Selected quad for the lemma: power_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
power_n bishop_n call_v presbyter_n 3,415 5 10.3134 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A36253 Separation of churches from episcopal government, as practised by the present non-conformists, proved schismatical from such principles as are least controverted and do withal most popularly explain the sinfulness and mischief of schism ... by Henry Dodwell ... Dodwell, Henry, 1641-1711. 1679 (1679) Wing D1818; ESTC R13106 571,393 694

There are 28 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

which_o he_o be_v know_v to_o believe_v as_o a_o condition_n necessary_a in_o his_o circumstance_n to_o his_o be_v a_o bishop_n he_o must_v think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o intend_v this_o observation_n will_v prevent_v all_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o themselves_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o every_o presbyter_n which_o they_o think_v the_o bishop_n ought_v to_o will_n also_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o will_v it_o if_o he_o be_v presume_v to_o will_v as_o he_o ought_v it_o be_v his_o actual_a good_a intention_n that_o we_o be_v concern_v for_o at_o present_a and_o that_o must_v not_o be_v presume_v from_o principle_n dispute_v but_o from_o principle_n already_o and_o notorious_o grant_v by_o he_o §_o viii_o 4._o therefore_o in_o this_o way_n of_o judge_v of_o the_o actual_a intention_n of_o those_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v the_o first_o separatist_n there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o prudent_a and_o secure_a measure_n than_o to_o consider_v the_o notion_n then_o prevail_v concern_v the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n especial_o those_o which_o be_v fundamental_a to_o all_o the_o canon_n that_o be_v then_o in_o force_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n of_o this_o power_n these_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o have_v be_v take_v by_o they_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o indeed_o the_o canon_n be_v introduce_v into_o practice_n by_o a_o universal_a consent_n either_o when_o they_o be_v make_v or_o when_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o they_o who_o receive_v power_n yet_o be_v oblige_v to_o those_o canon_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v either_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prevail_a opinion_n or_o be_v true_a to_o the_o obligation_n they_o have_v take_v for_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o canon_n these_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v to_o have_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v also_o reason_v further_a to_o suppose_v their_o practice_n such_o as_o may_v agree_v with_o these_o on_o supposition_n that_o they_o act_v conscientious_o and_o though_o possible_o some_o particular_a person_n may_v have_v entertain_v singular_a opinion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o secure_a to_o presume_v his_o conveyance_n of_o order_n to_o have_v be_v fit_v to_o his_o singular_a opinion_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o presume_v that_o any_o particular_a person_n do_v follow_v a_o singular_a opinion_n when_o the_o generality_n be_v so_o agree_v in_o another_o nor_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o resignation_n of_o judgement_n which_o in_o those_o age_n be_v think_v excellent_a in_o point_n of_o conscience_n on_o which_o account_n many_o thought_n themselves_o oblige_v to_o follow_v the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o superior_n in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o own_o but_o also_o because_o the_o validity_n of_o succession_n depend_v on_o the_o practice_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o place_n and_o age_n but_o especial_o of_o all_o age_n and_o though_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v intend_v different_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n yet_o he_o can_v give_v no_o more_o than_o himself_o have_v receive_v and_o what_o that_o be_v depend_v on_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o ordeiner_n which_o again_o will_v be_v best_a presume_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o generality_n only_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v confine_v at_o least_o this_o be_v a_o presumption_n that_o the_o bishop_n then_o act_v according_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o canon_n then_o general_o receive_v unless_o they_o express_o declare_v themselves_o to_o the_o contrary_n their_o silence_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n as_o that_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n in_o this_o case_n if_o in_o any_o of_o their_o consent_n if_o they_o continue_v silent_a when_o it_o so_o much_o concern_v they_o to_o speak_v their_o mind_n that_o people_n may_v know_v the_o power_n they_o intend_v to_o give_v the_o person_n ordain_v by_o they_o they_o must_v expect_v that_o people_n will_v understand_v they_o according_a to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v desirous_a to_o be_v so_o understand_v §_o ix_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n concern_v the_o identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n original_o whatever_o also_o they_o think_v concern_v the_o fitness_n that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o bare_a presbyter_n yet_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n prevail_v in_o the_o church_n universal_o when_o the_o first_o divide_v presbyter_n whoever_o they_o be_v be_v ordain_v and_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n before_o even_o very_a near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o concurrent_a suffrage_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a antiquary_n of_o our_o adversary_n they_o do_v not_o deny_v and_o indeed_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v too_o notorious_a to_o be_v deny_v by_o man_n of_o any_o ingenuity_n that_o whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o yet_o actual_o bishop_n be_v then_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n and_o distinguish_v in_o this_o very_a particular_a that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v reserve_v as_o a_o prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o never_o communicate_v to_o simple_a presbyter_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o their_o practice_n to_o do_v so_o but_o their_o judgement_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o on_o account_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o at_o least_o a_o little_a before_o the_o reformation_n aerius_n and_o the_o waldenses_n episcop_n vid._n alphons_n à_fw-fr castr._n adv_fw-la haeres_fw-la verb._n episcop_n and_o marsilius_n of_o milan_n and_o wiclef_n be_v condemn_v for_o heretic_n for_o assert_v the_o parity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o it_o be_v withal_o as_o notorious_a that_o every_o bishop_n be_v then_o oblige_v to_o condemn_v all_o heresy_n that_o be_v all_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v then_o censure_v as_o heretical_a by_o that_o church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v bishop_n and_o how_o odious_a also_o the_o name_n of_o heresy_n be_v then_o even_o on_o account_n of_o conscience_n i_o mention_v even_o these_o because_o whatever_o their_o doctrine_n be_v in_o other_o thing_n and_o how_o far_o soever_o they_o may_v go_v to_o justify_v a_o separation_n from_o they_o who_o teach_v those_o doctrine_n yet_o our_o protestant_n themselves_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o succession_n in_o these_o western_a part_n where_o themselves_o receive_v their_o order_n but_o what_o be_v convey_v to_o they_o even_o by_o such_o bishop_n as_o these_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o use_v their_o authority_n for_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o their_o censure_n of_o this_o particular_a heresy_n but_o only_o to_o clear_v what_o their_o actual_a intention_n be_v in_o the_o order_n give_v by_o they_o for_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o themselves_o think_v they_o true_a whether_o they_o be_v mistake_v or_o not_o in_o think_v so_o however_o this_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o age_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o that_o the_o very_a presbyterian_o themselves_o do_v charge_v they_o with_o differ_v herein_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o time_n because_o the_o bishop_n have_v and_o exercise_v a_o superiority_n over_o presbyter_n which_o they_o conceive_v they_o have_v not_o in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n they_o therefore_o call_v they_o humane_a bishop_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n bishop_n who_o they_o conceive_v not_o to_o have_v be_v distinct_a from_o presbyter_n and_o can_v the_o bishop_n be_v no_o scripture-bishop_n because_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o presbyter_n and_o be_v not_o their_o presbyter_n as_o much_o distinct_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o scripture-presbyter_n because_o they_o be_v distinct_a from_o bishop_n if_o this_o consequence_n hold_v why_o do_v they_o challenge_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o those_o scripture-presbyter_n when_o they_o be_v so_o different_a from_o they_o if_o it_o do_v not_o why_o do_v they_o asperse_v the_o sacred_a order_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o modern_a age_n with_o such_o a_o deviation_n from_o the_o primitive_a rule_n §_o x_o however_o this_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o late_a age_n do_v actual_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v distinct_a and_o distinct_a in_o this_o very_a particular_a of_o ordination_n how_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v give_v all_o that_o power_n to_o presbyter_n that_o shall_v leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o they_o that_o
this_o opinion_n can_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o give_v this_o power_n to_o simple_a presbyter_n as_o to_o the_o canonical_a exercise_n of_o their_o power_n presbyter_n still_o depend_v on_o their_o bishop_n even_o in_o thing_n not_o exceed_v their_o power_n as_o presbyter_n but_o when_o a_o simple_a presbyter_n be_v license_v to_o preach_v or_o hear_v confession_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o call_v a_o extension_n of_o his_o character_n by_o which_o it_o seem_v most_o likely_a that_o by_o this_o extension_n of_o the_o character_n they_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o canonical_a liberty_n to_o exercise_v more_o act_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v receive_v before_o but_o a_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a branch_n of_o power_n which_o because_o presbyter_n want_v if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v it_o their_o do_v so_o must_v prove_v not_o only_o vncanonical_a but_o invalid_a though_o they_o believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o power_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o yet_o certain_o the_o least_o that_o can_v have_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o difference_n of_o degree_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v have_v be_v that_o bishop_n have_v that_o same_o power_n independent_o which_o the_o presbyter_n have_v dependent_o on_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o undoubted_o this_o they_o do_v grant_v who_o hold_v this_o opinion_n of_o st._n hierome_n in_o the_o great_a rigour_n in_o those_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o if_o they_o do_v not_o grant_v something_o more_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a design_n both_o to_o show_v why_o these_o very_a person_n may_v not_o have_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v this_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o simple_a presbyter_n and_o why_o it_o be_v very_o rational_a for_o we_o also_o to_o presume_v that_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o give_v it_o they_o §_o ix_o for_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o society_n the_o power_n of_o give_v power_n to_o other_o be_v still_o reserve_v as_o a_o prerogative_n of_o he_o who_o have_v that_o same_o power_n independent_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a as_o to_o both_o part_n as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n dependent_o and_o as_o to_o he_o who_o have_v it_o independent_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o in_o the_o exercise_v of_o that_o power_n can_v therefore_o with_o any_o justice_n make_v a_o valid_a conveyance_n of_o that_o power_n to_o another_o because_o he_o can_v himself_n be_v take_v for_o a_o absolute_a master_n of_o that_o power_n though_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v give_v irrevocable_o yet_o while_o it_o be_v give_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o dependence_n be_v not_o be_v alienable_a by_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v without_o the_o giver_n consent_n because_o the_o right_n of_o alienation_n suppose_v a_o property_n of_o our_o own_o and_o dependence_n imply_v a_o reservation_n of_o right_n to_o he_o on_o who_o we_o do_v depend_v which_o right_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o entire_a alienation_n so_o it_o can_v with_o any_o justice_n or_o validity_n be_v dispose_v of_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o he_o who_o property_n it_o be_v beside_o that_o give_v of_o power_n do_v plain_o belong_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n and_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o exercise_n of_o it_o than_o that_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n so_o give_v as_o it_o imply_v a_o great_a power_n to_o give_v a_o power_n which_o include_v a_o capacity_n of_o all_o the_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o than_o only_o to_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v a_o particular_a act._n and_o therefore_o he_o who_o have_v not_o a_o just_a title_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n so_o give_v can_v be_v much_o less_o suppose_a to_o have_v one_o to_o that_o high_a exercise_n of_o power_n by_o which_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v dispose_v of_o it_o be_v also_o clear_a as_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n independent_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o government_n that_o all_o other_o do_v depend_v on_o those_o who_o be_v themselves_o suppose_v independent_a but_o this_o can_v be_v understand_v unless_o the_o independent_a power_n alone_o be_v allow_v the_o power_n of_o admit_v to_o office_n who_o he_o please_v if_o other_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o give_v their_o power_n they_o will_v soon_o make_v themselves_o independent_a if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o at_o first_o by_o make_v a_o party_n and_o perpetuate_n it_o but_o because_o this_o whole_a power_n of_o give_v power_n in_o the_o person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v so_o eternal_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o safety_n of_o society_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v give_v they_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presumption_n for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o never_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o §_o x_o but_o if_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v please_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o these_o person_n proceed_v in_o make_v one_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v a_o right_a of_o simple_a presbyter_n the_o plain_a reason_n be_v that_o they_o make_v their_o distinction_n of_o order_n only_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o because_o simple_a priest_n have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o this_o sacrament_n of_o consecrate_v as_o well_o as_o of_o administer_a it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o high_o requisite_a for_o the_o completion_n of_o this_o solemnity_n reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n nor_o capable_a of_o be_v reserve_v to_o he_o therefore_o there_o be_v on_o this_o account_n no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o order_n above_o priesthood_n and_o because_o this_o power_n of_o transubstantiate_v the_o eucharistical_a element_n be_v then_o look_v on_o as_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o power_n that_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o mortal_n because_o this_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o exempt_v from_o all_o subjection_n to_o temporal_a prince_n nay_o to_o place_v the_o spiritual_a power_n above_o the_o prince_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o power_n which_o have_v be_v so_o extreme_o extol_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o those_o age_n between_o the_o pope_n and_o prince_n the_o bishop_n can_v pretend_v to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v performable_a by_o every_o ordinary_a priest_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o this_o regard_n many_o of_o they_o can_v not_o allow_v any_o order_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o simple_a priesthood_n he_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a conversant_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o that_o age_n will_v find_v that_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v very_o eager_o maintain_v as_o the_o great_a recommendation_n of_o the_o sacred_a power_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o be_v then_o raise_v concern_v it_o so_o it_o be_v particular_o urge_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o presbytery_n as_o often_o as_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o magnify_v their_o office_n and_o this_o i_o therefore_o take_v in_o earnest_a to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n that_o incline_v those_o of_o the_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n that_o follow_v this_o opinion_n rather_o than_o the_o pretend_a instance_n of_o scripture_n or_o even_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n hierome_n himself_o for_o these_o be_v principle_n for_o which_o as_o they_o be_v more_o firm_o interest_v so_o i_o believe_v they_o be_v also_o much_o more_o hearty_o believe_v in_o that_o age_n than_o any_o on●_n particular_a controvert_v sense_n of_o scripture_n recommend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o particular_a father_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n over_o priest_n be_v reconcilable_a with_o this_o allowance_n of_o a_o power_n of_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n to_o simple_a priest_n all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o these_o very_a person_n notwithstanding_o their_o make_v they_o the_o same_o order_n and_o consider_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v thus_o reconcilable_a this_o opinion_n can_v not_o hinder_v those_o person_n from_o appropriate_a it_o to_o the_o bishop_n §_o xi_o for_o notwithstanding_o this_o power_n of_o the_o priesthood_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la be_v think_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o bishop_n yet_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o age_n be_v then_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o what_o can_v our_o adversary_n think_v themselves_o gainer_n
by_o this_o opinion_n as_o it_o be_v maintain_v then_o if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o this_o power_n sufficient_a to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a order_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o they_o own_v the_o word_n or_o no_o so_o long_o as_o they_o own_v the_o thing_n which_o our_o adversary_n may_v possible_o think_v more_o proper_o import_v by_o the_o word_n whatever_o the_o word_n do_v most_o proper_o signify_v yet_o when_o we_o use_v it_o as_o we_o do_v now_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o who_o use_v it_o we_o be_v to_o take_v it_o as_o they_o understand_v it_o how_o improper_o soever_o they_o understand_v it_o and_o we_o have_v the_o rather_o reason_v to_o do_v so_o in_o this_o case_n because_o the_o word_n have_v no_o notorious_a sense_n antecedent_n to_o those_o age_n which_o they_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o mean_v and_o which_o they_o may_v therefore_o be_v presume_v to_o mean_v where_o they_o do_v not_o very_o express_o declare_v the_o contrary_n the_o term_n of_o ordo_fw-la and_o gradus_fw-la as_o they_o be_v term_n of_o art_n be_v entire_o introduce_v by_o themselves_o unmentioned_a in_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o nor_o as_o the_o constant_a language_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o even_o of_o the_o latin_a church_n for_o many_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a age_n and_o why_o may_v not_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o impose_v their_o own_o signification_n on_o their_o own_o term_n §_o xii_o if_o our_o adversary_n say_v that_o the_o allowance_n of_o this_o power_n only_o to_o bishop_n will_v make_v they_o a_o distinct_a order_n than_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o author_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v of_o our_o mind_n in_o the_o thing_n and_o of_o they_o only_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n which_o they_o will_v find_v will_v stand_v they_o in_o no_o stead_n for_o the_o present_a design_n of_o prove_v their_o succession_n they_o must_v then_o say_v that_o those_o author_n make_v episcopacy_n real_o a_o distinct_a order_n with_o we_o though_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o only_o a_o distinct_a degree_n with_o they_o but_o if_o they_o grant_v that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o a_o distinct_a order_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a whether_o they_o use_v that_o word_n so_o long_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v this_o power_n this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o bishop_n will_v in_o the_o consequence_n appropriate_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o they_o not_o only_o as_o ordination_n imply_v the_o give_v of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n to_o inferior_a governor_n but_o also_o as_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o end_n of_o government_n not_o to_o give_v simple_a presbyter_n a_o power_n of_o give_v their_o power_n to_o other_o for_o fear_v of_o that_o independence_n which_o will_v in_o course_n follow_v thereupon_o even_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n whatever_o our_o adversary_n may_v think_v of_o this_o reason_n in_o it_o self_n yet_o certain_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o actual_a notion_n of_o those_o time_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o at_o present_a §_o xiii_o and_o if_o we_o will_v according_a to_o another_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n find_v the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la on_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la yet_o even_o so_o there_o be_v room_n leave_v for_o assert_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n alone_o for_o though_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la be_v take_v for_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o power_n that_o be_v communicate_v to_o mortal_n yet_o even_o in_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n there_o be_v several_a degree_n which_o may_v very_o probable_o incline_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v a_o distinction_n rather_o in_o degree_n than_o in_o order_n between_o the_o person_n distinguish_v by_o they_o and_o this_o distinction_n of_o degree_n be_v sufficient_a for_o appropriate_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o bishop_n alone_o even_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o who_o have_v a_o power_n to_o give_v his_o power_n to_o another_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o that_o same_o power_n than_o he_o who_o have_v it_o only_o for_o his_o own_o person_n and_o so_o that_o it_o must_v expire_v with_o his_o life_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o distinct_a power_n or_o a_o distinct_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o power_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o main_a dispute_n between_o they_o who_o dispute_v whether_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o distinct_a order_n or_o degree_n from_o presbytery_n whoever_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o this_o supreme_a whether_o we_o call_v it_o power_n or_o only_a degree_n of_o power_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o give_v to_o ordinary_a presbyter_n and_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o whether_o they_o call_v the_o character_n of_o the_o bishop_n a_o new_a one_o o●_n a_o extension_n of_o the_o old_a one_o which_o he_o have_v when_o he_o be_v make_v presbyter_n these_o be_v also_o term_n first_o bring_v into_o general_a use_n by_o themselves_o from_o the_o private_a use_n of_o st._n augustine_n and_o it_o be_v in_o their_o pleasure_n how_o they_o will_v use_v they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v not_o ground_v bare_o on_o the_o character_n itself_o but_o on_o the_o character_n as_o extend_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v valid_o challenge_v by_o they_o who_o have_v the_o character_n alone_o give_v they_o without_o its_o extension_n §_o fourteen_o and_o though_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la mysticum_fw-la for_o term_n of_o life_n be_v ground_v on_o the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la for_o time_n of_o life_n also_o so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n over_o the_o corpus_fw-la christi_fw-la verum_fw-la can_v oblige_v the_o mystical_a body_n to_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o set_v up_o what_o jurisdiction_n he_o please_v over_o they_o when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v the_o true_a body_n without_o he_o yet_o so_o itself_o there_o be_v a_o right_n reservable_a to_o the_o bishop_n over_o the_o true_a body_n which_o may_v both_o oblige_v priest_n to_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o a_o near_o and_o more_o necessary_a dependency_n on_o episcopacy_n than_o on_o the_o priesthood_n the_o priest_n not_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n over_o the_o true_a body_n but_o by_o appointment_n of_o the_o bishop_n must_v oblige_v the_o mystical_a body_n to_o a_o great_a dependence_n on_o the_o bishop_n than_o on_o priest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o common_a power_n for_o this_o will_v it_o put_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o deprive_v the_o mystical_a body_n of_o the_o true_a body_n if_o he_o shall_v forbid_v the_o priest_n the_o exercise_n of_o their_o power_n though_o against_o their_o consent_n and_o will_v withal_o put_v it_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o oblige_v the_o mystical_a to_o any_o dependence_n on_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o bishop_n by_o deny_v they_o the_o true_a body_n when_o the_o bishop_n require_v they_o to_o give_v it_o because_o their_o presume_v to_o refuse_v it_o in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v be_v a_o invasion_n of_o the_o bishop_n right_a and_o must_v consequent_o infer_v a_o nullity_n in_o what_o they_o do_v without_o right_a to_o do_v it_o but_o the_o priest_n not_o have_v this_o power_n give_v they_o of_o give_v their_o power_n to_o other_o this_o must_v in_o regard_n of_o this_o dependence_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n on_o the_o true_a body_n free_v the_o people_n from_o a_o dependence_n on_o the_o priesthood_n which_o can_v secure_v they_o of_o the_o true_a body_n in_o another_o generation_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bishop_n have_v this_o power_n give_v they_o and_o to_o they_o alone_o this_o will_v oblige_v the_o mystical_a body_n to_o depend_v on_o they_o for_o a_o succession_n because_o they_o alone_o can_v continue_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o true_a body_n to_o they_o through_o all_o age_n of_o succession_n §_o xv_o and_o as_o these_o doctrine_n be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o that_o of_o make_v episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n one_o order_n on_o the_o principle_n now_o mention_v so_o they_o be_v certain_o the_o actual_a sense_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o doctrine_n in_o that_o age._n most_o certain_o they_o who_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n can_v not_o
bishop_n how_o great_a assertor_n soever_o of_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o order_n with_o that_o of_o presbyter_n ever_o do_v renounce_v or_o can_v renounce_v without_o make_v their_o government_n unpracticable_a §_o xi_o though_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n from_o their_o election_n by_o man_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o make_v valid_a any_o act_n of_o the_o same_o man_n without_o their_o consent_n after_o their_o election_n §_o xii_o xiii_o this_o right_n of_o presidency_n may_v hold_v though_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o their_o power_n have_v be_v pure_o humane_a §_o fourteen_o but_o suppose_v that_o right_a divine_a all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v can_v be_v only_o to_o determine_v the_o person_n not_o to_o confine_v the_o power_n the_o reason_v here_o use_v will_v proceed_v though_o bishop_n have_v be_v make_v by_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consecration_n of_o other_o bishop_n §_o xv._o the_o primitive_a bishop_n seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v be_v make_v so_o by_o presbyter_n without_o bishop_n §_o xvi_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v those_o person_n then_o to_o have_v be_v altogether_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n which_o they_o conceive_v those_o to_o have_v be_v of_o who_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n though_o we_o suppose_v not_o only_o that_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a that_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o presbyter_n but_o that_o they_o have_v actual_o give_v it_o they_o suppose_v we_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n reserve_v to_o he_o than_o only_o to_o preside_v in_o their_o assembly_n that_o be_v to_o call_v they_o and_o to_o fit_v in_o the_o first_o place_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v convene_v that_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o bishop_n authority_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o aristocratical_a form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n though_o this_o supposition_n be_v notorious_o false_a concern_v the_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o even_o this_o way_n our_o brethren_n can_v defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n by_o single_a presbyter_n especial_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o it_o can_v be_v give_v canonical_o but_o that_o it_o can_v be_v give_v valid_o but_o to_o person_n who_o be_v at_o least_o in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o power_n then_o at_o least_o when_o they_o actual_o receive_v it_o which_o will_v consequent_o null_a all_o the_o ordination_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n and_o will_v therefore_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o schism_n which_o be_v make_v by_o single_a presbyter_n in_o the_o way_n that_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o our_o adversary_n to_o maintain_v itself_o with_o any_o pretence_n of_o authority_n beyond_o one_o generation_n and_o this_o must_v sure_o be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o those_o generous_a spirit_n who_o be_v more_o solicitous_a for_o catholic_n unity_n then_o for_o the_o party_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v §_o two_o and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o two_o regard_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o power_n that_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o bishop_n even_o as_o the_o precedent_n of_o these_o assembly_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o that_o which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o other_o presbyter_n as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o assembly_n 1._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o precedent_n of_o those_o assembly_n for_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n even_o of_o aristocratical_a government_n it_o be_v certain_a 1._o that_o no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n wherein_o the_o right_a of_o government_n be_v original_o seat_v that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o society_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o government_n that_o single_a member_n even_o of_o those_o who_o have_v otherwise_o power_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o government_n of_o a_o society_n shall_v be_v allow_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o it_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n but_o it_o be_v peculiar_o against_o the_o right_n of_o a_o polyarchical_a government_n because_o no_o particular_a member_n have_v the_o right_a of_o the_o whole_a society_n and_o therefore_o can_v dispose_v of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v supreme_a or_o subordinate_a must_v imply_v either_o a_o power_n over_o the_o whole_a society_n or_o a_o power_n necessary_o derive_v from_o that_o which_o be_v so_o even_o subordinate_a authority_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o supreme_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o essential_a dependence_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safety_n of_o all_o society_n this_o will_v therefore_o make_v it_o a_o nullity_n in_o the_o thing_n if_o single_a member_n do_v presume_v to_o dispose_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o their_o own_o right_n alone_o but_o the_o right_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n §_o iii_o and_z 2._o as_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o government_n the_o right_a of_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o act_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n but_o what_o have_v pass_v they_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n though_o every_o particular_a member_n for_o himself_o shall_v signify_v his_o own_o consent_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o society_n till_o it_o be_v also_o signify_v in_o a_o assembly_n and_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n if_o it_o pass_v they_o in_o their_o assembly_n though_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n so_o it_o have_v the_o prevail_a vote_n nay_o though_o that_o prevail_a vote_n be_v not_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o society_n so_o it_o be_v only_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o which_o be_v present_a in_o such_o assembly_n for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o that_o it_o be_v find_v necessary_a for_o all_o multitude_n to_o agree_v on_o these_o rule_n for_o settle_v assembly_n and_o for_o give_v this_o power_n to_o what_o be_v do_v in_o such_o assembly_n to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a society_n and_o to_o the_o prevail_a vote_n of_o those_o assembly_n to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a assembly_n before_o they_o can_v pass_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o multitude_n into_o that_o of_o a_o society_n that_o be_v before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o government_n that_o can_v solid_o unite_v they_o at_o least_o before_o they_o can_v have_v any_o government_n that_o can_v be_v practicable_a the_o same_o reason_n which_o make_v this_o fit_a to_o be_v agree_v on_o in_o any_o one_o society_n be_v common_a to_o all_o society_n as_o society_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v allow_v the_o same_o force_n in_o those_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_a as_o in_o those_o that_o be_v civil_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v administer_v in_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o god_n himself_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v make_v a_o government_n even_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n practicable_a till_o he_o have_v settle_v these_o rule_n of_o administer_a it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o settle_v however_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o whether_o by_o god_n own_o appointment_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n it_o will_v then_o be_v very_o just_a as_o well_o as_o fit_a to_o conclude_v that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o pretence_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o society_n out_o of_o such_o a_o assembly_n can_v valid_o confer_v any_o right_n of_o the_o society_n because_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o agreement_n on_o these_o assembly_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v as_o act_n of_o the_o society_n and_o certain_o as_o nothing_o but_o the_o society_n itself_o can_v in_o justice_n make_v a_o valid_a conveyance_n of_o its_o own_o right_n so_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o the_o society_n itself_o can_v do_v it_o by_o any_o thing_n but_o its_o own_o act_n beside_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o agree_v on_o these_o assembly_n as_o the_o most_o convenient_a mean_n for_o administer_a the_o power_n of_o the_o society_n seem_v to_o be_v purposely_o to_o preclude_v all_o surreptitious_a act_n that_o may_v be_v pretend_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o society_n if_o design_v man_n may_v be_v allow_v in_o their_o pretence_n concern_v what_o may_v be_v transact_v private_o and_o therefore_o the_o main_a
mention_v for_o grant_v this_o power_n of_o perpetual_a preside_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o will_v then_o follow_v that_o the_o right_n of_o convening_n ecclesiastical_a assembly_n will_v belong_v to_o they_o therefore_o those_o assembly_n which_o meet_v without_o their_o call_v as_o all_o those_o must_v do_v which_o meet_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n can_v be_v no_o lawful_a assembly_n but_o the_o act_n of_o unlawful_a assembly_n though_o otherwise_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o have_v a_o real_a power_n in_o lawful_a one_o be_v nullity_n can_v oblige_v the_o society_n to_o nothing_o much_o less_o can_v they_o dispose_v of_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o they_o as_o their_o power_n they_o be_v not_o only_a nullity_n but_o offence_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o oblige_v the_o society_n in_o any_o equity_n to_o confirm_v they_o as_o that_o they_o do_v oblige_v they_o by_o the_o high_a common_a interest_n to_o punish_v they_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o though_o presbyter_n have_v be_v allow_v a_o power_n of_o ordination_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o valid_o exercise_v it_o out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n and_o therefore_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v to_o that_o question_n yet_o that_o can_v make_v it_o questionable_a whether_o the_o order_n of_o our_o present_a adversary_n be_v valid_a §_o xi_o this_o right_n of_o preside_v in_o the_o assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o high_a asserter_n of_o the_o identity_n of_o order_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o modern_a age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o do_v undoubted_o never_o think_v the_o bishop_n oblige_v to_o renounce_v nor_o can_v any_o bishop_n how_o hearty_o soever_o he_o believe_v that_o opinion_n be_v presume_v to_o give_v the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o he_o a_o power_n of_o meeting_n without_o his_o leave_n when_o themselves_o please_v and_o yet_o undoubted_o the_o bishop_n be_v actual_o possess_v of_o that_o power_n by_o a_o peaceable_a prescription_n of_o many_o century_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o who_o live_v in_o they_o so_o that_o the_o presbyter_n then_o ordain_v can_v lay_v no_o claim_n to_o it_o without_o a_o express_a gift_n from_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v they_o because_o they_o never_o have_v that_o power_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o remain_v then_o who_o can_v give_v it_o they_o beside_o the_o bishop_n and_o indeed_o the_o bishop_n can_v not_o renounce_v this_o power_n without_o dissolve_v the_o society_n by_o make_v the_o exercise_n of_o government_n unpracticable_a or_o without_o change_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o government_n for_o suppose_v they_o have_v renounce_v this_o right_a who_o must_v have_v have_v it_o if_o none_o have_v it_o how_o can_v the_o society_n be_v secure_v that_o assembly_n shall_v meet_v if_o none_o have_v power_n to_o call_v they_o if_o none_o have_v power_n to_o oblige_v particular_a member_n to_o be_v present_a at_o they_o when_o call_v if_o any_o particular_a presbyter_n have_v be_v entrust_v with_o it_o that_o have_v only_o be_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o person_n not_o of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o office_n the_o new_a entrust_v presbyter_n will_v thereby_o become_v the_o bishop_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o will_v be_v please_v to_o call_v he_o and_o all_o the_o change_n that_o ordinary_a presbyter_n will_v find_v by_o such_o a_o act_n will_v be_v only_o of_o their_o master_n not_o of_o their_o subjection_n if_o it_o have_v be_v give_v away_o indefinite_o no_o particular_a presbyter_n can_v lay_v a_o better_a claim_n to_o it_o than_o all_o his_o brethren_n and_o by_o all_o it_o be_v not_o practicable_a till_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o convene_v in_o a_o assembly_n if_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a assembly_n either_o they_o must_v thenceforth_o have_v state_v time_n allot_v they_o for_o meeting_n or_o every_o meeting_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o adjourn_v themselves_o and_o to_o appoint_v the_o time_n and_o place_n for_o meet_v again_o if_o at_o any_o time_n no_o meeting_n be_v ascertain_v the_o government_n will_v be_v dissolve_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o way_n practise_v in_o peliarchical_a government_n but_o such_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o this_o must_v therefore_o have_v alter_v the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o government_n and_o where_o can_v our_o adversary_n give_v any_o precedent_n either_o in_o catholic_n tradition_n or_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o presbytery_n where_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o they_o call_v or_o adjourn_v themselves_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o precedent_n of_o their_o assembly_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o our_o brethren_n will_v be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o §_o xii_o nor_o be_o i_o concern_v by_o my_o present_a interest_n how_o the_o bishop_n come_v by_o their_o power_n of_o preside_v whether_o by_o the_o election_n of_o their_o clergy_n or_o people_n or_o whether_o by_o a_o new_a consecration_n by_o bishop_n only_o let_v the_o guess_n of_o st._n hierome_n the_o counterfeit_a ambrose_n and_o eutychius_n be_v as_o true_a as_o our_o adversary_n can_v wish_v they_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o bishop_n receive_v no_o new_a consecration_n of_o their_o own_o order_n that_o no_o man_n but_o the_o presbyter_n be_v concern_v in_o give_v their_o power_n to_o they_o our_o adversary_n usual_o think_v they_o have_v perform_v a_o great_a matter_n when_o they_o have_v produce_v these_o conjecture_n of_o these_o author_n and_o yet_o when_o they_o have_v make_v all_o they_o can_v of_o they_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o conjecture_n these_o author_n live_v too_o far_o from_o the_o time_n they_o speak_v of_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o any_o thing_n historical_o nor_o do_v they_o pretend_v to_o any_o history_n we_o know_v not_o of_o that_o may_v put_v we_o in_o any_o hope_n that_o they_o speak_v what_o they_o say_v on_o better_a ground_n than_o eonjecture_v yet_o these_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o all_o that_o our_o adversary_n say_v positive_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o say_v grant_v that_o these_o conjecture_n be_v true_a and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o age_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o have_v no_o new_a consecration_n nor_o consequent_o have_v any_o new_a power_n from_o what_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v by_o the_o canonical_a election_n of_o their_o clergy_n and_o grant_v therefore_o that_o all_o the_o further_a power_n they_o pretend_v to_o by_o their_o consecration_n be_v no_o just_a accession_n of_o power_n and_o therefore_o none_o at_o all_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o even_o by_o this_o power_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v by_o their_o election_n our_o adversary_n can_v defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o present_a ordination_n for_o what_o if_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v his_o power_n from_o the_o presbyter_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o presbytery_n must_v not_o depend_v on_o he_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v still_o have_v power_n as_o free_o as_o former_o to_o assemble_v themselves_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o either_o to_o depose_v he_o or_o to_o set_v up_o another_o in_o his_o stead_n or_o at_o least_o to_o erect_v themselves_o a_o independent_a body_n on_o any_o superior_a do_v it_o follow_v that_o such_o practice_n of_o they_o will_v be_v valid_a if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v they_o §_o xiii_o nay_o the_o very_a contrary_n have_v be_v take_v hitherto_o for_o the_o only_a solid_a security_n of_o peace_n in_o all_o prudent_a humane_a establishment_n in_o all_o elective_a kingdom_n the_o interreges_fw-la have_v a_o power_n during_o the_o vacancy_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n till_o a_o new_a king_n be_v elect_v but_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o subject_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o treason_n if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v the_o same_o thing_n afterward_o their_o assembly_n will_v be_v as_o illegal_a and_o their_o proceed_n in_o they_o of_o as_o little_a validity_n as_o those_o of_o other_o subject_n so_o in_o st._n hieromes_n instance_n euagr._fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la euagr._fw-la the_o army_n choose_v the_o emperor_n and_o when_o he_o be_v so_o choose_v he_o be_v not_o invest_v in_o his_o power_n by_o any_o authority_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o army_n yet_o that_o power_n of_o the_o army_n expire_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v once_o peaceable_o settle_v in_o the_o power_n receive_v from_o they_o they_o can_v not_o then_o meet_v as_o they_o have_v do_v former_o if_o they_o do_v such_o meeting_n be_v thenceforwards_o illegal_a and_o their_o proceed_n null_a much_o less_o can_v they_o justify_v a_o revolt_n from_o he_o or_o valid_o defend_v their_o
of_o the_o reason_n that_o require_v they_o §_o xviii_o xix_o xx_o xxi_o xxii_o xxiii_o xxiv_o xxv_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v §_o xxvi_o there_o be_v then_o circumstance_n proper_a to_o that_o age_n which_o require_v particular_a condescension_n §_o xxvii_o though_o the_o negative_a argument_n be_v not_o good_a yet_o the_o positive_a be_v that_o the_o actual_a claim_n of_o governor_n than_o be_v a_o good_a presumption_n that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o power_n so_o claim_v by_o they_o §_o xxviii_o person_n extraordinary_o gift_v at_o length_n make_v subject_a to_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n §_o xxix_o xxx_o xxxi_o this_o derivation_n of_o power_n rather_o from_o governor_n than_o from_o the_o people_n agreeable_a to_o those_o precedent_n who_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v m●st_o likely_a to_o imitate_v §_o xxxii_o xxxiii_o xxxiv_o xxxv_o a_o way_n propose_v for_o accommodate_v the_o several_a interest_n concern_v in_o ordination_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n §_o xxxvi_o xxxvii_o the_o apostle_n unlikely_a to_o confer_v this_o right_n of_o government_n on_o the_o people_n if_o leave_v by_o god_n to_o their_o own_o liberty_n according_a to_o the_o notion_n which_o then_o prevail_v among_o the_o christian_n §_o xxxviii_o remark_n tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n 1._o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o actual_a establishment_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v much_o more_o modest_a so_o it_o be_v also_o more_o secure_a for_o find_v out_o the_o right_n of_o government_n than_o any_o conjecture_n we_o can_v make_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o thirty-nine_o xl._n 2._o though_o the_o people_n have_v this_o inherent_a right_n of_o government_n original_o yet_o it_o can_v exclude_v a_o right_n of_o god_n who_o may_v when_o be_v please_v resume_v this_o right_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n §_o xli_o 3._o if_o the_o people_n ever_o have_v such_o a_o right_n original_o yet_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v since_o for_o alienate_v that_o right_n which_o can_v be_v do_v §_o xlii_o p._n 423._o chap._n xx._n 2._o this_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o god_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v at_o first_o commit_v by_o he_o the_o negative_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o none_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o call_v from_o god_n without_o at_o least_o a_o approbation_n from_o the_o supreme_a visible_a governor_n §_o i._o 1._o it_o be_v in_o reason_n and_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o visible_a government_n requisite_a that_o this_o negative_a be_v grant_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o false_a pretender_n to_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o pretender_n shall_v be_v discover_v §_o two_o iii_o iu_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o requisite_a that_o the_o mean_n of_o discover_v pretender_n be_v notorious_a to_o all_o even_o to_o ordinary_a capacity_n §_o v._o vi_o 3._o these_o notorious_a mean_n for_o discover_v pretender_n must_v be_v common_a to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n not_o proper_a only_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n §_o vii_o 4._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o same_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o right_a of_o spiritual_a governor_n as_o have_v be_v use_v in_o judge_v concern_v the_o right_a of_o their_o temporal_a superior_n §_o viii_o ix_o 5._o by_o this_o rule_n of_o judge_v concern_v spiritual_a right_n the_o same_o way_n as_o we_o judge_v concern_v temporal_a none_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v this_o power_n but_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v at_o first_o commit_v §_o x_o xi_o 6._o this_o inference_n will_v especial_o hold_v when_o access_n to_o the_o supreme_a be_v most_o difficult_a §_o xii_o xiii_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n §_o fourteen_o application_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o modern_a writer_n §_o xv_o xvi_o 2._o our_o brethren_n must_v be_v oblige_v in_o equity_n to_o grant_v this_o way_n because_o they_o can_v pitch_v on_o a_o more_o certain_a way_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n §_o xvii_o 1._o they_o can_v do_v it_o by_o derive_v their_o authority_n from_o god_n immediate_o §_o xviii_o xix_o xx._n 2._o they_o can_v do_v it_o by_o pretend_v to_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o scripture_n independent_o on_o the_o act_n of_o their_o ordinary_a superior_n §_o xxi_o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o xxii_o p._n 438._o chap._n xxi_o 3._o this_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o those_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v at_o first_o commit_v to_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o without_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o person_n orderly_o receive_v authority_n from_o th●se_a who_o have_v authority_n to_o give_v it_o they_o §_o i._o 1._o this_o authority_n can_v not_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o any_o beyond_o their_o own_o time_n neither_o by_o their_o own_o person_n nor_o by_o their_o deed_n of_o gift_n nor_o by_o their_o write_n §_o ii_o 2._o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o only_a way_n they_o can_v use_v for_o convey_v this_o authority_n to_o other_o after_o their_o decease_n must_v be_v by_o appoint_v sufficient_a substitute_n who_o may_v act_v for_o they_o after_o their_o departure_n §_o iii_o 3._o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o convey_v this_o power_n to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o their_o own_o age_n do_v also_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n to_o do_v so_o §_o iv_o v._o 4._o this_o negative_a argument_n will_v only_o hold_v concern_v the_o only_a substitute_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o concern_v they_o it_o will_v hold_v that_o they_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v power_n from_o they_o who_o be_v alone_o substitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o convey_v their_o power_n to_o other_o can_v at_o all_o receive_v any_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n §_o vi_o vii_o viii_o ix_o 5._o that_o this_o negative_a argument_n apply_v to_o any_o particular_a age_n will_v hold_v concern_v the_o only_a substitute_n remain_v in_o that_o particular_a age._n bishop_n be_v the_o only_a substitute_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o remain_v when_o our_o brethren_n begin_v their_o innovation_n §_o x._o p._n 476._o chap._n xxii_o 4._o the_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n §_o i._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n now_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o episcopal_a government_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o form_n first_o begin_v §_o ii_o the_o first_o divider_n of_o the_o several_a party_n have_v never_o a_o power_n give_v they_o of_o ordain_v other_o by_o they_o who_o make_v they_o presbyter_n §_o iii_o iu_o 1._o they_o have_v actual_o receive_v no_o more_o power_n from_o god_n than_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ordeiner_n §_o v._o 2._o they_o have_v actual_o receive_v no_o more_o from_o their_o ordeiner_n than_o what_o their_o ordeiner_n do_v actual_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o according_a to_o their_o presumable_a intention_n §_o vi_o 3._o that_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o their_o ordeiner_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v likely_a to_o be_v think_v become_v by_o person_n in_o their_o circumstance_n §_o vii_o 4._o the_o secure_a way_n of_o judge_v what_o the_o bishop_n who_o first_o ordain_v these_o divider_n think_v become_v must_v be_v by_o the_o notion_n then_o prevail_v when_o these_o first_o divider_n be_v ordain_v §_o viii_o p._n 483._o chap._n xxiii_o the_o objection_n concern_v the_o opinion_n prevail_v in_o the_o modern_a school_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n differ_v not_o in_o order_n but_o degree_n answ._n 1._o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o have_v be_v interest_n than_o conscience_n that_o incline_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o opinion_n this_o clear_v from_o a_o short_a history_n of_o this_o opinion_n §_o ay_o two_o iii_o iv_o v._o answ._n 2._o though_o this_o opinion_n have_v be_v receive_v more_o universal_o than_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v by_o the_o multitude_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o receive_v by_o the_o bishop_n upon_o who_o intention_n the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n confer_v by_o they_o must_v depend_v §_o vi_o answ._n 3._o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o age_n have_v be_v universal_o of_o this_o opinion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v have_v give_v the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o they_o the_o power_n of_o
ordain_v other_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n §_o vii_o nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o viii_o ix_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o these_o person_n proceed_v in_o make_v on●_n order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v a_o right_a of_o simple_a presbyter_n §_o x_o xi_o xii_o xiii_o fourteen_o answ._n 4._o they_o who_o then_o hold_v this_o opinion_n do_v in_o all_o likelihood_n neither_o intend_v nor_o think_v of_o any_o consequence_n from_o it_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o establishment_n then_o receive_v §_o xv_o xvi_o p._n 491._o chap._n xxiv_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o right_n of_o preside_v over_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n §_o i._o 1._o in_o regard_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v be_v grant_v due_a to_o he_o even_o as_o precedent_n this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n wherein_o the_o right_a of_o government_n be_v original_o seat_v §_o ii_o 2._o no_o act_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n but_o what_o have_v pass_v they_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n §_o iii_o 3._o no_o assembly_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o such_o society_n but_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_a one_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o society_n §_o iv_o v._o 4._o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o precedent_n be_v a_o right_n consequent_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o precedent_n as_o a_o precedent_n and_o a_o circumstance_n requisite_a to_o make_v the_o assembly_n itself_o lawful_a §_o vi_o vii_o 5._o the_o bishop_n have_v always_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n even_o as_o high_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v grant_v the_o practice_n of_o preside_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o ix_o this_o invalidate_n the_o order_n of_o our_o adversary_n §_o x._o this_o be_v a_o right_n which_o no_o bishop_n how_o great_a assertor_n soever_o of_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o order_n with_o that_o of_o presbyter_n ever_o do_v renounce_v or_o can_v renounce_v without_o make_v their_o government_n unpracticable_a §_o xi_o though_o the_o bishop_n have_v receive_v their_o power_n from_o their_o election_n by_o man_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o make_v valid_a any_o act_n of_o the_o same_o man_n without_o their_o consent_n after_o their_o election_n §_o xii_o xiii_o this_o right_n of_o presidency_n may_v hold_v though_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o their_o power_n have_v be_v pure_o humane_a §_o fourteen_o but_o suppose_v that_o right_a divine_a all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v can_v be_v only_o to_o determine_v the_o person_n not_o to_o confine_v the_o power_n the_o reason_v here_o use_v will_v proceed_v though_o bishop_n have_v be_v make_v by_o presbyter_n alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consecration_n of_o other_o bishop_n §_o xv._o the_o primitive_a bishop_n seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v be_v make_v so_o by_o presbyter_n without_o bishop_n §_o xvi_o p._n 508._o chap._n xxv_o 2._o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o same_o ordination_n prove_v even_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n from_o the_o right_n which_o episcopal_a presbytery_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o give_v order_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o presbytery_n §_o ay_o ii_o this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n though_o a_o presbyter_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v he_o so_o be_v the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n at_o his_o ordination_n §_o iii_o iv_o five_o vi_o 2._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o can_v valid_o make_v out_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o other_o church_n who_o can_v thus_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o §_o vii_o 3._o the_o church_n by_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v try_v must_v not_o be_v a_o church_n that_o derive_v its_o beginning_n from_o he_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v settle_v and_o establish_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o pretension_n to_o order_n apply_v to_o single_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o to_o whole_a presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o over-voted_n single_a presbyter_n §_o ix_o x_o xi_o 4._o no_o order_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v valid_o receive_v in_o any_o particular_a episcopal_a church_n as_o presbyterian_a without_o the_o prevail_a suffrage_n of_o the_o presbytery_n §_o xii_o a_o small_a over_v vote_v number_n of_o presbyter_n can_v valid_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n §_o xiii_o fourteen_o xv._o the_o power_n give_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v a_o right_a of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o common_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n §_o xvi_o xvii_o xviii_o xix_o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o xx_o xxi_o xxii_o another_o objection_n answer_v §_o xxiii_o xxiv_o retort_v §_o xxv_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o retortion_n give_v §_o xxvi_o p._n 525._o chap._n xxvi_o 2._o the_o episcopal_a communion_n to_o which_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o he_o will_v secure_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o his_o own_o particular_a salvation_n be_v the_o episcopal_a communion_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o he_o live_v while_o he_o live_v in_o it_o §_o i._o this_o prove_v against_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n according_a to_o their_o several_a principle_n §_o ii_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o presbyterian_o and_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o obligation_n of_o government_n antecedent_o to_o the_o consent_n of_o particular_a subject_n and_o that_o by_o these_o degree_n 1._o that_o by_o the_o obligation_n of_o government_n in_o general_n all_o those_o particular_n must_v be_v oblige_v without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v practicable_a §_o iii_o 2._o many_o of_o the_o presbyterian_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o determination_n of_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o the_o application_n of_o general_a rule_n to_o particular_a case_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n §_o iv_o 3._o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o practicableness_n of_o government_n in_o general_n that_o every_o subject_n know_v his_o governor_n and_o he_o particular_o to_o who_o be_v in_o particular_a owe_v obedience_n §_o v._o 4._o the_o mean_n whereby_o every_o particular_a person_n may_v be_v convince_v to_o who_o it_o be_v that_o he_o in_o particular_a owe_v subjection_n must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v presume_v notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a community_n and_o such_o whereof_o other_o may_v judge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v and_o by_o which_o they_o may_v judge_n as_o well_o concern_v his_o duty_n as_o their_o own_o §_o vi_o 5._o the_o authority_n of_o these_o mean_n must_v be_v from_o god_n §_o vii_o viii_o two_o consequence_n infer_v from_o hence_o 1._o positive_a that_o they_o must_v be_v under_o a_o divine_a obligation_n to_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o jurisdiction_n while_o they_o live_v within_o they_o §_o ix_o 2._o negative_a that_o from_o this_o divine_a authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n they_o must_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o forbear_v all_o opposite_a communion_n or_o assembly_n within_o those_o jurisdiction_n §_o x_o xi_o xii_o application_n make_v particular_o to_o the_o presbyterian_o §_o xiii_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o independent_o who_o deny_v all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n antecedent_o to_o the_o voluntary_a obligation_n of_o particular_a person_n §_o fourteen_o xv._o that_o there_o be_v real_o a_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n §_o xvi_o that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o multitude_n §_o xvii_o xviii_o p._n 547._o chap._n xxvii_o 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o obligation_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o unsinful_a condition_n of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n be_v such_o as_o will_v make_v they_o guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n who_o will_v rather_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v separate_v than_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o such_o condition_n the_o notion_n of_o schism_n as_o it_o be_v only_o a_o breach_n of_o correspondence_n not_o sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n §_o i._o as_o it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o a_o body_n politic_a it_o be_v application_n to_o our_o adversary_n §_o ii_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n
the_o present_a possessor_n of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n yet_o that_o will_v give_v no_o title_n to_o the_o discoverer_n of_o that_o failure_n and_o therefore_o can_v justify_v their_o proceed_n on_o presumption_n of_o such_o a_o title_n from_o usurpation_n and_o that_o even_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v supply_v in_o equity_n what_o they_o can_v justify_v by_o a_o legal_a claim_n §_o xx_o 1._o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o security_n of_o visible_a government_n as_o such_o that_o a_o presumptive_a title_n be_v not_o reject_v but_o on_o very_o evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n by_o a_o presumptive_a title_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o first_o innovator_n find_v settle_v when_o they_o begin_v their_o innovation_n especial_o if_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o find_v all_o who_o may_v pretend_v competition_n with_o it_o submit_v to_o it_o also_o nay_o if_o they_o find_v it_o unanimous_o receive_v without_o any_o accountable_a appearance_n of_o force_n or_o fraud_n in_o the_o first_o original_n of_o it_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n of_o our_o dissenter_n in_o relation_n to_o episcopal_a government_n from_o which_o they_o make_v their_o separation_n they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v any_o other_o place_n where_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n have_v be_v derive_v in_o a_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o those_o time_n they_o can_v mention_v no_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o actual_o possess_v of_o their_o §_o v_o power_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o submission_n of_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o nay_o and_o the_o people_n also_o and_o indeed_o of_o all_o those_o who_o may_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v injure_v by_o they_o and_o who_o have_v therefore_o be_v concern_v to_o interrupt_v the_o peaceableness_n of_o the_o prescription_n which_o may_v in_o time_n go_v far_o to_o legitimate_a their_o enjoyment_n before_o so_o long_a a_o time_n may_v pass_v they_o as_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o prescription_n all_o law_n of_o all_o society_n do_v presume_v in_o favour_n of_o such_o a_o title_n §_o xxi_o and_o allow_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o presumption_n yet_o so_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o all_o government_n that_o want_v of_o evidence_n of_o its_o original_a right_n be_v not_o allow_v alone_o for_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o any_o to_o call_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o in_o question_n at_o least_o not_o so_o far_o to_o question_v it_o as_o to_o venture_v to_o oppose_v it_o in_o practice_n it_o be_v otherwise_o moral_o impossible_a that_o any_o government_n shall_v pass_v unquestionable_a to_o many_o succession_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o man_n usual_o think_v it_o better_o ground_v by_o its_o long_a continuance_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o exception_n if_o the_o inevidence_n of_o its_o original_a right_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o length_n of_o time_n will_v either_o obliterate_v the_o original_a record_n or_o make_v they_o accidental_o obscure_v in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v very_o clear_a when_o they_o be_v first_o write_v by_o make_v alteration_n in_o the_o tongue_n and_o custom_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o age_n then_o allude_v to_o which_o change_v though_o they_o be_v insensible_a in_o the_o particular_a degree_n by_o which_o they_o be_v make_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o must_v grow_v extreme_o considerable_a in_o the_o process_n of_o a_o long_a time_n in_o this_o regard_n it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o society_n whatsoever_o that_o want_v of_o evidence_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o sufficient_a to_o question_v any_o part_n of_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o present_a supreme_a visible_a governor_n of_o the_o society_n without_o very_o evident_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n §_o xxii_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v agreeable_a to_o god_n will_v that_o when_o god_n be_v sound_v a_o society_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v make_v the_o conveyance_n of_o authority_n in_o it_o to_o depend_v on_o such_o mean_n as_o shall_v be_v moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v so_o convey_v or_o that_o the_o right_n of_o government_n shall_v in_o course_n grow_v more_o questionable_a in_o those_o time_n which_o shall_v need_v its_o being_n more_o unquestionable_a when_o both_o subject_n will_v grow_v more_o unruly_a and_o a_o coercive_a power_n shall_v be_v therefore_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o more_o dutiful_o dispose_v and_o when_o withal_o the_o ordinary_a governor_n shall_v want_v those_o extraordinary_a credential_n which_o recommend_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a age_n yet_o this_o very_a presumption_n if_o it_o hold_v will_v overthrow_v all_o that_o our_o adversary_n can_v say_v to_o clear_v themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n they_o can_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v they_o the_o use_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o only_o that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o it_o allow_v they_o to_o use_v it_o §_o xxiii_o but_o though_o this_o inevidence_n be_v not_o allowable_a by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o government_n to_o question_v any_o part_n of_o the_o authority_n in_o those_o who_o be_v true_o invest_v with_o it_o yet_o why_o will_v they_o say_v may_v not_o the_o inevidence_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v lawful_o invest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o government_n excuse_v we_o from_o duty_n to_o such_o person_n concern_v who_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v our_o lawful_a governor_n this_o will_v serve_v their_o purpose_n for_o they_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a concern_v their_o duty_n to_o government_n if_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v from_o duty_n to_o all_o person_n pretend_v to_o a_o right_a to_o govern_v they_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o person_n to_o who_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v any_o duty_n if_o this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o legal_a manner_n of_o their_o come_n by_o their_o office_n may_v be_v allow_v as_o sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n for_o this_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o do_v but_o it_o will_v be_v further_a necessary_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n ordination_n and_o not_o only_o of_o all_o in_o this_o age_n but_o of_o all_o in_o all_o the_o age_n which_o may_v have_v pass_v between_o this_o and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n especial_o of_o all_o those_o person_n in_o each_o of_o they_o from_o who_o our_o present_a order_n be_v derive_v but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o record_n be_v keep_v of_o nor_o if_o any_o have_v be_v keep_v be_v we_o secure_v of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o we_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n or_o do_v we_o think_v providence_n oblige_v to_o secure_v they_o to_o we_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a one_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v further_o by_o those_o principle_n whereby_o the_o conveyance_n of_o any_o government_n to_o posterity_n be_v secure_v that_o no_o inevidence_n of_o this_o kind_n can_v excuse_v subject_n from_o their_o duty_n even_o to_o present_a governor_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v otherwise_o know_v in_o general_a that_o if_o the_o canon_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v observe_v the_o person_n ordain_v according_a to_o such_o canon_n must_v have_v be_v valid_o ordain_v and_o that_o all_o the_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ordainer_n be_v oblige_v in_o interest_n to_o have_v the_o canon_n observe_v without_o which_o they_o must_v have_v weaken_v their_o title_n to_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o their_o order_n so_o uncanonical_o receive_v §_o xxiv_o these_o be_v such_o presumption_n on_o which_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o government_n and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o future_a governor_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o succession_n do_v subsist_v and_o which_o no_o society_n allow_v to_o be_v questionable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o any_o particular_a governor_n without_o particular_a express_a proof_n of_o a_o failure_n in_o his_o particular_a case_n 3._o mat._n xxiii_o 2_o 3._o and_o certain_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n and_o be_v therefore_o suppose_v by_o he_o to_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o possible_o make_v out_o their_o succession_n at_o that_o distance_n and_o after_o so_o many_o revolution_n of_o their_o state_n and_o so_o great_a miscarriage_n both_o of_o their_o discipline_n and_o record_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o those_o revolution_n by_o great_a assurance_n than_o these_o be_v §_o xxv_o i_o confess_v
mission_n and_o consequent_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o ordinance_n which_o must_v by_o the_o forego_n principle_n depend_v on_o this_o validity_n of_o their_o mission_n this_o will_v abundant_o answer_v my_o design_n it_o will_v let_v they_o see_v that_o at_o least_o in_o the_o second_o generation_n no_o comfort_n of_o church-ordinance_n can_v be_v have_v out_o of_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n which_o will_v both_o let_v they_o see_v how_o much_o their_o congregation_n must_v fail_v of_o be_v complete_a church_n and_o consequent_o fail_v of_o the_o comfort_n and_o privilege_n of_o such_o church_n when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v a_o succession_n and_o must_v withal_o let_v they_o of_o this_o generation_n see_v at_o least_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o have_v not_o minister_n episcopal_o ordain_v their_o obligation_n in_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n from_o which_o they_o have_v fall_v as_o they_o desire_v all_o those_o comfort_n they_o may_v expect_v by_o be_v in_o a_o church_n and_o even_o for_o they_o who_o at_o present_a enjoy_v such_o minister_n as_o have_v have_v episcopal_a ordination_n this_o may_v also_o let_v they_o see_v how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v to_o return_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n soon_o when_o they_o must_v be_v at_o length_n necessitate_v to_o return_v at_o the_o death_n of_o that_o particular_a minister_n at_o least_o they_o can_v hope_v for_o another_o ordain_v as_o he_o be_v to_o succeed_v he_o and_o withal_o how_o unlikely_a it_o be_v that_o their_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a church_n belove_v by_o god_n when_o they_o be_v in_o imminent_a danger_n of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v threaten_v in_o the_o revelation_n to_o those_o church_n which_o have_v provoke_v he_o of_o have_v their_o candlestick_n remove_v from_o they_o of_o fail_v immediate_o in_o the_o next_o succession_n §_o iv_o that_o therefore_o which_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v be_v that_o neither_o the_o first_o divider_n nor_o any_o among_o they_o now_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n by_o episcopal_a authority_n have_v ever_o any_o such_o power_n give_v they_o as_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o ordain_v other_o on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v make_v only_a presbyter_n whether_o they_o may_v have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n i_o be_o not_o at_o present_a oblige_v to_o inquire_v it_o suffice_v at_o present_a that_o they_o have_v it_o not_o their_o not_o have_v it_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o disannul_v all_o they_o do_v on_o supposition_n of_o it_o nor_o be_o i_o concern_v whether_o they_o be_v oblige_v by_o god_n to_o give_v with_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n no_o doubt_v our_o adversary_n will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v so_o oblige_v but_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v actual_o do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o may_v not_o the_o episcopal_a ordeiner_n fail_v of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o our_o adversary_n pretend_v they_o to_o have_v fail_v of_o many_o other_o obligation_n if_o they_o do_v indeed_o fail_v and_o do_v not_o actual_o give_v they_o that_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o which_v our_o adversary_n suppose_v they_o oblige_v to_o give_v they_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o their_o ordeiner_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o it_o and_o responsible_a to_o god_n for_o it_o not_o that_o the_o person_n ordain_v by_o they_o have_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v wrong_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o their_o be_v wrong_v of_o it_o of_o their_o not_o have_v it_o give_v they_o a_o certain_a argument_n that_o actual_o they_o have_v it_o not_o unless_o possible_o they_o suppose_v that_o either_o they_o may_v have_v it_o without_o be_v give_v or_o have_v it_o from_o god_n immediate_o though_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v it_o from_o person_n authorize_v by_o he_o but_o both_o these_o pretence_n have_v be_v prevent_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v and_o their_o not_o have_v this_o power_n on_o what_o account_n soever_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o have_v it_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v all_o they_o do_v that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o it_o §_o v_o in_o order_n hereunto_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v 1._o that_o they_o have_v actual_o receive_v no_o more_o power_n from_o god_n than_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ordeiner_n this_o plain_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o their_o ordeiner_n be_v they_o and_o they_o alone_a who_o have_v represent_v god_n person_n in_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o other_o mean_n of_o deal_v immediate_o with_o they_o in_o these_o late_a age_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o power_n which_o can_v be_v think_v to_o come_v to_o they_o original_o from_o god_n must_v come_v immediate_o from_o their_o ordeiner_n §_o vi_o 2._o therefore_o i_o suppose_v further_o that_o they_o have_v actual_o receive_v from_o their_o superior_n nothing_o but_o what_o their_o superior_n do_v actual_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v be_v very_o clear_a that_o they_o can_v receive_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v give_v but_o what_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v give_v this_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n to_o take_v care_n that_o contract_n be_v observe_v according_a to_o the_o presumable_a intention_n of_o the_o party_n that_o make_v they_o and_o the_o deal_n be_v then_o think_v most_o fair_a and_o equal_a when_o all_o that_o be_v give_v that_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o a_o fair_a dealer_n and_o when_o nothing_o more_o be_v extort_a by_o the_o other_o party_n who_o interest_n may_v make_v he_o challenge_v what_o be_v never_o design_v for_o he_o nay_o can_v in_o any_o prudence_n be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v design_v but_o for_o my_o present_a cause_n i_o be_o not_o concern_v whether_o this_o be_v true_a it_o suffice_v that_o nothing_o be_v give_v by_o they_o concern_v which_o they_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o they_o do_v intend_v not_o to_o give_v it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o suppose_v the_o ordeiner_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o when_o they_o make_v presbyter_n the_o law_n may_v presume_v that_o they_o do_v actual_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o though_o their_o secret_a intention_n be_v to_o do_v otherwise_o because_o the_o law_n be_v always_o charitable_a to_o judge_v the_o best_a where_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o therefore_o may_v presume_v in_o such_o a_o case_n that_o every_o man_n intend_v real_o as_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o intend_v yet_o still_o the_o reason_n why_o even_o in_o such_o a_o case_n this_o may_v be_v reasonable_a be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o give_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o give_v but_o because_o they_o may_v in_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v presume_v to_o intend_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o intend_v which_o be_v still_o very_o reconcilable_a with_o what_o i_o say_v that_o their_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o their_o presume_a intention_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v all_o possible_a exception_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o do_v intend_v to_o ground_v my_o argument_n not_o on_o the_o secret_a but_o the_o presume_a intention_n of_o these_o ordeiner_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o and_o shall_v according_o show_v that_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v these_o revolt_a presbyter_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v intend_v not_o to_o give_v they_o a_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o §_o vii_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o suppose_v 3._o that_o as_o indeed_o the_o law_n be_v always_o charitable_a to_o presume_v that_o every_o man_n intend_v as_o it_o become_v he_o to_o intend_v so_o it_o be_v withal_o prudent_a to_o presume_v his_o actual_a intention_n not_o from_o what_o other_o do_v think_v will_v become_v he_o no_o nor_o from_o what_o will_v real_o become_v he_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v infallible_a but_o from_o what_o the_o person_n may_v be_v presume_v likely_a to_o judge_n to_o become_v he_o according_a to_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o man_n in_o his_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o our_o brethren_n must_v not_o judge_n of_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o bishop_n by_o the_o real_a will_n of_o god_n much_o less_o by_o their_o own_o notion_n concern_v god_n will_v who_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v more_o infallible_a than_o the_o bishop_n himself_o but_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o bishop_n himself_o that_o he_o must_v be_v presume_v to_o intend_v what_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n
they_o will_v give_v that_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o they_o which_o they_o take_v for_o the_o most_o characteristical_a distinctive_a for_o the_o most_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o partial_a against_o their_o own_o common_a interest_n to_o betray_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o order_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o they_o be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v their_o right_n in_o conscience_n as_o well_o as_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o nay_o have_v we_o not_o all_o the_o assurance_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o either_o interest_n or_o conscience_n can_v give_v we_o that_o those_o bishop_n never_o intend_v to_o give_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o they_o nay_o that_o they_o intend_v on_o the_o contrary_a to_o reserve_v it_o from_o they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n chap._n xxiii_o what_o influence_n the_o opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o modern_a school_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n differ_v not_o order_n but_o in_o degree_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o ordeiner_n of_o those_o time_n the_o content_n §_o i_o the_o objection_n answ._n 1._o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o have_v be_v interest_n than_o conscience_n that_o incline_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o opinion_n this_o clear_v from_o a_o short_a history_n of_o this_o opinion_n §_o ay_o two_o iii_o iv_o v._o answ._n 2._o though_o this_o opinion_n have_v be_v receive_v more_o universal_o than_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v by_o the_o multitude_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o it_o will_v be_v so_o receive_v by_o the_o bishop_n upon_o who_o intention_n the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n confer_v by_o they_o must_v depend_v §_o vi_o answ._n 3._o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o age_n have_v be_v universal_o of_o this_o opinion_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v have_v give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o they_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n §_o vii_o nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o viii_o ix_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o those_o person_n proceed_v in_o make_v one_o order_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v a_o right_a of_o simple_a presbyter_n §_o x_o xi_o xii_o xiii_o fourteen_o answ._n 4._o they_o who_o then_o hold_v this_o opinion_n do_v in_o all_o likelihood_n neither_o intend_v nor_o think_v of_o any_o consequence_n from_o it_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o establishment_n then_o receive_v §_o xv_o xvi_o the_o only_a considerable_a objection_n that_o i_o can_v foresee_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o opinion_n which_o then_o obtain_v among_o some_o of_o the_o modern_a schoolman_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o order_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o degree_n that_o the_o consecration_n of_o a_o bishop_n do_v not_o give_v he_o a_o new_a character_n but_o extend_v the_o old_a one_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v before_o when_o he_o be_v ordain_v presbyter_n and_o the_o influence_n that_o this_o opinion_n may_v have_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o bishop_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v who_o then_o believe_v it_o to_o give_v the_o whole_a essential_a power_n of_o bishop_n to_o those_o who_o they_o ordain_v presbyter_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o restrain_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o their_o canonical_a obedience_n i_o do_v not_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n i_o may_v against_o this_o opinion_n as_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o those_o age_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v too_o suspicious_a that_o it_o be_v rather_o pique_n than_o conscience_n that_o then_o bring_v man_n to_o it_o whenever_o it_o be_v vent_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v vent_v with_o particular_a design_n and_o particular_a provocation_n not_o to_o ascend_v to_o the_o more_o know_v time_n for_o in_o truth_n i_o be_o not_o desirous_a to_o touch_v the_o reputation_n any_o man_n have_v gain_v in_o the_o world_n where_o it_o may_v be_v spare_v with_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v indeed_o where_o error_n have_v not_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n of_o undeserved_a reputation_n and_o there_o sure_a none_o can_v blame_v i_o for_o comply_v with_o so_o unpleasing_a a_o necessity_n the_o first_o time_n that_o it_o be_v retrieve_v after_o st._n hierome_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o eight_o century_n and_o then_o with_o a_o particular_a design_n upon_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la who_o power_n be_v then_o malign_v as_o derogatory_n to_o the_o ordinary_n and_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o reduce_v they_o and_o withal_o the_o least_o invidious_a be_v think_v to_o be_v not_o so_o much_o direct_o to_o magnify_v the_o power_n of_o the_o ordinary_a as_o to_o magnify_v the_o dignity_n of_o they_o who_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la which_o they_o endeavour_v not_o only_o by_o degrade_n the_o chorepiscopus_fw-la to_o the_o order_n of_o a_o presbyter_n but_o by_o extol_v the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o a_o equality_n in_o some_o regard_v with_o the_o bishop_n to_o who_o they_o the_o chorepiscopus_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o other_o presbyter_n be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v obedience_n as_o indeed_o he_o be_v all_o this_o dispute_n be_v nothing_o but_o pure_a design_n and_o how_o very_o disingenuous_o it_o be_v manage_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a epistle_n of_o ancient_a pope_n counterfeit_v in_o that_o age_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la to_o have_v be_v simple_a presbyter_n which_o may_v just_o make_v we_o jealous_a of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o same_o party_n in_o this_o other_o principle_n which_o they_o advance_v in_o opposition_n to_o it_o §_o two_o have_v therefore_o gain_v their_o design_n in_o the_o subversion_n of_o this_o office_n and_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o not_o be_v hitherto_o concern_v to_o oppose_v this_o opinion_n while_o it_o be_v so_o favourable_a to_o their_o interest_n and_o while_o it_o add_v to_o their_o power_n by_o the_o ruin_n of_o so_o considerable_a a_o rival_n though_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o usefulness_n of_o the_o opinion_n must_v have_v endear_v it_o to_o the_o affection_n of_o those_o who_o have_v serve_v themselves_o by_o it_o yet_o we_o find_v little_a mention_n of_o it_o from_o that_o time_n till_o it_o become_v again_o useful_a that_o be_v when_o the_o pope_n aspire_v to_o a_o superiority_n above_o all_o bishop_n and_o council_n then_o it_o be_v that_o dispensation_n and_o delegation_n grow_v frequent_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v performable_a by_o the_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n but_o what_o be_v communicate_v to_o simple_a presbyter_n by_o papal_a delegation_n this_o as_o it_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o roman_a see_v so_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o roman_a court_n and_o its_o parasite_n be_v employ_v in_o promote_a it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o likely_a policy_n for_o it_o than_o this_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o way_n for_o the_o subversion_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n which_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o have_v before_o be_v so_o favourable_a to_o when_o it_o be_v use_v against_o the_o chorepiscopi_fw-la which_o be_v a_o policy_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o that_o politic_a see_v have_v make_v use_n of_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n they_o then_o seem_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o equal_v himself_o with_o they_o as_o for_o his_o prefer_n himself_o before_o the_o other_o patriarch_n this_o they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o more_o popular_a art_n to_o make_v he_o odious_a without_o discover_v their_o own_o ambition_n and_o in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v the_o papal_a bishop_n even_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n so_o averse_a to_o the_o assert_v the_o divine_a institution_n of_o their_o own_o order_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v our_o brethren_n themselves_o will_v confess_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a corrupt_a design_n and_o yet_o in_o these_o unhappy_a time_n while_o this_o ill_a design_n be_v drive_v on_o the_o schoolman_n flourish_v of_o who_o suffrage_n they_o be_v so_o proud_a in_o this_o particular_a §_o iii_o and_o as_o the_o pope_n be_v thus_o interest_v to_o oppress_v the_o episcopal_a authority_n while_o it_o be_v capable_a to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o he_o so_o when_o afterward_o the_o generality_n
damasus_n wherein_o he_o so_o extol_v the_o see_v of_o rome_n seem_v to_o have_v recommend_v he_o to_o the_o counterfeiter_n of_o the_o roman_a council_n under_o the_o name_n of_o gelasius_n not_o long_o before_o the_o time_n of_o isidore_n mercator_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o council_n in_o isidore_n collection_n may_v recommend_v he_o downward_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o bundle_n of_o forgery_n have_v once_o prevail_v universal_o all_o the_o use_n that_o i_o make_v at_o present_a of_o these_o insinuation_n be_v that_o if_o it_o be_v suspicious_a whether_o the_o man_n who_o then_o follow_v these_o principle_n do_v embrace_v they_o out_o of_o a_o sincere_a sense_n of_o their_o truth_n than_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v principle_n of_o conscience_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a measure_n of_o the_o power_n that_o be_v actual_o give_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o age._n §_o vi_o and_o though_o they_o have_v be_v receive_v more_o universal_o than_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v among_o the_o multitude_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v so_o receive_v among_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v be_v general_o so_o partial_a to_o a_o opinion_n so_o destructive_a of_o their_o common_a right_n as_o bishop_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o they_o will_v be_v so_o partial_a when_o there_o be_v no_o evident_a prevail_a consideration_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n that_o may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n even_o among_o disintere_v person_n and_o debate_v by_o argument_n and_o authority_n at_o least_o as_o considerable_a on_o their_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o if_o any_o particular_a bishop_n have_v be_v so_o strange_o partial_a against_o themselves_o and_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v so_o yet_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o presumption_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o have_v not_o otherwise_o declare_v their_o mind_n express_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o they_o universal_o and_o yet_o it_o have_v appear_v that_o the_o whole_a use_n of_o this_o opinion_n for_o judge_v what_o power_n be_v actual_o give_v be_v only_o as_o a_o presumption_n and_o even_o this_o presumption_n be_v useless_a concern_v other_o than_o the_o bishop_n none_o but_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o power_n of_o give_v order_n at_o least_o not_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o any_o else_o think_v beside_o the_o bishop_n be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n because_o it_o can_v give_v we_o no_o assurance_n what_o be_v actual_o intend_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o it_o be_v only_o their_o intention_n by_o which_o we_o can_v in_o prudence_n judge_v what_o power_n be_v actual_o give_v by_o they_o §_o vii_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o which_o in_o prudence_n can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o age_n be_v universal_o of_o this_o opinion_n that_o their_o own_o order_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o presbyter_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v have_v give_v presbyter_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n it_o neither_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n nor_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o sure_o we_o can_v better_o judge_v of_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o by_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o time_n for_o even_o they_o who_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o order_n yet_o make_v they_o different_a degree_n and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o divine_a right_o also_o but_o it_o can_v not_o have_v appear_v how_o they_o can_v distinguish_v they_o even_o in_o degree_n but_o by_o allow_v something_o in_o practice_n to_o the_o superior_a degree_n as_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o think_v so_o 289._o so_o so_o epiphanius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d h●res_n lxxv_o 4_o and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n and_o st._n chrysostome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d init_fw-la hom._n two_o in_o 1._o ad_fw-la tim._n p._n 289._o peculiar_a to_o the_o episcopal_a degree_n as_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n this_o be_v the_o very_a particular_a except_v by_o st._n hierome_n euagr._fw-la hierome_n quid_fw-la enim_fw-la facit_fw-la exceptâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la ep._n 85._o ad_fw-la euagr._fw-la himself_o even_o where_o he_o most_o of_o all_o plead_v for_o parity_n in_o other_o thing_n i_o know_v there_o be_v of_o our_o brethren_n who_o understand_v st._n hierome_n word_n not_o of_o the_o original_a right_n of_o appropriate_a ordination_n to_o they_o as_o leave_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o of_o a_o privilege_n actual_o allow_v they_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o age_n wherein_o he_o write_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o dispute_v it_o suffice_v that_o he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o ordination_n among_o the_o instance_n of_o their_o parity_n nay_o that_o he_o express_o except_v this_o particular_a among_o his_o other_o proof_n of_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o office_n without_o tell_v express_o on_o what_o right_a it_o be_v that_o he_o make_v the_o exception_n which_o be_v very_o fair_a occasion_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v withal_o notorious_a and_o confess_v by_o himself_o that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o church_n wherein_o presbyter_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n it_o suffice_v that_o they_o who_o in_o that_o age_n follow_v his_o authority_n be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o of_o their_o design_n in_o promote_a his_o opinion_n to_o understand_v he_o of_o a_o parity_n in_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n nay_o never_o seem_v actual_o to_o have_v understand_v he_o so_o whatever_o other_o sense_n have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o by_o those_o who_o have_v more_o subtle_o consider_v he_o in_o our_o present_a age._n it_o be_v not_o st._n hierome_n true_a opinion_n that_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v for_o but_o that_o of_o those_o who_o may_v then_o have_v follow_v he_o if_o they_o never_o understand_v he_o of_o a_o parity_n between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n if_o they_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v they_o equal_a in_o this_o particular_a if_o they_o actual_o believe_v that_o this_o distinction_n of_o degree_n be_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o superior_a degree_n then_o certain_o they_o who_o then_o follow_v st._n hierome_n may_v notwithstanding_o if_o they_o maintain_v these_o thing_n also_o together_o with_o his_o opinion_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v never_o to_o give_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o they_o so_o far_o our_o brethren_n be_v from_o any_o solid_a ground_n of_o a_o presumption_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v ever_o intend_v for_o they_o §_o viii_o and_o as_o this_o consequence_n be_v far_o from_o be_v own_v in_o the_o actual_a sense_n of_o those_o time_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o indeed_o follow_v from_o the_o opinion_n of_o these_o person_n that_o simple_a presbyter_n have_v any_o right_n to_o a_o power_n of_o ordination_n though_o they_o believe_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v the_o same_o order_n with_o presbytery_n yet_o their_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n in_o degree_n be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o confound_v the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o this_o we_o see_v be_v take_v for_o the_o peculiar_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n though_o they_o conceive_v no_o new_a character_n to_o have_v be_v imprint_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o a_o bishop_n yet_o withal_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o character_n of_o his_o presbytery_n be_v extend_v and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o extension_n extend_v his_o power_n also_o at_o least_o to_o some_o act_n to_o which_o he_o have_v not_o power_n before_o nay_o certain_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v intend_v by_o they_o that_o it_o shall_v actual_o do_v so_o and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o this_o extend_a power_n must_v have_v imply_v a_o addition_n of_o power_n above_o what_o be_v in_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o extend_v whence_o it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n of_o ordination_n to_o which_o the_o episcopal_a character_n be_v extend_v be_v want_v in_o they_o while_o they_o be_v simple_a presbyter_n that_o be_v before_o it_o be_v so_o extend_v and_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v of_o
intend_v to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n i_o do_v not_o say_v of_o the_o aerian_o who_o have_v be_v reckon_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o heretic_n epiphanli_fw-la s._n augustini_fw-la &_o epiphanli_fw-la long_o before_o their_o own_o time_n but_o even_o of_o the_o wiclevist_n and_o waldenses_n who_o have_v be_v more_o late_o censure_v for_o maintain_v the_o equality_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o who_o know_v how_o odious_a the_o name_n of_o heretic_n be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o how_o express_a condemnation_n of_o they_o be_v require_v from_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o preferment_n and_o how_o these_o catalogue_n and_o council_n who_o have_v censure_v these_o person_n be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o such_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o judge_n who_o be_v heretic_n they_o i_o say_v can_v believe_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o age_n can_v have_v keep_v either_o their_o communion_n or_o their_o preferment_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o our_o adversary_n mind_n in_o assert_v the_o order_n and_o character_n of_o episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o priesthood_n and_o they_o must_v still_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v by_o what_o be_v maintain_v by_o they_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o we_o must_v judge_v what_o power_n be_v actual_o design_v for_o the_o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o they_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o understand_v these_o opinion_n so_o as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o person_n who_o maintain_v they_o in_o the_o age_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o intend_v to_o exclude_v all_o difference_n between_o the_o two_o office_n and_o if_o any_o difference_n be_v acknowledge_v it_o must_v have_v be_v this_o of_o ordination_n which_o st._n hierome_n himself_o the_o principal_a author_n of_o this_o opinion_n have_v acknowledge_v for_o such_o a_o inseparable_a peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n we_o can_v desire_v to_o presume_v that_o even_a person_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o that_o age_n do_v intend_v to_o reserve_v this_o power_n from_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o §_o xvi_o for_o it_o be_v particular_o considerable_a that_o this_o case_n of_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o apology_n for_o submit_v to_o a_o unjust_a government_n which_o be_v usual_o and_o i_o think_v very_o just_o make_v use_v of_o to_o excuse_v st._n hierome_n he_o indeed_o seem_v to_o have_v think_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n age_n the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n than_o be_v allow_v they_o in_o his_o own_o but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v his_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n even_o of_o his_o own_o time_n though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o just_a nay_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o think_v that_o it_o may_v then_o have_v a_o very_a just_a though_o a_o only_o humane_a right_n it_o be_v his_o sense_n not_o of_o the_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o time_n that_o concern_v his_o present_a practice_n but_o that_o which_o these_o person_n teach_v who_o make_v bishop_n and_o presbytery_n of_o the_o same_o order_n concern_v not_o only_o the_o apostle_n age_n but_o their_o own_o they_o think_v they_o still_o to_o be_v not_o only_a de_fw-fr jure_fw-la but_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o think_v themselves_o under_o any_o high_a duty_n to_o their_o bishop_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o be_v of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o have_v allow_v they_o a_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o why_o do_v they_o not_o challenge_v that_o power_n why_o do_v they_o suffer_v the_o bishop_n to_o engross_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v their_o present_a usurpation_n to_o posterity_n for_o ever_o by_o a_o unquestioned_a peaceable_a prescription_n can_v not_o any_o one_o bold_a spirit_n be_v find_v who_o will_v stand_v up_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o order_n can_v neither_o interest_n nor_o conscience_n neither_o animate_v some_o to_o give_v a_o pre●edent_n of_o contradict_v it_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v in_o those_o age_n to_o have_v be_v general_o so_o me●k_v and_o so_o fearful_a of_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n for_o what_o they_o think_v to_o be_v their_o right_n mighty_a quarrel_n be_v then_o engage_v on_o for_o matter_n of_o incomparable_o more_o trivial_a concernment_n and_o where_o withal_o they_o have_v less_o interest_n either_o to_o provoke_v or_o animate_v they_o than_o here_o and_o if_o indeed_o they_o have_v think_v of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o they_o must_v have_v think_v if_o their_o meaning_n in_o this_o assertion_n be_v such_o as_o our_o adversary_n be_v apt_a to_o understand_v it_o to_o have_v be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o escape_v the_o censure_n of_o their_o then_o present_a superior_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o it_o can_v have_v escape_v those_o censure_n in_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o policy_n be_v their_o principal_a study_n and_o the_o principal_a employment_n of_o their_o zeal_n be_v the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o present_a establishment_n do_v none_o of_o these_o person_n who_o maintain_v these_o opinion_n ever_o come_v themselves_o to_o be_v governor_n and_o if_o their_o opinion_n alter_v with_o their_o interest_n must_v they_o not_o then_o have_v be_v conscious_a of_o the_o ill_a consequence_n and_o mischievousness_n of_o what_o they_o have_v maintain_v former_o if_o none_o of_o they_o have_v be_v conscious_a of_o these_o thing_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n yet_o sure_o their_o jealousy_n and_o the_o momentousness_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v have_v make_v they_o suspicious_a though_o they_o want_v solid_a ground_n if_o they_o have_v only_a likelihood_n and_o these_o suspicion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v awaken_v all_o their_o diligence_n for_o suppress_v they_o when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o person_n who_o then_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n concern_v the_o identity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o far_o from_o think_v of_o any_o consequence_n prejudicial_a to_o their_o present_a establishment_n much_o less_o from_o attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o practice_n till_o pure_a necessity_n as_o well_o as_o opportunity_n force_v they_o upon_o it_o they_o do_v not_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o excuse_v presbyter_n from_o the_o least_o instance_n of_o their_o canonical_a obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n even_o of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o canon_n of_o those_o time_n so_o far_o it_o be_v from_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o nay_o so_o far_o do_v they_o seem_v from_o so_o much_o as_o judge_v it_o fit_a in_o conscience_n that_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v then_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o yet_o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o appear_v sufficient_o that_o nothing_o short_a of_o their_o actual_a intention_n to_o give_v they_o this_o power_n can_v suffice_v to_o legitimate_a our_o brethren_n present_a ordination_n chap._n xxiv_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n prove_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n even_o as_o precedent_n over_o the_o presbytery_n the_o content_n §_o i_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o bishop_n have_v the_o right_n of_o preside_v over_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n §_o i._o 1._o in_o regard_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v be_v grant_v due_a to_o he_o even_o as_o precedent_n this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n wherein_o the_o right_a of_o government_n be_v original_o seat_v §_o ii_o 2._o no_o act_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o that_o body_n but_o what_o have_v pass_v they_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n §_o iii_o 3._o no_o assembly_n can_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o such_o society_n but_o such_o as_o be_v lawful_a one_o according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o society_n §_o iv_o v._o 4._o the_o indiction_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o the_o precedent_n be_v a_o right_n consequent_a to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o precedent_n as_o a_o precedent_n and_o a_o circumstance_n requisite_a to_o make_v the_o assembly_n itself_o lawful_a §_o vi_o vii_o 5._o the_o bishop_n have_v always_o be_v the_o precedent_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n even_o as_o high_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v grant_v the_o practice_n of_o preside_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o ix_o this_o invalidate_n the_o order_n of_o our_o adversary_n §_o x._o this_o be_v a_o right_n which_o no_o
independence_n on_o he_o nay_o the_o emperor_n valentinian_n though_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o army_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v choose_v he_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o be_v oblige_v by_o they_o even_o to_o the_o nomination_n of_o a_o colleague_n though_o he_o after_o do_v it_o free_o so_o though_o the_o presbytery_n have_v a_o power_n in_o the_o vacancy_n of_o see_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o succession_n of_o a_o new_a bishop_n yet_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o successive_a government_n they_o can_v only_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v it_o in_o trust_n and_o that_o trust_n must_v be_v presume_v limit_v according_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o can_v forbear_v the_o election_n of_o a_o successor_n and_o much_o less_o that_o they_o can_v justify_v their_o assemble_v and_o act_v without_o he_o when_o he_o be_v once_o name_v their_o power_n may_v then_o for_o all_o this_o expire_v and_o they_o return_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o ordinary_a subject_n who_o act_n i_o believe_v our_o adversary_n themselves_o can_v think_v valid_a if_o they_o presume_v to_o give_v authority_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v still_o to_o have_v the_o power_n after_o they_o have_v give_v it_o out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o they_o can_v neither_o valid_o exercise_v it_o nor_o valid_o dispose_v of_o it_o otherwise_o against_o the_o fundamental_a law_n for_o settle_v succession_n in_o the_o society_n for_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v entrust_v §_o fourteen_o this_o argument_n will_v hold_v though_o this_o right_n of_o presidency_n be_v pure_o humane_a yet_o even_o so_o person_n who_o have_v give_v the_o power_n out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n can_v recall_v it_o again_o at_o pleasure_n but_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o their_o own_o act_n and_o as_o this_o will_v oblige_v such_o as_o be_v at_o first_o free_a if_o any_o be_v such_o in_o matter_n alienable_a by_o they_o and_o those_o by_o who_o the_o law_n for_o succession_n be_v first_o make_v so_o much_o more_o will_v it_o oblige_v posterity_n who_o must_v find_v themselves_o already_o confine_v by_o the_o act_n of_o their_o predecessor_n these_o can_v pretend_v only_o such_o a_o right_a as_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o exceed_v that_o they_o usurp_v a_o right_a which_o be_v never_o they_o and_o therefore_o all_o they_o do_v must_v be_v invalid_a indeed_o if_o the_o supreme_a right_n of_o manage_v their_o own_o assembly_n have_v be_v by_o divine_a right_n unalienable_a from_o the_o primitive_a presbyter_n they_o who_o once_o have_v it_o may_v therefore_o challenge_v it_o again_o notwithstanding_o any_o contract_n whatsoever_o for_o part_v with_o it_o because_o the_o contract_n themselves_o be_v invalid_a and_o therefore_o can_v not_o deprive_v they_o of_o a_o right_n which_o they_o have_v before_o they_o make_v those_o contract_n but_o must_v leave_v they_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n wherein_o they_o find_v they_o but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o posterity_n suppose_v the_o modern_a presbyter_n of_o the_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o have_v never_o give_v their_o ●ishops_n the_o power_n of_o preside_v over_o their_o assembly_n suppose_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o contract_n of_o their_o predecessor_n in_o this_o matter_n all_o that_o will_v thence_o follow_v be_v only_o this_o that_o they_o be_v now_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o if_o those_o contract_n have_v never_o be_v make_v but_o though_o they_o have_v not_o alienate_v a_o right_a that_o do_v not_o prove_v they_o have_v it_o unless_o they_o have_v it_o antecedent_o to_o the_o alienation_n but_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n posterity_n can_v pretend_v to_o they_o never_o have_v this_o right_n give_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v it_o though_o they_o never_o alienate_v it_o and_o they_o be_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o oblige_v by_o the_o act_n of_o their_o predecessor_n as_o they_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o have_v this_o power_n give_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o those_o act_n of_o they_o which_o may_v pretend_v to_o have_v alienate_v it_o from_o they_o and_o till_o our_o brethren_n predecessor_n who_o be_v then_o ordain_v can_v prove_v that_o they_o once_o have_v this_o right_n give_v they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v concern_v whether_o they_o have_v alienate_v it_o or_o not_o nor_o consequent_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o alienation_n of_o their_o predecessor_n §_o xv_o but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v divine_a and_o all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v in_o the_o case_n be_v only_o to_o determine_v the_o person_n not_o to_o confine_v his_o power_n then_o certain_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o though_o man_n may_v this_o way_n make_v he_o which_o be_v all_o our_o brethren_n can_v pretend_v to_o prove_v yet_o they_o may_v not_o therefore_o after_o he_o be_v make_v either_o deprive_v he_o or_o make_v another_o or_o exercise_v the_o government_n themselves_o without_o he_o as_o free_o as_o before_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o that_o power_n be_v give_v he_o by_o god_n they_o immediate_o become_v his_o subject_n and_o have_v then_o no_o more_o power_n to_o prescribe_v limit_n to_o his_o authority_n than_o they_o have_v to_o do_v so_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o nor_o be_o i_o here_o oblige_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n i_o may_v take_v from_o the_o peculiar_a way_n by_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o from_o god_n than_o that_o be_v of_o every_o supreme_a civil_a magistrate_n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o king_n to_o be_v invest_v in_o their_o office_n by_o other_o king_n but_o by_o their_o subject_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v invest_v that_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n the_o absoluteness_n of_o their_o monarchy_n where_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o respective_a place_n allow_v it_o they_o much_o less_o do_v it_o give_v any_o power_n over_o they_o to_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v invest_v but_o they_o be_v then_o and_o afterward_o as_o much_o his_o subject_n as_o any_o other_o be_v who_o have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o solemnity_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o have_v be_v true_a that_o the_o presbyter_n at_o first_o have_v not_o only_o elect_v but_o place_v the_o bishop_n over_o themselves_o as_o st._n hierome_n express_v it_o nay_o suppose_v those_o same_o presbyter_n who_o have_v choose_v he_o shall_v have_v also_o use_v all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o consecration_n to_o he_o that_o they_o have_v invest_v he_o in_o his_o office_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 31._o eutych_n annal._n alex._n ed._n oxon._n p._n 31._o as_o eutychius_n pretend_v nay_o suppose_v that_o no_o bishop_n have_v any_o more_o to_o do_v in_o his_o consecration_n than_o king_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o inauguration_n of_o our_o ordinary_a king_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v suppose_v which_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v by_o any_o competent_a testimony_n it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o those_o same_o presbyter_n who_o choose_v and_o consecrate_a he_o must_v have_v any_o more_o power_n over_o he_o or_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n without_o he_o or_o to_o withdraw_v their_o obedience_n from_o he_o after_o he_o be_v so_o choose_a and_o consecrate_a than_o those_o same_o person_n have_v over_o the_o prince_n who_o be_v inaugurate_v by_o they_o and_o all_o their_o presumptuous_a practice_n of_o such_o a_o power_n may_v notwithstanding_o all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o as_o punishable_a but_o as_o invalid_a as_o the_o like_a presumption_n will_v be_v in_o the_o inauguration_n of_o prince_n nor_o be_v it_o only_o true_a that_o this_o may_v be_v so_o though_o that_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o weaken_v our_o adversary_n confidence_n in_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v but_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v so_o whenever_o the_o person_n so_o invest_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v invest_v in_o the_o supreme_a power_n and_o whenever_o the_o society_n over_o which_o he_o be_v place_v be_v also_o independent_a on_o all_o other_o society_n such_o a_o person_n can_v never_o be_v place_v in_o his_o power_n if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v place_v in_o it_o by_o they_o who_o after_o he_o be_v place_v in_o it_o must_v themselves_o be_v his_o subject_n as_o much_o as_o other_o unless_o he_o be_v place_v in_o it_o by_o his_o predecessor_n which_o no_o society_n can_v safe_o depend_v on_o for_o a_o constant_a rule_n of_o succession_n in_o his_o own_o society_n he_o can_v therefore_o have_v none_o of_o
his_o own_o order_n that_o can_v perform_v the_o ceremony_n to_o he_o because_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a and_o there_o can_v be_v two_o such_o in_o one_o society_n and_o if_o he_o must_v depend_v on_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o neighbour_a society_n for_o a_o investiture_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v valid_o invest_v without_o they_o this_o will_v both_o be_v dangerous_a in_o suspicious_a time_n and_o will_v beside_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o particular_a society_n for_o which_o such_o a_o governor_n be_v concern_v §_o xvi_o and_o therefore_o i_o for_o my_o part_n be_o so_o little_a solicitous_a for_o any_o consequence_n that_o may_v hence_o be_v infer_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o my_o cause_n as_o that_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o must_v have_v be_v the_o way_n observe_v at_o first_o in_o the_o make_n of_o bishop_n how_o absolute_a soever_o i_o conceive_v they_o to_o have_v be_v when_o they_o be_v once_o make_v and_o how_o invalid_a soever_o i_o think_v the_o act_n of_o presbyter_n will_v be_v which_o be_v do_v without_o his_o consent_n after_o his_o consecration_n though_o they_o be_v those_o very_a presbyter_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v consecrate_a and_o i_o wish_v our_o adversary_n have_v authority_n suitable_a to_o their_o confidence_n either_o better_a than_o conjecture_n or_o if_o no_o better_o yet_o more_o ancient_a than_o the_o time_n of_o st._n hierome_n who_o contemporary_a he_o be_v who_o write_v the_o commentary_n under_o the_o name_n of_o st._n ambrose_n much_o more_o than_o the_o very_a exceptionable_a testimony_n and_o age_n of_o eutychius_n this_o seem_v best_a to_o agree_v with_o the_o absoluteness_n of_o particular_a church_n before_o they_o have_v by_o compact_n unite_v themselves_o under_o metropolitan_n and_o exarch_n into_o provincial_n and_o diocesan_n church_n as_o the_o word_n diocese_n be_v understand_v in_o the_o eastern_a part_n in_o the_o language_n of_o that_o age._n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o frequent_a persecution_n of_o those_o early_a age_n when_o every_o church_n be_v able_a to_o secure_v its_o own_o succession_n by_o its_o own_o power_n without_o depend_v on_o the_o uncertain_a opportunity_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n and_o the_o alteration_n of_o this_o practice_n the_o give_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o particular_a colleague_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v be_v so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o power_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o do_v it_o as_o for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o compact_n that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o colleague_n as_o will_v observe_v they_o who_o communicatory_a letter_n they_o may_v therefore_o not_o scruple_n to_o receive_v when_o they_o have_v first_o by_o their_o own_o act_n satisfy_v themselves_o of_o the_o trustiness_n of_o his_o person_n before_o his_o consecration_n however_o the_o matter_n be_v i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o neighbour_a bishop_n in_o the_o correspondence_n of_o every_o particular_a bishop_n that_o first_o occasion_v and_o procure_v their_o interest_n in_o his_o election_n nor_o can_v i_o tell_v how_o the_o succession_n can_v have_v be_v so_o secure_a otherwise_o unless_o every_o bishop_n have_v name_v and_o constitute_v his_o successor_n in_o his_o life_n time_n for_o which_o they_o have_v precedent_n in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o philosopher_n in_o imitation_n whereof_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v how_o probable_a it_o be_v that_o these_o ecclesiastical_a succession_n be_v frame_v but_o then_o withal_o as_o that_o way_n be_v uncertain_a so_o when_o the_o philosopher_n fail_v to_o nominate_v their_o own_o successor_n than_o the_o election_n be_v in_o the_o school_n but_o this_o will_v even_o then_o only_o warrant_v such_o act_n of_o those_o presbytery_n which_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o their_o own_o bishop_n and_o with_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n but_o in_o these_o modern_a age_n it_o can_v only_o excuse_v those_o to_o who_o the_o power_n be_v return_v by_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v be_v peaceable_o possess_v of_o it_o for_o many_o century_n before_o this_o i_o note_v that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v draw_v into_o a_o precedent_n now_o any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a chap._n xxv_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o same_o ordination_n prove_v from_o the_o right_n of_o episcopal_a presbytery_n as_o presbytery_n the_o content_n 2._o even_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n from_o the_o right_n which_o episcopal_a presbytery_n ought_v to_o have_v in_o give_v order_n as_o they_o be_v consider_v as_o presbytery_n §_o ay_o ii_o this_o prove_v by_o these_o degree_n 1._o though_o a_o presbyter_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v he_o so_o be_v that_o correspondence_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n at_o his_o ordination_n §_o iii_o iv_o five_o vi_o 2._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o can_v valid_o make_v out_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o other_o church_n who_o can_v thus_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o §_o vii_o 3._o the_o church_n by_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v try_v must_v not_o be_v a_o church_n that_o derive_v its_o beginning_n from_o he_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v settle_v and_o establish_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o pretension_n to_o order_n apply_v to_o single_a presbyter_n §_o viii_o to_o whole_a presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o overvoted_a single_a presbyter_n §_o ix_o x_o xi_o 4._o no_o order_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v valid_o receive_v in_o any_o particular_a episcopal_a church_n as_o presbyterian_a without_o the_o prevail_a suffrage_n of_o the_o presbytery_n §_o xii_o a_o small_a over-voted_n number_n of_o presbyter_n can_v valid_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n §_o xiii_o fourteen_o xv._o the_o power_n give_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v a_o right_a of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o common_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n §_o xvi_o xvii_o xviii_o xix_o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o xx_o xxi_o xxii_o another_o objection_n answer_v §_o xxiii_o xxiv_o retort_v §_o xxv_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o retortion_n give_v §_o xxvi_o §_o i_o but_o 2._o there_o be_v also_o another_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o validity_n of_o our_o adversary_n ordination_n even_o from_o the_o right_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o right_n of_o their_o fellow-presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o if_o we_o shall_v allow_v the_o right_n of_o ordination_n to_o presbyter_n as_o presbyter_n as_o our_o adversary_n desire_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o single_a presbyter_n no_o nor_o of_o a_o small_a part_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o great_a by_o which_o it_o be_v over-voted_n and_o our_o adversary_n can_v defend_v their_o ordination_n at_o present_a any_o better_a than_o by_o the_o single_a act_n of_o particular_a presbyter_n over-voted_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o which_o they_o be_v original_o member_n their_o first_o minister_n which_o begin_v the_o separation_n be_v much_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o respective_a presbytery_n to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v and_o though_o they_o may_v if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v have_v their_o single_a vote_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o government_n and_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o office_n which_o by_o the_o practice_n then_o obtain_v be_v allow_v to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n yet_o they_o can_v never_o have_v obtain_v that_o the_o office_n dispose_v of_o by_o their_o single_a vote_n must_v have_v be_v valid_o dispose_v of_o and_o ratify_v by_o the_o rest_n by_o who_o they_o be_v over-voted_n and_o sure_o they_o can_v expect_v to_o be_v gainer_n by_o their_o unpeaceableness_n that_o their_o single_a vote_n must_v be_v esteem_v of_o great_a value_n out_o of_o the_o church_n than_o in_o it_o that_o they_o who_o can_v not_o have_v make_v presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n against_o the_o prevail_a vote_n of_o their_o brethren_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o make_v as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v on_o condition_n they_o will_v divide_v from_o their_o brethren_n and_o make_v themselves_o the_o head_n
of_o a_o popular_a party_n §_o two_o this_o be_v not_o allow_v in_o any_o society_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n though_o the_o alderman_n of_o corporation_n have_v a_o power_n together_o with_o the_o mayor_n to_o dispose_v of_o the_o office_n belong_v to_o their_o respective_a corporation_n yet_o if_o the_o whole_a table_n shall_v meet_v by_o themselves_o in_o separation_n from_o the_o mayor_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o however_o they_o may_v over-vote_n he_o if_o he_o have_v be_v present_a and_o their_o assembly_n lawful_a yet_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o suppose_v will_v be_v a_o perfect_a nullity_n and_o unoblige_v to_o the_o corporation_n but_o if_o any_o single_a alderman_n shall_v separate_v from_o all_o his_o brethren_n also_o and_o shall_v of_o himself_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o thing_n or_o office_n of_o the_o corporation_n can_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o approve_v they_o in_o it_o can_v they_o think_v the_o office_n so_o dispose_v of_o by_o they_o valid_o dispose_v of_o can_v they_o think_v the_o corporation_n oblige_v to_o ratify_v they_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v how_o like_o this_o case_n be_v to_o that_o of_o their_o own_o predecessor_n the_o first_o minister_n they_o have_v ordain_v in_o the_o separation_n be_v ordain_v by_o such_o presbyter_n as_o these_o and_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o now_o mention_v and_o their_o whole_a succession_n since_o that_o time_n have_v be_v maintain_v general_o on_o no_o better_a a_o title_n this_o representation_n of_o their_o case_n may_v possible_o affect_v some_o popular_a capacity_n better_a than_o the_o naked_a reason_n but_o that_o the_o more_o judicious_a among_o they_o may_v see_v that_o my_o desire_n it_o to_o deal_v fair_o and_o candid_o with_o they_o and_o not_o to_o represent_v their_o cause_n more_o invidious_o than_o it_o deserve_v or_o to_o take_v any_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v take_v from_o a_o false_a representation_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o reason_n to_o a_o more_o close_a way_n of_o management_n under_o the_o follow_a consideration_n which_o i_o shall_v entreat_v our_o adversary_n to_o consider_v impartial_o §_o iii_o 1._o that_o though_o a_o presbyter_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o the_o reason_n that_o make_v he_o so_o be_v the_o correspondence_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o of_o which_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n at_o his_o ordination_n by_o his_o be_v a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n when_o he_o be_v once_o make_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o he_o may_v canonical_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n where_o he_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o come_v without_o dependence_n on_o the_o respective_a governor_n but_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n in_o his_o own_o church_n be_v to_o be_v ratify_v over_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n in_o general_n that_o they_o be_v to_o suppose_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v by_o he_o to_o be_v valid_o administer_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o rebaptize_v person_n baptize_v by_o he_o when_o they_o come_v to_o live_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o refuse_v their_o communion_n to_o such_o to_o who_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v it_o nor_o to_o receive_v to_o their_o communion_n those_o who_o be_v exclude_v from_o he_o and_o that_o they_o be_v also_o so_o far_o to_o ratify_v the_o authority_n receive_v in_o his_o own_o church_n from_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o give_v it_o he_o as_o that_o if_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o permit_v he_o to_o exercise_v his_o power_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n they_o do_v it_o without_o pretend_v to_o give_v he_o a_o new_a authority_n but_o only_o a_o new_a licence_n and_o that_o wherever_o he_o can_v exercise_v his_o authority_n without_o canonical_a injury_n as_o in_o heathenish_a or_o heretical_a country_n where_o no_o canon_n do_v oblige_v ratify_v all_o his_o act_n of_o power_n the_o same_o way_n as_o if_o he_o have_v perform_v they_o within_o his_o own_o canonical_a jurisdiction_n this_o be_v more_o than_o be_v observe_v in_o civil_a society_n one_o country_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o confirm_v the_o censure_n of_o another_o they_o be_v neither_o oblige_v to_o banish_v their_o exile_n nor_o to_o receive_v their_o countryman_n to_o the_o same_o privilege_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o their_o own_o country_n nor_o to_o receive_v their_o magistrate_n to_o exercise_v power_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o new_a commission_n which_o may_v give_v they_o a_o new_a power_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o own_o country_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v they_o §_o iv_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o level_v my_o discourse_n against_o the_o power_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o our_o adversary_n may_v pretend_v to_o on_o account_n of_o their_o be_v presbyter_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a pretence_n that_o they_o can_v plausible_o make_v for_o the_o validity_n of_o what_o they_o do_v canonical_a licence_n they_o can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o for_o exercise_v their_o power_n within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o without_o their_o leave_n and_o it_o have_v already_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v make_v out_o no_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o must_v original_o have_v come_v from_o episcopal_a ordination_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o power_n receive_v from_o the_o bishop_n yet_o exercise_v within_o their_o jurisdiction_n without_o the_o licence_n of_o the_o bishop_n nay_o contrary_a to_o their_o express_a prohibition_n shall_v be_v count_v valid_a how_o unlawful_a soever_o must_v be_v from_o the_o irrevocableness_n of_o the_o authority_n at_o first_o receive_v by_o they_o and_o the_o unconfinedness_n of_o the_o design_n of_o that_o power_n antecedent_o to_o those_o canon_n by_o which_o it_o be_v afterward_o make_v irregular_a in_o its_o practice_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o unconfinedness_n of_o this_o power_n they_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o right_a to_o exercise_v it_o out_o of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o they_o nor_o even_o within_o that_o jurisdiction_n without_o his_o leave_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v it_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o that_o can_v defend_v their_o usurpation_n from_o be_v invalid_a as_o well_o as_o uncanonical_a §_o v_o and_o that_o this_o correspondence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o that_o particular_a one_o in_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o all_o other_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o ratify_v the_o act_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n will_v appear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o by_o his_o ordination_n in_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n he_o can_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n give_v he_o over_o any_o other_o which_o be_v not_o under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n and_o therefore_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o confirm_v his_o censure_n can_v be_v any_o authoritative_a deference_n they_o owe_v to_o he_o such_o as_o subject_n owe_v to_o even_o their_o fallible_a superior_n even_o in_o matter_n wherein_o they_o think_v they_o actual_o mistake_v yet_o so_o to_o practice_v as_o if_o they_o think_v they_o not_o mistake_v but_o pure_o their_o own_o actual_a conviction_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o they_o either_o know_v or_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v fit_a that_o his_o censure_n shall_v be_v confirm_v but_o this_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o hold_v be_v it_o not_o that_o his_o church_n and_o they_o be_v in_o those_o thing_n the_o same_o and_o as_o they_o give_v the_o same_o advantage_n so_o they_o require_v the_o same_o qualification_n which_o whoever_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v in_o one_o can_v by_o they_o by_o who_o he_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n presume_v to_o want_v they_o in_o the_o other_o in_o other_o society_n where_o the_o privilege_n confer_v be_v proper_a to_o the_o society_n the_o qualification_n be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o though_o one_o society_n be_v real_o satisfy_v that_o a_o subject_a have_v deserve_v well_o of_o another_o and_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_o receive_v his_o reward_n for_o his_o eminent_a desert_n from_o that_o authority_n which_o have_v power_n to_o give_v he_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a title_n to_o a_o reward_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o oblige_v in_o any_o reason_n to_o give_v he_o the_o same_o honour_n in_o their_o own_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o society_n be_v so_o little_o
have_v behave_v themselves_o seditious_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n will_v not_o do_v so_o also_o when_o they_o be_v unite_v and_o when_o their_o common_a interest_n still_o oblige_v they_o to_o do_v so_o when_o they_o may_v thereby_o so_o much_o better_a their_o disadvantage_n in_o their_o respective_a presbytery_n it_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o such_o person_n to_o unite_v against_o a_o common_a adversary_n at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n how_o seditious_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o certain_o they_o may_v expect_v better_a condescension_n from_o person_n as_o criminal_a as_o themselves_o who_o have_v themselves_o also_o many_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o be_v bear_v with_o than_o from_o their_o more_o innocent_a equal_n who_o have_v justice_n on_o their_o side_n much_o more_o than_o from_o their_o superior_n and_o what_o can_v any_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n signify_v if_o they_o who_o have_v be_v eject_v single_o might_n be_v thus_o allow_v to_o confederate_n themselves_o into_o a_o communion_n and_o a_o presbytery_n independent_a on_o those_o from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v eject_v who_o will_v value_v excommunication_n or_o deprivation_n when_o they_o may_v so_o easy_o restore_v themselves_o into_o a_o condition_n as_o good_a as_o that_o from_o which_o they_o have_v be_v eject_v and_o might_n at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o easy_o revenge_v themselves_o on_o those_o by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v eject_v by_o set_v up_o another_o government_n within_o their_o jurisdiction_n who_o act_n must_v also_o be_v account_v as_o valid_a as_o their_o own_o these_o thing_n show_v that_o such_o a_o precedent_n of_o presbytery_n erect_v out_o of_o person_n over-voted_n in_o their_o particular_a presbytery_n will_v be_v injurious_a to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o government_n in_o general_n though_o the_o form_n be_v every_o where_o presbyterian_a as_o well_o as_o to_o those_o particular_a governor_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v eject_v and_o to_o those_o in_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v assemble_v and_o its_o be_v against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o government_n be_v as_o have_v be_v observe_v a_o great_a presumption_n that_o it_o be_v against_o justice_n also_o §_o x_o but_o beside_o this_o presumption_n the_o same_o reason_n of_o exception_n lie_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o against_o the_o act_n of_o single_a presbyter_n i_o mention_v not_o the_o canon_n that_o forbid_v all_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o excommunicate_n of_o each_o other_o that_o put_v communicant_n with_o they_o into_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o excommunicate_v themselves_o that_o deprive_v they_o all_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o those_o church_n who_o maintain_v a_o correspondence_n with_o each_o other_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o canon_n i_o mention_v not_o that_o common_a interest_n which_o at_o first_o induce_v the_o governor_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o agree_v upon_o those_o canon_n and_o oblige_v all_o even_o those_o that_o never_o receive_v nor_o hear_v of_o those_o canon_n yet_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o they_o in_o their_o practice_n on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o all_o even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n though_o never_o explicit_o receive_v by_o they_o because_o these_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o correspondence_n of_o ecclesiastical_a as_o the_o other_o be_v for_o those_o of_o civil_a society_n which_o consideration_n must_v extend_v the_o ratification_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n be_v common_a to_o all_o nation_n so_o that_o the_o excommunicate_v of_o every_o particular_a church_n must_v be_v so_o to_o the_o catholic_n church_n also_o and_o then_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o understand_v how_o they_o who_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n can_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o how_o they_o who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o be_v member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v by_o their_o meeting_n together_o become_v a_o church_n and_o become_v capable_a of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o reason_n will_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o reach_v schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o heretic_n how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o our_o brethren_n who_o be_v very_o little_o use_v to_o take_v in_o the_o rational_a right_n of_o government_n in_o general_n in_o their_o dispute_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n §_o xi_o but_o beside_o the_o same_o reason_n invalidate_v the_o act_n of_o these_o presbytery_n which_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o act_n of_o single_a presbyter_n among_o they_o whatever_o may_v be_v think_v of_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o over-voted_n presbyter_n in_o a_o heathen_a country_n where_o the_o right_n be_v primi_fw-la occupantis_fw-la yet_o where_o a_o government_n be_v already_o possess_v their_o encroach_a on_o that_o must_v be_v as_o invalid_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o good_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o actual_a possession_n whatever_o may_v be_v think_v of_o what_o conveyance_n they_o may_v also_o make_v of_o good_n that_o be_v under_o no_o propriety_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o two_o case_n be_v so_o exact_o the_o same_o as_o the_o conveyance_n of_o power_n must_v in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v as_o invalid_a as_o the_o conveyance_n of_o property_n beside_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n which_o admit_v of_o no_o competition_n within_o its_o own_o jurisdiction_n stranger_n how_o numerous_a soever_o immediate_o become_v subject_n by_o live_v in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o another_o whatever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o and_o that_o with_o this_o disadvantage_n also_o beyond_o the_o natural_a subject_n of_o the_o place_n that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n in_o so_o much_o of_o the_o government_n as_o the_o native_n of_o the_o place_n may_v pretend_v to_o where_o the_o government_n be_v democratical_a and_o the_o act_n of_o such_o subject_n how_o numerous_a soever_o must_v be_v invalid_a in_o matter_n of_o government_n now_o in_o this_o i_o believe_v our_o adversary_n will_v find_v themselves_o deep_o concern_v they_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o most_o regular_a ordination_n of_o they_o since_o the_o defection_n who_o be_v not_o immediate_o ordain_v by_o bishop_n can_v only_o say_v that_o the_o presbyter_n by_o who_o they_o be_v ordain_v have_v receive_v episcopal_a ordination_n and_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o full_a presbytery_n of_o such_o presbyter_n not_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o settle_a presbytery_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v ordain_v or_o of_o any_o other_o but_o only_o of_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a presbyter_n from_o several_a part_n who_o be_v over-voted_n in_o their_o several_a respective_a presbytery_n i_o believe_v they_o can_v give_v a_o instance_n in_o any_o place_n where_o the_o great_a part_n of_o a_o settle_a presbytery_n revolt_v from_o the_o bishop_n to_o they_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v justify_v their_o ordinary_a succession_n by_o such_o ordination_n §_o xii_o and_z 4._o as_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n which_o will_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n must_v first_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v valid_o receive_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o particular_a church_n must_v on_o the_o principle_n now_o mention_v be_v some_o episcopal_a church_n as_o presbyterian_a so_o no_o order_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v valid_o receive_v in_o such_o a_o church_n without_o the_o prevail_a suffrage_n of_o the_o presbytery_n let_v none_o be_v surprise_v at_o my_o speak_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n as_o presbyterian_a i_o do_v it_o only_o that_o i_o may_v in_o deal_v with_o our_o adversary_n accommodate_v myself_o to_o their_o notion_n it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n after_o the_o episcopal_a way_n the_o bishop_n do_v not_o lay_v on_o his_o own_o hand_n alone_o but_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o several_a other_o presbyter_n who_o be_v present_a to_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n together_o with_o he_o on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o several_a of_o our_o adversary_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n in_o interest_n to_o do_v it_o do_v justify_v the_o validity_n of_o those_o order_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o episcopal_a ordination_n they_o consider_v the_o whole_a act_n only_o as_o the_o act_n of_o a_o episcopal_a presbytery_n and_o consider_v the_o bishop_n himself_o in_o that_o act_n only_o as_o a_o ordinary_a presbyter_n who_o can_v lose_v the_o power_n he_o have_v as_o a_o common_a presbyter_n by_o be_v make_v a_o precedent_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n yet_o in_o that_o act_n they_o consider_v he_o only_o as_o a_o ordinary_a presbyter_n because_o they_o think_v it_o will_v
belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o presbyter_n though_o he_o be_v not_o also_o a_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o can_v take_v it_o for_o a_o prerogative_n of_o his_o office_n as_o precedent_n that_o it_o be_v therefore_o from_o some_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o this_o that_o they_o must_v derive_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o order_n appear_v from_o the_o principle_n already_o premise_v that_o no_o other_o presbytery_n can_v make_v out_o their_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n that_o particular_a member_n of_o even_o these_o presbytery_n can_v do_v it_o alone_o in_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o that_o multitude_n of_o such_o particular_a person_n though_o meet_v together_o can_v make_v up_o such_o a_o church_n among_o they_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o attest_v the_o order_n of_o person_n ordain_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o maintain_v correspondence_n with_o they_o §_o xiii_o consider_v therefore_o these_o episcopal_a presbytery_n only_o as_o presbyter_n and_o the_o bishop_n himself_o as_o act_v herein_o by_o no_o high_a a_o power_n than_o that_o of_o a_o ordinary_a presbyter_n yet_o even_o so_o no_o order_n can_v be_v valid_a but_o those_o which_o be_v confer_v by_o the_o prevail_a vote_n of_o even_o such_o a_o presbytery_n at_o least_o those_o be_v invalid_a which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o a_o small_a over_v vote_v part_n of_o they_o even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n though_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o the_o great_a part_n may_v dispose_v a_o right_n common_a to_o they_o all_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o every_o particular_a yet_o it_o hardly_o can_v be_v doubtful_a whether_o a_o small_a part_n can_v dispose_v of_o such_o a_o common_a right_n though_o over-voted_n by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o suffrage_n than_o their_o own_o though_o it_o may_v be_v think_v reasonable_a that_o some_o reserve_a case_n of_o that_o nature_n wherein_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v deep_o concern_v shall_v not_o pass_v without_o the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o every_o individual_a member_n yet_o as_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n antecedent_o to_o compact_n that_o any_o individual_n shall_v dispose_v of_o the_o right_n of_o other_o though_o less_o considerable_a than_o themselves_o till_o by_o the_o general_a act_n and_o compact_n of_o all_o whereby_o polyarchical_a society_n be_v most_o natural_o settle_v such_o general_a rule_n be_v agree_v on_o by_o which_o some_o particular_a member_n may_v for_o peace_n sake_n be_v allow_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o their_o fellow-member_n without_o their_o express_a consent_n in_o the_o particular_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o general_a consent_n once_o give_v to_o such_o general_a rule_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n in_o prudence_n that_o where_o unanimous_a consent_n can_v be_v have_v and_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a that_o one_o part_n yield_v to_o the_o other_o the_o great_a shall_v be_v sway_v by_o the_o small_a part_n the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o this_o public_a justice_n be_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o choice_n the_o public_a be_v prefer_v before_o private_a interest_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o just_a to_o bear_v with_o injury_n to_o private_a person_n when_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v without_o injury_n to_o the_o public_a which_o will_v in_o generosity_n oblige_v a_o small_a part_n to_o yield_v to_o a_o great_a but_o can_v on_o no_o term_n oblige_v the_o great_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o small_a because_o indeed_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o great_a part_n be_v more_o the_o public_a interest_n than_o that_o of_o the_o small_a §_o fourteen_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o compact_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o refer_v their_o difference_n to_o a_o public_a decision_n be_v the_o presume_a equality_n of_o the_o decision_n above_o what_o will_v be_v among_o the_o interest_v person_n themselves_o and_o the_o power_n to_o execute_v what_o be_v resolve_v on_o beyond_o the_o resistance_n of_o those_o against_o who_o the_o cause_n be_v decide_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v again_o suppose_v man_n free_a as_o they_o be_v before_o these_o compact_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v settle_v this_o power_n of_o decide_v their_o difference_n in_o such_o hand_n where_o there_o may_v be_v presume_v less_o danger_n of_o corruption_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a power_n to_o execute_v their_o own_o decree_n and_o both_o these_o reason_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o these_o major_a vote_n above_o the_o small_a part_n it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o corrupt_v a_o great_a as_o it_o be_v to_o corrupt_v a_o small_a part_n and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o decree_n be_v execute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o small_a part_n where_o the_o particular_a subject_n of_o power_n be_v suppose_v equal_a as_o they_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n and_o though_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a in_o after_o case_n that_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o great_a right_n may_v sometime_o belong_v to_o that_o side_n where_o there_o be_v the_o small_a power_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o be_v the_o unexpectedness_n of_o revolution_n to_o which_o humane_a affair_n be_v obnoxious_a which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o probable_o foresee_v when_o the_o rule_n of_o such_o society_n be_v first_o agree_v on_o otherwise_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o presume_v that_o at_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o those_o rule_n they_o will_v choose_v the_o great_a power_n and_o interest_n for_o the_o fit_a seat_n of_o authority_n because_o they_o will_v by_o that_o be_v best_o secure_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n give_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o where_o we_o may_v presume_v the_o great_a power_n lie_v at_o the_o pass_n of_o those_o compact_n and_o where_o they_o who_o make_v those_o compact_n have_v reason_n to_o see_v the_o great_a power_n will_v always_o be_v there_o we_o have_v also_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o will_v intend_v to_o place_v the_o great_a authority_n §_o xv_o and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n which_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n induce_v they_o to_o resolve_v that_o the_o major_a vote_n shall_v prevail_v through_o all_o succeed_a generation_n because_o the_o major_a vote_n in_o the_o case_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o must_v inseparable_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a power_n and_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n that_o alike_o concern_v all_o by_o who_o the_o government_n be_v at_o first_o settle_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o compact_n of_o the_o party_n themselves_o who_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v or_o whether_o the_o government_n be_v place_v over_o they_o by_o a_o power_n who_o have_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o antecedent_o to_o their_o own_o consent_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v decree_v that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o suffrage_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o great_a number_n shall_v be_v null_a in_o society_n to_o be_v establish_v by_o he_o as_o that_o the_o party_n themselves_o shall_v at_o first_o agree_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o reason_n now_o mention_v proceed_v alike_o in_o both_o case_n which_o i_o therefore_o observe_v that_o our_o adversary_n may_v perceive_v that_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v it_o will_v come_v to_o the_o same_o event_n whether_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n do_v come_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o particular_a presbyter_n or_o whether_o it_o proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o divine_a institution_n still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o great_a part_n where_o nothing_o be_v otherwise_o express_o determine_v because_o this_o way_n of_o determination_n be_v so_o certain_o for_o the_o public_a interest_n for_o which_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o god_n will_v be_v solicitous_a as_o that_o the_o presbyter_n themselves_o will_v be_v so_o §_o xvi_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v even_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n how_o invalid_a as_o well_o as_o how_o irregular_a it_o must_v be_v for_o a_o small_a over-voted_n number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n to_o undertake_v to_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n whether_o as_o act_v by_o themselves_o or_o as_o act_v in_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o multitude_n of_o such_o presbyter_n as_o have_v be_v several_o over-voted_n in_o the_o presbytery_n to_o which_o each_o of_o they_o do_v at_o first_o belong_v now_o that_o the_o power_n give_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n
must_v be_v a_o right_a of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o common_a according_a to_o our_o adversary_n principle_n who_o conceive_v government_n to_o be_v a_o right_n common_a to_o they_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o will_v think_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o prove_v if_o the_o supreme_a visible_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o right_n of_o such_o presbytery_n in_o common_a not_o of_o particular_a presbyter_n single_o consider_v i_o can_v conceive_v how_o such_o a_o government_n can_v be_v practicable_a unless_o the_o valid_a investiture_n of_o subordinate_a governor_n be_v also_o appropriate_v to_o they_o §_o xvii_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v whether_o they_o will_v here_o allow_v the_o power_n give_v at_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o presbyter_n to_o be_v a_o proper_a power_n of_o government_n it_o suffice_v at_o present_a that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o particular_a presbyter_n be_v as_o proper_o a_o power_n of_o government_n as_o that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v only_o a_o aggregate_v result_v from_o the_o valid_a succession_n of_o the_o particular_a presbyter_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v give_v to_o particular_a presbyter_n at_o their_o ordination_n be_v that_o on_o which_o their_o power_n of_o government_n be_v ground_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o oblige_v all_o private_a person_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o to_o all_o their_o lawful_a imposition_n because_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o exclude_v refractory_a person_n from_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v grant_v to_o particular_a presbyter_n when_o they_o be_v ordain_v presbyter_n so_o far_o also_o it_o be_v put_v in_o their_o power_n to_o exclude_v private_a person_n from_o the_o sacrament_n by_o refuse_v to_o perform_v their_o office_n to_o they_o only_o because_o this_o exclusion_n by_o a_o particular_a presbyter_n do_v not_o hinder_v other_o presbyter_n who_o have_v as_o great_a a_o power_n as_o himself_o who_o shall_v exclude_v one_o from_o perform_v their_o duty_n to_o a_o person_n so_o exclude_v and_o the_o exclusion_n do_v oblige_v the_o person_n exclude_v to_o submission_n no_o further_o than_o as_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o excluder_n therefore_o it_o can_v only_o be_v to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o church_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v because_o it_o be_v the_o presbytery_n alone_o that_o can_v oblige_v all_o to_o ratify_v their_o censure_n so_o that_o the_o sacrament_n can_v at_o all_o be_v get_v without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v oblige_v their_o own_o member_n to_o ratify_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o subjection_n which_o each_o of_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o whole_a community_n and_o they_o can_v oblige_v all_o other_o church_n and_o presbytery_n to_o ratify_v their_o censure_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o correspondence_n which_o all_o church_n and_o presbytery_n be_v oblige_v to_o maintain_v with_o each_o other_o on_o account_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n but_o still_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n though_o it_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n which_o on_o the_o principle_n now_o mention_v be_v sufficient_a to_o appropriate_v the_o disposal_n of_o it_o to_o the_o common_a right_n of_o government_n §_o xviii_o and_o as_o by_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o have_v appear_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la no_v such_o power_n be_v actual_o design_v for_o they_o by_o their_o first_o ordeiner_n as_o be_v at_o present_a exercise_v by_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o separation_n so_o by_o this_o late_a topick_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o do_v not_o the_o jure_fw-la belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o thing_n give_v they_o by_o the_o episcopal_a presbytery_n though_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o our_o brethren_n be_v willing_a to_o consider_v they_o in_o this_o act_n of_o ordination_n only_o as_o presbytery_n or_o at_o the_o utmost_a only_o as_o presbytery_n with_o a_o precedent_n which_o can_v make_v any_o substantial_a difference_n much_o less_o can_v the_o honour_n of_o preside_v lose_v the_o precedent_n any_o of_o that_o honour_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o single_a presbyter_n which_o i_o therefore_o observe_v that_o our_o brethren_n may_v see_v how_o unjustifiable_a their_o ordination_n be_v upon_o any_o term_n though_o this_o power_n have_v be_v design_v for_o they_o by_o their_o ordeiner_n or_o though_o their_o be_v make_v presbyter_n by_o their_o ordeiner_n do_v as_o they_o think_v confer_v this_o power_n upon_o they_o real_o how_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v design_v for_o they_o yet_o neither_o of_o these_o pretence_n can_v be_v available_a if_o their_o act_n be_v not_o valid_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o can_v not_o give_v what_o they_o do_v intend_v to_o give_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o confer_v a_o valid_a legal_a title_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o their_o own_o to_o give_v so_o far_o must_v they_o be_v in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o from_o give_v real_o more_o than_o they_o intend_v to_o give_v if_o they_o think_v it_o usurpation_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n who_o adhere_v to_o they_o to_o act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n how_o much_o great_a usurpation_n must_v it_o be_v for_o a_o small_a over-voted_n number_n of_o presbyter_n to_o attempt_v the_o same_o without_o the_o bishop_n certain_o his_o presence_n though_o only_o as_o a_o first_o presbyter_n must_v add_v great_a authority_n to_o the_o legitimate_v their_o assembly_n as_o that_o must_v also_o do_v to_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o act_n in_o they_o §_o xix_o nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o they_o can_v either_o by_o any_o precedent_n or_o any_o reason_n defend_v the_o validity_n of_o such_o act_n of_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o presbyter_n without_o the_o bishop_n so_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o own_n the_o validity_n even_o of_o the_o act_n of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o bishop_n if_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o they_o the_o presbyter_n who_o assist_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o ordain_v their_o first_o predecessor_n be_v much_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n their_o consent_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o require_v neither_o by_o any_o express_a act_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o by_o any_o delegation_n of_o their_o power_n to_o those_o who_o be_v present_a nor_o presume_v from_o their_o absence_n after_o a_o canonical_a summons_n and_o yet_o if_o these_o act_n be_v not_o valid_a our_o brethren_n can_v possible_o defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o own_o ordination_n but_o if_o they_o be_v i_o may_v then_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o validity_n of_o such_o act_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o a_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o how_o much_o they_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o own_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v defend_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o own_o order_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n make_v up_o one_o government_n it_o be_v impossible_a if_o he_o be_v absolute_a that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o can_v valid_o dispose_v of_o the_o common_a right_n without_o their_o consent_n they_o can_v possible_o dispose_v of_o it_o without_o he_o which_o will_v again_o invalidate_v the_o act_n of_o those_o presbytery_n for_o which_o our_o brethren_n be_v concern_v and_o if_o this_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v never_o give_v to_o our_o brethren_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o if_o withal_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o conveyance_n fail_v by_o which_o they_o may_v pretend_v to_o it_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la beside_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o ordeiner_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o more_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o overthrow_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n §_o xx_o that_o which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o object_n after_o all_o be_v that_o they_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o be_v design_v to_o be_v make_v so_o and_o to_o be_v make_v so_o in_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o that_o word_n and_o that_o ordination_n be_v a_o right_n belong_v to_o a_o scripture_n presbyter_n but_o why_o shall_v they_o presume_v that_o their_o design_n be_v to_o make_v presbyter_n in_o
be_v there_o any_o reason_n for_o they_o to_o oppose_v god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o they_o usual_o do_v on_o this_o and_o other_o occasion_n if_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v receive_v from_o god_n than_o what_o be_v do_v by_o she_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o come_v from_o he_o the_o same_o way_n as_o what_o be_v do_v by_o any_o man_n proxy_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v his_o own_o act_n and_o as_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o inferior_a magistrate_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n be_v presume_v to_o come_v from_o the_o supreme_a which_o will_v especial_o hold_v as_o a_o presumption_n that_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o clear_a proof_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n mind_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o inferior_a than_o our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v to_o for_o prove_v the_o inseparable_a union_n of_o these_o power_n by_o divine_a institution_n if_o they_o be_v then_o unite_v by_o god_n because_o they_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o man_n who_o represent_v god_n why_o be_v they_o not_o disunite_v by_o god_n now_o when_o man_n alike_o empower_v by_o he_o have_v disunite_v they_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o oblige_v god_n in_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o especial_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o commission_n itself_o that_o imply_v confinement_n in_o one_o case_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o and_o when_o the_o whole_a reason_n of_o judge_v be_v take_v only_o from_o the_o actual_a practice_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o actual_a practice_n can_v prescribe_v against_o the_o power_n that_o introduce_v it_o that_o it_o may_v not_o introduce_v a_o different_a practice_n as_o arbitrary_o as_o it_o introduce_v this_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o distinct_a authority_n for_o make_v the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o power_n inseparable_a distinct_a from_o that_o which_o unite_v they_o only_o in_o practice_n or_o if_o the_o same_o authority_n of_o man_n which_o unite_v they_o in_o practice_n have_v declare_v god_n pleasure_n to_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v so_o unite_v though_o they_o may_v reverse_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o own_o practice_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o evacuate_v their_o own_o declaration_n because_o those_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o a_o authority_n great_a than_o their_o own_o and_o antecedent_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o may_v rational_o be_v suppose_v such_o as_o may_v null_n all_o future_a act_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o such_o distinct_a authority_n or_o distinct_a declaration_n our_o adversary_n can_v pretend_v in_o our_o present_a case_n §_o xxv_o and_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o inseparable_a union_n of_o these_o two_o power_n by_o the_o divine_a appointment_n our_o adversary_n will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o disadvantage_n that_o be_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o rather_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v no_o presbyter_n at_o all_o who_o have_v receive_v episcopal_a ordination_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n than_o that_o they_o must_v have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o presbyter_n because_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n the_o negative_a consequence_n be_v as_o unavoidable_a from_o the_o inseparableness_n of_o these_o two_o power_n as_o the_o affirmative_a that_o be_v it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o where_o one_o of_o those_o power_n be_v certain_o not_o give_v there_o nothing_o be_v give_v because_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v give_v alone_o as_o that_o if_o one_o be_v give_v the_o other_o must_v be_v give_v also_o as_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o ordeiner_n intend_v to_o reserve_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o person_n ordain_v presbyter_n by_o they_o so_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o this_o principle_n that_o if_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v not_o intend_v none_o be_v so_o and_o if_o what_o be_v not_o intend_v be_v not_o give_v and_o what_o be_v not_o give_v be_v not_o receive_v and_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v not_o receive_v then_o neither_o can_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v receive_v also_o and_o if_o so_o then_o let_v they_o be_v call_v by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v yet_o real_o they_o will_v be_v no_o presbyter_n at_o least_o not_o in_o the_o scripture-sence_n if_o either_o of_o these_o power_n be_v essential_a to_o such_o a_o scripture-presbyter_n and_o then_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o challenge_v the_o power_n of_o such_o presbyter_n when_o they_o be_v not_o those_o presbyter_n to_o who_o those_o power_n belong_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a and_o prudent_a to_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n give_v to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture-sence_n who_o have_v the_o power_n give_v they_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o scripture-presbyter_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o be_v not_o presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture-sence_n who_o have_v not_o that_o power_n give_v they_o than_o that_o they_o must_v have_v the_o power_n because_o they_o have_v the_o name_n and_o that_o intend_a in_o the_o scripture_n signification_n name_n be_v impose_v arbitrary_o to_o signify_v what_o man_n please_v and_o if_o they_o please_v by_o the_o name_n presbyter_n to_o signify_v he_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v so_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o signify_v that_o sense_n which_o they_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o name_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o power_n may_v alter_v the_o justice_n of_o their_o title_n to_o the_o name_n if_o they_o have_v less_o power_n give_v they_o than_o shall_v belong_v to_o scripture-presbyter_n it_o must_v certain_o follow_v that_o the_o name_n will_v be_v give_v they_o improper_o and_o certain_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o can_v think_v it_o just_a that_o they_o who_o be_v improper_o call_v scripture-presbyter_n shall_v claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v so_o proper_o §_o xxvi_o indeed_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n be_v mutual_o inseparable_a it_o will_v be_v reasonable_a to_o argue_v that_o where_o one_o be_v give_v both_o must_v be_v so_o or_o if_o at_o least_o on_o one_o side_n this_o inseparableness_n hold_v it_o be_v just_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o other_o power_n must_v be_v give_v if_o this_o be_v that_o from_o which_o that_o other_o be_v inseparable_a but_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o separable_a power_n must_v be_v give_v because_o that_o power_n be_v give_v from_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v separable_a and_o on_o this_o account_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o colour_n of_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o where_o a_o high_a power_n be_v give_v the_o inferior_a be_v give_v also_o because_o usual_o the_o inferior_a be_v include_v in_o the_o superior_a though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o so_o but_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o a_o superior_a power_n must_v follow_v that_o which_o be_v inferior_a because_o here_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n either_o of_o inseparable_a connexion_n or_o of_o inclusion_n now_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n here_o all_o that_o our_o adversary_n can_v direct_o prove_v to_o have_v be_v give_v to_o their_o first_o predecessor_n who_o receive_v their_o order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n in_o their_o own_o person_n but_o the_o power_n of_o give_v this_o power_n to_o other_o be_v certain_o a_o power_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o the_o power_n of_o administer_a in_o their_o own_o person_n if_o therefore_o both_o these_o power_n be_v essential_a to_o a_o scripture-presbyter_n and_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o more_o than_o one_o of_o they_o be_v give_v to_o their_o predecessor_n neither_o by_o any_o express_a donation_n nor_o by_o any_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o that_o which_o be_v express_o give_v it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v presbyter_n in_o that_o sense_n which_o our_o adversary_n understand_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v claim_v the_o privilege_n which_o they_o conceive_v due_a to_o scripture-presbyter_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o more_o prudent_a rule_n for_o distinguish_v when_o the_o negative_a way_n of_o argue_v be_v seasonable_a from_o this_o topick_n that_o neither_o power_n be_v give_v because_o it_o be_v
§_o i_o separation_n of_o church_n from_z episcopal_a government_n as_o practise_v by_o the_o present_a nonconformist_n prove_v schismatical_a from_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v least_o controvert_v and_o do_v withal_o most_o popular_o explain_v the_o sinfulness_n and_o mischief_n of_o schism_n in_o this_o treatise_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o sin_n unto_o death_n and_o other_o difficult_a scripture_n be_v occasional_o discourse_v of_o and_o some_o useful_a rule_n be_v give_v for_o explication_n of_o scripture_n by_o henry_n dodwell_n m.a._n and_o sometime_o fellow_n of_o trinity-college_n near_o dublin_n in_o ireland_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ign._n ep._n ad_fw-la ephes._n p._n 20._o edit_fw-la voss._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n ep._n ad_fw-la corinth_n §._o 30._o london_n print_v for_o benjamin_n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxxix_o the_o preface_n the_o interest_n of_o those_o many_o party_n which_o at_o present_a keep_v up_o the_o division_n of_o christendom_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o my_o present_a undertake_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v so_o visible_o partial_a in_o dispute_n wherein_o interest_n be_v concern_v so_o much_o more_o inclinable_a to_o resent_v the_o severity_n of_o a_o conclusion_n that_o charge_v they_o with_o dangerous_a mistake_n than_o to_o think_v how_o much_o indeed_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n rather_o to_o beware_v of_o error_n that_o may_v prove_v dangerous_a than_o to_o stand_v out_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v once_o undertake_v to_o defend_v and_o how_o much_o it_o be_v therefore_o their_o interest_n to_o examine_v the_o premise_n with_o all_o possible_a accurateness_n and_o candour_n from_o whence_o such_o conclusion_n be_v deduce_v as_o that_o i_o can_v but_o expect_v some_o indication_n of_o the_o resentment_n of_o concern_v person_n though_o i_o have_v endeavour_v that_o the_o way_n of_o management_n may_v be_v as_o unoffensive_a as_o be_v possible_a though_o my_o design_n be_v peace_n yet_o that_o itself_o be_v enough_o to_o alarm_n the_o spirit_n of_o many_o in_o the_o contentious_a age_n we_o live_v in_o who_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v to_o of_o peace_n will_v make_v they_o ready_a to_o battle_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o foresee_v and_o prevent_v such_o prejudices_fw-la as_o may_v hinder_v such_o who_o most_o need_v the_o information_n give_v in_o the_o present_a work_n either_o from_o read_v they_o or_o from_o benefit_v by_o they_o §_o two_o i_o must_v therefore_o warn_v my_o reader_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o when_o he_o find_v the_o title_n promise_v he_o a_o discourse_n concern_v schism_n he_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o it_o have_v be_v consider_v in_o so_o many_o modern_a discourse_n upon_o that_o subject_a between_o we_o and_o the_o romanist_n church_n schism_n not_o here_o consider_v as_o between_o church_n but_o as_o between_o particular_a member_n and_o their_o own_o church_n i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v the_o question_n of_o schism_n between_o church_n but_o between_o subject_n separate_v from_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v this_o be_v all_o for_o which_o my_o present_a design_n do_v concern_v i_o and_o if_o my_o reason_n prove_v that_o subject_n separate_v from_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n for_o unsinful_a imposition_n be_v schismatic_n i_o shall_v perform_v what_o i_o intend_v but_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v not_o prove_v a_o church_n schismatical_a for_o refuse_v imposition_n though_o unsinful_a from_o another_o church_n for_o i_o suppose_v all_o church_n original_o equal_a and_o that_o they_o have_v since_o submit_v to_o prudential_a compact_n which_o though_o they_o may_v oblige_v they_o as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o compact_n last_o and_o as_o far_o as_o the_o equity_n of_o those_o compact_n may_v hold_v as_o to_o the_o true_a design_n of_o those_o that_o make_v they_o and_o as_o far_o as_o those_o compact_n have_v meddle_v only_o with_o the_o alienable_a right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o where_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n fail_v there_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o resume_v their_o ancient_a right_n and_o i_o suppose_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v when_o these_o conditition_n fail_v to_o be_v a_o unalienable_a right_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o not_o only_o to_o judge_n with_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n but_o such_o a_o judgement_n as_o may_v be_v a_o authentic_a measure_n of_o she_o own_o practice_n §_o iii_o i_o do_v not_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o this_o discourse_n i_o only_o mention_v they_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v understand_v on_o how_o different_a principle_n these_o two_o question_n be_v to_o be_v state_v schism_n the_o romanist_n can_v make_v no_o advantage_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o charge_v our_o church_n with_o schism_n and_o therefore_o how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v schismatic_n for_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v be_v schismatical_a for_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o how_o far_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v here_o use_v for_o prove_v the_o nonconformist_n schismatical_a be_v from_o be_v applicable_a to_o such_o a_o case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n i_o do_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o those_o reason_n which_o may_v have_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o unsinful_a no_o nor_o innocent_a of_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o sin_n as_o may_v be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n refuse_v correspondence_n with_o another_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v suggest_v plain_o show_v that_o the_o case_n will_v prove_v extreme_o different_a though_o we_o consider_v they_o bare_o as_o imposition_n not_o as_o sinful_a imposition_n and_o to_o let_v our_o romish_a adversary_n know_v that_o i_o have_v already_o foresee_v the_o use_n they_o will_v be_v likely_a to_o make_v of_o a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o how_o wary_a i_o have_v therefore_o be_v of_o use_v any_o reason_n that_o may_v prove_v more_o than_o i_o intend_v or_o may_v hinder_v we_o from_o principle_n sufficient_a for_o our_o own_o defence_n against_o they_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o consult_v my_o two_o short_a discourse_n publish_v with_o a_o design_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o this_o work_n there_o they_o will_v find_v such_o principle_n of_o defence_n of_o our_o church_n against_o they_o which_o will_v not_o clash_v with_o any_o thing_n say_v here_o which_o i_o very_o believe_v true_a and_o which_o be_v suppose_v true_a i_o also_o conceive_v very_o sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v our_o church_n from_o their_o imputation_n of_o schism_n for_o our_o not_o communicate_v with_o they_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o they_o can_v desire_v more_o who_o will_v desire_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v equal_a §_o iv_o but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a mischief_n of_o schism_n insist_v on_o in_o this_o discourse_n the_o nullity_n of_o order_n and_o sacrament_n in_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o separation_n and_o the_o consequent_a sacrilege_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v presume_v in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n without_o sufficient_a authority_n that_o they_o can_v charge_v we_o with_o even_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n pure_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o separation_n they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o bishop_n even_o according_a to_o the_o design_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n when_o we_o begin_v our_o reformation_n have_v all_o that_o power_n give_v they_o by_o they_o who_o make_v they_o bishop_n which_o be_v requisite_a not_o only_o for_o maintain_v a_o church_n at_o present_a but_o also_o for_o maintain_v a_o succession_n in_o it_o through_o all_o succeed_a generation_n they_o have_v the_o power_n not_o only_o of_o make_v other_o priest_n who_o may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n during_o their_o own_o life_n but_o also_o of_o make_v other_o bishop_n who_o may_v convey_v this_o power_n to_o other_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o nominate_v the_o person_n whether_o the_o people_n or_o the_o clergy_n or_o the_o prince_n or_o the_o pope_n yet_o still_o they_o be_v the_o bishop_n who_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o consecration_n which_o be_v that_o which_o be_v then_o think_v immediate_o to_o confer_v the_o power_n it_o be_v then_o also_o believe_v that_o the_o order_n give_v and_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o person_n due_o authorize_v by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o authorise_v they_o be_v valid_a as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o
uncanonical_a as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o perform_v they_o this_o plain_o appear_v in_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o greek_n and_o with_o all_o such_o establish_a church_n they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o reordein_n their_o clergy_n when_o they_o come_v over_o to_o they_o they_o can_v therefore_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n deny_v but_o that_o our_o first_o bishop_n who_o be_v consecrate_v in_o their_o own_o church_n have_v all_o that_o power_n give_v they_o at_o their_o consecration_n which_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o succession_n since_o continue_v from_o they_o as_o for_o the_o pretend_a uncanonicalness_n of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v for_o maintain_v this_o succession_n beside_o what_o may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v the_o unobligingness_n of_o canon_n in_o their_o case_n beside_o what_o may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v perform_v canonical_o even_o by_o the_o then_o establish_a canon_n of_o their_o own_o church_n beside_o that_o that_o be_v a_o pretence_n wherein_o they_o be_v too_o much_o party_n to_o be_v our_o competent_a judge_n however_o if_o all_o they_o say_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v as_o true_a as_o they_o pretend_v it_o to_o be_v yet_o they_o can_v show_v no_o such_o canonical_a defect_n as_o themselves_o can_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n judge_v sufficient_a to_o invalidate_v the_o whole_a performance_n §_o xiii_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o argument_n that_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o oblige_v particular_a church_n to_o as_o great_a a_o dependence_n on_o other_o church_n as_o that_o be_v wherein_o he_o have_v oblige_v subject_n to_o depend_v on_o their_o own_o church_n because_o by_o his_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o separate_a church_n must_v be_v leave_v as_o destitute_a of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n upon_o their_o separation_n from_o other_o church_n as_o it_o have_v appear_v from_o our_o principle_n that_o particular_a subject_n be_v upon_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o own_o church_n it_o rather_o appear_v that_o abate_v what_o obligation_n they_o have_v bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o compact_n god_n have_v make_v they_o equal_a when_o he_o have_v contrive_v no_o obligation_n in_o interest_n to_o make_v one_o yield_v rather_o than_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o judge_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o by_o the_o intrinsic_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o presumption_n in_o favour_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o presume_v the_o cause_n right_o because_o it_o be_v she_o so_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o way_n of_o decide_v such_o difference_n but_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a and_o very_a proper_a for_o those_o who_o be_v exact_o equal_a and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o the_o true_a original_a design_n of_o those_o compact_n whereby_o particular_a church_n have_v voluntary_o submit_v to_o restriction_n of_o their_o original_a power_n be_v only_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v have_v her_o censure_n confirm_v in_o all_o other_o church_n in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o be_v original_o her_o own_o subject_n not_o to_o gain_v a_o power_n over_o any_o other_o subject_n but_o her_o own_o nor_o to_o submit_v to_o any_o other_o power_n any_o far_a than_o be_v requisite_a to_o oblige_v she_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o equity_n to_o they_o which_o whatever_o it_o may_v do_v in_o that_o community_n of_o church_n which_o may_v be_v enable_v by_o such_o compact_n to_o maintain_v a_o mutual_a correspondence_n yet_o can_v in_o any_o equity_n be_v so_o expound_v as_o to_o make_v she_o absolute_o subject_n to_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o that_o community_n §_o vi_o in_o manage_v therefore_o this_o charge_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o sense_n now_o explain_v i_o have_v indeed_o insist_v on_o such_o principle_n which_o may_v seem_v something_o strange_a and_o surprise_v to_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o but_o certain_o much_o more_o likely_a to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o subject_a than_o any_o i_o know_v of_o promote_v by_o any_o other_o discourse_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o management_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o withal_o much_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o catholic_n antiquity_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o catholic_n antiquity_n be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o my_o second_o historical_a part._n that_o they_o be_v peculiar_o fit_v to_o give_v light_n to_o this_o subject_a above_o any_o other_o hypothesis_n hitherto_o promote_v i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o this_o whither_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v recourse_n who_o desire_v before_o his_o read_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o have_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o these_o principle_n beside_o to_o facilitate_v his_o understanding_n of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v and_o withal_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v in_o short_a a_o summary_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o the_o accurateness_n of_o the_o way_n by_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o manage_v it_o i_o have_v prefix_v a_o short_a account_n of_o it_o digest_v into_o the_o several_a proposition_n whereof_o it_o consist_v and_o rank_v in_o the_o natural_a order_n wherein_o they_o follow_v each_o other_o with_o reference_n also_o to_o the_o chapter_n where_o they_o be_v particular_o prove_v and_o if_o any_o desire_n to_o know_v in_o short_a what_o topic_n be_v insist_v on_o for_o their_o proof_n those_o he_o may_v also_o find_v in_o the_o content_n of_o those_o chapter_n immediate_o subjoin_v this_o way_n of_o order_v they_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n both_o for_o he_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o read_v the_o whole_a discourse_n to_o know_v what_o he_o be_v to_o expect_v in_o it_o and_o for_o he_o who_o have_v to_o recollect_v what_o influence_n every_o particular_a discourse_n have_v upon_o the_o whole_a design_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a ease_n to_o the_o reader_n of_o different_a principle_n each_o of_o they_o do_v grant_v thing_n which_o other_o deny_v but_o by_o these_o reference_n every_o one_o may_v know_v where_o to_o find_v that_o particular_a proposition_n discourse_v which_o he_o particular_o doubt_v of_o this_o may_v serve_v for_o those_o who_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v willing_a to_o shorten_v their_o pain_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v rather_o entreat_v he_o who_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o bestow_v pain_n on_o a_o subject_a of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o he_o and_o so_o worthy_a of_o his_o pain_n rather_o to_o read_v the_o whole_a which_o will_v best_o qualify_v he_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o particular_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o connexion_n the_o reason_n will_v appear_v more_o solid_a and_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v find_v to_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o the_o train_n of_o consequence_n than_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o one_o particular_a §_o vii_o and_o the_o least_o that_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v find_v from_o a_o candid_a perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o say_v be_v that_o the_o question_n be_v of_o much_o great_a importance_n than_o it_o be_v common_o conceive_v to_o be_v controversy_n the_o great_a consequence_n of_o the_o present_a controversy_n and_o this_o be_v but_o very_o necessary_a for_o that_o multitude_n of_o well-meaning_a person_n among_o we_o who_o go_v indifferent_o to_o the_o church_n or_o conventicle_n according_a as_o they_o be_v affect_v to_o the_o minister_n that_o officiate_n in_o either_o place_n i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o judge_n how_o far_o their_o good_a meaning_n may_v go_v to_o excuse_v they_o before_o god_n while_o they_o be_v inquisitive_a and_o desirous_a of_o conviction_n and_o can_v find_v it_o but_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n if_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o so_o because_o it_o be_v do_v with_o a_o good_a meaning_n though_o it_o may_v indeed_o be_v less_o impute_v while_o they_o sincere_o seek_v for_o information_n the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o st._n paul_n call_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n for_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n though_o he_o be_v conscious_a of_o have_v do_v it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o zeal_n now_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n as_o schism_n possible_a to_o be_v commit_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o breach_n on_o both_o side_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o it_o either_o we_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o exercise_v our_o authority_n over_o they_o if_o we_o have_v no_o just_a title_n to_o such_o authority_n or_o they_o must_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o for_o refuse_v their_o obedience_n if_o we_o have_v
the_o that_o of_o st._n timothy_n prophet_n which_o assist_v in_o their_o synax_n or_o of_o the_o thaum_n the_o those_o of_o the_o choice_a ●f_n st._n gregory_n thaumaturgus_n for_o bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n by_o the_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v he_o and_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o alexander_n carbonarius_n by_o the_o same_o thaumaturgus_n greg._n nyssen_n in_o vit_fw-fr thaum_n ordeiner_n themselves_o or_o by_o some_o sign_n hist._n sign_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o alexander_n choose_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n euseb._n hist._n give_v before_o by_o god_n or_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a appearance_n hist._n appearance_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o fabian_n bishop_n of_o rome_n eus._n hist._n in_o the_o person_n elect_v yet_o even_o when_o this_o be_v do_v this_o only_o determine_v the_o person_n and_o the_o ordeiner_n still_o remain_v judge_n whether_o the_o indication_n be_v satisfactory_a which_o be_v a_o power_n sufficient_a even_o then_o to_o oblige_v all_o such_o person_n to_o the_o most_o rigorous_a dependence_n on_o they_o and_o according_o when_o even_o they_o be_v satisfy_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o they_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n where_o that_o be_v prescribe_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o all_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a governor_n and_o from_o their_o ordination_n all_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n begin_v its_o date_n §_o xxxvii_o if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o st._n john_n after_o his_o return_n from_o patmos_n so_o long_o after_o st._n clement_n have_v write_v his_o epistle_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n ep._n ad_fw-la corinth_n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o that_o take_a care_n for_o maintain_v their_o succession_n and_o if_o st._n john_n do_v not_o deviate_v from_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o original_n of_o the_o appropriation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o clerus_fw-la to_o the_o sacred_a function_n as_o we_o see_v very_o soon_o after_o it_o be_v appropriate_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o will_v also_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o this_o be_v the_o course_n prescribe_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o succession_n when_o as_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o these_o extraordinary_n have_v not_o fail_v and_o when_o withal_o we_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v know_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o fail_v for_o god_n may_v undoubted_o conceal_v many_o truth_n from_o many_o true_a prophet_n though_o he_o can_v be_v a_o author_n of_o error_n to_o any_o of_o they_o and_o though_o afterward_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n by_o degree_n fail_v the_o primitive_a christian_n they_o be_v at_o length_n necessitate_v to_o prudential_a mean_n for_o continue_v this_o power_n yet_o from_o this_o concession_n that_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o succession_n immediate_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v very_o apposite_a to_o my_o purpose_n one_o that_o they_o think_v the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n immediate_o proper_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o far_o exceed_v any_o inherent_a right_n of_o the_o people_n the_o other_o that_o as_o this_o power_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n by_o any_o original_n inherent_a right_n in_o they_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o convey_v to_o they_o by_o any_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o life_n time_n or_o by_o the_o course_n design_v by_o they_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o succession_n §_o xxxviii_o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v confer_v this_o right_n of_o government_n on_o the_o people_n if_o we_o suppose_v they_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o liberty_n concern_v it_o we_o know_v the_o eastern_a nation_n general_o from_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o we_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v more_o addict_v to_o monarchy_n than_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n and_o though_o i_o know_v those_o philosophical_a sect_n the_o platonist_n and_o pythagoraean_o especial_o be_v for_o republican_n principle_n yet_o all_o the_o effect_n they_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v on_o those_o eastern_a nation_n seem_v only_o to_o have_v be_v this_o that_o they_o dislike_v the_o absoluteness_n not_o the_o form_n of_o government_n in_o a_o single_a person_n this_o i_o think_v be_v all_o that_o can_v have_v be_v mean_v by_o josephus_n when_o he_o make_v samuel_n averse_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o israelite_n for_o a_o king_n on_o account_n of_o his_o dislike_n of_o monarchy_n for_o if_o by_o monarchy_n he_o have_v understand_v the_o government_n of_o a_o single_a person_n under_o reasonable_a restraint_n he_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o samuel_n himself_o be_v such_o a_o monarch_n but_o that_o which_o must_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v make_v the_o convert_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o favourable_a to_o monarchy_n than_o to_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n must_v have_v be_v the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o this_o topick_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o monarchy_n above_o other_o form_n of_o government_n against_o their_o common_a gentile_a adversary_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a topic_n they_o insist_v on_o against_o the_o gentile_a polytheism_n monarch_n philo_z &_o justin_n mart._n the_o monarch_n on_o this_o subject_a they_o write_v entire_a discourse_n to_o this_o purpose_n they_o produce_v all_o the_o testimony_n of_o philosopher_n and_o poet_n that_o speak_v in_o favour_n of_o monarchy_n in_o general_n whether_o with_o application_n to_o divine_a thing_n or_o without_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o urge_v argument_n take_v from_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o government_n among_o creature_n nay_o even_o among_o man_n themselves_o and_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o these_o same_o person_n shall_v erect_v a_o new_a government_n in_o practice_n so_o different_a from_o that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o much_o commend_v above_o it_o in_o their_o dispute_n that_o they_o will_v for_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o small_a consequence_n to_o they_o as_o the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n when_o without_o it_o they_o may_v still_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o government_n under_o another_o form_n overthrow_v the_o principal_a argument_n for_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o they_o will_v for_o it_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o just_a suspicion_n of_o disingenuity_n of_o practise_v so_o different_o from_o their_o principle_n they_o must_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v more_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o they_o mean_v as_o they_o see_v they_o practice_v than_o as_o they_o see_v they_o argue_v and_o though_o they_o have_v forget_v the_o advantage_n they_o have_v give_v their_o adversary_n by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v yet_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o their_o adversary_n will_v forget_v it_o too_o can_v they_o forget_v such_o a_o argument_n for_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o person_n when_o withal_o the_o disrepute_n of_o their_o person_n will_v go_v so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v go_v then_o for_o overthrow_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o religion_n preach_v by_o they_o on_o all_o these_o account_v it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o their_o settlement_n for_o posterity_n confer_v any_o new_a right_n of_o government_n upon_o the_o people_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v original_o inherent_a in_o they_o §_o thirty-nine_o but_o before_o i_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v some_o remark_n upon_o it_o to_o let_v man_n see_v how_o far_o this_o alone_a may_v go_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o person_n sincere_o inquisitive_a for_o truth_n and_o peace_n 1._o then_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o actual_a establishment_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v much_o more_o modest_a so_o it_o be_v also_o much_o more_o secure_a for_o find_v out_o the_o right_n of_o government_n than_o any_o conjecture_n we_o can_v make_v from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o become_a course_n for_o a_o modest_a christian_a in_o all_o thing_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o god_n judgement_n how_o great_a evidence_n soever_o there_o may_v seem_v for_o differ_v from_o it_o and_o sure_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o settlement_n of_o rule_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v for_o all_o posterity_n they_o do_v by_o a_o direction_n more_o infallible_a than_o their_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o there_o be_v the_o rather_o reason_v to_o ascribe_v much_o to_o their_o settlement_n in_o this_o question_n when_o it_o be_v true_o state_v for_o i_o do_v not_o at_o present_a argue_v the_o obligingness_n of_o their_o settlement_n to_o we_o now_o
which_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o convey_v their_o power_n to_o any_o who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o their_o own_o age_n do_v also_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n to_o do_v so_o they_o also_o can_v be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o act_v in_o their_o own_o person_n when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v capable_a of_o act_v by_o their_o substitute_n who_o they_o have_v entrust_v with_o their_o power_n and_o none_o can_v be_v take_v for_o their_o substitute_n but_o they_o who_o have_v be_v make_v so_o by_o their_o personal_a act_n when_o they_o be_v alive_a which_o will_v perfect_o reach_v the_o negative_a for_o which_o i_o be_o concern_v at_o present_a that_o they_o can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o apostle_n substitute_n nor_o for_o the_o substitute_n of_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n in_o late_a age_n who_o have_v not_o be_v substitute_v by_o they_o by_o a_o personal_a act_n and_o that_o what_o have_v not_o be_v do_v since_o by_o any_o substitute_n either_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o of_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n can_v be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o any_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o can_v derive_v any_o authority_n from_o they_o §_o v_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o applicable_a to_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o every_o age_n respective_o as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o therefore_o in_o the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n nothing_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o some_o of_o they_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n have_v commit_v their_o power_n by_o a_o personal_a act_n in_o the_o apostolical_a age_n itself_o so_o neither_o in_o the_o three_o age_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o person_n authorize_v by_o their_o personal_a act_n in_o the_o precede_a age_n while_o those_o successor_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n may_v be_v bring_v down_o through_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n to_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v at_o present_a so_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o our_o present_a age_n but_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o who_o have_v be_v lawful_o substitute_v by_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v their_o power_n from_o their_o other_o lawful_a substitute_n in_o the_o several_a age_n respective_o by_o personal_a substitution_n of_o each_o predecessor_n respective_o while_o he_o be_v yet_o live_v and_o therefore_o no_o such_o act_n can_v convey_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o any_o who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o pretend_v to_o it_o in_o our_o present_a age._n §_o vi_o 4._o therefore_o the_o force_n of_o this_o negative_a argument_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o that_o can_v be_v the_o apostle_n act_n in_o a_o late_a age_n which_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o any_o of_o those_o who_o derive_v their_o substitution_n from_o they_o by_o personal_a act_n in_o the_o several_a age_n it_o will_v not_o hold_v but_o only_o in_o the_o only_a substitute_n for_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n substitute_v many_o in_o the_o first_o age_n as_o certain_o they_o do_v it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v his_o authority_n from_o the_o succession_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o example_n have_v therefore_o not_o receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n at_o all_o because_o he_o may_v have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o succession_n of_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o apostolical_a see_n but_o consider_v the_o whole_a complex_fw-la of_o substitute_n in_o every_o age_n certain_o the_o reason_n will_v hold_v that_o he_o who_o have_v derive_v his_o authority_n from_o none_o of_o they_o must_v as_o certain_o fail_v of_o derive_v his_o authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o receive_v his_o authority_n from_o any_o of_o they_o who_o have_v in_o the_o former_a age_n receive_v their_o authority_n by_o a_o personal_a act_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o reason_v still_o hold_v the_o same_o how_o many_o soever_o the_o age_n of_o succession_n be_v neither_o can_v any_o authority_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o fifteen_o century_n which_o be_v not_o give_v by_o their_o substitute_n then_o exist_v nor_o can_v they_o then_o be_v take_v for_o their_o successor_n who_o have_v not_o be_v substitute_v by_o several_a personal_a act_n of_o their_o immediate_a predecessor_n through_o all_o the_o forego_n period_n §_o vii_o and_o this_o i_o therefore_o take_v for_o the_o imprudence_n of_o manage_v this_o argument_n hitherto_o that_o recourse_n have_v be_v always_o have_v to_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o if_o the_o succession_n have_v not_o be_v as_o much_o interrupt_v by_o a_o failure_n in_o late_a age_n as_o if_o it_o have_v fail_v then_o by_o which_o way_n of_o proceed_v they_o both_o weaken_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o argument_n and_o withal_o make_v it_o less_o popular_a they_o weaken_v the_o argument_n both_o as_o to_o its_o strength_n and_o as_o to_o its_o evidence_n as_o to_o its_o strength_n because_o what_o have_v indeed_o succession_n then_o may_v fail_v of_o it_o in_o after_o age_n and_o therefore_o though_o our_o adversary_n hypothesis_n have_v be_v true_a that_o single_a presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o give_v they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o person_n ordain_v by_o they_o then_o have_v be_v valid_o ordain_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o their_o succession_n may_v fail_v afterward_o and_o that_o late_a presbyter_n may_v never_o have_v that_o power_n give_v they_o which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o that_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o disannul_v their_o present_a ordination_n and_o therefore_o the_o secure_a way_n of_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o present_a ordination_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o uninterruptedness_n of_o their_o succession_n down_o to_o our_o modern_a time_n not_o to_o rest_v content_v with_o what_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o may_v have_v be_v since_o interrupt_v §_o viii_o they_o weaken_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o argument_n by_o resolve_v it_o into_o primitive_a record_n in_o which_o way_n of_o proceed_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o many_o record_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v nay_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o many_o be_v so_o which_o though_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o to_o prove_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v mention_v in_o our_o remain_a record_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o weaken_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o succession_n if_o the_o trial_n be_v resolve_v into_o such_o record_n as_o may_v have_v miscarry_v as_o certain_o no_o secular_a magistrate_n of_o a_o corporation_n in_o this_o age_n can_v make_v his_o title_n so_o clear_a if_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o record_n of_o all_o his_o predecessor_n since_o the_o charter_n be_v grant_v which_o may_v very_o well_o have_v miscarry_v in_o a_o much_o short_a succession_n than_o that_o which_o be_v requisite_a for_o justify_v our_o present_a ordination_n as_o if_o he_o be_v immediate_o allow_v to_o resolve_v his_o title_n into_o the_o charter_n as_o it_o have_v be_v find_v in_o unquestionable_a practice_n and_o into_o his_o immediate_a predecessor_n and_o this_o be_v the_o rather_o solid_a because_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n agree_v on_o for_o the_o security_n of_o all_o government_n to_o presume_v they_o come_v from_o the_o beginning_n unless_o there_o appear_v very_o probable_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a though_o possible_o their_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n can_v be_v express_o prove_v from_o primitive_a record_n after_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o so_o many_o generation_n and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o settle_v a_o government_n among_o man_n it_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v suit_v it_o as_o he_o do_v many_o other_o thing_n of_o far_o less_o importance_n to_o humane_a understanding_n and_o even_o to_o those_o of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o government_n as_o the_o learned_a and_o that_o he_o will_v according_o expect_v their_o obedience_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o humane_a equity_n and_o there_o be_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v oblige_v ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o depend_v on_o express_a record_n than_o secular_a not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v design_v much_o more_o last_a than_o any_o secular_a form_n of_o government_n and_o record_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o miscarry_v in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n but_o also_o because_o the_o persecution_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v more_o than_o any_o other_o society_n
of_o man_n must_v involve_v their_o record_n in_o a_o great_a danger_n of_o miscarriage_n than_o other_o beside_o that_o this_o dependence_n on_o record_n must_v in_o the_o natural_a course_n of_o thing_n make_v the_o government_n weak_a in_o the_o late_a age_n when_o we_o be_v warn_v to_o expect_v the_o vice_n of_o man_n most_o outrageous_a and_o most_o need_v a_o restraint_n which_o make_v it_o very_o unlikely_a to_o have_v be_v god_n pleasure_n that_o it_o shall_v depend_v on_o they_o which_o will_v weaken_v all_o our_o adversary_n argument_n either_o from_o the_o less_o or_o from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o primitive_a record_n §_o ix_o and_o that_o way_n of_o trial_n must_v needs_o be_v less_o popular_a because_o it_o resolve_v it_o into_o more_o ancient_a history_n and_o great_a variety_n of_o learning_n than_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v in_o popular_a capacity_n if_o therefore_o episcopacy_n alone_o and_o episcopacy_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n be_v the_o only_a succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v keep_v uninterrupted_a to_o our_o present_a time_n the_o consequence_n must_v then_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o apostolical_a power_n in_o our_o present_a age_n which_o be_v not_o derive_v even_o from_o our_o modern_a episcopacy_n §_o x_o for_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a 5._o that_o even_o for_o this_o negative_a consequence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o argument_n be_v deduce_v from_o the_o only_a substitute_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o age_n to_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v that_o whatever_o be_v not_o do_v by_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o what_o if_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v last_v as_o long_o as_o our_o adversary_n pretend_v it_o do_v what_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v lest_o the_o form_n of_o government_n different_a in_o several_a place_n in_o some_o episcopal_a in_o some_o presbyterian_a as_o a_o very_a learned_a person_n do_v conjecture_v iren._n dr._n stillingfleet_n iren._n and_o what_o if_o the_o presbytery_n of_o those_o time_n have_v indeed_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o intend_v to_o give_v that_o power_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a presbyter_n that_o be_v ordain_v by_o they_o then_o all_o this_o will_v only_o prove_v that_o the_o presbyter_n so_o ordain_v in_o those_o time_n have_v indeed_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o that_o all_o who_o be_v then_o ordain_v by_o they_o be_v valid_o ordain_v but_o it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o present_a ordination_n by_o simple_a presbyter_n be_v valid_a also_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v still_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o succession_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n have_v be_v continue_v down_o to_o our_o present_a time_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v now_o also_o confer_v by_o they_o on_o simple_a presbyter_n as_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o have_v be_v then_o if_o all_o the_o succession_n of_o those_o presbyterian_a government_n be_v long_o since_o extinct_a as_o most_o certain_o they_o be_v now_o if_o they_o ever_o be_v in_o be_v than_o it_o be_v as_o vain_a to_o revive_v a_o title_n from_o they_o now_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o revive_v the_o title_n of_o the_o julian_n family_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v uncapable_a of_o have_v successor_n on_o this_o supposition_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o episcopal_a succession_n be_v the_o only_a succession_n now_o remain_v of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n so_o that_o neither_o presbyter_n nor_o presbytery_n can_v now_o have_v any_o more_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o what_o they_o can_v derive_v from_o the_o episcopal_a succession_n chap._n xxii_o the_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n the_o content_n 4._o this_o authority_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n §_o i._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n now_o must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o episcopal_a government_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o form_n first_o begin_v §_o ii_o the_o first_o divider_n of_o the_o several_a party_n have_v never_o a_o power_n give_v they_o of_o ordain_v other_o by_o they_o who_o make_v they_o presbyter_n §_o iii_o iu_o 1._o they_o have_v actual_o receive_v no_o more_o power_n from_o god_n than_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o ordeiner_n §_o v._o 2._o they_o have_v actual_o receive_v no_o more_o from_o their_o ordeiner_n than_o what_o their_o ordeiner_n do_v actual_o intend_v to_o give_v they_o according_a to_o their_o presumable_a intention_n §_o vi_o 3._o that_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o their_o ordeiner_n which_o may_v be_v presume_v likely_a to_o be_v think_v become_v by_o person_n in_o their_o circumstance_n §_o vii_o 4._o the_o secure_a way_n of_o judge_v what_o the_o bishop_n who_o first_o ordain_v these_o divider_n think_v become_v must_v be_v by_o the_o notion_n then_o prevail_v when_o these_o first_o divider_n be_v ordain_v §_o viii_o §_o i_o 4._o this_o authority_n be_v not_o now_o to_o be_v expect_v any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a corollary_n from_o the_o former_a proposition_n for_o from_o thence_o it_o have_v appear_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v expect_v in_o this_o present_a age_n but_o in_o that_o communion_n where_o the_o succession_n of_o apostolical_a power_n have_v be_v continue_v to_o this_o present_a and_o that_o this_o succession_n have_v be_v continue_v to_o our_o day_n in_o no_o other_o but_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a as_o that_o i_o think_v our_o adversary_n themselves_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o they_o do_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o pretend_v the_o like_a uninterrupted_a succession_n in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n §_o two_o hence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v in_o any_o other_o form_n of_o government_n or_o in_o any_o other_o communion_n at_o present_a must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o episcopal_a especial_o of_o that_o age_n wherein_o the_o several_a party_n begin_v i_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o within_o less_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n since_o that_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o a_o visible_a succession_n be_v maintain_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o we_o which_o be_v not_o episcopal_o govern_v i_o suppose_v also_o that_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n be_v at_o first_o member_n of_o these_o episcopal_a church_n and_o receive_v both_o their_o baptism_n in_o they_o and_o all_o the_o order_n they_o receive_v i_o need_v not_o use_v that_o argument_n here_o that_o they_o must_v therefore_o have_v receive_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n because_o there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o communion_n that_o can_v give_v this_o authority_n i_o think_v our_o adversary_n themselves_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o regular_a ordination_n or_o a_o valid_a succession_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o what_o order_n be_v receive_v by_o they_o be_v actual_o receive_v by_o their_o forefather_n in_o the_o episcopal_a communion_n and_o by_o episcopal_a authority_n let_v we_o therefore_o see_v whether_o the_o order_n so_o receive_v can_v make_v valid_a what_o they_o now_o do_v in_o their_o several_a separation_n that_o be_v whether_o they_o can_v ratify_v their_o ordinance_n or_o their_o sacrament_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o concern_v they_o as_o a_o church_n that_o be_v as_o a_o society_n privilege_v with_o spiritual_a privilege_n §_o iii_o and_o here_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n i_o may_v against_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n by_o these_o person_n in_o their_o separate_a condition_n which_o they_o have_v before_o real_o and_o valid_o receive_v from_o a_o just_a authority_n which_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o they_o i_o make_v no_o exception_n as_o to_o the_o validity_n of_o that_o exercise_n of_o it_o much_o less_o as_o to_o the_o canonicalness_n of_o it_o which_o i_o know_v our_o adversary_n will_v much_o less_o regard_n the_o uttermost_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o that_o be_v only_o this_o that_o such_o person_n do_v receive_v a_o power_n for_o their_o own_o life_n which_o must_v expire_v with_o their_o life_n which_o this_o present_a generation_n be_v not_o concern_v for_o if_o therefore_o i_o can_v show_v that_o they_o of_o this_o generation_n have_v nothing_o from_o they_o by_o which_o they_o can_v justify_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o
and_o therefore_o can_v agree_v to_o any_o but_o the_o precedent_n who_o authority_n alone_o can_v be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o assembly_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v the_o right_n of_o any_o it_o must_v be_v he_o because_o none_o beside_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v more_o certain_o true_a of_o he_o who_o have_v a_o right_a to_o preside_v in_o assembly_n when_o they_o be_v convene_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o general_a right_n to_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o well_o when_o assembly_n be_v not_o convene_v as_o when_o they_o be_v than_o of_o he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o particular_a assembly_n for_o their_o particular_a occasion_n and_o he_o who_o have_v his_o presidency_n not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o particular_a election_n distinct_a from_o that_o whereby_o he_o receive_v his_o office_n if_o his_o office_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a or_o confine_v within_o a_o certain_a time_n but_o give_v he_o for_o term_n of_o life_n must_v have_v such_o a_o presidency_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o concern_v such_o a_o precedent_n as_o this_o the_o negative_a argument_n will_v hold_v for_o which_o i_o be_o at_o present_a concern_v not_o only_o that_o the_o assembly_n convene_v by_o he_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n lawful_a as_o they_o be_v convene_v by_o he_o but_o also_o that_o no_o assembly_n be_v lawful_a but_o what_o be_v call_v by_o he_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o make_v they_o lawful_a but_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o call_n nor_o any_o power_n to_o call_v they_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o such_o a_o precedent_n §_o viii_o 5._o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o only_o in_o the_o more_o modern_a age_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v the_o precedent_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o that_o not_o arbitrary_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o particular_a election_n but_o constant_a and_o for_o term_n of_o life_n i_o say_v not_o only_o then_o but_o as_o high_a as_o our_o adversary_n themselves_o do_v grant_v the_o practice_n of_o preside_a presbyter_n which_o as_o they_o among_o they_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n do_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v be_v very_o early_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n so_o true_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v practise_v even_o then_o without_o destroy_v the_o very_a historical_a faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n without_o weaken_v that_o testimony_n on_o which_o we_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o matter_n as_o notorious_a to_o they_o as_o that_o canon_n itself_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n though_o true_o i_o think_v they_o who_o question_v it_o since_o the_o late_a excellent_a dallaeum_n excellent_a in_o vindic_n ignat_fw-la count_v dallaeum_n defence_n of_o it_o perform_v with_o as_o great_a evidence_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o antiquity_n after_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o so_o many_o primitive_a record_n be_v capable_a of_o may_v as_o well_o have_v question_v several_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o receive_v on_o lesser_a evidence_n i_o say_v not_o to_o mention_v this_o what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revelation_n what_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o st._n irenaeus_n 14_o irenaeus_n iren._n l.iii._fw-la adv_fw-la haer._n &_o apud_fw-la eus._n hist._n four_o 14_o concern_v st._n polycarp_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o he_o make_v to_o have_v be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o what_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n 23_o clemens_n clem._n al._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apud_fw-la eus._n hist._n iii._o 23_o alexandrinus_n who_o mention_n bishop_n among_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n settle_v by_o st._n john_n what_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o hegesippus_n 20._o hegesippus_n eus._n l.iii._n hist._n eccl._n c._n 20._o who_o make_v the_o kinsman_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n from_o domitian_n time_n to_o that_o of_o trajan_n what_o to_o those_o who_o mention_n st._n james_n 1_o james_n eus._n hist._n two_o 1_o to_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o what_o of_o the_o seven_o polycrates_n 24_o polycrates_n eus._n hist._n v._n 24_o mention_n as_o bishop_n in_o his_o own_o see_v before_o himself_o the_o first_o of_o which_o seem_v in_o all_o likelihood_n to_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nay_o what_o to_o all_o those_o catalogue_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v in_o the_o four_o patriarchal_a see_v particular_o the_o fifteen_o in_o 5_o in_o eus._n hist._n four_o 5_o jerusalem_n from_o st._n james_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o adrian_n nay_o what_o to_o the_o succession_n of_o all_o the_o haer._n the_o tertull._n praescr_n iren._n adv_o haer._n apostolical_a see_v to_o which_o the_o father_n of_o the_o second_o century_n do_v so_o solemn_o appeal_v to_o prove_v their_o own_o doctrine_n apostolical_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o contrary_a pretence_n of_o the_o heretic_n §_o ix_o can_n they_o think_v they_o all_o to_o have_v be_v either_o wilful_a forgery_n or_o general_a mistake_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o near_o their_o own_o time_n without_o so_o much_o as_o any_o likely_a ground_n in_o history_n how_o will_v they_o then_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o deliver_v to_o we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o more_o notorious_a to_o they_o than_o their_o government_n and_o what_o can_v have_v be_v a_o more_o likely_a occasion_n of_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o governor_n of_o their_o respective_a diocese_n than_o this_o that_o they_o be_v at_o least_o the_o ordinary_a precedent_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n they_o will_v not_o when_o they_o consider_v it_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a to_o avoid_v this_o presidency_n of_o bishop_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n whatever_o they_o may_v think_v of_o their_o absolute_a monarchy_n they_o will_v not_o find_v their_o argument_n concern_v the_o confusion_n of_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o those_o first_o time_n to_o proceed_v so_o firm_o against_o this_o though_o both_o these_o name_n have_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o office_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o one_o of_o that_o same_o rank_n may_v have_v be_v first_o and_z by_o his_o privilege_n of_o be_v so_o may_v have_v have_v the_o power_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n though_o he_o have_v no_o further_a jurisdiction_n over_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o such_o assembly_n when_o they_o be_v once_o convene_v and_o without_o grant_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o they_o will_v not_o find_v it_o so_o easy_a as_o they_o may_v think_v before_o they_o try_v it_o to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n now_o object_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o adversary_n do_v themselves_o grant_v as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o infer_v from_o they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o account_v for_o these_o thing_n amount_v to_o as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v at_o present_a and_o 6._o and_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o first_o presbyter_n in_o his_o first_o period_n before_o the_o year_n 136._o he_o say_v they_o do_v publicae_fw-la in_o collectis_fw-la sedulis_fw-la universam_fw-la fraternitatem_fw-la hortamentis_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la pietatis_fw-la certamen_fw-la fidaque_fw-la charitatis_fw-la obsequia_fw-la excitare_fw-la eandem_fw-la precibus_fw-la excitare_fw-la ordinis_fw-la consessus_fw-la cogere_fw-la etc._n etc._n praef._n ad_fw-la apol._n pro_fw-la s._n hieronym_n p._n 6._o blondell_n do_v express_o grant_v that_o these_o early_a bishop_n who_o live_v before_o the_o deviation_n as_o he_o think_v it_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o power_n of_o call_v the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n §_o x_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o rightful_a possession_n of_o those_o time_n by_o a_o recourse_n to_o the_o primitive_a establishment_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o our_o adversary_n to_o convict_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o age_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o of_o usurp_a this_o right_a at_o least_o of_o preside_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o that_o even_o for_o term_v of_o life_n and_o therefore_o if_o by_o this_o concession_n the_o order_n of_o our_o adversary_n may_v be_v convict_v of_o a_o perfect_a nullity_n it_o will_v then_o very_o near_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o they_o can_v clear_v themselves_o of_o the_o sacrilege_n of_o such_o exercise_v such_o order_n how_o they_o can_v expect_v any_o blessing_n or_o comfort_n in_o such_o administration_n now_o that_o this_o be_v so_o will_v appear_v clear_o from_o the_o principle_n now_o
interest_v in_o common_a as_o that_o the_o very_a same_o performance_n which_o be_v eminent_o serviceable_a to_o one_o may_v for_o that_o very_a cause_n be_v as_o eminent_o disserviceable_a to_o the_o other_o as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o hostility_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o their_o interest_n be_v very_o different_a so_o the_o mean_n of_o serve_v those_o interest_n be_v very_o different_a also_o and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a consequence_n that_o he_o who_o have_v indeed_o oblige_v one_o society_n must_v in_o do_v so_o oblige_v all_o other_o also_o §_o vi_o but_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v such_o as_o that_o he_o who_o have_v they_o in_o one_o church_n can_v by_o he_o who_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v they_o there_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n suppose_v to_o want_v they_o in_o another_o regeneration_n and_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o a_o mystical_a union_n with_o christ_n be_v the_o design_v effect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o have_v these_o in_o any_o one_o church_n can_v be_v presume_v to_o want_v they_o in_o another_o by_o they_o who_o presume_v he_o already_o have_v they_o and_o as_o no_o church_n can_v think_v it_o in_o her_o power_n to_o exclude_v from_o her_o communion_n those_o very_a person_n who_o she_o judge_v regenerate_v and_o pardon_v and_o unite_v to_o christ_n so_o if_o she_o be_v convince_v that_o these_o benefit_n be_v valid_o confer_v by_o a_o presbyter_n in_o another_o church_n she_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v oblige_v to_o treat_v they_o as_o such_o in_o she_o own_o now_o whether_o they_o be_v valid_o confer_v or_o not_o that_o she_o be_v to_o try_v by_o his_o ministry_n if_o his_o ministry_n be_v a_o valid_a ministry_n his_o sacrament_n must_v be_v valid_a sacrament_n and_o actual_o confer_v the_o benefit_n design_v by_o they_o to_o person_n not_o unqualify_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o whether_o his_o ministry_n be_v valid_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o legal_a representative_a of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o ratify_v what_o be_v do_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o name_n this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o of_o authority_n visible_o administer_v by_o man_n however_o proceed_v original_o from_o god_n it_o must_v be_v judge_v the_o same_o way_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v use_n of_o in_o judge_v concern_v act_n of_o humane_a authority_n that_o be_v by_o consider_v the_o power_n by_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o because_o by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o which_o such_o a_o presbyter_n be_v a_o member_n and_o from_o whence_o himself_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o authority_n she_o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o that_o church_n have_v real_o a_o power_n to_o give_v he_o that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v herself_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n whether_o he_o have_v indeed_o receive_v that_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o from_o those_o person_n from_o who_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o way_n of_o trial_n do_v plain_o resolve_v her_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n into_o her_o correspondency_n with_o his_o church_n by_o that_o she_o judge_n whether_o his_o authority_n be_v good_a and_o whether_o he_o have_v actual_o receive_v it_o §_o vii_o 2._o therefore_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o can_v valid_o make_v out_o his_o authority_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v his_o order_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o other_o church_n who_o can_v thus_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o for_o their_o duty_n of_o correspondence_n be_v primary_o with_o church_n and_o only_o secondary_o with_o particular_a person_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v particular_o true_a in_o act_n of_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o by_o derivation_n from_o some_o church_n or_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n from_o some_o ecclesiastical_a person_n who_o act_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n to_o authority_n must_v be_v by_o examine_v his_o reception_n of_o it_o from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o can_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v any_o such_o authority_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o from_o that_o church_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o he_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v not_o to_o have_v it_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o he_o presume_v to_o do_v on_o supposition_n of_o it_o must_v be_v null_n and_o invalid_a §_o viii_o 3._o the_o church_n by_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o order_n of_o every_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v try_v must_v not_o be_v a_o church_n that_o derive_v its_o beginning_n from_o he_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v settle_v and_o establish_v before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o pretension_n to_o order_n for_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v suppose_v proper_a to_o try_v he_o by_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v presume_v good_a antecedent_o to_o his_o be_v so_o all_o the_o authority_n nay_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o church_n set_v up_o by_o a_o particular_a presbyter_n must_v itself_o depend_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v set_v up_o if_o he_o be_v no_o presbyter_n such_o a_o congregation_n can_v be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o mean_v the_o word_n at_o present_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o he_o can_v by_o any_o act_n of_o such_o a_o church_n derive_v authority_n if_o he_o want_v it_o before_o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n but_o what_o he_o bring_v over_o to_o they_o if_o he_o bring_v none_o they_o have_v none_o to_o give_v he_o if_o they_o have_v any_o yet_o not_o such_o as_o be_v proper_a for_o this_o purpose_n both_o because_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a that_o it_o can_v be_v more_o notorious_a than_o that_o which_o be_v at_o least_o in_o time_n antecedent_n to_o it_o and_o because_o at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o other_o church_n have_v hold_v correspondence_n with_o antecedent_o to_o their_o correspondence_n with_o his_o particular_a person_n and_o therefore_o who_o authority_n may_v have_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v be_v grant_v by_o they_o on_o account_n of_o their_o correspondence_n with_o they_o and_o there_o will_v appear_v the_o less_o reason_n either_o that_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n shall_v be_v right_a or_o shall_v be_v admit_v by_o they_o because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o government_n whatsoever_o and_o will_v justify_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o seditious_a person_n who_o can_v be_v so_o successful_a in_o his_o seditious_a practice_n as_o to_o gain_v himself_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o seditious_a party_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o party_n head_v by_o he_o will_v give_v he_o all_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v he_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o disturbance_n and_o as_o it_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o their_o interest_n so_o it_o will_v give_v he_o great_a advantage_n for_o promote_a those_o interest_n effectual_o and_o then_o what_o government_n can_v think_v itself_o secure_a if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o justify_v seditious_a practice_n how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o government_n shall_v ever_o be_v favourable_a to_o principle_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o right_n of_o government_n in_o general_n §_o ix_o nor_o be_v these_o thing_n only_o true_a concern_v church_n erect_v by_o single_a presbyter_n but_o concern_v such_o also_o as_o have_v whole_a presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o multitude_n of_o single_a presbyter_n who_o have_v be_v over-voted_n in_o their_o several_a presbytery_n respective_o especial_o if_o they_o presume_v to_o exercise_v their_o government_n in_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o another_o this_o will_v also_o be_v a_o precedent_n as_o favourable_a to_o sedition_n and_o as_o destructive_a to_o government_n as_o the_o other_o if_o fugitive_a over-voted_n magistrate_n of_o several_a place_n may_v invade_v the_o territory_n of_o a_o three_o and_o there_o erect_v themselves_o into_o a_o absolute_a senate_n independent_a on_o the_o government_n of_o the_o place_n what_o security_n can_v there_o be_v for_o any_o government_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o those_o same_o person_n who_o
the_o scripture_n sense_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o think_v the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n justify_v by_o the_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o in_o all_o likelihood_n it_o must_v according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n then_o certain_o their_o prime_a design_n be_v only_o to_o give_v that_o power_n which_o be_v then_o grant_v to_o presbyter_n which_o will_v not_o include_v the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v beside_o it_o can_v be_v presume_v that_o their_o design_n be_v to_o make_v presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n any_o far_a than_o as_o they_o think_v scripture_n precedent_n oblige_v to_o their_o own_o time_n if_o they_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o alienate_v the_o right_n which_o original_o belong_v to_o they_o if_o at_o least_o they_o think_v such_o a_o alienation_n valid_a when_o do_v however_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v why_o shall_v they_o rather_o think_v of_o retrieve_v the_o scripture-practice_n in_o this_o particular_a than_o in_o those_o of_o the_o deaconess_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o no_o party_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v at_o present_a §_o xxi_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o this_o be_v real_o st._n hieromes_n sense_n of_o this_o matter_n euagr._fw-la ad_fw-la euagr._fw-la who_o never_o think_v himself_o oblige_v by_o his_o singular_a opinion_n concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o make_v any_o disturbance_n in_o the_o present_a settlement_n and_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o the_o change_n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o avoid_v schism_n be_v a_o commendable_a reason_n and_o as_o much_o concern_v his_o own_o and_o all_o future_a time_n as_o it_o do_v those_o wherein_o this_o change_n be_v first_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v make_v schism_n be_v still_o as_o dangerous_a to_o the_o church_n and_o episcopacy_n be_v still_o as_o prudent_a a_o expedient_a for_o prevent_v the_o occasion_n of_o schism_n arise_v from_o parity_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o he_o mention_n as_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o this_o change_n be_v make_v if_o it_o do_v not_o include_v the_o apostle_n or_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a officer_n who_o in_o those_o time_n have_v alone_o the_o power_n of_o make_v such_o a_o decree_n as_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o which_o may_v oblige_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o who_o time_n the_o expression_n he_o make_v use_v of_o for_o express_v this_o schism_n that_o one_o say_v he_o be_v of_o paul_n another_o of_o cephas_n another_o of_o apollo_n be_v first_o and_o most_o literal_o fulfil_v and_o it_o be_v unlikely_a that_o they_o will_v defer_v the_o remedy_n so_o long_o after_o the_o occasion_n as_o our_o adversary_n suppose_v beside_o that_o the_o mistake_v of_o man_n think_v that_o the_o disciple_n baptize_v by_o they_o be_v their_o own_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v continue_v so_o long_o and_o to_o have_v prevail_v so_o universal_o as_o to_o occasion_v a_o general_a decree_n against_o it_o after_o the_o death_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n when_o st._n paul_n himself_o have_v so_o express_o condemn_v it_o so_o long_o before_o if_o i_o say_v the_o whole_a world_n concern_v in_o this_o business_n do_v not_o include_v the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o it_o can_v exclude_v they_o yet_o certain_o it_o must_v have_v include_v all_o those_o extraordinary_a person_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o beside_o their_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v themselves_o endue_v with_o great_a and_o apostolical_a gift_n and_o as_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v ignorant_a of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o notorious_a as_o this_o be_v of_o government_n so_o they_o can_v be_v presume_v unfaithful_a to_o their_o trust_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v a_o decree_n direct_o contrary_a to_o a_o establishment_n of_o the_o apostle_n design_v by_o they_o to_o be_v unalterable_a and_o this_o decree_n a_o universal_a one_o without_o contradiction_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o apostolical_a person_n §_o xxii_o whatever_o our_o brethren_n may_v think_v of_o these_o thing_n now_o yet_o certain_o st._n hierome_n can_v not_o on_o these_o term_n think_v this_o change_n invalid_a nor_o consequent_o can_v any_o of_o they_o think_v so_o who_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n guide_v by_o st._n hierome_n and_o if_o so_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o they_o must_v have_v intend_v to_o restore_v the_o antiquate_a scripture-right_a of_o presbyter_n which_o if_o it_o prove_v true_a must_v overthrow_v all_o our_o adversary_n argument_n for_o prove_v that_o ordination_n be_v a_o right_a of_o scripture-presbyter_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o like_a right_n in_o presbyter_n now_o though_o it_o be_v their_o right_n then_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v alienable_a it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v their_o right_n now_o if_o it_o be_v unalienable_a from_o those_o who_o once_o have_v it_o yet_o without_o defend_v the_o validity_n of_o any_o alienation_n they_o may_v want_v it_o now_o not_o because_o they_o alienate_v it_o but_o because_o they_o never_o have_v it_o however_o though_o it_o have_v be_v their_o design_n to_o give_v our_o present_a presbyter_n all_o that_o right_n which_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n yet_o certain_o they_o who_o make_v these_o presbyter_n be_v the_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o their_o own_o intention_n if_o we_o will_v deal_v fair_o not_o captious_o and_o therefore_o even_o in_o this_o case_n our_o adversary_n shall_v not_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v the_o right_n of_o modern_a presbyter_n because_o themselves_o think_v that_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v it_o unless_o they_o can_v prove_v our_o modern_a ordeiner_n to_o have_v be_v of_o their_o mind_n in_o this_o particular_a it_o suffice_v at_o present_a that_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o charter_n but_o from_o their_o ordeiner_n as_o person_n authorize_v by_o that_o charter_n and_o as_o authentic_a expositor_n of_o it_o if_o not_o as_o to_o truth_n yet_o at_o least_o as_o to_o practice_n that_o they_o receive_v their_o order_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o power_n actual_o receive_v by_o they_o must_v not_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o that_o wherein_o their_o ordeiner_n understand_v they_o but_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o who_o intend_v to_o make_v they_o presbyter_n in_o the_o scripture-sence_n do_v not_o can_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v the_o right_n of_o scripture-presbyter_n §_o xxiii_o but_o they_o may_v object_v further_o that_o the_o right_n unite_v by_o god_n be_v inseparable_a by_o any_o humane_a authority_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v by_o god_n unite_v to_o the_o other_o right_n of_o scripture_n presbyter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v they_o any_o one_o right_a without_o give_v they_o all_o or_o to_o retain_v one_o without_o retain_v all_o and_o therefore_o that_o if_o our_o present_a presbyter_n have_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n if_o our_o adversary_n mean_v that_o those_o presbyter_n who_o have_v both_o those_o power_n unite_v in_o they_o by_o god_n can_v not_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o one_o power_n without_o the_o other_o nor_o indeed_o of_o any_o by_o any_o humane_a authority_n this_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v true_a yet_o be_v a_o case_n wherein_o our_o present_a ordination_n be_v not_o concern_v which_o be_v not_o receive_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o our_o adversary_n pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o these_o two_o power_n be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v if_o further_o they_o say_v that_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v separate_v as_o they_o will_v find_v the_o bare_a argument_n from_o scripture-precedent_n very_o unconcluding_a to_o this_o purpose_n they_o neither_o can_v prove_v that_o ever_o scripture-presbyter_n do_v ordain_v in_o separation_n from_o a_o precedent_n much_o less_o that_o small_a over-voted_n part_v of_o any_o particular_a presbytery_n or_o any_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o fugitive_n from_o many_o do_v so_o nor_o if_o they_o can_v can_v they_o prove_v the_o precedent_n oblige_v now_o without_o some_o more_o enforce_a consideration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o they_o will_v not_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o produce_v better_o and_o it_o be_v at_o present_a sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v de_fw-mi facto_fw-la though_o they_o who_o separate_v they_o be_v to_o blame_v for_o do_v so_o §_o xxiv_o nor_o
by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n as_o i_o say_v of_o interest_v as_o well_o as_o disinterest_v agree_v in_o it_o and_o §_o xii_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o notorious_a that_o our_o present_a bishop_n have_v succeed_v the_o bishop_n of_o those_o time_n in_o a_o canonical_a way_n both_o that_o they_o have_v their_o power_n give_v they_o in_o a_o succession_n from_o they_o who_o be_v then_o invest_v with_o it_o i_o mean_v at_o least_o so_o far_o canonical_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o call_n and_o that_o they_o have_v have_v as_o much_o power_n give_v they_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o succession_n valid_a to_o this_o day_n for_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o episcopal_a power_n according_a as_o it_o be_v understand_v and_o design_v in_o those_o age_n do_v include_v a_o power_n not_o only_o of_o ordain_v other_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o of_o valid_o consecrate_v other_o bishop_n too_o and_o none_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o two_o power_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o secure_v succession_n and_o that_o all_o our_o minister_n have_v their_o present_a order_n from_o they_o who_o upon_o these_o term_n must_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_o empower_v to_o confer_v they_o on_o they_o the_o succession_n be_v so_o few_o since_o the_o reformation_n as_o that_o every_o particular_a minister_n may_v easy_o reckon_v up_o the_o particular_n for_o his_o own_o vindication_n i_o presume_v this_o also_o notorious_a because_o i_o suppose_v the_o ordinary_a prudence_n even_o of_o honest_a rustic_n will_v not_o think_v the_o contrary_a suggestion_n concern_v the_o nagshead_n ordination_n raise_v only_o by_o a_o few_o concern_v person_n in_o a_o corner_n and_o not_o divulge_v till_o many_o year_n after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o be_v credible_a in_o opposition_n to_o the_o still_o extant_a record_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o contrary_n §_o xiii_o and_o by_o the_o same_o way_n whereby_o such_o illiterate_a person_n may_v satisfy_v themselves_o of_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o ordination_n of_o our_o minister_n they_o will_v also_o find_v reason_n to_o question_v that_o of_o the_o nonconformist_n they_o need_v trace_v they_o up_o no_o high_a than_o the_o first_o deviation_n from_o episcopacy_n and_o suppose_v that_o they_o must_v thence_o derive_v all_o the_o power_n they_o can_v now_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o will_v be_v as_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o nullity_n of_o their_o present_a proceed_n as_o it_o be_v to_o discover_v the_o like_a nullity_n in_o their_o worldly_a affair_n in_o which_o they_o be_v often_o concern_v to_o trust_v their_o own_o judgement_n they_o may_v find_v the_o nullity_n even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v at_o first_o lawful_o ordain_v by_o they_o who_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v they_o in_o their_o act_n against_o all_o the_o visible_a superior_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v on_o the_o same_o account_n on_o which_o in_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o will_v think_v the_o act_n of_o a_o particular_a lawfully-empowered_n constable_n invalid_a if_o he_o oppose_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o visible_a supreme_a magistracy_n of_o the_o land_n in_o which_o he_o have_v be_v make_v a_o constable_n much_o more_o must_v they_o find_v the_o nullity_n of_o the_o succession_n continue_v from_o such_o person_n in_o their_o secular_a affair_n they_o judge_v a_o title_n null_n if_o either_o the_o power_n give_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o maintain_v a_o succession_n or_o if_o a_o sufficient_a power_n be_v give_v but_o by_o person_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o and_o they_o may_v find_v themselves_o to_o judge_n thus_o not_o because_o of_o any_o concernment_n of_o it_o as_o secular_a but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o pure_a intrinsic_a justice_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o must_v therefore_o equal_o concern_v the_o like_a contract_n and_o conveyance_n and_o upon_o the_o principle_n here_o propose_v they_o need_v only_o apply_v these_o concession_n for_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v other_o be_v not_o give_v they_o by_o the_o episcopal_a presbytery_n from_o who_o the_o first_o of_o they_o receive_v their_o order_n at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v not_o give_v they_o separately_z from_o those_o presbytery_n that_o though_o they_o have_v that_o power_n give_v they_o yet_o the_o order_n since_o confer_v by_o they_o must_v be_v null_a even_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o aristocratical_a government_n even_o as_o aristocratical_a because_o they_o have_v neither_o be_v confer_v in_o lawful_a assembly_n nor_o by_o plurality_n of_o vote_n so_o that_o still_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v appear_v even_o to_o such_o illiterate_a person_n even_o by_o those_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n by_o which_o they_o guide_v themselves_o in_o their_o secular_a transaction_n §_o fourteen_o but_o beside_o this_o of_o distinguish_v their_o true_a governor_n from_o false_a pretender_n they_o will_v 2._o be_v better_o enable_v by_o these_o principle_n to_o know_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o duty_n even_o to_o their_o true_a governor_n themselves_o they_o need_v not_o here_o follow_v our_o brethren_n method_n of_o engage_v into_o dispute_n concern_v the_o expediency_n or_o inexpediency_n of_o every_o constitution_n see_v this_o will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n though_o they_o shall_v prove_v real_o inexpedient_a because_o for_o that_o not_o they_o but_o their_o superior_n must_v be_v responsible_a if_o they_o be_v obedient_a but_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v responsible_a if_o they_o shall_v withdraw_v their_o obedience_n unwarrantable_o nor_o need_v they_o trouble_v their_o head_n with_o those_o many_o scruple_n of_o our_o brethren_n which_o make_v their_o duty_n unpracticable_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v groundless_a or_o even_o with_o those_o which_o after_o all_o consideration_n may_v still_o remain_v practicable_a yet_o not_o without_o much_o tediousness_n and_o scrupulosity_n even_o to_o well-meaning_a person_n themselves_o which_o certain_o can_v never_o have_v be_v design_v by_o god_n §_o xv_o but_o upon_o our_o principle_n their_o duty_n will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a what_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n upon_o read_v of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o honest_a and_o unprejudiced_a heart_n and_o that_o moral_a diligence_n and_o assistance_n of_o skilful_a person_n in_o matter_n wherein_o they_o will_v find_v their_o own_o unskilfulness_n which_o their_o own_o prudence_n will_v suggest_v in_o matter_n of_o the_o like_a concernment_n express_v in_o a_o ancient_a book_n and_o in_o a_o exotic_a tongue_n and_o style_n what_o i_o say_v might_n upon_o these_o term_n appear_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n clear_o for_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n will_v oblige_v such_o to_o any_o duty_n which_o upon_o these_o term_n may_v not_o be_v clear_a to_o they_o that_o they_o must_v practice_v whatsoever_o any_o authority_n on_o earth_n shall_v decree_v to_o the_o contrary_n as_o for_o other_o thing_n how_o inconvenient_a soever_o they_o can_v in_o prudence_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o resistance_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a inconvenience_n than_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n except_v sin_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o imposition_n whatsoever_o how_o oppressive_a soever_o and_o therefore_o how_o sinful_a soever_o they_o may_v prove_v to_o the_o governor_n who_o impose_v they_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o sinful_a to_o the_o subject_n the_o subject_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o yield_v to_o their_o governor_n as_o much_o the_o lesser_a inconvenience_n so_o that_o by_o these_o principle_n such_o idiot_n as_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o be_v disoblige_v from_o any_o further_a inquiry_n into_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o superior_n imposition_n but_o only_o whether_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o the_o instance_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a which_o can_v on_o this_o account_n oblige_v they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o their_o ecclesiastical_a superior_n §_o xvi_o especial_o consider_v the_o several_a degree_n such_o a_o deliberation_n must_v proceed_v through_o before_o it_o can_v come_v to_o this_o height_n in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o illiterate_a person_n i_o be_o speak_v of_o may_v by_o his_o own_o prudence_n find_v how_o unsafe_a it_o will_v be_v for_o he_o to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o only_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o upon_o full_a information_n in_o the_o evidence_n by_o such_o as_o be_v skilful_a he_o may_v find_v himself_o capable_a of_o apprehend_v and_o judge_v for_o other_o which_o even_o on_o these_o supposal_n he_o can_v not_o find_v himself_o fit_a to_o judge_n of_o that_o be_v wherein_o he_o can_v not_o apprehend_v what_o be_v tell_v he_o and_o what_o withal_o he_o shall_v judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v thorough_o apprehend_v