despise_v the_o balm_n of_o gilead_n and_o reject_v all_o heal_a medicine_n it_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o go_v before_o we_o unto_o judgement_n when_o people_n put_v away_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n from_o they_o they_o be_v say_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n come_v to_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n prove_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o ministry_n there_o remain_v one_o great_a objection_n to_o be_v answer_v chap._n iii_o wherein_o the_o grand_a objection_n assert_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o ministry_n under_o antichrist_n be_v answer_v we_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ministry_n ordain_v of_o christ_n and_o continue_v all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n objection_n and_o some_o century_n after_o yet_o the_o mystery_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v then_o work_v which_o at_o length_n so_o far_o prevail_v that_o all_o the_o world_n wonder_v afâ—er_o the_o beast_n and_o power_n be_v give_v he_o over_o all_o kindred_n and_o tongue_n and_o nation_n 3._o so_o that_o be_v cause_v all_o both_o great_a and_o small_a rich_a and_o poor_a 16._o bond_n and_o free_a to_o receive_v his_o mâ—rk_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n in_o this_o apostasy_n the_o church_n which_o have_v be_v a_o chaste_a virgin_n become_v the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o abomination_n and_o not_o only_o the_o king_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v drink_v with_o the_o wine_n of_o her_o fornication_n but_o especial_o the_o priest_n in_o all_o nation_n be_v the_o abominable_a pander_n to_o promote_v the_o filthiness_n of_o her_o whoredom_n they_o be_v the_o merchant_n make_v rich_a by_o her_o fornication_n 18.15_o now_o under_o this_o reign_n of_o antichrist_n bethel_n be_v turn_v into_o bethauâ—n_n the_o ministry_n be_v whole_o lose_v be_v only_o in_o pretence_n for_o christ_n but_o in_o reality_n for_o antichrist_n and_o therefore_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o minister_n now_o as_o member_n of_o that_o notorious_a strumpet_n as_o locust_n from_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n as_o priest_n of_o baal_n and_o limb_n of_o antichrist_n and_o so_o account_v it_o not_o a_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n to_o contemn_v their_o person_n and_o abhor_v their_o ministry_n we_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o the_o apostasy_n under_o antichrist_n be_v exceed_v dreadful_a second_o solution_n that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n and_o the_o prince_n but_o the_o priest_n also_o have_v a_o great_a hand_n and_o be_v chief_a agent_n in_o this_o defection_n three_o that_o its_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n people_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n that_o they_o partake_v not_o of_o their_o sin_n nor_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n 18.4_o but_o yet_o we_o need_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o differ_v that_o we_o may_v not_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a but_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n judge_v righteous_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o we_o entreat_v the_o reader_n or_o this_o objector_n conscientious_o to_o ponder_v these_o consideration_n 1._o consider_v as_o there_o have_v be_v many_o false_a christ_n so_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o mistake_a antichrist_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bid_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n 25._o when_o many_o shall_v say_v loe_o here_o be_v christ_n and_o lo_o there_o be_v christ_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a of_o antichrist_n some_o say_v lo_o here_o be_v antichrist_n some_o lo_o there_o yet_o the_o lord_n command_v we_o say_v believe_v they_o not_o the_o truth_n ordinance_n servant_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v of_o christ_n because_o some_o either_o by_o mistake_n or_o by_o design_n shall_v say_v they_o be_v of_o antichrist_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o most_o precious_a truth_n because_o michael_n servetus_n georgius_n blandatra_n franciscus_n david_n laelius_n socinus_n and_o his_o adherent_n condemn_v it_o as_o a_o antichristian_a error_n be_v valentinus_n gentilis_fw-la therefore_o a_o friend_n and_o martyr_n to_o god_n the_o father_n because_o he_o die_v as_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n the_o son_n 64._o be_v the_o valdenses_n who_o appear_v against_o the_o romish_a error_n the_o limb_n of_o satan_n because_o some_o of_o the_o romanist_n affirm_v that_o satan_n be_v let_v loose_a in_o berengarius_fw-la and_o his_o disciple_n how_o luxuriant_a and_o confident_a be_v the_o fancy_n of_o many_o concern_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o revelation_n wherein_o modest_a christian_n will_v choose_v rather_o to_o be_v humble_o inquisitive_a then_o dogmatical_o positive_a be_v innocent_a the_o three_o the_o less_o nocent_a 297._o or_o be_v pope_n calixtus_n the_o more_o holy_a because_o some_o of_o their_o follower_n make_v they_o to_o be_v the_o angel_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n to_o bind_v satan_n as_o if_o the_o bind_n of_o satan_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o excommunicate_a emperor_n and_o to_o depress_v the_o imperial_a power_n under_o the_o papal_a 3._o shall_v dominicus_n or_o franciscus_n those_o two_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o friar_n dominican_n and_o franciscan_n the_o great_a upholder_n of_o papacy_n shall_v they_o be_v less_o suspect_v 265._o because_o some_o of_o their_o disciple_n admire_v they_o and_o confident_o aver_v they_o to_o be_v that_o angel_n ascend_v from_o the_o east_n have_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o live_a god_n rev._n 7.2_o man_n have_v no_o power_n to_o make_v christian_a unchristian_a or_o antichristian_a either_o person_n or_o thing_n according_a to_o their_o pleasure_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o his_o truth_n do_v not_o vary_v after_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n mistake_a fancy_n therefore_o we_o have_v great_a need_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o humble_a and_o to_o beg_v of_o the_o lord_n the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o justify_v the_o wicked_a nor_o condemn_v the_o righteous_a 2._o consider_v concern_v antichrist_n though_o we_o grant_v it_o that_o antichrist_n be_v not_o a_o individual_a person_n as_o bellarmine_n and_o the_o papist_n general_o affirm_v but_o the_o state_n and_o succession_n of_o man_n which_o with_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n oppose_v christ._n 2._o that_o the_o seat_n of_o this_o great_a whore_n be_v not_o 13._o as_o some_o intimate_a constantinople_n nor_o jerusalem_n as_o other_o affirm_v but_o rome_n that_o great_a city_n that_o then_o reign_v over_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n spiritual_o call_v sodom_n and_o egypt_n and_o 3._o that_o the_o antichrist_n be_v not_o the_o turk_n and_o mahumetanism_n in_o the_o east_n but_o the_o pope_n and_o papism_n in_o the_o west_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o condemn_v every_o thing_n in_o that_o antichristian_a synagogue_n for_o antichristian_a for_o without_o all_o question_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v wonderful_o preserve_v even_o in_o mystical_a babylon_n as_o former_o when_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v to_o israel_n the_o lord_n continue_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n notwithstanding_o their_o spiritual_a apostasy_n and_o babylonish_n captivity_n the_o good_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o less_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n because_o the_o false_a antichristian_a synagogue_n do_v acknowledge_v it_o no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o scripture_n because_o satan_n the_o father_n of_o lie_n do_v allege_v it_o gold_n be_v gold_n wherever_o you_o find_v it_o truth_n be_v truth_n however_o man_n either_o accept_v it_o or_o contradict_v it_o it_o be_v a_o vast_a comprehensive_a error_n to_o reject_v all_o tenant_n though_o never_o so_o true_a for_o error_n because_o a_o erroneous_a society_n do_v confess_v they_o for_o all_o be_v not_o false_a which_o the_o false_a church_n assert_v every_o error_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o mistake_n of_o some_o truth_n 11._o as_o every_o evil_n do_v usual_o arise_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o some_o good_a in_o this_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n light_a and_o darkness_n where_o there_o be_v many_o precious_a truth_n yet_o many_o abominable_a falsehood_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o sever_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o vile_a that_o we_o neither_o swallow_v down_o all_o for_o truth_n because_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n nor_o reject_v all_o for_o false_a because_o there_o be_v superad_v a_o redundancy_n of_o falsehood_n antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o his_o come_n be_v
not_o as_o a_o bishop_n these_o thing_n premise_v we_o now_o come_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o objection_n and_o to_o every_o branch_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o minister_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v make_v by_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n who_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o authority_n to_o ordain_v they_o 1._o the_o bishop_n though_o distinct_a from_o his_o presbyter_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o ordain_v they_o alone_o but_o together_o with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o other_o presbyter_n he_o be_v as_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a presbyter_n or_o be_v prâ—ses_n presbyâ—â—rii_n the_o precedent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n the_o bishop_n that_o ordain_v they_o be_v also_o himself_o a_o presbyter_n 2._o and_o have_v power_n as_o a_o presbyter_n to_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o presbyterial_a capacity_n his_o ordination_n must_v needs_o be_v valid_a and_o lawful_a even_o as_o when_o a_o bishop_n conseâ—rateth_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n at_o the_o lord_n supper_n he_o do_v it_o not_o as_o a_o bishop_n though_o he_o be_v one_o but_o as_o a_o presbyter_n so_o also_o when_o the_o ordain_v a_o minister_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o farâ—_n inferior_a nature_n he_o do_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o presbyter_n not_o as_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n much_o less_o as_o a_o lord-bishop_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v say_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n for_o ordination_n whereas_o the_o word_n presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o say_v elder_a and_o the_o word_n bishop_n do_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n intend_v and_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o function_n although_o the_o title_n of_o bishop_n have_v be_v by_o corrupt_a custom_n appropriate_v to_o one_o and_o that_o unto_o he_o ascribe_v and_o by_o he_o assume_v as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o that_o matter_n of_o ordination_n that_o be_v not_o meet_v which_o ordination_n notwithstanding_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o a_o presbyter_n join_v with_o other_o presbyter_n we_o hold_v for_o substance_n to_o be_v valid_a and_o not_o to_o be_v disclaim_v by_o any_o that_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o that_o presbyter_n so_o ordain_v be_v lawful_o thereunto_o appoint_v and_o authorize_v may_v ordain_v other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o office_n and_o call_n of_o bishop_n two_o thing_n arâ—_n to_o be_v consider_v say_v mr._n ball._n 1._o the_o substance_n of_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n whereunto_o they_o be_v separate_v 93._o to_o wit_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o administer_v the_o discipline_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v of_o god_n 2._o the_o superiority_n they_o take_v or_o challenge_v over_o their_o brethren_n whether_o in_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o this_o be_v of_o man_n but_o they_o make_v not_o a_o difference_n or_o nullity_n in_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v steward_n of_o jesus_n chrisâ—_n seâ—_n apart_o to_o do_v his_o work_n wherein_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v challenge_v more_o thâ—â—_n of_o right_n appertain_v to_o he_o or_o do_v aught_o out_o of_o pride_n partiality_n sinister_a affection_n tyranny_n or_o sedition_n or_o receive_v such_o authority_n to_o himself_o alone_o as_o belong_v not_o to_o his_o place_n and_o office_n or_o be_v common_a to_o many_o in_o that_o he_o be_v blame_v worthy_a but_o thereupon_o his_o ministry_n or_o ministerial_a act_n do_v by_o he_o be_v not_o make_v void_a or_o of_o none_o effect_n but_o the_o bishop_n that_o ordain_v these_o minister_n you_o plead_v for_o object_n ordain_v they_o as_o a_o bishop_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o episcopal_a consecration_n and_o not_o as_o a_o presbyter_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o presbyterial_a order_n this_o be_v not_o true_a of_o all_o bishop_n 1._o for_o as_o mr._n firmin_n tell_v we_o he_o hear_v a_o reverend_a minister_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n in_o essex_n say_v that_o when_o the_o bishop_n ordain_v he_o he_o tell_v he_o i_o do_v ordain_v you_o as_o i_o be_o a_o presbyter_n 2._o suppose_v he_o do_v this_o waâ—_n his_o personal_a error_n but_o do_v not_o sword_n his_o power_n of_o ordination_n as_o a_o presbyter_n suppose_v a_o man_n make_v a_o constable_n by_o lawful_a authority_n shall_v afterward_o unwarrantable_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o shall_v do_v thing_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o place_n as_o a_o constable_n under_o the_o title_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n shall_v not_o this_o act_n of_o his_o be_v valid_a though_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o a_o wrong_a title_n mr._n burrough_n in_o his_o heart-division_n have_v this_o observable_a passage_n 184._o if_o a_o man_n do_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o 2_o relation_n or_o either_o of_o they_o it_o may_v be_v he_o think_v he_o stand_v in_o one_o of_o these_o relation_n which_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o yet_o he_o do_v the_o action_n by_o virtue_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o thought_n in_o this_o he_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v another_o relation_n wherein_o he_o stand_v that_o be_v enough_o to_o warrant_v the_o action_n that_o he_o do_v to_o be_v lawful_a now_o though_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o act_n by_o this_o relation_n the_o action_n may_v be_v sin_n to_o he_o but_o not_o at_o all_o sin_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o he_o in_o it_o if_o he_o will_v go_v upon_o a_o false_a ground_n when_o he_o may_v go_v upon_o a_o true_a let_v he_o look_v to_o it_o i_o will_v join_v with_o he_o in_o that_o action_n as_o warrant_v for_o he_o to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o second_o relation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v not_o own_v himself_o he_o give_v this_o instance_n give_v alm_n be_v a_o work_n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v either_o by_o virtue_n of_o church-office_n as_o a_o deacon_n or_o as_o a_o christian_a who_o god_n have_v bless_v in_o his_o estate_n or_o betrust_v with_o the_o distribution_n of_o what_o other_o betrust_v he_o with_o now_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o a_o deacon_n he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o that_o office_n by_o a_o right_a call_n into_o it_o and_o he_o give_v out_o the_o alm_n of_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v his_o call_n to_o that_o office_n be_v not_o right_a he_o be_v not_o a_o true_a deacon_n yet_o if_o i_o be_v in_o want_n i_o know_v that_o bothhe_n and_o those_o who_o have_v give_v he_o money_n to_o dispose_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o distribute_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o need_n by_o virtue_n of_o another_o relation_n as_o man_n as_o christian_n enable_v by_o god_n sure_o than_o i_o may_v receive_v alm_n from_o he_o lawful_o though_o his_o principle_n by_o which_o he_o give_v they_o i_o be_v sin_n to_o he_o i_o may_v communicate_v with_o he_o in_o this_o thing_n though_o he_o act_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o offece_n that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a call_n unto_o etc._n etc._n much_o more_o may_v the_o like_o be_v say_v of_o receive_v ordination_n from_o a_o bishop_n who_o have_v power_n to_o confer_v it_o as_o a_o presbyter_n though_o he_o give_v it_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o episcopal_a consecration_n 3._o but_o the_o minister_n who_o ordination_n you_o defend_v be_v make_v by_o bishop_n who_o hold_v themselves_o to_o be_v a_o superior_a order_n of_o ministry_n above_o presbyter_n by_o divine_a institution_n whether_o they_o do_v so_o or_o no_o we_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o king_n edwaâ—d_n and_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n be_v not_o of_o this_o opinion_n answ._n as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n do_v not_o countenance_v it_o that_o the_o learnede_a of_o the_o papist_n be_v against_o it_o and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o late_a year_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n it_o be_v their_o personal_a error_n and_o not_o at_o all_o essential_a to_o the_o episcopal_a office_n 4._o the_o minister_n we_o speak_v against_o be_v make_v not_o only_o by_o bishop_n but_z lord_n bishop_n ans._n but_o not_o as_o lord-bishop_n the_o lordly_a dignity_n of_o bishop_n be_v mere_a civil_a additament_n annex_v to_o their_o bishopric_n by_o kingly_a favour_n not_o essential_a ingredient_n into_o their_o office_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v take_v from_o they_o they_o continue_v not_o only_a presbyter_n 5._o but_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n from_o who_o these_o minister_n receive_v their_o ordination_n be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o therefore_o their_o ordination_n must_v needs_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungold_o this_o be_v not_o true_a of_o all_o of_o they_o some_o of_o they_o be_v godly_a and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v shed_v their_o blood_n for_o the_o gospel_n
sake_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v call_v such_o bishop_n wicked_a and_o ungodly_a be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o 9_o commandment_n 2._o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v 2._o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a yet_o notwithstanding_o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o justify_v their_o ungodliness_n we_o answer_v that_o some_o evil_a man_n may_v and_o always_o have_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v officer_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n hophni_n and_o phinehas_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n scribes_z and_o pharisee_n 2._o that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o such_o man_n do_v not_o null_a or_o evacuate_v their_o ministerial_a act_n the_o scribe_n &_o pharisees_n that_o sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v though_o they_o say_v and_o do_v not_o christ_n commission_n do_v as_o well_o authorize_v judas_n as_o any_o other_o to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n and_o sure_o if_o the_o principal_a act_n belongingto_o the_o ministerial_a function_n as_o preach_v baptise_v adminstr_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o null_v or_o make_v void_a by_o the_o personal_a wickedness_n of_o minister_n then_o consequent_o not_o their_o ordination_n so_o that_o if_o judas_n have_v be_v a_o apostle_n when_o christ_n send_v his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v elder_n his_o ordination_n shall_v have_v be_v as_o valid_a as_o his_o preach_v and_o baptise_v former_o have_v be_v the_o leprosy_n of_o the_o hand_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o grow_a of_o the_o corn_n which_o that_o hand_n sow_v but_o these_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a 6._o and_o their_o office_n antichristian_a and_o therefore_o the_o minister_n ordain_v by_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v antichristian_a minister_n and_o not_o the_o minister_n of_o christ._n for_o satisfaction_n to_o this_o objection_n we_o shall_v first_o propose_v what_o the_o ancient_a learned_a &_o godly_a nonconformist_n have_v leave_v in_o print_n about_o it_o ans._n and_o then_o we_o will_v lay_v down_o our_o own_o answer_n the_o old_a nonconformist_n by_o joint_a consent_n have_v write_v that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v how_o our_o bishop_n can_v be_v call_v antichrist_n or_o antichristian_a 1._o because_o the_o word_n mark_v out_o antichrist_n by_o his_o false_a doctrine_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n any_o such_o account_v antichrist_n or_o antichristian_a which_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n swerve_v either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n from_o christ_n rule_n for_o discipline_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o bishop_n do_v hold_v and_o teach_v all_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n and_o some_o of_o they_o have_v sound_o maintain_v they_o against_o heretic_n convert_v many_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o gospel_n 2._o their_o hierarchy_n and_o other_o corruption_n charge_v upon_o the_o call_n of_o our_o bishop_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o stair_n and_o way_n to_o antichristianity_n than_o antichristianity_n â—t_a self_n for_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n before_o the_o popâ—_n who_o be_v the_o antichrist_n and_o the_o chief_a head_n link_v of_o all_o antichristianity_n be_v reveal_v 3._o the_o antichristian_a bishop_n hold_v their_o preeminence_n as_o from_o god_n law_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a whereas_o our_o bishop_n since_o his_o majesty_n reign_n to_o this_o day_n for_o the_o most_o part_n hold_v superiority_n by_o no_o other_o right_n then_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v variable_a yea_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o court_n of_o delegate_n and_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o to_o this_o day_n that_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o by_o law_n to_o hold_v their_o jurisdiction_n not_o as_o from_o god_n but_o be_v from_o the_o prince_n thus_o they_o and_o as_o to_o the_o minister_n ordain_v by_o bishop_n they_o say_v bishop_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o such_o gift_n as_o be_v require_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o minister_n that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v such_o minister_n themselves_o as_o to_o who_o labour_n thâ—_n lord_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v approve_v and_o authorize_v even_o by_o they_o andif_a our_o ordination_n be_v in_o this_o behalf_n faulty_a how_o will_v our_o brethren_n justify_v the_o call_n of_o their_o own_o minister_n that_o have_v receive_v ordination_n ever_o from_o the_o people_n who_o neither_o by_o commandment_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v find_v to_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n nor_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n so_o capable_a of_o it_o as_o the_o bishop_n thus_o much_o be_v say_v by_o the_o old_a nonconformist_a for_o our_o own_o particular_n we_o shall_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n by_o distinguish_v of_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o the_o word_n antichristian_a there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o bishop_n the_o scripture-bishop_n thâ—_n bishop_n of_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o latter_a time_n now_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n bishop_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o presbyter_n or_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o primitive_a time_n who_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o chief_a bresbyter_n or_o the_o moderator_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o have_v a_o priority_n not_o of_o power_n but_o of_o order_n only_o like_o a_o speaker_n in_o the_o parliament_n be_v antichristian_a the_o question_n only_o be_v about_o the_o bishop_n of_o latter_a time_n the_o word_n antichristian_a may_v be_v take_v proper_o or_o improper_o a_o antichristian_a minister_n proper_o be_v one_o that_o own_o be_v the_o pope_n as_o a_o visible_a monarchical_a head_n over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o stand_v a_o minister_n with_o subjection_n and_o subordination_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o profess_o maintain_v the_o popish_a religion_n a_o antichristian_a minister_n improper_o be_v one_o that_o in_o his_o call_n and_o office_n have_v divers_a thing_n that_o be_v antichristian_a in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o believe_v none_o will_v say_v our_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_o but_o yet_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o those_o bishop_n who_o do_v take_v upon_o they_o by_o divine_a right_n the_o care_n of_o whole_a diocese_n and_o do_v assume_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n therein_o and_o do_v challenge_v a_o majority_n and_o tantum_fw-la non_fw-la a_o sole_a power_n in_o ordination_n do_v symbolize_v herein_o too_o much_o with_o antichrist_n and_o have_v in_o this_o sense_n much_o of_o antichristianisme_n in_o they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o denominate_v they_o antichristian_a no_o more_o than_o the_o have_v of_o some_o hypocrisy_n and_o covetousness_n do_v denominate_v a_o godly_a man_n a_o hypocrite_n or_o a_o covetous_a person_n the_o denomination_n be_v always_o á_o meliore_fw-la part_n our_o bishop_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_a orthodox_n in_o doctrine_n and_o pure_a in_o the_o substantial_o of_o worship_n and_o have_v write_v many_o learned_a treatise_n against_o popery_n and_o antichristianisme_n indeed_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v exceed_o faulty_a and_o some_o of_o â—hem_n of_o late_a year_n begin_v to_o apostatise_v both_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n for_o which_o god_n have_v grievious_o punish_v they_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o antichristian_a proper_o so_o call_v much_o less_o to_o null_a all_o their_o act_n of_o ordination_n no_o more_o than_o their_o act_n of_o preach_v baptise_v and_o administer_a thelord_n supper_n special_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v power_n enable_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o these_o act_n as_o they_o be_v presbyter_n though_o they_o never_o have_v be_v bishop_n bâ—t_o let_v we_o suppose_v though_o not_o grant_v the_o bishop_n be_v antichristian_a and_o their_o office_n antichristian_a yet_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o minister_n make_v by_o they_o be_v antichristian_a unless_o it_o can_v also_o be_v make_v out_o which_o never_o can_v be_v do_v that_o they_o be_v antichristian_a in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o ordination_n ans._n for_o as_o a_o maim_a man_n may_v beget_v a_o perfect_a child_n because_o he_o beget_v he_o not_o as_o maim_v but_o as_o a_o man_n so_o a_o antichristian_a bishop_n may_v ordain_v a_o true_a minister_n because_o he_o ordain_v he_o not_o aâ—_n antichristian_a but_o as_o a_o presbyter_n that_o by_o divine_a warrant_n have_v authority_n so_o to_o do_v as_o austin_n against_o the_o donatist_n prove_v the_o validity_n of_o baptism_n by_o heretic_n if_o they_o baptise_a with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n though_o in_o other_o
and_o shame_n to_o a_o bishop_n to_o be_v degrade_v from_o a_o bishop_n to_o a_o presbyter_n much_o more_o reproach_n and_o shame_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v for_o a_o evangelist_n to_o be_v bring_v down_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n but_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v once_o make_v evangelist_n by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o with_o they_o as_o their_o companion_n and_o before_o they_o be_v settle_v as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v the_o one_o at_o ephesus_n the_o other_o at_o crect_n this_o be_v confess_v by_o bishop_n hall_n bishop_n downham_n and_o all_o episcopal_a man_n that_o we_o have_v read_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o the_o great_a debate_n between_o they_o and_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v once_o evangelist_n and_o vice-apostle_n or_o no_o but_o how_o long_o they_o continue_v so_o and_o whether_o ever_o they_o be_v make_v bishop_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v undoubted_o conclude_v that_o because_o they_o be_v once_o evangelist_n therefore_o they_o be_v never_o bishop_n neither_o before_o they_o be_v send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o creâ—â—_n nor_o afterward_o before_o we_o leave_v our_o discourse_n concern_v timothy_n and_o titus_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n answer_v one_o objection_n it_o be_v say_v object_n that_o the_o work_v impose_v upon_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o ephesus_n and_o crect_n both_o of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v and_o adminstr_v the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o after_o their_o death_n those_o that_o do_v succeed_v they_o do_v the_o same_o work_n and_o be_v call_v bishop_n by_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o that_o therefore_o timothy_n himself_o be_v a_o bishop_n because_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v call_v so_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v evangelist_n 1._o and_o therefore_o temporary_a and_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o have_v any_o successor_n in_o office_n indeed_o the_o power_n they_o do_v exercise_n in_o ephesus_n and_o crect_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o work_n but_o none_o in_o the_o office_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v some_o that_o come_v after_o they_o and_o do_v the_o same_o work_n that_o they_o do_v in_o govern_v ordain_v and_o preach_v but_o they_o have_v no_o successor_n in_o office_n for_o than_o they_o have_v not_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o as_o one_o well_o say_v when_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n die_v their_o office_n cease_v what_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n as_o pray_v preach_v administer_a sacrament_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v leave_v to_o those_o ordinary_a officer_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o the_o distinction_n make_v afterward_o between_o a_o pastor-bishop_n and_o a_o pastor-presbyter_n be_v but_o a_o humane_a invention_n for_o order_n and_o to_o avoid_v accidental_a inconvenience_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o in_o a_o word_n the_o successor_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v presbyter_n who_o by_o common_a consent_n govern_v the_o church_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o do_v the_o same_o work_n as_o ordinary_a stand_a officer_n which_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v as_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a officer_n etc._n etc._n so_o it_o be_v at_o first_o till_o afterward_o for_o avoid_v ofschisme_n as_o hierom_n say_v one_o be_v choose_v from_o among_o the_o presbyter_n and_o call_v a_o bishop_n but_o whether_o this_o invention_n be_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v hurtful_a or_o profitable_a for_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v god_n willing_a show_v at_o large_a when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n in_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n so_o much_o for_o timothy_n and_o titus_n chap._n vi_o answer_v objection_n from_o the_o pretend_a episcopacy_n of_o the_o seven_o asian_a angel_n the_o second_o scripture_n ground_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o prelacy_n be_v from_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n these_o angel_n say_v they_o be_v seven_o single_a person_n and_o as_o one_o have_v late_o write_v not_o only_o bishop_n but_o metropolitan_o and_o arch-bishop_n this_o be_v say_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n that_o all_o man_n be_v condemn_v as_o blind_v or_o wilful_a that_o endeavour_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o it_o be_v reckon_v as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a prodigy_n of_o this_o unhappy_a age_n that_o man_n shall_v still_o continue_v blind_a and_o not_o see_v light_a enough_o in_o this_o scripture_n est_fw-la to_o build_v the_o great_a fabric_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o divine_a right_n upon_o it_o be_v further_a add_v that_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n mention_v the_o very_a man_n that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n some_o say_v timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o john_n write_v his_o epistle_n to_o it_o other_o say_v onesimus_n other_o say_v that_o polycarp_n be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o from_o hence_o they_o conclude_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o plausibilitie_n that_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n be_v seven_o individual_a bishop_n for_o answer_v to_o those_o thing_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n quote_v in_o the_o margin_n wherein_o they_o be_v full_o clear_o wight_n and_o as_o we_o conceive_v satisfactory_o handle_v we_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o borrow_v a_o few_o thing_n out_o of_o they_o add_v something_o of_o our_o own_o in_o answer_v therefore_o to_o this_o scripture_n we_o do_v desire_v those_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o st._n john_n the_o penman_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v neither_o in_o it_o nor_o in_o any_o of_o his_o other_o write_n so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o name_n bishop_n he_o name_v the_o name_n presbyter_n frequent_o especial_o in_o the_o revelation_n yea_o when_o he_o will_v set_v out_o the_o office_n of_o those_o that_o be_v near_a to_o the_o throne_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n revel_v 4._o he_o call_v himself_o a_o presbyter_n epist._n 2._o and_o whereas_o in_o st._n john_n day_n some_o new_a expression_n be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o scripture_n as_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n begin_v to_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d day_n and_o christ_n himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d word_n now_o both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n john_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v mention_v a_o new_a phrase_n and_o not_o mention_v a_o new_a office_n erect_v by_o this_o time_n as_o our_o brethren_n say_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o polycarp_n as_o iâ—_n relate_v be_v make_v bishop_n by_o he_o and_o no_o doubt_n if_o he_o have_v be_v make_v bishop_n in_o a_o prelatical_a sense_n we_o shall_v have_v find_v the_o name_n bishop_n in_o some_o of_o his_o write_n who_o live_v so_o long_o as_o to_o see_v episcopacy_n settle_v in_o the_o church_n as_o our_o adversary_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v add_v to_o thiâ—_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n in_o all_o st._n johns_n writng_n of_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o presbyter_n over_o another_o save_v only_o where_o he_o name_v and_o chide_v diotrephes_n as_o one_o ambitious_o affect_v such_o a_o primacy_n consider_v three_o that_o the_o same_o author_n that_o say_v that_o st._n john_n make_v polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o that_o st._n peter_n make_v ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n do_v also_o say_v that_o st._n john_n himself_o sit_v many_o year_n bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o asia_n which_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o we_o that_o these_o author_n do_v not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n in_o a_o prelatical_a sense_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v bishop_n for_o though_o they_o do_v eminent_o contain_v the_o episcopal_a office_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o formal_o bishop_n for_o this_o be_v to_o degrade_v the_o apostle_n and_o to_o make_v their_o office_n ordinary_a and_o perpetual_a this_o be_v to_o exalt_v the_o bishop_n above_o his_o degree_n and_o make_v he_o a_o apostle_n and_o to_o make_v the_o apostle_n a_o bishop_n apostolos_fw-la it_o do_v not_o much_o differ_v from_o madness_n to_o say_v that_o peter_n or_o any_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v proper_o bishop_n as_o learned_a whitaker_n say_v who_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o cite_v this_o purpose_n hereafter_o 4._o consider_v four_a that_o the_o word_n angel_n which_o be_v the_o title_n give_v to_o those_o suppose_a bishop_n do_v not_o import_v
any_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n or_o pre-eminence_n but_o be_v a_o common_a name_n to_o all_o minister_n and_o be_v so_o use_v in_o scripture_n for_o all_o minister_n be_v god_n messenger_n and_o ambassador_n send_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_n and_o therefore_o the_o name_n be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n speak_v to_o one_o minister_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o word_n star_n which_o be_v also_o a_o title_n give_v to_o those_o suppose_a metropolitan_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o faithful_a minister_n be_v call_v star_n in_o scripture_n who_o duty_n be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o title_n that_o argue_v these_o minister_n to_o be_v bishop_n in_o our_o brethren_n sense_n insomuch_o as_o have_v they_o not_o be_v call_v bishop_n by_o some_o author_n that_o succeed_v they_o who_o speak_v of_o former_a time_n according_a to_o the_o language_n of_o their_o own_o time_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v will_v have_v be_v count_v ridiculous_a 5._o add_v last_o that_o these_o title_n of_o star_n and_o angel_n be_v mysterious_a and_o metaphorical_a it_o be_v say_v rev._n 1.20_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o seven_o star_n etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v safe_a or_o solid_a to_o build_v the_o structure_n of_o episcopacy_n by_o divine_a right_n upon_o mysterious_a and_o metaphorical_a denomination_n theologia_n symbolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o clear_a text_n that_o make_v presbyter_n and_o bishop_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o it_o can_v be_v praiseworthy_a for_o any_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o the_o world_n to_o oppose_v certain_a allegorical_a and_o mysterious_a title_n to_o so_o many_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n against_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o these_o seven_o churcheâ—_n single_v out_o one_o angel_n in_o every_o church_n from_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n that_o be_v there_o and_o dedicate_v his_o epistle_n unto_o these_o angel_n thereby_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o these_o angel_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n angel_n of_o a_o high_a orb_n superintendent_o &_o not_o only_a bishop_n overpresbyter_n arch-bishop_n over_o other_o bishop_n as_o a_o high_a prelatist_n be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o answ._n to_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v solid_a and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a answer_n give_v in_o the_o book_n foremention_v we_o shall_v reduce_v all_o to_o these_o two_o headâ—_n 1._o that_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o individual_o but_o collective_o for_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o respective_a minister_n this_o answer_n we_o confess_v be_v call_v a_o poor_a shift_n &_o vain_a conceit_n and_o a_o manifest_a wrest_n of_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o our_o episcopal_a man_n but_o we_o conceive_v there_o be_v such_o reason_n bring_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v answer_v as_o for_o example_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v to_o this_o angel_n often_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n rev._n 2.24_o but_o unto_o you_o i_o say_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o thyatira_n rev._n 2.10_o fear_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o shall_v suffer_v behold_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n that_o you_o may_v be_v try_v and_o you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n ten_o day_n be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n this_o see_v rev._n 2.13_o by_o which_o be_v evident_a that_o by_o the_o word_n angel_n be_v not_o mean_v one_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o ruler_n but_o some_o copy_n leave_v out_o the_o conjunction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d object_n and_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d answ._n he_o that_o shall_v view_v the_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a and_o consider_v that_o verse_n 23._o it_o be_v say_v i_o will_v give_v to_o every_o one_o of_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o follow_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o verse_n i_o will_v put_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n will_v confess_v that_o the_o old_a copy_n be_v better_a than_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v tecla_n manuscript_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v a_o collective_a body_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o presbyter_n to_o who_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o final_a departure_n from_o they_o commit_v the_o charge_n of_o that_o church_n and_o these_o presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o be_v all_o of_o they_o star_n of_o the_o same_o magnitude_n and_o angeâ—s_n of_o the_o same_o order_n without_o a_o difference_n &_o distinction_n 3._o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o in_o this_o very_a book_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o mysterious_a and_o prophetic_a write_n and_o visional_a representation_n such_o as_o this_o of_o the_o star_n and_o golden_a candlestick_n be_v to_o express_v a_o number_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n in_o singular_n and_o this_o in_o vision_n be_v the_o usual_a way_n of_o representation_n of_o thing_n a_o thousand_o person_n make_v up_o one_o church_n be_v represent_v by_o one_o candlestick_n many_o minister_n make_v up_o one_o presbytery_n by_o one_o angel_n thus_o revel_v 8.2_o it_o be_v say_v that_o john_n say_v seven_o angel_n which_o stand_v before_o god_n by_o these_o seven_o candlestick_n dr._n reynolds_n do_v not_o understand_v seven_o individual_a angel_n but_o all_o the_o angel_n for_o there_o be_v no_o seven_o individual_a angel_n that_o stand_v before_o god_n but_o all_o do_v dan_o 7._o there_o be_v many_o more_o instance_n bring_v in_o the_o bookâ—_n foremention_v 4._o add_v last_o that_o though_o but_o one_o angel_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o foreefront_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v in_o that_o formal_a denomination_n the_o angel_n and_o candlestick_n be_v the_o the_o same_o be_v dedicate_v to_o all_o the_o angel_n and_o minister_n in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o appear_v rev._n 1.11_o rev._n 2.7.11.17_o and_o therefore_o when_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n this_o thou_o have_v repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o mean_v of_o one_o individual_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o minister_n and_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n because_o the_o punishment_n threaten_v be_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n rev._n 2.5.16.2_o now_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n will_v remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o a_o church_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o bishop_n when_o all_o the_o other_o minister_n and_o church_n be_v far_o from_o those_o sin_n these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o reason_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o our_o interpretation_n be_v no_o wrest_v or_o offer_v of_o violence_n to_o the_o text_n but_o such_o a_o one_o that_o flow_v natural_o from_o it_o we_o may_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o cite_v mr._n brightman_n mr._n perkins_n mr._n fox_n who_o cit_v primasius_n haymo_n beda_n richardus_fw-la thomas_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n dr._n fulk_n mr._n mede_n gregory_n and_o st._n austin_n all_o of_o they_o interpret_n this_o text_n as_o we_o do_v but_o we_o forbear_v because_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o smectimnuus_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o as_o some_o autohors_fw-la say_v that_o timothy_n be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n when_o our_o saviour_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o it_o pererius_n other_o eusebius_n that_o onesimus_n be_v bishop_n c_o other_o that_o polycarp_n be_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o therefore_o these_o angel_n must_v needs_o be_v take_v individual_o for_o for_o so_o many_o single_a person_n they_o that_o say_v that_o timothy_n be_v then_o bishop_n offer_v no_o little_a injury_n to_o he_o answ._n for_o they_o thereby_o charge_v he_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o apostasy_n and_o of_o lose_v his_o first_o love_n and_o so_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a zeal_n to_o episcopacy_n they_o make_v that_o glorious_a saint_n to_o stand_v charge_v as_o a_o apostate_n the_o like_a injury_n be_v offer_v by_o objection_n to_o onesimus_n 2._o we_o have_v
a_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o text_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o word_n prophet_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o in_o office_n peculiar_o call_v and_o send_v now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n permit_v all_o prophet_n i_o man_n in_o office_n to_o prophesy_v be_v no_o warrant_n for_o gift_a brethren_n if_o out_o of_o office_n to_o do_v that_o work_n three_o though_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o infringe_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o this_o place_n to_o warrant_v the_o preach_n of_o man_n out_o of_o office_n yet_o we_o add_v for_o the_o more_o full_a vindication_n of_o this_o scripture_n that_o the_o prophet_n here_o mention_v yea_o and_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v only_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o extraordinary_a officer_n immediate_o inspire_v and_o send_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o appear_v in_o that_o first_o they_o be_v not_o only_o mention_v and_o prefer_v before_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o but_o also_o before_o the_o evangelist_n themselves_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o who_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o have_v be_v officer_n extraordinary_o send_v second_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o put_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 12.9_o 10_o 11._o and_o vvn_n from_o ordinary_a gift_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n denote_v the_o pastor_n work_n the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n the_o teacher_n work_n but_o prophesy_v be_v different_a from_o both_o these_o consi_v partly_o in_o the_o foretell_v of_o future_a event_n as_o act._n 11.27_o 28._o in_o those_o day_n come_v prophet_n frâ—m_n jerusalem_n unto_o antiâ—â—h_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a dearth_n throughout_o the_o wâ—rld_n 2._o partly_o in_o a_o infallible_a explication_n and_o application_n of_o the_o mâ—st_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n not_o by_o industry_n and_o labour_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a illumination_n and_o teach_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v three_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o series_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o the_o prophet_n herein_o speak_v of_o and_o their_o prophesy_v be_v extraordinary_a ver_fw-la 26._o when_o you_o be_v come_v together_o every_o one_o of_o you_o have_v a_o psalm_n have_v a_o tongue_n have_v a_o revelation_n have_v a_o interpretation_n tongue_n interpretation_n revelation_n be_v join_v together_o ver_fw-la 30._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o another_o that_o sit_v by_o let_v the_o first_o hold_v his_o peace_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o prophet_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n of_o god_n give_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o now_o cease_v and_o therefore_o this_o text_n can_v justify_v our_o lay-preacher_n who_o can_v without_o impudence_n pretend_v to_o such_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o these_o have_v we_o may_v fill_v many_o page_n with_o quotation_n of_o author_n that_o consent_v with_o we_o in_o this_o last_o calv._n inst._n l._n 4._o c._n 3._o sec._n 10._o etc._n etc._n pet._n mart._n loc_n come_v clas_o 4._o c._n 1._o p._n 558._o aret._n prob_fw-la lo._n 61._o de_fw-la prophetia_fw-la gerh._n come_v loc_n tom_fw-mi 6._o the_o minist_n ecc._n diodat_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o 6_o 23._o gomarus_n on_o rom._n 12.6_o synops._fw-la purioris_fw-la theolog._n disp_n 42._o thes_n 22._o our_o english_a annotat._n in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o against_o this_o three_o position_n assert_v the_o prophesy_v in_o this_o chapter_n mention_v to_o be_v extraordinary_a there_o be_v many_o thing_n object_v which_o we_o shall_v answer_v for_o the_o further_a manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n object_n 1._o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o faithful_a to_o desire_v this_o gift_n vers_fw-la 1._o and_o to_o seek_v to_o excel_v therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n answ._n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o extraordinary_a other_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v extraordinary_a yet_o say_v the_o apostle_n desire_v spiritual_a gift_n as_o much_o as_o he_o say_v of_o prophesy_v elysaeus_fw-la desire_v a_o double_a measure_n of_o elias_n spirit_n 2_o king_n 2.9_o be_v not_o that_o extraordinary_a the_o faithful_a might_n in_o those_o day_n in_o which_o such_o extraordinary_a gift_n be_v usual_o give_v in_o the_o church_n lawful_o seek_v after_o they_o especial_o by_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o they_o which_o be_v the_o way_n prescribe_v vers_fw-la 13._o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n many_o do_v study_v and_o prepare_v that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_v for_o this_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n 1_o sam._n 19.20_o 2_o kin._n 2.3_o 4._o and_o 2_o kin._n 3.15_o and_o out_o of_o they_o god_n usual_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o he_o employ_v as_o his_o special_a ambassador_n to_o his_o church_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o such_o prophesy_a as_o be_v to_o the_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o of_o ordinary_a prophesy_v answ._n it_o follow_v not_o because_o extraordinary_a prophesy_a as_o well_o as_o ordinary_a be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.7_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o to_o profit_v withal_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o all_o the_o extraordinary_a as_o well_o as_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v to_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o whether_o you_o have_v a_o psalm_n or_o doctrine_n or_o tongue_n or_o revelation_n or_o interpretation_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v object_n 3._o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o thing_n extraordinary_a but_o lay_v down_o a_o general_a liberty_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o prophesy_v and_o this_o appear_v because_o he_o prescribe_v rule_n 1._o for_o man_n how_o they_o shall_v order_v their_o liberty_n for_o edification_n and_o then_o 2._o for_o woman_n forbid_v they_o altogether_o the_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n woman_n say_v they_o be_v here_o name_v in_o opposition_n to_o man_n and_o they_o only_o be_v prohibit_v all_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o prophesy_v in_o public_a answ._n 1._o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o this_o chapter_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n vers_n 6_o 14_o 2d_o 26._o and_o of_o extraordinary_a psalm_n and_o revelation_n answ._n 2._o it_o be_v also_o as_o false_a to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o general_a liberty_n of_o prophesy_v to_o all_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o the_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v prophet_n v_o 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o these_o prophet_n be_v person_n in_o office_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o that_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n superior_a to_o evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n now_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o nor_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o propheâ—y_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o apostle_n prayer_n for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.6_o i_o will_v that_o you_o all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o prophesy_v etc._n etc._n answ._n 3._o woman_n be_v not_o mention_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o man_n in_o corinth_n simple_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o such_o as_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n whether_o of_o tongue_n or_o of_o prophecy_n or_o any_o such_o like_a and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o to_o give_v liberty_n to_o all_o but_o to_o lay_v down_o rule_v to_o those_o that_o be_v prophet_n and_o man_n in_o office_n how_o they_o shall_v regulate_v their_o prophesy_a for_o the_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o he_o whole_o exclude_v the_o woman_n from_o this_o work_n answ._n 4._o we_o may_v further_o answer_v that_o by_o woman_n here_o
beside_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o practice_n in_o new-england_n where_o it_o be_v frequent_a to_o have_v a_o man_n elect_v and_o preach_v half_a a_o year_n a_o whole_a year_n nay_o as_o mr_n gi._n firmin_n once_o a_o preacher_n there_o say_v he_o know_v one_o elect_v 56._o and_o preach_v two_o year_n to_o his_o people_n and_o they_o maintain_v he_o all_o that_o while_n and_o yet_o all_o that_o time_n he_o never_o administer_v a_o sacrament_n but_o he_o and_o they_o when_o they_o will_v partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n go_v ten_o mile_n to_o the_o church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o issue_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n which_o practice_n without_o doubt_n be_v very_o unnecessary_a if_o election_n give_v the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n and_o ordination_n be_v only_o a_o adjunct_n we_o say_v in_o logic_n forma_fw-la that_fw-mi operari_fw-la effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o form_n not_o upon_o extrinsecall_a circumstance_n this_o be_v argumentum_fw-la ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la arg._n 6._o if_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n consist_v in_o election_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o minister_n be_v only_o a_o minister_n to_o that_o particular_a charge_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v and_o that_o he_o can_v act_v as_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o other_o place_n this_o consequence_n be_v confess_v by_o reverend_a mr_n hooker_n who_o say_v 62._o that_o a_o minister_n preach_v to_o another_o congregation_n though_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v a_o pastor_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v as_o a_o pastor_n nor_o can_v he_o do_v any_o pastoral_n act_v but_o in_o that_o place_n and_o to_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n thus_o also_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n in_o new-england_n unto_o nine_o position_n pos._n 8._o if_o you_o mean_v by_o ministerial_a act_n such_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n than_o we_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o church_n but_o his_o own_o because_o his_o office_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o his_o call_n this_o be_v also_o confess_v in_o the_o new-england_n platform_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o say_v more_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n but_o as_o for_o the_o minor_a that_o a_o minister_n can_v perform_v no_o pastoral_n act_v out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n be_v a_o assertion_n 1._o unheard_a of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o these_o late_a year_n 2._o contrary_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o brethren_n themselves_o with_o who_o we_o dispute_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o of_o they_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n and_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v ordinary_a both_o in_o old_a england_n and_o in_o new_a england_n for_o member_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o receive_v in_o another_o congregation_n m._n firmin_n tell_v we_o that_o m._n phillip_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o water-town_n 62._o while_n m._n wilson_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o boston_n be_v here_o in_o england_n go_v to_o boston_n and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o church_n this_o sure_o be_v a_o pastoral_a act_n and_o m._n phillip_n act_v herein_o as_o a_o pastor_n to_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n and_o if_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o our_o brethren_n practice_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v act_v as_o a_o minister_n out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n three_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n for_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n general_a visible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o particular_a church_n visible_a act._n 8.1_o gal._n 1.13_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o gal._n 4.26_o eph._n 3.10_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 15._o 2._o that_o minister_n be_v primary_o seat_v in_o the_o church_n general_a visible_a and_o but_o secondary_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o teacher_n be_v set_v by_o god_n in_o the_o same_o church_n with_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o general_n 3._o that_o every_o minister_n have_v a_o double_a relation_n one_o to_o his_o particular_a church_n another_o to_o the_o church_n general_a visible_a and_o though_o he_o be_v actual_o to_o exercise_v his_o ministry_n especial_o over_o that_o charge_n where_o he_o be_v fix_v yet_o he_o have_v a_o virtual_a and_o habitual_a power_n to_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n in_o any_o place_n where_o he_o shall_v be_v lawful_o call_v therefore_o minister_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n under_o a_o general_a notion_n to_o show_v the_o indefinitenesse_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6.4_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o thess._n 3.2_o and_o minister_n in_o the_o lord_n ephes._n 6.21_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o but_o never_o minister_n of_o the_o people_n indeed_o they_o be_v for_o the_o people_n but_o not_o of_o the_o people_n that_o a_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a appear_v thus_o he_o that_o can_v ministerial_o admit_v or_o eject_v a_o member_n into_o or_o out_o of_o the_o church-catholick_n visible_a be_v a_o minister_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church-catholick_n visible_a but_o every_o minister_n by_o baptism_n or_o excommunication_n admit_v or_o eject_v member_n into_o or_o out_o of_o the_o church-catholick_n visible_a therefore_o etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n be_v urge_v by_o apolloâ—iâ—s_n and_o also_o by_o that_o godly_a learned_a minister_n mr_n hudson_n who_o have_v large_o handle_v this_o point_n and_o to_o who_o we_o must_v necessary_o refer_v the_o reader_n that_o will_v be_v further_o satisfy_v about_o it_o we_o shall_v only_o relate_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o mr_n ball_n in_o his_o trial_n of_o the_o new_a churchway_n p._n 33._o collect_v by_o mr_n hudson_n 140._o a_o minister_n choose_v and_o set_v over_o one_o society_n be_v to_o look_v unto_o that_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v one_o so_o be_v the_o ministry_n one_o of_o which_o every_o minister_n sound_a &_o orthodox_n do_v hold_v his_o part_n and_o though_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n over_o that_o flock_n which_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v yet_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n universal_a the_o function_n or_o power_n of_o exercise_v that_o function_n in_o the_o abstract_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o power_n of_o exercise_v it_o concrete_o according_a to_o the_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o place_n the_o first_o belong_v to_o a_o minister_n every_o where_o in_o the_o church_n the_o late_a be_v proper_a to_o the_o place_n and_o people_n where_o he_o do_v minister_v the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o that_o congregation_n ordinary_o the_o power_n itself_o be_v not_o so_o bound_v in_o ordination_n presbyter_n be_v not_o restrain_v to_o one_o or_o other_o certain_a place_n as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v deem_v minister_n there_o only_o though_o they_o be_v set_v over_o a_o certain_a people_n and_o as_o the_o faithful_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o community_n between_o they_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o love_n one_o to_o another_o though_o of_o different_a society_n so_o the_o minister_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o communion_n must_v and_o aught_o upon_o occasion_n to_o perform_v ministerial_a office_n towards_o the_o faithful_a of_o distinct_a society_n and_o one_o more_o passage_n out_o of_o mr_n rutherford_n in_o his_o peaceable_a plea_n pag._n 263._o ordination_n say_v he_o make_v a_o man_n a_o pastor_n under_o christ_n formal_o and_o essential_o the_o people_n consent_n and_o choice_n do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o minister_n but_o their_o minister_n the_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o church_n he_o be_v indefinite_o make_v a_o pastor_n for_o the_o church_n four_o this_o assertion_n that_o a_o minister_n can_v perform_v no_o pastoral_n act_v out_o of_o his_o own_o congregation_n as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o also_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n for_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o when_o a_o
a_o debate_n about_o it_o for_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o congregation_n sufficient_o presbyterate_v that_o be_v wherein_o there_o be_v many_o minister_n may_v ordain_v though_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o such_o if_o any_o and_o therefore_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n in_o their_o advice_n to_o the_o parliament_n concern_v ordination_n that_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o no_o single_a congregation_n that_o can_v convenient_o associate_v do_v assume_v to_o itself_o all_o and_o sole_a power_n in_o ordination_n quest._n 4._o what_o part_n have_v the_o rule_v elder_a in_o ordination_n answ._n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o our_o vindication_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o power_n of_o order_v of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o ordination_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n that_o be_v to_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v to_o be_v always_o by_o preach_a presbyter_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o prayer_n and_o exhortation_n both_o before_o in_o and_o after_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o teach_v elder_a quest._n 5._o whether_o may_v one_o preach_a presbyter_n lie_v on_o hand_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o minister_n answ._n imposition_n of_o hand_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v not_o by_o one_o single_a presbyter_n but_o by_o a_o combination_n of_o preach_v presbyter_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n not_o one_o apostle_n alone_o but_o a_o company_n of_o they_o lay_v on_o hand_n act._n 6.6_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v separate_v unto_o the_o work_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v by_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n join_v together_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o all_o the_o text_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o plural_a not_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o singular_a or_o dual_a number_n and_o so_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v more_o than_o one_o imposer_n of_o hand_n timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o imposition_n not_o only_o of_o paul_n hand_n but_o also_o of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o read_v that_o timothy_n be_v enjoin_v to_o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n and_o titus_n leave_v in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v thereby_o with_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n for_o sure_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o require_v timothy_n or_o titus_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o himself_o will_v not_o do_v if_o paul_n with_o the_o presbytery_n lay_v hand_n upon_o timothy_n than_o no_o doubt_n timothy_n be_v also_o together_o with_o other_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v hand_n upon_o those_o who_o he_o shall_v ordain_v the_o name_n of_o one_o do_v not_o exclude_v other_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o titus_n be_v leave_v to_o ordain_v elder_n as_o paul_n have_v appoint_v he_o now_o it_o be_v without_o all_o peradventure_o that_o paul_n do_v appoint_v he_o to_o do_v according_a as_o he_o himself_o practise_v quest._n 6._o whether_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n associate_v together_o may_v ordain_v without_o minister_n answ._n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v that_o which_o we_o especial_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o our_o four_o assertion_n and_o wherein_o we_o desire_v most_o of_o all_o to_o satisfy_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o reader_n for_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v offer_v this_o proposition_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n that_o ordination_n of_o minister_n do_v belong_v to_o church-officer_n and_o not_o to_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n prop._n and_o that_o ordination_n by_o people_n without_o minister_n be_v a_o pervert_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o of_o no_o more_o force_n than_o baptism_n by_o a_o midwife_n or_o consecration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o a_o person_n out_o of_o office_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o what_o be_v record_v by_o jewish_a writer_n concern_v the_o custom_n of_o create_v man_n member_n of_o their_o great_a council_n or_o sanhedrin_n when_o moses_n by_o god_n appointment_n assume_v the_o seventy_o elder_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o government_n and_o part_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v by_o god_n put_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v do_v say_v maimonides_n sanhedr_n cap._n 4._o by_o moses_n lay_v hand_n upon_o they_o and_o at_o length_n before_o his_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o life_n when_o a_o successor_n be_v to_o be_v provide_v for_o he_o god_n command_v he_o to_o take_v joshua_n and_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o according_o it_o be_v do_v numb_a 27.18_o and_o so_o for_o those_o seventy_o elder_n it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o jewish_a writer_n that_o the_o succession_n of_o these_o be_v continue_v through_o all_o age_n by_o their_o create_v other_o in_o the_o place_n of_o those_o that_o die_v by_o this_o ceremony_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o clear_a word_n of_o maimonides_n moses_n our_o master_n create_v the_o seventy_o elder_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o the_o divine_a majesty_n rest_v on_o they_o and_o those_o elder_n impose_v hand_n on_o other_o and_o other_o on_z other_o and_o they_o be_v find_v create_v until_o the_o house_n of_o judgement_n of_o joshua_n and_o unto_o the_o house_n of_o judgement_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n ascend_v to_o the_o sanhedrin_n in_o ioshua_n and_o moses_n time_n petrus_n cunaeus_n de_fw-fr rep._n hebraeâ—rum_fw-la cap._n 12._o say_v this_o senatorian_a dignity_n because_o it_o be_v most_o honourable_a be_v grant_v to_o none_o without_o a_o legitimate_a act_n namely_o imposition_n of_o hand_n so_o moses_n lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o joshua_n and_o the_o seventy_o elder_n which_o solemnity_n be_v perform_v present_o a_o divine_a spirit_n from_o above_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o and_o fill_v their_o breast_n and_o these_o be_v thus_o initiate_v themselves_o admit_v other_o after_o the_o same_o way_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o also_o out_o of_o maimonides_n of_o a_o constitution_n make_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v after_o such_o a_o time_n use_v imposition_n of_o hand_n but_o by_o grant_n from_o rabbi_n hillel_n that_o divine_a old_a man_n who_o be_v prince_n of_o the_o great_a council_n and_o how_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o cease_v and_o what_o care_n be_v take_v by_o juda_n the_o son_n of_o baba_n to_o support_v and_o uphold_v it_o but_o because_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o record_v in_o scripture_n we_o shall_v wave_v all_o such_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o rather_o dispute_v first_o from_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n we_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v any_o one_o text_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o popular_a ordination_n we_o read_v of_o ordination_n by_o apostle_n act._n 6._o act._n 14._o and_o by_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n act._n 13._o and_o by_o evangelist_n tit._n 1._o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o and_o by_o a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o but_o for_o ordination_n by_o the_o people_n we_o meet_v not_o at_o all_o with_o it_o and_o without_o all_o peradventure_o if_o ordination_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v to_o be_v manage_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v by_o minister_n and_o not_o by_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n may_v we_o not_o say_v to_o such_o church_n that_o usurp_v upon_o this_o work_n as_o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 21.23_o by_o what_o authority_n do_v you_o these_o thing_n and_o who_o give_v you_o this_o authority_n show_v we_o your_o warrant_n out_o of_o the_o word_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o ordination_n in_o church_n act._n 18.23_o and_o in_o city_n tit._n 1.5_o but_o no_o where_o of_o ordination_n by_o church_n or_o by_o city_n take_v they_o for_o believer_n without_o officer_n we_o add_v second_o that_o ordination_n by_o the_o people_n be_v not_o only_o not_o write_v in_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v jesus_n christ_n appoint_v officer_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a for_o the_o do_v of_o that_o work_n which_o the_o people_n themselves_o may_v do_v to_o what_o purpose_n do_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o ordain_v elder_n why_o be_v titus_n leave_v in_o crete_n to_o appoint_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n may_v not_o the_o people_n say_v what_o need_n paul_n leave_v titus_n to_o do_v that_o which_o
without_o it_o for_o they_o say_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 67._o that_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n consist_v proper_o and_o essential_o in_o election_n by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o this_o election_n be_v so_o necessary_a as_o that_o the_o ministerâ—_n câ—ll_v without_o it_o be_v â—_o nullity_n but_o not_o so_o without_o ordination_n the_o brownistâ—_n and_o anabaptist_n do_v speak_v fâ—rre_o more_o slight_o and_o undervaluiâ—gly_o of_o ordination_n and_o therefore_o we_o â—rave_v leave_v to_o use_v â—rgumentum_fw-la ad_fw-la hâ—minem_fw-la principle_n thus_o they_o that_o be_v lawful_o elect_v by_o the_o people_n be_v lawful_a minister_n but_o sucâ—_n be_v the_o ministerâ—_n of_o englâ—â—â—_n etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la or_o thus_o if_o a_o minister_n right_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n be_v a_o true_a minister_n though_o not_o at_o all_o ordain_v than_o a_o minister_n right_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n be_v a_o true_a minister_n though_o corrupt_o ordain_v but_o according_a to_o these_o man_n a_o minister_n right_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n be_v a_o true_a minister_n though_o not_o at_o all_o ordain_v ergâ—_fw-la but_o many_o minister_n during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n wâ—re_v not_o at_o all_o elected_a by_o the_o people_n 1._o but_o mâ—ny_n be_v 1._o â—nd_v thiâ—_n argument_n serve_v to_o justify_v their_o ministry_n 2._o though_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v at_o first_o obtrude_v unjust_o and_o undue_o upon_o the_o people_n 2._o yet_o the_o pâ—opleâ—_n aftâ—r_fw-fr acceptance_n â—nd_v approbation_n 〈◊〉_d supply_n thâ—_n want_v of_o election_n â—t_a first_o 〈…〉_z afâ—er_o consent_v â—nd_v â—â—ceptance_n of_o leah_n make_v she_o to_o be_v his_o wife_n though_o he_o choose_v she_o not_o at_o first_o and_o by_o thiâ—_n sâ—y_a oâ—r_n brethren_n in_o new-england_n we_o hold_v the_o call_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o england_n may_v be_v excuse_v who_o at_o first_o come_v into_o their_o place_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n 2._o but_o the_o people_n that_o â—hose_v they_o be_v wicked_a and_o ungodly_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o right_o choose_v 1._o this_o be_v not_o true_a of_o many_o placeâ—_n where_o minister_n be_v choose_v by_o congregation_n wherein_o there_o be_v many_o godly_a people_n 2._o visible_a saint_n and_o unblameable_a liver_n be_v sufficient_a to_o to_o make_v up_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o in_o many_o if_o not_o in_o most_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n 3._o but_o what_o though_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n consist_v in_o popular_a election_n yet_o the_o minister_n who_o we_o plead_v against_o look_v upon_o their_o ordination_n as_o that_o which_o giveâ—_n they_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o call_n and_o think_v they_o stand_v minister_n by_o that_o answ._n what_o be_v that_o to_o you_o what_o they_o â—hink_v their_o 〈◊〉_d â—hinâ—ing_v in_o your_o opinion_n be_v their_o personal_a error_n but_o it_o cannot_v nullify_v their_o ministry_n for_o he_o that_o have_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o true_a minister_n be_v a_o true_a minister_n but_o he_o that_o be_v right_o elect_v have_v the_o essential_n of_o â—_o true_a minister_n â—ccordâ—ng_v â—o_o you_o and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o his_o judgement_n be_v about_o ordination_n he_o must_v stand_v a_o true_a minister_n to_o you_o unless_o you_o will_v cross_v your_o own_o position_n suppose_v as_o one_o say_v a_o deacon_n think_v his_o ordination_n give_v he_o the_o essential_o of_o his_o office_n the_o people_n think_v their_o election_n do_v what_o than_o â—_o will_v you_o separate_v froâ—_n he_o and_o not_o go_v to_o he_o for_o relief_n in_o case_n of_o want_n he_o have_v election_n and_o ordination_n so_o that_o to_o be_v sure_o a_o deacon_n he_o be_v the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o present_a ministry_n this_o instance_n be_v urge_v by_o mr._n burrough_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n afterward_o to_o make_v further_a use_n we_o shall_v add_v another_o argument_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o england_n be_v a_o true_a ministry_n if_o there_o be_v true_a church_n in_o england_n 2._o during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n than_o there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n for_o according_a to_o those_o man_n it_o be_v the_o true_a be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o give_v be_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n and_o not_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n that_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n but_o there_o be_v true_a church_n in_o england_n during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v true_a church_n appear_v from_o what_o the_o new-england_n minister_n say_v in_o their_o answer_n to_o the_o 32._o question_n pag._n 24.25.26.27_o and_o in_o their_o apology_n for_o the_o church-covenant_n pag._n 36_o 37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o where_o they_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n or_o a_o little_a after_o and_o that_o church_n be_v by_o they_o constitute_v in_o england_n according_a to_o the_o evangelicall_n pattern_n 2._o that_o though_o popish_a apostasy_n do_v afterward_o for_o many_o age_n overspread_v all_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o other_o country_n yet_o still_o god_n reserve_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n among_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o preserve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n among_o they_o and_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o trinity_n only_o 3._o that_o when_o god_n of_o his_o rich_a grace_n be_v please_v to_o stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o â—ixt_v and_o queen_n elizabeth_n to_o cast_v off_o the_o pope_n and_o all_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n &_o worship_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o popishchurch-government_n etc._n etc._n the_o people_n of_o the_o nation_n general_o reâ—â—ived_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o marrow_n and_o sum_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o wheresoever_o the_o people_n do_v with_o common_a and_o mutual_a consent_n gather_v into_o settle_a congregation_n ordinary_o every_o lord_n day_n as_o in_o england_n they_o do_v to_o teach_v and_o hear_v this_o doctrine_n and_o do_v profess_v their_o subjection_n thereunto_o and_o do_v bind_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n as_o in_o baptism_n they_o do_v to_o continue_v therein_o that_o such_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a defect_n and_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o wherein_o say_v they_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n whitaker_n and_o many_o other_o divine_n of_o chief_a note_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v or_o speak_v harsh_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o nor_o of_o the_o pap_n that_o give_v we_o suck_v this_o also_o appear_v 2._o from_o that_o mr._n phillip_n of_o watertown_n in_o new-england_n say_v in_o a_o book_n of_o his_o write_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o infant-baptisme_n and_o also_o concern_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n therein_o he_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n in_o england_n because_o there_o be_v true_a church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v true_a church_n in_o england_n and_o in_o other_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o like_a consideration_n he_o prove_v 1._o because_o the_o true_a visible_a state_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v by_o god_n promise_n to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n luk._n 1.33_o matth._n 16.16_o and_o 18.18.20_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 11_o 26._o then_o he_o argue_v if_o the_o visible_a church-state_n be_v to_o continue_v then_o either_o it_o continue_v in_o england_n and_o other_o place_n of_o like_a consideration_n or_o in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la again_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v be_v for_o many_o hundred_o year_n but_o popish_a or_o reform_v then_o if_o the_o visible_a state_n of_o christ_n church_n must_v abide_v for_o ever_o either_o the_o popish_a or_o the_o reform_a church_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n but_o not_o the_o popish_a ergo_fw-la the_o reform_a 2._o he_o argue_v if_o antichrist_n must_v sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o antichristian_a gentile_n for_o a_o certain_a time_n to_o tread_v under_o foot_n than_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church-state_n where_o he_o sit_v and_o while_o he_o sit_v there_o and_o it_o be_v the_o true_a measure_a temple_n who_o court_n he_o tread_v under_o foot_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v antichrist_n unless_o there_o be_v the_o temple_n and_o court_n thereof_o where_o he_o be_v and_o if_o antichrist_n â—ver_o sit_v in_o england_n then_o
point_v they_o be_v heretical_a so_o certain_o a_o minister_n ordain_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o lawful_a minister_n though_o ordain_v by_o a_o bishop_n in_o other_o point_v antichristian_a consider_v that_o in_o that_o one_o act_n he_o be_v not_o antichristian_a but_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v warrant_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o do_v though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o ministry_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o these_o be_v not_o make_v thursday_n and_o void_a though_o the_o power_n to_o dispense_v they_o in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la be_fw-mi convey_v to_o we_o by_o corrupt_a instrument_n no_o more_o than_o the_o scripture_n be_v pollute_v because_o offer_v by_o hophni_n and_o phinehas_n or_o the_o chair_n of_o moses_n defile_v because_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n sit_v in_o it_o we_o must_v careful_o distinguish_v as_o a_o learned_a minister_n well_o say_v the_o act_n of_o office_n which_o have_v their_o form_n and_o be_v from_o a_o root_n or_o fountain_n without_o we_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o man_n that_o perform_v the_o office_n the_o man_n may_v be_v naught_o yet_o his_o office_n good_a and_o act_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n just_a and_o allowable_a although_o the_o man_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v naught_o as_o for_o instance_n a_o popish_a landlord_n make_v you_o a_o lease_n of_o a_o farm_n your_o lease_n be_v not_o antichristian_a but_o good_a in_o law_n though_o he_o that_o demise_v it_o be_v for_o his_o religion_n a_o papist_n a_o popish_a judge_n do_v pass_v a_o sentence_n in_o court_n which_o stand_v good_a in_o judicature_n his_o sentence_n be_v not_o popish_a though_o he_o that_o pronounce_v it_o be_v a_o papist_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o legal_a sentence_n be_v not_o of_o he_o nor_o from_o he_o as_o a_o papist_n but_o as_o a_o judge_n who_o do_v but_o deliver_v that_o which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o a_o high_a root_n the_o law_n so_o in_o this_o case_n ordination_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o antichristian_a though_o execute_v by_o one_o that_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n antichristian_a we_o do_v not_o rebaptize_v they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o a_o popish_a priest_n because_o the_o power_n ofgod_n ordinance_n depend_v not_o on_o theperson_n that_o do_v execute_v the_o same_o but_o upon_o a_o high_a foundation_n the_o institution_n of_o christ._n ministerial_a act_n be_v not_o vitiate_a or_o make_v null_n though_o they_o pâ—sse_v through_o the_o hand_n of_o bad_a man_n but_o stand_v good_a to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o such_o as_o receive_v they_o aright_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n authoritative_o derive_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n a_o bishop_n in_o his_o presbyterial_a capacity_n have_v divine_a right_a to_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o his_o ordination_n be_v valid_a though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o he_o be_v antichristian_a in_o his_o episcopal_a capacity_n if_o a_o minister_n make_v by_o a_o bishop_n be_v a_o lawful_a minister_n 7._o why_o then_o do_v you_o in_o your_o late_a covenant_n abjure_v episcopacy_n with_o all_o its_o dependency_n ans._n we_o do_v not_o swear_v in_o our_o covenant_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o scripture_n episcopacy_n which_o be_v presbytery_n but_o of_o prelacy_n that_o be_v of_o those_o lordly_a title_n which_o bishop_n be_v invest_v withal_o and_o of_o their_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o a_o sole_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o of_o a_o majority_n of_o power_n in_o ordination_n together_o with_o their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n but_o we_o never_o do_v and_o never_o shall_v by_o godâ—_n grace_n renounce_v they_o as_o presbyter_n which_o by_o consent_n of_o all_o side_n be_v by_o divine_a right_n nor_o ordination_n by_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n which_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v lawful_a and_o valid_a and_o will_v appear_v so_o to_o be_v at_o the_o great_a tribunal_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v this_o objection_n with_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o there_o be_v one_o objection_n of_o great_a concerment_n yet_o behind_o but_o before_o we_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v propose_v three_o other_o argument_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o ministry_n make_v during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n 2._o from_o the_o glorious_a success_n god_n give_v unto_o it_o during_o the_o reign_n of_o prelacy_n for_o since_o our_o ordination_n god_n have_v seal_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o ministry_n and_o have_v bless_v it_o with_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o soul_n unto_o god_n now_o that_o ministry_n that_o god_n do_v ordinary_o bless_v with_o bring_v forth_o son_n and_o daughter_n unto_o god_n that_o ministry_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o ministry_n send_v of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v threaten_v as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v that_o a_o false_a ministry_n shall_v not_o profit_v 23.32_o and_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o ministry_n by_o the_o success_n it_o have_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 9.1_o 2._o there_o be_v many_o of_o those_o that_o cry_v down_o our_o ministry_n as_o antichristian_a and_o separate_v from_o we_o as_o no_o minister_n that_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o conversion_n if_o they_o be_v at_o all_o convert_v from_o we_o and_o if_o our_o ministry_n be_v antichristian_a how_o be_v their_o conversion_n christian_n from_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o be_v ordain_v 3_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v by_o bishop_n together_o with_o other_o minister_n for_o no_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v lawful_a minister_n of_o christ._n but_o so_o be_v the_o minister_n ordain_v during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o episcopacy_n ergo._fw-la he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o a_o minister_n that_o preach_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o administer_v â—he_n sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o antichristian_a minister_n because_o of_o some_o defect_n in_o his_o entrance_n do_v more_o advance_v and_o honour_n antichrist_n than_o he_o do_v disparage_v or_o disgrace_v we_o mr._n ball_n no_o friend_n to_o episcopal_a government_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o mr._n can_v have_v these_o word_n in_o every_o true_a church_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v entire_o preach_v and_o receive_v and_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n right_o administer_v there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n '_o and_o a_o true_a call_n to_o the_o ministry_n though_o in_o some_o thing_n maim_v and_o faulty_a from_o the_o destructive_a mischief_n 4._o and_o church-ruining_a consequence_n that_o do_v natural_o flow_v from_o this_o assertion_n for_o he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v to_o make_v good_a this_o desperate_a proposition_n as_o that_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n so_o often_o cite_v just_o call_v it_o that_o a_o minister_n make_v by_o a_o bishop_n ball._n be_v no_o minister_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o antichrist_n must_v also_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v 1._o that_o mr._n bradford_n mr._n rogers_n mr._n philpot_n dr._n taylâ—r_n mr._n saunders_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o bless_a saint_n and_o minister_n who_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o antichrist_n be_v antichristian_a minister_n 2._o he_o nulliâ—ieth_v and_o and_o make_v void_a all_o the_o ministerial_a act_n perform_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o england_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n for_o if_o our_o ministry_n be_v no_o true_a ministry_n then_o be_v our_o baptism_n no_o true_a baptism_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n no_o true_a sacrament_n our_o church_n no_o true_a church_n 3._o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o church_n sacrament_n nor_o ministry_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n past_a for_o it_o be_v without_o dispute_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o the_o ministry_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o the_o ordination_n of_o bishop_n 4._o he_o must_v be_v force_v if_o a_o minister_n to_o renounce_v his_o ministry_n and_o take_v it_o up_o again_o from_o the_o people_n who_o as_o the_o old_a non_fw-fr conformist_n well_o say_v have_v neither_o commandment_n nor_o example_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o ordain_v he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a ministry_n a_o and_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o will_v be_v necessitate_v at_o last_o to_o renounce_v all_o church_n and_o all_o ministry_n and_o turn_v seeker_n as_o some_o do_v in_o our_o day_n even_o upon_o
captivity_n from_o off_o she_o â—nd_v then_o take_v she_o to_o wife_n so_o do_v the_o protestant_n reform_v religion_n â—3_n it_o distinguish_v between_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corruption_n cleave_v unto_o the_o ordinance_n it_o wash_v away_o all_o the_o defilement_n and_o pollution_n contract_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n both_o from_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n but_o it_o do_v not_o renounce_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v none_o of_o antichrist_n post_n or_o antichrist_n invention_n but_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n long_o before_o antichrist_n sit_v there_o 2._o because_o they_o have_v be_v preserve_v sound_a for_o the_o substantial_o and_o essential_o of_o they_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o that_o renounce_v the_o one_o must_v needs_o renounce_v the_o other_o which_o be_v well_o if_o some_o of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v serious_o consider_v now_o that_o this_o position_n may_v not_o seem_v strange_a we_o will_v a_o a_o little_a compare_v the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o 10._o tribe_n with_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o 10._o tribe_n do_v not_o only_a worship_n god_n after_o a_o false_a manner_n by_o set_v up_o their_o golden_a calf_n in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n but_o afterward_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahab_n they_o direct_o worship_v false_a god_n and_o set_v up_o baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o fall_v away_o whole_o from_o the_o true_a god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o when_o the_o prophet_n come_v to_o â—noint_v jehu_n he_o say_v unto_o he_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o have_v anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o the_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n â—veâ—over_n israel_n here_o note_v 9.6_o that_o they_o be_v call_v the_o people_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o their_o apostasy_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o circumcision_n which_o be_v retain_v among_o they_o in_o this_o their_o apostasy_n be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o they_o that_o be_v circumcise_v under_o that_o apostasy_n not_o only_o do_v not_o renounce_v their_o circumcision_n 18.19.20_o but_o have_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o they_o have_v do_v it_o and_o be_v according_o admit_v to_o the_o passover_n by_o hâ—â—â—kiah_n as_o true_o circumcise_v for_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v renounce_v for_o man_n corruption_n cleave_v to_o they_o but_o the_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o ordinance_n embrace_v and_o afterward_o in_o christâ—_n time_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o highpriest_n be_v excee_o corrupt_v they_o come_v ordinary_o into_o thâ—ir_a office_n by_o bribery_n &_o faction_n and_o as_o many_o learned_a man_n think_v there_o be_v two_o high_a priest_n together_a anâ—as_n and_o caiaphas_n when_o christ_n be_v crucify_v the_o priest_n and_o high-priest_n have_v their_o chief_a stroke_n in_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ._n and_o yet_o we_o read_v john_n 11.15_o caiaphas_n be_v own_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o high_a priest_n etc._n etc._n act._n 23._o when_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o highpriest_n god_n will_v sâ—itâ—_n thou_o thou_o white_v wall_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o that_o stand_v by_o say_v râ—vilest_a thou_n the_o highpriest_n paul_n answer_v i_o wist_v not_o brethren_n that_o he_o be_v the_o highpriest_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n here_o also_o paul_n as_o many_o think_v acknowledge_v he_o as_o a_o highpriest_n though_o the_o priesthood_n at_o that_o time_n be_v tyrannical_a heretical_a and_o they_o come_v by_o most_o unjust_a way_n into_o their_o place_n and_o office_n from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o corruption_n cleave_v to_o god_n ordinance_n do_v not_o null_a god_n ordinance_n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o renounce_v divine_a ordinance_n because_o of_o circumstantial_a defilement_n annex_v to_o they_o that_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n be_v find_v for_o the_o substance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reform_v but_o not_o renounce_v 5._o the_o five_o thing_n we_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v be_v that_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o present_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o say_v that_o we_o receive_v our_o ministry_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o from_o the_o primitive_a church_n through_o the_o impure_a and_o corrupt_a channel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o receive_v his_o humane_a nature_n from_o adam_n through_o many_o unclean_a channel_n as_o thamar_n rahab_n bethshebah_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o the_o christian_n receive_v they_o from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n even_o after_o they_o have_v crucify_v that_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o disparagement_n to_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o we_o receive_v they_o as_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o sucession_n from_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n although_o that_o church_n by_o their_o corrupt_a gloss_n and_o interpretation_n have_v much_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v they_o 3._o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o circumcision_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o idolater_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n nor_o to_o baptism_n that_o it_o come_v to_o we_o from_o christ_n through_o the_o antichristian_a church_n of_o rome_n insomuch_o as_o many_o of_o those_o that_o renounce_v ordination_n do_v yet_o retain_v their_o baptism_n though_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o corrupt_v as_o ordination_n 4._o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o marriage_n that_o many_o have_v be_v marry_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o marry_v with_o all_o the_o popish_a ceremony_n yet_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o have_v renounce_v their_o marriage_n as_o unlawful_a because_o solemnize_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o do_v hold_v marriage_n to_o be_v a_o sacrament_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n and_o have_v many_o corruption_n in_o their_o way_n of_o marriage_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n valid_a for_o the_o sustance_n of_o it_o 5._o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n that_o they_o have_v be_v 70._o year_n in_o babylon_n 15._o and_o abuse_v and_o profane_v by_o belshazzar_n who_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n drink_v wine_n in_o those_o holy_a 14·_v and_o consecrate_a vessel_n for_o afterward_o the_o israelite_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o receive_v they_o and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o temple_n this_o be_v the_o five_o consideration_n 6._o the_o six_o consideration_n be_v that_o the_o receive_n of_o our_o ordination_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o so_o all_o along_o through_o the_o apostate_n church_n of_o rome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o nullify_a our_o ministry_n or_o disparage_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a strengthen_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o our_o ministry_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o succession_n of_o a_o ministry_n continue_v in_o the_o church_n for_o 1600._o year_n and_o that_o we_o have_v 1._o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 2._o not_o only_o a_o lineal_a succession_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o without_o which_o the_o lineal_a be_v of_o no_o benefit_n we_o have_v a_o doctrinal_a succession_n also_o we_o succeed_v they_o in_o preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o they_o do_v deliver_v to_o the_o church_n the_o papist_n boast_v much_o of_o a_o lineal_a succession_n but_o they_o want_v the_o doctrinal_a they_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n as_o darkness_n succeed_v light_a and_o as_o manasseh_n succeed_v hezekiah_n but_o this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o present_a ministry_n that_o we_o have_v both_o a_o lineal_a and_o doctrinal_a succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o do_v not_o this_o discourse_n of_o we_o when_o we_o say_v object_n that_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o 〈…〉_z true_a ministry_n and_o that_o baptism_n and_o ordination_n for_o the_o substantial_o of_o they_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n during_o the_o prevalency_n of_o antichrist_n make_v rome_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o learned_a orthodox_n divine_n that_o say_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v vâ—rè_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la answ._n though_o not_o vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la be_v true_o a_o church_n though_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a orthodox_n church_n there_o
full_o prove_v therefore_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o officer_n 5._o this_o be_v further_a manifest_v from_o phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o thâ—_n saint_n in_o christ_n iâ—sus_n who_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n here_o again_o note_n 1._o that_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o for_o by_o bishop_n can_v be_v mean_v bishop_n over_o presbyter_n for_o of_o such_o there_o never_o be_v as_o our_o episcopal_a man_n say_v but_o one_o in_o a_o city_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o order_n of_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o divine_a institution_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n and_o that_o therefore_o a_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o plant_n of_o god_n plant_v nor_o a_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o we_o argue_v from_o these_o very_a text_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v on_o purpose_n set_v down_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o ministry_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o rom._n 12.6.7_o 8._o when_o christ_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n he_o leave_v extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n much_o less_o of_o a_o bishop_n superior_a to_o a_o presbyter_n in_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n here_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n and_o temporary_a and_o have_v no_o successor_n proper_o in_o â—undem_fw-la gradum_fw-la and_o here_o be_v mention_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a stand_v and_o perpetual_a minister_n but_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o pope_n by_o which_o argument_n our_o learned_a protestant_a divine_n prove_v he_o to_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n minister_n nor_o of_o patriarch_n nor_o of_o archbishop_n or_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 7._o all_o distinct_a officer_n must_v have_v distinct_a work_n and_o operation_n nam_fw-la operari_fw-la sequitur_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o they_o must_v have_v distinct_a commission_n but_o presbyter_n have_v the_o same_o commission_n with_o bishop_n and_o the_o same_o work_n and_o operation_n ergâ—_fw-la they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o bishop_n that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o commission_n appear_v from_o joh._n 20.21_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o this_o be_v say_v to_o all_o the_o apostle_n equal_o and_o to_o all_o their_o successor_n indifferent_o and_o who_o sin_n you_o forgive_v be_v forgive_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v common_a with_o bishop_n to_o all_o presbyter_n so_o matth._n 28.20_o go_v teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o etc._n etc._n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v common_a to_o all_o presbyter_n and_o as_o for_o their_o work_n and_o operation_n the_o presbyter_n be_v call_v ruler_n governor_n and_o overseer_n in_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 1_o tim_n 5.17_o 1_o thess._n 5.12_o heb._n 13.7.17_o 24._o and_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o matth._n 16.19_o the_o scripture_n put_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o presbyter_n nor_o give_v we_o any_o the_o least_o hint_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o bishop_n ordination_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o jurisdiction_n likewise_o be_v give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n for_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 18.17_o do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o put_v you_o away_o from_o among_o yourselves_o that_o wicked_a person_n and_o when_o christ_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n these_o text_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o biship_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n for_o one_o man_n can_v be_v call_v a_o church_n which_o signify_v a_o company_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o the_o corinthian_n not_o in_o the_o singular_a but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n promiscuous_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v express_o that_o the_o punishment_n execute_v upon_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v inflict_v by_o many_o not_o by_o all_o and_o by_o the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n speak_v 2·6_n and_o to_o which_o scandal_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v mean_v a_o rule_v and_o govern_v church_n and_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a in_o scripture_n that_o private_a member_n be_v not_o church-ruler_n for_o the_o apostle_n put_v a_o distinction_n between_o saint_n and_o ruler_n heb._n 13.24_o salute_v all_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n if_o all_o be_v the_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o therefore_o these_o text_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o presbytery_n from_o hence_o then_o it_o follow_v if_o jurdifiction_n and_o ordination_n ordination_n belong_v to_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n than_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n 8._o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v no_o superiority_n or_o inferiority_n between_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o thâ—â—gh_v we_o read_v that_o one_o order_n of_o ministry_n be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o another_o yet_o we_o never_o read_v that_o in_o the_o same_o order_n of_o officer_n there_o be_v any_o one_o superior_a to_o other_o of_o the_o same_o order_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v above_o the_o evangelistâ—_n and_o the_o evangelist_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n above_o deacon_n but_o we_o likewise_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apostle_n above_o â—n_n apostle_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n no_o evangelist_n above_o a_o evangelist_n no_o deacon_n above_o another_o and_o so_o by_o consequence_n no_o presbyter_n by_o divine_a right_n over_o other_o presbyter_n 6._o lasâ—ly_o if_o there_o be_v any_o distinction_n between_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n in_o scripture_n the_o great_a honour_n and_o pre-eminence_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v give_v to_o the_o presbyter_n above_o the_o bishop_n which_o we_o believe_v will_v never_o be_v grant_v for_o according_a to_o our_o prelatical_a divine_n the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n as_o distinct_a from_o presbyter_n be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v and_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v to_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n now_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a work_n then_o rule_v and_o govern_v and_o the_o apostle_n say_v express_o that_o they_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n deserve_v more_o honour_n than_o they_o that_o rule_v well_o 1._o tim._n 5.17_o hence_o we_o argue_v if_o there_o be_v a_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n either_o he_o be_v equal_a or_o inferior_a or_o superior_a our_o adversary_n will_v answer_v that_o he_o be_v superior_a but_o this_o can_v be_v for_o superior_a order_n must_v have_v superior_a act_n and_o honour_n belong_v unto_o they_o above_o their_o equal_n or_o inferior_n but_o bishop_n have_v not_o for_o preach_v be_v a_o act_n above_o rule_v and_o most_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o so_o be_v administer_a of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o therefore_o the_o act_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v above_o the_o act_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o â—rgo_v a_o bishop_n be_v not_o superior_a and_o ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o bishop_n at_o all_o in_o scripture_n distinct_a from_o a_o presbyter_n this_o be_v all_o we_o have_v to_o say_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o the_o identity_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n and_o that_o this_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v our_o own_o private_a judgement_n or_o that_o we_o do_v herein_o hold_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o our_o own_o church_n of_o england_n we_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o set_v down_o what_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o our_o own_o church_n concern_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o episcopal_a government_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o st._n jerome_n who_o upon_o the_o first_o of_o titus_n have_v these_o word_n a_o presbyter_n and_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o judicaret_fw-la and_o before_o there_o be_v through_o the_o diveâ—â—_n instinct_n division_n in_o religion_n and_o
necessity_n it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o presbyter_n to_o ordain_v and_o much_o less_o teach_v absolute_o a_o nullity_n of_o the_o ordination_n which_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o bishop_n which_o answer_n i_o confirm_v by_o divers_a reason_n see_v they_o whereunto_o i_o now_o add_v that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o like_a reason_n for_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptize_v in_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o public_a penitent_n as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o two_o former_a be_v reserve_v as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o to_o the_o bishop_n yet_o extraordinary_o in_o the_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o in_o the_o want_n and_o absence_n of_o the_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a church_n hold_v it_o lawful_a for_o minister_n to_o impose_v hand_n either_o for_o confirm_v of_o party_n baptize_v or_o for_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o penitent_n the_o former_a be_v testify_v by_o ambrose_n upon_o eph._n 4._o and_o austin_n qu._n ex_fw-la vet._n &_o nou._n test._n mix_v qu._n 101._o the_o latter_a by_o cyprian_a lib._n 3._o ep._n 17._o and_o divers_a counsel_n council_n carthag_n graec_fw-la cap._n 43._o carth._n 2._o cap._n 4._o council_n araâ—sic_n cap._n 2._o and_o the_o popish_a writer_n themselves_o do_v teach_v that_o the_o pope_n may_v give_v licence_n to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o a_o bishop_n to_o ordain_v so_o that_o he_o to_o who_o such_o licence_n be_v give_v have_v those_o order_n himself_o which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o another_o summa_fw-la angel_n ordo_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o therefore_o by_o the_o pope_n licence_n a_o presbyter_n may_v ordain_v presbyter_n much_o better_a may_v a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n to_o who_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o bishop_n the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n be_v devolve_v be_v authorize_v by_o necessity_n which_o as_o they_o say_v have_v no_o law_n so_o far_o b._n downame_n thus_o also_o mr._n francis_n mason_n if_o by_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n then_o the_o preeminence_n of_o bishop_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o if_o by_o jure_fw-la divinâ—_n you_o understand_v a_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n bind_v all_o christian_a church_n universal_o perpetual_o unchangeable_o and_o with_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o no_o other_o form_n of_o regiment_n may_v in_o any_o case_n be_v admit_v in_o this_o sense_n neither_o may_v we_o grant_v it_o nor_o yet_o can_v you_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v a_o most_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a opinion_n so_o to_o cry_v up_o episcopacy_n and_o episcopal_a ordination_n as_o to_o condemn_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o france_n scotland_n holland_n helvetia_n etc._n etc._n as_o no_o church_n and_o their_o minister_n as_o no_o minister_n and_o their_o sacrament_n as_o no_o sacrament_n but_o we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o proposition_n because_o there_o be_v a_o reverend_a minister_n have_v speak_v large_o to_o it_o agreement_n and_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o dr._n field_n b._n downame_n b._n jewel_n saravia_n b._n alley_n b._n pilkinton_n b._n bridges_n b._n bilson_n d._n nowell_n and_o divers_a other_o that_o ordination_n by_o presbyter_n in_o some_o case_n be_v lawful_a and_o valid_a and_o have_v also_o full_o and_o excellent_o discover_v the_o woeful_a and_o unsufferable_a misery_n and_o mischief_n that_o will_v flow_v from_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n to_o he_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v further_o satisfy_v herein_o we_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o proposition_n more_o and_o then_o we_o have_v do_v proposition_n 9_o that_o our_o episcopal_a brethren_n that_o do_v so_o much_o inveigh_v against_o the_o presbyterianâ—_n in_o all_o their_o writing_n for_o walk_v contrary_a to_o antiquity_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n do_v themselves_o fall_v under_o the_o same_o accusation_n in_o many_o particular_n which_o we_o can_v easy_o name_v if_o we_o do_v desire_n to_o recriminate_a we_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o 6.28.18_o 1._o the_o ancient_a bishop_n will_v do_v nothing_o without_o their_o presbyter_n cyprian_n profess_v he_o will_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o clergy_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o they_o nay_o he_o dare_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o alone_o to_o determine_v that_o which_o of_o right_n do_v belong_v to_o all_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n condemn_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o irrita_fw-la nisi_fw-la clericorum_fw-la praesentia_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la the_o church_n have_v itâ—_n seniores_fw-la sine_fw-la quorum_fw-la consâ—lio_fw-la nihil_fw-la agâ—batur_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o quotation_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o we_o may_v transcribe_v out_o of_o d._n blondâ—â—_n and_o smectymnuus_n but_o we_o forbear_v now_o how_o contrary_a our_o episcopal_a man_n walk_v to_o this_o practice_n iâ—_n sufficient_o manifest_a to_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n 2._o d._n blondel_n that_o great_a antiquary_n undertake_v in_o a_o very_a long_a discourse_n to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o for_o 1200._o year_n the_o people_n have_v free_a liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o bishop_n he_o prove_v it_o by_o undoubted_a author_n in_o all_o the_o several_a country_n and_o cyprian_a tell_v we_o that_o this_o power_n do_v descend_v upon_o the_o people_n de_fw-fr divina_fw-la authoritate_fw-la 68_o and_o yet_o our_o brethren_n in_o their_o practice_n go_v quite_o antipode_n to_o this_o part_n of_o antiquity_n and_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o black_a brand_n of_o innovator_n and_o despiser_n of_o all_o antiquity_n for_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o let_v they_o not_o accuse_v we_o for_o walk_v contrary_a to_o antiquity_n when_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o walk_v agreeable_o unto_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a antiquity_n but_o consider_v how_o deep_o and_o how_o just_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o this_o guilt_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v finish_v all_o that_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v concern_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n not_o that_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v final_o conclude_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n unwritten_a or_o by_o the_o father_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o great_a controversy_n for_o though_o we_o be_v among_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v much_o reverence_n antiquity_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o idolise_v it_o for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v much_o beguile_v in_o receive_v many_o thing_n as_o tradition_n apostolical_a which_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o have_v be_v apocryphal_a irenaeus_n 39_o tell_v we_o that_o s._n john_n tell_v those_o that_o tell_v he_o that_o christ_n live_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o preach_v ultra_fw-la quadragesimum_fw-la aut_fw-la etiam_fw-la quinquagesimum_fw-la annum_fw-la beyond_o 40._o or_o 50._o year_n which_o to_o be_v a_o counterfeit_a tradition_n will_v be_v by_o none_o deny_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n in_o victor_n time_n 23._o who_o be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n celebrate_v the_o christian_a passeover_n or_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n upon_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o month_n according_a â—s_n the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o eat_v their_o passeover_n this_o they_o do_v as_o a_o receive_a tradition_n not_o only_o from_o polycarpe_n but_o from_o s._n john_n himself_n but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o bishop_n of_o the_o western_a church_n keep_v it_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n which_o they_o do_v from_o a_o tradition_n receive_v from_o s._n peter_n now_o sure_o we_o be_v that_o both_o of_o these_o can_v be_v true_a and_o as_o for_o the_o ancient_a father_n though_o they_o be_v famous_a light_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v their_o naeuâ—s_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o their_o write_n be_v much_o deface_v by_o the_o popish_a index_n expurgatorius_fw-la a_o learned_a gentleman_n digby_n undertake_v in_o a_o short_a epistle_n to_o make_v out_o their_o contradiction_n one_o to_o another_o their_o variance_n from_o themselves_o their_o repugnancy_n both_o to_o protestant_n and_o papist_n their_o want_n of_o ability_n in_o many_o point_n of_o our_o controversy_n in_o most_o of_o will_n to_o decide_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o appeal_v from_o man_n to_o god_n from_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a infallible_a judge_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o controversy_n of_o religion_n we_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n ad_fw-la legem_fw-la 8.20_o &_o testimonium_fw-la to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o thâ—_n testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v speak_v something_o