the_o very_a first_o time_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o order_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o the_o second_o general_a council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n under_o theodosius_n the_o great_a where_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o institute_n this_o new_a kind_n of_o dignity_n it_o secure_v the_o old_a jurisdiction_n of_o metropolitan_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o new_a order_n be_v bring_v over_o their_o head_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o empire_n yet_o be_v every_o metropolitan_a church_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o synod_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v accustom_v of_o old_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o council_n positive_o assert_v the_o supremacy_n of_o power_n to_o every_o metropolitan_a within_o his_o own_o province_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o preeminence_n of_o this_o new_a order_n of_o man_n above_o they_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o title_n and_o dignity_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o that_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o preeminence_n of_o respect_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o preeminence_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a upon_o particular_a occasion_n to_o give_v the_o former_a without_o confer_v the_o latter_a as_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n metropolitical_a honour_n because_o it_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n without_o give_v it_o any_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n for_o that_o be_v reserve_v entire_o for_o the_o bishop_n of_o caesarea_n which_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v make_v the_o civil_a metropolis_n of_o palestin_n by_o the_o emperor_n vespasian_n so_o this_o present_a council_n of_o constantinople_n of_o which_o we_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o canon_n next_o follow_v that_o we_o last_o mention_v give_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o preeminency_n of_o honour_n next_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n because_o constantinople_n be_v new_a rome_n and_o yet_o give_v it_o nothing_o of_o metropolitical_a power_n because_o it_o express_o confirm_v the_o old_a right_n of_o the_o three_o metropolitan_o of_o asia_n pontus_n and_o thrace_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v in_o the_o canon_n immediate_o forego_v in_o short_a all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ancient_a metropolitan_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o sort_n those_o of_o honour_n and_o those_o of_o power_n the_o former_a the_o father_n of_o this_o council_n give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n out_o of_o compliment_n to_o the_o new_a imperial_a city_n but_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v give_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o latter_a because_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o violate_v and_o alienate_v the_o real_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o other_o men._n but_o yet_o however_o when_o once_o they_o have_v gor_o a_o high_a title_n it_o easy_o make_v way_n to_o advance_v themselves_o to_o a_o high_a power_n insomuch_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n after_o he_o swallow_v up_o all_o the_o three_o metropolitan_o of_o thrace_n pontus_n and_o asia_n into_o his_o own_o jurisdiction_n and_o now_o this_o superior_a order_n of_o primate_fw-la to_o metropolitan_n be_v thus_o set_v up_o by_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n it_o in_o a_o little_a time_n make_v way_n for_o the_o patriarchical_a dignity_n the_o title_n whereof_o be_v at_o first_o borrow_v from_o the_o wander_a jew_n of_o those_o time_n who_o wherever_o they_o settle_v in_o any_o considerable_a number_n after_o their_o dispersion_n from_o jerusalem_n choose_v a_o supreme_a governor_n who_o they_o style_v their_o patriarch_n but_o about_o the_o four_o century_n or_o somewhat_o after_o this_o title_n and_o authority_n be_v take_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o new_a supra-metropolitan_a bishop_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o yet_o have_v obtain_v no_o peculiar_a name_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n thus_o socrates_n the_o historian_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n reckon_v up_o nectarius_n of_o constantinople_n helladius_n of_o pontus_n gregory_n of_o nyssa_n ottreius_fw-la of_o melitina_n amphilochius_n of_o iconium_n optimus_fw-la of_o the_o pisidian_n antioch_n timotheus_n of_o alexandria_n pelagius_n of_o laodicea_n diodorus_n of_o tarsus_n and_o many_o more_o though_o in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o title_n come_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o five_o most_o eminent_a see_v rome_n constantinople_n alexandria_n antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o be_v make_v superior_a not_o only_o in_o title_n but_o in_o jurisdiction_n to_o all_o metropolitan_o within_o their_o diocese_n because_o it_o seem_v those_o city_n be_v the_o five_o chief_a city_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o claim_n to_o high_a dignity_n in_o the_o civil_a government_n than_o all_o other_o rome_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n alexandria_n the_o head_n city_n of_o africa_n and_o seat_n of_o the_o great_a ptolomy_v antiochia_n queen_n of_o the_o east_n and_o seat_n of_o the_o great_a seleucus_n and_o his_o successor_n jerusalem_n the_o mother_n city_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o constantinople_n the_o new_a rome_n of_o the_o empire_n that_o have_v at_o that_o time_n overtopped_a old_a rome_n in_o greatness_n and_o authority_n now_o the_o right_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o these_o patriarch_n above_o metropolitan_o be_v these_o first_o that_o wherever_o they_o preside_v they_o have_v many_o metropolitan_o under_o their_o jurisdiction_n second_o that_o they_o only_o have_v right_a to_o ordain_v the_o metropolitan_o within_o their_o own_o patriarchate_o as_o metropolitan_n have_v bishop_n within_o their_o own_o province_n three_o that_o as_o metropolitan_n have_v power_n to_o call_v the_o bishop_n of_o their_o province_n to_o synod_n so_o have_v patriarch_n to_o call_v their_o metropolitan_n four_o that_o they_o be_v the_o supreme_a judicature_n within_o their_o own_o patriarchates_n no_o far_o appeal_v be_v to_o be_v make_v from_o a_o patriarch_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a time_n govern_v every_o patriarch_n enjoy_v supreme_a power_n within_o his_o own_o precinct_n and_o no_o far_o insomuch_o that_o the_o rule_n be_v adopt_v into_o the_o imperial_a law_n a_o patriarcha_fw-la non_fw-la datur_fw-la appellatio_fw-la no_o appeal_v from_o a_o patriarch_n and_o yet_o that_o alone_o be_v a_o plain_a bar_n to_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o any_o other_o over_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n but_o then_o as_o for_o the_o bound_n of_o jurisdiction_n they_o still_o follow_v the_o division_n of_o the_o state_n and_o there_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n though_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o old_a imperial_a city_n he_o have_v precedency_n in_o honour_n above_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v one_o of_o the_o narrow_a jurisdiction_n of_o all_o his_o patriarchate_o extend_v at_o the_o far_a not_o beyond_o italy_n and_o the_o adjacent_a island_n though_o according_a to_o the_o true_a account_n it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o above_o half_a so_o great_a italy_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n under_o two_o governor_n one_o reside_v at_o rome_n who_o govern_v the_o suburbicarian_a province_n so_o call_v because_o of_o their_o lie_v near_o to_o the_o city_n the_o other_o at_o milan_n who_o govern_v the_o more_o remote_a part_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n divide_v into_o the_o roman_a diocese_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o italic_a diocese_n of_o which_o milan_n be_v the_o head_n over_o which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o ancient_a time_n ever_o pretend_v any_o patriarchical_a supremacy_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o s._n ambrose_n be_v ordain_v in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 555._o bishop_n thereof_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n of_o the_o italic_a diocese_n which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v have_v the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v his_o patriarch_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v the_o chief_a branch_n of_o patriarchical_a jurisdiction_n but_o how_o great_a or_o little_o soever_o be_v the_o circuit_n of_o his_o patriarchate_n it_o be_v limit_v within_o certain_a bound_n as_o the_o other_o patriarchates_n be_v and_o as_o the_o patriarch_n be_v supreme_a within_o their_o own_o diocese_n so_o be_v most_o of_o the_o metropolitan_o within_o their_o own_o province_n for_o though_o where_o patriarch_n be_v erect_v the_o metropolitan_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o patriarchate_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o yet_o all_o the_o other_o metropolitan_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n enjoy_v their_o own_o ancient_a supremacy_n and_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v before_o head-churche_n exercise_v supreme_a power_n
there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n though_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o as_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o several_a synod_n that_o be_v call_v about_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n not_o long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o as_o it_o be_v canvas_v all_o the_o world_n over_o so_o be_v it_o debate_v in_o so_o many_o provincial_a synod_n in_o each_o whereof_o the_o metropolitan_a preside_v in_o palestin_n theophilus_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n in_o pontus_n palma_n bishop_n of_o armastris_n in_o the_o proconsular_a asia_n polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n in_o italy_n victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o france_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n where_o every_o synod_n judge_v for_o itself_o and_o make_v its_o own_o decree_n only_a victor_n will_v have_v be_v meddle_v with_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n though_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o record_n not_o from_o any_o authority_n he_o pretend_v to_o over_o it_o but_o out_o of_o a_o intemperate_a zeal_n for_o his_o own_o opinion_n but_o in_o this_o he_o be_v quick_o check_v by_o the_o other_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o france_n though_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o himself_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n than_o keep_v up_o the_o right_n of_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o they_o admirable_o preserve_v by_o their_o communicatory_a letter_n between_o church_n and_o church_n so_o as_o no_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v to_o communion_n with_o another_o without_o his_o letter_n testimonial_a whereby_o it_o be_v so_o order_v that_o whosoever_o be_v excommunicate_a out_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n neither_o can_v a_o bishop_n exercise_v any_o part_n of_o his_o office_n in_o any_o other_o diocese_n than_o his_o own_o much_o less_o any_o other_o province_n and_o if_o he_o do_v his_o own_o metropolitan_a be_v oblige_v to_o throw_v he_o out_o of_o communion_n and_o all_o other_o not_o to_o take_v he_o in_o and_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o six_o famous_a canon_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o nice_a under_o constantine_n the_o great_a that_o confirm_v to_o the_o three_o great_a church_n of_o rome_n alexandria_n and_o antioch_n their_o ancient_a privilege_n and_o preeminence_n for_o though_o some_o learned_a man_n both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v be_v please_v to_o dispute_v that_o the_o power_n here_o abet_v in_o this_o canon_n be_v patriarchical_a and_o not_o mere_o metropolitical_a yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o patriarchical_a be_v notorious_o evident_a because_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o office_n in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o that_o of_o nice_n and_o yet_o this_o nicene_n canon_n only_o confirm_v the_o old_a and_o accustom_a right_n of_o church_n and_o that_o this_o power_n be_v metropolitical_a be_v manifest_a because_o it_o be_v make_v pure_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o forementioned_a 34th_o apostolical_a canon_n that_o require_v the_o subjection_n of_o all_o other_o inferior_a bishop_n to_o their_o national_a or_o provincial_a bishop_n the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o meletius_n bishop_n of_o nicapolis_n within_o the_o province_n of_o alexandria_n be_v depose_v by_o his_o metropolitan_a in_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n as_o for_o divers_a other_o crime_n so_o particular_o for_o sacrifice_v to_o idol_n notwithstanding_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o ordain_v new_a bishop_n himself_o and_o so_o violate_v all_o the_o preeminence_n of_o his_o metropolitan_a both_o by_o slight_v his_o censure_n and_o invade_v his_o power_n now_o complaint_n hereof_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o council_n they_o decree_v that_o the_o ancient_a prerogative_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n over_o the_o inferior_a church_n within_o its_o province_n shall_v be_v keep_v as_o inviolable_a as_o those_o of_o rome_n and_o the_o same_o for_o antiochia_n and_o not_o only_o so_o in_o those_o great_a see_v but_o in_o all_o other_o province_n whatsoever_o for_o so_o the_o canon_n express_o run_v that_o not_o only_o at_o antiochia_n but_o that_o in_o all_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o province_n their_o ancient_a privilege_n shall_v be_v preserve_v so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o peculiar_a to_o these_o three_o great_a city_n determine_v because_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o all_o other_o province_n that_o be_v in_o force_n at_o that_o time_n be_v as_o much_o ratify_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o that_o be_v only_o this_o that_o whatever_o superiority_n great_a church_n have_v by_o long_a custom_n enjoy_v over_o less_o shall_v stand_v confirm_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o according_o we_o find_v it_o decree_v in_o the_o second_o canon_n of_o the_o second_o general_a council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n as_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o six_o canon_n of_o nice_a that_o all_o bishop_n shall_v contain_v themselves_o within_o the_o know_a circuit_n of_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o not_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o other_o diocese_n especial_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n shall_v be_v confine_v within_o the_o diocese_n of_o egypt_n and_o antiochia_n within_o that_o of_o the_o east_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n pontus_n and_o thracia_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o ancient_a power_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o have_v invade_v their_o right_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n that_o miletius_n bishop_n of_o antiochia_n have_v make_v gregory_n nazienzen_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n and_o peter_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n have_v do_v the_o same_o for_o maximus_n whereas_o constantinople_n be_v in_o thrace_n that_o be_v a_o diocese_n by_o itself_o in_o the_o civil_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o therefore_o exempt_a from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o those_o great_a prelate_n have_v the_o same_o supreme_a and_o independent_a power_n within_o itself_o as_o they_o have_v within_o their_o province_n as_o have_v also_o the_o lesser_a asia_n and_o pontus_n which_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v encroach_v upon_o or_o swallow_v up_o by_o their_o potent_a neighbour_n be_v here_o guard_v and_o settle_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o ancient_a right_n against_o all_o future_a invasion_n and_o the_o same_o decree_n we_o find_v in_o the_o next_o general_a council_n hold_v at_o ephesus_n canon_n the_o eight_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o ordain_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o cyprus_n that_o be_v a_o head_n province_n by_o itself_o this_o usurpation_n therefore_o the_o council_n severe_o censure_n and_o forbid_v and_o withal_o order_n that_o no_o metropolitan_a shall_v challenge_v any_o further_a extent_n of_o jurisdiction_n that_o he_o can_v not_o prove_v by_o long_a and_o immemorial_n prescription_n lest_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o priestly_a office_n they_o shall_v introduce_v a_o secular_a sovereignty_n into_o the_o church_n infinite_a be_v the_o instance_n in_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o metropolitical_a supremacy_n of_o church_n but_o these_o that_o i_o have_v already_o allege_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o true_a primitive_a and_o apostolical_a constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o last_v the_o same_o even_o as_o to_o the_o bound_n of_o jurisdiction_n till_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a but_o the_o cast_v the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o empire_n into_o a_o new_a model_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o its_o primitive_a rule_n of_o conform_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n to_o add_v to_o the_o old_a ecclesiastical_a hierarchy_n for_o the_o whole_a empire_n be_v divide_v into_o thirteen_o diocese_n each_o diocese_n contain_v many_o province_n in_o all_o to_o the_o number_n of_o 120_o and_o every_o province_n several_a inferior_a city_n and_o therefore_o as_o every_o city_n have_v its_o judge_n for_o civil_a government_n so_o have_v it_o its_o bishop_n for_o ecclesiastical_a and_o every_o province_n its_o precedent_n so_o its_o metropolitan_a and_o every_o diocese_n which_o then_o contain_v several_a province_n its_o lieutenant_n so_o its_o primate_n which_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o raise_v up_o a_o superior_a order_n of_o metropolitan_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o new_a model_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o therefore_o be_v at_o first_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o honorary_a title_n that_o give_v they_o precedency_n to_o the_o metropolitan_o but_o not_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o for_o
without_o but_o against_o our_o savior_n commission_n who_o have_v appropriate_v that_o power_n to_o another_o order_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o priest_n challenge_v any_o temporal_a jurisdiction_n as_o derive_v from_o our_o saviour_n he_o in_o effect_n disclaim_v he_o in_o that_o he_o become_v our_o saviour_n pure_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o spiritual_a power_n and_o supremacy_n over_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o as_o head_n of_o it_o be_v another_o way_n of_o turn_v christ_n into_o mahomet_n but_o though_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o share_n of_o spiritual_a authority_n yet_o have_v he_o a_o sovereign_a supremacy_n over_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n otherwise_o he_o will_v abate_v of_o his_o power_n by_o the_o come_n of_o christianity_n into_o the_o world_n which_o contradict_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o make_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o civil_a right_n but_o 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rome_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n but_o now_o if_o this_o one_o point_n of_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o his_o pretence_n to_o it_o by_o divine_a right_n be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o the_o shadow_n of_o any_o such_o authority_n in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v it_o not_o very_o odd_a that_o when_o so_o many_o controversy_n be_v start_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n own_o time_n and_o in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o follow_v and_o that_o when_o almighty_a god_n have_v appoint_v s._n peter_n and_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a judge_n for_o end_v all_o controversy_n that_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o primitive_a doctor_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o 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indeed_o we_o meet_v with_o of_o some_o honorary_a preeminence_n or_o dignity_n allow_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o its_o be_v the_o imperial_a city_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a resort_n to_o it_o of_o its_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o true_a tradition_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v any_o jurisdiction_n over_o any_o other_o church_n out_o of_o its_o own_o province_n much_o more_o such_o a_o universal_a power_n over_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v now_o challenge_v be_v a_o notion_n so_o utter_o strange_a and_o unknown_a to_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o bare_a silence_n of_o it_o alone_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o pretence_n but_o for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o this_o thing_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o first_o point_n of_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o give_v your_o royal_a highness_n a_o true_a and_o impartial_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o of_o the_o several_a and_o gradual_a alteration_n that_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n make_v in_o it_o in_o after_o time_n and_o last_o how_o and_o how_o late_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n climb_v up_o to_o that_o infinite_a authority_n that_o they_o have_v for_o some_o age_n exercise_v and_o still_o claim_v over_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o this_o i_o may_v safe_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o royal_a highness_n princely_a wisdom_n to_o judge_v what_o obligation_n you_o can_v have_v in_o conscience_n to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o britannic_a church_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a in_o all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o doctor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n model_v the_o first_o settlement_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o then_o present_a state_n and_o division_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o though_o our_o bless_a saviour_n settle_v the_o supreme_a government_n of_o his_o church_n upon_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n yet_o he_o no_o where_o prescribe_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o every_o man_n jurisdiction_n but_o leave_v it_o as_o indeed_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v to_o (null)_o prudence_n ot_fw-mi divide_v the_o province_n among_o themselves_o as_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o common_a christianity_n and_o according_o we_o find_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n that_o they_o form_v the_o jurisdiction_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a judicature_n of_o the_o empire_n common_a prudence_n direct_v they_o so_o to_o do_v not_o only_o for_o the_o more_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o resort_n of_o all_o people_n to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o province_n which_o they_o therefore_o constitute_v the_o mother_n church_n of_o it_o but_o that_o whenever_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v in_o to_o own_o christianity_n the_o better_a correspondence_n may_v be_v maintain_v between_o the_o state_n civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a and_o beside_o this_o by_o make_v the_o head_n city_n of_o every_o province_n the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o church_n within_o that_o province_n upon_o which_o the_o inferior_a city_n depend_v as_o the_o centre_n of_o communion_n they_o thereby_o admirable_o secure_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n while_o every_o episcopal_a church_n exercise_v ordinary_a jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o but_o be_v bind_v either_o in_o case_n of_o great_a difficulty_n or_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o common_a christianity_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o mother-church_n and_o this_o be_v apparent_o the_o original_a of_o the_o privilege_n and_o preeminence_n of_o some_o church_n above_o other_o from_o the_o beginning_n not_o that_o they_o ever_o pretend_v to_o any_o sovereignty_n over_o they_o in_o their_o particular_a jurisdiction_n but_o only_o as_o the_o centre_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n so_o as_o to_o decide_v controversy_n whenever_o any_o inferior_a church_n appeal_v to_o they_o for_o their_o advice_n or_o to_o summon_v council_n and_o preside_v over_o they_o in_o all_o debate_n that_o concern_v common_a christianity_n and_o that_o this_o distribution_n of_o province_n and_o bishopric_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n seem_v evident_a from_o their_o own_o write_n who_o every_o where_o describe_v the_o bound_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o empire_n thus_o st._n peter_n direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o the_o christian_a jew_n with_o respect_n to_o so_o many_o several_a province_n pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bythinia_n which_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_a province_n in_o the_o civil_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n so_o be_v they_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o so_o many_o distinct_a provincial_n see_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o obvious_a in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n than_o that_o whenever_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o church_n he_o either_o call_v it_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o province_n itself_o or_o the_o metropolis_n or_o head_n city_n of_o it_o and_o as_o this_o design_n of_o conform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n to_o the_o civil_a be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o apostle_n so_o be_v it_o careful_o prosecute_v by_o their_o successor_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o eminent_a instance_n in_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o compile_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v by_o apostolical_a man_n and_o such_o as_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o where_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o 34_o canon_n that_o 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bishop_n of_o which_o
within_o themselves_o of_o which_o there_o be_v great_a number_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o as_o large_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o patriarchates_n especial_o in_o asia_n but_o as_o for_o the_o patriarchate_o of_o rome_n it_o never_o extend_v its_o power_n beyond_o italy_n and_o its_o adjacent_a island_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n care_v not_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o christian_a world_n so_o that_o hereafter_o all_o their_o brag_v of_o universal_a pastorship_n when_o they_o come_v to_o make_v it_o out_o their_o manuscript_n still_o fail_v they_o carolus_n à _fw-it sancto_fw-it paulo_n have_v take_v most_o pain_n of_o any_o in_o this_o argument_n and_o have_v do_v well_o enough_o in_o other_o part_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o his_o manuscript_n be_v so_o wear_v out_o and_o defective_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a publish_n now_o do_v not_o this_o look_n odd_o that_o their_o book_n shall_v fail_v they_o thus_o only_o in_o their_o own_o cause_n and_o do_v it_o not_o rather_o give_v suspicion_n that_o themselves_o be_v too_o well_o aware_a that_o they_o will_v do_v they_o no_o real_a kindness_n however_o it_o be_v a_o very_a preposterous_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o a_o title_n to_o a_o great_a estate_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o ancient_a write_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o try_v his_o title_n shall_v only_o plead_v that_o indeed_o such_o write_n there_o once_o be_v but_o that_o they_o be_v now_o so_o impair_v that_o they_o be_v not_o legible_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n here_o all_o christendom_n at_o least_o the_o western_a empire_n aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o as_o their_o patriarch_n why_o so_o because_o he_o ever_o be_v so_o how_o do_v that_o appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a notitiae_fw-la of_o the_o church_n produce_v they_o so_o we_o can_v for_o all_o the_o other_o patriarchates_n but_o those_o that_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v unhappy_o lose_v be_v they_o so_o then_o you_o have_v lose_v the_o evidence_n of_o your_o title_n and_o for_o ought_v you_o do_v or_o can_v know_v never_o have_v any_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o shift_a and_o prevaricate_a that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v not_o long_o since_o publish_v by_o a_o very_a learned_a and_o a_o very_a honest_a gentleman_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o nation_n beveridge_n a_o accurate_a description_n of_o all_o the_o patriarchates_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a manuscript_n which_o reckon_v to_o the_o patriarchate_o of_o rome_n only_a italy_n and_o the_o adjacent_a island_n but_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o spain_n or_o germany_n or_o gaul_n or_o england_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o large_a territory_n in_o europe_n which_o if_o they_o have_v belong_v to_o this_o patriarchate_o at_o that_o time_n can_v never_o have_v be_v omit_v in_o this_o exact_a catalogue_n that_o have_v so_o careful_o set_v down_o every_o petty_a city_n in_o italy_n in_o this_o posture_n stand_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o many_o year_n without_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n for_o though_o some_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v have_v be_v usurp_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n by_o pretend_v to_o a_o right_n of_o appeal_n from_o they_o they_o be_v repulse_v with_o great_a shame_n and_o dishonour_v and_o be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o trouble_v your_o highness_n with_o any_o more_o dispute_n than_o what_o concern_v our_o own_o church_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o easy_a than_o to_o show_v that_o this_o controversy_n with_o the_o african_a church_n be_v a_o notorious_a instance_n of_o both_o the_o fraud_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o of_o other_o church_n abhor_v his_o remote_a aim_n at_o any_o supremacy_n but_o though_o he_o miss_v his_o design_n at_o that_o time_n his_o successor_n be_v ever_o after_o watchful_a of_o all_o other_o opportunity_n to_o compass_v it_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n they_o happen_v to_o have_v two_o very_a lucky_a advantage_n the_o first_o be_v the_o fatal_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n into_o east_n and_o west_n from_o whence_o s._n gregory_n nazienzen_n a_o man_n both_o wise_a and_o pious_a foretell_v a_o more_o fatal_a division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o according_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o east_n and_o west_n as_o well_o as_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o division_n be_v quick_o heighten_v by_o the_o mutual_a jealousy_n of_o the_o emperor_n who_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o bishop_n under_o one_o government_n to_o repair_v to_o council_n convene_v under_o the_o other_o and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n grow_v to_o alienation_n of_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o keep_v their_o council_n apart_o and_o if_o any_o bishop_n of_o the_o east_n repair_v to_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o west_n and_o so_o for_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o betrayer_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o after-greatness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o these_o western_a part_n because_o that_o alone_a of_o all_o the_o five_o patriarchates_n happen_v to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o western_a empire_n for_o have_v no_o competitor_n for_o the_o supremacy_n or_o so_o much_o as_o the_o equality_n of_o power_n in_o the_o western_a church_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o advance_v itself_o to_o any_o degree_n of_o power_n that_o it_o please_v to_o challenge_v especial_o when_o the_o western_a church_n be_v forward_o enough_o of_o themselves_o to_o advance_v its_o dignity_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o own_o patriarchate_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o constantinople_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o emporors_n soon_o over_o top_v all_o the_o other_o eastern_a patriarchates_n so_o that_o all_o the_o competition_n that_o remain_v be_v between_o rome_n and_o constantinople_n till_o at_o last_o in_o the_o six_o century_n john_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n first_o obtain_v of_o mauritius_n the_o emperor_n the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n which_o very_a title_n be_v quick_o and_o vehement_o oppose_v by_o gregory_n bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o antichristian_a pride_n and_o insolence_n but_o mauritius_n be_v murder_v by_o phocas_n and_o cyriacus_n then_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n be_v fall_v under_o the_o new_a tyrant_n disfavor_n for_o declare_v against_o his_o execrable_a murder_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n seize_v that_o opportunity_n to_o flatter_v and_o caress_n he_o in_o all_o his_o wickedness_n for_o which_o civility_n the_o usurper_n take_v the_o title_n of_o universal_a bishop_n and_o settle_v it_o upon_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n and_o when_o once_o they_o have_v obtain_v the_o title_n they_o resolve_v to_o make_v it_o good_a by_o gain_v the_o power_n too_o though_o by_o what_o degree_n they_o encroach_v upon_o other_o church_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o my_o purpose_n here_o to_o represent_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v show_v the_o late_a original_a of_o the_o title_n which_o be_v never_o give_v they_o till_o above_o 600_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n this_o then_o be_v the_o true_a and_o real_a state_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o conclusion_n plain_o make_v itself_o as_o to_o any_o english_a christian_n obligation_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o as_o it_o be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o every_o man_n to_o join_v in_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v the_o first_o visible_a society_n of_o the_o church_n settle_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o thence_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a as_o to_o external_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v for_o if_o our_o saviour_n settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o the_o episcopal_a order_n succeed_v they_o in_o their_o office_n then_o have_v every_o bishop_n apostolical_a authority_n and_o then_o be_v every_o christian_a man_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o bishop_n as_o to_o a_o apostle_n from_o whence_o the_o bishop_n derive_v the_o succession_n of_o his_o order_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o episcopal_a society_n be_v the_o first_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o a_o man_n become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church-catholic_a by_o join_v in_o visible_a communion_n
with_o the_o church-episcopal_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n without_o be_v first_o a_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n both_o because_o the_o universal_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o combination_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o communicate_v in_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n but_o under_o some_o limit_a society_n the_o bishop_n then_o in_o every_o diocese_n be_v as_o successor_n in_o the_o apostolical_a office_n head_n of_o the_o communion_n within_o his_o own_o diocese_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o ordinary_a judge_n and_o guide_n to_o all_o christian_n within_o his_o jurisdiction_n so_o false_a be_v that_o calumny_n of_o which_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v to_o make_v so_o much_o advantage_n against_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o she_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o any_o live_a judge_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o judge_n she_o own_v as_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n i_o may_v show_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n but_o as_o for_o every_o particular_a christian_a she_o commit_v he_o to_o the_o care_n of_o his_o bishop_n as_o his_o ordinary_a guide_n and_o governor_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o salvation_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o settle_a constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n i_o can_v understand_v how_o any_o christian_a can_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o own_o bishop_n to_o communicate_v with_o any_o other_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n against_o the_o church_n that_o he_o live_v in_o for_o though_o he_o may_v advise_v with_o any_o other_o bishop_n about_o the_o welfare_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o follow_v his_o advice_n as_o a_o friend_n yet_o by_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n none_o but_o his_o own_o bishop_n can_v have_v any_o authoritative_a commission_n for_o his_o guidance_n and_o instruction_n so_o easy_a be_v the_o answer_n to_o that_o solemn_a question_n who_o be_v the_o live_a judge_n and_o guide_n of_o your_o faith_n for_o if_o it_o be_v put_v to_o a_o private_a christian_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v the_o bishop_n under_o who_o he_o live_v to_o who_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v assistant_n to_o he_o and_o the_o successor_n in_o his_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o first_o visible_a society_n or_o communion_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v evident_o lay_v and_o design_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o institution_n of_o the_o episcopal_a office_n the_o next_o be_v found_v upon_o apostolical_a prescription_n and_o that_o be_v the_o association_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o province_n with_o their_o metropolitan_a for_o in_o the_o plantation_n of_o church_n as_o they_o cut_v out_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n into_o particular_a bishopric_n so_o they_o again_o unite_v the_o several_a bishopric_n of_o every_o nation_n into_o one_o communion_n under_o one_o head_n who_o as_o he_o be_v superior_a to_o every_o single_a bishop_n within_o his_o resort_v so_o be_v he_o be_v his_o synod_n of_o bishop_n supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n within_o the_o province_n these_o provincial_a assembly_n i_o have_v show_v be_v the_o high_a power_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o all_o place_n neither_o indeed_o set_v aside_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n to_o they_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o further_a appeal_n upon_o (null)_o account_n for_o the_o controversives_n in_o christianity_n be_v not_o so_o monstrous_o difficult_a but_o that_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o grave_n and_o sober_a man_n may_v determine_v well_o enough_o without_o call_v together_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o twenty_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n i_o know_v not_o what_o number_n be_v and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o stand_v ordinary_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n so_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o time_n suppose_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n sufficient_o secure_v in_o such_o hand_n and_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o they_o be_v so_o to_o we_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o high_a government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n so_o those_o more_o diffusive_a assembly_n that_o be_v afterward_o summon_v and_o that_o we_o call_v general_a council_n be_v real_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o as_o a_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v national_a so_o be_v these_o imperial_a and_o therefore_o subject_a but_o to_o one_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o as_o the_o empire_n be_v indeed_o but_o one_o great_a kingdom_n so_o be_v the_o church_n in_o it_o but_o one_o great_a province_n they_o be_v both_o under_o the_o same_o extent_n of_o government_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o council_n whether_o great_a or_o less_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o representative_n of_o church_n to_o bind_v those_o church_n that_o they_o represent_v and_o that_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o all_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o their_o governor_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v set_v over_o they_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o neither_o be_v it_o so_o very_o material_a how_o large_a council_n be_v as_o to_o their_o obligation_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v great_a or_o less_o they_o equal_o bind_v all_o that_o be_v involve_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v great_a presumption_n in_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o great_a council_n yet_o be_v they_o for_o the_o most_o part_n meeting_n rather_o of_o grandeur_n than_o necessity_n but_o especial_o those_o that_o we_o call_v general_a council_n be_v now_o so_o difficult_a to_o be_v summon_v that_o they_o be_v become_v almost_o impracticable_a whilst_o indeed_o the_o roman_a empire_n stand_v entire_a it_o be_v not_o so_o hard_a to_o convene_v they_o yet_o even_o then_o be_v it_o a_o business_n of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o charges_n as_o make_v it_o too_o burdensome_a to_o be_v bear_v by_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o roman_a greatness_n and_o that_o too_o in_o very_o rare_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o if_o so_o it_o can_v never_o then_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o stand_n and_o perpetual_a government_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o now_o that_o christendom_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o civil_a government_n the_o difficulty_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o many_o through_o the_o various_a interest_n of_o prince_n either_o to_o promote_v or_o hinder_v it_o as_o to_o render_v it_o next_o to_o impossible_a though_o if_o it_o can_v be_v fair_o have_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v not_o refuse_v her_o concurrence_n in_o it_o both_o as_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o her_o cause_n in_o that_o she_o own_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o her_o reformation_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a church_n and_o as_o well_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v as_o willing_o rid_v themselves_o of_o those_o abuse_n that_o have_v be_v put_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n as_o we_o have_v do_v and_o this_o the_o spanish_a and_o french_a bishop_n have_v carry_v through_o even_o in_o that_o pack_v council_n of_o trent_n have_v not_o the_o pope_n pour_v in_o a_o number_n of_o titular_a italian_a bishop_n to_o over-vote_n they_o but_o it_o be_v none_o of_o my_o present_a business_n to_o rake_v into_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n to_o vindicate_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n grant_v therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a church_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o foreign_a church_n no_o man_n can_v be_v under_o any_o obligation_n to_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o own_o to_o join_v with_o that_o in_o this_o one_o point_n i_o fix_v the_o state_n of_o this_o whole_a address_n and_o say_v nothing_o at_o present_a to_o persuade_v any_o person_n that_o live_v within_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o forsake_v that_o my_o only_a concernment_n be_v with_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o keep_v they_o to_o their_o own_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n from_o the_o beginning_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v a_o narrow_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o church_n catholic_n but_o
only_o a_o member_n of_o it_o and_o in_o that_o station_n it_o be_v as_o large_a a_o church_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n neither_o then_o do_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o a_o union_n of_o all_o church_n under_o one_o head_n but_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o correspondence_n with_o one_o another_o and_o for_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v ready_a to_o offer_v it_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o old_a condition_n that_o they_o will_v give_v her_o leave_n to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n as_o church_n do_v one_o another_o of_o old_a but_o this_o be_v a_o civility_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v too_o proud_a to_o accept_v of_o it_o must_v be_v all_o church_n or_o it_o will_v be_v none_o at_o all_o it_o allow_v no_o equal_n in_o communion_n and_o condescend_v to_o no_o treaty_n but_o upon_o term_n of_o absolute_a subjection_n neither_o be_v it_o content_a to_o enslave_v all_o its_o neighbour_n to_o its_o own_o imperious_a decree_n unless_o they_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o now_o this_o seem_v too_o much_o for_o man_n to_o swallow_v that_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o care_n of_o their_o salvation_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o whole_a faith_n of_o christendom_n shall_v be_v leave_v entire_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o one_o single_a person_n and_o the_o pope_n alone_o shall_v be_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n this_o i_o say_v seem_v too_o much_o to_o venture_v upon_o one_o single_a security_n especial_o unless_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o some_o clear_a commission_n than_o those_o remote_a and_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o the_o papal_a supremacy_n but_o to_o return_v from_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o church_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o civil_a government_n so_o indeed_o no_o other_o be_v practicable_a for_o upon_o that_o supposition_n that_o christianity_n make_v no_o abatement_n as_o to_o the_o civil_a right_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o prince_n provincial_a church_n can_v be_v just_o extend_v beyond_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o state_n because_o in_o that_o case_n if_o metropolitan_n or_o patriarch_n have_v power_n to_o call_v their_o subject-bishop_n to_o council_n the_o king_n subject_n may_v be_v summon_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n without_o his_o leave_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o diminish_v but_o to_o destroy_v his_o power_n over_o his_o own_o subject_n for_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n they_o be_v none_o of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o very_a state_n of_o christianity_n natural_o imply_v as_o it_o will_v not_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o state_n in_o its_o bound_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o know_v say_v of_o one_o of_o the_o father_n that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o not_o the_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v first_o constitute_v and_o the_o church_n be_v afterward_o take_v into_o it_o it_o must_v for_o that_o reason_n keep_v itself_o within_o it_o otherwise_o it_o break_v down_o its_o old_a bound_n of_o settlement_n but_o beside_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n confine_v every_o church_n within_o the_o prince_n dominion_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v high_o convenient_a if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o due_a and_o effectual_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n be_v confine_v within_o some_o moderate_a circuit_n of_o government_n for_o great_a government_n be_v slow_a and_o unwieldy_a in_o their_o motion_n the_o very_a distance_n of_o place_n make_v all_o proceed_n uneasy_a and_o determination_n difficult_a and_o of_o this_o our_o nation_n be_v sufficient_o sensible_a when_o all_o ecclesiastical_a appeal_n be_v carry_v to_o rome_n the_o journey_n be_v tedious_a and_o chargeable_a and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o witness_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n proceed_n infinite_o dilatory_a i_o may_v say_v endless_a cause_n depend_v there_o from_o age_n to_o age_n this_o be_v too_o notorious_a from_o the_o sad_a and_o open_a complaint_n of_o those_o time_n and_o i_o myself_o enjoy_v a_o small_a office_n in_o this_o church_n wherein_o my_o predecessor_n have_v a_o suit_n for_o a_o privilege_n belong_v to_o it_o hang_v in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o pope_n power_n these_o be_v intolerable_a grievance_n to_o mankind_n and_o heavy_a burden_n than_o be_v ever_o impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o most_o barbarous_a civil_a government_n if_o therefore_o his_o holiness_n will_v challenge_v a_o supremacy_n over_o all_o christian_a church_n let_v he_o not_o exercise_v his_o jurisdiction_n in_o ordinary_a cause_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n we_o will_v not_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o his_o patriarchical_a pre-eminence_n if_o that_o will_v give_v he_o satisfaction_n though_o we_o know_v he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o any_o claim_n to_o it_o over_o we_o but_o when_o under_o that_o pretext_n he_o take_v to_o himself_o the_o office_n of_o universal_a bishop_n that_o be_v to_o be_v all_o the_o bishop_n of_o christendom_n it_o be_v that_o exorbitant_a usurpation_n that_o be_v not_o our_o complaint_n alone_o but_o the_o universal_a complaint_n of_o christendom_n itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v keep_v within_o his_o patriarchical_a bound_n and_o privilege_n which_o yet_o he_o enjoy_v not_o by_o divine_a right_o but_o (null)_o institution_n we_o will_v give_v he_o all_o that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o primacy_n of_o his_o see_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o brotherly_a communion_n with_o we_o nothing_o less_o will_v serve_v his_o turn_n than_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o we_o and_o if_o submission_n to_o that_o must_v be_v make_v our_o only_a title_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o if_o we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o christianity_n but_o by_o subjection_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n these_o can_v but_o seem_v too_o hard_a term_n of_o communion_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v unwarrantable_a or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o premise_n where_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o join_v communion_n with_o his_o own_o bishop_n as_o the_o first_o political_a society_n of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o the_o next_o be_v a_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n within_o one_o civil_a government_n under_o one_o metropolitan_a that_o this_o polity_n be_v set_v on_o foot_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o every_o where_o put_v in_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a province_n can_v extend_v beyond_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o civil_a without_o infringe_v the_o authority_n of_o sovereign_a prince_n and_o therefore_o that_o no_o foreign_a prelate_n can_v have_v or_o exercise_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o his_o majesty_n subject_n because_o that_o will_v give_v they_o power_n to_o command_v they_o out_o of_o his_o dominion_n so_o plain_o do_v the_o nature_n of_o civil_a government_n set_v bound_n to_o ecclesiastical_a society_n which_o one_o thing_n if_o due_o consider_v must_v cut_v off_o all_o claim_n of_o papal_a supremacy_n over_o this_o church_n because_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o he_o will_v have_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n over_o his_o majesty_n subject_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v any_o its_o officer_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o settlement_n of_o national_a church_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n so_o be_v it_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o be_v or_o will_v be_v govern_v by_o its_o metropolitan_a in_o his_o synod_n of_o bishop_n subject_n to_o one_o civil_a government_n and_o as_o this_o be_v all_o the_o political_a society_n that_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o all_o the_o communion_n that_o it_o can_v have_v with_o other_o church_n consist_v in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a correspondence_n and_o this_o way_n be_v the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o preserve_v in_o competent_a peace_n and_o unity_n and_o whatever_o other_o power_n be_v afterward_o erect_v in_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o (null)_o institution_n and_o therefore_o be_v alterable_a in_o itself_o at_o least_o not_o necessary_a to_o the_o
be_v of_o a_o christian_a church_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o several_a patriarchates_n so_o that_o whatever_o power_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n can_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o patriarchical_a dignity_n be_v of_o a_o (null)_o original_a and_o so_o not_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n nay_o though_o he_o once_o have_v such_o a_o power_n yet_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o that_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o give_v it_o he_o it_o cease_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v grant_v he_o by_o the_o emperor_n and_o imperial_a council_n and_o so_o extend_v only_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o empire_n for_o they_o can_v not_o give_v he_o any_o power_n in_o other_o prince_n dominion_n the_o empire_n therefore_o be_v break_v into_o many_o independent_a kingdom_n the_o patriarchate_n dissolve_v with_o it_o because_o otherwise_o a_o foreigner_n will_v have_v a_o authority_n in_o all_o prince_n dominion_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o christianity_n disclaim_v and_o therefore_o be_v principal_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o but_o however_o if_o the_o pope_n have_v his_o old_a patriarchical_a power_n still_o he_o have_v it_o not_o of_o old_a over_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v have_v it_o now_o and_o though_o he_o have_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o of_o (null)_o institution_n and_o then_o we_o be_v a_o true_a church_n without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v then_o can_v no_o man_n be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n that_o be_v settle_v as_o all_o other_o church_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o join_v with_o one_o another_o only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o alteration_n make_v in_o it_o by_o (null)_o authority_n and_o thus_o have_v true_o and_o impartial_o lay_v before_o your_o royal_a highness_n the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o prime_a controversy_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n concern_v the_o guide_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v so_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n over_o a_o upright_a and_o generous_a mind_n as_o to_o flatter_v myself_o with_o some_o hope_n of_o settle_v your_o royal_a highness_n conscience_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o true_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a church_n nay_o i_o hope_v not_o only_o to_o see_v you_o a_o zealous_a son_n but_o a_o eminent_a patron_n of_o the_o best_a but_o most_o abuse_a church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o principal_a author_n of_o rescue_v she_o from_o those_o horrid_a indignity_n and_o oppression_n that_o she_o daily_o suffer_v from_o the_o barbarity_n of_o popular_a atheism_n and_o profaneness_n but_o whatever_o the_o success_n of_o this_o small_a endeavor_n may_v prove_v it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a satisfaction_n that_o i_o reap_v from_o have_v do_v my_o duty_n to_o your_o royal_a highness_n and_o i_o own_o conscience_n for_o i_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o my_o own_o but_o though_o i_o be_o so_o full_o conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o my_o own_o integrity_n yet_o when_o i_o reflect_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v do_v i_o blush_v and_o be_o confound_v in_o myself_o at_o the_o presumption_n of_o obtrude_a my_o crude_a thought_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o mighty_a prince_n and_o therefore_o have_v utter_o stisle_v they_o after_o they_o be_v finish_v have_v not_o the_o great_a fame_n of_o your_o highness_n princely_a candour_n embolden_v i_o to_o present_v they_o as_o be_v at_o least_o secure_a of_o a_o gracious_a pardon_n to_o a_o well-meant_a presumption_n i_o intend_v when_o i_o have_v show_v the_o no-necessity_n of_o comminion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n because_o its_o pretence_n be_v a_o manifest_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o have_v represent_v the_o gross_a abuse_n that_o his_o holiness_n put_v upon_o christianity_n by_o pretend_v some_o way_n or_o other_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o a_o temporal_a power_n over_o sovereign_a prince_n whereas_o to_o pretend_v to_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n derive_v from_o our_o saviour_n only_o over_o subject_n be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n my_o against_o he_o but_o over_o prince_n it_o add_v to_o that_o rebellon_n so_o that_o how_o many_o note_n soever_o there_o may_v be_v of_o a_o true_a church_n this_o be_v a_o infallible_a note_n of_o a_o false_a one_o but_o then_o consider_v with_o myself_o that_o your_o royal_a highness_n be_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o a_o imperial_a family_n and_o heir_n to_o several_a crown_n i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v according_a to_o my_o resolution_n declare_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o wave_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o argument_n because_o your_o highness_n be_v here_o a_o party_n and_o it_o concern_v your_o worldly_a interest_n more_o near_o than_o your_o conscience_n to_o which_o alone_o i_o have_v make_v bold_a to_o make_v this_o address_n and_o in_o it_o i_o assure_v myself_o that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n will_v weigh_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o without_o give_v your_o royal_a highness_n any_o far_a trouble_n more_o than_o once_o more_o of_o crave_v pardon_n for_o this_o great_a presumption_n i_o shall_v submit_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o premise_n to_o your_o 〈◊〉_d and_o impartial_a thought_n and_o daily_o pray_v for_o your_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o while_o i_o live_v shall_v ever_o be_v your_o royal_a highness_n most_o humble_a and_o devote_a servant_n finis_fw-la epist._n 52._o mr._n beveridge_n