v the_o age_n qualification_n and_o mâ—its_n of_o some_o in_o carthage_n that_o he_o who_o province_n it_o be_v to_o promote_v man_n to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v well_o inform_v about_o they_o and_o promote_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v meek_n humble_a and_o worthy_a 79._o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a testimony_n for_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o he_o not_o only_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o all_o rank_n or_o order_n without_o make_v exception_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o he_o find_v that_o power_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o upon_o his_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o government_n commit_v to_o he_o we_o have_v a_o three_o testimony_n as_o pregnant_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a in_o his_o 72d_o epistle_n write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o represent_v to_o he_o what_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v concern_v such_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o discourse_v thus_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dear_a brother_n we_o tell_v you_o further_o that_o if_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n who_o
the_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o yet_o these_o man_n have_v make_v no_o schism_n they_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o tabernacle_n nor_o raise_v another_o altar_n etc._n etc._n which_o now_o the_o schismatic_n do_v mean_v the_o novatian_o who_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o rebel_a against_o christ_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v bold_a to_o constitute_v a_o episcopal_n chair_n and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o primacy_n a_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o a_o power_n of_o baptise_v and_o offer_v that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v here_o that_o no_o sacrament_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o dependence_n on_o the_o bishop_n 184._o indeed_o 3._o consider_v that_o as_o i_o have_v full_o prove_v a_o bishop_n be_v then_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o be_v chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v not_o but_o belong_v to_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o be_v the_o visible_a head_n of_o that_o visible_a society_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o such_o to_o take_v care_n that_o society_n may_v suffer_v no_o detriment_n consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o neither_o may_v be_v dispense_v without_o he_o what_o can_v be_v more_o detrimental_a to_o a_o society_n especial_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o christian_a church_n than_o admit_v unworthy_a person_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o or_o allow_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o or_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o society_n after_o they_o have_v be_v just_o thrust_v from_o it_o without_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v give_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o serious_a reformation_n and_o who_o so_o proper_a to_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n as_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o society_n and_o now_o have_v thus_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o other_o church-officer_n within_o his_o district_n in_o the_o grand_a concern_v of_o dispense_v both_o sacrament_n and_o that_o neither_o can_v be_v administer_v without_o he_o or_o against_o his_o authority_n i_o may_v fair_o supersede_n the_o trouble_n of_o make_v either_o a_o minute_n or_o a_o laborious_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sovereign_a interest_n in_o the_o act_n of_o excommunication_n or_o enjoin_v penance_n or_o reconcile_a penitent_n or_o make_v or_o rescind_v or_o dispense_n with_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o canon_n in_o a_o word_n in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n all_o these_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n his_o negative_a therefore_o about_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v a_o negative_a likewise_o about_o all_o these_o acts._n beside_o you_o will_v not_o ready_o say_v i_o think_v that_o he_o can_v have_v have_v a_o great_a trust_n by_o have_v a_o negative_a in_o any_o other_o matter_n than_o in_o the_o dispense_v of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v that_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o be_v entrust_v with_o a_o negative_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n either_o of_o equal_a if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o lesser_o importance_n on_o which_o the_o order_n the_o subsistence_n the_o unity_n the_o peace_n the_o purity_n the_o prosperity_n or_o whatsoever_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n can_v any_o way_n depend_v yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v proceed_v a_o little_a further_o and_o give_v you_o by_o way_n of_o historical_a deduction_n such_o a_o account_n of_o power_n lodge_v e._n g._n in_o st._n cyprian_n person_n as_o you_o may_v fair_o judge_v thereby_o concern_v the_o preeminence_n of_o bishop_n in_o his_o time_n the_o most_o current_a account_n we_o have_v about_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o christianity_n at_o least_o not_o baptise_a till_o the_o year_n 246._o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n anno_fw-la 247_o and_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 248._o chronologist_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o this_o last_o step_n of_o his_o preferment_n now_o as_o we_o learn_v both_o from_o himself_o and_o from_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n some_o of_o the_o carthaginian_a clergy_n be_v mighty_a enemy_n to_o his_o promotion_n 〈◊〉_d belike_o they_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o he_o so_o late_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n so_o late_o make_v a_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v be_v prefer_v to_o themselves_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v that_o they_o appear_v against_o he_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o main_a but_o the_o people_n be_v so_o general_o and_o so_o zealous_o for_o he_o to_o have_v he_o their_o bishop_n that_o these_o his_o enemy_n be_v overpower_v make_a bishop_n he_o be_v and_o he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o well_o qualify_v so_o eminent_a in_o every_o virtue_n and_o withal_o so_o strict_a and_o cautious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o government_n after_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o mutineer_n to_o wreck_v their_o malice_n on_o he_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o soften_a they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o imbitter_v they_o the_o more_o and_o make_v they_o the_o more_o watchful_a of_o all_o opportunity_n to_o breed_v he_o trouble_n and_o disturb_v his_o government_n at_o last_o they_o catch_v hold_v of_o one_o and_o that_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n this_o persecution_n beginning_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 249_o and_o last_v for_o a_o full_a year_n come_v on_o the_o church_n after_o a_o loâ—g_a peace_n with_o a_o surprise_v violence_n have_v very_o sad_a effect_n vast_a number_n turn_v apostate_n renounce_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n and_o cyprian_n himself_o command_v by_o god_n have_v retire_v from_o carthage_n till_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o relentment_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o persecution_n here_o i_o say_v his_o subtle_a enemy_n find_v their_o so_o long_o wish_v opportunity_n for_o the_o lapse_v so_o soon_o as_o the_o hazard_n be_v over_o resume_v their_o christian_a profession_n and_o turn_v mighty_a forward_o if_o not_o furious_a to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n '_o tho'_o they_o know_v full_a well_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o canon_n to_o have_v continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n yet_o they_o think_v their_o number_n and_o perhaps_o their_o quality_n may_v overpower_v the_o canon_n and_o claim_v indulgence_n and_o dispensation_n with_o they_o strike_v in_o those_o clergyman_n who_o have_v still_o retain_v the_o old_a grudge_n against_o st._n cyprian_n promotion_n encourage_v their_o presumption_n they_o know_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o principle_n and_o have_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v resolute_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v perfect_v their_o term_n of_o penance_n they_o see_v the_o eagerness_n of_o the_o lapse_v to_o be_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o canon_n allow_v they_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o think_v that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v effectual_o put_v a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n they_o shall_v inflame_v the_o lapse_v and_o their_o relation_n perchance_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o people_n against_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v the_o lapse_v in_o their_o petulancy_n the_o bishop_n prelation_n over_o presbyter_n be_v then_o so_o notorious_a that_o as_o malicious_a as_o they_o be_v they_o have_v not_o impudence_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o reconcile_v the_o lapse_v to_o the_o church_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o own_o credit_n against_o his_o will_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o they_o fall_v upon_o another_o project_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o other_o to_o stand_v up_o against_o the_o bishop_n authority_n it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n these_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n their_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o fragrant_a grace_n their_o glorious_a courage_n and_o good_a example_n that_o they_o may_v persevere_v themselves_o and_o other_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o follow_v their_o pattern_n be_v hold_v in_o mighty_a reputation_n they_o be_v repute_v as_o
those_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v call_v the_o praepositus_fw-la the_o ruler_n the_o governor_n the_o superior_a of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n and_o they_o without_o distinction_n or_o exception_n be_v call_v his_o people_n his_o flock_n his_o subject_n etc._n etc._n this_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n thus_o ep._n 3._o he_o say_v that_o deacon_n ought_v to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n choose_v his_o apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n choose_v deacon_n to_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o therefore_o a_o deacon_n ought_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o bishop_n his_o superior_a 6._o and_o ep._n 9_o he_o praise_v the_o roman_a clergy_n for_o have_v the_o memory_n of_o fabianus_n who_o have_v be_v their_o superior_a in_o so_o great_a honour_n 19_o and_o ep._n 13._o writing_n to_o rogatianus_n his_o presbyter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n he_o say_v that_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o rejoice_v when_o christ_n flock_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o confessor_n so_o he_o himself_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n as_o be_v the_o bishop_n see_v the_o church_n glory_n be_v the_o ruler_n glory_n 13._o and_o in_o that_o famous_a passage_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v already_o from_o ep._n 16._o he_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o a_o unexampled_a petulancy_n that_o presbyter_n shall_v so_o contemn_v the_o bishop_n their_o superior_a 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o another_o place_n we_o bishop_n who_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n in_o the_o church_n 108._o and_o ep._n 62._o ay_o who_o by_o the_o divine_a mercy_n govern_v the_o church_n have_v send_v to_o you_o januarius_n maximus_n proculus_n etc._n etc._n 100000_o sesterce_n as_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n of_o my_o clergy_n and_o people_n 147._o and_o ep._n 66._o hence_o spring_v heresy_n and_o schism_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v one_o and_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v etc._n etc._n 167._o such_o be_v the_o dialect_n of_o those_o time_n i_o say_v and_o thus_o bishop_n be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n superior_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o within_o their_o district_n make_v no_o discrimination_n betwixt_o clergyman_n and_o laic_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o more_o particular_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o common_a in_o that_o dialect_n to_o call_v the_o clergy_n the_o bishop_n clergy_n thus_o for_o example_n ep._n 14._o it_o be_v my_o wish_n that_o i_o may_v have_v salute_v all_o my_o clâ—â—gy_n safe_a and_o sound_a etc._n etc._n 31._o my_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ought_v to_o have_v teach_v you_o etc._n etc._n 39_o because_o i_o can_v send_v letter_n but_o by_o clergyman_n and_o i_o know_v that_o many_o of_o i_o be_v absent_a 55._o numidicus_n be_v preserve_v alive_a by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v join_v he_o my_o clergy_n 79._o urbanus_fw-la and_o sidonius_n come_v to_o my_o presbyter_n 92._o if_o any_o of_o my_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n shall_v turn_v precipitant_a 68_o i_o have_v send_v you_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o i_o write_v to_o my_o clergy_n and_o people_n concern_v felicissimus_n and_o his_o presbytery_n 8â—_n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o maximâ—s_n a_o presbyter_n and_o urbanus_fw-la etc._n etc._n return_v from_o the_o novatian_a schism_n to_o cornelius_n communion_n we_o be_v reconcile_v say_v they_o to_o cyprian_a to_o cornelius_n our_o bishop_n and_o to_o all_o the_o clergy_n 98._o such_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n now_o i_o say_v by_o what_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v a_o bishop_n have_v be_v call_v praepositus_fw-la superior_a to_o his_o clergy_n can_v they_o have_v be_v call_v his_o clergy_n can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n their_o ruler_n their_o governor_n by_o what_o rule_n of_o either_o grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n logic_n or_o politic_a can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v set_v over_o they_o or_o they_o to_o have_v be_v his_o subject_n or_o inferior_n if_o he_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o subject_v to_o his_o authority_n nor_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n but_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n for_o mere_a prolusion_n if_o you_o will_n i_o be_o not_o pinch_v for_o want_v of_o argument_n for_o 3._o the_o three_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o prove_v so_o full_o before_o viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v that_o he_o have_v a_o supreme_a power_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n which_o then_o prevail_v he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o prove_v also_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o his_o presbyter_n each_o of_o these_o be_v demonstration_n for_o the_o present_a conclusion_n and_o you_o need_v not_o artificial_a natural_a logic_n be_v enough_o to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o consequence_n indeed_o 4._o we_o find_v cyprian_a all_o along_o both_o reason_v and_o practise_v to_o this_o purpose_n thus_o he_o tell_v bishop_n rogatianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a between_o he_o and_o his_o deacon_n hâ—_n may_v punish_v he_o forthwith_o by_o his_o episcopal_a power_n and_o his_o cathedral_n authority_n 5._o he_o may_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o episcopâ—_n honour_n agnoscere_fw-la he_o may_v exert_v the_o power_n of_o his_o honour_n against_o he_o either_o by_o depose_v or_o by_o excommunicate_v he_o abstineas_fw-la nay_o he_o may_v excommunicate_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v rebel_v against_o he_o abstinere_fw-la for_o all_o these_o censure_n his_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v competent_a 7._o thus_o he_o praise_v pomponius_n another_o bishop_n for_o excommunicate_v another_o scandalous_a deacon_n ep._n 4._o p._n 9_o and_o do_v not_o he_o himself_o suspend_v philumenus_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o subdeacons_n and_o favorinus_n a_o acolyth_a from_o their_o live_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o 34th_o epistle_n but_o you_o may_v say_v these_o instance_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o to_o deacon_n or_o more_o inferior_a clergyman_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o presbyter_n why_o sir_n indeed_o the_o instance_n be_v pat_o and_o home_n and_o you_o must_v acknowledge_v so_o much_o if_o you_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o disparity_n between_o prebyter_n and_o inferior_a order_n in_o this_o respect_n but_o the_o bishop_n power_n extend_v equal_o to_o all_o just_a as_o a_o king_n can_v censure_v his_o chancellor_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sub-collector_n of_o his_o custom_n a_o justice-general_n as_o well_o as_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n nothing_o clear_a from_o the_o abovementioned_a principles_n but_o that_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o no_o imaginable_a scruple_n i_o shall_v even_o account_v to_o you_o about_o prebyter_n also_o 5._o then_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o how_o some_o of_o the_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n conspire_v against_o st._n cyprian_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a art_n to_o hinder_v his_o preferment_n to_o the_o bishopric_n now_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v either_o himself_o or_o pontius_n in_o his_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v they_o do_v on_o that_o occasion_n he_o may_v have_v punish_v they_o for_o it_o punish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o deposition_n but_o with_o excommunication_n have_v he_o please_v take_v first_o his_o own_o account_n in_o ep._n 43._o there_o he_o tell_v his_o people_n that_o through_o the_o malignity_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n he_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o return_v to_o carthage_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o will_v and_o he_o describe_v those_o presbyter_n thus_o that_o be_v mindful_a of_o their_o conspiracy_n and_o retain_v their_o old_a grudge_n against_o his_o promotion_n they_o reinforce_v their_o ancient_a machination_n and_o renew_v their_o attempt_n for_o undermine_v he_o by_o side_v with_o felicissâ—mus_n in_o his_o schism_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v thus_o i_o neither_o will_v nor_o wish_v their_o punishment_n for_o their_o opposition_n to_o my_o promotion_n yea_o i_o pardon_v they_o and_o keep_v my_o peace_n and_o yet_o now_o they_o have_v suffer_v condign_a punishment_n tho'_o i_o do_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o then_o their_o own_o guilty_a conscience_n have_v do_v it_o now_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n 82._o take_v it_o next_o from_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n tho'_o i_o be_o unwilling_a say_v he_o yet_o i_o must_v speak_v it_o out_o some_o resist_v his_o promotion_n but_o how_o gentle_o how_o patient_o how_o generous_o how_o merciful_o do_v he_o forgive_v they_o do_v
over_o every_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n live_v at_o how_o great_a a_o distance_n soever_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v his_o dutiful_a subject_n due_o attest_v by_o he_o and_o to_o excommunicate_v his_o excommunicate_n thus_o for_o instance_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n reject_v felicissimus_n and_o all_o his_o retainer_n and_o fortunatus_n and_o all_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v they_o his_o communion_n because_o excommunicate_v by_o st._n cyprian_n 126._o and_o cyprian_a reject_v novatianus_n and_o all_o his_o party_n because_o not_o in_o communion_n with_o cornelius_n 44_o in_o short_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n he_o that_o be_v injurious_a undutiful_a or_o disobedient_a to_o his_o bishop_n be_v such_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n on_o earth_n he_o that_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o his_o bishop_n altar_n set_v up_o his_o altar_n against_o all_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n if_o a_o bishop_n depose_v or_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o other_o bishop_n to_o receive_v he_o nor_o to_o absolve_v he_o he_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o that_o to_o his_o own_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o bishop_n whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n or_o laity_n and_o restore_v by_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n therapius_n bishop_n of_o bulla_n in_o the_o proconsular_a province_n of_o africa_n absolve_v victor_n who_o have_v be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o have_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n premature_o and_o uncanonical_o and_o yet_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n whereof_o cyprian_n be_v one_o the_o absolution_n be_v ratify_v and_o victor_n be_v allow_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n 158._o so_o eminent_a and_o considerable_a be_v a_o bishop_n then_o as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o to_o this_o relation_n and_o that_o be_v 7._o that_o so_o long_o as_o bishop_n continue_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o informatory_n consultatory_n recommendatory_a communicatory_a congratulatory_a apologetic_a testimonial_a in_o a_o word_n all_o letter_n concern_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o government_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o concord_n the_o correspondence_n the_o harmony_n the_o honour_n the_o hazard_n or_o any_o other_o considerable_a interest_n of_o the_o college_n be_v direct_v to_o he_o or_o receive_v from_o he_o as_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v all_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o both_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v in_o thâ—se_a time_n transact_v by_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o general_n council_n then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v either_o to_o meet_v in_o provincial_a synod_n upon_o great_a emergency_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o to_o transact_v matter_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o general_n determination_n by_o particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n provincial_n synod_n be_v ordinary_o keep_v twice_o a_o year_n and_o by_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n all_o matter_n of_o moment_n be_v determine_v and_o so_o by_o the_o reciprocation_n of_o synodical_a letter_n matter_n come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o general_n agreement_n and_o determination_n as_o in_o the_o result_n be_v full_o equivalent_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o general_n council_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n of_o such_o transaction_n by_o provincial_a synod_n thus_o in_o the_o grand_a case_n of_o the_o lapse_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecusion_n the_o matter_n be_v so_o manage_v by_o provincial_a synod_n in_o africa_n rome_n alexandria_n antiâ—ch_n etc._n etc._n that_o at_o last_o as_o st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o general_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v complete_a their_o term_n of_o penance_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o deadly_a sickness_n 103._o thus_o without_o doubt_n also_o that_o considerable_a canon_n mention_v by_o st._n cyprian_n in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n which_o be_v the_o 67th_o in_o number_n among_o his_o epistle_n viz._n that_o the_o lapse_v however_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v receive_v into_o holy_a order_n 174._o and_o that_o other_o canon_n mention_v by_o he_o also_o that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v tutor_n to_o minor_n i._n thus_o also_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n the_o great_a controversy_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v manage_v in_o many_o synod_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 28._o and_o a_o few_o year_n after_o his_o martyrdom_n the_o case_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la 30._o these_o instance_n be_v only_o for_o a_o sample_n when_o provincial_a synod_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v or_o emergent_a matter_n of_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v convenient_o determine_v in_o they_o than_o recourse_n be_v have_v to_o the_o only_a remain_a method_n viz._n particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n and_o to_o make_v this_o method_n both_o sure_a and_o effectual_a all_o possible_a pain_n be_v take_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o each_o bishop_n shall_v sign_v his_o letter_n and_o send_v it_o not_o by_o every_o common_a carrier_n but_o by_o a_o clergyman_n 55._o in_o short_a they_o have_v such_o mark_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a if_o possible_a to_o counterfeit_v they_o and_o the_o bishop_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o transmit_v it_o for_o his_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o so_o it_o go_v through_o and_o the_o whole_a college_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o accident_n the_o case_n the_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o have_v emerge_v we_o have_v many_o instance_n and_o evidence_n of_o this_o method_n and_o diligence_n in_o st._n cyprian_n write_n thus_o e._n g._n when_o caldonius_n write_v to_o cyprian_a concern_v some_o lapse_v within_o his_o district_n cyprian_n return_v he_o a_o answer_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o purpose_n already_o and_o so_o send_v he_o copy_n of_o five_o epistle_n concern_v the_o case_n require_v he_o to_o transmit_v they_o to_o as_o many_o bishop_n as_o he_o can_v add_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n that_o one_o course_n one_o resolution_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o all_o the_o college_n 50._o and_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o about_o that_o controversy_n be_v trasmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n till_o they_o be_v disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o 102._o thus_o i_o say_v sometime_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manage_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o method_n be_v every_o be_v equivalent_a if_o not_o preferable_a to_o a_o general_n council_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v still_o subsist_v and_o its_o unity_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n without_o such_o council_n as_o it_o be_v effectual_o during_o the_o first_o three_o century_n now_o that_o which_o i_o be_o principal_o concern_v for_o in_o all_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o all_o these_o circular_a letter_n of_o whatsoever_o nature_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v regular_o direct_v only_o to_o the_o bishop_n as_o be_v the_o head_n and_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o their_o respective_a church_n as_o well_o as_o write_v and_o send_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a account_n of_o this_o in_o st._n cyprian_n 48th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n for_o there_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o adrumetum_n have_v receive_v cornelius_n communicatory_a letter_n direct_v to_o polycarpus_n their_o bishop_n and_o see_v their_o bishop_n be_v absent_a find_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n in_o his_o name_n as_o have_v his_o presume_a allowance_n for_o it_o they_o write_v to_o cornelius_n in_o the_o common_a form_n acknowledge_v he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o subjoyn_v polycarpus_n his_o name_n to_o the_o letter_n a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n it_o behove_v all_o the_o letter_n that_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subscribe_v
the_o principle_n of_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n with_o regard_n to_o episcopal_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n asserted_n and_o recommend_v from_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o st._n cyprian_n himself_o and_o his_o contemporary_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a that_o the_o vindicator_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n be_v oblige_v by_o his_o own_o concession_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o and_o his_o associate_n be_v schismatic_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o friend_n by_o i._n s._n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o sanctissimae_fw-la matri_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la scoticanae_n sub_fw-la pondere_fw-la pressae_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o adhuc_fw-la malis_fw-la non_fw-la cedenti_fw-la fidem_fw-la catholicam_fw-la unitatem_fw-la apostolicam_fw-la pietatem_fw-la primaevam_fw-la fortiter_fw-la propugnanti_fw-la adversus_fw-la blasphemias_fw-la calumnias_fw-la sacrilegia_fw-la &_o ruinas_fw-la inuicto_fw-la quia_fw-la verè_fw-la christiano_n animo_fw-la strenuè_fw-fr decertanti_fw-la cultu_fw-la fide_fw-la &_o justitiâ_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la regem_fw-la &_o proximos_fw-la conspicuae_fw-la haereses_fw-la omnes_fw-la tam_fw-la antiquas_fw-la quam_fw-la novas_fw-la armis_fw-la evangelicis_fw-la &_o perpetuâ_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la traditione_n profliganti_fw-la undique_fw-la lachrymis_fw-la suffusae_fw-la victrice_fw-la tamen_fw-la cruse_n triumphanti_fw-la tamburlaine_n archiepiscopis_fw-la episeopis_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la &_o diaconis_fw-la quam_fw-la universo_fw-it fidelium_fw-la coetui_fw-la veris_fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la vinculo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d primigeniae_fw-la adhaerescenti_fw-la solâ_fw-la spe_fw-la coelestibus_fw-la praemii_fw-la inter_fw-la clades_fw-la miseras_fw-la &_o maximas_fw-la suffultae_fw-la hanc_fw-la dissertationem_fw-la epistolarem_fw-la raptim_fw-la &_o sermone_fw-la vernaculo_fw-la conscriptam_fw-la de_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la aevi_fw-la cyprianici_fw-la eminentiâ_fw-la &_o praerogativis_fw-la eâ_fw-la quâ_fw-la par_fw-fr est_fw-la animi_fw-la modestiâ_fw-la &_o reverentiâ_fw-la clientelae_fw-la &_o censurae_fw-la ergò_fw-la d._n d._n d._n the_o principle_n of_o the_o cyprianic_n age_n etc._n etc._n sir_n i_o acknowledge_v you_o have_v perform_v your_o promise_n the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o apology_n of_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v for_o the_o clergy_n of_o scotland_n have_v indeed_o say_v so_o as_o you_o affirm_v and_o i_o ask_v your_o pardon_n for_o put_v you_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o send_v i_o his_o book_n and_o point_v to_o sect._n 39_o page_n 34._o where_o he_o have_v say_v so_o but_o now_o after_o all_o what_o tho'_o he_o have_v say_v so_o and_o say_v so_o so_o bold_o do_v you_o think_v his_o bare_a say_n so_o be_v enough_o to_o determine_v our_o question_n do_v mistake_v it_o that_o which_o make_v i_o so_o backward_o to_o believe_v he_o have_v say_v so_o be_v not_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n i_o have_v of_o either_o his_o reason_n or_o authority_n but_o a_o persuasion_n that_o none_o of_o his_o party_n will_v have_v be_v so_o rash_a as_o to_o have_v put_v their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v schismatic_n upon_o such_o a_o desperate_a issue_n and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o apprehend_v my_o persuasion_n be_v unreasonable_a i_o shall_v first_o take_v to_o task_n what_o he_o have_v say_v and_o then_o perchance_o add_v something_o concern_v our_o main_a argument_n his_o word_n be_v these_o arg._n 5._o cyprian_n notion_n of_o schism_n be_v when_o one_o separate_v from_o his_o own_o bishop_n this_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v ergo._fw-la a._n all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n a_o bishop_n in_o cyprian_n time_n be_v not_o a_o diocesan_n with_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n if_o he_o prove_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v cyprian_a and_o he_o leave_v to_o call_v we_o schismatic_n a_o bishop_n then_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o a_o flock_n or_o the_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o separate_v from_o our_o pastor_n or_o from_o the_o presbytery_n with_o their_o moderator_n under_o who_o inspection_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v he_o call_v we_o what_o he_o will_v but_o we_o disow_v the_o bishop_n in_o scotland_n from_o be_v our_o bishop_n we_o can_v neither_o own_v their_o episcopal_a authority_n nor_o any_o pastoral_a relation_n that_o they_o have_v to_o we_o thus_o he_o now_o sir_n if_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o catch_v at_o word_n what_o a_o field_n may_v he_o have_v here_o for_o instance_n suppose_v the_o word_n diocese_n be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o apply_v to_o a_o particular_a bishop_n district_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o thing_n now_o signify_v by_o it_o be_v not_o then_o to_o be_v find_v again_o what_o can_v move_v he_o to_o insinuate_v that_o we_o assign_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o ordination_n to_o our_o diocesan_n bishop_n when_o do_v our_o bishop_n claim_v that_o sole_a power_n when_o be_v it_o ascribe_v to_o they_o by_o the_o constitution_n when_o do_v any_o of_o our_o bishop_n attempt_n to_o exercise_n it_o when_o do_v a_o scotish_n bishop_n offer_n e._n g._n to_o ordain_v or_o depose_v a_o presbyter_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o other_o presbyter_n when_o be_v such_o a_o sole_a power_n deem_v necessary_a for_o raise_v a_o bishop_n to_o all_o the_o due_a elevation_n of_o the_o episcopal_a authority_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o distinguish_v between_o a_o sole_a and_o a_o chief_a power_n between_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o other_o power_n and_o a_o power_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o power_n between_o a_o power_n without_o or_o against_o which_o no_o other_o power_n can_v act_n tho'_o they_o may_v in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o or_o subordination_n to_o it_o and_o a_o power_n destroy_v all_o other_o power_n or_o disable_n they_o from_o act_v once_o more_o how_o loose_a and_o ambiguous_a be_v that_o part_n of_o his_o definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n in_o which_o he_o call_v he_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o flock_n may_v not_o a_o bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n be_v call_v a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n in_o as_o great_a propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o a_o presbyterian_a minister_n and_o his_o parish_n sure_o i_o be_o st._n cyprian_n and_o his_o contemporary_n think_v so_o as_o you_o may_v learn_v hereafter_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o i_o say_v for_o one_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o escape_n if_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n for_o it_o but_o i_o love_v not_o jangle_n and_o i_o must_v avoid_v prolixity_n and_o therefore_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o our_o author_n and_o the_o apologist_n and_o suppose_v he_o intend_v however_o he_o express_v it_o to_o speak_v home_o to_o the_o apologist_n argument_n the_o force_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o answer_n as_o i_o take_v it_o must_v be_v this_o that_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o such_o as_o be_v call_v bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n to_o such_o as_o be_v now_o so_o call_v in_o scotland_n be_v not_o good_a that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v nothing_o like_o one_o of_o our_o modern_a scotish_n bishop_n i._n e._n a_o church_n governor_n superior_a to_o and_o have_v a_o prelatic_a power_n over_o all_o other_o church-governor_n within_o such_o a_o district_n as_o we_o common_o call_v a_o diocese_n that_o a_o bishop_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a flock_n such_o a_o flock_n as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o assembly_n for_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n such_o a_o flock_n as_o the_o people_n of_o one_o single_a parish_n be_v in_o the_o modern_a presbyterian_a notion_n of_o a_o parish_n act_v in_o parity_n with_o other_o single_a pastor_n of_o other_o single_a flock_n or_o parish_n or_o at_o most_o that_o he_o be_v but_o the_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n take_v both_o term_n in_o the_o modern_a current_a presbyterian_a sense_n i._n e._n as_o moderator_n signfy_v one_o who_o as_o such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n nor_o have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o his_o brethren_n one_o who_o power_n be_v mere_o ordinative_a not_o decisive_n to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o meeting_n not_o to_o be_v their_o will_n or_o command_v faculty_n to_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o what_o come_v before_o they_o not_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v debate_v among_o they_o and_o as_o presbytery_n signify_v such_o a_o number_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v presbyter_n live_v and_o have_v their_o cure_n within_o such_o a_o district_n meet_v together_o upon_o occasion_n and_o act_v in_o parity_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n that_o therefore_o our_o scotish_n presbyterian_o can_v be_v call_v schismatic_n in_o st._n cyprian_n notion_n of_o schism_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o separate_a from_o their_o pastor_n or_o
presbyter_n acknowledge_v their_o offence_n and_o humble_o supplicate_v that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o their_o escape_n forget_v how_o when_o all_o this_o be_v narrate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v please_v to_o convocate_v the_o presbytery_n how_o maximus_n urbanus_fw-la sidonius_n and_o macarius_n be_v allow_v to_o appear_v make_v their_o acknowledgement_n and_o humble_a address_n and_o then_o how_o after_o they_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o presbytery_n the_o whole_a matter_n be_v communicate_v to_o the_o people_n and_o they_o again_o renew_v their_o acknowledgement_n before_o the_o people_n confess_v as_o i_o show_v before_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a catholic_n church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o one_o holy-ghost_a so_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v only_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o catholic_n church_n 93._o here_o i_o say_v be_v a_o noble_a instance_n of_o a_o bishop_n power_n in_o convocate_a his_o presbyter_n at_o pleasure_n and_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n like_o a_o chief_a governor_n the_o whole_a epistle_n be_v well_o worth_a peruse_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v that_o cornalius_fw-la seek_v not_o the_o people_n consent_n for_o their_o reception_n no_o he_o first_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o it_o i_o observe_v this_o because_o it_o be_v another_o demonstration_n that_o what_o st._n cyprian_a determine_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o episcopacy_n be_v mere_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o arbitrary_a condescension_n viz._n to_o do_v nothing_o without_o his_o people_n consent_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o episcopacy_n for_o then_o cornelius_n have_v be_v as_o much_o bind_v as_o he_o after_o these_o person_n be_v so_o solemn_o reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n they_o themselves_o by_o a_o letter_n give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o st._n cyprian_n a_o account_n i_o say_v which_o may_v bring_v more_o light_n to_o the_o whole_a matter_n if_o it_o need_v any_o we_o be_v certain_a say_v they_o most_o dear_a brother_n that_o you_o will_v rejoice_v with_o we_o when_o you_o know_v that_o all_o mistake_v be_v forget_v and_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o cornelius_n our_o bishop_n and_o to_o all_o the_o clergy_n to_o the_o great_a contentment_n and_o good_a like_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 98._o but_o you_o may_v say_v do_v not_o the_o roman_a presbytery_n conveen_n during_o the_o vacancy_n after_o the_o death_n of_o fabianus_n and_o do_v not_o the_o presbytery_n of_o carthage_n meet_v frequent_o during_o the_o time_n of_o st._n cyprian_n secession_n how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a presbyter_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v so_o in_o both_o case_n but_o how_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v no_o meeting_n of_o the_o clergy_n at_o carthage_n during_o st._n cyprian_n secession_n without_o his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v when_o he_o retire_v he_o leave_v a_o delegated_a power_n with_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n or_o a_o allowance_n call_v it_o as_o you_o will_v to_o meet_v and_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v but_o still_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o of_o moment_n without_o first_o consult_v he_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v of_o ordinary_a incidence_n be_v regulate_v by_o the_o canon_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n thus_o in_o his_o five_o epistle_n direct_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v present_a himself_o he_o require_v they_o faithful_o and_o religious_o to_o discharge_v both_o his_o office_n and_o their_o own_o 10._o which_o not_o only_o import_v that_o they_o have_v distinct_a office_n from_o he_o but_o also_o in_o express_a term_n settle_v a_o delegation_n on_o they_o he_o bespeak_v they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o his_o 12_o epistle_n 27._o and_o more_o authoritative_o yet_o ep._n 14._o where_o he_o not_o only_o exhort_v but_o command_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o vicar_n to_o he_o 31._o but_o then_o how_o warm_o he_o reâ—ented_v it_o when_o some_o of_o they_o venture_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o allowance_n he_o have_v give_v they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o encroach_v on_o his_o prerogative_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o meddle_v in_o matter_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o allowance_n and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o common_a road_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o canon_n you_o shall_v hear_v to_o purpose_n by_o and_o by_o and_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v the_o other_o case_n that_o of_o the_o presbytery_n meet_v in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o vacancy_n may_v be_v easy_o clear_v also_o for_o tho'_o they_o may_v meet_v yet_o all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o provide_v all_o they_o can_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n by_o determine_v in_o rule_v case_n just_a as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o inferior_a magistrate_n in_o all_o other_o corporation_n or_o society_n in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o inter-reign_a but_o they_o can_v make_v no_o new_a rule_n and_o there_o be_v several_a other_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o do_v as_o i_o shall_v also_o show_v full_o within_o a_o little_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n have_v mention_v how_o st._n cyprian_a in_o his_o absence_n give_v a_o delegation_n to_o his_o clergy_n and_o constitute_v they_o his_o vicar_n let_v i_o give_v you_o one_o example_n of_o it_o which_o may_v well_o deserve_v to_o pass_v for_o another_o instance_n of_o act_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v eighthly_a his_o delegate_a not_o his_o presbyter_n in_o common_a but_o two_o of_o they_o only_o viz._n rogatianus_n and_o nâ—midicus_n with_o two_o bishop_n caldonius_n and_o herculanus_n not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o of_o the_o clergy_n at_o carthage_n but_o to_o pronounce_v his_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o felicissimus_n and_o augendus_n and_o all_o that_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o that_o faction_n and_o conspiracy_n 79._o which_o delegation_n be_v according_o accept_v of_o and_o the_o sentence_n put_v in_o execution_n as_o we_o learn_v by_o the_o return_n which_o these_o four_o delegate_n together_o with_o another_o bishop_n call_v victor_n make_v to_o our_o holy_a martyr_n 81._o i_o may_v have_v easy_o collect_v more_o instance_n of_o power_n and_o faculty_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o presbyter_n but_o these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o sample_n especial_o consider_v that_o more_o perhaps_o may_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o next_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o make_v appear_v which_o be_v ii_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n he_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o key_n no_o man_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n no_o man_n can_v be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o church_n none_o excommunicate_v can_v be_v admit_v to_o penance_n nor_o absolve_v nor_o restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n no_o ecclesiastical_a law_n can_v be_v make_v nor_o rescind_v nor_o dispense_v with_o without_o he_o in_o short_a all_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n depend_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n and_o neither_o sacrament_n can_v be_v administrate_v without_o his_o allowance_n if_o this_o point_n well_o prove_v do_v not_o evince_n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v a_o real_a prelate_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o real_a superiority_n above_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n i_o must_v despair_v of_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n and_o i_o must_v despair_v of_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n if_o i_o prove_v not_o this_o point_n 1._o to_o begin_v with_o baptism_n the_o sacrament_n by_o which_o person_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v baptise_a without_o the_o bishop_n consent_n have_v as_o much_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v well_o require_v for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o first_o st._n cyprian_n can_v not_o have_v express_v any_o thing_n more_o full_o or_o more_o plain_o than_o he_o have_v do_v this_o to_o omit_v that_o testimony_n which_o he_o give_v in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o martyrdom_n
where_o he_o say_v bishop_n by_o our_o lord_n allowance_n give_v the_o first_o baptism_n to_o believer_n 168._o let_v we_o turn_v over_o to_o ep._n 73._o in_o which_o he_o insist_o direct_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o baptism_n perform_v by_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n be_v valid_a st._n cyprian_n affirm_v it_o be_v not_o his_o conclusion_n be_v such_o as_o require_v some_o other_o argument_n to_o support_v it_o than_o his_o own_o authority_n it_o be_v therefore_o needful_a that_o he_o shall_v attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o that_o from_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v principle_n now_o consider_v his_o argument_n i_o shall_v give_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v translate_v they_o it_o be_v manifest_a say_v he_o where_o and_o by_o who_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v give_v which_o be_v give_v in_o baptism_n for_o our_o lord_n give_v first_o to_z peter_z on_o who_o he_o build_v his_o church_n thereby_o institute_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o original_a of_o unity_n that_o power_n that_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n and_o then_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o give_v it_o to_o all_o his_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 20._o v._n 21_o 22_o 23._o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o none_o can_v baptise_v authoritative_o and_o give_v remission_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o bishop_n and_o those_o who_o be_v found_v in_o the_o evangelical_n law_n and_o our_o lord_n institution_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v bind_v or_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o church_n seeing_z there_o be_v none_o there_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o loose_v further_n dear_a brother_n we_o want_v not_o divine_a warrant_n for_o it_o when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n have_v dispose_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o certain_a law_n and_o a_o proper_a ordinance_n and_o that_o none_o can_v usurp_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o bishop_n all_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o for_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n attempt_v to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o privilege_n of_o sacrifice_v against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o priest_n and_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o it_o because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a 201._o thus_o st._n cyprian_n argue_v and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n lie_v visible_o in_o this_o that_o baptism_n perform_v by_o heretic_n or_o schismatic_n can_v be_v valid_a because_o not_o perform_v by_o the_o bishop_n nor_o with_o his_o allowance_n now_o whatever_o come_v of_o his_o inference_n sure_a it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a in_o he_o to_o have_v so_o reason_v if_o his_o antecedent_n have_v not_o be_v a_o receive_a principle_n neither_o be_v st._n cyprian_n singular_a in_o this_o for_o firmilian_a bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o cappadocia_n be_v as_o plain_a say_v as_o i_o have_v cite_v he_o before_o that_o the_o bishop_n who_o govern_v the_o church_n possess_v the_o power_n of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o ordination_n and_o fortunatus_n bishop_n of_o thuraboris_n another_o of_o st._n cyprian_n contemporary_n in_o his_o suffrage_n at_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o either_o cyprian_a or_o firmilian_a jesus_n christ_n say_v he_o our_o lord_n and_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o creator_n build_v his_o church_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o not_o upon_o heresy_n and_o give_v the_o power_n of_o baptise_v to_o bishop_n and_o not_o to_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n 17._o indeed_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n we_o have_v tertullian_n who_o spend_v most_o of_o his_o day_n in_o the_o second_o century_n and_o who_o in_o his_o book_n about_o baptism_n against_o quintilla_fw-la to_o the_o question_n who_o may_v baptise_v answer_v positive_o the_o highpriest_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n have_v the_o power_n of_o baptise_v and_o after_o he_o or_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n but_o not_o without_o the_o bishop_n authority_n 17._o and_o before_o he_o we_o have_v the_o apostolical_a ignatius_n who_o spend_v almost_o all_o his_o day_n in_o the_o first_o century_n and_o who_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o baptise_v without_o the_o bishop_n 6._o 2._o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n have_v as_o much_o power_n about_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n no_o presbyter_n within_o his_o district_n can_v administer_v it_o without_o his_o leave_n or_o against_o his_o interdict_v st._n cyprian_n testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v innumerable_a let_v i_o give_v you_o only_o one_o or_o two_o for_o instance_n thus_o in_o his_o 16_o epistle_n write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o resent_v it_o high_o that_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v dare_v to_o admit_v the_o lapse_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o his_o allowance_n such_o say_v he_o deny_v i_o the_o honour_n of_o which_o by_o divine_a right_n i_o be_o possess_v etc._n etc._n indeed_o the_o 15_o 16_o and_o 17_o epistle_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n 38._o and_o in_o his_o 59th_o epistle_n have_v cite_v mal._n 2._o v._n 1_o 2._o he_o reason_n thus_o against_o all_o such_o presbyter_n as_o presume_v to_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n without_o the_o bishop_n allowance_n be_v glory_n give_v to_o god_n when_o his_o majesty_n and_o discipline_n be_v so_o contemn_v that_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v angry_a and_o full_a of_o wrath_n against_o such_o as_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o when_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o punishment_n sacrilegious_a person_n shall_v presume_v to_o say_v think_v not_o on_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n fear_v not_o the_o divine_a judgement_n knock_v not_o at_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v cut_v off_o repentance_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o presbyter_n contemn_v and_o trample_v on_o their_o bishop_n shall_v preach_v peace_n with_o deceive_v word_n and_o give_v the_o communion_n etc._n etc._n 135._o and_o it_o be_v a_o passage_n very_o remarkable_a to_o this_o purpose_n which_o we_o read_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o dionysiâ—s_n of_o alexandria_n to_o fabius_n of_o antioch_n both_o st._n cyprian_n contemporary_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v how_o one_o serapion_n a_o age_a man_n after_o a_o long_a perseverance_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v first_o fall_v from_o it_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o then_o into_o a_o deadly_a sickness_n how_o after_o he_o have_v be_v dumb_a and_o senseless_a for_o some_o day_n recover_v some_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n he_o call_v quick_o for_o one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n for_o he_o live_v in_o that_o city_n that_o he_o may_v be_v absolve_v and_o have_v the_o sacrament_n be_v persuade_v he_o shall_v not_o die_v till_o he_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n and_o how_o the_o presbyter_n be_v sick_a also_o send_v the_o sacrament_n to_o he_o but_o by_o what_o right_a or_o authority_n by_o dionysius_n the_o bishop_n for_o say_v he_o i_o have_v command_v that_o any_o lapse_v if_o in_o danger_n of_o death_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v a_o humble_a supplicant_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v absolve_v that_o he_o may_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n full_a of_o good_a hope_n etc._n etc._n 14._o he_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o city_n have_v give_v a_o command_n for_o it_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v and_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o more_o than_o ignatius_n have_v tell_v the_o world_n long_o before_o viz._n that_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v deem_v a_o firm_a and_o valid_a eucharist_n which_o be_v celebrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n or_o by_o his_o authority_n 6._o let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o testimony_n more_o from_o st._n cyprian_a concern_v both_o sacrament_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o not_o to_o be_v neglect_v it_o be_v in_o his_o 69th_o epistle_n write_v to_o magnus_n the_o great_a purpose_n he_o pursue_v in_o it_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o atrocious_a gild_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o forlorn_a condition_n of_o schismatic_n that_o they_o can_v have_v valid_a sacrament_n and_o that_o all_o their_o act_n be_v nullity_n etc._n etc._n among_o many_o argument_n to_o this_o effect_n he_o insist_o on_o that_o famous_a one_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v of_o that_o same_o religion_n that_o moses_n and_o aaron_n be_v of_o and_o serve_v the_o same_o god_n who_o moses_n and_o aaron_n serve_v but_o because_o they_o transgress_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o own_o station_n and_o usurp_v a_o power_n of_o sacrifice_v to_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o aaron_n the_o priest_n who_o be_v only_o legal_o invest_v with_o the_o priesthood_n by_o god_n vouchsafement_n and_o appointment_n they_o be_v forthwith_o punish_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n neither_o can_v their_o sacrifice_n be_v valid_a or_o profitable_a be_v offer_v unlawful_o and_o irreligious_o and_o against_o
dear_a to_o god_n and_o in_o a_o close_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o near_a approximation_n to_o he_o than_o christian_n of_o the_o common_a size_n and_o their_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o use_n of_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o former_a persecution_n these_o therefore_o as_o the_o only_a person_n who_o credit_n can_v be_v feasible_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o bishop_n authority_n the_o holy_a man_n supplanter_n instigate_v to_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o lapse_v to_o become_v their_o patron_n for_o have_v themselves_o absolve_v against_o the_o bishop_n resolution_n and_o true_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o turn_v zealous_a for_o it_o and_o arm_v with_o their_o authority_n these_o discontent_a presbyter_n adventure_v to_o absolve_v and_o lapse_v and_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o bishop_n allowance_n now_o consider_v what_o follow_v and_o speak_v your_o conscience_n and_o tell_v i_o if_o st._n cyprian_n be_v not_o more_o than_o either_o single_a presbyter_n or_o presbyterian_a moderator_n tho'_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mild_a and_o most_o humble_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v yet_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o be_v tell_v he_o where_o he_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n he_o be_v not_o a_o little_a alarm_v the_o practice_n be_v surprise_v and_o the_o presumption_n new_a as_o well_o as_o bold_a the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n and_o such_o preposterous_a method_n clear_o tend_v to_o shake_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o order_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o high_a time_n for_o he_o if_o he_o can_v to_o give_v the_o check_n to_o such_o irregular_a and_o unexampled_a method_n in_o short_a he_o draw_v his_o pen_n and_o write_v three_o notable_a epistle_n one_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n another_o to_o his_o clergy_n and_o a_o three_o to_o his_o people_n insist_v in_o each_o of_o they_o upon_o the_o novelty_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o course_n be_v take_v the_o dishonour_v and_o indignity_n be_v do_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o fatal_a consequence_n may_v nay_o woo_a unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbear_v more_o particular_o in_o that_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o his_o episcopal_a care_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n compel_v he_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o as_o they_o have_v devout_o and_o courageous_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o they_o ought_v suitable_o to_o be_v observant_a of_o christ_n holy_a law_n and_o discipline_n that_o as_o it_o become_v all_o christ_n soldier_n to_o obey_v their_o general_n be_v command_v so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o that_o he_o have_v think_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o be_v with_o they_o may_v have_v teach_v they_o so_o much_o but_o that_o now_o to_o his_o extreme_a grief_n he_o understand_v they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o of_o they_o especial_o some_o presbyter_n neither_o mind_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o bishop_n have_v industrious_o mislead_v they_o he_o complain_v mighty_o of_o the_o presumption_n of_o such_o presbyter_n that_o against_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n they_o shall_v have_v dare_v to_o reconcile_v the_o lapse_v without_o his_o consent_n that_o herein_o they_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o lapser_n themselves_o that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o excusable_a in_o the_o lapse_v to_o be_v earnest_a for_o a_o absolution_n consider_v the_o uncomfortable_a state_n they_o be_v in_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v deny_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v nothing_o rash_o lest_o in_o stead_n of_o pastor_n they_o shall_v prove_v worrier_n of_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o tell_v these_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n how_o far_o their_o privilege_n reach_v all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v by_o way_n of_o humble_a supplication_n to_o petition_v the_o bishop_n for_o a_o relaxation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o they_o have_v neither_o power_n to_o command_v he_o nor_o grant_v indulgence_n without_o he_o 34._o indeed_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o frequent_o and_o that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o line_n if_o they_o venture_v any_o further_a 70._o in_o that_o to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o write_v in_o a_o yet_o more_o resent_v strain_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v long_o keep_v his_o patience_n and_o hold_v his_o peace_n but_o their_o immoderate_a presumption_n and_o temerity_n will_v suffer_v he_o no_o long_o to_o be_v silent_a for_o what_o a_o dreadful_a prospect_n say_v he_o must_v we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n when_o some_o presbyter_n neither_o mindful_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o their_o own_o station_n nor_o regard_v the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o bishop_n who_o for_o the_o time_n be_v set_v over_o they_o dare_v attempt_n what_o be_v never_o attempt_v before_o under_o any_o of_o my_o predecessor_n namely_o so_o to_o affront_v and_o contemâ—â—_n their_o bishop_n as_o to_o assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o he_o can_v overlook_v and_o bear_v with_o the_o indignity_n do_v to_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o but_o the_o course_n they_o follow_v be_v so_o wicked_a they_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o lapse_v who_o they_o presume_v to_o reconcile_v so_o uncaononical_o their_o pride_n and_o popularity_n be_v so_o apparent_a in_o their_o method_n it_o be_v such_o a_o crime_n so_o to_o expose_v the_o martyr_n to_o envy_n and_o set_v they_o at_o variance_n with_o their_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o can_v stifle_v it_o no_o long_o in_o short_a all_o over_o the_o epistle_n he_o write_v like_o a_o bishop_n and_o conclude_v it_o with_o a_o peremptory_a threaten_v of_o a_o present_a suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o then_o a_o infliction_n of_o further_a censure_n when_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o his_o retirement_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o such_o a_o lawless_a course_n epist._n in_o that_o to_o his_o people_n he_o proceed_v on_o the_o â—ame_n principle_n condemn_v these_o presbyter_n who_o have_v act_v so_o disorderly_a not_o reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o chair_n and_o priesthood_n tell_v they_o that_o those_o presbyter_n ought_v to_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n otherwise_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o affectation_n of_o popularity_n and_o require_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o have_v not_o fall_v to_o take_v pain_n upon_o the_o lapse_v to_o try_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o counsel_n and_o wait_v his_o return_n etc._n etc._n 39_o here_o be_v three_o epistle_n write_v i_o think_v in_o plain_a prelatic_a style_n sure_a neither_o in_o the_o style_n of_o single_a presbyter_n nor_o presbyterian_a moderator_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o very_a next_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n still_o he_o have_v write_v to_o they_o several_a time_n before_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o answer_n from_o they_o now_o consider_v how_o he_o resent_v this_o and_o resent_v it_o assert_n his_o own_o episcopal_a authority_n his_o own_o sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n for_o thus_o he_o begin_v i_o wonder_v dear_a brethren_n that_o you_o have_v return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o many_o letter_n i_o have_v send_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o now_o in_o my_o retirement_n you_o ought_v to_o inform_v i_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v that_o so_o i_o may_v advise_o and_o deliberate_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n 40._o let_v any_o man_n lie_v these_o four_o letter_n together_o and_o weigh_v they_o impartial_o and_o then_o let_v he_o judge_v if_o st._n cyprian_n write_v in_o the_o style_n of_o parity_n if_o he_o claim_v not_o a_o sovereign_a power_n a_o negative_a to_o himself_o over_o all_o the_o christian_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o live_v within_o his_o district_n but_o do_v not_o cyprian_n show_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o this_o cause_n possible_o he_o attempt_v to_o stretch_v his_o power_n a_o little_a too_o far_o as_o afterward_o many_o do_v he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o meek_a man_n but_o such_o may_v be_v a_o little_a too_o high_a so_o i_o read_v indeed_o in_o a_o late_a book_n 179._o but_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n have_v find_v himself_o very_o sore_o put_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v so_o for_o how_o can_v one_o not_o be_v fore_o put_v to_o
it_o when_o he_o can_v escape_v but_o by_o seek_v for_o refuge_n in_o a_o reconciliation_n between_o pride_n and_o patience_n superciliousness_n and_o self-denial_n huffyness_n and_o humility_n carnal_a height_n and_o christian_a holiness_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v have_v that_o author_n any_o solid_a ground_n for_o say_v so_o or_o rather_o have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v say_v so_o have_v he_o have_v but_o a_o ordinary_a acquaintance_n with_o st._n cyprian_n or_o his_o epistle_n charge_v pride_n on_o the_o humble_a cyprian_a cyprian_a who_o be_v so_o very_o humble_a that_o from_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o nothingness_n he_o have_v still_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o humility_n cyprian_a who_o humility_n will_v not_o allow_v he_o almost_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o style_n of_o authority_n even_o to_o female_a laic_n 94._o cyprian_a who_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v none_o but_o the_o humble_a and_o quiet_a 26._o cyprian_a who_o believe_v that_o none_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o withal_o be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a 30._o who_o insist_v on_o his_o own_o humility_n in_o that_o very_a epistle_n for_o which_o that_o author_n charge_v he_o with_o pride_n 16._o who_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n glory_v most_o in_o his_o humble_a and_o bashful_a modesty_n 148._o who_o when_o accuse_v of_o pride_n can_v appeal_v not_o only_o to_o all_o christian_n but_o even_o to_o the_o heathen_a infidel_n as_o witness_n of_o his_o innocence_n 166._o cyprian_a who_o have_v this_o great_a testimony_n from_o some_o of_o his_o contemporary_n that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a preacher_n the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n the_o wise_a in_o counsel_n the_o simple_a in_o patience_n the_o most_o charitable_a in_o alm_n the_o holy_a in_o abstinence_n the_o humble_a in_o obligingness_n and_o the_o most_o innocent_a in_o every_o good_a action_n 234._o and_o from_o other_o that_o he_o have_v a_o candid_a and_o a_o bless_a breast_n etc._n etc._n 236._o in_o a_o word_n cyprian_a who_o humility_n be_v such_o that_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v his_o deacon_n pontius_n he_o flee_v and_o lurk_v when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o make_v he_o a_o bishop_n 3._o such_o that_o when_o st._n augustine_n many_o year_n after_o be_v press_v with_o his_o authority_n he_o come_v off_o with_o this_o the_o authority_n of_o cyprian_n do_v not_o fright_v i_o because_o the_o humility_n of_o cyprian_a encourage_v i_o baptism_n such_o a_o person_n be_v cyprian_n and_o yet_o to_o proud_a be_v he_o forsooth_o for_o do_v his_o duty_n for_o assert_v his_o episcopal_a authority_n when_o most_o undutiful_o trample_v on_o by_o his_o presume_a presbyter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v methinks_v may_v be_v enough_o in_o all_o conscience_n for_o defeat_v for_o ever_o that_o uncharitable_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o ignorant_a suggestion_n that_o it_o be_v pride_n perhaps_o that_o prompt_v cyprian_n to_o write_v so_o magisterial_o to_o the_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n yet_o because_o a_o far_a discussion_n of_o it_o may_v contribute_v not_o a_o little_a for_o clear_v up_o the_o bishop_n negative_a in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n i_o shall_v not_o grudge_v to_o give_v it_o you_o st._n cyprian_n have_v three_o sort_n of_o people_n to_o deal_v with_o in_o that_o controversy_n which_o breed_v he_o so_o much_o trouble_v he_o have_v the_o lapse_v themselves_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n and_o these_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o have_v encroach_v so_o much_o on_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v the_o author_n himself_o with_o who_o i_o have_v now_o to_o do_v will_v not_o be_v shy_a to_o grant_v that_o st._n cyprian_n without_o incur_v the_o reputation_n of_o either_o proud_a or_o presumptuous_a may_v have_v chide_v the_o lapse_v as_o we_o find_v he_o do_v they_o have_v cowardly_o renounce_v their_o christianity_n to_o save_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o the_o canon_n subject_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a and_o a_o long_a penance_n for_o it_o and_o i_o think_v without_o the_o imputation_n of_o either_o height_n or_o humour_n one_o in_o st._n cyprian_n station_n may_v have_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o respect_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o indeed_o all_o the_o lapse_v be_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o disorderly_a course_n there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o subject_v themselves_o to_o their_o bishop_n resolve_v to_o wait_v his_o time_n and_o entire_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o their_o absolution_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o 33d_o epistle_n his_o difficulty_n be_v great_a with_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n who_o appear_v as_o patron_n to_o the_o prejudicate_v lapse_v but_o neither_o need_n i_o insist_v on_o that_o nor_o how_o he_o conquer_v they_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o author_n tell_v dr._n still_v fleet_n he_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o meddle_v with_o that_o matter_n see_v none_o ever_o imagine_v that_o every_o martyr_n have_v church_n power_n tho'_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o sir_n that_o whoso_o read_v st._n cyprian_n work_n and_o particular_o observe_v the_o state_n and_o management_n of_o this_o whole_a controversy_n about_o the_o lapse_v can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o reputation_n and_o authority_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n make_v a_o far_o great_a figure_n in_o it_o than_o the_o reputation_n or_o authority_n of_o presbyter_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a point_n with_o this_o author_n let_v we_o try_v if_o st._n cyprian_n stretch_v his_o power_n too_o far_o in_o his_o treatment_n of_o the_o presbyter_n who_o appear_v against_o he_o in_o this_o controversy_n consider_v the_o follow_a step_n and_o then_o judge_v i._o consider_v that_o st._n cyprian_n do_v not_o fall_v a_o buff_n or_o hector_v or_o run_v they_o down_o by_o noise_n or_o clamour_n no_o he_o reason_n the_o case_n with_o they_o and_o reason_n all_o along_o from_o know_v and_o receive_v principle_n he_o tell_v they_o plain_o indeed_o that_o in_o presume_v as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v forget_v both_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o own_o station_n that_o he_o be_v their_o superior_a that_o they_o do_v not_o pay_v he_o the_o honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o chair_n and_o character_n that_o the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v attempt_v before_o by_o presbyter_n under_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor-bishop_n that_o it_o be_v a_o factious_a selfish_a temper_n and_o too_o great_a love_n of_o popularity_n that_o prompt_v they_o to_o measure_n so_o in_o no_o wise_a presidented_a that_o he_o know_v the_o secret_a of_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o old_a grudge_n against_o his_o be_v prefer_v to_o the_o bishopric_n that_o bias_v they_o to_o their_o insolence_n that_o be_v belong_v to_o he_o as_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v bishop_n i._n e._n as_o have_v the_o visible_a sovereignty_n in_o church_n matter_n to_o straiten_v or_o slacken_v the_o sinew_n of_o discipline_n to_o prolong_v or_o shorten_v the_o course_n of_o penance_n to_o grant_v absolution_n and_o reconcile_v penitent_n etc._n etc._n that_o such_o presumption_n be_v encroachment_n upon_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o subversion_n whereof_o their_o pretend_v to_o any_o power_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n tend_v in_o short_a that_o such_o practice_n be_v against_o christ_n institution_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o law_n of_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n and_o they_o deserve_v the_o sharp_a censure_n for_o they_o these_o i_o say_v be_v a_o sample_n of_o the_o argument_n st._n cyprian_n insist_v on_o against_o those_o presbyter_n and_o most_o of_o they_o be_v found_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o now_o suppose_v st._n cyprian_n have_v have_v considerable_a dose_n of_o pride_n yet_o if_o you_o will_v but_o allow_v he_o withal_o to_o have_v have_v some_o grain_n of_o common_a sense_n or_o honesty_n can_v you_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v he_o can_v have_v use_v such_o argument_n if_o they_o have_v want_v foundation_n will_v he_o not_o have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v use_v they_o if_o he_o and_o not_o his_o presbyter_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o usurpation_n he_o be_v condemn_v but_o what_o need_v more_o have_v i_o not_o full_o prove_v already_o that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o all_o the_o christian_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o within_z his_o district_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o sovereign_n and_o peerless_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o rule_v and_o be_v not_o all_o his_o reasâ—nings_n found_v on_o these_o principle_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2._o consider_v that_o they_o be_v
not_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o quarrel_n no_o râ—gatianus_n britius_n numidicus_n and_o perhaps_o many_o more_o who_o name_n be_v not_o trasmit_v to_o we_o will_v never_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o faction_n but_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o will_v not_o have_v join_v with_o their_o brethren_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o cyprian_n have_v be_v the_o usurper_n if_o he_o have_v be_v claim_v a_o sovereign_a power_n without_o any_o pretence_n of_o right_a to_o it_o if_o he_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o a_o prelacy_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n we_o learn_v from_o st._n cyprian_n himself_n that_o in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a wickedness_n for_o man_n to_o part_v tame_o with_o their_o right_n and_o power_n in_o divine_a matter_n 209._o and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o rogatianus_n bâ—itius_n and_o numidicus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o or_o suppose_v that_o shall_v have_v have_v small_a weight_n with_o they_o be_v power_n such_o a_o gustless_a thing_n that_o man_n will_v easy_o part_v with_o it_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o to_o go_v on_o 3._o even_o those_o very_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o faction_n come_v once_o to_o something_o like_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n in_o the_o matter_n they_o lower_v their_o sail_n and_o begin_v to_o wave_v apology_n and_o knit_v excuse_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v they_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o fair_a face_n upon_o the_o foul_a step_n they_o have_v make_v they_o write_v to_o cyprian_a that_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o bridle_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o lapse_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o penance_n till_o his_o return_n from_o his_o retirement_n but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o ungovernable_a and_o stiff_a and_o urge_v a_o present_a absolution_n so_o eager_o and_o irresistible_o that_o they_o be_v force_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n but_o now_o see_v they_o find_v that_o he_o their_o bishop_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v they_o ask_v a_o form_n from_o he_o i._n e._n his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o matter_n 41._o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v whether_o st._n cyprian_n or_o these_o presbyter_n have_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n before_o whether_o he_o or_o they_o have_v act_v beyond_o their_o line_n but_o i_o have_v more_o to_o tell_v you_o for_o 4._o these_o presbyter_n who_o have_v thus_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o station_n be_v general_o condemn_v for_o it_o by_o their_o brethren_n presbyter_n all_o the_o world_n over_o at_o least_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o the_o presbyter_n of_o româ—_n take_v it_o thus_o st._n cyprian_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o watchful_a as_o well_o as_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a prelate_n one_o who_o have_v still_o before_o his_o eye_n thâ—_n conservation_n of_o the_o order_n the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o perceive_v that_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v may_v be_v of_o bad_a influence_n on_o those_o great_a interest_n if_o not_o prudent_o determine_v think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v his_o brethren_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n with_o it_o and_o ask_v their_o sentiment_n about_o it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n then_o at_o rome_n he_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o roman_a presbytery_n the_o epistle_n be_v the_o 20_o in_o number_n in_o which_o he_o deduce_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o particular_o how_o he_o have_v exert_v his_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o its_o vigour_n against_o such_o of_o his_o presbyter_n as_o without_o his_o leave_n have_v bold_o and_o presumptuous_o absolve_v the_o lapse_v and_o give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n 43._o now_o consider_v their_o return_n to_o he_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o 30_o epistle_n they_o begin_v with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o his_o own_o district_n which_o i_o observe_v before_o page_n they_o impute_v it_o to_o his_o modesty_n and_o caution_n not_o to_o his_o pride_n and_o fetulancy_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o communicate_v his_o measure_n to_o they_o they_o approve_v the_o course_n he_o have_v take_v with_o the_o lapse_v they_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n sit_v at_o the_o helm_n who_o if_o he_o steer_v not_o right_a and_o keep_v not_o a_o steady_a course_n especial_o in_o a_o storm_n endanger_v the_o ship_n and_o run_v she_o upon_o rock_n or_o shelf_n and_o i_o think_v the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n do_v not_o act_n in_o parity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o mariner_n and_o further_o they_o compare_v those_o who_o at_o that_o time_n endeavour_v to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o his_o discipline_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o the_o tumble_a wave_n strive_v to_o shake_v the_o master_n from_o the_o helm_n and_o expose_v all_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o shipwreck_n in_o plain_a term_n they_o condemn_v the_o course_n of_o reconcile_a the_o lapse_v so_o undutiful_o and_o rebellious_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o tell_v he_o and_o pray_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o want_v a_o bishop_n they_o can_v define_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o tell_v he_o i_o say_v that_o since_o the_o death_n of_o fabianus_n of_o most_o noble_a memory_n through_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o their_o affair_n they_o have_v not_o get_v a_o bishop_n constitute_v who_o only_o can_v define_v in_o these_o matter_n and_o determine_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v with_o authority_n and_o counsel_n 59_o but_o withal_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o for_o their_o part_n they_o be_v extreme_o well_o please_v with_o the_o course_n he_o have_v take_v namely_o that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o rash_o to_o take_v no_o sudden_a resolution_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n but_o to_o wait_v till_o god_n shall_v grant_v he_o opportunity_n of_o treat_v about_o it_o with_o other_o and_o determine_v with_o common_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o ticklish_a case_n ibid._n where_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o his_o resolution_n on_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o incompetency_n of_o his_o power_n for_o have_v determine_v by_o himself_o concern_v the_o lapse_v within_o his_o own_o district_n no_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v for_o it_o suppose_v his_o power_n to_o have_v be_v full_o adequate_a and_o competent_a for_o that_o effect_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v the_o final_a stroke_n no_o body_n can_v have_v quarrel_v it_o for_o they_o insist_v only_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o power_n they_o tell_v he_o it_o may_v prove_v invidious_a and_o burdensome_a for_o one_o bishop_n to_o determine_v by_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n in_o which_o all_o bishop_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o it_o be_v provident_o do_v of_o he_o to_o dâ—â—ire_v the_o confent_n of_o his_o colleague_n that_o his_o decree_n may_v be_v approve_v and_o confirm_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v make_v void_a through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o brotherly_a ratification_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o say_v for_o which_o they_o justify_v his_o caution_n and_o these_o reason_n suppose_v he_o have_v power_n to_o have_v do_v otherwise_o tho'_o not_o so_o wise_o nor_o so_o wary_o and_o then_o they_o tell_v he_o over_o again_o that_o they_o have_v meet_v frequent_o and_o canvas_v the_o matter_n serious_o they_o have_v toss_v it_o not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o with_o several_a bishop_n far_o and_o near_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o that_o still_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v attempt_v no_o innovation_n till_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v settle_v all_o they_o have_v resolve_v be_v that_o thâ—se_a of_o the_o lapse_v who_o health_n may_v allow_v shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o penitent_n till_o god_n shall_v grant_v they_o a_o bishop_n 60._o neither_o be_v this_o a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o our_o holy_a martyr_n indeed_o in_o all_o this_o they_o give_v he_o a_o true_a account_n of_o their_o real_a sentiment_n and_o principle_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o another_o epistle_n of_o they_o wherein_o they_o have_v neither_o occasion_n nor_o temptation_n to_o compliment_v bishop_n the_o epistle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o eighâ—h_o among_o st._n cyprian_n a_o epistle_n write_v by_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o carthage_n to_o person_n