hear_v the_o lord_n and_o afterward_o burn_v a_o martyr_n of_o christ_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o saint_n john_n est_fw-la so_o hierome_n another_o polycarpus_n bishop_n and_o martyr_n be_v place_v by_o john_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o obtinuit_fw-la eusebius_n a_o three_o before_o he_o by_o john_n be_v polycarpus_n constitute_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o 〈◊〉_d tertullian_n and_o before_o he_o a_o four_o testify_v as_o one_o that_o have_v see_v this_o polycarpus_n that_o after_o that_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v conversant_a he_o be_v make_v by_o they_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o decessit_fw-la ireneus_fw-la we_o ascend_v somewhat_o high_o to_o one_o who_o write_v a_o epistle_n to_o the_o same_o polycarpus_n intitul_a he_o the_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n salute_v he_o as_o their_o bishop_n epist._n ignatius_n in_o these_o epistle_n and_o say_n which_o vedelius_fw-la the_o professor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n and_o a_o exact_a discerner_n and_o discoverer_n of_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o his_o write_n do_v hold_v as_o genuine_a and_o legitimate_a can_v our_o opposite_n require_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o any_o historical_a point_n which_o they_o themselves_o maintain_v as_o more_o ample_o testify_v then_o this_o be_v whereto_o as_o many_o of_o our_o former_a protestant_a divine_n do_v subscribe_v so_o be_v there_o not_o one_o to_o our_o knowledge_n from_o this_o saint_n john_n that_o ever_o do_v contradict_v it_o xxvii_o thesis_n that_o christ_n himself_o show_v his_o approbation_n of_o the_o prelacy_n which_o the_o foresay_a angel_n have_v in_o their_o several_a church_n there_o be_v yet_o never_o either_o favourite_n to_o episcopacy_n nor_o opposite_n against_o it_o but_o have_v grant_v that_o whatsoever_o the_o government_n be_v mean_v in_o these_o seven_o church_n it_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o first_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o chap._n 1._o 1._o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n send_v by_o his_o angel_n to_o his_o servant_n john_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o have_v be_v dictate_v by_o christ_n himself_o convey_v by_o a_o angel_n to_o john_n and_o as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n distribute_v by_o john_n to_o the_o several_a angel_n and_o communicate_v to_o the_o church_n after_o this_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n a_o inquisition_n be_v make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o visitation_n keep_v upon_o every_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n wherein_o two_o of_o they_o be_v find_v of_o weight_n and_o commendable_a the_o other_o five_o more_o or_o less_o criminal_o deliquent_v yet_o so_o as_o to_o manifest_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o office_n the_o approbation_n of_o the_o function_n be_v see_v not_o only_o which_o reason_v none_o can_v deny_v by_o christ_n his_o commend_v their_o diligence_n zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o even_o likewise_o in_o his_o process_n of_o conviction_n reprehension_n and_o denuntiation_n against_o their_o remissness_n dissoluteness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o other_o but_o how_o certain_o so_o that_o the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o vice_n and_o abuse_n argue_v a_o approbation_n of_o their_o office_n and_o function_n because_o it_o be_v do_v not_o with_o a_o absolute_a intent_n to_o remove_v they_o at_o the_o first_o but_o only_o to_o reform_v they_o and_o continue_v they_o upon_o their_o reformation_n therefore_o be_v it_o say_v from_o christ_n to_o one_o repent_v or_o else_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 2._o 5._o &_o 16._o to_o another_o repent_v if_o not_o i_o will_v come_v against_o thou_o and_o the_o like_a this_o we_o see_v be_v no_o deprivation_n of_o the_o officer_n at_o first_o much_o less_o abolition_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v from_o age_n to_o age_n the_o last_o point_n will_v be_v our_o assumption_n from_o all_o these_o premise_n which_o be_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v so_o ample_o evident_o and_o with_o so_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o and_o best_a approve_a protestant_a divine_n agreeable_a to_o historical_a practice_n of_o apostolical_a church_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v such_o bishop_n as_o have_v a_o prelaey_n over_o the_o clergy_n with_o christ_n own_o approbation_n a_o truth_n which_o the_o evidence_n of_o these_o scripture_n do_v express_v in_o part_n from_o etc._n beza_n himself_o his_o sentence_n be_v large_a consist_v of_o these_o brief_n first_o that_o the_o episcopacy_n which_o seem_v to_o he_o to_o be_v regulate_v be_v to_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o this_o scripture_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n second_o that_o the_o same_o be_v a_o presidency_n and_o prefectureship_n of_o one_o presbyter_n over_o the_o rest_n three_o that_o it_o be_v a_o prelacy_n of_o authority_n four_o that_o hierome_n be_v of_o judgement_n five_o that_o to_o hold_v otherwise_o be_v to_o dote_v and_o play_v the_o foel_n all_o which_o prove_v the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n both_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a institution_n because_o under_o john_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o to_o have_v have_v the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n because_o of_o christ_n his_o commendation_n of_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o function_n which_o full_o make_v good_a unto_o we_o both_o our_o conclusion_n that_o episcopacy_n for_o the_o office_n and_o function_n itself_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o use_n therefore_o the_o best_a the_o original_a of_o bishop_n and_o metropolitan_o brief_o lay_v down_o by_o james_n archbishop_n of_o armagh_n the_o ground_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v derive_v partly_o from_o the_o pattern_n perscribe_v by_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o imitation_n thereof_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o confirm_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levit_n unto_o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a do_v now_o succeed_v in_o like_a sort_n as_o our_o lordsday_n have_v do_v unto_o their_o sabbath_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fulfil_v which_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n touch_v the_o vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n 21._o i_o will_v take_v of_o they_o for_o priest_n and_o for_o levit_n say_v the_o lord_n that_o the_o priest_n be_v superior_a to_o the_o levit_n no_o man_n doubt_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o parity_n either_o betwixt_o the_o priest_n or_o betwixt_o the_o levit_n themselves_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o head_n and_o ruler_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o 1_o chron._n xxiv_o 6._o 31_o and_o ezr._n viii_o 29._o the_o levit_n be_v distribute_v into_o the_o three_o family_n of_o the_o gershonite_n cohathites_n and_o merarites_n and_o over_o each_o of_o they_o god_n appoint_v one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o ruler_n num._n iii_o 24._o 30._o 35._o the_o priest_n be_v divide_v by_o david_n into_o four_o and_o twenty_o course_n 1_o chron._n xxiv_o who_o likewise_o have_v their_o head_n who_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v ordinary_o call_v &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n and_o clear_o distinguish_v from_o that_o singular_a one_o who_o be_v the_o type_n of_o our_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n 14._o yea_o in_o the_o xi_o of_o nehemy_n we_o find_v two_o name_v bishop_n the_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n the_o other_o of_o the_o levit_n that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o former_a so_o express_o term_v by_o the_o greek_a in_o the_o 14._o the_o latter_a both_o by_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a interpreter_n in_o the_o hieron_n 22_o vers_fw-la and_o not_o without_o approbation_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o render_v the_o 8._o hebrew_n word_n of_o the_o same_o original_n in_o the_o old_a by_o the_o 20._o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o new-testament_n of_o levi_n it_o be_v say_v by_o moses_n the_o man_n of_o god_n 10._o they_o shall_v teach_v jacob_n thy_o judgement_n and_o israel_n thy_o law_n they_o shall_v put_v incense_n before_o thou_o and_o whole_a brunt_n sacrifice_n upon_o thy_o altar_n because_o this_o latter_a part_n of_o their_o office_n have_v cease_v with_o they_o and_o the_o leviticall_a altar_n the_o truth_n prefigure_v thereby_o be_v now_o exhibit_v be_v quite_o take_v away_o may_v not_o we_o therefore_o conclude_v out_o of_o the_o former_a part_n which_o have_v no_o such_o typical_a relation_n in_o it_o that_o our_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o
apostle_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v 9_o able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o to_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a nay_o and_o out_o of_o the_o latter_a part_n itself_o where_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o 1._o the_o priest_n the_o levit_n and_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n shall_v eat_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v by_o fire_n do_v not_o the_o apostle_n by_o just_a analogy_n infer_v from_o thence_o that_o for_o asmuch_o as_o 14._o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n with_o the_o altar_n even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n with_o what_o show_n of_o reason_n than_o can_v any_o man_n imagine_v that_o what_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n in_o the_o law_n for_o mere_a matter_n of_o government_n and_o preservation_n of_o good_a order_n without_o all_o respect_n of_o type_n or_o ceremony_n shall_v now_o be_v reject_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o device_n of_o antichrist_n that_o what_o be_v by_o the_o lord_n once_o 2._o plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v now_o be_v so_o turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n that_o no_o purge_v or_o prune_v of_o it_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n but_o it_o must_v be_v cut_v down_o root_n and_o branch_n as_o 13._o a_o plant_n which_o our_o heavenly_a father_n have_v never_o plant_v but_o nothing_o be_v so_o familiar_a now_o a_o day_n as_o to_o father_n upon_o antichrist_n whatsoever_o in_o church_n matter_n we_o do_v not_o find_v to_o suit_n with_o our_o own_o humour_n the_o safe_a way_n will_v be_v to_o consult_v with_o christ_n himself_o herein_o and_o hear_v what_o he_o deliver_v in_o the_o cause_n these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o have_v the_o seven_o star_n revel_v iii_o 1._o he_o ow_v then_o we_o see_v these_o star_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v and_o the_o mystery_n of_o they_o he_o thus_o further_o open_v unto_o his_o belove_a disciple_n the_o seven_o star_n which_o thou_o see_v in_o my_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n revel_v i_o 20._o from_o which_o word_n a_o learned_a man_n very_o much_o devote_v to_o the_o now_o so_o high_o admire_v discipline_n deduce_v this_o conclusion_n 20._o how_o great_a therefore_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o true_a pastor_n who_o be_v both_o star_n fix_v in_o no_o other_o firmament_n then_o in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ_n and_o angel_n he_o have_v consider_v well_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephâ—sus_n one_o of_o the_o seven_o here_o point_v at_o there_o be_v many_o 28._o presbyter_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n over_o all_o that_o flock_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o withal_o he_o see_v that_o by_o admit_v one_o angel_n there_o above_o the_o rest_n all_o as_o well_o 18._o extraordinary_a prophet_n as_o 7._o ordinary_a pastor_n be_v in_o their_o own_o several_a station_n account_v angel_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v also_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o eminency_n of_o one_o bishop_n above_o the_o other_o bishop_n that_o name_n be_v in_o those_o day_n 7._o common_a unto_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o yield_v withal_o that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o star_n fix_v in_o no_o other_o firmament_n then_o in_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o christ._n to_o salve_v this_o therefore_o all_o the_o star_n in_o every_o church_n must_v be_v presuppose_v to_o be_v of_o one_o magnitude_n and_o though_o those_o star_n which_o typify_v these_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o be_v but_o seven_o yet_o the_o angel_n themselves_o must_v be_v maintain_v to_o be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n and_o in_o fine_a where_o our_o saviour_n say_v 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n write_v it_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v admit_v that_o 1._o any_o one_o angel_n shall_v be_v mean_v hereby_o but_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o pastor_n rather_o and_o all_o upon_o pretence_n of_o a_o poor_a show_n of_o some_o shallow_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n but_o many_o and_o among_o they_o not_o any_o principal_a which_o wrest_v of_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o extreme_a violent_a that_o m._n beza_n though_o every_o way_n as_o zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o new_a discipline_n as_o be_v the_o other_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n digest_v it_o but_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o lord_n direction_n to_o have_v be_v this_o 1._o to_o the_o angel_n that_o be_v to_o the_o precedent_n as_o who_o it_o behove_v special_o to_o be_v admonish_v touch_v those_o matter_n and_o by_o he_o both_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o colleague_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n likewise_o and_o that_o there_o be_v then_o a_o stand_a precedent_n over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o ephesus_n and_o he_o the_o very_a same_o as_o learned_a 3._o doctor_n rynolds_n add_v with_o he_o who_o afterward_o the_o father_n call_v bishop_n may_v further_o be_v make_v manifest_a not_o only_o by_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n but_o also_o by_o the_o clear_a testimony_n of_o ignatius_n who_o within_o no_o great_a compass_n of_o time_n then_o twelve_o year_n afterward_o distinguish_v the_o singular_a and_o constant_a precedent_n thereof_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o presbyter_n by_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n unto_o he_o as_o for_o the_o former_a we_o find_v it_o open_o declare_v in_o the_o general_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n by_o leontius_n bishop_n of_o magnesia_n that_o 11._o from_o timothy_n and_o so_o from_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o have_v be_v a_o continue_a succession_n of_o seven_o and_o twenty_o bishop_n all_o of_o they_o ordain_v in_o ephesus_n of_o which_o number_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v one_o whether_o it_o be_v timothy_n himself_o as_o 7._o some_o conceive_v or_o one_o of_o his_o next_o successor_n as_o other_o rather_o do_v imagine_v for_o that_o timothy_n have_v be_v some_o time_n 19_o *_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o appellation_n that_o 1._o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n for_o christian_n &_o 〈◊〉_d dionysius_n of_o corinth_n not_o long_o after_o he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o athens_n and_o 72._o marcellus_n bishop_n of_o ancyra_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o julius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n do_v give_v unto_o a_o bishop_n or_o autistes_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o ephesine_n presbytery_n be_v confess_v by_o beza_n himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n we_o do_v not_o only_o read_v in_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n of_o 〈◊〉_d eusebius_n but_o also_o in_o two_o ancient_a treatise_n concern_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n the_o one_o nameless_a in_o the_o library_n of_o 254._o photius_n the_o other_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o 1485._o polycrates_n even_o of_o that_o polycrates_n who_o be_v not_o only_a himself_o bishop_n of_o this_o church_n of_o ephesus_n but_o bear_v also_o within_o six_o or_o seven_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o s._n john_n write_v the_o forenamed_a epistle_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o that_o church_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o year_n he_o be_v of_o when_o he_o write_v that_o epistle_n unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n wherein_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o 〈◊〉_d seven_o kinsman_n of_o he_o who_o have_v be_v bishop_n he_o himself_o be_v the_o eight_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o ignatius_n who_o 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n and_o 1606._o felix_n bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o s._n john_n the_o chronographer_n of_o antioch_n report_v to_o have_v be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n by_o s._n peter_n in_o special_a chrysostome_n who_o be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o same_o church_n by_o encomio_fw-la the_o apostle_n in_o general_a and_o without_o all_o controversy_n do_v sit_v in_o that_o see_v the_o very_a same_o time_n wherein_o that_o epistle_n unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v command_v to_o be_v write_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o patmos_n have_v s._n john_n his_o revelation_n manifest_v unto_o he_o 30._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o domitian_n as_o ireneus_fw-la testify_v or_o the_o fourteen_o year_n of_o his_o government_n as_o johanne_n eusebius_n and_o hierome_n specify_v it_o from_o thence_o there_o be_v but_o twelve_o year_n reckon_v
unto_o the_o ten_o of_o trajan_n wherein_o ignatius_n in_o that_o last_o journey_n which_o he_o make_v for_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o glorious_a martyrdom_n at_o rome_n write_v another_o epistle_n unto_o the_o selfsame_a church_n of_o ephesus_n in_o which_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o their_o then_o bishop_n onesimus_n as_o it_o appear_v both_o by_o 〈◊〉_d eusebius_n cite_v this_o out_o of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o epistle_n itself_o yet_o extant_a in_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n ignatius_n have_v accknowledge_v that_o their_o ephes._n numerous_a multitude_n be_v receive_v by_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o their_o bishop_n onesimus_n and_o ibid._n bless_a god_n for_o grant_v unto_o they_o such_o a_o bishop_n as_o he_o be_v do_v afterward_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o ibid._n duty_n in_o concur_v with_o he_o as_o he_o show_v their_o worthy_a presbytery_n do_v be_v ibid._n so_o conjoin_v as_o he_o say_v with_o their_o bishop_n as_o the_o string_n be_v with_o the_o harp_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n exhort_v they_o to_o ibid._n obey_v both_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbytery_n with_o a_o undivided_a mind_n in_o the_o same_o journey_n write_v ignatius_n also_o a_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n another_o of_o the_o seven_o unto_o who_o those_o letter_n be_v direct_v in_o s._n john_n revelation_n wherein_o he_o also_o smyrn_n salute_v their_o bishop_n and_o presbytery_n exhort_v all_o the_o people_n to_o ibid._n follow_v their_o bishop_n as_o christ_n jesus_n do_v his_o father_n and_o the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o ibid._n no_o man_n ought_v either_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o this_o bishop_n and_o what_o that_o presbytery_n be_v appear_v by_o another_o epistle_n write_v a_o little_a after_o from_o smyrna_n by_o philippens_n polycarpus_n and_o the_o presbyter_n that_o be_v with_o he_o unto_o the_o philippian_n and_o that_o the_o same_o polycarpus_n be_v then_o also_o bishop_n there_o when_o s._n john_n write_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n who_o can_v better_a inform_v we_o then_o irenaeus_n who_o do_v not_o only_o know_v those_o worthy_a man_n 3._o who_o succeed_v polycarpus_n in_o his_o see_n but_o also_o 〈◊〉_d be_v present_a when_o he_o himself_o do_v discourse_n of_o his_o conversation_n with_o s._n john_n and_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o hear_v from_o those_o who_o have_v see_v our_o lord_n jesus_n polycarpus_n 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o be_v not_o only_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o converse_v with_o many_o of_o those_o that_o have_v see_v christ_n but_o also_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v in_o asia_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n who_o we_o ourselves_o also_o do_v see_v in_o our_o young_a age_n for_o he_o continue_v long_o &_o be_v very_o age_v he_o most_o glorious_o and_o noble_o suffer_v martyrdom_n depart_v this_o life_n now_o be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n and_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n before_o s._n john_n the_o last_o survivor_n of_o they_o do_v write_v his_o revelation_n who_o but_o he_o can_v there_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n in_o which_o that_o he_o still_o hold_v his_o episcopal_a office_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n which_o fall_v out_o lxxiv_o year_n afterward_o may_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o this_o testimony_n which_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o suffering_n give_v unto_o he_o 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v the_o most_o admirable_a man_n in_o our_o time_n a_o apostolical_a and_o prophetical_a doctor_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v in_o smyrna_n whereunto_o we_o may_v add_v the_o like_a of_o polycrates_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n who_o live_v also_o in_o his_o time_n and_o in_o his_o neighbourhood_n affirm_v 〈◊〉_d polycarpus_n to_o have_v be_v both_o bishop_n and_o martyr_n in_o smyrna_n so_o say_v he_o in_o his_o synodica_fw-la epistle_n direct_v unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o 27_o year_n after_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o polycarpus_n he_o himself_o be_v at_o that_o time_n 65_o year_n of_o age_n about_o the_o very_a same_o time_n wherein_o polycrates_n write_v this_o epistle_n unto_o victor_n do_v tertullian_n publish_v his_o book_n of_o prescription_n against_o heretic_n wherein_o he_o avouch_v against_o they_o that_o 5._o as_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n have_v polycarpus_n place_v there_o by_o john_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n clement_n ordain_v by_o peter_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n also_o do_v show_v what_o bishop_n they_o have_v receive_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o traduce_v the_o apostolical_a seed_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o before_o he_o do_v irenaeus_n urge_v against_o they_o 63._o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n in_o every_o place_n 20._o for_o all_o the_o heretic_n say_v he_o be_v much_o late_a than_o those_o bishop_n unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o church_n and_o 3._o we_o be_v able_a to_o number_v those_o who_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o their_o successor_n unto_o our_o day_n who_o neither_o teach_v nor_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o man_n dream_v of_o for_o proof_n whereof_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n from_o ibid._n liws_o unto_o who_o the_o bless_a apostle_n commit_v that_o episcopacy_n and_o anacletus_fw-la by_o other_o call_v cletus_n and_o clement_n who_o do_v both_o see_v the_o apostle_n and_o confer_v with_o they_o unto_o ibid._n eleutherius_fw-la who_o when_o irenaeus_n write_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o that_o bishopric_n in_o the_o twelve_o place_n after_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o integrity_n which_o then_o continue_v in_o each_o other_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n hegesippus_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v his_o history_n of_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d soter_n succeed_v anicetus_n and_o after_o he_o be_v eleutherius_fw-la now_o in_o every_o succession_n and_o in_o every_o city_n all_o thing_n so_o stand_v as_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o our_o lord_n do_v preach_v and_o more_o particular_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o by_o clement_n for_o the_o repress_v of_o some_o faction_n wherewith_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n much_o trouble_v which_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o junii_fw-la the_o apostle_n of_o who_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o hearer_n have_v perfect_a intelligence_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o contention_n that_o shall_v arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n he_o declare_v that_o after_o the_o appease_n of_o this_o tumult_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o the_o corinthian_n continue_v in_o the_o right_a way_n until_o the_o day_n of_o primus_fw-la who_o he_o do_v visit_v in_o his_o sail_v towards_o rome_n which_o primus_n have_v for_o his_o successor_n that_o famous_a dionysius_n who_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o athenian_n have_v be_v before_o nominate_v wherein_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o bishop_n that_o have_v be_v place_v over_o they_o even_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n 34._o s._n paul_n own_o convert_n a_o thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v at_o that_o time_n have_v no_o more_o cause_n to_o doubt_v than_o we_o shall_v have_v if_o any_o question_n be_v now_o make_v of_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v here_o in_o king_n edward_n the_o vi_o or_o queen_n maryes_fw-mi day_n i_o may_v also_o say_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n herself_o if_o with_o 120._o baronius_n i_o will_v produce_v the_o areopagite_n life_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n this_o hegesippus_n live_v next_o after_o the_o first_o succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o expressit_fw-la eusebius_n note_v and_o be_v himself_o a_o christian_n fin_fw-fr of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v careful_a to_o record_v unto_o posterity_n the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o alteration_n that_o follow_v after_o their_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n where_o first_o he_o show_v that_o 〈◊〉_d jame_v the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n surname_v the_o just_a do_v govern_v that_o church_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n yet_o so_o as_o 1._o clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o write_v some_o twenty_o year_n after_o he_o further_o add_v that_o he_o have_v this_o preferment_n even_o before_o the_o three_o prime_a apostle_n peter_n and_o
matthew_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o aristion_n and_o john_n the_o elder_a our_o lord_n disciple_n do_v speak_v the_o two_o last_o of_o who_o he_o often_o cite_v by_o name_n in_o the_o process_n of_o the_o work_n relate_v the_o passage_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o simple_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n the_o name_n of_o a_o bishop_n shall_v import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a presbyter_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o not_o the_o ult_n difference_n only_o betwixt_o presbyter_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v by_o he_o acknowledge_v but_o further_a also_o that_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o three_o office_n in_o his_o judgement_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o 6._o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o angelical_a glory_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_n who_o hard_a upon_o the_o time_n of_o the_o forenamed_a papias_n write_v unto_o the_o consul_n servianus_n touch_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o egypt_n make_v distinct_a mention_n in_o his_o letter_n of_o saturnini_n the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o those_o ibid._n who_o call_v themselves_o the_o bishop_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o have_v deduce_v episcopacy_n from_o the_o apostolical_a time_n and_o declare_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o the_o father_n term_v bishop_n we_o be_v now_o further_o to_o inquire_v why_o these_o church_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o in_o the_o superscription_n of_o that_o apostolical_a epistle_n prefix_v before_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n 4_o john_n to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n where_o s._n john_n direct_v his_o letter_n unto_o they_o thus_o indefinite_o without_o any_o mention_n of_o their_o particular_a name_n can_v by_o common_a intendment_n be_v conceive_v to_o have_v understand_v any_o other_o thereby_o but_o such_o as_o by_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n be_v distinguishable_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o asia_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n also_o do_v comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n under_o they_o for_o take_v asia_n here_o in_o that_o strict_a sense_n wherein_o the_o new_a testament_n use_v it_o as_o denote_v the_o lydian_a asia_n alone_o of_o the_o circuit_n whereof_o i_o have_v treat_v 2._o elsewhere_o more_o particular_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o after_o so_o long_a pain_n take_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o disciple_n in_o the_o husband_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v no_o more_o but_o seven_o church_n therein_o especial_o since_o s._n paul_n that_o 10._o wise_a master-builder_n profess_v that_o he_o have_v here_o 9_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a open_v unto_o he_o and_o s._n luke_n testify_v according_o that_o 20._o all_o they_o which_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n both_o jew_n and_o greek_n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v which_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o labour_n move_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v his_o residence_n 31._o in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n wherein_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o night_n and_o day_n with_o tear_n so_o that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o these_o seven_o church_n comprise_v all_o the_o rest_n within_o they_o be_v not_o bare_a parochial_a one_o or_o so_o many_o particular_a congregation_n but_o diocesan_n church_n as_o we_o use_v to_o call_v they_o if_o not_o metropolitical_a rather_o for_o that_o in_o 29._o laedicea_n sardis_n smyrna_n ephesus_n and_o 30._o pergamus_n the_o roman_a governor_n hold_v their_o court_n of_o justice_n to_o which_o all_o the_o city_n and_o town_n about_o have_v recourse_n for_o the_o end_n of_o their_o suit_n be_v note_v by_o pliny_n and_o beside_o these_o which_o be_v the_o great_a thyatira_n be_v also_o by_o 5._o ptolemy_n express_o name_v a_o metropolis_n as_o philadelphia_n also_o be_v in_o the_o 5._o greek_a act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n hold_v under_o menas_n which_o give_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o conceive_v that_o the_o seven_o city_n in_o which_o these_o seven_o church_n have_v their_o seat_n be_v all_o of_o they_o metropolitical_a and_o so_o have_v relation_n unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o town_n and_o city_n of_o asia_n as_o unto_o daughter_n rise_v under_o they_o this_o lydian_a asia_n be_v separate_v from_o caria_n by_o the_o river_n maeander_n upon_o the_o bank_n whereof_o magnesia_n and_o trallis_n be_v seat_v to_o the_o christian_n whereof_o ignatius_n direct_v two_o of_o his_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o damas_n bishop_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o polybius_n bishop_n or_o 35._o ruler_n as_o eusebius_n call_v he_o of_o the_o other_o who_o they_o have_v send_v to_o visit_v he_o at_o smyrna_n add_v withal_o in_o that_o to_o the_o trallian_n his_o usual_a admonition_n trallian_n be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n as_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o ibid._n to_o the_o presbytery_n as_o to_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o hope_n ib._n he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o deacon_n such_o a_o one_o be_v defile_v in_o conscience_n ibid._n fare_v you_o well_o in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n and_o likewise_o to_o the_o presbyter_n wherein_o we_o may_v note_v that_o with_o twelve_o year_n after_o mention_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n make_v in_o the_o apocalypse_n for_o then_o as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v these_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n write_v other_o episcopal_a city_n be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o lydian_a asia_n and_o two_o such_o as_o in_o after_o time_n be_v well_o know_v to_o have_v be_v 90._o under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o ephesus_n but_o whether_o this_o subordination_n be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n who_o epistle_n be_v extant_a unto_o these_o three_o church_n and_o 35._o damas_n the_o than_o bishop_n of_o magnefia_n with_o polybius_n of_o trallis_n be_v at_o that_o time_n subject_a to_o one_o simus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n may_v well_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o ignatius_n direct_v one_o of_o his_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n roman_n which_o have_v presidency_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o region_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o in_o the_o body_n thereof_o do_v attribute_n unto_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o syria_n whereby_o as_o he_o intimate_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v not_o only_o the_o bishop_n of_o antiock_n but_o also_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o province_n of_o syria_n which_o be_v under_o that_o metropolis_n so_o do_v he_o likewise_o not_o obscure_o signify_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v at_o that_o time_n a_o presidency_n over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o vrbicarian_a region_n as_o the_o imperial_a constitution_n or_o the_o leguntur_fw-la roman_a province_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o council_n of_o arles_n call_v it_o what_o that_o vrbicarian_a region_n be_v i_o will_v not_o now_o stand_v to_o discuss_v whether_o tuscia_n only_o wherein_o rome_n itself_o be_v situate_v which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ignatius_n be_v one_o entire_a region_n but_o afterward_o divide_v into_o tuscia_n suburbicaria_n and_o annonaeria_n or_o the_o territory_n wherein_o the_o praefectus_fw-la vrbis_fw-la do_v exercise_v his_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o hundred_o mile_n about_o the_o city_n or_o with_o that_o those_o other_o province_n also_o whereunto_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la vrbis_fw-la do_v extend_v or_o last_o the_o circuit_n within_o which_o those_o 69._o bishopric_n be_v contain_v that_o 23._o be_v immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o frequent_o call_v to_o his_o synod_n the_o name_n whereof_o be_v find_v register_v in_o the_o record_n of_o that_o church_n the_o antiquity_n of_o which_o number_n as_o it_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n receive_v confirmation_n from_o the_o roman_a synod_n of_o seventy_o bishop_n hold_v under_o gelasius_n so_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o bishop_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n from_o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o italy_n we_o have_v a_o far_o more_o ancient_a testimony_n from_o the_o edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n aurelian_a who_o in_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v betwixt_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la and_o domnus_n for_o the_o house_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d
to_o who_o the_o bishop_n of_o italy_n and_o rome_n shall_v by_o their_o letter_n declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v which_o distinction_n aswell_o in_o the_o forecited_a suprà _fw-la act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n as_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o 588._o sardican_a synod_n and_o 640._o athanasius_n may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v the_o name_n of_o italy_n be_v in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n apply_v therein_o to_o the_o seven_o province_n which_o be_v under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o vicarius_fw-la or_o lieutenant_n of_o italy_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a of_o the_o bishop_n of_o milan_n and_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o observe_n that_o the_o father_n of_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a afterward_o confirm_v this_o kind_n of_o primacy_n in_o the_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n rome_n and_o antioch_n and_o 6._o in_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o other_o province_n do_v make_v their_o entrance_n into_o that_o canon_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v the_o ancient_a custom_n continue_v which_o as_o it_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o confirm_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o conceive_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o alexandria_n to_o be_v mean_v in_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o emperor_n hadrian_o epistle_n unto_o servianus_n saturnino_n even_o the_o very_a patriarch_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v into_o egypt_n be_v by_o some_o compel_v to_o adore_v serapis_n and_o by_o other_o to_o worship_n christ._n as_o if_o upon_o his_o return_v into_o egypt_n either_o from_o his_o visitation_n of_o lybia_n and_o pentapolis_n which_o this_o same_o nicene_n canon_n show_v to_o have_v of_o old_a belong_v unto_o his_o care_n or_o from_o his_o flight_n in_o that_o present_a time_n of_o persecution_n he_o shall_v suffer_v this_o distraction_n the_o heathen_a labour_a to_o compel_v he_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o serapis_n and_o his_o own_o christian_a flock_n on_o the_o other_o side_n strive_v to_o keep_v he_o constant_a in_o the_o service_n of_o christ._n for_o that_o either_o the_o heathen_a have_v will_n or_o the_o christian_n power_n at_o that_o time_n to_o force_v the_o jewish_a patriarch_n of_o who_o some_o do_v understand_v the_o place_n to_o the_o adoration_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o probability_n in_o it_o that_o part_n also_o of_o the_o canon_n which_o ratify_v the_o ancient_a right_n of_o metropolitan_o of_o all_o other_o province_n may_v serve_v to_o open_v unto_o we_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o complaint_n which_o some_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o time_n of_o this_o synod_n s._n cyprian_n make_v against_o novatianus_n for_o the_o confusion_n which_o by_o his_o schism_n he_o bring_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o 52._o whereas_o long_o since_o in_o all_o province_n and_o in_o all_o city_n bishop_n have_v be_v ordain_v in_o age_n ancient_a sound_a in_o faith_n try_v in_o affliction_n proscribe_v in_o persecution_n yet_o take_v he_o the_o boldness_n to_o create_v other_o false_a bishop_n over_o their_o head_n namely_o subordinate_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n and_o metropolitan_o in_o every_o province_n in_o africa_n at_o that_o time_n although_o there_o be_v many_o civil_a province_n yet_o be_v there_o but_o one_o ecclesiastical_a whereof_o cyprian_n himself_o be_v 2._o archbishop_n as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o trullan_n synod_n call_v he_o it_o please_v say_v he_o in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 40._o all_o the_o bishop_n constitute_v either_o in_o our_o province_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o all_o the_o bishop_n which_o be_v on_o his_o side_n the_o sea_n do_v belong_v unto_o one_o province_n 45_o for_o our_o province_n say_v he_o in_o another_o place_n be_v spread_v more_o large_o have_v numidia_n also_o and_o both_o the_o mauritaniaes_n annex_v unto_o it_o whence_o that_o great_a council_n assemble_v by_o he_o for_o determine_v the_o question_n touch_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o heretic_n be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v cypriani_fw-la out_o of_o the_o province_n of_o africa_n numidia_n and_o mauritania_n for_o howsoever_o in_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o proconsular_a africa_n wherein_o carthage_n be_v seat_v numidia_n and_o both_o the_o mauritany_n sitifensis_n and_o caesariensis_n be_v account_v three_o distinct_a province_n yet_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n they_o be_v join_v together_o and_o make_v but_o one_o province_n immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o metropolitical_a jurisdiction_n of_o the_o prime_n see_v of_o carthage_n some_o threescore_o year_n before_o this_o african_a council_n be_v hold_v by_o cyprian_a those_o other_o provincial_n synod_n be_v assemble_v by_o the_o metropolitan_o of_o sundry_a nation_n fot_o the_o compose_n of_o the_o paschall_n controversy_n then_o hot_o pursue_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o in_o our_o neighbour_n country_n out_o of_o 23._o the_o parish_n for_o so_o in_o the_o ancient_a language_n of_o the_o church_n those_o precinct_n be_v name_v which_o now_o we_o call_v diocese_n of_o which_o irenaeus_n have_v the_o superintendency_n whence_o also_o he_o write_v that_o free_a epistle_n unto_o victor_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o brethren_n over_o who_o he_o be_v precedent_n at_o which_o time_n and_o before_o the_o 1._o most_o famous_a metropoles_fw-la of_o that_o country_n and_o so_o the_o ibid._n most_o eminent_a church_n therein_o be_v lion_n and_o vienna_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o irenaeus_n 〈◊〉_d be_v then_o no_o less_o renown_v a_o prelate_n than_o cyprian_n be_v afterward_o in_o africa_n dionysius_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o corinth_n be_v elder_a than_o they_o who_o among_o many_o other_o epistle_n direct_v one_o 23._o to_o the_o church_n of_o gortyna_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o crete_n wherein_o he_o salute_v their_o bishop_n philip._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o that_o time_n aswell_o as_o in_o the_o age_n follow_v 8._o gortyna_n be_v the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o whole_a island_n which_o kind_n of_o superintendency_n there_o eusebius_n the_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a historian_n now_o extant_a derive_v from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o titus_n who_o out_o of_o the_o history_n that_o be_v before_o his_o time_n he_o relate_v to_o have_v hold_v 1._o the_o bishopric_n of_o the_o church_n in_o crete_n with_o who_o the_o grecian_n of_o after_o time_n do_v full_o concur_v as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o subscription_n annex_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d to_o titus_n ordain_v as_o there_o they_o say_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n and_o by_o the_o argument_n prefix_v by_o they_o before_o the_o same_o speak_v of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n that_o oecomeâ—o_n he_o be_v by_o paul_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o that_o great_a country_n and_o have_v commission_n to_o ordain_v the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o which_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n unto_o he_o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o out_o of_o which_o m._n calvin_n collect_v this_o doctrine_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o general_a we_o learn_v out_o of_o this_o place_n that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o such_o a_o equality_n betwixt_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o one_o who_o be_v precedent_n over_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o authority_n and_o in_o counsel_n and_o s_o chrysostom_n for_o the_o particular_a of_o titus_n 1._o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o approve_a man_n he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v that_o whole_a island_n unto_o he_o he_o will_v not_o have_v command_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a he_o will_v not_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o many_o bishop_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v very_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o man_n and_o bishop_n jewel_n 5._o upon_o he_o again_o have_v the_o government_n of_o many_o bishop_n what_o may_v we_o call_v he_o but_o a_o archbishop_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o another_o island_n stick_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o control_n to_o deduce_v the_o ordination_n of_o their_o metropolitan_a from_o the_o apostolic_a time_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n for_o whereas_o the_o patriarch_n of_o antioch_n do_v claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o metropolitan_a of_o cyprus_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o island_n prescribe_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o 7._o from_o the_o time_n
take_v he_o at_o his_o own_o word_n in_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v some_o way_n a_o authoritative_a prelacy_n and_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o extraordinary_a it_o will_v by_o and_o by_o receive_v a_o ordinary_a but_o a_o true_a answer_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o press_v his_o confession_n as_o we_o may_v do_v his_o reason_n thereof_o deduct_v from_o the_o text_n themselves_o concern_v their_o prelatical_a power_n of_o order_v matter_n that_o be_v amiss_o tit._n 1._o 5._o of_o receive_a accusation_n against_o presbyter_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o and_o the_o like_a but_o our_o other_o opposite_n will_v needs_o pose_v we_o require_v we_o to_o answer_v their_o first_o objection_n videl_n smect_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o pedigree_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n be_v no_o other_o than_o presbyter_n then_o this_o be_v prove_v say_v they_o by_o two_o instance_n the_o first_o be_v the_o identity_n of_o their_o name_n which_o quoth_v they_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o no_o small_a consequence_n we_o answer_v yea_o rather_o of_o none_o at_o all_o else_o be_v master_n beza_n but_o of_o small_a judgement_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o apostolical_a age_n be_v confess_v appellatione_fw-la that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v then_o a_o precedent_n over_o they_o yea_o when_o the_o community_n of_o name_n so_o he_o of_o presbyter_n and_o bpâ—_n remain_v among_o they_o according_o as_o 3._o dr_n reynolds_n have_v say_v that_o the_o presbytery_n have_v then_o one_o who_o be_v precedent_n over_o they_o when_o as_o yet_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o who_o furthermore_o concern_v the_o time_n of_o distinguish_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n whither_o soon_o or_o late_a here_o or_o there_o he_o say_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n be_v afterward_o appropriate_v by_o the_o usual_a language_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o presidentship_n over_o the_o elder_n so_o he_o hereby_o grant_v that_o the_o presidentship_n by_o bishop_n be_v of_o force_n before_o the_o title_n and_o name_n be_v appropriate_v and_o allot_v unto_o they_o if_o our_o opposite_n have_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o these_o learned_a author_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v their_o pain_n in_o oppugn_v episcopacy_n how_o much_o more_o if_o they_o have_v consult_v with_o god_n own_o oracle_n in_o his_o word_n wherein_o we_o find_v which_o former_o we_o point_v at_o that_o saint_n peter_n entitle_v himself_o a_o co-presbyte_a 1._o pet._n 5._o &_o 1_o saint_n john_n himself_o a_o presbyter_n 1._o john_n 1_o and_o saint_n paul_n himself_o thrice_o he_o can_v then_o stoop_v no_o low_a a_o deacon_n col._n 1._o 23._o &_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 3._o &_o 6._o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o inferior_a appellation_n they_o hold_v still_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o apostelship_n we_o end_v this_o point_n in_o hope_n that_o our_o opposite_n will_v take_v out_o this_o lesson_n which_o calvin_n learn_v from_o the_o divine_a text_n in_o the_o epistle_n of_o titus_n what_o be_v that_o even_o our_o full_a conclusion_n in_o this_o cause_n praeâ—sset_fw-la we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o a_o equality_n say_v he_o among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o one_o be_v with_o authority_n place_v over_o other_o their_o second_o convince_a objection_n will_v be_v discuss_v xviii_o thesis_n that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v have_v a_o prelacy_n as_o bishop_n over_o the_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n that_o they_o be_v call_v evangelist_n according_a to_o consent_v of_o protestant_n of_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o examine_v the_o second_o and_o only_o other_o objection_n which_o our_o opposite_n enforce_v in_o this_o case_n to_o wit_n 115._o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n with_o all_o other_o such_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o assistant_n and_o immediate_a successor_n do_v take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n not_o as_o proper_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n who_o have_v no_o settle_a residence_n in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o but_o be_v encounter_v with_o other_o protestant_a divine_n of_o remote_a church_n in_o good_a number_n for_o praeerat_fw-la luther_n among_o his_o other_o resolution_n insert_v this_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v of_o divine_a right_n ground_v his_o judgement_n upon_o the_o text_n specify_v titus_n his_o government_n in_o crete_n as_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o augustine_n 2._o their_o learned_a quadrent_fw-la scultetus_n show_v that_o at_o this_o time_n they_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o assist_v the_o apostle_n for_o collect_v of_o church_n at_o evangelist_n but_o for_o govern_v of_o they_o that_o have_v be_v collect_v as_o the_o general_a precept_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o do_v prove_v thereby_o to_o become_v the_o example_n &_o type_n for_o the_o successor_n to_o follow_v and_o thereupon_o he_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o who_o otherwise_o be_v call_v evangeliste_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o by_o their_o superintendency_n bishop_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n preminentiae_fw-la master_n moulin_n will_v have_v it_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v whether_o as_o bishop_n or_o evangelist_n it_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o continual_a succession_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v as_o other_o confess_v as_o james_n have_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o mark_v in_o alexandria_n which_o be_v episcopal_a titus_n say_v episcopus_fw-la tossahus_o after_o his_o peregrination_n with_o paul_n be_v appoint_v bishop_n of_o crect_n and_o before_o these_o utriusque_fw-la zuinglius_fw-la confess_v that_o tim._n at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o paul_n advise_v he_o to_o pursue_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4._o be_v then_o bishop_n in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o by_o all_o consequence_n 5._o dr._n gerhard_n a_o late_a famous_a theological_a author_n be_v copious_a in_o this_o argument_n who_o in_o the_o same_o show_v that_o the_o word_n evangelist_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o paul_n write_v unto_o he_o be_v take_v in_o a_o general_a acceptation_n and_o not_o as_o proper_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o he_o have_v be_v a_o assistant_n even_o as_o luther_n say_v he_o understand_v it_o beside_o he_o show_v out_o of_o scripture_n exact_o the_o several_a station_n which_o timothy_n have_v with_o saint_n paul_n in_o exercise_v his_o office_n before_o that_o time_n that_o he_o be_v place_v bishop_n in_o ephesus_n we_o forbear_v the_o full_a allegation_n of_o the_o like_a author_n cite_v by_o other_o that_o we_o may_v hearken_v to_o our_o english_a doctor_n reynolds_n nothing_o inferior_a to_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o opposite_n themselves_o tell_v we_o of_o that_o very_a time_n when_o paul_n assemble_v the_o ministry_n at_o miletum_n act._n 20._o 28._o 3._o one_o be_v choose_v as_o chief_a in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o gâ—â—d_v it_o the_o same_o who_o afterward_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n call_v bishop_n so_o he_o and_o for_o confirmation_n hereof_o show_v that_o which_o must_v indeed_o be_v impregnable_a to_o wit_n a_o lineal_a succession_n of_o 27._o bishop_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v from_o timothy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o for_o surplus_n age_n to_o all_o this_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o object_v reason_n propound_v for_o timothy_n nonresidence_n in_o ephesus_n by_o that_o qualification_n which_o jurisconsulti_fw-la calvin_n have_v do_v in_o like_a case_n namely_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o strict_o tie_v to_o their_o glebe_n or_o charge_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o help_v other_o church_n upon_o necessary_a occasion_n as_o for_o the_o object_v term_n of_o evangelist_n we_o moreover_o answer_v from_o scripture_n where_o we_o find_v philip_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o samaria_n act._n 8._o 5._o call_v a_o evangelist_n act._n 21._o 8._o and_o yet_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o mean_v deacon_n act._n 6._o 5._o our_o quaere_fw-la be_v why_o timothy_n may_v not_o as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v a_o bishop_n as_o philip_n be_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n name_v in_o evangelist_n be_v a_o deacon_n we_o think_v all_o this_o shall_v be_v satisfactory_a although_o no_o more_o be_v say_v but_o more_o we_o have_v xix_o thesis_n that_o antiquity_n teach_v a_o episcopacy_n both_o in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n our_o strong_a opposite_a extitere_fw-la salmasius_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v concern_v antiquity_n although_o he_o spurn_v against_o it_o that_o chrysostome_n epiphaneus_n theophylact_fw-mi theodoret_n and_o other_o greek_a commentatour_n have_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n that_o titus_n be_v very_o bishop_n of_o creeâ—e_n and_o that_o there_o can_v not_o be_v divers_a bishop_n in_o one_o city_n which_o be_v our_o
the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n james_n and_o john_n to_o be_v choose_v the_o peculiar_a bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o then_o mother_n church_n of_o the_o world_n after_o the_o death_n of_o james_n the_o just_a 32._o hegesippus_n declare_v that_o symeon_n the_o son_n of_o clopas_n or_o cleophas_n be_v constitute_v bishop_n and_o so_o continue_v until_o the_o day_n of_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n under_o who_o he_o suffer_v a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n about_o the_o same_o time_n that_o ignatius_n do_v be_v then_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o by_o that_o account_n bear_v before_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n where_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o prime_a historian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o 32._o until_o these_o time_n the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o virgin_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o corrupt_v with_o the_o overspread_n of_o heretical_a doctrine_n for_o howsoever_o heresy_n do_v spring_v up_o before_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o disciple_n who_o have_v hear_v our_o lord_n himself_o preach_v that_o the_o author_n and_o fautor_n thereof_o be_v not_o able_a to_o get_v any_o great_a head_n be_v force_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o opposite_n to_o lurk_v in_o obscurity_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o all_o that_o generation_n be_v gather_v unto_o their_o father_n and_o none_o of_o those_o be_v leave_v who_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o hear_v the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o lord_n own_o mouth_n the_o heretic_n take_v that_o advantage_n begin_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o combination_n and_o with_o open_a face_n public_o to_o maintain_v the_o 20._o opposition_n of_o their_o science_n false_o so_o call_v from_o whence_o they_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o gnostic_n or_o man_n of_o knowledge_n against_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o by_o those_o who_o be_v 2._o eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v 3._o once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o beginner_n of_o which_o conspiracy_n be_v one_o thebûthis_n who_o have_v at_o the_o first_o be_v breed_v in_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o sect_n into_o which_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o those_o day_n divide_v but_o afterward_o because_o he_o miss_v of_o a_o bishopric_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v aspire_v this_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o it_o may_v seem_v whereunto_o justus_n after_o the_o death_n of_o symeon_n be_v prefer_v before_o he_o can_v think_v of_o no_o readyer_n a_o way_n thorough_o to_o revenge_v himself_o of_o this_o disgrace_n than_o by_o raise_v up_o the_o like_a distraction_n among_o the_o christian_n which_o as_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o show_v the_o malignity_n of_o that_o ambitious_a sectary_n so_o do_v it_o in_o the_o occasion_n discover_v withal_o the_o great_a esteem_n that_o in_o those_o early_a day_n be_v have_v of_o episcopacy_n when_o hegesippus_n write_v this_o ecclesiastical_a history_n the_o ancient_a of_o any_o since_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n eleutherius_fw-la as_o we_o hear_v before_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unto_o who_o 4._o lucius_n king_n of_o the_o britain_n as_o our_o bede_n relate_v send_v a_o epistle_n desire_v that_o by_o his_o mean_n he_o may_v be_v make_v christian._n who_o present_o obtain_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o pious_a request_n and_o the_o britain_n keep_v the_o faith_n then_o receive_v sound_a and_o undefiled_a in_o quiet_a peace_n until_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n by_o who_o bloody_a persecution_n the_o faith_n and_o discipline_n of_o our_o british_a church_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o quite_o extinguish_v but_o that_o within_o ten_o year_n after_o and_o eleven_o before_o the_o first_o general_a council_n of_o nice_a three_o of_o our_o bishop_n be_v present_a and_o subscribe_v unto_o the_o council_n of_o arles_n 9_o eborius_n of_o york_n restitutus_n of_o london_n and_o adelfius_n of_o colchester_n if_o that_o be_v it_o which_o be_v call_v there_o colonia_n londinensium_n the_o first_o root_n of_o who_o succession_n we_o must_v fetch_v beyond_o eleutherius_fw-la and_o as_o high_a as_o s._n peter_n himself_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o he_o junii_fw-la constitute_v church_n here_o and_o ordain_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o they_o as_o symeon_n metaphrastes_n relate_v out_o of_o some_o part_n of_o ibid._n eusebius_n as_o it_o seem_v that_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o our_o hand_n but_o to_o return_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o s._n john_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o seven_o singular_a bishop_n who_o be_v the_o constant_a precedent_n over_o those_o church_n be_v point_v at_o under_o that_o name_n for_o other_o sure_a they_o can_v not_o be_v if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o quality_n with_o polycarpus_n the_o then_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o smyrna_n who_o without_o all_o question_n be_v such_o if_o any_o credit_n may_v be_v give_v herein_o unto_o those_o that_o see_v he_o and_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o as_o tertullian_n in_o express_a term_n affirm_v he_o to_o have_v be_v place_v there_o by_o s._n john_n himself_o in_o the_o testimony_n before_o allege_v out_o of_o his_o 2._o prescription_n so_o do_v he_o elsewhere_o from_o the_o order_n of_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n not_o obscure_o intimate_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o number_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o the_o same_o descent_n 5._o we_o have_v say_v he_o the_o church_n that_o be_v breed_v by_o john_n for_o although_o martion_n do_v reject_v his_o revelation_n yet_o the_o order_n of_o the_o bishop_n reckon_v up_o unto_o their_o original_n will_v stand_v for_o john_n to_o be_v their_o founder_n neither_o do_v the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o timothy_n mention_v by_o photius_n mean_v any_o other_o by_o those_o seven_o bishop_n who_o assistance_n he_o say_v s._n john_n do_v use_v after_o his_o return_n from_o patmos_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o ephesian_n for_o 254._o be_v revoke_v from_o his_o exile_n say_v he_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o nerva_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o metropolis_n of_o ephesus_n and_o be_v assist_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o seven_o bishop_n he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o continue_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o piety_n until_o the_o empire_n of_o trajan_n that_o he_o remain_v with_o the_o ephesian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o asia_n until_o the_o day_n of_o trajan_n and_o that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o he_o publish_v his_o gospel_n be_v sufficient_o witness_v by_o 3_o ireneus_fw-la that_o upon_o his_o return_n from_o the_o island_n after_o the_o death_n of_o domitian_n he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v confirm_v likewise_o both_o by_o 23._o eusebius_n and_o by_o 9_o hierom_n who_o further_o add_v that_o matthaei_n at_o the_o earnest_a entreaty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n he_o write_v there_o his_o gospel_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o also_o be_v free_a from_o his_o banishment_n do_v ordain_v bishop_n in_o diverse_a church_n be_v clear_o testify_v by_o clement_n of_o alexandria_n who_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o and_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o those_o who_o go_v before_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v far_o from_o the_o time_n wherein_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v 23._o when_o s._n john_n say_v he_o domitian_n the_o tyrant_n be_v dead_a remove_v from_o the_o island_n of_o patmos_n unto_o ephesus_n by_o the_o entreaty_n of_o some_o he_o go_v also_o unto_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n in_o some_o place_n constitute_v bishop_n in_o other_o sound_v whole_a church_n among_o these_o neighbour_a church_n be_v that_o of_o hierapolis_n which_o have_v papias_n place_v 2._o bishop_n therein_o that_o this_o man_n be_v 33._o a_o hearer_n of_o s._n john_n and_o a_o companion_n of_o polycarpus_n be_v testify_v by_o his_o own_o scholar_n theodoram_fw-la irenaeus_n and_o that_o he_o converse_v with_o meminit_fw-la the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o christ_n also_o he_o himself_o do_v thus_o declare_v in_o the_o proëme_n of_o the_o five_o book_n which_o he_o entitle_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n ibid._n if_o upon_o occasion_n any_o of_o the_o presbyter_n which_o have_v accompany_v the_o apostle_n do_v come_v i_o diligent_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o speech_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v what_o andrew_n or_o what_o peter_n do_v say_v or_o what_o philip_n or_o thomas_n or_o james_n or_o john_n or_o