fat_a than_o presbytery_n or_o have_v a_o better_a fleece_n and_o therefore_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o sacrifice_n o_o no_o but_o presbytery_n they_o say_v be_v a_o plant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v weed_v out_o true_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v by_o the_o partial_a presbyterian_a that_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n be_v of_o jesus_n christ_n appointment_n but_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v not_o that_o god_n create_v the_o lesser_a star_n and_o planet_n but_o not_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n that_o god_n make_v people_n but_o not_o prince_n that_o he_o form_v the_o foot_n and_o hand_n but_o not_o the_o eye_n and_o head_n of_o natural_a body_n this_o be_v the_o great_a question_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v thus_o beg_v or_o suppose_v but_o shall_v have_v be_v solid_o prove_v before_o judgement_n have_v be_v so_o severe_o pass_v against_o episcopacy_n we_o shall_v have_v see_v the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o episcopacy_n usurp_v when_o and_o where_o presbyter_n rule_v in_o this_o or_o any_o church_n by_o way_n of_o parity_n without_o any_o bishop_n precedent_n or_o apostle_n above_o they_o the_o constant_a stream_n of_o this_o jordan_n which_o have_v flow_v from_o the_o first_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o christianity_n ever_o flow_v and_o overflow_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n this_o shall_v have_v be_v miraculous_o divide_v before_o that_o presbytery_n shall_v have_v boast_v of_o its_o pass_v over_o dry-shod_a and_o of_o its_o drown_v all_o bishop_n and_o all_o episcopacy_n as_o the_o egyptian_n in_o a_o red_a sea_n between_o the_o returning_n and_o closing_n of_o the_o water_n of_o independency_n and_o presbytery_n whenas_o it_o be_v well_o know_v even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n that_o have_v any_o grain_n of_o learning_n in_o they_o that_o presbyter_n be_v ever_o as_o cipher_n in_o all_o church_n insignificant_a as_o to_o church-government_n without_o bishop_n be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o before_o they_o as_o capital_a figure_n bishop_n be_v ever_o esteem_v as_o the_o chief_a captain_n of_o the_o lord_n host_n in_o this_o militant_a state_n principal_a steward_n of_o christ_n household_n head-shepherd_n of_o his_o flock_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d first-ordained_n and_o first-ordainers_a of_o the_o evangelicall_n ministry_n the_o first_o consecrator_n and_o distributer_n of_o all_o sacred_a mystery_n the_o prime_a conservator_n and_o actor_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n these_o be_v in_o all_o age_n next_o the_o scripture_n the_o church_n chiefest-oracle_n and_o interpreter_n these_o be_v the_o grand_a divine_n in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n not_o superficial_o arm_v with_o light_a armour_n only_o for_o the_o preach_n or_o homilisticall_a flourish_n of_o a_o pulpit_n but_o with_o the_o weighty_a and_o complete_a armour_n of_o veterane_n and_o valiant_a soldier_n who_o be_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o forefront_n of_o the_o lord_n battle_n to_o receive_v the_o first_o charge_n and_o impression_n from_o the_o church_n enemy_n of_o their_o force_n cunning_a and_o malice_n these_o be_v the_o fair_a transcript_n or_o copy_n of_o apostolical_a mission_n and_o evangelicall_n commission_n these_o be_v the_o great_a magazine_n of_o sound_n and_o vast_a learning_n these_o the_o centre_n refuge_n sanctuary_n &_o succour_n of_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n in_o all_o church_n these_o give_v as_o holy_a order_n to_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n so_o decent_a ceremony_n to_o all_o the_o church_n also_o fatherly_a counsel_n and_o friendly_a encouragement_n to_o all_o worthy_a minister_n when_o young_a and_o novice_n weak_a and_o defective_a when_o fearful_a and_o deject_a these_o give_v vigour_n and_o authority_n to_o that_o discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o punish_v and_o repress_v scandalous_a liver_n these_o these_o worthy_a bishop_n such_o as_o we_o have_v good_a store_n in_o england_n even_o now_o at_o the_o last_o cast_v be_v the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n these_o always_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n recover_v the_o ark_n of_o god_n after_o the_o philistine_n have_v take_v it_o these_o recollect_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n after_o they_o have_v be_v worry_v and_o scatter_v by_o grievous_a wolf_n and_o fox_n be_v person_n of_o more_o public_a influence_n of_o more_o eminent_a example_n of_o large_a heart_n and_o great_a spirit_n common_o than_o most_o or_o any_o private_a minister_n most_o man_n spirit_n shrink_v with_o the_o tenuity_n of_o their_o place_n and_o condition_n and_o enlarge_n with_o the_o ampleness_n of_o they_o god_n usual_o give_v of_o that_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o that_o be_v place_v just_o in_o it_o as_o he_o do_v to_o moses_n aaron_n joshua_n saul_n david_n samuel_n and_o other_o both_o prince_n and_o prelate_n judge_n and_o magistrate_n who_o but_o equal_a it_o may_v be_v to_o inferior_a person_n in_o sanctify_a gift_n and_o grace_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o england_n may_v be_v to_o the_o many_o godly_a presbyter_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o exceed_v they_o not_o because_o place_v above_o they_o in_o worldly_a place_n and_o secular_a honour_n but_o because_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n pattern_n be_v particular_o appoint_v and_o commission_v by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o fit_v to_o execute_v those_o eminent_a office_n of_o church-government_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n beyond_o what_o be_v ever_o give_v to_o any_o presbyter_n without_o their_o bishop_n have_v then_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o of_o former_a and_o latter_a time_n by_o which_o to_o justify_v the_o deserve_a eminency_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o insolency_n of_o presbytery_n i_o can_v forbear_v with_o st._n paul_n to_o demand_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o our_o worthy_a english_a bishop_n who_o have_v be_v so_o disinherit_v so_o discountenance_v so_o deject_v so_o despise_v so_o desolate_v so_o depress_v wherein_o do_v they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o very_o best_a of_o those_o presbyter_n who_o be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o myself_o who_o hâ—â—e_n so_o studious_o seek_v their_o ruin_n and_o so_o ambitious_o usurp_v against_o they_o be_v presbyter_n good_a preacher_n so_o be_v bishop_n be_v presbyter_n able_a writer_n bishop_n be_v more_o be_v presbyter_n zealous_a opposer_n of_o popery_n so_o be_v bishop_n be_v presbyter_n devout_a man_n so_o be_v bishop_n be_v presbyter_n unblameable_a liver_n so_o be_v bishop_n be_v presbyter_n martyr_n and_o confessor_n so_o be_v bishop_n be_v presbyter_n instrument_n for_o a_o just_a and_o orderly_a reformation_n of_o religion_n bishop_n be_v more_o be_v presbyter_n useful_a to_o church_n and_o state_n by_o word_n and_o example_n in_o their_o petty_a parish_n bishop_n be_v more_o in_o their_o primitive_a parish_n or_o large_a diocese_n which_o be_v long_o know_v and_o of_o force_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o lesser_a parish_n be_v in_o use_n or_o in_o be_v be_v presbyter_n hospitable_a and_o charitable_a without_o which_o all_o religion_n faith_n and_o fervency_n be_v nothing_o bishop_n be_v more_o equal_a in_o their_o affection_n beyond_o they_o in_o their_o liberality_n as_o much_o as_o their_o revenue_n be_v presbyter_n that_o be_v able_a faithful_a humble_a and_o orderly_o go_v to_o heaven_n so_o no_o doubt_n through_o god_n mercy_n be_v those_o holy_a bishop_n who_o have_v be_v cast_v upon_o dunghill_n as_o lazarus_n and_o job_n by_o the_o cacozelotry_n of_o some_o man_n in_o our_o time_n who_o have_v so_o much_o hout_v and_o out_v despise_v and_o destroy_v they_o many_o presbyter_n have_v do_v well_o and_o learned_o but_o many_o bishop_n have_v exceed_v they_o all_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o lose_v or_o abate_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n they_o have_v when_o but_o presbyter_n that_o they_o increase_v they_o and_o improve_v they_o when_o make_v bishop_n above_o other_o presbyter_n who_o be_v then_o at_o their_o best_a when_o they_o most_o keep_v within_o that_o place_n and_o station_n in_o which_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o the_o law_n and_o their_o own_o proportion_n have_v set_v they_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o humble_a a_o rational_a and_o religious_a a_o pious_a and_o prudent_a subordination_n to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n as_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o reverend_a father_n who_o name_n be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v precious_a to_o all_o those_o that_o understand_v what_o belong_v to_o excellent_a learning_n to_o eminent_a virtue_n to_o christian_a courage_n to_o admirable_a patience_n to_o what_o be_v primitive_a catholic_n and_o complete_a in_o the_o order_n honour_n polity_n government_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o learned_a or_o worthy_a writer_n foreign_a or_o domestic_a who_o can_v fly_v above_o the_o parasitisme_n of_o popular_a pamphlet_n which_o will_v soon_o be_v condemn_v to_o chandler_n shop_n to_o
least_o offence_n no_o touchwood_n or_o dry_a gunpowder_n soon_o kindle_v to_o flame_n of_o wrath_n indignation_n and_o disdain_n than_o some_o ordinary_a and_o mean_a man_n dare_v yea_o delight_n now_o to_o do_v against_o their_o minister_n i_o have_v see_v both_o by_o their_o pasquil_n and_o practice_n some_o instance_n of_o their_o ingenuous_a manner_n of_o their_o great_a respect_n love_n and_o gratitude_n all_o which_o in_o good_a earnest_n i_o may_v i_o think_v without_o any_o vanity_n have_v challenge_v and_o expect_v from_o all_o man_n especial_o from_o my_o own_o parishioner_n and_o auditor_n who_o for_o many_o year_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o entertain_v with_o so_o much_o industry_n civility_n candour_n charity_n and_o hospitality_n as_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o most_o if_o any_o minister_n in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o to_o public_a charge_n and_o burden_n i_o believe_v i_o have_v exceed_v any_o man_n of_o my_o estate_n and_o call_n in_o england_n as_o for_o private_a charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o the_o well_o and_o the_o sick_a for_o food_n physic_n clothing_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v fit_a other_o assert_v i_o than_o i_o shall_v vindicate_v myself_o against_o the_o petulant_a ingratitude_n of_o some_o man_n among_o who_o one_o have_v his_o tongue_n so_o much_o at_o liberty_n that_o uninjured_a unprovoke_v yea_o almost_o unknown_a to_o i_o yet_o one_o of_o my_o many_o hearer_n he_o doubt_v not_o open_o to_o join_v i_o with_o my_o man_n and_o put_v upon_o we_o both_o the_o title_n of_o a_o couple_n of_o proud_a jack_n anapese_n when_o he_o be_v but_o after_o two_o or_o three_o year_n forbearance_n demand_v to_o pay_v what_o be_v due_a profess_v he_o will_v not_o maintain_v any_o proud_a parson_n such_o spirit_n as_o these_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o their_o own_o manner_n i_o must_v pardon_v they_o as_o david_n do_v shimei_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o as_o samuel_n do_v for_o the_o ingrateful_a israelite_n the_o rather_o because_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o meet_v with_o few_o of_o they_o in_o a_o very_a numerous_a people_n who_o for_o the_o great_a and_o better_a part_n of_o they_o do_v indeed_o deserve_v all_o that_o care_n love_n labour_n kindness_n and_o constancy_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o they_o for_o 15_o year_n together_o only_o by_o these_o experiment_n both_o myself_o and_o other_o may_v easy_o conjecture_v how_o the_o pulse_n of_o people_n beat_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o place_n towards_o their_o minister_n whatever_o they_o be_v if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o any_o worth_n spirit_n and_o part_n above_o they_o it_o be_v sure_a enough_o that_o even_o the_o best_a of_o they_o in_o the_o best_a place_n they_o meet_v with_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o low_a ebb_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o respect_n they_o former_o enjoy_v in_o england_n indeed_o some_o minister_n perhaps_o have_v some_o little_a sleight_n and_o popular_a artifices_fw-la to_o win_v and_o please_v the_o vulgar_a who_o rather_o than_o offend_v they_o will_v do_v or_o say_v or_o omit_v or_o silence_v any_o thing_n not_o gross_o a_o sin_n and_o shame_n and_o rather_o than_o not_o please_v they_o will_v rub_v ever_o and_o anon_o some_o salt_n upon_o the_o bishop_n the_o ancient_a clergy_n upon_o the_o liturgy_n and_o the_o former_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o this_o gall_n be_v honey_n to_o the_o palate_n of_o some_o plebeian_a spirit_n and_o rather_o than_o displease_v some_o people_n there_o be_v minister_n that_o will_v never_o use_v the_o creed_n decalogue_n or_o lord_n prayer_n in_o twice_o seven_o year_n nay_o some_o people_n so_o rule_v the_o tender_a mouth_n and_o ride_v the_o gall_a back_n of_o their_o preacher_n with_o so_o sharp_a a_o snaffle_n and_o hard_a a_o saddle_n that_o they_o be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v these_o their_o great_a censor_n rather_o than_o good_a master_n and_o dame_n by_o put_v the_o title_n of_o saint_n to_o any_o holy_a evangelist_n or_o apostotick_a writer_n no_o not_o when_o they_o name_v their_o text_n or_o cite_v any_o place_n out_o of_o their_o holy_a write_n but_o those_o holy_a and_o reverend_a man_n be_v name_v with_o as_o little_a respect_n or_o honour_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o merit_n in_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o speak_v to_o matthew_n and_o james_n and_o peter_n and_o john_n in_o their_o kitchen_n as_o their_o servant_n or_o fellow_n and_o familiar_n yea_o so_o spongy_o soft_a timorous_a and_o sequacious_a some_o minister_n be_v that_o what_o they_o own_o as_o their_o judgement_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n part_n and_o courage_n this_o they_o smother_v with_o great_a wariness_n and_o cowardice_n among_o those_o plain_a hees_n and_o she_o be_v by_o who_o they_o be_v overawe_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o necessary_a sportulary_a dependence_n chap._n xxxi_o trouble_n what_o the_o suffering_n dejection_n dâ—basements_n indignity_n be_v which_o many_o minister_n have_v and_o do_v endure_v no_o man_n can_v imagine_v who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o high_a shoe_n or_o the_o ponderousness_n of_o weaver_n beam_n when_o they_o dare_v to_o tread_v on_o minister_n toe_n if_o as_o i_o have_v experimental_o instance_a it_o be_v thus_o do_v to_o a_o green_a tree_n to_o one_o that_o have_v be_v not_o barren_a or_o unfruitful_a among_o they_o who_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o bounty_n have_v plant_v in_o a_o upper_a ground_n and_o in_o many_o degree_n of_o eminency_n above_o the_o vulgar_a how_o think_v you_o will_v rustic_a spirit_n lift_v up_o their_o flail_n and_o scythe_n their_o hook_n and_o bill_n their_o shuttle_n and_o shovel_n against_o those_o of_o my_o brethren_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o much_o their_o underling_n and_o shrub_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o tenuity_n of_o their_o condition_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o tall_a cedar_n in_o learning_n piety_n and_o all_o true_a worth_n how_o do_v they_o threaten_v and_o scorn_v and_o molest_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o enjoy_v those_o shake_n and_o sacrilegious_a composition_n which_o they_o will_v make_v or_o none_o at_o all_o for_o their_o tithe_n else_o article_n and_o committee_n sequestration_n and_o suit_n be_v loud_o threaten_v at_o best_a party_n faction_n schism_n and_o separation_n be_v present_o hatch_v and_o nourish_v against_o he_o if_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o sacrifice_v with_o great_a tameness_n a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o small_a mean_n as_o a_o peace-offering_a or_o atonement_n to_o these_o turbulent_a spirit_n who_o if_o they_o may_v not_o be_v his_o master_n and_o commander_n resolve_v to_o be_v his_o oppressor_n and_o undoer_n if_o they_o can_v however_o they_o take_v the_o freedom_n to_o be_v his_o declare_a deserter_n and_o enemy_n discourage_v and_o disparage_v he_o what_o they_o can_v by_o separate_v from_o he_o and_o from_o the_o congregation_n or_o parish_n to_o some_o private_a and_o spiteful_a conventicle_n which_o reserve_v of_o malice_n never_o fail_v to_o follow_v there_o where_o any_o minister_n have_v the_o courage_n and_o confidence_n so_o far_o to_o own_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o submit_v either_o to_o the_o injury_n or_o insolence_n of_o some_o proud_a and_o pragmatic_n spirit_n if_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o own_o integrity_n set_v he_o immovable_o as_o a_o sluice_n against_o the_o tide_n of_o their_o folly_n and_o petulancy_n o_o how_o excessive_o will_v their_o spleen_n swell_v against_o the_o good_a man_n rather_o than_o fail_v of_o have_v some_o revenge_n upon_o he_o they_o will_v take_v this_o most_o severe_a revenge_n against_o themselves_o as_o malice_n be_v oft_o its_o own_o mischief_n whole_o to_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o the_o benefit_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o his_o learned_a judicious_a and_o devout_a ministry_n which_o they_o labour_v to_o cry_v down_o as_o that_o by_o which_o they_o can_v profit_v that_o to_o refresh_v their_o soul_n they_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v out_o some_o more_o warm_a comply_v creep_a and_o inspire_a preacher_n such_o a_o one_o though_o a_o mere_a rhapsodist_n and_o rambler_n must_v present_o be_v cry_v up_o as_o a_o rare_a soulsaving_a preacher_n and_o indeed_o it_o may_v just_o be_v fear_v that_o most_o separate_v of_o late_a year_n have_v take_v the_o rise_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o schism_n and_o separation_n from_o their_o lawful_a minister_n and_o from_o the_o church_n of_o engl._n not_o so_o much_o upon_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n as_o upon_o pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n revenge_n and_o other_o inordinate_a lust_n with_o which_o their_o minister_n will_v not_o comply_v from_o which_o centre_n of_o order_n union_n and_o consistence_n in_o the_o church_n when_o country_n people_n be_v once_o remove_v no_o wonder_n if_o like_o their_o cart-wheel_n they_o run_v round_o in_o a_o vertigo_n of_o religion_n
credit_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o comfort_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o true_a minister_n the_o sure_a test_n and_o character_n of_o due_a ordination_n the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o main_o concern_v 3._o what_o if_o these_o new_a master_n these_o sharp_a censor_n and_o imperious_a dictator_n who_o perhaps_o not_o piety_n so_o much_o as_o policy_n not_o religion_n but_o reason_n of_o state_n not_o reform_v severity_n but_o needless_a jealousy_n and_o imaginary_a necessity_n have_v put_v upon_o such_o violent_a stickling_n against_o episcopacy_n and_o reprobate_v all_o worthy_a bishop_n what_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o deceiver_n of_o other_o in_o that_o point_n which_o be_v much_o more_o venial_a to_o think_v and_o say_v of_o the_o very_o best_a of_o they_o than_o to_o pass_v any_o such_o censure_n or_o suspicion_n of_o error_n or_o ignorance_n upon_o all_o church_n even_o in_o their_o pure_a and_o primitive_a antiquity_n when_o one_o spark_n of_o martyrly_a zeal_n which_o be_v as_o holy_a fire_n from_o god_n altar_n have_v more_o divine_a light_n and_o heat_n in_o it_o than_o all_o the_o blaze_n and_o flash_n of_o modern_a zelotry_n 4._o i_o do_v in_o all_o christian_a candour_n demand_v of_o the_o severe_a presbyterian_a and_o sharp_a independent_a whether_o when_o they_o ask_v of_o the_o generation_n of_o old_a and_o inquire_v of_o all_o age_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a church_n whether_o ever_o they_o find_v any_o christian_n or_o congregation_n at_o any_o time_n either_o christening_n or_o church_a themselves_o either_o by_o their_o own_o vote_n choice_n and_o authority_n or_o by_o separate_v from_o their_o ordain_a presbyter_n and_o bishop_n which_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o regular_a in_o their_o administration_n who_o have_v due_o teach_v baptize_v confirm_v and_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n when_o do_v any_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n ever_o pretend_v to_o ordain_v themselves_o or_o one_o another_o without_o some_o apostle_n or_o bishop_n when_o where_o and_o by_o who_o be_v the_o first_o schism_n rupture_n or_o chasm_n of_o ecclesiastical_a parity_n as_o to_o mission_n and_o commission_n begin_v when_o and_o where_o be_v the_o first_o intrusion_n or_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o presbytery_n make_v by_o episcopacy_n do_v not_o all_o presbyter_n owe_v &_o ever_o own_o their_o legitimate_a birth_n &_o breed_n to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n who_o authority_n be_v ever_o as_o much_o above_o mere_a presbyter_n in_o degree_n and_o office_n as_o it_o be_v before_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o causality_n no_o less_o than_o in_o time_n and_o antiquity_n 5._o if_o then_o all_o the_o novel_a presumption_n pretension_n and_o objection_n of_o either_o presbytery_n or_o independency_n against_o primitive_a catholic_n and_o apostolic_a episcopacy_n shall_v in_o earnest_n be_v nothing_o but_o passionate_a false_a and_o frivolous_a mistake_n arise_v from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n carry_v on_o by_o envy_n and_o arrogancy_n in_o many_o man_n o_o what_o needless_a trouble_n what_o heedless_a anger_n what_o inordinate_a fury_n what_o dreadful_a disorder_n must_v they_o all_o this_o while_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o causeless_a contention_n innovation_n confusion_n vastation_n have_v they_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o cruel_a and_o uncharitable_a contention_n have_v they_o raise_v as_o elsewhere_o so_o in_o this_o famous_a and_o flourish_a church_n of_o england_n without_o any_o just_a cause_n god_n know_v and_o beyond_o the_o merit_n of_o episcopacy_n even_o in_o its_o great_a defect_n declination_n and_o deformity_n to_o which_o as_o all_o holy_a institution_n may_v in_o time_n be_v subject_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v humble_o wise_o and_o moderate_o reform_v by_o the_o prayer_n tear_n counsel_n honest_a and_o orderly_a endeavour_n of_o all_o sober_a christian_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o size_n in_o their_o place_n and_o station_n with_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o first_o pattern_n and_o original_a but_o certain_o as_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o office_n of_o presbytery_n which_o may_v have_v have_v its_o personal_a depravation_n also_o so_o the_o ancient_a and_o venerable_a authority_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o to_o its_o primitive_a institution_n and_o catholic_n succession_n ought_v not_o on_o any_o hand_n to_o be_v utter_o ruin_v raze_v and_o extirpate_v root_n and_o branch_n by_o any_o tumultuary_a rashness_n or_o popular_a precipitancy_n which_o can_v never_o become_v any_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o wise_a and_o godly_a christian_n nor_o can_v such_o method_n of_o sharp_a and_o sour_a reformation_n ever_o end_v in_o the_o peace_n or_o comfort_n of_o good_a man_n who_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o excess_n so_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o true_a church_n true_a religion_n and_o true_a reformation_n have_v nothing_o less_o to_o do_v than_o to_o persevere_v in_o their_o extravagancy_n or_o pertinacious_o to_o assert_v their_o former_a transport_n yea_o they_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v speedy_o and_o conscientious_o than_o humble_o to_o recant_v serious_o to_o repent_v and_o effectual_o to_o amend_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o power_n the_o affront_n and_o assault_n the_o breach_n and_o waste_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o unity_n power_n and_o authority_n by_o return_v to_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o that_o obedience_n they_o owe_v to_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o uniform_a antiquity_n which_o so_o full_o commend_v the_o presidentiall_a authority_n of_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a episcopacy_n their_o first_o error_n may_v be_v weakness_n but_o their_o obstinacy_n must_v needs_o be_v wickedness_n who_o still_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v convince_v silence_a and_o afflict_a 6._o what_o if_o after_o all_o this_o dust_n and_o noise_n which_o have_v so_o blind_v and_o deafen_a the_o eye_n and_o ear_n of_o many_o presbyter_n and_o people_n that_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a for_o the_o presidentiall_a authority_n and_o eminency_n of_o episcopacy_n than_o for_o the_o subordination_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o presbytery_n what_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n the_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o designation_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n evident_o signify_v and_o settle_v in_o and_o by_o the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o all_o primitive_a church_n and_o so_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o order_n though_o not_o without_o mixture_n of_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o disorder_n incident_a to_o all_o holy_a institution_n 7._o what_o if_o after_o all_o these_o seditious_a and_o schismatical_a distemper_n in_o minister_n and_o people_n the_o lord_n shall_v say_v to_o these_o refractory_a and_o irreconcilable_a spirit_n against_o episcopacy_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o revolt_v from_o samuel_n government_n 8.17_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v you_o o_o my_o faithful_a servant_n the_o bishop_n who_o i_o have_v constitute_v and_o use_v in_o all_o age_n as_o vigilant_a overseer_n and_o wise_a ruler_n of_o my_o flock_n but_o they_o have_v reject_v i_o who_o in_o this_o point_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v so_o sufficient_o declare_v my_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o no_o church_n be_v ever_o ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o vary_v from_o it_o be_v manifest_v from_o heaven_n first_o in_o the_o evident_a instance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n among_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o priest_n yea_o as_o it_o be_v a_o orderly_a and_o gubernative_a method_n in_o all_o society_n where_o right_a reason_n and_o so_o true_a religion_n necessary_o command_v and_o commend_v superiority_n and_o subjection_n second_o in_o the_o pattern_n and_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n set_v down_o by_o my_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o follow_v by_o his_o apostle_n who_o settle_v all_o church_n in_o such_o a_o orderly_a subordination_n three_o in_o the_o constant_a custom_n and_o catholic_n testimony_n of_o all_o succeed_a church_n who_o joint_a suffrage_n and_o uniform_a practice_n in_o case_n of_o any_o darkness_n dispute_n or_o difficulty_n where_o scripture-precept_n may_v seem_v less_o clear_a and_o explicit_a ought_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n to_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o safe_a measure_n of_o conscience_n and_o sure_a rule_n of_o religious_a observance_n especial_o as_o to_o thing_n of_o outward_a polity_n order_n and_o government_n nor_o may_v any_o novel_a invention_n or_o pretension_n never_o so_o specious_a be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 3.15_o the_o great_a
next_o bishop_n consecrate_v or_o bless_v of_o the_o elect_a bishop_n make_v up_o that_o complete_a power_n and_o eminent_a authority_n in_o which_o he_o that_o be_v former_o but_o a_o presbyter_n be_v now_o invest_v as_o a_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n of_o any_o church_n which_o make_v epiphanius_n brand_n aerius_n for_o a_o mad_a man_n and_o subvert_v by_o the_o devil_n upon_o his_o discontent_n for_o be_v repulse_v from_o a_o bishopric_n of_o which_o he_o be_v ambitious_a because_o he_o make_v episcopacy_n and_o presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o equal_a dignity_n efficacy_n and_o authority_n ep_n yet_o be_v epiphanius_n often_o and_o high_o commend_v by_o st._n jerom_n who_o be_v but_o a_o presbyter_n and_o live_v in_o his_o diocese_n sometime_o as_o a_o person_n sanctae_fw-la &_o venerabilis_fw-la memoriae_fw-la of_o holy_a and_o happy_a memory_n this_o then_o appear_v so_o pregnant_o to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o antiquity_n which_o prefer_v episcopal_a dignity_n and_o authority_n above_o simple_a presbytery_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o learned_a modest_a and_o ingenuous_a man_n can_v light_o esteem_v or_o actual_o oppose_v so_o ancient_a and_o catholic_n a_o order_n in_o the_o church_n so_o useful_a so_o necessary_a for_o any_o church_n well-being_n which_o be_v unseparable_a from_o its_o good_a government_n lay_v aside_o then_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la partiality_n love_v of_o novelty_n and_o childish_a pertinacy_n i_o can_v but_o hope_v sober_a man_n will_v cheerful_o return_v in_o their_o judgement_n desire_n and_o endeavour_n to_o correspond_v with_o primitive_a and_o paternal_a episcopacy_n acknowledge_v the_o ancient_a right_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o use_n of_o it_o to_o be_v catholic_n and_o apostolic_a so_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o all_o age_n and_o succession_n not_o only_o by_o bishop_n but_o by_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n too_o such_o as_o clemens_n of_o alexandria_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o other_o be_v from_o all_o which_o whole_o to_o vary_v and_o recede_v can_v be_v other_o than_o shake_v and_o in_o great_a part_n subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o unity_n charity_n and_o stability_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o its_o visible_a order_n communion_n and_o government_n wherein_o all_o good_a christian_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o study_v the_o temporary_a satisfaction_n of_o particular_a party_n and_o interest_n as_o the_o constant_a and_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a polity_n and_o society_n wherein_o all_o honest_a man_n private_a concernment_n be_v best_a preserve_v by_o such_o a_o public_a authority_n as_o be_v most_o venerable_a and_o least_o disputable_a what_o some_o have_v allege_v to_o weaken_v and_o baffle_v the_o catholic_n antiquity_n of_o episcopacy_n epistle_n as_o to_o its_o primitive_a and_o apostolic_a plantation_n by_o bastardize_n all_o the_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n as_o whole_o supposititious_a and_o so_o interpolate_v at_o best_a with_o the_o oft-repeated_n crambes_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o a_o kind_n of_o nauseous_a affectation_n savour_v they_o say_v more_o of_o late_a subtlety_n than_o primitive_a simplicity_n all_o this_o have_v no_o weight_n in_o it_o consider_v the_o high_a esteem_n be_v have_v of_o ignatius_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n beside_o what_o the_o learned_a usserius_fw-la and_o vossius_fw-la do_v own_o in_o their_o late_a examan_n not_o only_o for_o his_o martyrly_a constancy_n but_o for_o his_o so_o holy_a and_o generous_a epistle_n so_o full_a of_o devout_a flame_n and_o sacred_a fervor_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n of_o charity_n to_o his_o church_n and_o zeal_n for_o martyrdom_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o pity_n this_o lukewarm_a age_n shall_v want_v the_o warmth_n of_o ignatius_n his_o spirit_n glow_v in_o his_o epistle_n such_o as_o be_v often_o own_v and_o cite_v by_o the_o first_o ecclesiastic_a writer_n st._n jerom_n eusebius_n and_o other_o as_o genuine_a nor_o do_v it_o seem_v so_o probable_a that_o any_o in_o those_o or_o aftertime_n which_o have_v no_o dispute_n either_o for_o or_o against_o episcopacy_n shall_v studious_o add_v those_o frequent_a testimony_n for_o it_o which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o most_o unsuspected_a part_n of_o ignatius_n but_o rather_o that_o holy_a man_n be_v direct_v by_o god_n good_a spirit_n in_o his_o martyrly_a zeal_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n to_o reinforce_v and_o reiterate_v as_o he_o do_v the_o validity_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o order_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n as_o foresee_v the_o quarrel_n which_o may_v be_v about_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v much_o dissolve_v when_o the_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o episcopal_a order_n and_o eminency_n shall_v be_v so_o remit_v dispute_v or_o deny_v that_o either_o presbyter_n or_o people_n shall_v run_v to_o parity_n and_o popularity_n the_o certain_a highway_n to_o anarchy_n true_o ignatius_n be_v not_o more_o frequent_a for_o the_o honour_n and_o eminency_n of_o episcopacy_n than_o for_o a_o venerable_a presbytery_n in_o its_o due_a place_n and_o rank_n which_o may_v make_v he_o seem_v less_o fulsome_a to_o some_o presbyter_n if_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o enemy_n out_o of_o excessive_a transport_n against_o all_o bishop_n vedelius_fw-la of_o geneva_n who_o have_v as_o good_a a_o nose_n and_o quick_a a_o scent_n as_o most_o man_n will_v not_o have_v so_o study_v ignatius_n his_o epistle_n and_o sift_v they_o as_o he_o do_v if_o he_o think_v they_o all_o dross_n or_o refuse_v yea_o he_o be_v so_o evict_v by_o they_o that_o he_o can_v forbear_v to_o subscribe_v to_o many_o of_o they_o in_o many_o place_n vedel_n yea_o and_o to_o such_o a_o episcopacy_n as_o that_o holy_a martyr_n join_v with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o venerable_a presbytery_n which_o he_o hardly_o doubt_n much_o less_o deny_v to_o have_v be_v in_o that_o first_o century_n after_o christ_n when_o ignatius_n write_v those_o epistle_n 4.3_o be_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n after_o eâ—odias_n constitute_v there_o by_o saint_n peter_n when_o he_o leave_v that_o church_n to_o go_v to_o other_o epistle_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o more_o force_n in_o the_o fancy_n that_o some_o man_n draw_v from_o st._n clemens_n contemporary_a with_o st._n paul_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n own_v no_o bishop_n as_o distinct_a among_o or_o above_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o divine_a letter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o schism_n or_o sedition_n rise_v among_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n answ_n sure_o the_o enemy_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v hardly_o drive_v to_o find_v testimony_n in_o antiquity_n against_o it_o when_o they_o be_v force_v to_o wrest_v they_o out_o of_o such_o writer_n who_o be_v undoubted_o themselves_o bishop_n as_o clemens_n be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o who_o person_n he_o write_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n as_o eusebius_n st._n jerom_n and_o all_o antiquity_n before_o they_o do_v witness_v eccl._n it_o be_v true_a st._n clemens_n then_o write_v when_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v not_o so_o distinct_a as_o afterward_o episcopal_a eminency_n be_v either_o in_o the_o apostolical_a person_n and_o power_n yet_o survive_v or_o convey_v under_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o lesser_a apostle_n and_o apostolic_a successor_n 〈◊〉_d who_o st._n clemens_n call_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o apostle_n place_v by_o they_o as_o he_o say_v to_o be_v bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n in_o all_o church_n to_o serve_v and_o oversee_v or_o rule_v the_o church_n according_a to_o christian_a order_n and_o ecclesiastical_a comeliness_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v which_o 53._o he_o represent_v by_o those_o three_o order_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v namely_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o chief_a priest_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o order_n as_o 57_o he_o say_v god_n confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o aaron_n rod_n against_o the_o factious_a and_o seditious_a spirit_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o the_o apostle_n foresee_v the_o contention_n that_o will_v arise_v about_o the_o name_n of_o episcopacy_n do_v place_v those_o worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o successor_n who_o other_o in_o like_a order_n may_v follow_v to_o execute_v as_o he_o express_v the_o proper_a ministration_n and_o office_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n not_o confuse_o but_o by_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v so_o that_o either_o the_o corinthian_a presbyter_n be_v then_o as_o so_o many_o particular_a bishop_n attend_v only_o with_o their_o deacon_n in_o their_o several_a charge_n which_o may_v be_v many_o and_o large_a enough_o in_o that_o ample_a