treatise_n there_o be_v few_o considerable_a defender_n of_o prelacy_n who_o writing_n he_o have_v not_o animadvert_v on_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o observe_v how_o far_o the_o most_o of_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n some_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v a_o sort_n of_o general_a superintendent_o arch-bishop_n or_o metropolitan_o who_o have_v some_o inspection_n over_o the_o bishop_n of_o particular_a church_n within_o their_o province_n and_o preside_v in_o their_o synod_n but_o do_v not_o put_v down_o the_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n in_o those_o particular_a church_n as_o if_o this_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o those_o diocesan_n bishop_n that_o do_v cast_v out_o all_o government_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n by_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sole_a pastor_n of_o the_o diocese_n and_o yet_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o such_o metropolitan_o be_v of_o no_o very_a ancient_a date_n and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o cyprian_a who_o disow_v any_o bishop_n of_o bishop_n and_o own_v only_a bishop_n or_o overseer_n of_o flock_n or_o church_n other_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o state_v presidency_n of_o one_o by_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n in_o a_o consessus_fw-la or_o bench_n of_o presbyter_n who_o have_v but_o all_o one_o communicate_v church_n under_o their_o charge_n which_o be_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v begin_v early_o in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o remedy_n of_o schism_n but_o that_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n when_o both_o be_v but_o joynt-ruler_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o modern_a prelacy_n that_o such_o diocesan_n bishop_n have_v put_v down_o the_o primitive_a parish-bishop_n and_o monopolise_v the_o power_n of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o render_v true_a church-government_n impracticable_a nay_o that_o very_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n whole_o in_o the_o notorious_a disparity_n of_o his_o gift_n learning_n age_n etc._n etc._n above_o the_o rest_n but_o be_v never_o esteem_v by_o they_o a_o difference_n in_o office_n or_o power_n nor_o be_v it_o ascribe_v to_o any_o high_a original_a â—hen_o human_a constitution_n by_o jerome_n auâ—â—in_n ambâ—ose_n sedulius_n primasius_n chrysostom_n theodoret_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o mention_v â—â—der_a writer_n if_o then_o ordination_n belong_v to_o scripturall_a bishop_n and_o such_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n 〈◊〉_d none_o else_o diâ—_n orâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o pure_a age_n than_o a_o l_o suâ—h_o bishop_n have_v that_o power_n nor_o indeed_o have_v any_o power_n to_o orâ—â—â—_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v such_o scriptural_a bishop_n â—hâ—_n office_n of_o diocesan_n prelate_n be_v a_o manifest_a usurpation_n in_o thâ—_n church_n which_o have_v its_o rise_n in_o human_a ambition_n that_o uâ—u_n pation_n can_v rightful_o deprive_v the_o true_a bishop_n or_o pastor_n oâ—_n that_o power_n of_o church-government_n which_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o their_o office_n as_o the_o power_n of_o teach_v or_o be_v guide_n in_o worship_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o parish-bishop_n submit_v for_o peace_n sake_n to_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o diocesan_n ex_fw-la gr_fw-la when_o he_o claim_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n where_o the_o true_a end_n of_o it_o be_v attain_v yet_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o when_o diocesan_n bishop_n shall_v so_o abuse_v that_o usurp_a power_n as_o to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v the_o ministry_n by_o impose_v sinful_a term_n and_o hazard_v the_o ruin_n of_o soul_n by_o neglect_v to_o provide_v a_o number_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n suitable_a to_o their_o real_a necessity_n the_o ordination_n therefore_o of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o particular_a churchâ—s_n be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o primitive_a antiquity_n and_o consequent_o more_o unexceptionable_o valid_a then_o that_o of_o a_o single_a diocesan_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v valid_a because_o either_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n who_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o office_n they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o scriptural_a bishop_n though_o they_o have_v none_o as_o diocesan_n or_o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o scriptural_a bishop_n to_o who_o office_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v annex_v by_o divine_a institution_n and_o and_o can_v be_v alienate_v by_o any_o humane_a usurpation_n for_o christ_n have_v give_v none_o power_n to_o change_v his_o institution_n nor_o can_v the_o will_n of_o the_o ordainer_n debar_v his_o officer_n from_o any_o part_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o his_o charter_n convey_v to_o they_o and_o if_o the_o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o such_o scriptural_a bishop_n be_v deny_v the_o church_n have_v not_o ordain_v minister_n for_o a_o century_n or_o two_o at_o least_o have_v lay_v down_o these_o notion_n about_o mission_n i_o come_v to_o examine_v d_o m'_v quest_n quest_n 1_o what_o priesthood_n or_o holy_a order_n have_v the_o first_o reformer_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o roman_n catholic_n bishop_n answ_n if_o d_o m_o mean_v that_o their_o priesthood_n or_o ministerial_a office_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o the_o bishop_n as_o the_o giver_n of_o it_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o none_o at_o all_o nor_o have_v any_o that_o power_n to_o give_v it_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o charter_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n or_o popish_a bishop_n do_v invest_v they_o in_o that_o office_n it_o be_v own_a that_o most_o of_o the_o reform_a minister_n be_v ordain_v by_o they_o and_o it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o they_o be_v r_n man_n catholic_n bishop_n of_o the_o same_o rigid_a stamp_n as_o those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n or_o no_o for_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n depend_v on_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n retain_v and_o not_o on_o their_o horrid_a corruption_n of_o it_o and_o as_o mr._n k._n well_o observe_v they_o ordain_v as_o christian_a not_o as_o roman_a bishop_n but_o what_o if_o some_o of_o the_o reformer_n become_v pastor_n to_o the_o people_n upon_o their_o necessity_n and_o call_v who_o dare_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o sinful_a term_n of_o ordination_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o yet_o can_v have_v no_o other_o they_o will_v not_o be_v in_o this_o case_n destitute_a of_o a_o true_a mission_n for_o the_o evident_a necessity_n of_o the_o people_n soul_n who_o earnest_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n pure_o preach_v and_o divine_a worship_n pure_o celebrate_v and_o who_o can_v not_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n continue_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o their_o qualification_n for_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n be_v a_o sufficient_a signification_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v undertake_v it_o for_o the_o precept_n about_o the_o ordinary_a regular_a way_n of_o admission_n to_o the_o ministry_n do_v not_o oblige_v where_o it_o can_v not_o be_v lawful_o observe_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a necessity_n of_o a_o pure_a untainted_a ministry_n then_o of_o that_o positive_a point_n of_o order_n for_o else_o on_o supposition_n no_o pastor_n have_v embrace_v the_o reformation_n the_o people_n who_o do_v will_v have_v be_v oblige_v to_o have_v live_v like_o atheist_n without_o public_a worship_n 2_o q_o who_o authorize_v the_o first_o reformer_n to_o preach_v their_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o administer_v their_o protestant_a sac_n ament_n answ_n it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o ordainer_n to_o determine_v what_o doctrine_n the_o person_n ordain_v shall_v preach_v but_o to_o christ_n who_o have_v determine_v that_o matter_n already_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctrine_n which_o our_o first_o reformer_n preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n they_o administer_v be_v christ_n as_o mr._n k._n well_o argue_v it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o ask_v who_o authorise_a they_o to_o preach_v the_o one_o or_o administer_v the_o other_o christ_n do_v and_o no_o man_n can_v authorise_v any_o to_o preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n or_o administer_v any_o other_o sacrament_n the_o bishop_n or_o priest_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v no_o right_a or_o mission_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v popish_a doctrine_n or_o administer_v popish_a sacrament_n or_o celebrate_v popish_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n sacrament_n and_o worship_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v gross_a corruption_n of_o their_o office_n
repentance_n of_o other_o if_o any_o say_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o oath_n be_v only_o that_o they_o will_v never_o endeavour_v this_o by_o any_o sinful_a mean_n or_o beyond_o their_o private_a sphere_n why_o can_v not_o these_o necessary_a word_n be_v put_v in_o and_o that_o this_o dangerous_a sense_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o the_o convocation_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o seven_o canon_n where_o they_o thus_o speak_v whosoever_o shall_v hereafter_o affirm_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n under_o his_o majesty_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n dean_n archdeacon_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o same_o be_v antichristian_a or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_a ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o so_o continue_v till_o he_o repent_v and_o revoke_v such_o his_o wicked_a error_n they_o that_o thus_o suppose_v nothing_o in_o their_o government_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v without_o doubt_n intend_v to_o bind_v the_o inferior_a clergy_n from_o all_o attempt_n to_o alter_v it_o and_o so_o contrive_v this_o oath_n that_o a_o allegiance_n may_v be_v in_o these_o nation_n swear_v to_o the_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o the_o king._n for_o the_o 3d._n viz._n reordination_n the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n general_o own_v it_o unlawful_a and_o consequent_o the_o imposition_n of_o it_o suppose_v ordination_n by_o presbyter_n a_o nullity_n for_o such_o therefore_o as_o be_v so_o ordain_v to_o consent_v to_o reordination_n be_v to_o own_o the_o nullity_n of_o their_o former_a administration_n and_o cast_v the_o base_a slur_n on_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o reform_a ministry_n and_o this_o remind_v i_o of_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n which_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o compose_v it_o viz._n and_o to_o this_o intent_n that_o these_o order_n be_v reverent_o esteem_v no_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v or_o take_v for_o a_o lawful_a priest_n in_o the_o ch._n of_o engl._n or_o be_v suffer_v to_o execute_v the_o function_n except_o he_o be_v call_v according_a to_o this_o form_n or_o have_v have_v former_o episcopal_a ordination_n and_o this_o we_o must_v profess_v our_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o which_o he_o that_o can_v do_v and_o make_v conscience_n of_o declare_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o real_o believe_v have_v either_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o ignorance_n or_o very_o little_a charity_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o what_o be_v say_v on_o the_o head_n about_o mission_n the_o author_n of_o that_o preface_n can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o such_o declaration_n will_v effectual_o choke_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o minister_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n and_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o imagine_v what_o other_o design_n they_o can_v have_v in_o require_v their_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o for_o the_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n viz._n that_o the_o priest_n or_o deacon_n will_v reverent_o obey_v their_o ordinary_a and_o other_o chief_a minister_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n over_o they_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v mean_v of_o obedience_n to_o their_o ordinary_n in_o what_o he_o prescribe_v agreable_o to_o the_o canon_n which_o be_v the_o know_a rule_n he_o govern_v by_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o read_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o that_o the_o bishop_n or_o his_o chancellor_n may_v according_o to_o those_o canon_n excommunicate_a now_o he_o may_v excommunicate_v all_o nonconformist_n and_o we_o that_o know_v they_o to_o be_v man_n of_o holy_a and_o blameless_a life_n must_v swear_v to_o obey_v the_o bishop_n by_o publish_v his_o schismatical_a sentence_n i_o may_v have_v add_v several_a thing_n more_o on_o this_o head_n be_v it_o necessary_a i_o know_v some_o have_v tell_v the_o world_n â—reely_o that_o in_o their_o declaration_n of_o assent_n etc._n etc._n they_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o to_o receive_v those_o book_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o peace_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o preach_v against_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o some_o subscribe_v even_o the_o article_n themselves_o to_o which_o i_o need_v only_o answer_v 1._o it_o use_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o prot._n casuist_n as_o it_o be_v large_o assert_v by_o bishop_n sanderson_n de_fw-fr juram_fw-la that_o to_o stretch_v the_o word_n of_o law_n oath_n and_o promise_v to_o meaning_n different_a from_o their_o common_a use_n be_v sinful_a and_o a_o practice_n fit_a for_o those_o that_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o equivocation_n etc._n etc._n than_o sincere_a christian_n or_o good_a subject_n now_o if_o to_o assent_v and_o consent_v to_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o and_o prescribe_v by_o a_o book_n be_v not_o a_o assent_n to_o they_o as_o true_a and_o consent_v to_o they_o as_o good_a or_o lawful_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o two_o word_n and_o what_o may_v not_o a_o man_n in_o this_o lax_n sense_n declare_v his_o assent_n and_o consent_v to_o though_o never_o so_o much_o against_o his_o judgement_n provide_v he_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o speak_v public_o against_o it_o that_o the_o parliament_n never_o intend_v that_o lax_n sense_n appear_v hence_o that_o when_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n add_v a_o proviso_n that_o the_o declaration_n in_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n shall_v be_v understand_v but_o as_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o book_n the_o house_n of_o commons_o refuse_v it_o at_o a_o conference_n about_o it_o and_o give_v such_o reason_n against_o that_o sense_n and_o proviso_n to_o the_o lord_n upon_o which_o they_o acquiesce_v and_o cast_v it_o out_o 2._o whatever_o meaning_n be_v put_v on_o the_o forementioned_a declaration_n and_o oath_n none_o can_v exercise_v his_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n without_o deny_v the_o privilege_n of_o christianity_n to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o right_n to_o they_o and_o without_o quit_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o office_n as_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o suspension_n for_o do_v otherwise_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o put_v themselves_o under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v uncharitable_o and_o schismatical_o towards_o his_o true_a member_n nor_o thus_o wilful_o maim_v and_o deprave_v their_o pastoral_n office_n i_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o whether_o if_o these_o condition_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v sinful_a that_o law_n be_v just_a that_o shall_v enjoin_v they_o and_o make_v man_n forswear_n themselves_o necessary_a to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o be_o very_o sorry_a mr._n k._n and_o some_o of_o his_o coat_n shall_v so_o often_o necessitate_v their_o brethren_n to_o harp_n on_o this_o ungrateful_a string_n they_o pay_v too_o great_a a_o deference_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n to_o cast_v any_o needless_a reflection_n on_o they_o but_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o bear_v silent_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o church_n rebellion_n who_o be_v no_o way_n guilty_a of_o it_o especial_o when_o their_o silence_n and_o neglect_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o may_v tempt_v other_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o their_o case_n to_o censure_v and_o hate_v they_o wrongful_o as_o clothe_v with_o these_o odious_a character_n i_o hope_v the_o precedent_a discourse_n have_v evidence_v the_o charge_n to_o be_v undeserved_a and_o false_a and_o therefore_o whatever_o expression_n seem_v to_o grate_v on_o the_o law_n must_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o unhappy_a necessity_n put_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o their_o case_n by_o the_o virulent_a accusation_n of_o their_o brethren_n from_o who_o one_o will_v think_v they_o may_v rather_o expect_v some_o pity_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o moderate_a and_o charitable_a part_n of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o passage_n in_o m._n k_n answer_v but_o for_o those_o that_o approve_v the_o silence_v law_n arraign_v their_o brethren_n as_o church-rebel_n for_o not_o obey_v they_o and_o condemn_v those_o society_n that_o need_v and_o embrace_v their_o help_n mere_o on_o that_o score_n as_o no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n even_o when_o they_o exclude_v not_o the_o popish_a church_n it_o will_v appear_v i_o think_v from_o this_o paper_n that_o their_o argument_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a as_o their_o passion_n and_o a_o little_a more_o charity_n will_v advance_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o intellectual_n as_o well_o as_o moral_n such_o man_n may_v long_o exclaim_v against_o our_o division_n but_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o temper_n be_v the_o most_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o heal_n of_o they_o have_v consider_v the_o question_n
invite_v such_o to_o take_v the_o pastoral_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n as_o be_v due_o qualify_v that_o such_o qualify_a person_n shall_v not_o accept_v ordination_n on_o such_o wicked_a term_n be_v past_a doubt_n but_o what_o if_o they_o live_v so_o remote_a from_o any_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v have_v ministerial_a ordination_n elsewhere_o will_n any_o say_v that_o in_o this_o case_n those_o qualify_a person_n for_o want_n of_o this_o ordination_n ought_v not_o to_o â—â—ke_v on_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o those_o people_n which_o god_n hâ—s_v give_v they_o such_o ability_n for_o and_o such_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n 〈◊〉_d to_o say_v this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o rule_n about_o the_o regular_a order_v the_o ministry_n above_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n itself_o and_o oâ—_n 〈◊〉_d circumstance_n of_o the_o duty_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o wherâ—_n 〈◊〉_d â—sitive_a precept_n must_v always_o yield_v to_o moral_n and_o matter_n or_o 〈◊〉_d order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o duty_n order_v and_o the_o former_a must_v nâ—_n be_v plead_v against_o the_o latter_a ordination_n by_o pastor_n be_v noâ—_n therefore_o there_o necessary_a where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o sin_n and_o yet_o without_o a_o ministry_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v like_a to_o suffer_v the_o most_o visible_a prejudice_n and_o detriment_n for_o these_o be_v matter_n infinite_o more_o precious_a and_o valuable_a than_o any_o rule_n of_o external_a order_n and_o the_o very_a end_n those_o rule_n aim_v at_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o grant_v it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o such_o corrupt_a pastor_n whether_o the_o people_n who_o can_v join_v in_o communion_n with_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v like_o atheist_n without_o any_o public_a worship_n of_o god._n and_o he_o that_o assert_v this_o may_v next_o assert_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o pleasure_n whether_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v save_v or_o damn_v and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v be_v canonical_o damn_v than_o uncanonical_o save_v i_o propose_v these_o case_n to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o that_o notion_n some_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n about_o viz_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o ordination_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v false_a much_o more_o be_v they_o who_o assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o successive_a prelatical_a ordination_n but_o though_o in_o such_o extraordinary_a case_n the_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o authorise_v a_o man_n to_o the_o sacred_a office_n and_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o ministerial_a ordination_n yet_o the_o command_n of_o god_n which_o enjoin_v such_o ordination_n do_v oblige_v where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v and_o divide_v by_o unqualified_a intruder_n the_o only_a thing_n that_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v under_o this_o head_n be_v who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n or_o who_o have_v christ_n appoint_v to_o approve_v and_o invest_v other_o in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n answ_n those_o be_v entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o appoint_v to_o this_o woâ—k_n who_o be_v themselves_o such_o bishop_n or_o elder_n or_o pastor_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n describe_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o be_v oblige_v to_o acquaint_v we_o what_o other_o officer_n the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n be_v entrust_v then_o or_o what_o other_o officer_n claim_v and_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o none_o that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o pretend_v to_o do_v but_o now_o those_o who_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v the_o state_v pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n and_o elder_n be_v too_o palpable_a to_o be_v deny_v however_o the_o author_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o book_n of_o ordination_n be_v please_v to_o say_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o man_n diligent_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o ancient_a author_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o have_v be_v these_o order_n in_o christ_n church_n bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n as_o several_a office_n and_o even_o this_o palpable_a mistake_n among_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v require_v to_o declare_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o who_o be_v 20_o acts._n 17._o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v command_v v._o 28._o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n the_o description_n of_o a_o bishop_n 1_o tim_n 3_o ch_z and_o of_o a_o elder_a 1_o tit._n be_v the_o same_o and_o titus_n when_o direct_v to_o ordain_v elder_n must_v see_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n v._o 6_o 7._o that_o these_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v pastor_n of_o single_a congregation_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o towards_o those_o under_o their_o care_n and_o from_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o flock_n be_v require_v to_o pay_v they_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v among_o the_o people_n and_o admonish_v they_o and_o the_o people_n be_v to_o know_v and_o esteem_v they_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thess_n 5_o 12_o 13._o they_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o flock_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n 13_o hebr._n 7_o 17_o 24._o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 20_o act_n 28._o wherein_o the_o apostle_n propose_v his_o own_o practice_n while_o he_o stay_v among_o they_o as_o their_o temporary_a pastor_n for_o their_o imitation_n viz_o that_o he_o teach_v they_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o with_o tear_n day_n and_o night_n 20_o act_n 20_o 31._o v._n they_o be_v to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5._o v._n 3_o compare_v with_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o they_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o pray_v for_o they_o james_n 5_o 14._o see_v dr._n hammond_n annotation_n on_o these_o place_n apply_v they_o to_o bishop_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o these_o mutual_a duty_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v betwixt_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n and_o the_o congregation_n commit_v to_o their_o care_n or_o betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o so_o vast_a a_o flock_n as_o his_o diocese_n that_o one_o or_o more_o pastor_n of_o a_o single_a congregation_n associate_v for_o personal_a communion_n be_v capable_a of_o perform_v these_o duty_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o their_o flock_n to_o they_o be_v past_o all_o doubt_n but_o can_v these_o mutual_a duty_n be_v perform_v betwixt_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o his_o diocese_n be_v he_o capable_a of_o labour_v among_o they_o in_o word_n and_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o high_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n when_o very_o few_o comparative_o of_o his_o diocese_n ever_o see_v he_o or_o hear_v he_o preach_v can_v he_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o in_o his_o diocese_n as_o his_o flock_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o evil_a course_n when_o he_o know_v not_o one_o of_o they_o in_o many_o score_n thousand_o can_v the_o diocese_n follow_v the_o faith_n of_o such_o bishop_n and_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o propose_v they_o as_o their_o pattern_n when_o not_o one_o in_o many_o thousand_o know_v any_o more_o of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o bishop_n than_o if_o he_o live_v at_o the_o other_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o bishop_n oblige_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a of_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o rule_v they_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-discipline_n against_o the_o notorious_o scandalous_a when_o perhaps_o there_o be_v forty_o or_o fifty_o thousand_o such_o in_o their_o diocese_n can_v they_o use_v all_o the_o due_a process_n of_o serious_a reproof_n and_o persuasion_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v use_v for_o reclaim_v such_o sinner_n when_o there_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o those_o so_o remote_a in_o their_o habitation_n and_o the_o bishop_n whole_o
just_o mart._n ibid._n constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 27._o apost_n can._n 5_o e_o see_v cypr_fw-la ep._n passim_fw-la tertull._n apol._n c._n 39_o and_o many_o more_o in_o blondel_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n f_z see_v albasp_n observe_v p._n 254_o 255._o g_o see_v tolet_n de_fw-fr sacerd_v lib._n 5._o cap._n 4._o n._n 15._o and_o pad_n paul_n sarpi_n tract_n of_o church-benefice_n translate_v by_o dr._n denton_n h_z constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 57_o counc_fw-la carth._n 4_o can_n 35_o ay_o 1_o phil._n v._o 1._o clem._n rom_n ep_v ad_fw-la cor_fw-la p_o 54_o 55_o pius_n in_o ep_v justo_n episc_n biblioth_n patr_n tom_n 3_o p_o 15_o constit_fw-la apost_n c_o 30_o &_o 44._o k_n ignat_fw-la ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n forequoted_a constit_fw-la apost_n c._n 28_o l_o albasp_v observe_v p._n 254_o 255._o m_o ignat._v ep_v ad_fw-la philad_n forecited_a cypr._n ep_v 40_o 72_o 73._o the_o ancient_a description_n of_o a_o church_n be_v well_o know_v plebs_fw-la episcopo_fw-la coadunata_fw-la see_v dr._n still_o iren._n p._n 416._o that_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n or_o vote_n of_o the_o people_n he_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o n_z and_o as_o be_v say_v before_o administer_v church-censure_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o flock_n who_o judgement_n he_o consult_v o_o that_o presbyter_n do_v but_o sedom_n preach_v public_o in_o the_o two_o or_o three_o first_o age_n except_o in_o alexandria_n or_o some_o few_o church_n that_o have_v presbyter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a learning_n and_o ability_n chrysostom_n preach_v at_o antioch_n and_o augustine_n at_o hippo_n while_o presbyter_n be_v note_v as_o unusual_a that_o every_o city_n have_v its_o bishop_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o and_o dr._n hammond_n and_o grotius_n own_o many_o have_v two_o nay_o some_o have_v more_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o many_o instance_n be_v it_o needful_a and_o every_o town_n of_o any_o bigness_n be_v then_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o city_n and_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o of_o a_o long_a time_n even_o in_o the_o large_a city_n exceed_v that_o of_o our_o large_a parish_n nor_o be_v bishop_n confine_v to_o city_n or_o town_n for_o the_o country_n villageâ—_n where_o three_o be_v any_o tolerable_a number_n of_o christian_n to_o mâ—ke_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n have_v long_o their_o bishop_n also_o who_o be_v not_o put_v down_o till_o ambition_n have_v begin_v to_o deprave_v the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o reason_n agreeable_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o those_o that_o do_v it_o ne_fw-la vilescat_fw-la nomen_fw-la episcopi_fw-la p_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nearness_n of_o episcopal_n be_fw-mi of_o which_o we_o read_v many_o that_o be_v much_o near_a one_o another_o than_o our_o market-town_n perhaps_o one_o two_o or_o a_o few_o more_o mile_n distant_a q_o if_o we_o observe_v all_o the_o small_a inconsiderable_a place_n that_o be_v the_o be_fw-mi of_o many_o famous_a ancient_a bishop_n not_o half_o so_o big_a as_o our_o lesser_a sort_n of_o perish_v r_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o bishop_n mention_v within_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o ground_n n_z see_v cypr._n ep._n 68_o forecited_a and_o many_o more_o testimony_n in_o baxter_n church-history_n &_o answer_v to_o stillingfl_fw-mi from_o p._n 128_o to_o 133._o and_o in_o blondel_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la plebis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ah_o see_v blondel_n ibid._n p_o council_n laod._n can._n 57_o q_o to_o give_v a_o few_o instance_n in_o palestine_n diospolis_n or_o lydda_n be_v but_o six_o mile_n from_o joppa_n joppa_n four_o mile_n from_o janmia_n rhinccoruca_n four_o mile_n from_o anthedon_n and_o anthedon_n not_o three_o mile_n from_o gaza_n and_o gaza_n twenty_o furlong_n from_o constantia_n ancient_o call_v majuma_n so_o in_o egypt_n nicopolis_n be_v twenty_o furlong_n from_o alexandria_n and_o taposiris_n canopus_n heraclia_n and_o naucratis_n not_o much_o far_o from_o one_o another_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o episcopal_a be_fw-mi r_o mr._n thorndike_n right_o of_o church_n review_v tell_v we_o p._n 53._o that_o in_o africa_n bishop_n be_v so_o plentiful_a that_o every_o good_a village_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o a_o episcopal_a church_n and_o the_o african_a church_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n tell_v we_o iren._n p._n 373._o long_a retain_v the_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o humility_n binnius_n tell_v we_o of_o sylvester_n call_v together_o 284_o bishop_n of_o which_o 139_o be_v out_o of_o rome_n or_o not_o far_o from_o it_o a_o council_n of_o donatist_n at_o carthage_n have_v 270_o bishop_n as_o austin_n tell_v we_o ep._n 68_o about_o the_o year_n 308_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o small_a number_n and_o complain_v of_o persecution_n victor_n vtic_a in_o persec_n vand._n acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o that_o part_n of_o africa_n 660_o bishop_n flee_v beside_o the_o great_a number_n murder_v and_o imprison_v and_o many_o tolerate_v the_o 6_o provincial_a council_n of_o carthage_n have_v 217_o bishop_n and_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o late_a date_n which_o we_o be_v more_o capable_a to_o judge_v of_o even_o patrick_n be_v say_v to_o have_v found_v here_o in_o ireland_n 365_o church_n ordain_v so_o many_o bishop_n beside_o 3000_o presbyter_n usher_n de_fw-fr eccles_n brit._n primord_n p._n 950._o if_o we_o add_v hereto_o the_o late_a date_n of_o parth_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o bishop_n church_n the_o government_n of_o the_o cathedral_n by_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n be_v a_o relict_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopal_a government_n from_o these_o evidency_n and_o many_o more_o may_v be_v add_v due_o weigh_v we_o may_v easy_o judge_v what_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o bishop_n be_v a_o primitive_a bishop_n have_v no_o more_o than_o one_o church_n or_o assembly_n capable_a of_o personal_a communion_n under_o his_o charge_n which_o he_o rul_a d_o with_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n the_o first_o that_o set_v up_o more_o assembly_n under_o one_o bishop_n be_v rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o no_o other_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o have_v do_v so_o for_o near_o 300_o year_n nor_o many_o church_n for_o 4_o or_o 5_o hundred_o and_o even_o those_o assembly_n do_v but_o long_o make_v up_o one_o communicate_v church_n and_o be_v but_o to_o the_o bishop_n church_n as_o chapel_n of_o ease_n be_v to_o our_o large_a parish_n church_n but_o for_o diocesan_n church_n and_o bishop_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o remark_n that_o they_o be_v entire_a stranger_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o its_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n it_o be_v only_a ambition_n strive_v to_o model_n the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n by_o the_o civil_a that_o first_o give_v rise_v to_o they_o and_o from_o the_o same_o ambition_n in_o the_o empire_n spring_v up_o metropolitan_n patriarch_n and_o pope_n the_o last_o of_o these_o long_o claim_v only_o a_o primacy_n of_o order_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o which_o constantinople_n long_o vie_v with_o they_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_o they_o have_v emprove_v their_o pretension_n into_o a_o claim_n of_o supremacy_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v too_o observable_a in_o church_n history_n that_o as_o the_o seat_n of_o bishop_n swell_v and_o their_o power_n increase_v by_o engross_a to_o themselves_o that_o work_n which_o a_o score_n or_o hundred_o bishop_n can_v hardly_o discharge_v so_o all_o true_a discipline_n be_v gradual_o disuse_v and_o lose_v and_o the_o church_n miserable_o deprave_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o divide_v by_o the_o contention_n of_o aspire_a bishop_n about_o their_o primacy_n and_o usurp_a power_n if_o you_o desire_v further_a satisfaction_n on_o this_o head_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o mr._n baxters_n treatise_n of_o episcopacy_n who_o in_o the_o 2d_o part_n 5_o 6_o 7_o ch_z have_v give_v as_o satisfactory_a a_o account_n of_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o that_o distance_n the_o few_o slender_a exception_n produce_v by_o dr._n stillingfl_fw-mi in_o his_o vnreason_n of_o seper_n which_o yet_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o two_o first_o century_n be_v so_o clear_o invalidate_v and_o expose_v by_o mr._n baxters_n answer_n to_o dr_n st._n p._n 100_o 101_o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o mr._n clerkson_n in_o his_o no_o evidence_n of_o diocesan_n church_n in_o antiq_n &c_n &c_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o church_n be_v stranger_n to_o antiquity_n and_o shall_v look_v on_o that_o cause_n as_o desperate_a and_o lose_v unless_o some_o of_o its_o patron_n can_v disprove_v that_o full_a stream_n of_o evidence_n he_o have_v bring_v against_o it_o from_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n in_o the_o forementioned_a