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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n according_a church_n tradition_n 2,646 5 9.0706 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61558 Irenicum A weapon-salve for the churches wounds, or The divine right of particular forms of church-government : discuss'd and examin'd according to the principles of the law of nature .../ by Edward Stillingfleete ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1662 (1662) Wing S5597A_VARIANT; ESTC R33863 392,807 477

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command_v one_o form_n and_o forbid_v all_o other_o we_o have_v no_o way_n then_o leave_v to_o know_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o settle_v one_o form_n but_o by_o their_o practice_n this_o practice_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o uniform_a in_o they_o this_o uniformity_n must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o some_o unquestionable_a way_n the_o scripture_n they_o be_v very_o silent_a in_o it_o mention_v very_o little_o more_o than_o paul_n practice_n nor_o that_o full_o and_o clear_o therefore_o we_o must_v gather_v it_o from_o antiquity_n and_o the_o record_n of_o follow_a age_n if_o these_o now_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o expectation_n and_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a church_n plant_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v attain_v any_o certainty_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n practice_n be_v now_o that_o antiquity_n be_v so_o defective_a as_o to_o 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this_o inquiry_n for_o who_o dare_v with_o confidence_n believe_v the_o conjecture_n of_o eusebius_n at_o three_o hundred_o year_n distance_n from_o apostolical_a time_n when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o testimony_n to_o vouch_v but_o the_o hypotypose_n of_o a_o uncertain_a clement_n certain_o not_o he_o of_o alexandria_n if_o jos._n scaliger_n may_v be_v credit_v and_o the_o commentary_n of_o hegesippus_n who_o relation_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o questionable_a as_o many_o of_o the_o report_n of_o eusebius_n himself_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n for_o which_o i_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o eusebius_n in_o a_o place_n enough_o of_o its_o self_n to_o blast_v the_o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o debate_n for_o speak_v of_o paul_n and_o peter_n and_o the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v and_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o their_o successor_n he_o make_v this_o very_a ingenuous_a confession_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o say_v you_o so_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o find_v out_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o paul_n what_o become_v then_o of_o our_o unquestionable_a line_n of_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o several_a church_n and_o the_o large_a diagramm_v make_v of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n with_o every_o one_o name_n set_v down_o in_o his_o order_n as_o if_o the_o writer_n have_v be_v clarenceaulx_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o that_o we_o have_v nothing_o certain_a but_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n and_o must_v then_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v our_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o a_o excellent_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n doubtless_o to_o bend_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o crooked_a stick_n to_o make_v the_o judge_n stand_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o lackey_n what_o sentence_n he_o shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o cause_n in_o question_n to_o make_v scripture_n stand_v cap_n in_o hand_n to_o tradition_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o speak_v or_o no_o be_v all_o the_o great_a outcry_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o personal_a succession_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n by_o he_o from_o who_o all_o these_o long_a pedigree_n be_v fetch_v then_o let_v succession_n know_v its_o place_n and_o learn_v to_o veil_v bonnet_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o withal_o let_v man_n take_v heed_n of_o overreaching_a themselves_o when_o they_o will_v bring_v down_o so_o large_a a_o catalogue_n of_o single_a bishop_n from_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a time_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o eusebius_n profess_v it_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o find_v they_o well_o might_n scaliger_n then_o complain_v that_o the_o interval_n from_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o middle_n of_o trajan_n in_o which_o time_n quadratus_n and_o ignatius_n begin_v to_o eusebii_n flourish_v be_v tempus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o varro_n speak_v a_o mere_a chaos_n of_o time_n fill_v up_o with_o the_o rude_a concept_n once_o of_o papias_n hermes_n and_o other_o who_o like_o hann_n ibal_n when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v a_o way_n through_o will_v make_v one_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n but_o yet_o three_o here_o be_v another_o defect_n consequent_a to_o that_o of_o time_n which_o be_v that_o of_o person_n arise_v not_o only_a from_o a_o defect_n of_o record_n the_o diptych_n of_o the_o church_n be_v lose_v which_o will_v have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o time_n of_o suffer_v of_o the_o several_a martyr_n by_o they_o call_v their_o natalitia_fw-la at_o which_o time_n their_o several_a name_n be_v enrol_v in_o these_o martyrology_n which_o some_o as_o junius_n observe_v have_v ignorant_o mistake_v for_o the_o time_n of_o their_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o place_n wherein_o their_o 18._o name_n be_v enter_v as_o anacletus_fw-la clitus_n and_o clemens_n at_o rome_n i_o say_v the_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n not_o only_o arise_v hence_o but_o because_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o much_o harass_v with_o persecution_n that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o leisure_n then_o to_o write_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o leisure_n and_o peace_n of_o our_o age_n have_v make_v we_o so_o eager_o inquisitive_a after_o hence_o even_o the_o martyrology_n be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o fable_n witness_v one_o for_o all_o the_o famous_a legend_n of_o catharina_n who_o suffer_v say_v they_o in_o diocletian_n 16._o time_n and_o true_o the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v defend_v with_o his_o epistle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o of_o the_o most_o probable_a for_o wherefore_o shall_v
isidore_n himself_o the_o 7._o bishop_n of_o sevill_n in_o spain_n speak_v of_o presbyter_n his_o sicut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la dispensatio_fw-la mysteriorum_fw-la dei_fw-la commissa_fw-la est_fw-la praesunt_fw-la eni●_n ecclesiis_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o in_o confectione_n corporis_fw-la &_o sanguinis_fw-la consortes_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopis_fw-la sunt_fw-la similiter_fw-la &_o in_fw-la doctrina_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o in_fw-la officio_fw-la praedicandi_fw-la sed_fw-la sola_fw-la propter_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la summo_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la clericorum_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la reservata_fw-la est_fw-la ne_fw-fr à_fw-fr multis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la disciplina_fw-la vindicatae_fw-la concordiam_fw-la solueret_fw-la scandala_fw-la generaret_fw-la what_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o to_o our_o purpose_n then_o this_o be_v he_o assert_n the_o identity_n of_o power_n as_o well_o as_o name_n in_o both_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n only_o for_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o for_o prevent_v schism_n in_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n by_o those_o word_n propter_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la he_o can_v possible_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a command_n for_o that_o his_o follow_a word_n contradict_v that_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v schism_n and_o scandal_n and_o after_o produce_v the_o whole_a place_n of_o jerome_n to_o that_o purpose_n agreeable_a to_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o second_o council_n of_o sevil_n in_o spain_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o irregular_a proceed_n of_o some_o 560._o presbyter_n ordain_v by_o agapius_n bishop_n of_o corduba_n their_o word_n be_v these_o nam_fw-la quamvis_fw-la cum_fw-la episcopis_fw-la plurima_fw-la illis_fw-la ministeriorum_fw-la communis_fw-la sit_fw-la dispensatio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la novellis_fw-la &_o ecclesiasticis_fw-la regulis_fw-la sibi_fw-la prohibita_fw-la noverint_fw-la sicut_fw-la presbyterororum_fw-la &_o diaconorum_fw-la &_o virginum_fw-la consecratio_fw-la etc._n etc._n haec_fw-la enim_fw-la omne_fw-la illicita_fw-la esse_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la quia_fw-la pontificatus_fw-la apicem_fw-la non_fw-la habent_fw-la quem_fw-la solis_fw-la deberi_fw-la episcopis_fw-la authoritate_fw-la canonum_fw-la praecipitur_fw-la ut_fw-la per_fw-la hoc_fw-la &_o discretio_fw-la graduum_fw-la &_o dignitatis_fw-la fastigium_fw-la summi_fw-la pontificis_fw-la demonstretur_fw-la how_o much_o be_v we_o behold_v to_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o spanish_a council_n that_o do_v so_o plain_o disavow_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o divine_a right_n to_o the_o episcopacy_n by_o they_o so_o strenuous_o assert_v all_o the_o right_n they_o plead_v for_o be_v from_o the_o novellae_fw-la &_o ecclesiasticae_fw-la regula_fw-la which_o import_n quite_o another_o thing_n from_o divine_a institution_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n will_v hardly_o ever_o understand_v the_o matter_n under_o debate_n with_o we_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o chief_a among_o they_o viz._n the_o bishop_n than_o to_o observe_v a_o thing_n mere_o out_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o which_o be_v rejoin_v in_o answer_n to_o these_o testimony_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o council_n and_o isidore_n follow_v jerome_n and_o so_o all_o make_v up_o but_o one_o single_a testimony_n but_o may_v it_o not_o as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o be_v for_o episcopacy_n do_v follow_v ignatius_n or_o epiphanius_n and_o so_o all_o those_o do_v make_v up_o but_o one_o single_a testimony_n on_o the_o other_o side_n ye●_n i_o do_v as_o yet_o despair_v of_o find_v any_o one_o single_a testimony_n in_o all_o antiquity_n which_o do_v in_o plain_a term_n assert_v episcopacy_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o age_n follow_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v of_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n some_o expression_n i_o grant_v in_o some_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o extol_v episcopacy_n very_o high_a but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o call_v it_o divine_a and_o apostolical_a not_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o institution_n but_o of_o its_o end_n in_o that_o it_o do_v in_o their_o opinion_n tend_v as_o much_o to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n power_n do_v over_o the_o church_n while_o they_o be_v live_v if_o any_o shall_v meet_v with_o expression_n seem_v to_o carry_v the_o fountain_n of_o episcopal_a power_n high_o let_v they_o remember_v to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o and_o the_o restrain_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n the_o former_a be_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o common_a to_o all_o dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n the_o latter_a be_v appropriate_v to_o some_o but_o by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o a_o eminency_n of_o power_n be_v attribute_v to_o one_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o withal_o let_v they_o consider_v that_o every_o hyperbolical_a expression_n of_o a_o father_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o how_o common_a it_o be_v to_o call_v thing_n divine_a which_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n or_o do_v come_v from_o person_n in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n one_o will_v think_v that_o shall_v meet_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 11._o act_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n it_o can_v be_v render_v by_o nothing_o short_a of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o they_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o but_o only_o the_o emperor_n letter_n to_o the_o council_n it_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o call_v any_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n before_o their_o time_n a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o as_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v they_o usual_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o though_o it_o come_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n so_o the_o father_n when_o tradition_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o without_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n they_o conclude_v they_o can_v have_v no_o other_o fountain_n but_o the_o apostle_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v many_o tradition_n in_o several_a church_n direct_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v look_v on_o as_o apostolical_a only_o from_o the_o prevalency_n of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o whatever_o they_o derive_v from_o their_o father_n be_v of_o that_o 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or_o the_o council_n for_o the_o first_o be_v himself_o a_o bishop_n of_o no_o mean_a account_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o council_n be_v compose_v of_o such_o it_o can_v be_v no_o bias_n then_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v draw_v they_o to_o this_o opinion_n and_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v be_v as_o forward_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o truth_n and_o conscience_n will_v give_v they_o leave_v therefore_o on_o this_o account_n one_o testimony_n of_o a_o single_a bishop_n much_o more_o of_o a_o whole_a council_n of_o they_o against_o their_o act_n by_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v of_o more_o validity_n than_o ten_o for_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v but_o be_v in_o reason_n suppose_v that_o none_o will_v speak_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o authority_n they_o be_v in_o or_o what_o may_v tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o diminish_v it_o but_o such_o as_o make_v more_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n then_o of_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n second_o in_o that_o it_o be_v do_v in_o different_a age_n of_o the_o church_n jerome_n flourish_v about_o
as_o yet_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n and_o alien_n from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d society_n of_o christian_n and_o here_o i_o conceive_v a_o mistake_n of_o some_o man_n lie_v when_o they_o think_v the_o apostle_n respect_v only_o the_o rule_v of_o those_o which_o be_v already_o convert_v for_o though_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o main_a design_n then_o on_o foot_n the_o subject_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessity_n in_o place_n of_o great_a resort_n and_o extent_n to_o place_v not_o only_o such_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o superintend_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o may_v lay_v out_o themselves_o the_o most_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o convert_v other_o have_v lay_v down_o these_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o premisal_n we_o will_v see_v what_o advantage_n we_o can_v make_v of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o our_o purpose_n first_o than_o i_o say_v that_o in_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o believer_n where_o there_o be_v no_o great_a probability_n of_o a_o large_a increase_n afterward_o one_o single_a pastor_n with_o deacon_n under_o he_o be_v only_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o those_o church_n where_o the_o work_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o a_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n may_v do_v it_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o have_v more_o and_o in_o the_o great_a scarcity_n of_o fit_a person_n for_o settle_a ruler_n then_o and_o the_o great_a multitude_n and_o necessity_n of_o unfixed_a officer_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n abroad_o many_o person_n fit_a for_o that_o work_n can_v not_o be_v spare_v to_o be_v constant_o resident_n upon_o a_o place_n now_o that_o in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o there_o be_v none_o place_v but_o only_o a_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n i_o shall_v confirm_v by_o these_o follow_a testimony_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o clement_n in_o his_o epistle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 54._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o preach_v abroad_o through_o country_n and_o city_n ordain_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v have_v prove_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o they_o that_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v whether_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o understand_v village_n or_o region_n be_v not_o material_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a here_o the_o author_n take_v it_o as_o distinct_a from_o city_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o i_o grant_v express_v where_o the_o apostle_n do_v place_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n exclusive_a of_o other_o place_n i._n e._n whither_o only_o in_o city_n or_o country_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o wherever_o they_o plant_v church_n they_o ordain_v bishop_n and_o deacon_n whether_o those_o church_n be_v in_o the_o city_n or_o country_n and_o here_o we_o find_v no_o other_o officer_n settle_v in_o those_o church_n but_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o those_o church_n than_o he_o speak_v of_o appear_v from_o his_o design_n of_o parallel_v the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o under_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v here_o necessary_a to_o enumerate_v all_o that_o be_v then_o in_o the_o church_n the_o main_a controversy_n be_v what_o these_o bishop_n be_v whether_o many_o in_o one_o place_n or_o only_o one_o and_o if_o but_o one_o whether_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o modern_a sense_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o here_o be_v nothing_o imply_v any_o necessity_n of_o have_v more_o than_o one_o in_o a_o place_n which_o will_v further_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o out_o of_o other_o testimony_n which_o will_v help_v to_o explain_v this_o as_o for_o the_o other_o thing_n we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o he_o be_v either_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v none_o over_o he_o in_o the_o church_n or_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v a_o power_n over_o presbyter_n act_v under_o he_o and_o by_o authority_n derive_v from_o he_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n so_o every_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n have_v none_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o so_o every_o such_o single_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v a_o bishop_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o every_o master_n of_o a_o family_n before_o society_n for_o government_n be_v introduce_v may_v be_v call_v a_o king_n because_o he_o have_v none_o above_o he_o to_o command_v he_o but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o bishop_n in_o the_o more_o proper_a sense_n for_o one_o that_o have_v power_n over_o presbyter_n and_o people_n such_o a_o one_o these_o single_a pastor_n be_v not_o can_v not_o be_v for_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o be_v only_o single_a pastor_n but_o than_o it_o be_v say_v that_o after_o other_o presbyter_n be_v appoint_v than_o these_o single_a pastor_n be_v proper_o bishop_n but_o to_o that_o i_o answer_v first_o they_o can_v not_o be_v proper_a bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o first_o constitution_n for_o than_o they_o have_v no_o power_n over_o any_o presbyter_n but_o only_o over_o the_o deacon_n and_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v well_o worth_a consider_v how_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o presbyter_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o those_o single_a pastor_n of_o church_n that_o have_v no_o presbyter_n join_v with_o they_o it_o must_v be_v then_o clear_o and_o evident_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o these_o single_a pastor_n shall_v have_v the_o power_n over_o presbyter_n when_o the_o church_n necessity_n do_v require_v their_o help_n which_o intention_n must_v be_v manifest_v and_o declare_v by_o some_o manifestation_n of_o it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v deduce_v of_o perpetual_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n second_o either_o they_o be_v bishop_n before_o or_o only_o after_o the_o appointment_n of_o presbyter_n if_o before_o than_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n have_v no_o bishop_n over_o he_o be_v all_o one_o if_o after_o only_a than_o it_o be_v by_o his_o communicate_v power_n to_o presbyter_n to_o be_v such_o or_o their_o choice_n which_o make_v he_o their_o bishop_n if_o the_o first_o than_o presbyter_n quoad_fw-la ordinem_fw-la be_v only_o a_o humane_a institution_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o no_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n for_o they_o and_o for_o any_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o they_o it_o must_v go_v among_o unwritten_a tradition_n and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o law_n still_o bind_v the_o church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o which_o occur_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o that_o must_v be_v a_o imperfect_a copy_n of_o divine_a law_n if_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o presbyter_n than_o presbyter_n have_v power_n to_o make_v a_o bishop_n and_o so_o episcopacy_n be_v a_o humane_a institution_n depend_v upon_o the_o voluntary_a act_n of_o presbyter_n but_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o one_o single_a pastor_n with_o deacon_n in_o some_o church_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o of_o epiphanius_n which_o though_o somewhat_o large_a i_o shall_v recite_v because_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o the_o curtail_v of_o this_o testimony_n have_v make_v it_o speak_v otherwise_o then_o ever_o epiphanius_n mean_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pe●av_n etc._n etc._n the_o sense_n of_o epiphanius_n be_v very_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a we_o ●hall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v it_o he_o be_v give_v aerius_n a_o account_n why_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n mention_n only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o pass_v over_o presbyter_n his_o account_n be_v this_o first_o he_o change_v aerius_n with_o ignorance_n of_o the_o series_n of_o history_n which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o profound_a and_o ancient_a record_n the_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v that_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n write_v according_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n where_o bishop_n be_v not_o yet_o appoint_v for_o so_o certain_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o than_o he_o must_v contradict_v himself_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o settle_v all_o thing_n at_o first_o for_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o by_o these_o two_o order_n all_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o where_o so_o i_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d
propound_a method_n to_o examine_v what_o light_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n will_v cast_v upon_o the_o controversy_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o although_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n establish_v and_o ●aid_v down_o by_o we_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o settle_v as_o a_o universal_a law_n for_o the_o church_n but_o what_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n yet_o because_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v of_o ●o_o great_a use_n for_o understanding_n what_o the_o apostle_n intention_n as_o well_o as_o action_n be_v we_o shall_v cheerful_o pass_v over_o this_o rubicon_n because_o not_o with_o a_o intent_n to_o increase_v division_n but_o to_o find_v out_o some_o further_a evidence_n of_o a_o way_n to_o compose_v they_o our_o inquiry_n then_o be_v whether_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v conceive_v its_o self_n oblige_v to_o observe_v unalterable_o one_o individual_a form_n of_o government_n as_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o either_o by_o a_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o universal_a constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o else_o do_v only_o settle_v and_o order_v thing_n for_o church-government_n according_a as_o it_o judge_v they_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o antecedent_n obligation_n as_o necessary_o bind_v to_o observe_v only_o one_o course_n this_o latter_a i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o law_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n observe_v as_o to_o church-government_n viz._n the_o tendency_n of_o its_o constitution_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o any_o bind_a law_n or_o practice_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o demonstrate_v of_o which_o i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o argument_n as_o most_o immediate_o te●d_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o officer_n do_v increase_v mere_o from_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n if_o no_o one_o certain_a form_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n but_o great_a variety_n as_o to_o officer_n and_o diocese_n if_o the_o course_n use_v in_o settle_v the_o power_n of_o the_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v from_o agreement_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n if_o notwithstanding_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n be_v own_v as_o valid_a if_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n concern_v the_o church_n polity_n the_o church_n prudence_n be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o establish_v thing_n then_o we_o may_v with_o reason_n conciude_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n demonstrative_a of_o any_o one_o fix_a form_n of_o church-government_n deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n ●o_o they_o have_v thus_o by_o a_o l●ght_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d draw_v ou●_n the_o several_a line_n of_o the_o portraiture_n of_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o fill_v they_o up_o though_o not_o with_o that_o life_n which_o it_o deserve_v yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o model_n of_o this_o discourse_n will_v permit_v our_o first_o argument_n than_o be_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o power_n of_o church-governor_n which_o i_o assert_v not_o to_o have_v be_v from_o any_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n this_o will_v be_v best_a do_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o church_n and_o how_o proportionable_o the_o power_n of_o the_o governor_n do_v increase_v with_o it_o as_o to_o that_o there_o ●re_n four_o observable_a step_n or_o period_n as_o so_o many_o age_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n first_o when_o church_n and_o city_n be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n second_o when_o church_n take_v in_o the_o adjoin_a territory_n with_o the_o village_n belong_v to_o the_o city_n three_o when_o several_a city_n with_o their_o village_n do_v associate_v for_o church-government_n in_o the_o same_o province_n four_o when_o several_a province_n do_v associate_v for_o government_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n of_o these_o in_o their_o order_n the_o first_o period_n of_o church_n government_n observable_a in_o the_o 2._o primitive_a church_n be_v when_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o christian_n in_o whole_a city_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v that_o the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v in_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o same_o city_n second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o government_n then_o observe_v among_o they_o three_o consider_v what_o relation_n the_o several_a church_n in_o city_n have_v to_o one_o another_o first_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v christian_n of_o whole_a city_n it_o be_v but_o a_o late_a and_o novel_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n church_n whereby_o it_o be_v take_v for_o state_v fix_a congregation_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o doubtless_o the_o original_n of_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n in_o great_a city_n into_o their_o several_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o public_a place_n for_o meeting_n whence_o the_o scotch_a kirk_n and_o our_o english_a church_n so_o that_o from_o call_v the_o place_n church_n they_o proceed_v to_o call_v the_o person_n there_o meet_v by_o that_o name_n and_o thence_o some_o think_v the_o name_n of_o church_n so_o appropriate_v to_o such_o a_o society_n of_o christian_n as_o may_v meet_v at_o such_o a_o place_n that_o they_o make_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o call_v those_o place_n church_n from_o whence_o original_o the_o very_a name_n as_o we_o use_v it_o be_v derive_v but_o this_o may_v be_v pardon_v among_o other_o the_o religious_a weakness_n of_o well_o meaning_n but_o less_o know_v people_n a_o church_n in_o its_o primary_n sense_n as_o it_o answer_v to_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apply_v to_o christian_n be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n live_v together_o in_o one_o city_n whether_o meet_v together_o in_o many_o congregation_n or_o one_o be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a because_o they_o be_v not_o call_v a_o church_n as_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n inhabit_v together_o in_o such_o a_o city_n not_o but_o that_o i_o think_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n wherever_o they_o be_v whether_o in_o a_o city_n or_o country_n but_o because_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a mention_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n of_o church_n be_v of_o such_o as_o do_v dwell_v together_o in_o the_o same_o city_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o act_v 14._o 23._o compare_v with_o titus_n 1._o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o one_o place_n be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o other_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n which_o imply_v that_o by_o church_n then_o be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o christian_n reside_v in_o the_o city_n over_o which_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n to_o rule_v they_o so_o act_v 16._o 4._o 5._o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v in_o the_o faith_n the_o church_n here_o be_v the_o christian_n of_o those_o city_n which_o they_o go_v through_o so_o act_v 20._o 17._o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n if_o by_o the_o elder_n we_o mean_v as_o all_o those_o do_v we_o now_o deal_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n than_o it_o be_v here_o evident_a that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o city_n be_v all_o one_o but_o what_o be_v more_o observable_a ver_fw-la 28._o he_o call_v the_o church_n of_o that_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o several_a thing_n be_v observable_a to_o our_o purpose_n first_o that_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n in_o ephesus_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o flock_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o the_o several_a flock_n and_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n second_o that_o all_o these_o speak_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o pastoral_a charge_n of_o this_o one_o flock_n paul_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o charge_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o it_o so_o
metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n and_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n there_o mention_v can_v not_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a city_n under_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o philippi_n but_o must_v be_v understand_v ●_o of_o the_o bishop_n resident_a in_o that_o city_n we_o begin_v with_o it_o in_o the_o civil_a sense_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v confess_v not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolis_n during_o its_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v by_o pausanias_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 182._o by_o theophylact_v out_o of_o a_o old_a geographer_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v it_o not_o very_o improbable_a that_o so_o 47._o small_a a_o city_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v by_o dio_fw-mi and_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n where_o be_v at_o least_o 2._o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o city_n as_o pliny_n and_o pomponius_n mela_n tell_v we_o by_o bo●h_n who_o philippi_n be_v place_v in_o thracia_n and_o not_o in_o macedonia_n but_o two_o argument_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v philippi_n to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolis_n the_o first_o be_v from_o st._n luke_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 16._o 12._o the_o first_o city_n of_o that_o part_n of_o macedonia_n but_o render_v by_o the_o learned_a doctor_n the_o prime_a city_n of_o the_o province_n of_o macedonia_n but_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a know_v where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o notitiae_fw-la of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v translate_v a_o province_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o luke_n call_v it_o the_o first_o city_n not_o ratione_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la but_o ratione_fw-la 〈◊〉_d in_o regard_n of_o its_o situation_n and_o not_o its_o dignity_n so_o camerarius_fw-la understand_v luke_n hanc_fw-la esse_fw-la primam_fw-la coloniam_fw-la pa●tis_fw-la seu_fw-la plagae_fw-la macedonicae_fw-la nimirum_fw-la a_fw-fr thracia_n vicinia_fw-la iter_fw-la in_o macedoniam_fw-la ordiens_n it_o be_v the_o first_o city_n of_o that_o part_n of_o macedonia_n when_o one_o go_v from_o thracia_n into_o it_o and_o so_o it_o appear_v 397._o by_o dio_n describe_v the_o situation_n of_o philippi_n that_o it_o be_v the_o next_o town_n to_o neapolis_n only_o the_o mountain_n symbolon_n come_v between_o they_o and_o neapolis_n be_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o philippi_n build_v up_o in_o the_o plain_a near_o the_o mountain_n pangaeus_n where_o brutus_n and_o cassius_n encamp_v themselves_o its_o be_v then_o the_o first_o city_n of_o entrance_n into_o macedonia_n prove_v no_o more_o that_o it_o be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macodonia_n then_o that_o calais_n be_v of_o france_n or_o dover_n of_o england_n but_o it_o be_v further_o plead_v that_o philippi_n be_v a_o colony_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o roman_a judicature_n be_v there_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o philippi_n be_v not_o the_o only_a colony_n in_o macedonia_n for_o pliny_n reckon_v up_o cassandria_n paria_fw-la and_o other_o for_o which_o 37._o we_o must_v understand_v that_o macedonia_n be_v long_o since_o make_v a_o province_n by_o paulus_n and_o in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n by_o augustus_n strabo_n reckon_v it_o with_o illyricum_n among_o the_o province_n belong_v to_o the_o roman_a people_n and_o senate_n and_o so_o likewise_o do_v dio._n but_o it_o appear_v by_o suetonius_n that_o tiberius_n 25._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n in_o the_o danger_n of_o war_n in_o the_o province_n take_v it_o into_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o it_o be_v return_v by_o claudius_n to_o the_o senat●_n again_o together_o with_o achaia_n thence_o dio_n speak_v of_o macedonia_n 57_o in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n say_v it_o be_v govern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o those_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o praefecti_fw-la casaris_fw-la such_o as_o be_v send_v by_o the_o emperor_n to_o be_v his_o precedent_n in_o the_o province_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o proconsuli_n who_o be_v choose_v by_o lot_n after_o their_o consulship_n into_o the_o several_a province_n and_o therefore_o dio_n express_v claudius_n his_o return_v macedonia_n into_o the_o senate_n hand_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o put_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o senate_n again_o now_o macedonia_n have_v be_v thus_o long_o a_o province_n o●_n the_o roman_a empire_n what_o probability_n be_v there_o because_o philippi_n be_v a_o colony_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n second_o we_o find_v not_o the_o least_o evidence_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o the_o proconsul_n of_o macedonia_n have_v his_o residence_n at_o philippi_n yea_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n against_o it_o out_o of_o scripture_n act_n 16_o 20_o 22._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o magistrate_n if_o there_o have_v be_v the_o tribunal_n of_o a_o proconsul_n here_o we_o shall_v certain_o have_v have_v it_o mention_v as_o gallio_n proconsul_n of_o achaia_n be_v mention_v in_o a_o like_a case_n at_o corinth_n act_v 18._o 12._o two_o sort_n of_o magistrate_n be_v here_o express_v 8._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o city_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v the_o duumviri_fw-la of_o the_o colony_n or_o else_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o proconsul_n reside_v there_o but_o i_o incline_v rather_o to_o the_o former_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v only_o a_o duumvir_fw-la but_o 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o praetor_n as_o heinsius_n observe_v from_o the_o glossary_a of_o h._n stephen_n for_o every_o colony_n have_v a_o duumvirate_n to_o rule_v it_o answer_v to_o the_o consul_n and_o praetor_n at_o rome_n but_o all_o this_o may_v have_v be_v spare_v when_o we_o consider_v how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o thessalonica_n be_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n as_o appear_v by_o antipater_n in_o the_o greek_a epigram_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o praefectus_fw-la pr●torio_n illy●ici_fw-la have_v 〈…〉_z dence_z a●_n th●ssalonica_n as_o theodore●_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n &c_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o th●ssalonica_n be_v a_o great_a populous_a city_n where_o the_o lieutenant_n of_o illyricum_n do_v reside_v and_o so_o in_o probability_n do_v the_o vi●arius_n macedonia_n it_o be_v call_v the_o metropolis_n of_o macedonia_n likewise_o by_o socr●●●s_n and_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n it_o be_v so_o call_v by_o aetius_n the_o bishop_n thereof_o in_o the_o council_n of_o sardica●_n and_o carolus_n à_fw-it sancto_fw-it paulo_n think_v it_o be_v not_o only_o 16._o the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o province_n of_o macedonia_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a diocè●s_n which_o in_o the_o east_n be_v much_o large_a than_o the_o province_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v that_o which_o answer_v to_o the_o 14._o v●carius_n macedoniae_n and_o thence_o in_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o chalcedon_n the_o subscription_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o th●ssalonic●_n wa●_n next_o to_o the_o patriarch_n but_o for_o philippi_n the_o same_o author_n acknowledge_v it_o not_o to_o have_v be_v a_o metropolitan_a church_n in_o the_o first_o six_o century_n but_o after_o that_o macedonia_n be_v divide_v into_o prima_fw-la and_o secunda_fw-la which_o be_v after_o the_o division_n of_o it_o in_o the_o empire_n into_o prima_fw-la and_o salutaris_fw-la than_o philippi_n come_v to_o have_v the_o honorary_a title_n of_o a_o metropolitan_a although_o in_o hierocles_n his_o notitia_fw-la philippi_n be_v place_v as_o the_o twenty_o first_o city_n under_o the_o metropoles_fw-la of_o th●ssalonica_n so_o much_o to_o evidence_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o first_o pillar_n viz._n that_o these_o city_n be_v metropoles_fw-la in_o the_o civil_a sense_n and_o this_o be_v take_v away_o the_o other_o fall_v of_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v model_n the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n according_a to_o the_o civil_a then_o metropolitan_a church_n be_v plant_v only_o in_o metropolitan_a city_n and_o these_o be_v clear_v not_o to_o have_v be_v the_o latter_a it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v not_o the_o former_a but_o however_o let_v we_o see_v what_o evidence_n be_v bring_v of_o such_o a_o subordination_n of_o all_o other_o church_n to_o the_o metropolitan_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o only_a evidence_n produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o such_o a_o subordination_n and_o dependence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lesser_a city_n upon_o the_o great_a be_v from_o act●_n 16._o 1_o 4_o compare_v with_o act_n 15._o 23._o the_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o
of_o necessity_n be_v valid_a which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v do_v evident_o prove_v that_o episcopal_a government_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o any_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n for_o which_o purpose_n many_o evidence_n be_v produce_v from_o dr._n field_n of_o the_o church_n lib._n 3._o c._n 39_o b._n downam_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o b._n jewel_n p._n 2._o p._n 131._o saravia_n cap._n 2._o p._n 10._o 11._o b._n alley_n praelect_a 3._o &_o 6._o b._n pilkinton_n b._n bridges_n b._n bilson_n d._n nowell_n b._n davenant_n b._n prideaux_n b._n andrews_n and_o other_o by_o our_o 63._o reverend_n and_o learned_a m._n baxter_n in_o his_o christian_a concord_n to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v the_o late_a most_o reverend_a and_o eminent_a the_o bishop_n of_o durham_n apolog._n cathol_n p._n 1._o l._n 1._o c._n 21._o and_o the_o primate_n of_o armagh_n who_o judgement_n be_v well_o know_v as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n so_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o both_o those_o who_o hold_v a_o equality_n among_o minister_n to_o be_v the_o apostolical_a form_n and_o those_o that_o do_v hold_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v it_o do_v yet_o both_o of_o they_o agree_v at_o last_o in_o this_o that_o no_o one_o form_n be_v settle_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n of_o christ_n nor_o consequent_o found_v upon_o divine_a right_n for_o the_o former_a notwithstanding_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n do_v hold_v episcopacy_n lawful_a and_o the_o latter_a who_o hold_v episcopacy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o primitive_a form_n do_v not_o hold_v it_o perpetual_o and_o immutable_o necessary_a but_o that_o presbyter_n where_o bishop_n can_v be_v have_v may_v lawful_o discharge_v the_o office_n belong_v to_o bishop_n both_o which_o concession_n do_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o perpetual_a divine_a right_n of_o that_o form_n of_o government_n they_o assert_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o in_o prove_v and_o i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o any_o unprejudicate_v mind_n have_v lay_v down_o this_o now_o as_o a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o peace_n 8._o and_o union_n it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o improve_v it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o accommodation_n of_o our_o present_a difference_n about_o church_n government_n i_o shall_v only_o lay_v down_o three_o general_a principle_n deducible_a from_o hence_o and_o leave_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o mature_a consideration_n of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o first_o principle_n be_v that_o prudence_n must_v be_v use_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n this_o have_v be_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v a_o mere_a matter_n of_o prudence_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o argument_n already_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v although_o the_o several_a party_n in_o their_o contention_n with_o one_o another_o plead_v for_o divine_a right_n yet_o when_o any_o one_o of_o they_o come_v to_o settle_v their_o own_o particular_a form_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o prudence_n even_o in_o thing_n suppose_v by_o the_o several_a party_n as_o necessary_a to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o own_o form_n the_o congregational_a man_n may_v despair_v of_o ever_o find_v elective_a synod_n a_o explicit_a church-covenant_n or_o positive_a sign_n of_o grace_n in_o admission_n of_o church-member_n in_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n nay_o they_o will_v not_o general_o plead_v for_o any_o more_o for_o they_o then_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n fine_a similitude_n and_o analogy_n and_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o what_o be_v all_o these_o at_o last_o to_o a_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n without_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o presbyterian_o seem_v more_o general_o to_o own_o the_o use_n of_o general_n rule_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n as_o in_o the_o subordination_n of_o court_n classical_a assembly_n and_o the_o more_o moderate_a sort_n as_o to_o lay_v elder_n the_o episcopal_a man_n will_v hardly_o find_v any_o evidence_n in_o scripture_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o fix_a congregation_n for_o worship_n under_o the_o charge_n of_o one_o person_n nor_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n without_o the_o precede_a election_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o at_o least_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o antiquity_n the_o least_o footstep_n of_o a_o delegation_n of_o church-power_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o matter_n at_o last_o all_o of_o they_o make_v use_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o church_n government_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a prudence_n guide_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v observe_v still_o the_o second_o principle_n be_v that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v the_o best_a according_a to_o principle_n of_o christian_a prudence_n which_o come_v the_o near_a to_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o advance_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o that_o form_n be_v i_o presume_v not_o to_o define_v and_o determine_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n state_n and_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v settle_v as_o to_o its_o tendency_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v out_o of_o which_o that_o proposal_n of_o his_o late_a most_o excellent_a majesty_n of_o glorious_a memory_n sin●_n be_v most_o high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a his_o majesty_n think_v it_o well_o worthy_a the_o study_n and_o endeavour_n of_o divine_n of_o both_o opinion_n lay_v aside_o emulation_n and_o private_a interest_n to_o reduce_v episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n into_o such_o a_o well-proportioned_a form_n of_o superiority_n and_o subordination_n as_o may_v best_o resemble_v the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o different_a condition_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o exigence_n of_o all_o considerable_a circumstance_n will_v admit_v if_o this_o proposal_n be_v embrace_v as_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o then_o all_o such_o thing_n must_v be_v retrieve_v which_o be_v unquestionable_o of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n but_o have_v be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n through_o the_o length_n and_o corruption_n of_o time_n such_o be_v the_o restore_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o several_a church_n as_o the_o senate_n to_o the_o bishop_n with_o whole_a counsel_n and_o advice_n all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o contract_n of_o diocese_n into_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o the_o personal_a inspection_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o care_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o senate_n the_o place_n of_o bishop_n in_o all_o great_a town_n of_o resort_n especial_o county_n town_n that_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a course_n of_o the_o church_n its_o government_n may_v be_v proportion_v etc._n to_o the_o civil_a government_n the_o constant_a preach_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o some_o church_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o residence_n in_o his_o diocese_n the_o solemnity_n of_o ordination_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n the_o observe_v provincial_a synod_n twice_o every_o year_n the_o employ_v of_o none_o in_o judge_a church_n matter_n but_o the_o clergy_n these_o be_v thing_n unquestionable_o of_o the_o primitive_a practice_n and_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o be_v not_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a than_o ever_o and_o therefore_o all_o who_o appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n must_v condemn_v themselves_o if_o they_o justify_v the_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o i_o only_o touch_v at_o these_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v only_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o happy_a union_n last_o what_o form_n of_o government_n be_v determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o as_o it_o contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o let_v man_n judgement_n be_v what_o they_o will_v concern_v the_o primitive_a form_n see_v it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o that_o form_n do_v not_o bind_v unalterable_o and_o necessary_o it_o remain_v that_o the_o determine_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o be_v so_o
bind_v necessary_o but_o that_o rule_n which_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v it_o for_o example_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n do_v not_o bind_v without_o a_o law_n make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o so_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o all_o obligatory_a force_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o example_n themselves_o and_o resolve_v into_o one_o of_o the_o two_o former_a the_o moral_a nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o a_o positive_a law_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o plead_v the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o scripture-example_n must_v either_o produce_v the_o moral_a nature_n of_o these_o example_n or_o else_o a_o rule_n bind_v we_o to_o follow_v those_o example_n especial_o when_o these_o example_n be_v bring_v to_o found_v a_o new_a positive_a law_n oblige_v all_o christian_n necessary_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o bind_a nature_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n i_o shall_v discourse_v large_o afterward_o the_o next_o thing_n plead_v for_o a_o divine_a right_n be_v by_o divine_a acts._n as_o to_o this_o ●t_a be_v again_o evident_a that_o all_o divine_a act_n do_v not_o constitute_v such_o a_o right_n therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o express_v in_o those_o act_n when_o such_o a_o divine_a right_o follow_v they_o whence_o we_o may_v infallible_o gather_v it_o be_v god_n intention_n they_o shall_v perpetual_o oblige_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n instance_a in_o the_o most_o for_o this_o purpose_n as_o god_n rest_v on_o the_o seven_o day_n make_v the_o sabbath_n perpetual_a for_o it_o 2._o be_v not_o god_n rest_v that_o make_v it_o the_o sabbath_n for_o that_o be_v only_o express_v as_o the_o occasion_n of_o its_o institution_n but_o it_o be_v god_n sanctify_v the_o day_n that_o be_v by_o a_o law_n set_v it_o apart_o for_o his_o own_o service_n which_o make_v it_o a_o duty_n and_o so_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v not_o it_o which_o make_v the_o lord_n day_n a_o sabbath_n of_o divine_a right_n but_o christ_n resurrection_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n alter_v only_o a_o circumstantial_a part_n of_o a_o moral_a duty_n already_o which_o be_v do_v upon_o so_o great_a reason_n and_o by_o person_n endue_v with_o a_o insallible_a spirit_n thereby_o it_o become_v our_o duty_n to_o observe_v that_o moral_a command_n in_o this_o limitation_n of_o time_n but_o here_o it_o be_v further_a necessary_a to_o distinguish_v between_o act_n mere_o positive_a and_o act_n donative_n or_o legal_a the_o former_a con●er_n no_o right_n at_o all_o but_o the_o latter_a do_v not_o bare_o as_o act_n but_o as_o legal_a act_n that_o be_v by_o some_o declaration_n that_o those_o act_n do_v conserr_v right_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o donation_n and_o therefore_o in_o law_n the_o bare_a delivery_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o another_o do_v not_o give_v a_o legal_a title_n to_o it_o without_o express_a transfer_v of_o dominion_n and_o propriety_n with_o it_o thus_o in_o christ_n deliver_v the_o key_n to_o peter_n and_o there_a of_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o act_n i_o grant_v 18._o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n by_o divine_a right_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o any_o bare_a act_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v it_o but_o it_o be_v only_o the_o declaration_n of_o christ_n will_n confer_v that_o authority_n upon_o they_o again_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o right_n confer_v by_o a_o donative_n act_n and_o the_o unalterable_a nature_n of_o that_o right_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o may_v be_v a_o right_n personal_a as_o well_o as_o successive_a derivative_a and_o perpetual_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o right_o be_v give_v by_o any_o act_n of_o christ_n unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o right_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a if_o it_o oblige_v still_o for_o otherwise_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o by_o it_o we_o mean_v a_o power_n declarative_n of_o duty_n or_o a_o power_n authoritative_a and_o penal_a must_v continue_v still_o if_o a_o difference_n be_v not_o make_v between_o these_o two_o and_o some_o rule_n sound_v out_o to_o know_v when_o the_o right_o confer_v by_o divine_a act_n be_v personal_a when_o successive_a which_o rule_n thus_o find_v out_o must_v make_v the_o right_n unalterable_a and_o so_o concern_v we_o and_o not_o the_o bare_a donative_n act_v of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v all_o equal_o confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o some_o continue_v still_o and_o other_o do_v not_o than_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o make_v a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n and_o so_o though_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v superiority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o act_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o must_v further_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n intention_n that_o superiority_n shall_v continue_v in_o their_o successor_n or_o it_o make_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o argument_n i_o confess_v i_o see_v not_o how_o those_o who_o make_v a_o necessary_a divine_a right_a to_o follow_v upon_o the_o act_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o the_o last_o thing_n plead_v for_o divine_a right_n be_v divine_a approbation_n but_o this_o least_o of_o all_o constitute_v a_o divine_a right_n for_o if_o the_o action_n be_v extraordinary_a god_n approbation_n of_o they_o as_o such_o can_v make_v they_o a_o ordinary_a duty_n in_o all_o other_o action_n which_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o only_o commendable_a they_o must_v be_v so_o either_o because_o do_v in_o conformity_n to_o god_n reveal_v will_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n good_a in_o themselves_o in_o the_o one_o it_o be_v the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n in_o the_o other_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v the_o action_n good_a and_o so_o approve_v by_o god_n and_o on_o that_o account_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o for_o god_n will_v certain_o approve_v of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n reveal_v or_o natural_a which_o will_n and_o law_n of_o he_o be_v that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n i._n e._n perpetual_o bind_v as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o but_o for_o act_n of_o mere_o positive_a nature_n which_o we_o read_v god_n approbation_n of_o in_o scripture_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o approbation_n those_o action_n do_v oblige_v we_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o god_n mere_a approbation_n that_o make_v the_o obligation_n but_o as_o that_o approbation_n so_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n and_o declaration_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o oblige_v man_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o be_v a_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o the_o legislator_n will_v and_o intention_n to_o bind_v in_o particular_a action_n and_o case_n thus_o now_o we_o have_v clear_v whereon_o a_o necessary_a and_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n must_v be_v found_v either_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o some_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n sufficient_o declare_v to_o be_v perpetual_o bind_v chap._n ii_o six_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o basis_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 1._o the_o irreversible_a obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o by_o humane_a or_o divine_a positive_a law_n in_o thing_n immediate_o flow_v from_o it_o 2._o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o prohibition_n by_o positive_a law_n enlarge_v into_o 5_o subservient_fw-fr proposition_n 3._o divine_a positive_a law_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v obey_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n 4._o thing_n undetermined_a both_o by_o the_o natural_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n may_v be_v lawful_o determine_v by_o the_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 5._o what_o be_v th●●_n determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n do_v bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n subject_a to_o that_o authority_n to_o obedience_n to_o those_o determination_n 6._o thing_n thus_o determine_v by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v not_o thereby_o make_v unalterable_a but_o may_v be_v revoke_v limit_v and_o change_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n have_v show_v what_o a_o divine_a right_o be_v and_o whereon_o it_o be_v 1._o found_v our_o next_o great_a inquiry_n will_v be_v how_o far_o church-government_n be_v found_v upon_o divine_a right_n take_v either_o of_o these_o two_o way_n
scripture_n its_o self_n as_o to_o place_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v sacrifice_v in_o high_a place_n etc._n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o man_n own_o appointment_n be_v lawful_a till_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v by_o solomon_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o several_a example_n of_o gedeon_n samuel_n david_n and_o other_o indeed_o after_o the_o place_n be_v settle_v by_o god_n own_o law_n it_o become_v whole_o sinful_a but_o if_o so_o before_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v read_v of_o god_n accept_v sacrifice_n in_o such_o place_n as_o he_o do_v gedeon_n nor_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v it_o as_o samuel_n and_o david_n do_v it_o be_v a_o disputable_a case_n about_o sacrifice_n whether_o the_o offering_n of_o they_o come_v only_o from_o natural_a light_n or_o from_o some_o express_a command_n the_o latter_a seem_v far_o more_o probable_a to_o i_o because_o i_o can_v see_v how_o natural_a light_n shall_v any_o wise_a dictate_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o other_o creature_n as_o a_o token_n of_o man_n obedience_n to_o himself_o 42._o and_o rivet_n give_v this_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o sacrifice_n can_v belong_v to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v only_o acceptable_a as_o a_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o obedience_n and_o not_o simple_o as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o this_o sign_n signify_v ex_fw-la instituto_fw-la for_o man_n destroy_v the_o life_n of_o a_o beast_n can_v never_o natural_o signify_v man_n obedience_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v have_v some_o positive_a law_n for_o those_o which_o signify_v only_o by_o institution_n and_o not_o natural_o can_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o dictate_v of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o god_n do_v so_o often_o in_o scripture_n slight_v the_o offering_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o inherent_a virtue_n or_o goodness_n in_o the_o action_n its_o self_n or_o acceptablenesse_n to_o god_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v in_o which_o sense_n god_n say_v he_o that_o kill_v a_o bullock_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o 3._o sacrifice_v a_o sheep_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o be_v there_o more_o in_o the_o one_o then_o in_o the_o other_o but_o only_o god_n appointment_n which_o make_v one_o acceptable_a and_o not_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o god_n will_v have_v accept_v abel_n sacrifice_n rather_o than_o cain_n have_v there_o be_v no_o command_n for_o their_o sacrifice_v for_o as_o to_o mere_a natural_a light_n cain_n sacrifice_n 4._o seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o that_o then_o abel_n cain_n be_v a_o eucharistical_a offering_n without_o hurt_n to_o other_o creature_n but_o abel_n be_v cruentum_fw-la sacrificium_fw-la a_o sacrifice_n of_o blood_n but_o the_o chief_a ground_n of_o abel_n acceptance_n be_v his_o offering_n in_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o now_o say_v be_v a_o 4._o high_a principle_n then_o natural_a light_n and_o must_v suppose_v divine_a revelation_n and_o so_o a_o divine_a command_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o action_n moses_n his_o silence_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o command_n be_v no_o argument_n there_o be_v none_o it_o not_o be_v his_o design_n to_o write_v at_o large_a all_o the_o particular_a precept_n of_o the_o oral_a law_n but_o to_o deduce_v the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o patriarch_n down_o from_o adam_n and_o the_o creation_n but_o suppose_v a_o command_n give_v from_o god_n determine_v mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o such_o ●hings_n of_o which_o the_o substance_n depend_v on_o a_o natural_a law_n man_n be_v as_o well_o bind_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o after_o their_o revelation_n as_o the_o other_o before_o the_o one_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o clear_v and_o full_a as_o the_o other_o yes_o and_o so_o much_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o obedience_n in_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o those_o thing_n but_o a_o divine_a command_n and_o even_o in_o do_v thing_n intrinsical_o good_a the_o ground_n of_o pure_o religious_a obedience_n be_v because_o god_n command_v man_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o they_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o do_v a_o thing_n because_o most_o suitable_a to_o nature_n speak_v morality_n but_o do_v because_o god_n command_v it_o speak_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n discover_v to_o our_o understanding_n so_o the_o formal_a principle_n of_o a_o act_n of_o spiritual_a obedience_n be_v a_o divine_a command_n incline_v the_o will_n and_o aw_v it_o to_o performance_n so_o far_o then_o as_o divine_a law_n determine_v thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v they_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o natural_a law_n the_o four_o hypothesis_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v determine_v both_o 5._o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o morality_n of_o they_o but_o not_o determine_v as_o to_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o lawful_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o judge_v they_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a the_o performance_n of_o they_o in_o due_a manner_n so_o that_o not_o only_a matter_n whole_o leave_v at_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n but_o even_o thing_n command_v in_o the_o divine_a law_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n if_o undetermined_a by_o the_o same_o law_n which_o enforce_v the_o duty_n thus_o the_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n for_o god_n worship_n be_v a_o dictate_v of_o the_o natural_a law_n that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v that_o time_n be_v determine_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o in_o what_o place_n at_o what_o hour_n in_o what_o order_n decency_n and_o solemnity_n this_o worship_n shall_v be_v then_o perform_v be_v circumstance_n not_o determine_v in_o scripture_n but_o only_o by_o general_a rule_n as_o to_o these_o then_o so_o they_o be_v do_v in_o conformity_n to_o those_o rule_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a positive_a determination_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o hypothesis_n in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o to_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v without_o prove_v it_o some_o deny_v the_o magistrate_n any_o power_n at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n other_o grant_v a_o defensive_a protective_a power_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n but_o deny_v any_o determine_a power_n in_o the_o magistrate_n concern_v thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o scripture_n this_o hypothesis_n than_o have_v land_v i_o into_o a_o field_n of_o controversy_n wherein_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o strive_v to_o make_v my_o way_n through_o any_o opposite_a party_n as_o endeavour_v to_o beget_v a_o right_a understanding_n between_o the_o adverse_a party_n in_o order_n to_o a_o mutual_a compliance_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o do_v because_o if_o any_o controversy_n have_v be_v a_o increaser_n and_o fomenter_n of_o heartburning_n and_o division_n among_o we_o it_o have_v be_v about_o the_o determination_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o which_o seem_v strange_a the_o thing_n man_n can_v least_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o be_v matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o those_o thing_n man_n have_v divide_v most_o upon_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o uniformity_n and_o wherein_o they_o have_v differ_v most_o have_v be_v pretend_a thing_n of_o indifferency_n in_o order_n then_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o peace_n and_o union_n i_o shall_v calm_o debate_v what_o power_n the_o magistrate_n have_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o far_o that_o power_n do_v extend_v in_o determine_v thing_n leave_v undetermined_a by_o the_o word_n for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o passage_n open_a to_o it_o by_o the_o lay_n down_o several_a necessary_a distinction_n about_o it_o the_o want_n of_o consider_v which_o have_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a confusion_n in_o the_o handle_n this_o controversy_n first_o then_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o a_o power_n respect_v religion_n in_o its_o self_n and_o a_o power_n concern_v religion_n as_o it_o be_v the_o public_a own_a and_o profess_a religion_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o although_o the_o magistrate_n have_v no_o proper_a power_n over_o religion_n in_o its_o self_n either_o take_v it_o abstract_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o worship_n or_o concrete_o
parvoque_fw-la beati_fw-la condita_fw-la post_fw-la frumenta_fw-la levantes_fw-la tempore_fw-la festo_fw-la corpus_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la animum_fw-la spe_fw-la finis_fw-la dura_fw-la ferentes_fw-la aug._n cum_fw-la sociis_fw-la operum_fw-la &_o pveris_fw-la &_o conjuge_fw-la fidâ_fw-la tellurem_fw-la porco_fw-la sylvanum_fw-la lacte_fw-la piabant_fw-la although_o he_o be_v not_o so_o express_v for_o offer_v the_o very_a fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o he_o that_o their_o great_a festival_n in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n be_v immediate_o after_o harvest_n and_o that_o they_o have_v great_a assembly_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o do_v then_o solemn_o sacrifice_v and_o from_o these_o solemnity_n come_v the_o original_n of_o tragedy_n and_o comedy_n as_o horace_n intimate_v and_o be_v large_o show_v by_o isaac_n casaubon_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr satyricâ_fw-la 1._o poesi_fw-la but_o to_o fetch_v this_o yet_o a_o little_a high_o and_o so_o bring_v it_o downward_o the_o first_o sacrifice_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v this_o of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n unless_o the_o skin_n which_o adam_n clothe_v himself_o with_o be_v of_o the_o beast_n sacrifice_v as_o some_o conjecture_n cain_n sacrifice_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o oblation_n of_o the_o 2._o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o all_o probability_n the_o first-fruit_n as_o abel_n offer_v the_o first-born_a of_o the_o cattle_n to_o the_o lord_n this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v at_o some_o solemn_a time_n of_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v employ_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o end_n of_o day_n in_o process_n of_o time_n we_o render_v it_o but_o the_o jew_n understand_v it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o loc_n year_n day_n in_o scripture_n be_v often_o put_v for_o year_n which_o interpretation_n if_o we_o follow_v we_o find_v a_o very_a early_a observation_n of_o the_o anniversary_n festival_n of_o first-fruit_n but_o however_o this_o be_v we_o have_v by_o unquestionable_a tradition_n that_o no_o festival_n be_v more_o ancient_o nor_o more_o universal_o observe_v than_o this_o of_o offer_v the_o first_o fruit_n to_o god_n of_o their_o increase_n the_o jew_n be_v bind_v up_o so_o strict_o to_o it_o by_o their_o law_n leviticus_n 23._o 14._o that_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v nothing_o of_o their_o crop_n till_o the_o offering_n of_o first-fruit_n be_v make_v and_o porphyrius_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o hermippus_n 22._o that_o one_o of_o the_o law_n make_v for_o the_o athenian_n by_o triptolemus_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o feast_v the_o god_n with_o their_o fruit_n of_o which_o xenocrates_n there_o give_v a_o twofold_a reason_n sense_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o god_n and_o the_o easiness_n at_o all_o time_n to_o offer_v up_o these_o by_o which_o he_o suppose_v the_o custom_n will_v continue_v long_o draco_n afterward_o put_v this_o among_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o his_o unalterable_a law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o worship_v their_o god_n with_o their_o first-fruit_n beside_o which_o for_o other_o greek_n we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o plutarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6_o the_o most_o of_o the_o grecian_n say_v he_o in_o their_o most_o ancient_a sacrifice_n do_v use_v barley_n the_o first_o fruit_n be_v offer_v by_o the_o citizen_n and_o therefore_o the_o opuntii_n call_v their_o chief_a priest_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o gather_v in_o the_o first-fruit_n the_o manner_n of_o offer_v the_o first-fruit_n among_o they_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o mincha_fw-mi among_o the_o jew_n which_o 13._o be_v of_o fine_a flower_n mingle_v with_o oil_n for_o a_o burnt-offering_a to_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n there_o use_v imply_v the_o bruise_a the_o ear_n of_o corn_n in_o a_o mortar_n because_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o moist_a and_o can_v not_o be_v ground_n hard_a as_o corn_n be_v whence_o because_o it_o be_v not_o all_o bring_v to_o flower_n the_o cake_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o septuagint_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o i_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v read_v which_o in_o our_o great_a bibles_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o be_v call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n be_v frequent_o use_v by_o homer_n and_o apollonius_n rhodius_n who_o i_o forbear_v to_o transcribe_v it_o be_v so_o obvious_a which_o be_v expound_v both_o by_o the_o excellent_a scholiast_n on_o apollonius_n and_o by_o eustathius_n and_o the_o short_a scholiast_n on_o homer_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &c_n barley_n and_o salt_n mix_v together_o to_o which_o among_o the_o roman_n the_o mola_n salsa_fw-la answer_v of_o which_o festus_n est_fw-la far_a tostum_fw-la &_o sale_n conspersum_fw-la as_o the_o mincha_fw-mi under_o the_o law_n be_v always_o salt_v with_o salt_n levit._n 2._o 13._o this_o mola_n salsa_fw-la among_o the_o roman_n have_v original_o relation_n to_o the_o first-fruit_n for_o the_o custom_n of_o offer_v up_o first-fruit_n among_o they_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o their_o institution_n of_o religious_a rite_n as_o pliny_n full_o 2._o inform_v we_o numa_n instituit_fw-la deos_fw-la fruge_fw-la colere_fw-la &_o molâ_fw-la salsâ_fw-la supplicare_fw-la atque_fw-la ut_fw-la author_n est_fw-la hemina_n far_o torrere_fw-la which_o likewise_o answer_v to_o the_o jewish_a mincha_fw-mi which_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tosta_fw-la in_o igne_fw-la parch_v in_o the_o fire_n for_o which_o purpose_n 14._o numa_n institute_v the_o fornacalia_n which_o be_v farris_fw-la torrendi_fw-la feriae_fw-la the_o feast_n of_o first-fruit_n among_o they_o the_o parch_a the_o corn_n be_v in_o order_n thereto_o for_o as_o pliny_n add_v ac_fw-la ne_fw-la ●egustabant_fw-la novas_fw-la fruges_fw-la aut_fw-la vina_fw-la antequam_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la primitias_fw-la libassent_v which_o may_v be_v exact_o render_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o law_n leviticus_n 23._o 14._o but_o though_o the_o mola_n salsa_fw-la come_v 19_o original_o from_o hence_o it_o afterward_o come_v to_o be_v use_v in_o most_o sacrifice_n thence_o the_o word_n immolare_fw-la to_o sacrifice_n again_o parallel_v to_o the_o mincha_fw-mi accessorium_fw-la as_o some_o call_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v use_v in_o other_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o mincha_fw-mi per_fw-mi se_fw-mi which_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o oblation_n to_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o offering_n up_o bruise_v corn_n some_o derive_v the_o name_n of_o ceres_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v as_o much_o and_o be_v 59_o require_v leviticus_n 2._o 14._o thence_o ovid_n l._n 8_o met._n primitias_fw-la frugum_fw-la cereri_fw-la sua_fw-la vina_fw-la ●yaeo_fw-la but_o beside_o ceres_n they_o offer_v their_o first_o fruit_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o hora_n diana_n apollo_n fer._n vesta_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o meursius_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o we_o see_v how_o these_o three_o nation_n do_v agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o first-fruit_n but_o very_o much_o in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o offering_n too_o only_o this_o difference_n may_v be_v observe_v between_o they_o the_o roman_n do_v mix_v their_o mola_n salsa_fw-la with_o water_n the_o jew_n their_o mincha_fw-mi with_o oil_n only_o the_o greek_n do_v not_o bruise_v the_o corn_n in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o only_o mix_v salt_n with_o the_o grain_n of_o corn._n but_o the_o jew_n and_o roman_n bo●h_v brui●ed_v and_o parch_v it_o before_o they_o offer_v it_o up_o for_o the_o first-fruit_n thus_o much_o to_o show_v the_o antiquity_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o first-fruit_n among_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o civilise_a nation_n which_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n yet_o i_o hope_v not_o whole_o unacceptable_a it_o be_v likewise_o the_o offering_n of_o my_o first-fruit_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o seasonable_a proceed_v we_o now_o to_o other_o festivall-solemnity_n to_o see_v what_o 4._o evidence_n of_o a_o society_n for_o worship_n we_o find_v in_o they_o and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o first_o original_n of_o festival_n among_o the_o heathen_a be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o go_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o grave_n and_o prudent_a author_n account_v the_o observation_n of_o some_o festival_n natural_a because_o nature_n do_v dictate_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o society_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o strabo_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o be_v comprehend_v under_o his_o word_n to_o have_v festival_n day_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n which_o nature_n its_o self_n dictate_v hence_o the_o greek_n as_o athenaeus_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
of_o the_o governor_n act_v in_o it_o but_o that_o care_n which_o paul_n have_v over_o all_o the_o church_n will_v have_v prompt_v he_o especial_o be_v assist_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o pen_n those_o epistle_n to_o have_v lay_v down_o some_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n consider_v especial_o that_o the_o epistle_n then_o write_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v of_o stand_v perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o by_o which_o the_o church_n in_o after-age_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v then_o in_o be_v the_o apostle_n in_o both_o epistle_n take_v care_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o those_o church_n timothy_n be_v charge_v to_o commit_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v 2._o hear_v of_o paul_n to_o faithful_a man_n who_o shall_v be_v fit_a to_o teach_v other_o have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o have_v charge_v he_o to_o have_v commit_v his_o power_n of_o government_n to_o man_n fit_a for_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n look_v on_o the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v paul_n say_v he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n on_o purpose_n to_o settle_v the_o church_n and_o ordain_v presbyter_n 5._o in_o every_o city_n have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o have_v show_v in_o what_o order_n the_o church_n must_v be_v settle_v and_o what_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o those_o presbyter_n and_o how_o they_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o govern_n their_o church_n have_v he_o think_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o form_n of_o their_o act_n we_o see_v here_o then_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o express_v any_o thing_n necessary_o infer_v any_o one_o constant_a form_n to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o whence_o can_v we_o infer_v any_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o such_o a_o form_n and_o no_o other_o there_o must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o can_v see_v then_o by_o paul_n direction_n for_o church-government_n when_o if_o ever_o this_o shall_v have_v be_v express_v it_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crect_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o upon_o the_o departure_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n from_o they_o but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o though_o nothing_o be_v 6._o express_v in_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n yet_o paul_n appoint_v timothy_n and_o titus_n over_o those_o church_n do_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n and_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o a_o power_n to_o provide_v for_o future_a governor_n after_o they_o to_o this_o ●answer_n first_o the_o superiority_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v over_o those_o church_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o form_n of_o government_n necessary_a in_o all_o church_n i_o dispute_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v evangelist_n or_o no_o or_o act_v as_o such_o in_o that_o superiority_n of_o that_o afterward_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o may_v be_v so_o there_o be_v no_o convince_a argument_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o negative_a destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o affirmative_a of_o a_o proposition_n as_o si_fw-mi posibile_fw-it est_fw-la hominem_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la animal_n than_o that_o proposition_n be_v false_a necesse_fw-la est_fw-la hominem_fw-la esse_fw-la animal_n for_o necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o non_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v ●quipollents_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la et_fw-la non_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v ●quipollents_n on_o the_o other_o possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la must_v be_v contradictory_n to_o necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o non_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la be_v to_o non_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o that_o if_o only_a the_o possibility_n of_o their_o act_n as_o evangelist_n that_o be_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n be_v evict_v which_o i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o act_n as_o fix_v bishop_n be_v destroy_v and_o consequent_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n too_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a for_o if_o they_o act_v not_o as_o bishop_n nothing_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o example_n necessary_o enforce_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o superiority_n which_o they_o enjoy_v but_o though_o nothing_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o office_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v invest_v in_o yet_o from_o the_o superiority_n of_o that_o power_n which_o they_o enjoy_v over_o those_o church_n whether_o as_o evangelist_n or_o as_o fix_a bishop_n these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v infer_v first_o that_o the_o superiority_n of_o some_o church-officer_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o all_o party_n acknowledge_v the_o superiority_n of_o their_o power_n above_o the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o several_a city_n only_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o power_n ●●_o dispute_v by_o many_o but_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o power_n at_o all_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o superiority_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel-rule_n or_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessary_a equality_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o second_o hence_o i_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n in_o apostolical_a time_n for_o man_n to_o have_v power_n over_o more_o than_o one_o particular_a congregation_n for_o such_o a_o power_n timothy_n and_o titus_n have_v which_o have_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o regiment_n of_o church_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v read_v of_o in_o the_o first_o plant_v church_n so_o that_o if_o those_o popular_a argument_n of_o a_o necessary_a relation_n between_o a_o pastor_n and_o particular_a people_n of_o personal_a knowledge_n care_n and_o inspection_n do_v destroy_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o extend_v that_o care_n and_o charge_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n they_o will_v likewise_o overthrow_v the_o nature_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o office_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n act_v in_o which_o have_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n whether_o their_o power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o no_o i_o now_o dispute_v not_o but_o whether_o such_o a_o power_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o no_o which_o from_o their_o practice_n be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o but_o than_o other_o who_o will_v make_v this_o office_n necessary_a urge_v further_o that_o timothy_n or_o titus_n may_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v other_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o place_n and_o care_n over_o all_o those_o church_n under_o their_o charge_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o what_o they_o may_v do_v be_v not_o the_o question_n but_o what_o they_o do_v as_o they_o may_v do_v it_o so_o they_o may_v not_o do_v it_o if_o no_o other_o evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o quod_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la possibile_fw-la ●st_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la second_o neither_o what_o they_o do_v be_v the_o whole_a question_n but_o what_o they_o do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o whether_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o or_o no_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o by_o any_o law_n extant_a in_o scripture_n and_o give_v they_o by_o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n or_o some_o private_a command_n and_o particular_a instruction_n when_o he_o depute_v they_o to_o their_o several_a charge_n if_o the_o former_a that_o law_n and_o command_n must_v be_v produce_v which_o will_v hardly_o be_v if_o we_o embrace_v only_o the_o receive_a canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o the_o latter_a we_o must_v then_o fetch_v some_o stand_a rule_n and_o law_n from_o unwritten_a tradition_n for_o no_o other_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o instruction_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n give_v by_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n at_o the_o take_v their_o charge_n upon_o they_o but_o yet_o three_o be_v it_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v dispute_v that_o will_v hold_v a_o controversy_n still_o viz._n whether_o any_o do_v succeed_v timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o their_o office_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v leave_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o be_v discuss_v when_o
exercise_n of_o this_o power_n be_v not_o any_o unlawfulnesse_n in_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o preserve_n of_o order_n and_o conveniency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o say_v second_o that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n attribute_v a_o large_a and_o more_o extensive_a power_n to_o some_o particular_a person_n for_o the_o more_o convenient_a exercise_n of_o their_o common_a power_n we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o their_o power_n extend_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o common_a that_o the_o restraint_n of_o this_o power_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n now_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n without_o all_o question_n it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a when_o the_o church_n judge_v it_o most_o for_o edification_n to_o grant_v to_o some_o the_o executive_a part_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v original_o and_o fundamental_o common_a to_o they_o all_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o twofold_a power_n belong_v to_o church-officer_n a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o in_o every_o presbyter_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n inseparable_o join_v to_o his_o function_n and_o belong_v to_o every_o one_o in_o his_o personal_a capacity_n both_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la and_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la both_o as_o to_o the_o right_n and_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n such_o be_v preach_v the_o word_n visit_v the_o sick_a administer_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o every_o presbyter_n have_v a_o aptitude_n and_o a_o jus_o to_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la but_o the_o limitation_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o belong_v not_o to_o any_o one_o personal_o but_o by_o a_o further_a power_n of_o choice_n or_o delegation_n to_o it_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o visit_v church_n take_v care_n that_o particular_a pastor_n discharge_v their_o duty_n such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o church_n censure_n and_o make_v rule_n for_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n now_o this_o latter_a power_n though_o it_o belong_v habitual_o and_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la to_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n some_o further_a authority_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v be_v necessary_a beside_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o when_o this_o power_n either_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o both_o be_v devolve_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n though_o quoad_fw-la aptitudinem_fw-la the_o power_n remain_v in_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o quoad_fw-la executionem_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v and_o therefore_o camero_n determin_n that_o ordinatio_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a à_fw-la pastore_fw-la 27._o quatenus_fw-la pastor_n est_fw-la sed_fw-la quatenus_fw-la ad_fw-la tempus_fw-la singularem_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la obtinet_fw-la i._n e._n that_o ordination_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n but_o to_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o be_v subject_n to_o positive_a restraint_n by_o prudential_n determination_n by_o this_o we_o may_v understand_v how_o lawful_a the_o exercise_n of_o a_o episcopal_a power_n may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n suppose_v a_o equality_n in_o all_o church-officer_n as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o how_o incongruous_o they_o speak_v who_o suppose_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o presbyter_n of_o church_n at_o first_o do_v cry_v out_o that_o the_o church_n take_v upon_o she_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n if_o she_o delegate_n any_o to_o a_o more_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n the_o last_o thing_n plead_v why_o a_o immutable_a form_n of_o church-government_n 13._o must_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v from_o the_o perfection_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n will_v be_v condemn_v of_o imperfection_n but_o this_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a dispatch_n for_o first_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o concern_v a_o essential_a or_o integral_a perfection_n but_o a_o perfection_n ratione_fw-la finis_fw-la &_o effectuum_fw-la in_o order_n to_o its_o end_n now_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o 3._o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n and_o sufficient_a to_o bring_v man_n to_o salvation_n which_o it_o be_v sufficient_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v if_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o practise_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o we_o assert_v not_o to_o be_v full_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n be_v not_o plead_v to_o be_v any_o way_n necessary_a nor_o to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o something_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n liberty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o that_o this_o be_v add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o destroy_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n therefore_o i_o answer_v second_o whatever_o be_v do_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o destroy_v the_o scripture_n perfection_n if_o it_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o imperfect_a rule_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o additio_fw-la perficiens_fw-la be_v additio_fw-la corrumpens_fw-la because_o it_o take_v away_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o be_v add_v to_o and_o thus_o popish_a tradition_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n but_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n not_o positive_o determine_v in_o scripture_n not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o observe_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o do_v it_o be_v far_o from_o destroy_v the_o perfection_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o all_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v contain_v clear_o in_o scripture_n the_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v such_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o church_n be_v now_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v not_o only_o grant_v but_o prove_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o whatever_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a in_o its_o self_n can_v only_o become_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o god_n express_v command_v and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o command_v be_v accidental_a and_o circumstantial_a and_o a_o matter_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o such_o we_o assert_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n to_o be_v it_o be_v not_o our_o work_n to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v determine_v some_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v more_o circumstantial_a than_o this_o and_o leave_v other_o thing_n at_o liberty_n but_o whether_o god_n have_v determine_v these_o thing_n or_o no._n which_o determination_n be_v once_o clear_v make_v the_o thing_n so_o command_v necessary_a as_o to_o our_o observance_n of_o it_o but_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v make_v appear_v the_o thing_n remain_v a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n and_o so_o the_o scripture_n perfection_n as_o to_o necessary_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n be_v no_o way_n impeach_v by_o it_o so_o much_o now_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n determine_v the_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n action_n whether_o by_o they_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n be_v determine_v or_o no_o chap._n v._n whether_o any_o of_o christ_n action_n have_v determine_v the_o form_n of_o government_n all_o power_n in_o christ_n hand_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n what_o order_n christ_n take_v in_o order_n thereto_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n call_v apostle_n the_o first_o action_n respect_v outward_a government_n the_o name_n and_o office_n of_o apostle_n clear_v a_o equality_n among_o they_o prove_v during_o our_o saviour_n life_n peter_n not_o make_v monarch_n of_o the_o church_n by_o christ._n the_o apostle_n power_n over_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n consider_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o office_n matth._n 20._o 25_o 26_o 27._o large_o discuss_v and_o explain_v it_o make_v not_o all_o inequality_n in_o church_n officer_n unlawful_a by_o the_o difference_n of_o apostle_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n matth._n 18._o 15._o how_o far_o that_o determin_n the_o form_n of_o church-government_n no_o evidence_n of_o any_o exact_a order_n for_o church-government_n from_o thence_o matth._n 16._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o consider_v how_o far_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v consider_v and_o answer_v the_o argument_n which_o 1._o be_v bring_v why_o christ_n must_v
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before_o be_v now_o take_v into_o a_o high_a charge_n and_o invest_v in_o a_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v his_o power_n it_o be_v plain_a be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o who_o will_v go_v about_o to_o degrade_v they_o so_o much_o as_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o office_n of_o ordinary_a bishop_n james_n in_o probability_n do_v exercise_v his_o apostleship_n the_o most_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v he_o resident_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o church_n afterward_o because_o of_o his_o not_o travel_v abroad_o as_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o their_o own_o time_n they_o fix_v the_o title_n of_o bishop_n upon_o he_o but_o great_a difference_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o those_o who_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o antioch_n some_o as_o origen_n and_o eusebius_n make_v ignatius_n to_o succeed_v peter_n jerome_n make_v he_o the_o three_o bishop_n and_o place_v evodius_n before_o he_o other_o therefore_o to_o solve_v that_o make_v they_o cotemporary_a bishop_n the_o one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o other_o of_o the_o gentile_n with_o what_o congruity_n to_o their_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o single_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n place_v in_o every_o city_n i_o know_v not_o but_o that_o salvo_n have_v be_v discuss_v before_o come_v we_o therefore_o to_o rome_n and_o 10._o here_o the_o succession_n be_v as_o muddy_a as_o the_o tiber_n itself_o for_o here_o tertullian_n rufinus_n and_o several_a other_o place_n clement_n next_o to_o peter_n irenaeus_n and_o eusebius_n set_v anacletus_fw-la before_o he_o epiphanius_n and_o optatus_n both_o anacletus_fw-la and_o cletus_n augustinus_n and_o damasus_n with_o other_o make_v anacletus_fw-la cletus_n and_o linus_n all_o to_o precede_v he_o what_o way_n shall_v we_o find_v to_o extrica_fw-la e_fw-es ourselves_o out_o of_o this_o labyrinth_n so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n certain_o if_o the_o line_n of_o succession_n fail_v we_o here_o when_o we_o most_o need_v it_o we_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o pin_v our_o faith_n upon_o it_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o
non_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la quam_fw-la ejus_fw-la veritate_fw-la colligati_fw-la tum_fw-la vero_fw-la nullo_n non_fw-la anathemate_fw-la dignos_fw-la fatemur_fw-la si_fw-la qui_fw-la erunt_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la reverenter_fw-la &_o sumnia_fw-la cum_fw-la obedientia_fw-la observent_fw-la if_o bishop_n will_v but_o submit_v themselves_o to_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v not_o then_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o he_o think_v there_o be_v no_o anathema_n 767._o of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a jacobus_n heerbrandus_fw-la divinity_n professor_n at_o tubinge_v profess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o find_a constitution_n of_o church-government_n wherein_o every_o diocese_n have_v its_o bishop_n and_o every_o province_n a_o archbishop_n saluberrimum_fw-la esset_fw-la si_fw-la singulae_fw-la provinciae_fw-la suos_fw-la episcopos_fw-la &_o 439._o episcopi_fw-la suos_fw-la archiepiscopos_fw-la haberent_fw-la hemingius_n acknowledge_v a_o disparity_n among_o church_n officer_n and_o account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o barbarism_n to_o remove_v it_o quanquam_fw-la enim_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnium_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la quantum_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualem_fw-la jurisdictionem_fw-la atti●et_fw-la tamen_fw-la dispares_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la ordines_fw-la &_o gradus_fw-la sunt_fw-la idque_fw-la partim_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la partim_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la approbatione_fw-la but_o he_o qualify_v what_o he_o have_v say_v of_o ius_n divinum_fw-la by_o his_o follow_a word_n ecclesia_fw-la cui_fw-la dominus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la dedit_fw-la in_o aedificationem_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la instituit_fw-la pro_fw-la commodo_fw-la svo_fw-la ut_fw-la omne_fw-la sint_fw-la rite_n ordinata_fw-la ad_fw-la instaurationem_fw-la corporis_fw-la christi_fw-la hinc_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la purior_fw-la secuta_fw-la tempora_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la fecit_fw-la alios_fw-la patriarchas_fw-la alios_fw-la chorepiscopos_fw-la alios_fw-la pastor_n &_o catechetas_n and_o afterward_o inter_fw-la ministros_fw-la agnoscit_fw-la etiam_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la nostra_fw-la gradus_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la &_o ordines_fw-la pro_fw-la diversitate_fw-la donorum_fw-la laborum_fw-la magnitudine_fw-la ac_fw-la vocationum_fw-la diversitate_fw-la ac_fw-la judicat_fw-la barbaricum_fw-la esse_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la hunc_fw-la ordinem_fw-la tollere_fw-la velle_fw-la three_o thing_n he_o place_v a_o superiority_n of_o dignity_n in_o excellency_n of_o gift_n greatness_n of_o labour_n difference_n of_o call_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o two_o former_a aught_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o dignity_n in_o the_o church_n the_o eminency_n of_o man_n ability_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o labour_n above_o other_o the_o necessity_n 10._o of_o a_o superintendent_n or_o a_o inspector_n over_o other_o minister_n be_v large_o discover_v by_o zepper_n de_fw-fr politeid_n ecclesiastica_fw-la who_o likewise_o agree_v with_o the_o former_a divine_n in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o episcopacy_n eadem_fw-la officia_fw-la in_o 1._o primitiva_fw-la etiam_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la post_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la tempora_fw-la in_o usu_fw-la manserunt_fw-la paucis_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la gradibus_fw-la pro_fw-la illorum_fw-la temporum_fw-la necessitate_v additis_fw-la qui_fw-la tamen_fw-la nihil_fw-la fere_n à_fw-la ment_fw-la d._n pauli_n &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la alienum_fw-la habuerunt_fw-la whereby_o he_o both_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o add_v distinct_a degree_n from_o what_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o that_o such_o so_o add_v be_v no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o this_o judgement_n of_o their_o divine_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o foreign_a protestant_a church_n in_o sweden_n there_o be_v sea_n one_o archbishop_n and_o seven_o bishop_n and_o so_o in_o denmark_n though_o not_o with_o so_o great_a authority_n in_o holstein_n pomeren_n mecklenburgh_n brunswick_n luneburgh_n bremen_n oldenburgh_n east_n frieseland_n hessen_n saxony_n and_o all_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o germany_n and_o the_o protestant_n imperial_a city_n church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o superintendents_a in_o the_o palatinate_n they_o have_v inspectores_fw-la and_o praepositi_fw-la over_o which_o be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a consistory_n of_o three_o clergy_n man_n and_o three_o counsellor_n of_o state_n with_o their_o precedent_n and_o so_o they_o have_v their_o praepositos_fw-la in_o wetteraw_n hessen_n and_o anhalt_n in_o transylvania_n polonia_n and_o bohemia_n they_o have_v their_o seniores_fw-la enjoy_v the_o same_o power_n with_o anclent_fw-la bishop_n so_o that_o we_o see_v all_o these_o reform_a church_n and_o divine_n although_o they_o acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopacy_n but_o stiff_o maintain_v jeromes_n opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a equality_n of_o gospel_n 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be_v true_o constitute_v church_n and_o minister_n be_v lawful_o ordain_v by_o mere_a presbyter_n this_o be_v large_o prove_v by_o mr._n francis_n mason_n in_o his_o excellent_a defence_n of_o the_o ordination_n 18._o of_o minister_n beyond_o the_o sea_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o i_o shall_v show_v out_o of_o he_o how_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n about_o the_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o episcopacy_n be_v form_v first_o if_o by_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n than_o the_o pre-eminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la for_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v to_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n second_o if_o by_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la you_o mean_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n also_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la for_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereunto_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n spirit_n even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o consequent_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o if_o by_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la you_o understand_v a_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n bind_v all_o christian_a church_n universal_o perpetual_o unchangeable_o and_o with_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o no_o other_o form_n of_o regiment_n may_v in_o any_o case_n be_v admit_v in_o this_o sense_n neither_o may_v we_o grant_v it_o nor_o yet_o can_v you_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la whereby_o we_o see_v this_o learned_a and_o moderate_a man_n be_v far_o from_o unchurch_v all_o who_o want_v bishop_n and_o absolute_o declare_v that_o though_o he_o look_v on_o episcopacy_n as_o a_o apostolical_a institution_n yet_o that_o no_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n be_v found_v thereupon_o so_o before_o he_o the_o both_o learned_a and_o pious_a bishop_n g._n downham_n explain_v himself_o concern_v the_o right_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o these_o remarkable_a word_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o 139._o institution_n there_o be_v small_a difference_n between_o a_o apostolical_a and_o divine_a ordinance_n because_o what_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v from_o god_n in_o which_o sense_n and_o no_o other_o i_o do_v hold_v the_o episcopal_a function_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a ordinance_n i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o of_o the_o first_o institution_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o perpetuity_n difference_n by_o some_o be_v make_v between_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v divini_fw-la and_o those_o which_o be_v apostolici_fw-la juris_fw-la the_o former_a in_o their_o understanding_n be_v perpetual_o general_o and_o immutable_o necessary_a the_o latter_a not_o so_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o my_o defence_n plain_o i●_n that_o the_o episcopal_a government_n have_v this_o commendation_n above_o other_o form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o institution_n it_o be_v a_o divine_a ordinance_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o divine_a ordinance_n as_o shall_v be_v general_o perpetual_o immutable_o necessary_o 146._o observe_v so_o as_o no_o other_o form_n of_o government_n may_v in_o no_o case_n be_v admit_v i_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o maintain_v with_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o several_a place_n of_o that_o defence_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o stout_a champion_n for_o episcopacy_n before_o these_o late_a unhappy_a division_n that_o ordination_n perform_v by_o presbyter_n in_o case_n
good_n be_v use_v at_o first_o by_o the_o church_n o●_n jerusalem_n as_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o church_n but_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v do_v neither_o perpetual_o hold_v in_o that_o church_n nor_o universal_o obtain_v among_o other_o church_n as_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n by_o their_o law-suits_a by_o the_o different_a offering_n of_o the_o ●●_o rich_a and_o poor_a at_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o by_o their_o personal_a contribution_n so_o the_o apostle_n preach_v from_o house_n to_o house_n be_v for_o want_v of_o conveniency_n then_o of_o more_o public_a place_n as_o free_v only_o for_o christian_n although_o that_o practice_n bind_v now_o as_o far_o as_o the_o reason_n do_v viz._n in_o its_o tendency_n the_o promote_a the_o work_n of_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n lay_v on_o hand_n for_o confer_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v never_o certain_o bind_v where_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v cease_v but_o may_v still_o continue_v ●s_v a_o rite_n of_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o practice_n observe_v the_o apostolical_a decree_n of_o abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o offer_v to_o idol_n do_v hold_v as_o long_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o make_v they_o do_v which_o be_v condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n although_o it_o must_v be_v withal_o acknowledge_v 29._o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n do_v general_o observe_v they_o and_o the_o greek_a church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o some_o man_n of_o note_n and_o learning_n have_v plead_v for_o the_o necessary_a observation_n of_o they_o still_o as_o christ._n beckman_n steph._n curcellaeus_n in_o a_o diatriba_fw-la late_o publish_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o which_o grotius_n be_v likewise_o very_o inclinable_a the_o argument_n be_v too_o large_a here_o to_o examine_v although_o i_o see_v 25._o not_o how_o possible_o that_o place_n of_o paul_n can_v be_v avoid_v whatever_o be_v set_v in_o the_o shambles_n eat_v make_v no_o scruple_n for_o conscience_n sak●_n i_o conclude_v this_o with_o what_o i_o lay_v down_o at_o the_o entrance_n of_o 6._o this_o treatise_n that_o where_o any_o act_n or_o law_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o particular_a reason_n or_o occasion_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o do_v no_o further_o oblige_v then_o the_o reason_n or_o occasion_n of_o it_o do_v continue_v therefore_o before_o a_o acknowledge_v apostolical_a practice_n be_v look_v on_o as_o obligatory_a it_o must_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o according_a as_o they_o see_v reason_n and_o cause_n for_o the_o do_v it_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n but_o that_o they_o do_v it_o from_o some_o unalterable_a law_n of_o chr●ist_n or_o from_o some_o such_o indispensable_a reason_n as_o will_v equal_o hold_v in_o all_o time_n place_n and_o person_n and_o so_o the_o obligation_n be_v take_v off_o from_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o lay_v upon_o that_o law_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o three_o office_n that_o be_v of_o apostolical_a appointment_n be_v grow_v whole_o out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o church_n without_o man_n look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v now_o to_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o widow_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o from_o their_o office_n call_v deaconness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o number_n 9_o phoebe_n be_v one_o who_o paul_n call_v the_o deaconness_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n so_o both_o origen_n and_o chrysostome_n understand_v 1._o it_o of_o they_o and_o their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n for_o 176._o some_o century_n of_o year_n much_o be_v speak_v by_o several_a writer_n and_o resolve_v by_o several_a council_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v these_o be_v lay_v aside_o by_o the_o p●etenders_n to_o hold_v close_o to_o apostolical_a practice_n if_o that_o bind_v certain_o it_o do_v in_o its_o plain_a institution_n if_o it_o do_v not_o bind_v in_o they_o how_o can_v it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v only_o gather_v but_o by_o uncertain_a conjecture_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o their_o practice_n so_o that_o in_o the_o issue_n those_o who_o plead_v so_o much_o for_o the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n do_v not_o think_v it_o obligatory_a for_o if_o they_o do_v how_o come_v this_o office_n of_o widow_n and_o deaconess_n to_o be_v neglect_v if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o these_o be_v not_o useful_a now_o then_o we_o must_v say_v that_o we_o look_v upon_o apostolical_a practice_n to_o be_v bind_v no_o further_a than_o we_o judge_v it_o useful_a or_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o hold_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v of_o its_o self_n it_o bind_v not_o four_o rite_n and_o custom_n apostolical_a be_v alter_v therefore_o man_n do_v not_o think_v that_o apostolical_a practice_n do_v bind_v for_o if_o it_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o alteration_n of_o thing_n agreeable_a thereunto_o now_o let_v any_o one_o consider_v but_o these_o few_o particular_n and_o judge_v how_o far_o the_o pleader_n for_o a_o divine_a right_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v now_o to_o observe_v they_o as_o dip_v in_o baptism_n the_o use_n of_o love_n feast_n community_n of_o good_n the_o holy_a kiss_n by_o orat._n tertullian_n call_v signa●ulum_fw-la orationis_fw-la yet_o none_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o observe_v they_o now_o and_o yet_o all_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o certain_o though_o when_o it_o may_v serve_v for_o their_o purpose_n man_n will_v make_v apostolical_a practice_n to_o found_v a_o divine_a right_n yet_o when_o they_o be_v go_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n they_o change_v their_o opinion_n with_o the_o matter_n and_o can_v then_o think_v themselves_o free_a as_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o thing_n by_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v apostolical_a thus_o we_o be_v at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o we_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o because_o the_o main_a hinge_n of_o this_o controversy_n do_v ly●_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o i_o suppose_v now_o so_o far_o clear_v as_o not_o to_o hinder_v our_o progress_n towards_o what_o remain_v which_o we_o hope_v will_v admit_v of_o a_o quick_a dispatch_n we_o come_v therefore_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o see_v whether_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o we_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n whereby_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n to_o observe_v any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n chap._n vii_o the_o church_n polity_n in_o the_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n consider_v evidence_n thence_o that_o no_o certain_a unalterable_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o 1._o because_o church-power_n do_v in_o large_a as_o the_o church_n do_v whether_o any_o metropolitan_a church_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n seven_o church_n of_o asia_n whether_o metropolitical_a philippi_n no_o metropolis_n either_o in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n several_a degree_n of_o inlargemext_n of_o church_n church_n first_o the_o christian_n in_o whole_a city_n prove_v by_o several_a argument_n the_o eulogiae_fw-la a_o evidence_n of_o it_o church_n extend_v into_o the_o neighbour_n territory_n by_o the_o preach_v there_o of_o city_n presbyter_n thence_o come_v the_o subordination_n between_o then_o church_n by_o degree_n enlarge_v to_o diocese_n from_o thence_o to_o province_n the_o original_a of_o metropolitan_o and_o patriarch_n 2._o no_o certain_a form_n use_v in_o all_o church_n some_o church_n without_o bishop_n scot_n goth_n some_o with_o but_o one_o bishop_n in_o their_o whole_a country_n scythian_a aethiopian_a church_n how_o govern_v many_o city_n without_o bishop_n diocese_n much_o alter_v bishop_n discontinue_v in_o several_a church_n for_o many_o year_n 3._o confor●eing_v ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o the_o civil_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o diocese_n the_o suburbicarian_a church_n what_o bishop_n answerable_a to_o the_o civil_a governor_n church_n power_n rise_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o city_n 4._o validity_n of_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o place_n where_o bishop_n be_v the_o case_n of_o ischyras_n discuss_v instance_n give_v of_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n not_o pronounce_v thursday_n 5._o the_o church_n prudence_n in_o manage_v its_o affair_n by_o the_o several_a canon_n provincial_a synod_n codex_fw-la canonum_fw-la have_v large_o consider_v the_o action_n of_o christ_n and_o 1._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o determine_v the_o certain_a form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n our_o next_o stage_n be_v according_a to_o our_o