of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o they_o be_v her_o supreme_a governor_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v chief_o bind_v by_o the_o most_o fundamental_a law_n of_o their_o office_n to_o be_v conscientious_a conservator_n of_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a interest_n and_o indeed_o so_o they_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n and_o i._o they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v indispensible_o to_o maintain_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o concord_n the_o unanimity_n the_o honour_n they_o be_v all_o st._n cyprian_n word_n of_o the_o college_n itself_o every_o error_n every_o defect_n every_o thing_n disjoint_v or_o out_o of_o tune_n in_o it_o tend_v natural_o to_o endanger_v the_o great_a interest_n for_o the_o conservation_n and_o procuration_n of_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v for_o this_o end_n 2._o because_o every_o man_n by_o be_v promoted_n to_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n be_v eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la a_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o a_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n all_o possible_a care_n be_v take_v that_o a_o fit_a person_n shall_v be_v promote_v and_o that_o the_o promotion_n shall_v be_v unquestionable_a therefore_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v promoted_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v promoted_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n uncanonical_a or_o challengeable_a in_o his_o baptism_n or_o his_o confirmation_n or_o his_o prâ—motion_n to_o any_o former_a order_n as_o i_o have_v show_v also_o in_o the_o case_n of_o novationus_fw-la therefore_o he_o be_v solemn_o elect_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n that_o either_o his_o crime_n may_v be_v detect_v or_o his_o merit_n publish_v because_o the_o people_n be_v best_o acquaint_v with_o every_o man_n life_n and_o conversation_n 172._o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v solemn_o ordain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n also_o ibid._n and_o that_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bishop_n at_o few_o tho'_o a_o ordination_n perform_v by_o one_o bishop_n be_v true_o valid_a common_o there_o be_v more_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n 3._o be_v thus_o canonical_o promoted_n his_o first_o work_n be_v to_o send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o all_o other_o bishop_n to_o give_v they_o thereby_o a_o account_n of_o his_o canonical_a promotion_n his_o orthodoxy_n in_o the_o faith_n his_o fraternal_a disposition_n etc._n etc._n thus_o cornelius_n be_v no_o soon_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o rome_n than_o he_o instant_o dispatch_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o st._n cyprian_a 87._o and_o no_o doubt_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v to_o all_o other_o bishop_n at_o least_o to_o all_o metropolitan_o by_o they_o to_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o bishop_n within_o their_o province_n i_o say_v to_o metropolitan_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v clear_a than_o that_o there_o be_v metropolitan_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n he_o be_v undoubted_o one_o himself_n 199._o and_o agrippiâ—â—s_n his_o predecessor_n bishop_n of_o carthage_n be_v one_o long_o before_o he_o spanhemius_fw-la himself_n our_o author_n diligem_n searcher_n into_o antiquity_n acknowledge_v it_o 117._o but_o to_o return_v from_o this_o digression_n novatianus_n also_o tho'_o illegal_o and_o schismatical_o ordain_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o st._n cyptian_a as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v canonical_o and_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 83._o so_o also_o fortunatus_n when_o make_v a_o schismatical_a bishop_n at_o carthage_n send_v his_o communicatory_a letter_n to_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n 135._o indeed_o this_o be_v never_o omit_v 4._o if_o there_o be_v no_o competition_n no_o controversy_n in_o the_o caâ—e_n the_o matter_n be_v at_o a_o end_n the_o promoted_n bishop_n communicatory_a letter_n be_v sufficient_a and_o he_o be_v forthwith_o faithful_o join_v with_o all_o his_o colleague_n as_o st._n cyprian_a word_n it_o 130._o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o competitor_n any_o debate_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o college_n before_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o colleague_n make_v further_a inquiry_n sometime_o they_o send_v some_o from_o the_o neighbourhood_n to_o examine_v the_o matter_n sometime_o the_o ordainer_n be_v oblige_v to_o account_v for_o the_o person_n ordain_v and_o the_o whole_a procedure_n of_o the_o ordination_n sometime_o both_o method_n be_v practise_v we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o both_o method_n in_o one_o case_n the_o case_n of_o cornelius_n and_o novationus_fw-la cornelius_n as_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o his_o promotion_n write_v to_o st._n cyprian_a so_o do_v novatianus_n here_o be_v a_o competition_n cyprian_a therefore_o with_o his_o african_a colleague_n send_v caldonius_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o bishop_n to_o rome_n that_o upon_o the_o place_n itself_o where_o they_o may_v have_v the_o sure_a information_n they_o may_v enquâ—re_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o try_v the_o competition_n 45._o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o sixteen_o bishop_n who_o ordain_v cornelius_n write_v to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n and_o satisfy_v they_o upon_o the_o whole_a question_n demonstrate_v cornelius_n title_n and_o condemn_v novatianus_n 104._o such_o care_n be_v take_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v unworthy_o or_o uncanonical_o into_o the_o episcopal_a college_n but_o then_o 5._o there_o be_v equal_a care_n take_v to_o purge_v he_o out_o of_o the_o college_n again_o if_o he_o turn_v either_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a if_o he_o keep_v not_o close_o to_o the_o law_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o communion_n if_o he_o swerve_v from_o these_o he_o be_v forthwith_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n therefore_o say_v st._n cyprian_n to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o case_n of_o marcianus_n bishop_n of_o arles_n who_o have_v join_v with_o novatianus_n the_o corporation_n of_o priest_n the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v copious_a be_v cement_v by_o the_o glue_n of_o mutual_a concord_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o unity_n that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o college_n shall_v turn_v heretic_n or_o attempt_v to_o divide_v or_o waste_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n the_o rest_n may_v interpose_v and_o as_o profitable_a and_o merciful_a shepherd_n collect_v our_o lord_n sheep_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o flock_n 178._o and_o this_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n for_o as_o our_o martyr_n subjoin_v tho'_o they_o be_v many_o pastor_n yet_o they_o all_o feed_v but_o one_o flock_n ibid._n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v the_o desolate_a christian_n of_o church_n whereof_o the_o bishop_n have_v turn_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a the_o comfort_n of_o their_o aid_n and_o assistance_n 177._o it_o be_v true_a no_o bishop_n be_v superior_a to_o another_o bishop_n in_o point_n of_o power_n or_o jurisdiction_n but_o all_o stand_v collateral_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o so_o no_o bishop_n as_o superior_a to_o another_o in_o a_o straight_a linâ—_n can_v pass_v sentence_n on_o he_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v to_o presbyter_n yet_o all_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o college_n which_o college_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n catholic_n it_o be_v necessary_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a that_o that_o college_n shall_v be_v impower_v to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o by_o consequence_n they_o can_v do_v the_o equivalent_a of_o a_o formal_a and_o authoritative_a deposition_n they_o can_v refuse_v the_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a bishop_n their_o communion_n and_o thereby_o exclude_v he_o from_o the_o episcopal_a college_n and_o they_o can_v oblige_v all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n to_o abandon_v his_o communion_n and_o choose_v another_o bishop_n as_o they_o value_v the_o invaluable_a privilege_n of_o the_o one_o church_n and_o the_o one_o communion_n but_o then_o 6._o so_o long_o as_o a_o bishop_n worthy_o and_o legal_o promoted_n keep_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v treat_v he_o be_v encourage_v he_o be_v consult_v he_o be_v correspond_v with_o in_o a_o word_n every_o way_n use_v as_o become_v the_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o a_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o ratify_v all_o his_o canonical_a nay_o equitable_a act_n of_o priesthood_n government_n and_o discipline_n whosoever_o be_v baptise_a by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o clergy_n with_o his_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v own_v as_o a_o baptise_a christian_a a_o true_a denizen_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o such_o all_o the_o world_n
over_o every_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n live_v at_o how_o great_a a_o distance_n soever_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v his_o dutiful_a subject_n due_o attest_v by_o he_o and_o to_o excommunicate_v his_o excommunicate_n thus_o for_o instance_n cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n reject_v felicissimus_n and_o all_o his_o retainer_n and_o fortunatus_n and_o all_o he_o and_o will_v not_o grant_v they_o his_o communion_n because_o excommunicate_v by_o st._n cyprian_n 126._o and_o cyprian_a reject_v novatianus_n and_o all_o his_o party_n because_o not_o in_o communion_n with_o cornelius_n 44_o in_o short_a by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n he_o that_o be_v injurious_a undutiful_a or_o disobedient_a to_o his_o bishop_n be_v such_o to_o all_o the_o bishop_n on_o earth_n he_o that_o set_v up_o a_o altar_n against_o his_o bishop_n altar_n set_v up_o his_o altar_n against_o all_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n if_o a_o bishop_n depose_v or_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o his_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o other_o bishop_n to_o receive_v he_o nor_o to_o absolve_v he_o he_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reserve_v for_o that_o to_o his_o own_o bishop_n so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v he_o that_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o bishop_n whether_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n or_o laity_n and_o restore_v by_o he_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v thereby_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n therapius_n bishop_n of_o bulla_n in_o the_o proconsular_a province_n of_o africa_n absolve_v victor_n who_o have_v be_v a_o presbyter_n but_o have_v fall_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n premature_o and_o uncanonical_o and_o yet_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o sixty_o six_o bishop_n whereof_o cyprian_n be_v one_o the_o absolution_n be_v ratify_v and_o victor_n be_v allow_v their_o communion_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o synodical_a epistle_n 158._o so_o eminent_a and_o considerable_a be_v a_o bishop_n then_o as_o he_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n let_v i_o only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o in_o pursuance_n of_o his_o dignity_n as_o to_o this_o relation_n and_o that_o be_v 7._o that_o so_o long_o as_o bishop_n continue_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o college_n all_o informatory_n consultatory_n recommendatory_a communicatory_a congratulatory_a apologetic_a testimonial_a in_o a_o word_n all_o letter_n concern_v the_o peace_n the_o unity_n the_o government_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o concord_n the_o correspondence_n the_o harmony_n the_o honour_n the_o hazard_n or_o any_o other_o considerable_a interest_n of_o the_o college_n be_v direct_v to_o he_o or_o receive_v from_o he_o as_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v all_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o both_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v in_o thâ—se_a time_n transact_v by_o letter_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o general_n council_n then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v either_o to_o meet_v in_o provincial_a synod_n upon_o great_a emergency_n or_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o to_o transact_v matter_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o general_n determination_n by_o particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n provincial_n synod_n be_v ordinary_o keep_v twice_o a_o year_n and_o by_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n all_o matter_n of_o moment_n be_v determine_v and_o so_o by_o the_o reciprocation_n of_o synodical_a letter_n matter_n come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o general_n agreement_n and_o determination_n as_o in_o the_o result_n be_v full_o equivalent_a to_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o general_n council_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n of_o such_o transaction_n by_o provincial_a synod_n thus_o in_o the_o grand_a case_n of_o the_o lapse_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecusion_n the_o matter_n be_v so_o manage_v by_o provincial_a synod_n in_o africa_n rome_n alexandria_n antiâ—ch_n etc._n etc._n that_o at_o last_o as_o st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o general_a conclusion_n that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v complete_a their_o term_n of_o penance_n and_o shall_v not_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n before_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o deadly_a sickness_n 103._o thus_o without_o doubt_n also_o that_o considerable_a canon_n mention_v by_o st._n cyprian_n in_o the_o synodical_a epistle_n which_o be_v the_o 67th_o in_o number_n among_o his_o epistle_n viz._n that_o the_o lapse_v however_o they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v never_o be_v receive_v into_o holy_a order_n 174._o and_o that_o other_o canon_n mention_v by_o he_o also_o that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v tutor_n to_o minor_n i._n thus_o also_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n the_o great_a controversy_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o easter_n be_v manage_v in_o many_o synod_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o 28._o and_o a_o few_o year_n after_o his_o martyrdom_n the_o case_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la 30._o these_o instance_n be_v only_o for_o a_o sample_n when_o provincial_a synod_n can_v not_o be_v keep_v or_o emergent_a matter_n of_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v convenient_o determine_v in_o they_o than_o recourse_n be_v have_v to_o the_o only_a remain_a method_n viz._n particular_a letter_n from_o bishop_n to_o bishop_n and_o to_o make_v this_o method_n both_o sure_a and_o effectual_a all_o possible_a pain_n be_v take_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o each_o bishop_n shall_v sign_v his_o letter_n and_o send_v it_o not_o by_o every_o common_a carrier_n but_o by_o a_o clergyman_n 55._o in_o short_a they_o have_v such_o mark_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a if_o possible_a to_o counterfeit_v they_o and_o the_o bishop_n who_o receive_v it_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o college_n to_o transmit_v it_o for_o his_o share_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n and_o so_o it_o go_v through_o and_o the_o whole_a college_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o accident_n the_o case_n the_o controversy_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o have_v emerge_v we_o have_v many_o instance_n and_o evidence_n of_o this_o method_n and_o diligence_n in_o st._n cyprian_n write_n thus_o e._n g._n when_o caldonius_n write_v to_o cyprian_a concern_v some_o lapse_v within_o his_o district_n cyprian_n return_v he_o a_o answer_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v write_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o purpose_n already_o and_o so_o send_v he_o copy_n of_o five_o epistle_n concern_v the_o case_n require_v he_o to_o transmit_v they_o to_o as_o many_o bishop_n as_o he_o can_v add_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n that_o one_o course_n one_o resolution_n may_v be_v keep_v by_o all_o the_o college_n 50._o and_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o about_o that_o controversy_n be_v trasmit_v from_o hand_n to_o hand_n till_o they_o be_v disperse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o 102._o thus_o i_o say_v sometime_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v manage_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o method_n be_v every_o be_v equivalent_a if_o not_o preferable_a to_o a_o general_n council_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n may_v have_v still_o subsist_v and_o its_o unity_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o preserve_v in_o all_o age_n without_o such_o council_n as_o it_o be_v effectual_o during_o the_o first_o three_o century_n now_o that_o which_o i_o be_o principal_o concern_v for_o in_o all_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o all_o these_o circular_a letter_n of_o whatsoever_o nature_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n be_v regular_o direct_v only_o to_o the_o bishop_n as_o be_v the_o head_n and_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o their_o respective_a church_n as_o well_o as_o write_v and_o send_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o order_n and_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a account_n of_o this_o in_o st._n cyprian_n 48th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n for_o there_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o adrumetum_n have_v receive_v cornelius_n communicatory_a letter_n direct_v to_o polycarpus_n their_o bishop_n and_o see_v their_o bishop_n be_v absent_a find_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n in_o his_o name_n as_o have_v his_o presume_a allowance_n for_o it_o they_o write_v to_o cornelius_n in_o the_o common_a form_n acknowledge_v he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o subjoyn_v polycarpus_n his_o name_n to_o the_o letter_n a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n it_o behove_v all_o the_o letter_n that_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v subscribe_v
by_o he_o no_o other_o name_n but_o he_o can_v give_v they_o force_n and_o make_v they_o current_n well!_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n amiss_o st._n cyprian_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n have_v intelligence_n of_o the_o competition_n that_o be_v at_o rome_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o have_v determine_v to_o continue_v to_o write_v only_o to_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o before_o during_o the_o vacancy_n till_o cornelius_n his_o title_n shall_v be_v full_o clear_v to_o they_o this_o the_o clergy_n of_o adrumâ—tum_n be_v ignorant_a of_o when_o they_o write_v the_o abovementioned_a letter_n and_o be_v afterward_o tell_v it_o by_o cyprian_a and_o liberalis_n they_o direct_v their_o next_o letter_n not_o for_o cornelius_n but_o for_o the_o roman_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n hereat_o cornelius_n be_v not_o a_o little_a stumble_v and_o according_a to_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n interpret_n it_o to_o be_v a_o disow_n of_o he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n he_o write_v a_o letter_n of_o complaint_n to_o cyprian_a about_o it_o who_o be_v then_o metropolitan_a of_o that_o province_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o our_o holy_a martyr_n write_v a_o full_a apology_n to_o he_o show_v he_o what_o be_v true_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o what_o reason_n the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n have_v take_v the_o aforesaid_a resolution_n how_o it_o be_v in_o consequence_n of_o that_o resolution_n that_o the_o clergy_n of_o adrumetum_n have_v change_v their_o direction_n and_o how_o by_o the_o whole_a method_n noâ—â—â—ng_v be_v less_o intend_v than_o to_o disow_v he_o as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n or_o invalidate_v his_o title_n and_o be_v there_o not_o here_o as_o clear_v a_o evidence_n that_o regular_o and_o in_o the_o current_a form_n all_o letter_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o bishop_n shall_v i_o give_v you_o another_o history_n to_o clear_v this_o matter_n further_o when_o maximus_n and_o nicostratus_n retain_v to_o novatianus_n and_o so_o separate_v from_o cornelius_n do_v thereby_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n cyprian_n write_v to_o they_o as_o well_o he_o may_v consider_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o true_a bishop_n cornelius_n but_o how_o do_v he_o write_v why_o so_o as_o that_o his_o letter_n shall_v not_o be_v deliver_v till_o cornelius_n shall_v see_v it_o and_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o deliver_v it_o 47._o such_o a_o special_a regard_n be_v then_o pay_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o a_o church_n as_o be_v supreme_a in_o it_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o it_o if_o all_o this_o do_v not_o satisfy_v you_o then_o listen_v a_o little_a further_o and_o resist_v this_o evidence_n if_o you_o can_v because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o communion_n every_o heretical_a and_o schismatical_a bishop_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o who_o retain_v or_o adhere_v to_o he_o whether_o bishop_n clergy_n or_o laic_n do_v run_v the_o same_o risque_n with_o he_o therefore_o so_o soon_o as_o any_o bishop_n turn_v heretic_n or_o schismatic_a the_o catholic_n bishop_n of_o the_o province_n especial_o the_o metropolitan_o form_v list_n of_o all_o the_o true_a orthodox_n and_o catholic_n bishop_n within_o their_o respective_a province_n and_o send_v they_o to_o other_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o they_o be_v transmit_v all_o the_o world_n over_o that_o their_o communicatory_a letter_n and_o they_o only_o might_n be_v receive_v and_o their_o communion_n and_o they_o only_o may_v be_v allow_v and_o that_o all_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o retainer_n to_o heretical_a or_o schismatical_a bishop_n may_v be_v reject_v and_o their_o communion_n refuse_v and_o for_o this_o we_o have_v two_o notable_a testimony_n from_o st._n cyprian_n the_o one_o be_v in_o his_o 59th_o epistle_n direct_v to_o cornelius_n where_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o upon_o fortunatus_n his_o start_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n he_o have_v send_v he_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o bishop_n in_o africa_n who_o govern_v their_o church_n in_o soundness_n and_o integrity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o common_a advice_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n that_o you_o and_o all_o my_o colleague_n may_v ready_o know_v to_o who_o you_o may_v send_v and_o from_o who_o you_o may_v receive_v communicatory_a lettâ—s_n 132._o the_o other_o testimony_n be_v in_o ep._n 68_o where_o cyprian_n have_v give_v his_o sentiment_n full_o concern_v marcianus_n that_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o dignity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o another_o shall_v be_v substitute_v in_o his_o room_n &_o c._n require_v stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o give_v himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o africa_n a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v surrogated_a in_o marcianus_n his_o place_n that_o we_o may_v know_v say_v he_o to_o who_o we_o may_v direct_v our_o brethren_n and_o write_v our_o letter_n 179._o i_o have_v only_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o method_n and_o expedient_n which_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n in_o those_o time_n for_o preserve_v the_o unity_n the_o one_o communion_n of_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n and_o how_o nice_o and_o accurate_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o incorporation_n of_o all_o bishop_n into_o ouâ—_n college_n of_o all_o particular_a principle_n of_o unity_n of_o particular_a church_n into_o one_o aggregated_a principle_n of_o unity_n proportion_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o all_o those_o church_n in_o their_o aggregation_n and_o by_o the_o mutual_a support_n of_o all_o bishop_n one_o towards_o another_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a to_o have_v collect_v more_o particular_n as_o well_o as_o to_o have_v insist_v more_o large_o on_o these_o i_o have_v collect_v but_o from_o the_o small_a collection_n i_o have_v make_v i_o think_v i_o have_v lay_v foundation_n enough_o for_o another_o demonstration_n against_o our_o author_n notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o how_o can_v either_o single_a presbyter_n or_o presbyterian_a moderator_n take_v the_o term_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a sense_n have_v bear_v such_o a_o part_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o one_o communion_n beside_o that_o the_o college_n of_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n be_v still_o consider_v and_o insist_v on_o as_o consist_v of_o church_n governor_n notorious_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n beside_o that_o in_o all_o st._n cyprian_n write_n or_o in_o any_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n you_o shall_v never_o so_o much_o as_o once_o find_v a_o bishop_n call_v a_o presbyter_n his_o colleague_n beside_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o vestige_n of_o any_o such_o state_v ordinary_a current_a office_n in_o any_o record_n of_o those_o time_n as_o that_o of_o a_o mere_a presbyterian_a moderator_n beside_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v how_o have_v it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o principle_n or_o analogy_n the_o scheme_n or_o plot_n of_o presbyterian_a parity_n to_o have_v commit_v to_o any_o single_a presbyter_n moderator_n or_o other_o the_o bearing_z of_o such_o a_o part_n as_o that_o he_o and_o he_o alone_o of_o god_n know_v how_o many_o shall_v have_v be_v constitute_v a_o member_n of_o a_o college_n which_o college_n and_o which_o alone_o have_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o the_o unity_n and_o manage_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o that_o all_o his_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n his_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n his_o extrusion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n his_o suspension_n his_o abstention_n his_o excommunication_n his_o injunction_n of_o penance_n his_o absolution_n his_o ordination_n his_o degradation_n his_o depositioâ—â—_n in_o a_o word_n all_o his_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n within_o his_o own_o district_n and_o his_o alone_a shall_v have_v have_v authority_n and_o be_v deem_v valid_a and_o merit_v a_o ratification_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o that_o whosoever_o presbyter_n or_o other_o within_o such_o a_o district_n in_o which_o there_o may_v have_v be_v many_o decade_n of_o presbyter_n be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o or_o tope_v it_o with_o he_o or_o rebel_v against_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v repute_v disobedient_a to_o and_o rebellious_a against_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o that_o raise_v a_o altar_n against_o his_o altar_n and_o his_o only_a shall_v have_v be_v deem_v raise_v a_o altar_n against_o all_o catholic_n christian_n altar_n as_o that_o from_o he_o and_o from_o he_o only_o in_o the_o regular_a course_n all_o communicatory_a informatory_n conâ—olatory_a in_o short_a all_o
such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n at_o all_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o such_o be_v chief_a pastor_n judge_n head_n master_n rector_n governor_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n as_o such_o have_v no_o direct_a immediate_a formal_a relation_n to_o the_o people_n but_o only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n he_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o keep_v order_n in_o the_o manner_n and_o manage_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o presbytery_n not_o of_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o presbytery_n but_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n his_o prelacy_n whatever_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o the_o laity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o clergy_n st._n cyprian_n e._n g._n to_o as_o many_o christian_n as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o at_o least_o eight_o presbyter_n cornelius_n too_o as_o many_o as_o require_v the_o subordinate_a labour_n of_o forty_o six_o to_o a_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o which_o beside_o forty_o six_o presbyter_n seven_o deacon_n seven_o subdeacon_n forty_o two_o acolyte_n fifty_o two_o exorcist_n lector_n and_o doorkeeper_n there_o be_v more_o than_o fifteen_o hundred_o widow_n and_o poor_a people_n who_o subsist_v by_o charity_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o a_o mighty_a and_o innumerable_a laity_n as_o himself_o word_n it_o 43._o these_o thing_n i_o say_v may_v be_v sufficient_a in_o all_o reason_n to_o confute_v our_o author_n notion_n but_o then_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v ii_o how_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v promoted_n to_o his_o chair_n to_o that_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o he_o call_v it_o 103._o and_o we_o shall_v easy_o collect_v another_o demonstration_n against_o our_o author_n notion_n for_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v plain_n i._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o lawful_a nor_o allowable_a promotion_n of_o one_o to_o a_o bishopric_n which_o have_v be_v possess_v before_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a canonical_a and_o unquestionable_a vacancy_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n when_o a_o see_v be_v once_o canonical_o fill_v whosoever_o else_o pretend_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o see_v be_v not_o a_o second_o bishop_n but_o none_o at_o all_o in_o st._n cyprian_n judgement_n 104._o nay_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o reckon_v of_o he_o as_o another_o bishop_n that_o he_o deem_v he_o not_o a_o christian_n fuse_v innumerable_a be_v his_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n 110._o but_o i_o shall_v transcribe_v only_o one_o from_o ep._n 69._o because_o he_o full_o reason_n the_o case_n in_o it_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n between_o cornelius_n and_o novatianus_n whether_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n now_o consider_v how_o st._n cyprian_n decide_v it_o the_o church_n be_v one_o say_v he_o and_o this_o one_o church_n can_v be_v both_o within_o and_o without_o if_o therefore_o the_o true_a church_n be_v with_o novatianus_n she_o be_v not_o with_o cornelius_n but_o if_o she_o be_v with_o cornelius_n who_o succeed_v to_o bishop_n fabianus_n by_o lawful_a ordination_n and_o who_o god_n honour_v with_o martyrdom_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o episcopal_a dignity_n novatianus_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o a_o bishop_n who_o contemn_v the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o succeed_v to_o none_o have_v spring_v from_o himself_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n either_o have_v or_o hold_v a_o church_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n can_v be_v without_o herself_o nor_o divide_v against_o herself_o etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a after_o our_o lord_n recommend_v to_o we_o the_o unity_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n say_v i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o and_o again_o oblige_v the_o church_n to_o keep_v this_o unity_n he_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v one_o flock_n and_o one_o pastor_n but_o if_o the_o flock_n be_v one_o how_o can_v he_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v of_o the_o flock_n who_o be_v not_o number_v with_o the_o flock_n or_o how_o can_v be_v he_o deem_v a_o pastor_n who_o while_o the_o true_a pastor_n live_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n by_o a_o succedaneous_a ordination_n succeed_v to_o none_o but_o begin_v from_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o alien_n be_v profane_a be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christian_a peace_n and_o unity_n he_o dwell_v not_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n none_o can_v dwell_v there_o but_o the_o son_n of_o concord_n and_o unanimity_n 182._o neither_o be_v this_o principle_n peculiar_a to_o st._n cyprian_a cornelius_n in_o his_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n to_o fabius_n insist_o on_o it_o also_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n ridicules_n novatianus_n if_o not_o for_o his_o ignorance_n of_o it_o at_o least_o for_o entertain_v the_o vain_a conceit_n that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o counter-act_n it_o 43._o and_o when_o maximus_n urbanus_fw-la sidonius_n macarius_n etc._n etc._n desert_a novatianus_n and_o return_v to_o cornelius_n his_o communion_n they_o make_v a_o solemn_a confession_n that_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o that_o same_o common_a maxim_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v look_v upon_o novatianus_n as_o a_o false_a and_o schismatical_a bishop_n we_o know_v say_v they_o that_o cornelius_n be_v choose_v bishop_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a catholic_n church_n by_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n we_o confess_v our_o error_n we_o be_v impose_v upon_o we_o be_v circumvent_v by_o perfidy_n and_o ensnare_a sophistry_n for_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n one_o christ_n our_o lord_n who_o we_o have_v confess_v one_o holy-ghost_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o catholic_n church_n 93._o indeed_o two_o bishop_n at_o once_o of_o one_o church_n or_o city_n be_v then_o think_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o two_o father_n of_o one_o child_n or_o two_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n or_o two_o head_n of_o one_o body_n or_o whatever_o else_o you_o can_v call_v monstrous_a in_o either_o nature_n or_o morality_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o canonical_a vacancy_n no_o place_n for_o a_o new_a bishop_n but_o where_o the_o one_o bishop_n who_o the_o chair_n have_v be_v be_v dead_a or_o have_v cede_v or_o be_v canonical_o depose_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n vacancy_n by_o death_n have_v no_o difficulty_n i_o do_v remember_v to_o have_v observe_v any_o instance_n of_o session_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o there_o be_v some_o before_o and_o many_o after_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o basilides_n who_o after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o title_n to_o that_o sacred_a dignity_n by_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o dreadful_a crime_n of_o idolatry_n and_o blasphemy_n be_v say_v to_o have_v lay_v it_o down_o and_o to_o have_v confess_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v favourable_o deal_v by_o if_o thereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o laic_n 67._o we_o have_v instance_n of_o deposition_n in_o the_o same_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n ibid._n in_o marcianus_n 68_o privatus_fw-la lambesitanus_n 36._o evaristus_n 52._o fortunatianus_n 65._o and_o perhaps_o some_o more_o however_o these_o three_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n in_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o lawful_a vacancy_n 3._o when_o a_o see_v be_v thus_o canonical_o vacant_a it_o be_v fill_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n in_o which_o the_o vacancy_n be_v meet_v choose_v and_o ordain_v one_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o he_o be_v to_o govern._n this_o st._n cyprian_n with_o other_o 36_o bishop_n tell_v we_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o apostolical_a observation_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a form_n not_o only_o in_o africa_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o province_n all_o the_o world_n over_o 10._o i_o know_v it_o be_v controvert_v whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n or_o only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n but_o my_o present_a purpose_n do_v not_o engage_v i_o in_o that_o controversy_n 4._o but_o election_n be_v not_o enough_o tho'_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v already_o a_o presbyter_n and_o in_o priestly_a order_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v promoted_n to_o a_o bishopric_n he_o be_v to_o receive_v a_o new_a imposition_n of_o hand_n a_o new_a ordination_n his_o former_a order_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o that_o supreme_a office_n thus_o e._n g._n st._n cyprian_n be_v first_o a_o presbyter_n and_o then_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v
of_o the_o notion_n christian_n have_v then_o of_o the_o christian_a hierarchy_n be_v copy_v from_o the_o jewish_a neither_o be_v it_o a_o notion_n new_o start_v up_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o we_o find_v it_o in_o express_a term_n in_o that_o notable_a epistle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n by_o st._n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o only_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n but_o be_v by_o name_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o one_o of_o his_o fellow-labourer_n who_o name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n philip._n 4._o 3._o for_o he_o persuade_v those_o corinthian_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o animosity_n and_o schismatical_a disposition_n and_o to_o pursue_v and_o maintain_v unity_n and_o peace_n above_o all_o thing_n propose_v to_o they_o as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a for_o this_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v keep_v his_o order_n and_o station_n and_o then_o enumerate_v the_o several_a subordination_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o hierarchy_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o new_a his_o method_n of_o reason_v and_o the_o design_n he_o have_v in_o hand_n to_o compose_v the_o schism_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o corinthian_n make_v this_o evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n else_o he_o have_v not_o argue_v from_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n the_o high_a priest_n say_v he_o have_v his_o proper_a office_n and_o the_o priest_n have_v their_o proper_a place_n or_o station_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v tie_v to_o their_o proper_a ministery_n and_o the_o layman_n be_v bind_v to_o his_o laic_a performance_n 53._o have_v thus_o demonstrate_v that_o these_o be_v three_o current_n and_o receive_v principle_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o his_o church_n to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n that_o he_o be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n and_o have_v no_o earthly_a ecclesiastical_a superior_a and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o same_o among_o christian_n which_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n let_v i_o try_v a_o little_a if_o our_o author_n definition_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n can_v consist_v with_o they_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o can_v consist_v with_o none_o of_o they_o single_o much_o less_o with_o all_o these_o together_o i._n not_o with_o the_o first_o for_o if_o a_o bishop_n then_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n as_o cyprian_n e._n g._n be_v to_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n and_o cornelius_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o fabius_n to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o dionysius_n to_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n etc._n etc._n if_o thus_o it_o be_v i_o say_v then_o to_o be_v sure_a a_o bishop_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o a_o mere_a single_a presbyter_n of_o a_o single_a parish_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a sense_n for_o if_o a_o single_a presbyter_n can_v have_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n in_o which_o there_o be_v e._n g._n 46_o single_a presbyter_n he_o must_v have_v be_v it_o as_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o as_o something_o else_o not_o as_o a_o single_a presbyter_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o many_o principle_n of_o unity_n in_o a_o church_n as_o there_o be_v single_a presbyter_n for_o instance_n there_o shall_v have_v be_v 46_o principle_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o bishop_n at_o once_o in_o a_o church_n what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o to_o make_v a_o church_n such_o a_o monster_n as_o may_v have_v 46_o head_n than_o by_o so_o multiply_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o leave_v no_o unity_n at_o all_o than_o in_o stead_n of_o one_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o organise_v body_n to_o set_v up_o 46_o principle_n of_o division_n indeed_o what_o be_v it_o else_o than_o the_o very_a extract_n of_o nonsense_n and_o cream_n of_o contradiction_n a_o single_a presbyter_n then_o if_o he_o can_v have_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o such_o a_o church_n mut_n have_v be_v it_o as_o something_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a single_a presbyter_n but_o what_o can_v that_o something_o else_o have_v be_v a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n not_o so_o neither_o for_o by_o what_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v a_o moderator_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o such_o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n how_o can_v he_o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o a_o church_n who_o as_o such_o be_v neither_o pastor_n head_n nor_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n who_o as_o such_o have_v no_o direct_a immediate_a or_o formal_a relation_n to_o a_o church_n who_o as_o such_o be_v only_o the_o chairman_n the_o master-speaker_n not_o of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o presbytery_n nay_o who_o may_v be_v such_o and_o yet_o no_o christian_a for_o however_o inexpedient_a or_o indecent_a it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o heathen_a shall_v on_o occasion_n be_v the_o moderator_n i._n e._n the_o master-speaker_n of_o a_o presbytery_n yet_o it_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o any_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o however_o this_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n not_o the_o moderator_n but_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o church_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o that_o presbytery_n and_o to_o do_v our_o author_n justice_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o as_o a_o i_o observe_v already_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v not_o if_o he_o the_o apologist_n can_v prove_v that_o we_o separate_v from_o our_o pastor_n or_o from_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o from_o our_o pastor_n or_o from_o the_o presbytery_n with_o their_o moderator_n neither_o 2._o can_v our_o author_n definition_n consist_v with_o the_o second_o principle_n viz._n that_o every_o bishop_n be_v supreme_a in_o his_o church_n independent_a and_o not_o subordinate_a to_o any_o ecclesiastical_a superior_a on_o earth_n to_o have_v such_o a_o supremacy_n such_o a_o independency_n such_o a_o unaccountableness_n be_v notorious_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o idea_n of_o either_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n how_o can_v it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n with_o his_o brethren_n presbyter_n that_o of_o 46_o for_o example_n one_o shall_v have_v a_o primacy_n a_o supremacy_n a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n the_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n a_o unaccountable_a and_o eminent_a power_n as_o st._n jerom_n himself_o call_v it_o potestas_fw-la and_o all_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v accountable_a and_o subordinate_a to_o he_o what_o be_v this_o but_o reconcile_a contradiction_n beside_o the_o independency_n of_o single_a presbyter_n be_v notorious_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o presbyterian_a scheme_n it_o be_v independency_n not_o presbytery_n and_o as_o for_o the_o presbyterian_a moderator_n in_o what_o sense_n can_v he_o be_v call_v supreme_a or_o independent_a or_o unaccountable_a in_o what_o sense_n can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n or_o to_o have_v a_o exhort_v potestas_fw-la a_o unaccountable_a power_n or_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n only_o or_o to_o have_v the_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v he_o as_o such_o raise_v to_o the_o sublime_a top_n of_o the_o priesthood_n who_o as_o such_o may_v be_v no_o priest_n at_o all_o for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o rule_v elder_a be_v a_o moderator_n how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d unaccountable_a power_n who_o can_v be_v voted_n out_o of_o his_o chair_n with_o the_o same_o breath_n with_o which_o he_o be_v voted_n into_o it_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n only_o who_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o presbytery_n how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o sublime_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n who_o as_o such_o be_v no_o church_n governor_n have_v he_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o society_n who_o as_o such_o have_v no_o imaginable_a jurisdiction_n over_o any_o one_o member_n of_o that_o society_n 3._o but_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v to_o the_o consistency_n of_o our_o author_n definition_n with_o the_o three_o principle_n i_o name_v even_o no_o more_o than_o that_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o st._n cyprian_n and_o one_o that_o be_v general_o receive_v in_o his_o time_n and_o that_o i_o
have_v either_o be_v ordain_v before_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v perfsidious_a and_o rebellious_a against_o the_o church_n or_o have_v be_v promoted_n by_o a_o profane_a ordination_n in_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n by_o false_a bishop_n and_o anti-christs_n against_o our_o lord_n institution_n that_o such_o if_o they_o shall_v return_v shall_v only_o be_v admit_v to_o lay-communion_n etc._n etc._n 197._o by_o which_o testimony_n you_o may_v clear_o see_v 1._o that_o all_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o deacon_n be_v perform_v by_o bishop_n by_o true_a bishoâ—â—_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o false_a bishop_n in_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n 2._o that_o to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o that_o herein_o even_o schismatic_n themselves_o oberve_v the_o common_a rule_n they_o find_v their_o ordination_n be_v indispensible_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o invalidity_n so_o clear_a and_o full_o be_v st._n cyprian_n on_o this_o head_n and_o not_o only_o he_o but_o firmilian_a as_o i_o have_v cite_v he_o already_o nay_o further_a yet_o our_o martyr_n practice_n be_v always_o suitable_a and_o correspondent_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o not_o only_o ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la as_o i_o have_v show_v without_o either_o the_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o also_o satyrus_n a_o lector_fw-la and_o optatus_n a_o sub-deacon_n epst._n 29._o and_o celerinus_n a_o lector_fw-la ep._n 39_o in_o which_o we_o have_v also_o a_o most_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o bishop_n power_n in_o ordination_n in_o st._n cyprian_n discourse_v concern_v aurelius_n and_o celerinus_n for_o there_o he_o tell_v his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o his_o people_n and_o tell_v they_o in_o a_o authoritative_a style_n in_o the_o style_n by_o which_o superior_n use_v to_o signify_v their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o their_o subject_n with_o a_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o he_o tell_v they_o i_o say_v that_o though_o he_o have_v only_o ordain_v these_o two_o lector_n for_o the_o time_n because_o they_o be_v but_o young_a yet_o he_o have_v design_v they_o for_o the_o presbyterate_a and_o to_o sit_v with_o he_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o year_n will_v allow_v of_o it_o 78._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o pat_o to_o this_o purpose_n than_o that_o uncontrollable_a account_n we_o have_v of_o novatianus_n his_o promotion_n to_o the_o presbyterate_a which_o we_o have_v in_o that_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n write_v by_o cornelius_n to_o fabius_n of_o aâ—tioch_n there_o he_o tell_v how_o novatianus_n be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n mere_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o all_o the_o clergy_n and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n oppose_v it_o as_o be_v unlawful_a consider_v that_o he_o have_v be_v baptise_a while_n on_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o that_o after_o much_o work_n the_o bishop_n prevail_v and_o ordain_v he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o make_v a_o precedent_n of_o it_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v faithful_o on_o the_o margin_n consider_v it_o and_o tell_v i_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o bishop_n then_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n 43._o neither_o do_v we_o read_v in_o all_o st._n cyprian_n work_n or_o in_o any_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n of_o any_o concurrence_n of_o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n in_o any_o ordination_n and_o far_o less_o that_o ever_o presbyter_n ordain_v without_o a_o bishop_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v in_o st._n cyprian_n 52d_o epistle_n that_o novatus_n make_v felicissimus_n a_o deacon_n and_o i_o read_v that_o several_a learned_a man_n understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o 21._o and_o bloâ—del_n particular_o because_o novatus_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o presbyter_n conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n in_o ordination_n but_o when_o one_o read_v the_o whole_a passage_n as_o st._n cyprian_n have_v it_o and_o ponder_v all_o thing_n due_o he_o can_v but_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o ever_o that_o fancy_n shall_v have_v be_v entertain_v for_o all_o that_o st._n cyprian_n say_v amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o novatus_n turn_v a_o schismatic_a in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o thereby_o become_v another_o persecution_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o have_v thus_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n he_o by_o his_o faction_n and_o ambition_n get_v felicissimus_n make_v a_o deacon_n without_o either_o st._n cyprian_n '_o s_o knowledge_n or_o allowance_n 97._o sy_n cyprian_n word_n i_o say_v do_v not_o import_v that_o novatus_n ordain_v felicissimus_n they_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o novatus_n his_o ambition_n and_o faction_n prevail_v to_o get_v felicissimus_n ordain_v a_o deacon_n tho'_o himself_o do_v not_o ordain_v he_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o be_v ordain_v by_o some_o neighbour_a bishop_n st._n cyprian_n be_v then_o in_o his_o secession_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v that_o st._n cyprian_n design_v they_o for_o no_o more_o for_o he_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v in_o that_o same_o breath_n that_o novatus_n have_v do_v so_o and_o so_o at_o carthage_n go_v next_o to_o rome_n and_o attempt_v just_a the_o like_a thing_n there_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o as_o rome_n by_o itâ—s_n greatness_n have_v the_o precedency_n of_o carthage_n so_o he_o attempt_v great_a wickedness_n at_o rome_n than_o at_o carthage_n for_o he_o say_v cyprian_n who_o have_v make_v a_o deacon_n at_o carthage_n against_o the_o church_n make_v a_o bishop_n at_o rome_n meaning_n novatianus_n 97._o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o novatus_n but_o three_o bishop_n ordain_v novatianus_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o st._n cyprian_n never_o mean_v that_o novatus_n ordain_v felicissiâ—us_o this_o be_v irrefragable_a but_o then_o suppose_v the_o worst_a suppose_v novatus_n have_v real_o ordain_v felicissimus_n what_o stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o example_n of_o a_o schismatic_a especial_o when_o what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v schismatical_o antonianus_n ask_v of_o st._n cyprian_n what_o be_v novatianus_n his_o heresy_n and_o cyprian_a answer_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o he_o teach_v see_v he_o teach_v in_o schism_n 112._o and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o novatus_n do_v see_v what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v in_o schism_n one_o thing_n indeed_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v another_o argument_n of_o the_o bishop_n peculiar_a interest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n for_o st._n cyprian_n most_o plain_o impute_v it_o to_o schism_n that_o without_o his_o allowance_n novatus_n shall_v have_v presume_v to_o have_v get_v felicissimus_n ordain_v a_o deacon_n one_o word_n more_o the_o bishop_n be_v thus_o possess_v of_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o his_o practise_v suitable_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o of_o the_o canon_n common_o call_v of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v let_v a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o one_o bishop_n as_o likewise_o a_o deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n 〈◊〉_d a_o canon_n without_o doubt_n universal_o receive_v then_o as_o beveregius_n have_v full_o prove_v and_o a_o canon_n high_o agreeable_a with_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o already_o viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n and_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n within_o his_o district_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o or_o rather_o more_o necessary_a by_o all_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o society_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n wherever_o it_o be_v lodge_v to_o promote_v and_o give_v commission_n to_o all_o inferior_a officer_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o right_n of_o majesty_n and_o one_o as_o intrinsic_a and_o unalienable_a or_o incommunicable_a as_o any_o it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a many_o year_n after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o presbyter_n shall_v concur_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n but_o then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v many_o year_n after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o it_o be_v for_o new_a emergent_a reason_n that_o ordination_n may_v be_v perform_v more_o deliberate_o or_o with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n or_o so_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o of_o the_o substantial_a validity_n of_o the_o order_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o at_o
present_a for_o the_o bishop_n power_n of_o ordination_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o three_o he_o have_v full_a power_n without_o ask_v the_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n of_o either_o clergy_n or_o people_n to_o settle_v presbyter_n within_o his_o district_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o st._n cyprian_n plant_n namidicus_fw-la a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o city_n of_o carthage_n our_o martyr_n write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o such_o probable_o he_o have_v be_v ordain_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o it_o it_o be_v instant_o do_v 40._o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o very_a next_o epistle_n 43._o where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o namidicus_fw-la as_o a_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n receive_v a_o commission_n for_o a_o deputation_n to_o oversee_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n in_o st._n cyprian_n absence_n so_o negligent_a shall_v i_o say_v or_o so_o ignorant_a be_v st._n cyprian_n of_o christ_n testament_n at_o least_o of_o his_o leave_v in_o it_o to_o his_o people_n by_o way_n of_o legacy_n a_o right_a a_o grant_n a_o privilege_n of_o choâ—sing_v their_o own_o minister_n what_o a_o stranger_n have_v he_o be_v to_o all_o the_o analogy_n and_o principle_n of_o presbyterian_a government_n but_o i_o proceed_v four_o in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n the_o bishop_n have_v the_o disposal_n of_o all_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o church_n income_n then_o be_v oblation_n and_o charitable_a contribution_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v heathen_a and_o treat_v she_o common_o with_o persecution_n never_o with_o encouragement_n now_o the_o bishop_n i_o say_v have_v the_o full_a power_n of_o dispose_n of_o these_o contribution_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o have_v his_o own_o quantitas_fw-la propria_fw-la his_o proper_a portion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o considerable_a one_o it_o be_v common_o reckon_v to_o have_v be_v the_o three_o the_o other_o two_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n and_o the_o poor_a but_o so_o as_o to_o be_v dispense_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o have_v his_o own_o portion_n and_o that_o a_o liberal_a one_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o seven_o epistle_n for_o there_o he_o tell_v how_o before_o he_o retire_v he_o give_v the_o trust_n of_o it_o to_o rogatianus_n one_o of_o his_o presbyter_n order_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessitous_a stranger_n at_o carthage_n they_o shall_v have_v maintenance_n out_o of_o it_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n cyprian_n give_v a_o account_n of_o fortunatianus_n who_o have_v be_v bishop_n of_o assurae_n but_o have_v forfeit_v by_o sacrifice_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o yet_o be_v earnest_n for_o all_o that_o to_o retain_v his_o bishopric_n he_o say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o perquisites_n and_o not_o from_o any_o love_n to_o religion_n 163._o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o same_o reason_n move_v basilides_n to_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o bishopric_n after_o he_o have_v forfeit_v it_o also_o 173._o indeed_o the_o bishop_n proper_a portion_n be_v settle_v on_o he_o by_o the_o 40th_o of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n and_o that_o he_o have_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o rest_n particular_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o clergy_n be_v as_o plain_a for_o in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n he_o make_v it_o a_o aggravation_n of_o felicissimus_n gild_n that_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o his_o bishop_n he_o shall_v have_v make_v such_o a_o clutter_n about_o the_o division_n of_o the_o contribution_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o praise_v the_o dutifulness_n of_o other_o who_o will_v not_o follow_v fâ—licissimus_n his_o bad_a example_n but_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v satisfy_v to_o take_v their_o share_n as_o the_o bishop_n shall_v please_v to_o dispense_v they_o 80._o and_o it_o be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o this_o his_o power_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o aforementioned_a case_n of_o aurelius_n and_o celerinus_n for_o tho'_o he_o promote_v they_o only_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o lector_n yet_o he_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o presbyter_n 78._o and_o as_o for_o that_o part_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o power_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a from_o his_o five_o and_o forty_o first_o epistle_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o indeed_o this_o power_n be_v express_o assert_v to_o they_o by_o the_o thirty_o eight_o and_o forty_o fiâ—st_n of_o the_o apostolic_a canon_n 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o find_v bishop_n in_o possession_n of_o it_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o justin_n martyr_n second_o apology_n not_o far_o from_o the_o end_n not_o now_o to_o mention_v that_o it_o seem_v fair_o to_o be_v found_v on_o express_a scripture_n 9_o indeed_o five_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o impose_v charitable_a contribution_n on_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o distress_a stranger_n whether_o captive_n prisoner_n or_o condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n or_o galley_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o power_n we_o have_v famous_a instance_n in_o his_o 62d_o and_o 78th_o epistle_n you_o may_v consult_v they_o at_o your_o leisure_n and_o long_o before_o st._n cyprian_n time_n soter_n bishop_n of_o rome_n as_o the_o venerable_a dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n cite_v for_o it_o by_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o manage_v this_o power_n to_o excellent_a purpose_n as_o his_o predecessor_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v do_v before_o he_o take_v his_o own_o word_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a father_n have_v flourish_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o st._n cyprian_n they_o be_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o which_o he_o thus_o bespeak_v they_o this_o have_v be_v your_o custom_n from_o the_o beginning_n i._n e._n ever_o since_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v plant_v to_o do_v manifold_a good_a office_n to_o the_o brethren_n and_o send_v supply_n to_o most_o church_n in_o most_o city_n for_o sweeten_v their_o poverty_n and_o refresh_v those_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o mine_n you_o roman_n observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n hand_v down_o to_o you_o by_o your_o father_n which_o custom_n your_o bless_a bishop_n soter_n have_v not_o only_o observe_v but_o improve_v etc._n etc._n 23._o what_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o it_o be_v from_o these_o word_n that_o soter_n as_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v the_o chief_a management_n of_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n impose_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o they_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o afflict_a christian_n of_o whatsoever_o church_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v go_v high_a than_o st._n cyprian_n time_n tho'_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o my_o main_a argument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o may_v swell_v this_o letter_n to_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n let_v i_o mention_v another_o power_n which_o tertuâ—lian_n who_o live_v before_o st._n cyprian_n also_o in_o plain_a term_n appropriate_n to_o the_o bishop_n a_o considerable_a power_n a_o power_n that_o be_v a_o considerable_a argument_n of_o the_o episcopal_a sovereignty_n and_o it_o be_v sixthly_a the_o power_n of_o indict_v solemn_a fast_n as_o occasion_v require_v to_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n you_o have_v his_o word_n plain_a and_o home_n upon_o the_o margin_n 3_o seuâ—nthly_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n for_o now_o i_o return_v to_o it_o as_o such_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n all_o those_o of_o his_o clergy_n and_o people_n who_o either_o sit_v with_o he_o or_o stand_v give_v their_o suffrage_n as_o they_o be_v ask_v about_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n all_o learned_a man_n even_o spanhemius_fw-la himself_o our_o author_n be_v diligent_a searcher_n into_o antiquity_n confess_v this_o indeed_o this_o be_v a_o point_n on_o which_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o necessary_a branch_n of_o his_o prerogative_n who_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o agreeable_o we_o find_v cornelius_n account_v about_o it_o in_o a_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a for_o there_o he_o tell_v how_o the_o presbyter_n and_o confessor_n who_o have_v side_v with_o novatianus_n turn_v sensible_a of_o their_o error_n come_v not_o straight_o to_o himself_o for_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v not_o the_o confidence_n to_o do_v that_o or_o rather_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v that_o freedom_n so_o sudden_o but_o to_o his_o
not_o all_o the_o presbyter_n of_o carthage_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o quarrel_n no_o râ—gatianus_n britius_n numidicus_n and_o perhaps_o many_o more_o who_o name_n be_v not_o trasmit_v to_o we_o will_v never_o join_v with_o those_o of_o the_o faction_n but_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o duty_n to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o can_v we_o think_v they_o will_v not_o have_v join_v with_o their_o brethren_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o cyprian_n have_v be_v the_o usurper_n if_o he_o have_v be_v claim_v a_o sovereign_a power_n without_o any_o pretence_n of_o right_a to_o it_o if_o he_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o a_o prelacy_n when_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n we_o learn_v from_o st._n cyprian_n himself_n that_o in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a wickedness_n for_o man_n to_o part_v tame_o with_o their_o right_n and_o power_n in_o divine_a matter_n 209._o and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o rogatianus_n bâ—itius_n and_o numidicus_n be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o or_o suppose_v that_o shall_v have_v have_v small_a weight_n with_o they_o be_v power_n such_o a_o gustless_a thing_n that_o man_n will_v easy_o part_v with_o it_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o to_o go_v on_o 3._o even_o those_o very_a presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o faction_n come_v once_o to_o something_o like_o a_o dutiful_a submission_n in_o the_o matter_n they_o lower_v their_o sail_n and_o begin_v to_o wave_v apology_n and_o knit_v excuse_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v they_o endeavour_v to_o put_v a_o fair_a face_n upon_o the_o foul_a step_n they_o have_v make_v they_o write_v to_o cyprian_a that_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o bridle_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o lapse_v and_o oblige_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o their_o penance_n till_o his_o return_n from_o his_o retirement_n but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o ungovernable_a and_o stiff_a and_o urge_v a_o present_a absolution_n so_o eager_o and_o irresistible_o that_o they_o be_v force_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o comply_v with_o their_o humour_n but_o now_o see_v they_o find_v that_o he_o their_o bishop_n be_v so_o much_o displease_v with_o what_o they_o have_v do_v they_o ask_v a_o form_n from_o he_o i._n e._n his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o matter_n 41._o and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v whether_o st._n cyprian_n or_o these_o presbyter_n have_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n before_o whether_o he_o or_o they_o have_v act_v beyond_o their_o line_n but_o i_o have_v more_o to_o tell_v you_o for_o 4._o these_o presbyter_n who_o have_v thus_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o station_n be_v general_o condemn_v for_o it_o by_o their_o brethren_n presbyter_n all_o the_o world_n over_o at_o least_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o the_o presbyter_n of_o româ—_n take_v it_o thus_o st._n cyprian_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o watchful_a as_o well_o as_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a prelate_n one_o who_o have_v still_o before_o his_o eye_n thâ—_n conservation_n of_o the_o order_n the_o peace_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o perceive_v that_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o restitution_n of_o the_o lapse_v may_v be_v of_o bad_a influence_n on_o those_o great_a interest_n if_o not_o prudent_o determine_v think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v his_o brethren_n of_o the_o episcopal_a college_n with_o it_o and_o ask_v their_o sentiment_n about_o it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n then_o at_o rome_n he_o write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o roman_a presbytery_n the_o epistle_n be_v the_o 20_o in_o number_n in_o which_o he_o deduce_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o they_o and_o tell_v they_o particular_o how_o he_o have_v exert_v his_o episcopal_a authority_n in_o its_o vigour_n against_o such_o of_o his_o presbyter_n as_o without_o his_o leave_n have_v bold_o and_o presumptuous_o absolve_v the_o lapse_v and_o give_v they_o the_o sacrament_n 43._o now_o consider_v their_o return_n to_o he_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o 30_o epistle_n they_o begin_v with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unaccountable_a power_n within_o his_o own_o district_n which_o i_o observe_v before_o page_n they_o impute_v it_o to_o his_o modesty_n and_o caution_n not_o to_o his_o pride_n and_o fetulancy_n that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o communicate_v his_o measure_n to_o they_o they_o approve_v the_o course_n he_o have_v take_v with_o the_o lapse_v they_o compare_v he_o to_o the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n sit_v at_o the_o helm_n who_o if_o he_o steer_v not_o right_a and_o keep_v not_o a_o steady_a course_n especial_o in_o a_o storm_n endanger_v the_o ship_n and_o run_v she_o upon_o rock_n or_o shelf_n and_o i_o think_v the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n do_v not_o act_n in_o parity_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o mariner_n and_o further_o they_o compare_v those_o who_o at_o that_o time_n endeavour_v to_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o his_o discipline_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o the_o tumble_a wave_n strive_v to_o shake_v the_o master_n from_o the_o helm_n and_o expose_v all_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o shipwreck_n in_o plain_a term_n they_o condemn_v the_o course_n of_o reconcile_a the_o lapse_v so_o undutiful_o and_o rebellious_o as_o for_o themselves_o they_o tell_v he_o and_o pray_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o want_v a_o bishop_n they_o can_v define_v nothing_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o tell_v he_o i_o say_v that_o since_o the_o death_n of_o fabianus_n of_o most_o noble_a memory_n through_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o their_o affair_n they_o have_v not_o get_v a_o bishop_n constitute_v who_o only_o can_v define_v in_o these_o matter_n and_o determine_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v with_o authority_n and_o counsel_n 59_o but_o withal_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o for_o their_o part_n they_o be_v extreme_o well_o please_v with_o the_o course_n he_o have_v take_v namely_o that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o do_v nothing_o rash_o to_o take_v no_o sudden_a resolution_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n but_o to_o wait_v till_o god_n shall_v grant_v he_o opportunity_n of_o treat_v about_o it_o with_o other_o and_o determine_v with_o common_a advice_n in_o such_o a_o ticklish_a case_n ibid._n where_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o his_o resolution_n on_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o incompetency_n of_o his_o power_n for_o have_v determine_v by_o himself_o concern_v the_o lapse_v within_o his_o own_o district_n no_o the_o reason_n they_o give_v for_o it_o suppose_v his_o power_n to_o have_v be_v full_o adequate_a and_o competent_a for_o that_o effect_n and_o that_o if_o he_o have_v give_v the_o final_a stroke_n no_o body_n can_v have_v quarrel_v it_o for_o they_o insist_v only_o on_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o power_n they_o tell_v he_o it_o may_v prove_v invidious_a and_o burdensome_a for_o one_o bishop_n to_o determine_v by_o himself_o in_o a_o case_n in_o which_o all_o bishop_n be_v concern_v and_o that_o it_o be_v provident_o do_v of_o he_o to_o dâ—â—ire_v the_o confent_n of_o his_o colleague_n that_o his_o decree_n may_v be_v approve_v and_o confirm_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v make_v void_a through_o the_o want_n of_o the_o brotherly_a ratification_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o say_v for_o which_o they_o justify_v his_o caution_n and_o these_o reason_n suppose_v he_o have_v power_n to_o have_v do_v otherwise_o tho'_o not_o so_o wise_o nor_o so_o wary_o and_o then_o they_o tell_v he_o over_o again_o that_o they_o have_v meet_v frequent_o and_o canvas_v the_o matter_n serious_o they_o have_v toss_v it_o not_o only_o among_o themselves_o but_o with_o several_a bishop_n far_o and_o near_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o that_o still_o the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v attempt_v no_o innovation_n till_o a_o bishop_n shall_v be_v settle_v all_o they_o have_v resolve_v be_v that_o thâ—se_a of_o the_o lapse_v who_o health_n may_v allow_v shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o penitent_n till_o god_n shall_v grant_v they_o a_o bishop_n 60._o neither_o be_v this_o a_o mere_a compliment_n to_o our_o holy_a martyr_n indeed_o in_o all_o this_o they_o give_v he_o a_o true_a account_n of_o their_o real_a sentiment_n and_o principle_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o another_o epistle_n of_o they_o wherein_o they_o have_v neither_o occasion_n nor_o temptation_n to_o compliment_v bishop_n the_o epistle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o eighâ—h_o among_o st._n cyprian_n a_o epistle_n write_v by_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n of_o carthage_n to_o person_n
those_o time_n the_o bishop_n be_v call_v the_o praepositus_fw-la the_o ruler_n the_o governor_n the_o superior_a of_o all_o the_o christian_n within_o his_o district_n clergy_n as_o well_o as_o laity_n and_o they_o without_o distinction_n or_o exception_n be_v call_v his_o people_n his_o flock_n his_o subject_n etc._n etc._n this_o may_v be_v see_v almost_o in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n thus_o ep._n 3._o he_o say_v that_o deacon_n ought_v to_o remember_v that_o our_o lord_n choose_v his_o apostle_n that_o be_v bishop_n and_o governor_n but_o the_o apostle_n choose_v deacon_n to_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o therefore_o a_o deacon_n ought_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o bishop_n his_o superior_a 6._o and_o ep._n 9_o he_o praise_v the_o roman_a clergy_n for_o have_v the_o memory_n of_o fabianus_n who_o have_v be_v their_o superior_a in_o so_o great_a honour_n 19_o and_o ep._n 13._o writing_n to_o rogatianus_n his_o presbyter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o confessor_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n he_o say_v that_o as_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o rejoice_v when_o christ_n flock_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o confessor_n so_o he_o himself_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n as_o be_v the_o bishop_n see_v the_o church_n glory_n be_v the_o ruler_n glory_n 13._o and_o in_o that_o famous_a passage_n which_o i_o have_v cite_v already_o from_o ep._n 16._o he_o complain_v of_o it_o as_o a_o unexampled_a petulancy_n that_o presbyter_n shall_v so_o contemn_v the_o bishop_n their_o superior_a 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o another_o place_n we_o bishop_n who_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n in_o the_o church_n 108._o and_o ep._n 62._o ay_o who_o by_o the_o divine_a mercy_n govern_v the_o church_n have_v send_v to_o you_o januarius_n maximus_n proculus_n etc._n etc._n 100000_o sesterce_n as_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n of_o my_o clergy_n and_o people_n 147._o and_o ep._n 66._o hence_o spring_v heresy_n and_o schism_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v one_o and_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n be_v contemn_v etc._n etc._n 167._o such_o be_v the_o dialect_n of_o those_o time_n i_o say_v and_o thus_o bishop_n be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n superior_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o all_o within_o their_o district_n make_v no_o discrimination_n betwixt_o clergyman_n and_o laic_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o more_o particular_o 2._o it_o be_v as_o common_a in_o that_o dialect_n to_o call_v the_o clergy_n the_o bishop_n clergy_n thus_o for_o example_n ep._n 14._o it_o be_v my_o wish_n that_o i_o may_v have_v salute_v all_o my_o clâ—â—gy_n safe_a and_o sound_a etc._n etc._n 31._o my_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n ought_v to_o have_v teach_v you_o etc._n etc._n 39_o because_o i_o can_v send_v letter_n but_o by_o clergyman_n and_o i_o know_v that_o many_o of_o i_o be_v absent_a 55._o numidicus_n be_v preserve_v alive_a by_o god_n that_o he_o may_v join_v he_o my_o clergy_n 79._o urbanus_fw-la and_o sidonius_n come_v to_o my_o presbyter_n 92._o if_o any_o of_o my_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n shall_v turn_v precipitant_a 68_o i_o have_v send_v you_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n which_o i_o write_v to_o my_o clergy_n and_o people_n concern_v felicissimus_n and_o his_o presbytery_n 8â—_n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o when_o maximâ—s_n a_o presbyter_n and_o urbanus_fw-la etc._n etc._n return_v from_o the_o novatian_a schism_n to_o cornelius_n communion_n we_o be_v reconcile_v say_v they_o to_o cyprian_a to_o cornelius_n our_o bishop_n and_o to_o all_o the_o clergy_n 98._o such_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n now_o i_o say_v by_o what_o propriety_n of_o speech_n can_v a_o bishop_n have_v be_v call_v praepositus_fw-la superior_a to_o his_o clergy_n can_v they_o have_v be_v call_v his_o clergy_n can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v their_o bishop_n their_o ruler_n their_o governor_n by_o what_o rule_n of_o either_o grammar_n or_o rhetoric_n logic_n or_o politic_a can_v he_o have_v be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v set_v over_o they_o or_o they_o to_o have_v be_v his_o subject_n or_o inferior_n if_o he_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o subject_v to_o his_o authority_n nor_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n but_o let_v all_o this_o pass_n for_o mere_a prolusion_n if_o you_o will_n i_o be_o not_o pinch_v for_o want_v of_o argument_n for_o 3._o the_o three_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o prove_v so_o full_o before_o viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o govern_v that_o he_o have_v a_o supreme_a power_n in_o it_o and_o that_o by_o the_o principle_n which_o then_o prevail_v he_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o prove_v also_o viz._n that_o he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o his_o presbyter_n each_o of_o these_o be_v demonstration_n for_o the_o present_a conclusion_n and_o you_o need_v not_o artificial_a natural_a logic_n be_v enough_o to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o consequence_n indeed_o 4._o we_o find_v cyprian_a all_o along_o both_o reason_v and_o practise_v to_o this_o purpose_n thus_o he_o tell_v bishop_n rogatianus_n ep._n 3._o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a between_o he_o and_o his_o deacon_n hâ—_n may_v punish_v he_o forthwith_o by_o his_o episcopal_a power_n and_o his_o cathedral_n authority_n 5._o he_o may_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o his_o episcopâ—_n honour_n agnoscere_fw-la he_o may_v exert_v the_o power_n of_o his_o honour_n against_o he_o either_o by_o depose_v or_o by_o excommunicate_v he_o abstineas_fw-la nay_o he_o may_v excommunicate_v all_o such_o as_o shall_v rebel_v against_o he_o abstinere_fw-la for_o all_o these_o censure_n his_o sovereign_a authority_n be_v competent_a 7._o thus_o he_o praise_v pomponius_n another_o bishop_n for_o excommunicate_v another_o scandalous_a deacon_n ep._n 4._o p._n 9_o and_o do_v not_o he_o himself_o suspend_v philumenus_n and_o fortunatus_n two_o subdeacons_n and_o favorinus_n a_o acolyth_a from_o their_o live_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o his_o 34th_o epistle_n but_o you_o may_v say_v these_o instance_n extend_v no_o further_o than_o to_o deacon_n or_o more_o inferior_a clergyman_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o presbyter_n why_o sir_n indeed_o the_o instance_n be_v pat_o and_o home_n and_o you_o must_v acknowledge_v so_o much_o if_o you_o consider_v that_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n there_o be_v no_o disparity_n between_o prebyter_n and_o inferior_a order_n in_o this_o respect_n but_o the_o bishop_n power_n extend_v equal_o to_o all_o just_a as_o a_o king_n can_v censure_v his_o chancellor_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sub-collector_n of_o his_o custom_n a_o justice-general_n as_o well_o as_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n nothing_o clear_a from_o the_o abovementioned_a principles_n but_o that_o i_o may_v leave_v you_o no_o imaginable_a scruple_n i_o shall_v even_o account_v to_o you_o about_o prebyter_n also_o 5._o then_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o already_o how_o some_o of_o the_o carthaginian_a presbyter_n conspire_v against_o st._n cyprian_n and_o use_v their_o utmost_a art_n to_o hinder_v his_o preferment_n to_o the_o bishopric_n now_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v either_o himself_o or_o pontius_n in_o his_o life_n whatever_o it_o be_v they_o do_v on_o that_o occasion_n he_o may_v have_v punish_v they_o for_o it_o punish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o deposition_n but_o with_o excommunication_n have_v he_o please_v take_v first_o his_o own_o account_n in_o ep._n 43._o there_o he_o tell_v his_o people_n that_o through_o the_o malignity_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o some_o of_o his_o presbyter_n he_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o return_v to_o carthage_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o will_v and_o he_o describe_v those_o presbyter_n thus_o that_o be_v mindful_a of_o their_o conspiracy_n and_o retain_v their_o old_a grudge_n against_o his_o promotion_n they_o reinforce_v their_o ancient_a machination_n and_o renew_v their_o attempt_n for_o undermine_v he_o by_o side_v with_o felicissâ—mus_n in_o his_o schism_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v thus_o i_o neither_o will_v nor_o wish_v their_o punishment_n for_o their_o opposition_n to_o my_o promotion_n yea_o i_o pardon_v they_o and_o keep_v my_o peace_n and_o yet_o now_o they_o have_v suffer_v condign_a punishment_n tho'_o i_o do_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o then_o their_o own_o guilty_a conscience_n have_v do_v it_o now_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n 82._o take_v it_o next_o from_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n tho'_o i_o be_o unwilling_a say_v he_o yet_o i_o must_v speak_v it_o out_o some_o resist_v his_o promotion_n but_o how_o gentle_o how_o patient_o how_o generous_o how_o merciful_o do_v he_o forgive_v they_o do_v