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 place_n will_v appear_v from_o the_o general_a silence_n as_o to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o many_o of_o the_o apostle_n grant_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o thomas_n go_v into_o parthia_n andrew_n into_o scythia_n john_n into_o the_o lesser_a asia_n peter_n to_o the_o jew_n in_o pontus_n galatia_n bythinia_n cappadocia_n 1._o asia_n beside_o what_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o paul_n what_o a_o pitiful_a short_a account_n have_v we_o here_o give_v in_o of_o all_o the_o apostle_n travel_n and_o their_o several_a fellow-labourer_n and_o for_o all_o these_o little_a or_o nothing_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n they_o take_v in_o settle_v the_o church_n by_o they_o plant_v who_o be_v it_o will_v undertake_v to_o tell_v we_o what_o course_n andrew_n take_v in_o scythiae_n in_o govern_v church_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o record_n of_o after-age_n there_o be_v but_o one_o bishop_n viz._n of_o tomis_n for_o the_o whole_a country_n how_o different_a be_v this_o from_o the_o pretend_a course_n of_o paul_n set_v up_o a_o single_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n where_o do_v we_o read_v of_o the_o presbytery_n settle_v by_o thomas_n in_o parthia_n or_o the_o indies_n what_o course_n philip_n bartholomew_n matthew_n simon_n zelotes_n mathias_n take_v may_v not_o they_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v settle_v another_o kind_n of_o government_n from_o what_o we_o read_v paul_n peter_n or_o john_n do_v unless_o we_o have_v some_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o observe_v the_o same_o nay_o what_o evidence_n have_v we_o what_o course_n peter_n take_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o circumcision_n whether_o he_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o synagogue_n way_n or_o alter_v it_o and_o how_o or_o wherein_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o give_v man_n a_o certainty_n of_o the_o way_n and_o course_n the_o apostle_n do_v observe_v in_o the_o settle_n church_n by_o they_o plant_v but_o instead_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o general_a silence_n in_o antiquity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o forgery_n of_o latter_a age_n to_o supply_v the_o vacuity_n whereby_o they_o fill_v up_o empty_a place_n as_o plutarch_n theseo_n express_v it_o as_o geographer_n do_v map_n with_o some_o fabulous_a creature_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n here_o be_v work_v now_o for_o a_o nicephorus_n callisthus_fw-la a_o simeon_n metaphrastes_n the_o very_a jacobus_n de_fw-fr voragine_fw-la of_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o one_o well_o call_v he_o those_o historical_a tinker_n that_o think_v to_o mend_v a_o hole_n where_o they_o find_v it_o and_o make_v three_o instead_o of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o defect_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o place_n the_o second_o be_v as_o observable_a as_o to_o time_n and_o what_o be_v most_o considerable_a antiquity_n be_v most_o defective_a where_o it_o be_v most_o useful_a viz._n in_o the_o time_n immediate_o after_o the_o apostle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v most_o helpful_a to_o we_o in_o 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 eniâ—_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 yeâ—_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 nature_n but_o then_o for_o that_o answer_n to_o the_o council_n and_o isidore_z and_o jerome_n that_o they_o make_v but_o one_o testimony_n i_o say_v that_o although_o the_o word_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o different_a testimony_n upon_o these_o account_n first_o as_o produce_v by_o person_n of_o different_a condition_n in_o the_o church_n some_o think_v they_o be_v even_o with_o jerome_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o a_o pique_n there_o be_v between_o he_o and_o john_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o better_a advantage_n of_o his_o adversary_n when_o he_o can_v not_o raise_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o episcopacy_n he_o will_v bring_v that_o down_o to_o the_o state_n of_o presbytery_n but_o as_o such_o entertain_v too_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o one_o of_o those_o father_n who_o they_o profess_v themselves_o admirer_n of_o so_o this_o prejudice_n can_v possible_o lie_v against_o isidore_n 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
most_o eager_a disputer_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o church-government_n but_o how_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v before_o any_o form_n of_o government_n be_v assert_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n any_o weak_a understanding_n may_v discern_v second_o suppose_v that_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v by_o the_o follow_a age_n yet_o unless_o it_o be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v god_n intention_n that_o the_o apostle_n action_n shall_v continual_o bind_v the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o infer_v that_o do_v concern_v we_o in_o point_n of_o conscience_n i_o say_v that_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evidence_v by_o posterity_n yet_o the_o obligatory_a nature_n of_o that_o fact_n must_v depend_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o apostle_n intention_n must_v not_o be_v build_v upon_o man_n bare_a surmise_n nor_o upon_o after-practice_n especial_o if_o different_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o thing_n during_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o here_o those_o have_v somewhat_o whereon_o to_o exercise_v their_o understanding_n who_o assert_v a_o obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o any_o form_n of_o government_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o apostolical_a practice_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v a_o different_a state_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o establish_v governor_n over_o church_n as_o how_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v governor_n over_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o apostle_n come_v to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o ordination_n governor_n over_o many_o congregation_n of_o like_a nature_n and_o extent_n with_o that_o over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v and_o whither_o if_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n intention_n that_o such_o governor_n shall_v be_v always_o in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o necessary_a that_o that_o intention_n of_o they_o be_v declare_v by_o a_o stand_a law_n that_o such_o there_o must_v be_v for_o here_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o practice_n can_v be_v no_o evidence_n when_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v different_a from_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n afterward_o but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o three_o suppose_v any_o form_n of_o government_n in_o its_o self_n necessary_a and_o that_o necessity_n not_o determine_v by_o a_o law_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n be_v thereby_o apparent_o argue_v to_o be_v insufficient_a for_o its_o end_n for_o than_o deficit_fw-la in_o necessariis_fw-la some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a in_o i_o say_v not_o that_o every_o thing_n about_o church-government_n must_v be_v write_v in_o scripture_n but_o suppose_v any_o one_o form_n necessary_a it_o must_v be_v there_o command_v or_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o imperfect_a rule_n which_o contain_v not_o all_o thing_n necessary_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o necessity_n universal_a but_o either_o by_o way_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n or_o by_o way_n of_o divine_a command_n i_o know_v none_o will_v say_v that_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n be_v necessary_a absolute_o by_o way_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n for_o certain_o suppose_v no_o obligation_n from_o scripture_n government_n by_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o superiority_n of_o one_o order_n above_o another_o be_v indifferent_a in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a end_n of_o government_n and_o one_o not_o more_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o if_o any_o one_o form_n than_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v by_o that_o of_o command_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o command_n universal_o bind_v who_o footstep_n can_v be_v trace_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n if_o it_o fail_v in_o determine_v bind_a law_n so_o that_o we_o must_v if_o we_o own_o the_o scripture_n sufficiency_n as_o a_o bind_a rule_n appeal_v to_o that_o about_o any_o thing_n plead_v as_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o any_o divine_a command_n and_o if_o such_o a_o law_n can_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n which_o determine_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n one_o way_n or_o other_o by_o way_n of_o necessary_a obligation_n i_o have_v ground_n to_o look_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o leave_v undetermined_a by_o god_n positive_a law_n to_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o christian-liberty_n and_o that_o neither_o part_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o exclusive_a of_o the_o other_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o case_n as_o to_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o only_o suppose_v but_o prove_v it_o i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n which_o if_o ever_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v any_o where_o it_o be_v in_o the_o controversy_n of_o church-government_n the_o most_o of_o man_n heat_n in_o this_o matter_n arise_v from_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o they_o in_o the_o state_v the_o question_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o show_v how_o far_o we_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n belong_v to_o government_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v of_o a_o unalterable_a divine_a right_n first_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n not_o only_o of_o that_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o provide_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o society_n but_o likewise_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o divine_a law_n which_o take_v care_n for_o the_o church_n preservation_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n i_o engage_v not_o here_o in_o the_o controversy_n whether_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o political_a church_n or_o no_o it_o suffice_v for_o my_o purpose_n that_o there_o be_v other_o church_n beside_o particular_a congregation_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o first_o not_o only_o in_o order_n of_o consideration_n but_o nature_n too_o as_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la before_o the_o similar_v part_n of_o it_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o other_o accidental_a modification_n of_o church_n from_o the_o several_a way_n of_o their_o combination_n together_o they_o who_o define_v a_o church_n by_o state_v worship_v congregation_n do_v handsome_o beg_v the_o thing_n they_o desire_v by_o place_v that_o in_o their_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n but_o such_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o civil_a society_n but_o in_o particular_a corporation_n and_o to_o prove_v it_o shall_v give_v such_o a_o definition_n of_o civil_a society_n that_o it_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o a_o corporation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n under_o the_o governor_n of_o such_o a_o place_n it_o must_v be_v first_o prove_v that_o no_o other_o company_n of_o man_n can_v be_v call_v a_o civil_a society_n beside_o a_o corporation_n and_o so_o that_o no_o other_o society_n of_o man_n join_v together_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n but_o such_o as_o join_v in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o particular_a 4._o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o primariâ_fw-la intention_n divinâ_fw-la for_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v join_v together_o in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_n that_o will_v be_v most_o proper_o a_o church_n but_o particular_a congregation_n be_v only_o accidental_a in_o reference_n to_o god_n intention_n of_o have_v a_o church_n because_o of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o all_o man_n join_v together_o for_o the_o convenient_a distribution_n of_o church-priviledge_n and_o administration_n of_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v immediate_o and_o primary_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o which_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n have_v set_v officer_n as_o the_o apostle_n clear_o express_v 1_o corinth_n 12._o 28._o for_o how_o apostle_n shall_v be_v set_v as_o officer_n over_o particular_a congregation_n who_o commission_n extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v i_o think_v somewhat_o hard_o to_o understand_v but_o for_o the_o more_o convenient_a participation_n of_o privilege_n and_o ordinance_n particular_a congregation_n be_v necessary_a this_o will_v be_v best_a illustrate_v by_o example_n we_o read_v that_o esther_n 1._o 3._o king_n ahashuerus_n make_v a_o feast_n for_o all_o his_o prince_n and_o servant_n doubtless_o the_o king_n do_v equal_o respect_v they_o all_o as_o a_o body_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o they_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 peâ—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 â—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
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 sinâ—_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
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 â—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 â—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 boâ—h_v bruiâ—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 â—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 â—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 â—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 â—â—_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 â—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
purpose_n likewise_o hierome_n understand_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o say_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v those_o of_o the_o several_a church_n of_o asia_n be_v favour_v by_o v_o 18._o that_o from_o the_o first_o day_n he_o come_v into_o asia_n he_o have_v be_v with_o they_o at_o all_o season_n now_o paul_n do_v not_o remain_v all_o the_o time_n at_o ephesus_n as_o appear_v by_o act_n 19_o 10_o 22_o 26._o where_o he_o be_v say_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n abroad_o in_o asia_n and_o so_o in_o probability_n church_n be_v plant_v and_o ruler_n settle_v in_o they_o and_o that_o these_o be_v at_o this_o time_n call_v to_o miletus_n by_o paul_n be_v the_o express_a affirmation_n of_o irenaeus_n 14._o in_o mileto_n enim_fw-la convocatis_fw-la episcopis_fw-la &_o presbyteris_fw-la qui_fw-la eraâ—t_fw-la ab_fw-la epheso_fw-la &_o à _fw-la reliquis_fw-la proximis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la quoniam_fw-la ipse_fw-la festinavit_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la pentecostem_fw-la agere_fw-la here_o be_v nothing_o then_o either_o in_o the_o text_n or_o antiquity_n that_o do_v absolute_o determine_v whence_o these_o elder_n come_v but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o probability_n on_o either_o side_n and_o so_o no_o certainty_n or_o necessity_n of_o understand_v it_o either_o way_n and_o so_o for_o the_o other_o place_n in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o care_n of_o those_o person_n do_v extend_v to_o many_o place_n and_o therefore_o the_o elder_n or_o bishop_n make_v by_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o plurality_n of_o elder_n in_o one_o place_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o incongruity_n in_o apply_v either_o of_o these_o two_o form_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n in_o question_n i_o dispute_v not_o which_o be_v the_o true_a or_o at_o least_o more_o probable_a sense_n but_o that_o we_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o the_o several_a place_n which_o do_v necessary_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o now_o aim_v at_o the_o prove_v of_o and_o if_o neither_o form_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o place_n how_o can_v any_o one_o be_v necessary_o infer_v from_o they_o as_o if_o the_o several_a motion_n and_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o the_o heaven_n may_v be_v with_o equal_a probability_n explain_v according_a to_o the_o ptolemaick_a or_o copernican_n hypothesis_n viz._n about_o the_o rest_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n than_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o from_o those_o phaenomena_n no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o one_o hypothesis_n and_o overturning_a the_o probability_n of_o the_o other_o if_o that_o great_a wonder_n of_o nature_n the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n may_v with_o equal_a congruity_n be_v solve_v according_a to_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o its_o be_v cause_v by_o subterraneous_a fire_n or_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o moon_n or_o the_o depression_n of_o the_o lunar_a vortex_n or_o which_o to_o i_o be_v far_o the_o most_o probable_a by_o a_o motion_n of_o consent_n of_o the_o sea_n with_o all_o the_o other_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o entertain_v one_o opinion_n above_o another_o but_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o probable_a and_o none_o as_o certain_a so_o likewise_o for_o the_o composition_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o natural_a body_n the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a philosophy_n imply_v no_o apparent_a incongruity_n to_o nature_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o may_v be_v embrace_v as_o ingenious_a romance_n in_o philosophy_n as_o they_o be_v no_o more_o but_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v the_o certain_a truth_n or_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v so_o to_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o it_o be_v in_o controversy_n in_o theology_n if_o the_o matter_n propound_v to_o be_v believe_v may_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v equal_o believe_v under_o different_a way_n of_o explication_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n as_o to_o the_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o believe_v it_o under_o such_o a_o explication_n of_o it_o more_o than_o under_o another_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christ_n descent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o i_o may_v true_o believe_v that_o christ_n do_v descend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o by_o that_o we_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o local_a descent_n to_o hell_n than_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o article_n of_o the_o ancient_a creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n under_o that_o restriction_n of_o a_o local_a descent_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o if_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o these_o two_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n viz._n either_o take_v collective_o in_o one_o city_n or_o distributive_o in_o many_o then_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n which_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n must_v be_v embrace_v and_o so_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n which_o must_v be_v thence_o derive_v be_v leave_v still_o at_o as_o great_a uncertainty_n as_o ever_o notwithstanding_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n bring_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d three_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a form_n of_o government_n 16._o will_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o the_o defectivenesse_n ambiguity_n partiality_n and_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n which_o shall_v inform_v we_o what_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v when_o man_n be_v by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n drive_v off_o from_o scripture_n than_o they_o present_o run_v to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o the_o record_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o apostle_n thus_o estius_n no_o mean_a school-man_n handle_v this_o very_a question_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n very_o fair_o quit_v the_o scripture_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o other_o weapon_n quod_fw-la autem_fw-la jure_fw-la divino_fw-la sint_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la superiores_fw-la et_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la ita_fw-la clarum_fw-la est_fw-la è_fw-la sacris_fw-la literis_fw-la aliunde_fw-la tamen_fw-la 25._o satis_fw-la efficaciter_fw-la probari_fw-la potest_fw-la ingenuous_o say_v however_o but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la shall_v be_v prove_v when_o man_n leave_v the_o scripture_n which_o make_v other_o so_o loath_a to_o leave_v this_o hold_n although_o they_o do_v it_o in_o effect_n when_o they_o call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o succeed_a age_n to_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v plain_a for_o they_o we_o follow_v therefore_o the_o scent_n of_o the_o game_n into_o this_o wood_n of_o antiquity_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o lose_v ourselves_o then_o to_o find_v that_o which_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o government_n i_o handle_v now_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v call_v for_o a_o particular_a discourse_n afterward_o and_o herein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o this_o testimony_n as_o to_o the_o show_v what_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o this_o four_o fold_n argument_n from_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o this_o testimony_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o from_o the_o partiality_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o its_o self_n first_o then_o for_o the_o defectivenesse_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o show_v what_o certain_a form_n the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n a_o threefold_a defectivenesse_n i_o observe_v in_o it_o as_o to_z place_n as_o to_z time_n as_o to_o person_n first_o defectivenesse_n as_o to_o place_n for_o he_o that_o will_v be_v satisfy_v what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v for_o govern_v church_n it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o observe_v the_o uniformity_n of_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o all_o church_n of_o their_o plantation_n and_o if_o but_o one_o place_n vary_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o any_o one_o form_n of_o government_n because_o thereby_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o they_o observe_v no_o certain_a or_o constant_a course_n nor_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v now_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a testimony_n as_o to_o place_n be_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o christ_n absolute_o
intend_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v a_o list_n of_o some_o person_n in_o the_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n and_o alexandria_n although_o none_o of_o these_o be_v unquestionable_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v at_o philippi_n corinth_n caesarea_n and_o in_o all_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o crect_n some_o succeed_a titus_n and_o not_o think_v man_n will_v be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o name_v a_o bishop_n of_o gortyna_n so_o long_o after_o he_o but_o as_o i_o say_v before_o in_o none_o of_o the_o church_n most_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o succession_n so_o clear_a as_o be_v necessary_a for_o at_o jerusalem_n it_o seem_v somewhat_o strange_a how_o fifteen_o bishop_n of_o the_o circumcision_n shall_v be_v crowd_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o room_n as_o they_o be_v so_o that_o many_o of_o they_o can_v not_o have_v above_o two_o year_n time_n to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o will_v bear_v a_o inquiry_n where_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n by_o titus_n when_o the_o wall_n be_v lay_v even_o wih_o the_o ground_n by_o musonius_n till_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n for_o till_o that_o time_n the_o succession_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o circumcision_n continue_v for_o antioch_n it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v agree_v whether_o evodius_n or_o ignatius_n succeed_v peter_n or_o paul_n or_o the_o one_o peter_n and_o the_o other_o paul_n much_o less_o at_o rome_n whether_o cletus_n anacletus_fw-la or_o clemens_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v first_o but_o of_o these_o afterward_o at_o alexandria_n where_o the_o succession_n run_v clear_a the_o original_a of_o the_o power_n be_v imputedito_fw-mi the_o choice_n of_o presbyter_n and_o to_o no_o divine_a institution_n but_o at_o ephesus_n the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o timothy_n be_v plead_v with_o the_o great_a confidence_n and_o the_o testimony_n bring_v 410._o for_o it_o be_v from_o leontius_n bishop_n of_o magnesia_n in_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n who_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o timothy_n to_o this_o day_n there_o have_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o seven_o and_o twenty_o bishop_n all_o of_o they_o ordain_v in_o ephesus_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v so_o much_o on_o the_o incompetency_n of_o this_o single_a witness_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o four_o hundred_o year_n in_o which_o time_n record_v be_v lose_v and_o bishop_n be_v after_o settle_v there_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v begin_v their_o account_n from_o timothy_n because_o of_o his_o employment_n there_o once_o for_o settle_v the_o church_n thereabouts_o and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o the_o aftertime_n of_o the_o church_n they_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n in_o any_o place_n but_o they_o present_o make_v they_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n so_o philip_n be_v make_v bishop_n of_o trallis_n ananias_n bishop_n of_o damascus_n nicolaus_n bishop_n of_o samaria_n barnabas_n bishop_n of_o milan_n silas_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n sylvanus_n of_o thessalonica_n crescens_n of_o chalcedon_n andreas_n of_o byzantium_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n peter_n bishop_n of_o rome_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o leontius_n make_v timothy_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o derive_v the_o succession_n down_o from_o he_o but_o again_o this_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o council_n its_o self_n but_o only_o of_o one_o single_a person_n deliver_v his_o private_a opinion_n in_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a be_v that_o in_o the_o thing_n main_o insist_v on_o by_o leontius_n he_o be_v contradict_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a council_n by_o philip_n a_o presbyter_n of_o constantinople_n for_o the_o case_n of_o bâ—ssianus_n and_o stephen_n about_o their_o violent_a intrusion_n into_o the_o bishopric_n of_o ephesus_n be_v discuss_v before_o the_o council_n a_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o the_o council_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n be_v to_o be_v regular_o ordain_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n leontius_n bishop_n of_o magnesia_n say_v that_o there_o have_v be_v twenty_o seven_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n from_o timothy_n and_o all_o of_o they_o ordain_v in_o the_o place_n his_o business_n be_v not_o to_o derive_v exact_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n but_o speak_v according_a to_o vulgar_a tradition_n he_o insist_o that_o all_o have_v be_v ordain_v there_o now_o if_o he_o be_v convict_v of_o the_o crimen_fw-la falsi_fw-la in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o mistake_n in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n if_o he_o be_v out_o in_o his_o allegation_n no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o tradition_n now_o as_o to_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o ephesus_n philip_n a_o presbyter_n of_o constantinople_n convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n in_o that_o for_o say_v he_o john_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n go_v into_o asia_n depose_v fifteen_o bishop_n there_o and_o ordain_v other_o in_o their_o room_n and_o aetius_n archdeacon_n of_o constantinople_n instance_v in_o castinus_n heraclides_fw-la basilius_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n all_o ordain_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o constantinople_n if_o then_o the_o certainty_n of_o succession_n rely_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o leontius_n let_v they_o thank_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n who_o have_v sufficient_o blast_v it_o by_o determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o in_o the_o main_a evidence_n produce_v by_o he_o so_o much_o to_o show_v how_o far_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o succession_n of_o bishop_n from_o apostolical_a time_n be_v from_o be_v convince_a to_o any_o rational_a man._n three_o the_o succession_n so_o much_o plead_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o a_o succession_n of_o person_n in_o apostolical_a power_n but_o a_o succession_n in_o apostolical_a doctrine_n which_o will_v be_v see_v by_o a_o view_n of_o the_o place_n produce_v to_o that_o purpose_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o irenaeus_n quoniam_fw-la valdè_fw-la longum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la tali_fw-la 3._o volumine_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la enumerare_fw-la successiones_fw-la maximae_fw-la &_o antiquissimae_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la cognitae_fw-la à _fw-la gloriossimis_fw-la duobus_fw-la apostolis_n petro_n &_o paulo_n romae_fw-la fundatae_fw-la &_o constitutae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la eam_fw-la quam_fw-la habet_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n traditionem_fw-la &_o annunciatam_fw-la hominibus_fw-la fidem_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la perveniâ—nâ—es_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la indicantes_fw-la confundimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la eos_fw-la etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v irenaeus_n do_v the_o least_o of_o all_o aim_n at_o the_o make_v out_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o apostolical_a power_n in_o the_o bishop_n he_o speak_v of_o but_o a_o convey_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o they_o by_o their_o hand_n which_o doctrine_n be_v here_o call_v tradition_n not_o as_o that_o word_n be_v abuse_v by_o the_o papist_n to_o signify_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o scripture_n but_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o be_v clear_v by_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o chapter_n traditionem_fw-la itaque_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la mundo_fw-la manifestatam_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la adest_fw-la perspic_fw-la â—re_n omnibus_fw-la qui_fw-la vera_fw-la uâ—lint_fw-la audire_fw-la &_o habemus_fw-la annumerare_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n instituti_fw-la sunt_fw-la episcopi_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la &_o successores_fw-la eorum_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la qui_fw-la nihil_fw-la tale_n docuerunt_fw-la nâ—que_fw-la cognoverunt_fw-la quale_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la deliratur_fw-la his_o plain_a meaning_n be_v that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v church_n be_v sufficient_a witness_n themselves_o of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n have_v convey_v it_o down_o to_o we_o by_o their_o successor_n and_o we_o can_v learn_v any_o such_o thing_n of_o they_o as_o valentinus_n and_o his_o follower_n broach_v we_o see_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n still_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o not_o a_o word_n what_o power_n and_o superiority_n these_o bishop_n have_v over_o presbyter_n in_o their_o several_a church_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tertullian_n in_o that_o know_a speech_n of_o he_o edant_fw-la origines_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la suarum_fw-la evolvant_fw-la ordinem_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la suorum_fw-la ita_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la decurrentem_fw-la ut_fw-la primuâ—_fw-la 32._o ille_fw-la episcopus_fw-la aliquem_fw-la ex_fw-la apostolis_n aut_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la viris_fw-la habuerit_fw-la authorem_fw-la &_o antecessorem_fw-la hoc_fw-la modo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la census_fw-la suos_fw-la deferunt_fw-la sicut_fw-la smyrnaeorum_n ecclesia_fw-la habens_fw-la polycarpum_fw-la
matter_n for_o true_o religious_a and_o plainhearted_a man_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o error_n and_o to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v by_o return_v to_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o divine_a tradition_n viz._n the_o scripture_n which_o he_o express_v further_a with_o a_o elegant_a similitude_n si_fw-mi canalis_fw-la aquam_fw-la ducens_fw-la qui_fw-la copiose_fw-la prius_fw-la &_o largiter_fw-la profluebat_fw-la subito_fw-la deficiat_fw-la nun_n ad_fw-la fontem_fw-la pergitur_fw-la ut_fw-la illic_fw-la 14._o defectionis_fw-la ratio_fw-la noscatur_fw-la utrumne_n arescentibus_fw-la venis_fw-la in_fw-la capite_fw-la unda_fw-la siccaverit_fw-la a_o verò_fw-la integra_fw-la deinde_fw-la &_o plena_fw-la procurrens_fw-la in_fw-la medio_fw-la itinere_fw-la destiterit_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la vitio_fw-la interrupti_fw-la aut_fw-la bibuli_fw-la canalis_fw-la effectum_fw-la est_fw-la quò_fw-la minus_fw-la aqua_fw-la continua_fw-la perseveranter_fw-la &_o jugiter_fw-la flueret_fw-la refecto_fw-la &_o confirmato_fw-la canali_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la atque_fw-la ad_fw-la potum_fw-la civitatis_fw-la aqua_fw-la collecta_fw-la eadem_fw-la ubertate_fw-la atque_fw-la integritate_fw-la repraesentaretur_fw-la qua_fw-la de_fw-la fonte_fw-la proficiscitur_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la facere_fw-la oportet_fw-la dei_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la praecepta_fw-la divina_fw-la servante_n ut_fw-la si_fw-la in_o aliquo_fw-la mutaverit_fw-la l._n nutaverit_fw-la &_o vacillaverit_fw-la veritas_fw-la ad_fw-la originem_fw-la dominicam_fw-la &_o evangelicam_fw-la &_o apostolicam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la revertamur_fw-la &_o inde_fw-la surgat_fw-la actus_fw-la nostri_fw-la ratio_fw-la unde_fw-la &_o ordo_fw-la &_o origo_fw-la surrexit_fw-la his_o meaning_n be_v that_o as_o when_o a_o channel_n sudden_o fail_v we_o present_o inquire_v where_o and_o how_o the_o breach_n be_v make_v and_o look_v to_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n to_o see_v the_o water_n be_v full_o convey_v from_o thence_o as_o former_o so_o upon_o any_o failure_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n our_o only_a recourse_n must_v be_v to_o the_o true_a fountain_n of_o tradition_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ground_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o action_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o when_o stephen_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n will_v tedder_n he_o to_o tradition_n cyprian_n keep_v his_o liberty_n by_o this_o close_a question_n unde_fw-la illa_fw-la traditio_fw-la â—_o utrumne_n de_fw-fr dominica_n &_o evangelica_n auctoritate_fw-la descendens_fw-la a_fw-fr de_fw-fr apostolorum_fw-la mandatis_fw-la atque_fw-la epistolis_fw-la veniens_fw-la si_fw-mi ergo_fw-la aut_fw-la evangelio_n praecipitur_fw-la aut_fw-la in_o apostolorum_fw-la epistolis_fw-la aut_fw-la actibus_fw-la continetur_fw-la observetur_fw-la divina_fw-la haec_fw-la &_o sancta_fw-la traditio_fw-la we_o see_v this_o good_a man_n will_v not_o balk_v his_o way_n on_o foot_n for_o the_o great_a bugbear_n of_o tradition_n unless_o it_o do_v bear_v the_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a truth_n in_o it_o and_o can_v produce_v the_o credential_n of_o scripture_n to_o testify_v its_o authority_n to_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o stout_a bishop_n of_o cappadocia_n firmilian_a who_o unhappiness_n with_o cyprian_n be_v only_o that_o of_o job_n friend_n that_o they_o excellent_o manage_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o with_o far_o more_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n than_o stephen_n do_v who_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v in_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n he_o defend_v eos_n autem_fw-la say_v firmilian_a 5._o qui_fw-la roma_fw-la sunt_fw-la non_fw-la ea_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la observare_fw-la quae_fw-la sint_fw-la ab_fw-la origine_fw-la tradita_fw-la &_o frustra_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la prâ—tendere_fw-la which_o he_o there_o make_v out_o at_o large_a viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v gather_v corruption_n betimes_o which_o after_o break_v out_o into_o a_o impostume_n in_o the_o head_n of_o it_o where_o then_o must_v we_o find_v the_o certain_a way_n of_o resolve_v the_o controversy_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o scripture_n determine_v it_o not_o the_o father_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o believe_a tradition_n any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v found_v in_o scripture_n thus_o be_v we_o send_v back_o from_o one_o to_o the_o other_o till_o at_o last_o we_o conclude_v there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n at_o all_o left_a to_o find_v out_o a_o decision_n of_o it_o not_o that_o we_o be_v leave_v at_o such_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o mistake_v we_o have_v archimedes_n his_o postulatum_fw-la grant_v we_o for_o that_o a_o place_n to_o fix_v our_o faith_n on_o though_o the_o world_n be_v move_v out_o of_o its_o place_n i_o mean_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n no_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o they_o from_o the_o hover_a light_n of_o unconstant_a tradition_n neither_o be_v it_o only_o unconstant_a but_o in_o many_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o its_o self_n which_o be_v the_o last_o consideration_n to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o show_v the_o incompetency_n of_o antiquity_n for_o decide_v our_o controversy_n well_o then_o suppose_v we_o ourselves_o now_o wait_v for_o the_o final_a verdict_n of_o church-tradition_n to_o determine_v our_o present_a cause_n if_o the_o jury_n can_v agree_v we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o main_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o immediate_a succession_n to_o the_o apostle_n if_o that_o be_v but_o once_o clear_v we_o may_v bear_v with_o interruption_n afterward_o but_o the_o main_a seat_n of_o the_o controversy_n lie_v there_o whether_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o withdraw_n from_o the_o government_n of_o church_n do_v substitute_n single_a person_n to_o succeed_v they_o or_o no_o so_o that_o unless_o that_o be_v clear_v the_o very_a deed_n of_o gift_n be_v question_v and_o if_o that_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v all_o other_o thing_n will_v speedy_o follow_v yes_o say_v some_o that_o be_v clear_a for_o at_o jerusalem_n antioch_n and_o rome_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o single_a person_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o government_n of_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n say_v they_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v make_v bishop_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o whence_o do_v that_o 22._o appear_v it_o be_v say_v from_o hegesippus_n in_o eusebius_n but_o what_o if_o he_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v there_o interpret_v ecclesiae_fw-la administrationem_fw-la una_fw-la cum_fw-la caeteris_fw-la apostolis_n suscepit_fw-la and_o no_o more_o be_v thereby_o mean_v but_o that_o this_o james_n who_o be_v by_o the_o ancient_n conceive_v to_o be_v only_o a_o disciple_n 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