Selected quad for the lemma: spirit_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n according_a age_n air_n 18 3 6.8236 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42483 Hiera dakrya, Ecclesiae anglicanae suspiria, The tears, sighs, complaints, and prayers of the Church of England setting forth her former constitution, compared with her present condition : also the visible causes and probable cures of her distempers : in IV books / by John Gauden ... Gauden, John, 1605-1662. 1659 (1659) Wing G359; ESTC R7566 766,590 810

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v destroy_v by_o vermin_n 1375._o as_o that_o brave_a man_n simon_n of_o sudbury_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v who_o the_o rabble_n at_o seven_o or_o eight_o blow_n hack_v in_o piece_n a_o valiant_a man_n will_v not_o cry_v out_o for_o assistance_n when_o he_o be_v to_o encounter_v with_o his_o match_n but_o if_o many_o beast_n of_o the_o people_n unprovoke_v run_v upon_o he_o he_o may_v without_o cowardice_n call_v for_o succour_v where_o he_o think_v it_o may_v be_v have_v such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o those_o bishop_n at_o that_o time_n when_o they_o not_o only_o fancy_v but_o actual_o find_v promiscuous_a and_o rude_a heap_n of_o people_n not_o only_o threaten_v but_o offer_v indignity_n to_o their_o person_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o place_n and_o function_n through_o who_o side_n they_o see_v the_o malice_n and_o insolency_n of_o such_o riotous_a reformer_n seek_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o they_o as_o all_o good_a man_n have_v great_a cause_n to_o value_v more_o than_o their_o life_n if_o they_o may_v lay_v they_o down_o in_o a_o orderly_a &_o deliberate_a way_n not_o in_o a_o tumultuary_a and_o confuse_a fashion_n whatever_o miscarriage_n those_o bishop_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o that_o particular_a yet_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v somewhat_o excusable_a by_o the_o great_a misdemeanour_n of_o those_o who_o give_v they_o occasion_n so_o to_o complain_v nor_o do_v it_o any_o way_n blemish_v that_o excellency_n which_o in_o their_o more_o calm_a and_o compose_a action_n they_o do_v discover_v worthy_a of_o themselves_o and_o their_o predecessor_n to_o who_o erasmus_n long_o ago_o erasm_n in_o archbishop_n warhams_n day_n give_v this_o commendation_n that_o england_n of_o all_o church_n have_v learned_a bishop_n i_o will_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n to_o find_v worthy_a bishop_n in_o england_n it_o may_v suffice_v here_o to_o register_v some_o of_o the_o well-known_a name_n of_o they_o which_o possible_o the_o vulgar_a never_o hear_v of_o though_o man_n of_o read_v and_o breed_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o what_o be_v more_o gentle_a ingenuous_a and_o honest-hearted_a than_o archbishop_n cranmer_n who_o native_a facility_n make_v he_o in_o rough_a time_n less_o fix_v till_o he_o come_v to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o stake_n of_o martyrdom_n where_o he_o take_v a_o severe_a revenge_n on_o his_o inconstancy_n by_o burn_v his_o right_a hand_n first_o but_o his_o sincere_a though_o frail_a heart_n be_v unburned_a amid_o his_o ash_n what_o be_v more_o downright_a good_a than_o bishop_n latimer_n who_o joy_v to_o sacrifice_v his_o now_o decrepit_a body_n upon_o so_o holy_a a_o account_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n what_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o bishop_n hooper_n or_o more_o resolute_a than_o bishop_n ridley_n what_o more_o severe_o yea_o morose_o good_a than_o bishop_n farrar_n all_o of_o they_o martyr_n for_o true_a religion_n by_o who_o fire_n it_o be_v full_o refine_v from_o the_o roman_a idolatry_n dross_n and_o superstition_n this_o foundation_n lay_v by_o such_o gracious_a and_o glorious_a martyr_n bishop_n in_o england_n god_n be_v please_v to_o build_v a_o superstructure_n worthy_a of_o it_o in_o other_o most_o worthy_a bishop_n even_o to_o our_o day_n time_n will_v fail_v i_o to_o give_v every_o one_o of_o they_o their_o just_a character_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o place_v a_o asterisk_n of_o honour_n to_o some_o of_o their_o name_n what_o man_n have_v more_o christian_a gravity_n than_o archbishop_n parker_n who_o have_v more_o humble_a piety_n than_o archbishop_n grindall_n who_o more_o christian_a candour_n courage_n and_o charity_n than_o archbishop_n whitgift_n who_o overcome_v his_o enemy_n by_o welldoing_a and_o patience_n deserve_o use_v that_o triumphant_a christian_a motto_n vincit_fw-la qui_fw-la patitur_fw-la who_o have_v more_o of_o pious_a prudence_n and_o commendable_a policy_n than_o archbishop_n bancroft_n who_o do_v many_o minister_n good_a that_o never_o thank_v he_o for_o it_o who_o have_v more_o of_o a_o honourable_a gravity_n and_o all_o virtue_n than_o archbishop_n abbot_n to_o who_o i_o may_v join_v his_o brother_n bishop_n of_o salisbury_n all_o these_o be_v as_o chief_a of_o the_o father_n metropolitan_n of_o canterbury_n primate_fw-la of_o all_o england_n as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o jurisdiction_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a pattern_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n nor_o be_v the_o archbishop_n of_o york_n inferior_a to_o they_o such_o as_o sand_n hutton_n matthewes_n and_o other_o man_n of_o great_a and_o good_a spirit_n learned_a industrious_a hospitable_a charitable_a good_a preacher_n good_a liver_n and_o good_a governor_n after_o these_o come_v those_o other_o bishop_n who_o be_v equal_a to_o they_o in_o gift_n grace_n and_o episcopal_n power_n but_o so_o far_o inferior_a to_o they_o in_o precedency_n and_o some_o jurisdiction_n as_o the_o good_a order_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v no_o age_n or_o history_n of_o the_o church_n can_v show_v in_o any_o one_o century_n a_o more_o goodly_a company_n of_o bishop_n than_o here_o i_o can_v reckon_v up_o to_o omit_v many_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o honourable_a remembrance_n who_o have_v be_v some_o of_o they_o confessor_n and_o sufferer_n other_o constant_a professor_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n these_o i_o may_v not_o smother_v in_o silence_n without_o sacrilege_n rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o church_n of_o its_o honour_n and_o these_o bishop_n of_o their_o deserve_a praise_n most_o of_o who_o work_n do_v yet_o speak_v for_o they_o and_o loud_o upbraid_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o those_o that_o cast_v dead_a fly_n of_o indignity_n upon_o such_o bishop_n who_o name_n be_v as_o a_o precious_a ointment_n pour_v out_o what_o be_v ever_o more_o precious_a more_o resplendent_a in_o any_o church_n than_o bishop_n jewel_n for_o learning_n for_o judgement_n for_o modesty_n for_o humility_n for_o all_o christian_a gift_n and_o grace_n what_o one_o or_o many_o presbyter_n ever_o deserve_v so_o well_o of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o reform_a religion_n as_o this_o one_o bishop_n do_v who_o god_n use_v as_o a_o choose_a arrow_n against_o the_o face_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o church_n and_o the_o reform_a religion_n what_o man_n have_v more_o of_o the_o majesty_n of_o goodness_n and_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n than_o bishop_n king_n who_o be_v more_o venerable_a than_o bishop_n cooper_n though_o much_o molest_v by_o factious_a and_o unquiet_a spirit_n who_o have_v more_o ampleness_n and_o compleateness_n for_o a_o good_a man_n a_o good_a christian_a a_o good_a scholar_n a_o good_a preacher_n a_o good_a bishop_n than_o bishop_n andrews_n a_o man_n of_o a_o astonish_a excellency_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o how_o shall_v i_o sufficient_o express_v the_o learned_a and_o holy_a elegancy_n of_o bishop_n lake_n who_o sermon_n be_v so_o many_o rare_a gem_n or_o the_o holy_a industry_n and_o modest_a piety_n of_o bishop_n babington_n or_o the_o nobleness_n by_o grace_n by_o gift_n by_o birth_n and_o by_o life_n of_o bishop_n montacute_n how_o acute_o profound_a be_v the_o dispute_n and_o decision_n of_o bishop_n white_a how_o full_a of_o equanimity_n &_o moderation_n be_v bishop_n overall_n how_o clear_a compendious_a and_o exact_a be_v bishop_n davenant_n how_o fragrant_a and_o florid_n be_v the_o write_n as_o ●●s_o the_o life_n of_o bishop_n field_n who_o labour_n god_n do_v bless_v with_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n he_o long_o ago_o assert_v the_o honour_n of_o this_o church_n by_o a_o unanswerable_a vindication_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beautiful_a for_o learning_n judgement_n and_o integrity_n than_o bishop_n bilson_n who_o excellent_a work_n if_o some_o in_o england_n have_v more_o study_v they_o have_v not_o so_o easy_o oppose_v the_o perpetual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o prove_v to_o be_v episcopacy_n be_v there_o any_o man_n more_o saintly_o than_o bishop_n felton_n who_o have_v be_v a_o good_a patron_n to_o some_o minister_n that_o since_o have_v help_v to_o destroy_v his_o order_n what_o can_v be_v more_o devout_a and_o thankful_a to_o god_n than_o bishop_n carleton_n who_o have_v erect_v a_o fair_a pillar_n of_o gratitude_n for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o this_o church_n and_o state_n how_o commendable_a for_o ever_o will_v the_o learned_a industry_n of_o bishop_n godwin_n appear_v to_o impartial_a posterity_n who_o have_v with_o equal_a fidelity_n diligence_n and_o eloquence_n preserve_v the_o history_n of_o our_o english_a bishop_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n from_o oblivion_n nothing_o be_v beyond_o the_o courageous_a and_o conscientious_a freedom_n of_o bishop_n sinhouse_n who_o eloquent_a tongue_n and_o honest_a heart_n be_v capable_a to_o over-awe_n a_o court_n and_o to_o make_v courtier_n modest_a
prune_a fence_a and_o preserve_v this_o goodly_a tree_n in_o its_o several_a branch_n which_o have_v spread_v forth_o to_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v never_o quite_o part_v or_o separate_v from_o either_o christ_n or_o one_o another_o but_o ground_v in_o christ_n 4.15_o they_o have_v always_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o to_o such_o a_o holy_a harmony_n without_o any_o schismatical_a slip_n break_v off_o or_o moral_a divide_v from_o one_o another_o every_o small_a twig_n every_o big_a branch_n every_o main_a arm_n of_o it_o either_o for_o private_a christian_n or_o public_a congregation_n or_o episcopal_a combination_n still_o hold_v that_o mutual_a communion_n which_o become_v they_o both_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o general_n also_o to_o each_o other_o in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o several_a place_n duty_n station_n and_o proportion_n wherein_o the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o peace_n have_v set_v they_o under_o the_o authority_n power_n and_o episcopacy_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n ●5_n as_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o great_a shepherd_n the_o principal_a teacher_n pastor_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o love_n to_o mankind_n intend_v to_o enlarge_v the_o branch_n of_o his_o church_n beyond_o the_o jew_n 30._o even_o to_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n this_o small_a and_o tender_a plant_n be_v afterward_o as_o a_o fruitful_a vine_n and_o flourish_a tree_n careful_o husband_v and_o orderly_o extend_v by_o such_o workman_n as_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o choose_v and_o appoint_v for_o this_o holy_a care_n and_o culture_n who_o he_o endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o power_n both_o for_o authority_n when_o he_o solemn_o breathe_v on_o they_o 2.2_o and_o for_o ability_n when_o he_o powerful_o send_v the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o enable_v they_o not_o only_o with_o such_o ordinary_a gift_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o all_o true_a minister_n and_o such_o ordinary_a authority_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o gather_v but_o also_o with_o such_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a endowment_n as_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o apostle_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n without_o any_o interpreter_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v confirm_v to_o be_v the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n in_o infallible_a sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o these_o twelve_o apostle_n when_o their_o number_n be_v complete_v and_o the_o apostasy_n of_o judas_n make_v up_o by_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n 1.26_o to_o succeed_v and_o supply_v his_o episcopal_a charge_n and_o office_n for_o the_o teach_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o as_o a_o supernumerary_a help_n and_o great_a additional_a st._n paul_n be_v afterward_o join_v by_o these_o i_o say_v as_o by_o so_o many_o chief_a pastor_n or_o ecumenical_a bishop_n who_o have_v the_o general_a care_n and_o joint_a oversight_n or_o episcopacy_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v this_o tree_n mighty_o advance_v in_o a_o few_o year_n both_o in_o bigness_n and_o breadth_n in_o strength_n and_o extension_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o christ_n command_n be_v preach_v more_o or_o less_o to_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v see_v so_o the_o evangelical_n sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v hear_v in_o all_o land_n ●6_n so_o loud_a and_o audible_o 10.18_o that_o every_o nation_n may_v have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o listen_v and_o seek_v after_o the_o lord_n and_o have_v hear_v and_o find_v he_o in_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n if_o they_o will_v have_v follow_v that_o news_n which_o they_o hear_v of_o according_a to_o the_o curiosity_n after_o novelty_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n the_o news_n of_o which_o so_o good_a and_o so_o great_a be_v every_o where_o report_v to_o be_v as_o foretell_v by_o so_o many_o prophet_n long_o before_o so_o attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o so_o many_o eye_n witness_n who_o not_o only_o speak_v to_o every_o nation_n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n but_o also_o wrought_v great_a miracle_n in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v 2.7_o according_a to_o those_o several_a lot_n or_o portion_n which_o they_o have_v take_v by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n or_o by_o mutual_a consent_n as_o their_o particular_a bishopric_n or_o diocese_n for_o the_o more_o orderly_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o work_n some_o stay_n at_o jerusalem_n 1.18_o as_o st._n james_n the_o elder_a and_o the_o other_o james_n surname_v the_o just_a where_o they_o be_v slay_v other_o disperse_v themselves_o as_o st._n peter_n who_o go_v to_o antioch_n alexandria_n and_o rome_n there_o plant_v eminent_a church_n &_o appoint_v bishop_n over_o they_o as_o euodius_n at_o antioch_n mark_v at_o alexandria_n clemens_n and_o linus_n at_o rome_n one_o for_o the_o circumcision_n the_o other_o for_o the_o uncircumcision_n which_o church_n ever_o after_o even_o before_o the_o nicene_n council_n have_v the_o eminence_n of_o patriarchal_a seat_n as_o afterward_o jerusalem_n and_o constantinople_n have_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n either_o sacred_a or_o ecclesiastical_a be_v not_o punctual_a or_o exact_a in_o set_v forth_o the_o several_a country_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n divide_v themselves_o or_o where_o they_o most_o reside_v and_o at_o last_o end_v their_o day_n nor_o be_v it_o material_a it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o as_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o one_o place_n or_o country_n as_o to_o exclude_v any_o other_o apostle_n from_o come_v thither_o so_o they_o go_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o they_o to_o all_o chief_a part_n to_o syria_n arabia_n persia_n india_n ethiopia_n armenia_n scythia_n asia_n the_o less_o and_o great_a all_o greece_n illyricum_n italy_n spain_n france_n germany_n cyprus_n britanny_n africa_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o grand_a part_n of_o the_o then-known_a world_n continent_n and_o island_n where_o at_o last_o they_o either_o fix_v in_o their_o old_a age_n as_o st._n john_n do_v at_o ephesus_n or_o be_v martyr_v leave_v beside_o the_o monument_n of_o their_o preach_n and_o miracle_n their_o apostolical_a seat_n supply_v by_o a_o orderly_a subordination_n and_o authoritative_a succession_n of_o such_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n able_a and_o faithful_a man_n as_o they_o have_v commission_n to_o ordain_v and_o do_v authorise_v for_o their_o successor_n in_o that_o holy_a ministry_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o further_o plant_v propagate_a and_o preserve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o such_o doctrine_n government_n and_o discipline_n as_o they_o for_o the_o main_a rule_n and_o end_n clear_o by_o word_n and_o practice_v deliver_v to_o they_o which_o be_v then_o as_o their_o faith_n baptism_n and_o hope_n id._n but_o one_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o all_o world_n single_v christian_n private_a family_n of_o they_o small_a congregation_n little_a village_n great_a city_n ample_a territory_n large_a province_n great_a and_o small_a church_n as_o to_o their_o several_a distribution_n for_o conveniency_n of_o actual_a converse_n and_o communicate_v in_o holy_a mystery_n have_v still_o but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o polity_n order_n discipline_n ministry_n government_n and_o communion_n no_o variety_n no_o difformity_n no_o deformity_n in_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n among_o any_o orthodox_n christian_n but_o every_o one_o observe_v that_o place_n office_n duty_n and_o proportion_n wherein_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n have_v set_v he_o or_o they_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a part_n or_o congregation_n of_o it_o to_o which_o he_o be_v more_o local_o and_o personal_o join_v yet_o mental_o spiritual_o charitable_o cordial_o and_o consentient_o he_o still_o adhere_v to_o the_o catholic_n conformity_n and_o unity_n according_a to_o that_o holy_a polity_n and_o oeconomy_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o for_o ever_o establish_v so_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o time_n and_o god_n providence_n will_v permit_v that_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o there_o may_v be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o chaste_a virgin_n as_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o place_n apostle_n for_o these_o holy_a husbandman_n and_o chief_a labourer_n in_o christ_n vineyard_n the_o twelve_o or_o thirteen_o apostle_n do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o teach_v to_o catechise_v to_o convert_v to_o baptize_v to_o confirm_v to_o communicate_v to_o admonish_v
to_o excommunicate_v here_o and_o there_o several_a christian_n and_o their_o family_n as_o single_a slip_v and_o off-sets_a of_o christianity_n which_o may_v grow_v apart_o by_o themselves_o but_o their_o aim_n be_v with_o preach_v verity_n to_o plant_v unity_n and_o with_o true_a faith_n to_o graft_v fraternal_a charity_n which_o conjoin_v they_o to_o and_o with_o christ_n and_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n 15.12_o this_o be_v a_o most_o visible_a mark_n of_o christ_n disciple_n also_o a_o special_a mean_n for_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o comfort_n amid_o the_o many_o persecution_n which_o christian_n will_v meet_v with_o sufficient_a utter_o to_o discourage_v they_o if_o when_o they_o be_v scatter_v from_o each_o other_o they_o be_v present_o without_o any_o joint_a harmony_n &_o great_a combination_n and_o ample_a communion_n of_o saint_n by_o which_o mean_n wherever_o christian_n flee_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o if_o they_o meet_v with_o christian_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o hospitable_a friend_n bring_v as_o they_o ever_o do_v letter_n of_o communication_n or_o commendation_n from_o their_o bishop_n which_o present_o make_v their_o way_n to_o such_o a_o kind_a reception_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o holy_a duty_n as_o that_o station_n permit_v as_o catechuman_n or_o penitent_n or_o eucharistical_a communicant_n in_o which_o they_o stand_v wherever_o they_o have_v live_v therefore_o as_o the_o apostolical_a wisdom_n so_o all_o their_o successor_n diligent_o gather_v single_a believer_n and_o private_a family_n of_o christian_n into_o great_a congregation_n these_o they_o lead_v on_o to_o large_a combination_n which_o comprehend_v the_o christian_n of_o many_o village_n town_n city_n and_o territory_n according_a as_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n direct_v they_o for_o the_o great_a conveniency_n and_o benefit_n of_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n who_o scatter_v in_o small_a body_n or_o parcel_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o more_o cold_a and_o more_o feeble_a but_o so_o unite_v in_o grand_a society_n they_o will_v be_v both_o warm_a strong_a and_o safe_a and_o beside_o more_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n such_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n be_v those_o apostolical_a and_o famous_a church_n distinguish_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o chief_a city_n which_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o their_o religious_a address_n for_o church-order_n authority_n and_o communion_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n ephesus_n corinth_n sardis_n smyrna_n colosse_n with_o many_o more_o who_o city_n be_v mostwhat_a metropolitan_a or_o mother-city_n as_o to_o secular_a power_n and_o distribution_n of_o civil_a justice_n they_o be_v choose_v as_o meet_a for_o the_o principal_a residency_n of_o religious_a order_n polity_n and_o authority_n wherein_o as_o be_v meet_v the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v during_o their_o life_n preside_v as_o bishop_n either_o in_o their_o person_n or_o by_o those_o faithful_a apostolic_a man_n who_o they_o as_o st._n paul_n do_v timothy_n titus_n archippus_n &_o other_o appoint_v as_o ruler_n or_o bishop_n under_o they_o for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o church_n partly_o by_o the_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n ministerial_a which_o be_v to_o preach_v baptize_v &_o celebrate_v other_o holy_a mystery_n in_o a_o orderly_a way_n even_o in_o lesser_a congregation_n yea_o to_o private_a family_n and_o single_a person_n episcopacy_n as_o occasion_n require_v which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o common_a and_o partly_o to_o manage_v that_o presidential_a power_n and_o episcopal_a authority_n over_o both_o presbyter_n and_o people_n unite_v in_o large_a combination_n and_o church_n as_o may_v best_o preserve_v the_o purity_n unity_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a religion_n in_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n also_o derive_v by_o way_n of_o right_a ordination_n after_o the_o pattern_n give_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n 1.5_o and_o other_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o authoritative_a ministry_n by_o such_o a_o eminent_a power_n of_o order_n as_o be_v special_o deliver_v to_o the_o chief_a apostle_n and_o by_o they_o to_o their_o principal_a successor_n as_o bishop_n in_o those_o great_a apostolical_a and_o complete_a church_n where_o as_o christian_n increase_v many_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n to_o be_v both_o counsellor_n and_o assistant_n to_o he_o in_o that_o evangelical_n work_n of_o teach_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n commit_v to_o he_o first_o as_o appoint_v immediate_o by_o the_o chief_a apostle_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o as_o choose_v by_o the_o survive_a presbyter_n in_o every_o precinct_n or_o diocese_n to_o succeed_v so_o far_o in_o that_o apostolical_a eminency_n and_o presidential_a authority_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o church_n constant_a order_n and_o good_a government_n according_a to_o that_o precedent_a charter_n and_o commission_n which_o all_o church_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o from_o christ_n not_o as_o a_o temporary_a ordinance_n but_o such_o as_o for_o the_o main_a end_n and_o method_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v continue_v till_o his_o come_n again_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o ordinary_a bishop_n who_o be_v a_o lesser_a or_o second_v sort_n of_o apostle_n in_o many_o thing_n short_a of_o their_o gift_n yet_o have_v the_o same_o ordinary_a power_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n to_o appoint_v they_o their_o office_n and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n ministry_n and_o to_o see_v they_o execute_v the_o same_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n to_o rebuke_v and_o reject_v they_o in_o case_n of_o fail_v and_o obstinacy_n as_o the_o church_n daily_o thus_o increase_v spread_v its_o bough_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a sea_n still_o its_o polity_n or_o government_n as_o the_o bark_n or_o rind_n of_o the_o tree_n enlarge_v with_o the_o body_n or_o bulk_n be_v most_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_v both_o of_o lesser_a and_o great_a branch_n to_o knit_v and_o bind_v all_o together_o to_o convey_v the_o sap_n and_o juice_n to_o every_o part_n and_o to_o the_o whole_a this_o once_o peel_v or_o break_v or_o cut_v wound_v the_o tree_n weaken_v and_o oft_o kill_v that_o part_n which_o be_v so_o injure_a tree_n may_v as_o well_o thrive_v without_o their_o bark_n and_o body_n live_v without_o their_o skin_n as_o church_n without_o settle_a and_o unite_a government_n therefore_o that_o all_o true_a christian_n may_v still_o keep_v a_o catholic_n correspondence_n subordination_n and_o holy_a communion_n between_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o branch_n or_o member_n they_o have_v not_o only_a deacon_n above_o the_o people_n but_o presbyter_n above_o deacon_n and_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n yea_o and_o as_o the_o border_n and_o number_n of_o the_o church_n so_o increase_v that_o not_o only_a presbyter_n but_o bishop_n grow_v many_o and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v into_o some_o method_n and_o order_n they_o have_v archbishop_n or_o metropolitan_n above_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o patriarch_n above_o archbishop_n or_o metropolitan_n and_o a_o general_a council_n above_o all_o thus_o still_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o centre_n of_o union_n and_o mutual_a intelligence_n so_o that_o first_o three_o afterward_o five_o patriarch_n have_v the_o general_a episcopacy_n superintendency_n and_o inspection_n over_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n nor_o be_v these_o bishop_n metropolitan_n and_o patriarch_n any_o ambitious_a affectation_n or_o forcible_a intrusion_n of_o pride_n or_o tyranny_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o wise_a and_o general_a consent_n on_o all_o side_n church_n christian_a bishop_n do_v so_o cast_v themselves_o into_o comely_a rank_n of_o subordination_n after_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n as_o might_n most_o suit_n to_o the_o good_a order_n correspondence_n and_o unanimity_n of_o all_o christian_n as_o but_o one_o church_n there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n of_o sore_a persecution_n no_o other_o motive_n to_o these_o eminent_a place_n and_o regular_a order_n in_o the_o church_n of_o bishop_n archbishop_n metropolitan_o primate_fw-la and_o patriarch_n but_o only_o those_o of_o labour_n and_o care_n of_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n which_o still_o press_v most_o upon_o the_o precedent_n and_o chief_a governor_n or_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o glorious_a mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o face_n hand_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o those_o venerable_a bishop_n 318_o which_o meet_v at_o the_o first_o great_a gaudy-day_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o all_o make_v but_o one_o episcopacy_n and_o be_v representer_n as_o well_o as_o precedent_n or_o ruler_n of_o but_o one_o catholic_n church_n after_o which_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o
of_o christ_n be_v ever_o esteem_v the_o fruit_n of_o 3.3_o carnal_a not_o christian_n mind_n of_o such_o as_o have_v more_o irenaeus_n subtlety_n than_o sanctity_n in_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n so_o their_o primitive_a successor_n ever_o look_v upon_o the_o mince_n and_o mangle_v of_o church_n as_o the_o reproach_n pest_n poison_n and_o deformity_n of_o religion_n be_v diametral_o opposite_a to_o those_o holy_a custom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o 52._o irenaeus_n tertullian_n cyprian_n and_o sixty_o year_n after_o he_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a so_o command_v and_o recommend_v as_o ancient_a primitive_a and_o apostolic_a for_o they_o be_v not_o such_o child_n as_o to_o fancy_v those_o to_o be_v ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v not_o old_a than_o their_o own_o beard_n or_o the_o gibeonite_n bread_n and_o bottle_n which_o a_o late_a writer_n of_o schism_n seem_v to_o suspect_v of_o those_o renown_a father_n who_o be_v not_o above_o three_o descent_n from_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n some_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a might_n very_o easy_o know_v irenaeus_n as_o catalogue_n he_o tell_v we_o he_o do_v papias_n and_o polycarpus_n who_o both_o know_v st._n john_n so_o that_o the_o tradition_n and_o custom_n so_o evident_a by_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n can_v neither_o be_v dark_a nor_o dubious_a nor_o just_o call_v ancient_n then_o if_o not_o primitive_a the_o great_a glory_n and_o most_o conspicuous_a character_n of_o the_o first_o famous_a church_n be_v as_o ignatius_n tell_v we_o for_o christian_n to_o love_v one_o another_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o heart_n for_o their_o lesser_a congregation_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o several_a presbyter_n or_o preacher_n for_o their_o people_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v meek_o subordinate_a to_o their_o respective_a bishop_n for_o their_o bishop_n to_o correspond_v with_o one_o another_o and_o all_o christian_n by_o they_o in_o their_o joint_a council_n and_o public_a convention_n 3.1_o also_o by_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d commendatory_a letter_n and_o testimonial_n which_o present_o admit_v every_o good_a christian_n to_o communion_n with_o any_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n or_o any_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o testimony_n and_o account_n of_o their_o baptismal_a covenant_n and_o orderly_a conversation_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o that_o one_o hope_n or_o common_a salvation_n 3_o by_o which_o they_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o one_o body_n 4.4_o and_o to_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o it_o without_o any_o new_a imposition_n or_o exaction_n of_o any_o other_o explicit_a covenant_n and_o formal_a profession_n or_o private_a engagement_n to_o any_o one_o congregation_n or_o preacher_n which_o must_v be_v renew_v so_o oft_o as_o a_o christian_a change_v his_o abode_n and_o may_v for_o aught_o i_o see_v as_o well_o be_v require_v by_o every_o private_a family_n before_o they_o will_v pray_v or_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o any_o stranger-christian_a as_o by_o every_o particular_a congregation_n which_o list_v to_o call_v itself_o a_o church_n and_o so_o fancy_n itself_o to_o be_v absolute_a sovereign_a independent_a without_o any_o communion_n with_o or_o subordination_n to_o those_o great_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n which_o in_o the_o primitive_a style_n and_o esteem_n be_v call_v and_o count_v the_o only_a regular_a politic_a organise_v and_o complete_v church_n the_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n of_o who_o communion_n every_o christian_a be_v in_o charity_n presume_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o allow_v to_o enjoy_v who_o have_v be_v due_o baptize_v instruct_v and_o confirm_v in_o christian_a mystery_n do_v continue_v to_o profess_v the_o same_o by_o word_n and_o deed_n neither_o just_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v orderly_o join_v nor_o excommunicate_v himself_o by_o voluntary_a schism_n declare_v abscession_n separation_n or_o apostasy_n to_o such_o christian_n as_o thus_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o keep_v that_o comely_a order_n communion_n and_o subordination_n which_o be_v public_o profess_v and_o maintain_v in_o their_o respective_a national_a church_n and_o the_o several_a part_n &_o lesser_a congregation_n contain_v in_o they_o to_o which_o private_a christian_n be_v more_o immediate_o for_o order_v sake_n relate_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o just_a right_n and_o claim_n belong_v according_a to_o their_o several_a aptitude_n and_o capacity_n as_o young_a or_o elder_a catechise_v or_o full_a instruct_v novice_n or_o veterane_n and_o old_a disciple_n to_o partake_v in_o due_a order_n of_o any_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o catholic_n church_n as_o a_o mark_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o disciple_n nor_o can_v it_o seem_v less_o than_o a_o petulant_a and_o partial_a if_o not_o a_o proud_a schismatical_a and_o sacrilegious_a practice_n for_o any_o minister_n or_o people_n to_o deny_v or_o rob_v any_o such_o approve_a christian_a professor_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o partake_v such_o christian_a right_n as_o he_o due_o require_v mere_o because_o he_o will_v not_o gratify_v such_o a_o minister_n or_o such_o a_o little_a congregation_n in_o a_o new_a exotic_a way_n of_o body_v that_o be_v formal_o covenant_v &_o verbal_o engage_v with_o they_o &_o to_o they_o beyond_o the_o baptismal_a bond_n &_o vow_n thereby_o own_v first_o a_o great_a right_a and_o privilege_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o from_o such_o covenant_n with_o they_o than_o he_o have_v before_o as_o a_o christian_a baptize_v and_o in_o catholic_n communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n next_o he_o must_v own_v a_o absolute_a sovereign_a and_o entire_a church-power_n among_o they_o to_o the_o prejudice_n division_n and_o discard_n of_o those_o high_a relation_n by_o which_o he_o stand_v unite_v and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o high_a end_n and_o use_n under_o great_a notion_n and_o denomination_n as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v into_o several_a bound_n and_o order_n both_o for_o episcopal_a inspection_n and_o national_a correspondency_n or_o communion_n which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a virtue_n and_o more_o public_a concernment_n and_o benefit_n than_o that_o congregate_a or_o meet_v together_o 39_o which_o be_v only_o local_a and_o only_o follow_v the_o aptitude_n of_o a_o christian_n residency_n or_o particular_a station_n in_o one_o place_n undoubted_o the_o grand_a ecclesiastical_a relation_n and_o sacred_a general_a band_n of_o christianity_n in_o 6._o one_o body_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o lord_n and_o father_n of_o all_o etc._n etc._n be_v of_o a_o far_o high_a and_o noble_a nature_n than_o those_o which_o arise_v mere_o from_o cohabitation_n or_o personal_a convention_n which_o be_v very_o variable_a humane_a and_o uncertain_a whereas_o the_o other_o be_v fix_v divine_a and_o immutable_a except_o through_o man_n own_o default_n by_o infidelity_n apostasy_n and_o immorality_n christian_a people_n owe_v to_o their_o bishop_n or_o chief_a governor_n as_o subject_n do_v to_o their_o prince_n a_o duty_n of_o love_n 13.17_o reverence_n and_o subjection_n also_o of_o due_a acknowledgement_n and_o holy_a obedience_n although_o they_o never_o see_v their_o face_n nor_o meet_v they_o in_o any_o particular_a place_n as_o thousand_o of_o christian_n never_o do_v at_o all_o 20.38_o or_o not_o for_o a_o long_a time_n and_o never_o any_o more_o after_o the_o apostle_n s._n paul_n departure_n from_o they_o who_o yet_o be_v subject_n to_o his_o order_n and_o mandate_n instruction_n and_o tradition_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n declare_v by_o his_o own_o epistle_n or_o such_o other_o messenger_n and_o apostle_n bishop_n and_o governor_n who_o the_o apostle_n send_v to_o they_o and_o set_v over_o they_o as_o he_o do_v timothy_n among_o the_o ephesian_n titus_n among_o the_o cretan_n epaphroditus_n among_o the_o philippian_n archippus_n among_o the_o colossian_n 32._o these_o and_o such_o like_a with_o under_z and_o after_o the_o apostle_n as_o eminent_a pastor_n bishop_n and_o governor_n of_o such_o church_n and_o christian_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o one_o great_a city_n and_o its_o territory_n or_o province_n which_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v take_v care_n that_o every_o christian_a every_o congregation_n every_o presbyter_n or_o preacher_n in_o those_o precinct_n shall_v both_o do_v their_o duty_n 53._o keep_v their_o station_n preserve_v the_o private_a and_o public_a order_n and_o unity_n enjoy_v the_o privilege_n of_o safety_n peace_n and_o assistance_n as_o part_n or_o member_n of_o that_o polity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a body_n which_o still_o stand_v further_o relate_v and_o so_o be_v subordinate_a
wife_n man_n censure_n yet_o even_o for_o these_o chief_o it_o be_v that_o some_o subtle_a and_o silly_a people_n do_v most_o bitter_o inveigh_v against_o they_o and_o in_o they_o against_o this_o whole_a church_n and_o nation_n which_o must_v either_o be_v guilty_a with_o the_o clergy_n or_o the_o clergy_n must_v be_v free_a and_o unblameable_a with_o the_o parliament_n and_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o land_n who_o choose_v and_o by_o law_n impose_v such_o order_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o minister_n second_o for_o the_o clergy_n private_a fail_n and_o personal_a infirmity_n either_o immorall_a or_o indiscreet_a to_o which_o as_o frail_a man_n they_o may_v be_v subject_a in_o these_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o first_o accuser_n and_o severe_a censurer_n of_o themselves_o which_o ingenuity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o worst_a to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o best_a and_o to_o merit_v the_o pity_n as_o well_o as_o pardon_v of_o all_o charitable_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o stranger_n to_o their_o own_o excess_n or_o defect_n three_o beyond_o these_o which_o be_v but_o personal_a and_o occasional_a &_o so_o venial_a fail_n the_o clergy_n of_o england_n do_v defy_v and_o challenge_v their_o severe_a adversary_n to_o charge_n and_o convince_v any_o considerable_a number_n of_o they_o either_o in_o private_a party_n and_o convention_n or_o in_o more_o public_a synod_n and_o convocation_n of_o have_v at_o any_o time_n conspire_v to_o broach_v or_o abet_v any_o heresy_n or_o false_a doctrine_n any_o gross_a error_n schism_n or_o apostasy_n any_o immorality_n or_o exorbitancy_n contrary_a to_o truth_n faith_n and_o good_a manner_n that_o liberty_n which_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n conceive_v may_v honest_o be_v indulge_v to_o such_o people_n as_o be_v tire_v and_o exhaust_v with_o hard_a labour_n in_o the_o six_o day_n for_o their_o civil_a and_o sober_a recreation_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o christian_a sabbath_n thereby_o to_o counterpoise_v those_o jewish_a severity_n which_o they_o see_v some_o man_n begin_v to_o urge_v and_o obtrude_v upon_o christian_n both_o as_o to_o the_o change_n and_o rest_n of_o that_o day_n which_o quarrel_n be_v not_o yet_o dead_a in_o england_n this_z i_o be_o prone_a in_o charity_n to_o believe_v neither_o arise_v from_o any_o root_n of_o immorality_n in_o the_o adviser_n nor_o intend_v any_o fruit_n of_o impiety_n in_o the_o publisher_n who_o be_v not_o ignorant_a how_o far_o in_o such_o a_o toleration_n they_o do_v conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_v too_o of_o some_o foreign_a reform_a church_n and_o to_o the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o their_o reformation_n who_o neither_o do_v nor_o do_v even_o in_o geneva_n abhor_v avoid_v or_o forbid_v modest_a honest_a and_o seasonable_a recreation_n to_o servant_n and_o labour_a people_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n although_o for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o approve_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o homily_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o prayer_n that_o holy_a &_o strict_a observance_n general_o use_v by_o the_o most_o cautious_a christian_n in_o england_n which_o yet_o do_v allow_v such_o ingenuous_a relaxation_n of_o mind_n and_o motion_n on_o that_o day_n as_o be_v neither_o impious_a nor_o scanlous_a be_v at_o once_o far_o remove_v from_o judaic_a rigour_n and_o from_o heathenish_a riot_n which_o medium_n be_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_v too_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o of_o the_o clergy_n in_o england_n as_o to_o that_o one_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n or_o lord_n day_n which_o justin_n martyr_n call_v sunday_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o sharp_o object_v against_o some_o of_o they_o so_o then_o as_o to_o any_o real_a enormity_n of_o opinion_n or_o scandalous_a practice_n in_o religion_n the_o clergy_n of_o england_n take_v in_o their_o polity_n and_o integrality_n neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v guilty_a since_o the_o reformation_n either_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n or_o manner_n which_o justification_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noon-day_n light_n if_o not_o ourselves_o nor_o our_o homebred_a enemy_n but_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o or_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n may_v be_v our_o judge_n none_o but_o papist_n and_o separatist_n or_o anabaptist_n and_o schismatic_n have_v ever_o condemn_v or_o suspect_v the_o church_n or_o clergy_n of_o england_n of_o any_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n of_o any_o flaw_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o fraud_n in_o holy_a institution_n of_o any_o allow_a licentiousness_n in_o our_o conversation_n of_o any_o undecency_n in_o our_o devotion_n of_o any_o superstition_n in_o our_o religious_a administration_n in_o all_o which_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n word_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n through_o faith_n in_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n our_o only_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o church-discipline_n wherein_o some_o man_n be_v so_o clamorous_a and_o importune_a as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o health_n in_o this_o church_n because_o it_o do_v not_o take_v their_o physic_n which_o it_o need_v not_o as_o the_o law_n have_v not_o enjoin_v all_o those_o ancient_a severity_n and_o strictness_n of_o penance_n because_o neither_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o time_n nor_o man_n spirit_n will_v bear_v they_o so_o the_o wise_a bishop_n and_o discreet_a minister_n under_o they_o do_v so_o manage_v this_o point_n of_o church-discipline_n for_o many_o year_n by_o their_o care_n and_o vigilancy_n their_o good_a doctrine_n and_o exemplary_a life_n their_o fatherly_a monition_n and_o charitable_a correction_n as_o far_o as_o the_o law_n give_v they_o leave_v that_o they_o happy_o attain_v to_o the_o real_a use_n and_o best_a end_n of_o all_o church-discipline_n which_o be_v the_o church_n peace_n and_o preservation_n in_o purity_n and_o honour_n in_o sincerity_n and_o conspicuity_n of_o true_a religion_n who_o interest_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v carry_v high_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o discipline_n if_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n have_v be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o latitude_n of_o power_n as_o primitive_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n both_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v which_o the_o softness_n and_o delicacy_n of_o this_o age_n will_v hardly_o endure_v especial_o when_o once_o the_o passion_n novelty_n &_o ambition_n of_o man_n be_v carry_v on_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o reformation_n and_o new_a discipline_n in_o which_o some_o man_n resolve_v never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v till_o all_o thing_n fall_v under_o the_o tuition_n and_o gubernation_n of_o their_o own_o faction_n unless_o all_o church-power_n be_v in_o some_o man_n hand_n no_o church-government_n be_v worth_a a_o button_n not_o but_o that_o the_o remissness_n of_o some_o church-governors_n and_o the_o rigour_n of_o other_o according_a to_o their_o private_a temper_n judgement_n and_o passion_n may_v sometime_o by_o their_o excess_n or_o defect_n possible_o displease_v more_o calm_a and_o moderate_a man_n as_o warp_a too_o much_o on_o either_o hand_n from_o that_o medium_n and_o rectitude_n of_o charity_n discretion_n legality_n and_o constancy_n which_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n intend_v its_o constitution_n health_n and_o peace_n require_v especial_o in_o the_o peevishness_n and_o touchiness_n of_o those_o time_n when_o many_o philistine_n and_o dalilah_n lay_v in_o wait_n to_o betray_v and_o destroy_v the_o church_n of_o england_n yet_o amid_o these_o seem_a exorbitance_n of_o some_o churchman_n it_o may_v with_o truth_n be_v affirm_v and_o be_v by_o all_o experience_n confirm_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_a and_o reform_a religion_n for_o doctrine_n manner_n and_o government_n for_o piety_n charity_n and_o proficiency_n be_v far_o better_a both_o in_o england_n and_o in_o wales_n than_o it_o now_o be_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v under_o those_o sad_a effect_n to_o which_o some_o man_n fury_n faction_n and_o confusion_n seek_v to_o reduce_v this_o church_n so_o then_o the_o male-administrations_a true_o charge_v upon_o some_o church-governors_n heretofore_o have_v not_o so_o bad_a a_o influence_n upon_o this_o church_n and_o the_o reform_a religion_n as_o the_o late_a want_n of_o able_a and_o fit_a governor_n after_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o church-government_n have_v now_o produce_v every_o where_o for_o the_o defect_n and_o inordinacy_n of_o some_o private_a minister_n which_o can_v be_v no_o wonder_n where_o there_o be_v above_o ten_o thousand_o of_o they_o i_o neither_o approve_v nor_o patronize_v they_o in_o the_o least_o kind_n only_o i_o plead_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o function_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o this_o church_n constitution_n that_o a_o few_o minister_n fault_n ought_v not_o in_o
enemy_n rival_n and_o extirpater_n of_o the_o ancient_a clergy_n and_o ecclesiastic_a order_n in_o england_n can_v pretend_v the_o true_a minister_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o this_o christian_a and_o reform_a church_n do_v challenge_v use_v and_o maintain_v no_o other_o power_n privilege_n or_o authority_n ecclesiastical_a than_o what_o they_o have_v due_o and_o constant_o receive_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holy_a order_n from_o their_o predecessor_n hand_n who_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o very_a apostle_n day_n nor_o be_v they_o such_o monopolizer_n or_o appropriator_n of_o this_o power_n and_o office_n ministerial_a to_o their_o own_o person_n or_o to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v formal_a academic_n profess_a scholar_n and_o university_n graduate_n as_o not_o willing_o to_o admit_v into_o that_o holy_a order_n and_o fraternity_n by_o the_o right_n and_o catholic_n way_n of_o due_a ordination_n not_o only_o any_o worthy_a gentleman_n of_o competent_a part_n pious_a affection_n and_o orderly_a life_n who_o heart_n god_n shall_v move_v to_o so_o holy_a a_o ambition_n to_o desire_v so_o good_a a_o work_n but_o even_o those_o that_o be_v of_o plebeian_a proportion_n 3.1_o of_o mean_a part_n and_o less_o improve_v erudition_n provide_v they_o be_v find_v upon_o due_a trial_n to_o have_v acquire_v such_o competent_a ability_n by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o their_o private_a industry_n and_o studious_a piety_n as_o may_v render_v they_o meet_v for_o any_o place_n or_o work_v in_o christ_n husbandry_n 3.6_o where_o one_o may_v sow_v another_o may_v water_v a_o three_o may_v weed_v a_o four_o may_v fence_v the_o church_n and_o vineyard_n 5._o according_a to_o the_o several_a gift_n and_o dispensation_n minister_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o carry_v on_o not_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a rude_a and_o precarious_a usurpation_n and_o intrusion_n but_o in_o a_o authoritative_a orderly_a and_o decent_a derivation_n &_o succession_n for_o the_o honour_n profit_n &_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n certain_o no_o worthy_a minister_n or_o sober_a christian_a can_v so_o undervalue_v and_o debase_v those_o evangelicall_n office_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v exercise_v by_o his_o ordain_a minister_n as_o to_o think_v that_o every_o self-flatterer_n and_o obtruder_n be_v present_o to_o officiate_v without_o any_o due_a examination_n approbation_n and_o ordination_n from_o those_o with_o who_o that_o commission_n and_o power_n have_v be_v ever_o deposit_v in_o a_o regular_a and_o visible_a succession_n from_o christ_n the_o great_a exemplar_n or_o original_a 55._o which_o visible_a order_n mission_n and_o delegation_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o outward_a unity_n authority_n solemnity_n and_o majesty_n of_o christ_n militant_a church_n and_o ministry_n upon_o earth_n as_o the_o work_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n be_v for_o the_o inward_a operation_n and_o efficacy_n of_o true_a grace_n in_o man_n heart_n so_o that_o as_o no_o private_a and_o good_a christian_n have_v any_o cause_n to_o complain_v in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o in_o dispense_n of_o holy_a order_n or_o ministerial_a power_n act_v after_o the_o catholic_n pattern_n of_o primitive_a church_n no_o less_o than_o the_o particular_a constitution_n of_o this_o church_n allow_v by_o all_o estate_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n no_o more_o have_v any_o secular_a power_n or_o civil_a magisrate_n who_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v professor_n of_o true_a christian_a religion_n any_o cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o the_o ancient_a bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o shall_v they_o need_v either_o out_o of_o conscience_n or_o reason_n of_o state_n to_o pervert_v and_o innovate_v that_o pristine_a course_n and_o regular_a succession_n of_o ministerial_a authority_n yea_o as_o worthy_a christian_n and_o wise_a governor_n they_o ought_v both_o in_o piety_n and_o policy_n in_o honour_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v no_o less_o exact_a in_o preserve_v this_o sacred_a order_n and_o divine_a authority_n from_o alteration_n invasion_n and_o usurpation_n than_o they_o be_v for_o their_o own_o civil_a power_n and_o secular_a jurisdiction_n which_o the_o renown_a pattern_n of_o christian_a potentate_n constantine_n theodosius_n and_o other_o great_a and_o godly_a prince_n be_v so_o far_o from_o arrogate_a to_o their_o imperial_a power_n that_o they_o humble_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n high_o esteem_v and_o venerate_v that_o apostolic_a race_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o constant_a witness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n the_o celebrater_n of_o his_o mysterious_a suffering_n grace_n and_o glory_n the_o ministerial_a father_n and_o confirmer_n of_o christian_n faith_n as_o terrestrial_a angel_n as_o god_n gracious_a ambassador_n for_o pardon_n and_o peace_n as_o christ_n special_a commissioner_n appoint_v for_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o save_v man_n soul_n just_a and_o generous_a prince_n if_o they_o be_v true_o christian_a can_v be_v so_o partial_a as_o to_o forbid_v any_o man_n under_o the_o high●st_a pain_n and_o penalty_n of_o high_a treason_n and_o death_n itself_o to_o challenge_v to_o himself_o any_o part_n of_o their_o civil_a or_o military_a power_n without_o a_o due_a commission_n derive_v either_o from_o themselves_o immediate_o or_o from_o those_o to_o who_o they_o have_v depute_v power_n for_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o order_n they_o permit_v no_o man_n to_o violate_v or_o usurp_v however_o conceited_o or_o real_o able_a he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v to_o himself_o or_o other_o for_o the_o manage_n of_o such_o power_n and_o yet_o permit_v such_o person_n as_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n heady_a and_o high-minded_a insolent_a and_o disorderly_a to_o intrude_v themselves_o by_o a_o mere_a usurpation_n upon_o that_o sacred_a office_n authority_n and_o ministry_n which_o be_v christ_n without_o any_o due_a and_o solemn_a derivation_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o have_v ever_o be_v apostolic_a primitive_a catholic_n and_o only_o authentic_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n certain_o the_o rude_a innovation_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o this_o office_n and_o honour_n merit_v above_o any_o boldness_n as_o nilus_n in_o balsamon_n express_v it_o that_o black_a brand_n of_o the_o last_o and_o perilous_a time_n 1164._o when_o man_n shall_v be_v emphatical_o traitor_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o christ_n 3.4_o not_o only_o to_o common-weal_n but_o to_o church_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n not_o only_o natural_a and_o politic_a but_o also_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastic_a violate_v and_o betray_v not_o only_o the_o visible_a peace_n order_n uniformity_n and_o successive_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o invisible_a comfort_n quiet_a and_o grace_n of_o poor_a people_n soul_n who_o must_v needs_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n in_o a_o very_a sad_a and_o shameful_a case_n as_o to_o their_o religion_n where_o their_o spiritual_a leader_n and_o shepherd_n be_v usurper_n intruder_n clamberer_n not_o come_v into_o the_o sheep-fold_n by_o the_o door_n of_o right_a ordination_n 10.1_o but_o climb_v some_o other_o way_n as_o thief_n and_o robber_n when_o their_o titular_a and_o intrude_a pastor_n prove_v either_o grievous_a wolf_n or_o miserable_a ass_n 20.29_o as_o they_o common_o be_v find_v to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o admit_v by_o due_a ordination_n but_o crowd_n into_o the_o ministry_n by_o rude_a and_o novel_a obtrusion_n so_o domineer_a over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n over_o who_o not_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o ordinary_a derive_v power_n and_o authority_n 20.28_o but_o their_o own_o unruly_a spirit_n have_v make_v they_o not_o so_o much_o overseer_n of_o other_o as_o either_o stark_a blind_a or_o gross_o over-seen_a in_o themselves_o chap._n x._o the_o sense_n of_o this_o high_a treason_n against_o christ_n soul_n and_o of_o those_o sinful_a disorder_n which_o man_n bring_v on_o themselves_o &_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o their_o intrusion_n usurpation_n upon_o this_o ministerial_a power_n and_o office_n make_v i_o here_o serious_o suggest_v to_o you_o my_o honour_a and_o belove_a countryman_n this_o religious_a caution_n that_o it_o very_o much_o concern_v you_o for_o your_o own_o and_o your_o posterity_n soul_n good_a to_o be_v very_o wary_a not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o abuse_v by_o vulgar_a pretension_n of_o zeal_n and_o christian_a liberty_n in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o be_v vigilant_a with_o who_o you_o intrust_v as_o minister_n your_o own_o your_o child_n or_o any_o other_o people_n soul_n where_o you_o be_v patron_n of_o live_n and_o since_o your_o own_o prudent_a ability_n for_o learning_n piety_n and_o experience_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o not_o rash_o to_o adventure_v upon_o this_o
have_v much_o overbear_v of_o late_a year_n as_o by_o a_o new_a unwonted_a and_o ponderous_a bias_n the_o ancient_a noble_a genius_n and_o generous_a piety_n of_o this_o nation_n which_o be_v by_o no_o people_n under_o heaven_n heretofore_o exceed_v in_o its_o honourable_a munificence_n yea_o magnificence_n towards_o their_o god_n and_o saviour_n towards_o learned_a and_o religious_a man_n especial_o those_o who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v their_o teacher_n governor_n and_o guide_n to_o heaven_n no_o man_n have_v more_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n no_o man_n have_v more_o tranquillity_n and_o leisure_n to_o be_v good_a none_o have_v more_o mean_n and_o encouragement_n to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o live_v holy_o hospitable_o honourable_o no_o man_n have_v ability_n opportunity_n and_o heart_n to_o do_v more_o work_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n both_o to_o rich_a and_o poor_a great_a and_o small_a both_o transient_a and_o permanent_a occasional_a and_o monumental_a than_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n witness_v the_o several_a goodly_a foundation_n and_o liberal_a endowment_n which_o the_o ecclesiastic_n of_o england_n have_v either_o themselves_o erect_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o find_a and_o endow_v to_o god_n glory_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n but_o now_o alas_o as_o the_o estate_n of_o most_o minister_n be_v so_o small_a that_o they_o hardly_o reach_v to_o their_o own_o necessity_n so_o their_o influence_n upon_o other_o man_n estate_n and_o mind_n be_v almost_o as_o little_a they_o be_v despise_v by_o many_o value_v by_o few_o scarce_o love_v by_o any_o and_o honour_v almost_o by_o none_o they_o be_v all_o reduce_v to_o such_o a_o timorous_a sneak_v servile_a arbitrary_a dependent_a and_o plebeian_a proportion_n nothing_o grand_a conspicuous_a magnificent_a honourable_a or_o venerable_a be_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o especial_o as_o to_o vulgar_a eye_n and_o censure_n who_o be_v never_o too_o liberal_a of_o their_o courtesy_n civility_n and_o respect_n to_o minister_n much_o less_o when_o they_o find_v they_o at_o a_o low_a ebb_n as_o to_o the_o esteem_n of_o their_o better_n the_o rich_a the_o noble_a and_o the_o mighty_a for_o with_o common_a people_n learning_n wisdom_n and_o all_o intellectual_a excellency_n general_o signify_v little_a or_o nothing_o if_o they_o see_v nothing_o of_o power_n authority_n plenty_n splendour_n or_o eminency_n in_o man_n by_o which_o they_o either_o hope_v to_o be_v benefit_v or_o fear_v to_o be_v punish_v certain_o that_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o england_n be_v extreme_a out_o as_o to_o all_o politic_n who_o fancy_v that_o common_a people_n yea_o or_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o good-natured_a as_o to_o value_v they_o most_o for_o minister_n when_o they_o enjoy_v least_o as_o man_n angelic_a virtue_n do_v not_o weigh_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n balance_n as_o house_n land_n revenue_n preferment_n and_o honour_n do_v a_o golden_a calf_n easy_o tempt_v people_n to_o worship_v it_o while_o desolate_a and_o wooden_a virtue_n be_v despise_v yea_o they_o much_o mistake_v the_o interest_n of_o christian_a and_o reform_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o ministry_n in_o england_n who_o think_v it_o will_v turn_v to_o any_o account_n of_o honour_n and_o advancement_n of_o reformation_n 10.4_o to_o serve_v the_o clergy_n as_o hanun_n do_v david_n servant_n not_o only_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o upper_a garment_n and_o those_o comely_a ornament_n which_o become_v god_n ambassador_n but_o cut_v off_o their_o nether_a garment_n and_o necessary_a coat_n to_o such_o a_o curtail_v proportion_n as_o render_v they_o both_o ashamed_a of_o themselves_o and_o ridiculous_a to_o other_o the_o real_a impoverishing_n suffering_n and_o abasing_n of_o many_o minister_n have_v be_v very_o great_a in_o all_o bitter_a extremity_n nor_o be_v the_o fear_n terror_n or_o dejection_n of_o those_o few_o or_o small_a who_o have_v escape_v best_a who_o be_v still_o permit_v either_o by_o their_o gentle_a neighbour_n or_o the_o less_o severe_a lay-bishop_n of_o late_a inspection_n to_o earn_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n for_o even_o of_o these_o minister_n many_o of_o they_o dare_v scarce_o demand_v their_o wage_n when_o they_o have_v dear_o deserve_v it_o nor_o can_v they_o tell_v how_o with_o safety_n and_o peace_n to_o get_v it_o when_o they_o have_v hardly_o earn_v it_o so_o terrify_v and_o overawe_v so_o threaten_v and_o reproach_v be_v they_o some_o by_o peevish_a parishioner_n other_o by_o separate_a straggler_n and_o a_o three_o sort_n which_o be_v a_o very_a epidemical_a mischief_n by_o shark_v and_o shuffle_n dilatory_a and_o grumble_a paymaster_n who_o think_v they_o deal_v very_o bountiful_o with_o their_o minister_n if_o they_o pay_v they_o at_o the_o year_n end_n with_o some_o difficulty_n and_o many_o importunity_n which_o look_v very_o like_o pure_a beg_n after_o the_o rate_n of_o two_o shilling_n in_o the_o pound_n for_o their_o tithe_n when_o they_o be_v bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la worth_n four_o five_o or_o six_o shilling_n few_n yea_o very_o few_o as_o i_o say_v make_v it_o any_o point_n of_o conscience_n in_o law_n religion_n or_o gratitude_n to_o do_v justice_n to_o their_o minister_n so_o as_o their_o right_n be_v assign_v they_o by_o man_n law_n few_o scruple_n to_o rob_v deny_v shark_n detain_v and_o immodest_o to_o delay_v the_o payment_n of_o their_o due_n even_o according_a to_o their_o own_o agreement_n if_o the_o poor_a minister_n complain_v though_o never_o so_o soft_o and_o whisper_o if_o necessity_n so_o pinch_v he_o that_o he_o must_v either_o cry_v aloud_o or_o starve_v with_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n if_o he_o have_v so_o much_o spirit_n and_o courage_n as_o he_o dare_v roundly_o to_o demand_v or_o to_o urge_v the_o law_n in_o his_o behalf_n present_o he_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o menace_n of_o some_o proling_z sequestrator_n or_o some_o surly_a aproniere_n who_o be_v the_o fag-end_n or_o dregs_o of_o a_o countrey-committee_n and_o sour_v either_o with_o anabaptisticall_a leven_a or_o other_o factious_a principle_n think_v he_o do_v god_n good_a service_n to_o threaten_v to_o terrify_v to_o torment_v to_o rout_n to_o undo_v such_o a_o quarrelsome_a minister_n who_o dare_v thus_o far_o to_o own_v himself_o his_o call_z his_o condition_n and_o his_o right_n by_o law_n especial_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o the_o episcopal_a judgement_n a_o lover_n and_o honourer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o have_v a_o live_a worth_n the_o lose_n o_o what_o art_n and_o policy_n what_o wind_a and_o shift_n what_o complying_n and_o cringing_n must_v this_o poor_a perplex_a minister_n use_v to_o fence_v himself_o against_o the_o crafty_a agitation_n of_o his_o spiteful_a neighbour_n and_o those_o pragmatic_n piece_n who_o in_o every_o corner_n do_v hover_v over_o the_o head_n of_o minister_n as_o kite_n do_v over_o pigeon_n how_o many_o time_n have_v minister_n be_v affront_v public_o even_o in_o their_o church_n amid_o divine_a office_n and_o have_v be_v much_o more_o even_o to_o the_o outrage_a of_o their_o person_n if_o either_o the_o piety_n or_o the_o policy_n of_o those_o in_o power_n have_v not_o intervene_v and_o in_o time_n repress_v this_o intolerable_a insolency_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o never_o indulge_v never_o connive_v at_o in_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n that_o own_v any_o public_a veneration_n service_n or_o religion_n to_o their_o god_n if_o some_o stop_n and_o restraint_n have_v not_o for_o shame_v be_v give_v to_o these_o profane_a enormity_n certain_o by_o this_o time_n no_o true_a or_o worthy_a minister_n shall_v have_v open_v his_o mouth_n in_o public_a but_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v smite_v on_o the_o mouth_n as_o ananias_n command_v they_o to_o use_v st._n 2_o paul_n by_o some_o of_o those_o rude_a and_o facinorous_a assassinate_v who_o design_n be_v to_o silence_n and_o extirpate_v all_o the_o reform_a orthodox_n and_o orderly_a clergy_n of_o england_n not_o only_o bishop_n as_o the_o apostolic_a root_n but_o even_o all_o sober_a presbyter_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o ecclesiastic_a ordination_n for_o beside_o the_o private_a scorn_n and_o contest_v no_o less_o than_o public_a affront_n which_o minister_n have_v personal_o sustain_v their_o enemy_n have_v proceed_v many_o time_n to_o give_v even_o public_a alarm_n to_o all_o the_o tribe_n &_o function_n by_o rude_a pamphlet_n bitter_a libel_n and_o insolent_a petition_n importune_v a_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o call_v ordination_n and_o succession_n 3._o such_o as_o haman_n design_v against_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n together_o with_o a_o total_a alienation_n or_o confiscation_n of_o all_o the_o settle_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n by_o glebe_n and_o tithe_n at_o which_o morsel_n some_o man_n mouth_n have_v a_o long_a time_n
and_o employ_v those_o advantage_n of_o estate_n and_o honour_n which_o they_o lawful_o enjoy_v as_o any_o of_o those_o be_v like_a to_o do_v who_o will_v by_o force_n or_o under_o specious_a pretension_n deprive_v they_o of_o those_o enjoyment_n who_o can_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o such_o person_n of_o eminency_n with_o all_o their_o relation_n friend_n clientels_n and_o dependence_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o come_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o rifle_a reformer_n such_o mad_a shaver_n of_o religion_n who_o design_v not_o only_o to_o cut_v off_o some_o part_n of_o the_o long_a lock_n and_o overgrow_a hair_n of_o churchman_n i_o mean_v the_o riot_n and_o luxuriancy_n of_o their_o manner_n which_o be_v the_o real_a deformity_n of_o any_o christian_a much_o more_o of_o any_o clergyman_n but_o they_o intend_v to_o treat_v they_o as_o hanun_n do_v david_n messenger_n or_o as_o the_o philistine_n do_v samson_n shave_v they_o so_o bare_a and_o close_o make_v they_o so_o curtail_v and_o crop_v that_o all_o their_o strength_n beauty_n esteem_n and_o honour_n shall_v depart_v from_o they_o not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o people_n of_o better_a quality_n but_o even_o before_o the_o very_a abject_n of_o the_o people_n who_o may_v afterward_o safe_o contemn_v and_o scorn_v they_o as_o person_n unable_a to_o do_v they_o good_a or_o hurt_n who_o see_v not_o that_o some_o man_n cruel_a severity_n and_o rude_a reforming_n if_o they_o have_v their_o will_n be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o wool_n and_o fleece_n of_o churchman_n but_o they_o study_v to_o flay_v off_o their_o very_a skin_n they_o gape_v like_o the_o pit_n and_o enlarge_v their_o mouth_n like_o hell_n while_o any_o estate_n be_v yet_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o goodly_a manor_n and_o fair_a house_n which_o have_v proper_o belong_v many_o hundred_o year_n to_o churchman_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o glebe_n tithe_n yea_o the_o material_a church_n and_o chapel_n must_v all_o go_v down_o the_o unsatiable_a gulf_n the_o sacrilegious_a gules_a of_o some_o lack-latine_a reformer_n nothing_o ample_a or_o settle_a must_v be_v leave_v to_o any_o minister_n either_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n be_v they_o never_o so_o sound_a in_o doctrine_n exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n of_o excellent_a ability_n and_o charitable_a spirit_n as_o many_o be_v heretofore_o and_o still_o be_v in_o england_n the_o greedy_a godliness_n of_o some_o reformer_n will_v have_v all_o preacher_n such_o spiritual_a person_n as_o shall_v like_o chameleon_n live_v only_o upon_o the_o air_n their_o own_o and_o the_o popular_a breath_n with_o little_a or_o no_o corporal_a sustenance_n urge_v much_o that_o primitive_a poverty_n which_o arm_v with_o the_o conspicuity_n of_o miracle_n and_o attend_v with_o primitive_a charity_n in_o christian_a people_n be_v no_o diminution_n but_o advantage_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o then_o live_v among_o believer_n of_o so_o generous_a liberality_n &_o grateful_a beneficence_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cream_n and_o flower_n of_o christianity_n esteem_v their_o preacher_n dear_a than_o their_o right_a eye_n but_o we_o alas_o be_v fall_v among_o unsatiable_a leech_n &_o tenacious_a vulture_n in_o a_o age_n ingenious_o wicked_a to_o mock_v god_n to_o rob_v the_o church_n to_o deceive_v and_o damn_v their_o own_o with_o other_o soul_n full_a of_o the_o dregs_o of_o hypocritical_a cruelty_n &_o covetous_a formality_n which_o love_v the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o those_o in_o former_a time_n do_v the_o good_a of_o it_o when_o by_o their_o munificent_a bounty_n christian_a prince_n nobility_n and_o gentry_n bestow_v those_o many_o ample_a and_o honourable_a endowment_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o minister_n in_o all_o country_n where_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n be_v peaceable_a and_o plentiful_a which_o gift_n now_o be_v the_o great_a bait_n of_o some_o sacrilegious_a reformer_n who_o to_o be_v sure_a love_n the_o world_n themselves_o and_o their_o mammon_n very_o well_o how_o they_o love_v god_n and_o christ_n the_o church_n and_o the_o clergy_n i_o list_v not_o to_o judge_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v know_v by_o their_o good_a work_n by_o the_o great_a thing_n they_o have_v either_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o religion_n by_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n they_o have_v be_v at_o from_o their_o private_a purse_n to_o make_v a_o gainful_a reformation_n by_o that_o zeal_n they_o have_v to_o eat_v up_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o way_n that_o may_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o be_v sure_a and_o next_o get_v they_o some_o good_a booty_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o church_n while_o any_o be_v to_o be_v have_v i_o therefore_o appeal_v to_o all_o man_n of_o any_o equitable_a honest_a or_o ingenuous_a sense_n be_v it_o expectable_a that_o person_n of_o so_o much_o learning_n reason_n prudence_n and_o experience_n as_o the_o roman_a clergy_n general_o be_v shall_v ever_o think_v of_o approve_v much_o less_o of_o embrace_v such_o a_o reformation_n which_o beside_o other_o foul_a spot_n cast_v by_o some_o upon_o it_o unsuitable_a to_o any_o thing_n of_o true_a religion_n evident_o threaten_v the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o livelihood_n yea_o of_o their_o very_a order_n and_o function_n will_v any_o sober_a papist_n wash_v in_o this_o jordan_n in_o order_n to_o be_v clean_o which_o he_o see_v not_o only_o so_o trouble_v and_o tumultuary_a but_o so_o violent_a and_o excessive_a that_o like_o a_o rapid_a torrent_n it_o overflow_v all_o bank_n of_o modesty_n moderation_n equity_n and_o charity_n carry_v down_o all_o before_o it_o and_o overwhelm_v at_o once_o both_o church_n and_o churchman_n it_o hurry_v they_o away_o without_o ever_o hear_v they_o plead_v for_o themselves_o into_o the_o gulf_n and_o precipice_n of_o poverty_n and_o baseness_n of_o dishonour_n and_o contempt_n of_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n what_o grave_n and_o well-advised_a romanist_n will_v not_o be_v much_o upon_o the_o reserve_n as_o to_o any_o thought_n of_o reformation_n when_o they_o see_v that_o under_o that_o colour_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v undo_v they_o must_v lose_v all_o those_o personal_a acquisition_n and_o honorary_a enjoyment_n which_o they_o have_v obtain_v by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o law_n of_o any_o christian_a nation_n by_o the_o proportion_n of_o equity_n and_o gratitude_n by_o the_o indulgence_n of_o god_n &_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n yea_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o admit_v of_o all_o real_a reformation_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n yet_o still_o they_o must_v by_o a_o pious_a stupidity_n and_o asinine_a sanctity_n consent_v to_o have_v themselves_o and_o their_o whole_a order_n deprive_v of_o all_o those_o necessary_a support_v comely_a ornament_n and_o just_a honour_n which_o be_v most_o fit_v for_o the_o christian_n god_n and_o saviour_n for_o christian_a church_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n all_o these_o must_v be_v waste_v alienate_v and_o embezelled_a from_o god_n his_o church_n and_o his_o minister_n in_o order_n to_o gratify_v either_o the_o exorbitant_a luxury_n of_o some_o riotous_a prince_n or_o the_o more_o thrifty_a covetousness_n of_o some_o state_n and_o commonwealth_n or_o the_o ever-craving_a and_o envious_a necessity_n of_o some_o private_a mean-spirited_n people_n till_o they_o see_v deformity_n beggary_n contempt_n confusion_n and_o all_o irreligion_n dance_v like_a satyr_n and_o evil_a spirit_n among_o the_o ruin_n of_o religion_n and_o amid_o the_o desolation_n not_o of_o the_o pomp_n so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o very_a power_n and_o profession_n of_o true_a christianity_n church_n which_o dreadful_a effect_n must_v needs_o be_v much_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o every_o pious_a and_o prudent_a man_n who_o see_v by_o evident_a experience_n what_o some_o man_n reformation_n do_v mean_a when_o they_o not_o only_o grudge_v at_o all_o settle_a just_a and_o honourable_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n which_o they_o will_v fain_o swallow_v up_o and_o divert_v another_o way_n but_o they_o be_v further_o as_o studious_a to_o demolish_v and_o devour_v as_o ever_o their_o forefather_n be_v to_o build_v even_o those_o public_a monument_n of_o pristine_a devotion_n gratitude_n and_o magnificence_n which_o become_v christian_n above_o all_o man_n to_o their_o bountiful_a god_n and_o bless_a saviour_n even_o those_o goodly_a cathedral_n and_o other_o material_a church_n which_o never_o cost_v their_o defacer_n one_o penny_n to_o build_v or_o repair_v they_o these_o must_v if_o some_o man_n may_v have_v their_o will_n and_o they_o have_v have_v it_o god_n know_v too_o much_o be_v so_o rob_v of_o all_o their_o great_a endowment_n and_o ancient_a revenue_n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v leave_v so_o much_o as_o to_o repair_v they_o or_o keep_v they_o up_o
for_o reformation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n no_o more_o than_o the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o sole_a sovereign_a and_o absolute_a presbytery_n a_o novelty_n in_o any_o other_o reform_a church_n who_o necessity_n rather_o than_o choice_n drive_v they_o upon_o it_o but_o in_o england_n it_o seem_v a_o mere_a insolency_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o now_o to_o be_v see_v flourish_v with_o the_o scotch_a sword_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o other_o how_o be_v it_o heighten_v by_o the_o name_n and_o reputation_n of_o parliament_n how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v christen_v and_o adopt_v to_o christ_n in_o england_n by_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n who_o be_v indeed_o rather_o the_o gossip_n and_o witness_n than_o the_o father_n or_o begetter_n of_o this_o alien_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o scotch_a runt_n than_o of_o true_a english_a breed_n for_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o new_a patron_n and_o godfather_n of_o presbytery_n both_o gentleman_n and_o clergyman_n have_v former_o swear_v to_o or_o subscribe_v or_o assert_v or_o at_o least_o cheerful_o submit_v to_o the_o ancient_a legal_a and_o episcopal_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o which_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o passionate_o warp_a and_o partial_o incline_v to_o presbytery_n that_o although_o myself_o be_v by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o sleight_n of_o hand_n shuffle_v out_o of_o that_o assembly_n to_o which_o i_o be_v as_o full_o choose_v as_o any_o and_o never_o give_v any_o refusal_n to_o sit_v with_o they_o further_o than_o my_o judgement_n be_v sufficient_o declare_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o first_o sit_v of_o the_o parliament_n to_o be_v for_o the_o ancient_a and_o catholic_n episcopacy_n yet_o the_o zeal_n of_o some_o man_n to_o put_v presbytery_n into_o its_o throne_n and_o exercise_n be_v such_o that_o i_o be_v twice_o send_v to_o by_o some_o member_n of_o both_o house_n and_o summon_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o county_n where_o i_o live_v to_o preach_v at_o the_o consecration_n and_o installing_n of_o this_o many_o head_a bishop_n the_o new_a presbytery_n which_o work_n i_o twice_o and_o so_o ever_o humble_o refuse_v to_o do_v as_o not_o have_v so_o study_v its_o genealogy_n and_o descent_n as_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o legitimation_n right_a and_o title_n of_o sole_a presbytery_n to_o succeed_v nay_o to_o remove_v its_o ancient_a father_n episcopacy_n not_o as_o then_o quite_o dead_a nor_o i_o think_v full_o depose_v yet_o such_o be_v the_o double_a diligence_n then_o of_o many_o english_a divine_n man_n otherwise_o of_o useful_a ability_n that_o they_o do_v as_o officious_o attend_v on_o the_o scotch_a commissioner_n to_o set_v up_o presbytery_n and_o to_o destroy_v episcopacy_n as_o the_o maid_n be_v wont_n in_o picture_n to_o wait_v on_o judith_n w●th_v a_o bag_n for_o holofernes_n his_o head_n beside_o this_o presbytery_n have_v then_o fortify_v itself_o with_o a_o special_a piece_n of_o policy_n in_o order_n to_o its_o prevalency_n and_o perpetuity_n which_o be_v to_o engage_v the_o better_a sort_n of_o common_a people_n or_o the_o master_n of_o every_o parish_n and_o so_o in_o effect_n the_o whole_a populacy_n to_o that_o party_n by_o indulge_v they_o as_o mr._n calvin_n do_v in_o geneva_n a_o formal_a or_o titular_a share_n of_o consistorian_n or_o ecclesiastical_a power_n under_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o rule_v elder_n on_o who_o as_o on_o less_o comely_a member_n they_o be_v please_v to_o bestow_v more_o abundant_a honour_n at_o least_o in_o word_n for_o few_o of_o they_o can_v real_o be_v fit_a for_o or_o ever_o capable_a to_o use_v any_o actual_a authority_n beyond_o that_o of_o sides-man_n constable_n churchwarden_n or_o overseer_n for_o the_o poor_a yet_o must_v the_o divine_a authority_n even_o of_o these_o pillar_n to_o presbytery_n be_v set_v up_o though_o it_o stand_v but_o on_o tiptoe_n and_o as_o it_o be_v upon_o one_o leg_n favour_v but_o by_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o not_o one_o example_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o all_o antiquity_n for_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o more_o as_o learned_a mr._n chibald_n prove_v in_o that_o excellent_a work_n of_o he_o which_o be_v very_o seasonable_o for_o the_o design_n but_o not_o very_o honest_o embezzle_v by_o some_o fast_a friend_n to_o presbytery_n as_o i_o have_v other_o where_o complain_v how_o loath_a be_v many_o man_n as_o they_o still_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o the_o apostle_n st._n 5.17_o paul_n in_o that_o single_a place_n can_v not_o according_a to_o that_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n which_o appear_v in_o all_o his_o write_n there_o institute_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o elder_n but_o he_o only_o note_v those_o different_a degree_n of_o ability_n industry_n and_o merit_n which_o may_v be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o order_n some_o be_v as_o preacher_n and_o bishop_n pastor_n and_o ruler_n fix_v to_o particular_a charge_n and_o congregation_n other_o with_o great_a zeal_n pain_n and_o hazard_n follow_v near_o the_o apostle_n step_n in_o water_v what_o they_o have_v but_o new_o plant_v among_o the_o first_o convert_v nation_n yea_o and_o in_o further_a new_o plant_v the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n in_o those_o time_n the_o apostle_n too_o well_o understand_v the_o proportion_n of_o justice_n and_o remuneration_n to_o give_v the_o same_o double_a honour_n that_o be_v equal_a maintenance_n and_o reverence_n from_o the_o church_n to_o those_o who_o pain_n in_o they_o must_v be_v so_o vast_o different_a as_o well_o as_o their_o ability_n the_o work_n of_o their_o suppose_a rule_v but_o not_o preach_v elder_n be_v no_o way_n comparable_a in_o reason_n or_o religion_n to_o the_o work_n and_o worth_n of_o those_o that_o due_o preach_v and_o plant_v the_o gospel_n the_o roll_a part_n as_o it_o be_v assign_v they_o by_o these_o new_a divider_n of_o church-government_n be_v such_o as_o require_v no_o great_a time_n or_o pain_n nor_o great_a ability_n which_o if_o require_v can_v not_o easy_o be_v have_v in_o most_o country-congregation_n much_o less_o in_o primitive_a time_n among_o the_o poor_a and_o for_o most_o part_n plebeian_n christians_o beside_o the_o office_n do_v so_o much_o gratify_v most_o layman_n small_a ambition_n to_o be_v in_o office_n and_o so_o little_a hinder_v their_o other_o trade_n that_o they_o can_v be_v think_v to_o deserve_v any_o great_a reward_n much_o less_o double_a that_o be_v equal_a honour_n to_o he_o that_o expend_v most_o of_o his_o time_n spirit_n and_o talent_n in_o prepare_v and_o employ_v himself_o for_o the_o preach_a ministry_n which_o will_v constant_o exercise_v the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o ability_n if_o these_o rule_v elder_n must_v have_v equal_a honour_n as_o to_o maintenance_n with_o preacher_n the_o church_n be_v undo_v for_o it_o can_v afford_v it_o if_o preacher_n must_v have_v no_o more_o maintenance_n or_o respect_n than_o these_o lay-elder_n will_v deserve_v preaching-elders_a or_o minister_n be_v undo_v for_o they_o must_v either_o starve_v or_o tack_v other_o calling_n to_o the_o ministry_n to_o patch_v up_o a_o livelihood_n what_o be_v further_o bring_v from_o help_n and_o government_n 12.28_o to_o help_v preach_v elder_n to_o the_o government_n in_o common_a and_o rustic_a or_o lay-elder_n to_o a_o share_n with_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v as_o little_a force_n to_o convince_v any_o sober_a man_n judgement_n or_o persuade_v their_o conscience_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o novelty_n of_o they_o as_o that_o argument_n use_v by_o a_o good_a old_a woman_n have_v to_o confute_v they_o who_o be_v urge_v by_o a_o young_a presbyter_n for_o the_o better_a countenance_v of_o his_o authority_n to_o submit_v herself_o to_o the_o examination_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o these_o elder_n which_o be_v news_n to_o she_o she_o reply_v rather_o very_o resolute_o than_o rational_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n she_o will_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o because_o she_o have_v both_o hear_v and_o read_v that_o elder_n be_v apocryphal_a and_o will_v have_v ravish_v susanna_n but_o in_o earnest_n these_o rule_v elder_n be_v in_o prudence_n not_o in_o conscience_n in_o reason_n of_o state_n not_o of_o religion_n in_o policy_n not_o piety_n first_o add_v to_o the_o consistory_n at_o geneva_n mere_o to_o appease_v and_o please_v the_o unsettle_a people_n who_o have_v tumultuary_o drive_v out_o their_o bishop_n and_o prince_n now_o upon_o the_o essay_n or_o new_a modelling_n of_o church_n and_o state_n will_v not_o be_v quiet_a till_o calvin_n allow_v they_o some_o that_o may_v seem_v tribune_n of_o the_o people_n in_o court_n ecclesiastic_a as_o well_o as_o civil_a it_o be_v true_a lay-elder_n have_v be_v continue_v and_o use_v there_o and_o other_z where_o after_o that_o
dispenser_n of_o it_o be_v not_o wise_o unite_v not_o only_o in_o their_o doctrine_n but_o in_o the_o derivation_n and_o reception_n as_o well_o as_o dispensation_n of_o that_o holy_a authority_n by_o which_o they_o officiate_v for_o otherwise_o one_o minister_n be_v prone_a to_o magnify_v himself_o against_o all_o other_o of_o any_o other_o make_v &_o mould_n to_o disparage_v all_o that_o be_v do_v by_o other_o as_o sacred_a to_o draw_v disciple_n from_o one_o side_n to_o another_o persuade_v people_n according_a to_o the_o feud_n which_o be_v between_o the_o samaritan_n jew_n and_o priest_n of_o that_o temple_n against_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n that_o what_o be_v do_v in_o holy_a duty_n by_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o his_o stamp_n &_o form_n be_v unauthoritative_a presumptuous_a invalid_a mere_a nullity_n and_o profanation_n of_o holy_a mystery_n without_o spirit_n life_n power_n or_o efficacy_n a_o histrionick_a pageantry_n of_o preach_v pray_v baptise_v consecrate_v celebrate_v censure_v bind_v absolve_a terrify_a comfort_a as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o indeed_o there_o be_v either_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n but_o a_o new_a one_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o false_a one_o either_o usurp_v or_o obtrude_v or_o pretend_v by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o to_o show_v for_o their_o commission_n order_n and_o derivation_n of_o such_o spiritual_a power_n either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o constant_a practice_n or_o the_o catholic_n custom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n thus_o everlasting_a feud_n distance_n and_o defiance_n will_v follow_v among_o people_n and_o pastor_n where_o a_o harmony_n be_v not_o in_o this_o main_a point_n of_o ordination_n or_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o certain_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o effect_v if_o minister_n will_v so_o far_o agree_v by_o a_o episcopal_a subordination_n in_o a_o uniformity_n of_o ordination_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a ministration_n as_o no_o minister_n or_o people_n just_a claim_n and_o interest_n shall_v be_v either_o neglect_v exclude_v or_o oppress_v 1._o first_o the_o right_n of_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v ordain_v a_o minister_n but_o in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a convention_n of_o the_o diocese_n 68_o after_o public_a notice_n give_v of_o his_o name_n and_o demand_v what_o any_o can_v say_v against_o his_o be_v ordain_v in_o like_a manner_n no_o minister_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o people_n by_o patron_n or_o bishop_n without_o hear_v what_o they_o have_v to_o object_v against_o he_o and_o rational_a satisfaction_n give_v to_o they_o which_o be_v require_v in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n 2._o next_o the_o right_n of_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n until_o he_o have_v pass_v the_o orderly_a trial_n as_o of_o the_o bishop_n so_o of_o any_o minister_n that_o list_v to_o examine_v his_o sufficiency_n or_o his_o manner_n and_o life_n after_o which_o do_v presbyter_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v present_a at_o the_o solemnity_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v but_o such_o as_o can_v convenient_o of_o the_o elder_a and_o grave_a minister_n may_v lay_v their_o hand_n with_o the_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n upon_o the_o ordain_v both_o in_o their_o own_o and_o other_o behalf_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o a_o joint_a consent_n on_o all_o side_n to_o his_o ordination_n 3._o last_o of_o all_o the_o right_n and_o claim_n of_o episcopacy_n or_o bishop_n will_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v and_o very_o compliant_a with_o the_o other_o of_o presbyter_n and_o people_n if_o no_o ordination_n may_v pass_v without_o either_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o precedent_n or_o of_o such_o a_o presbyter_n as_o in_o the_o bishop_n necessary_a absence_n shall_v be_v his_o suffragan_n or_o vicegerent_n nominate_v by_o he_o and_o allow_v by_o that_o presbytery_n over_o who_o the_o bishop_n preside_v this_o method_n and_o moderation_n will_v as_o i_o humble_o conceive_v both_o complete_a and_o settle_v in_o all_o sober_a man_n judgement_n the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o just_a demand_n or_o ingenuous_a pretension_n it_o will_v powerful_o and_o happy_o unite_v both_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o people_n as_o answer_v all_o the_o claim_v and_o expectation_n considerable_a of_o episcopal_a presbyterian_a and_o independent_a party_n as_o to_o the_o main_a point_n of_o unanimous_a and_o uniform_a ministry_n among_o who_o a_o like_a correspondency_n will_v easy_o if_o wise_o and_o meek_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n of_o public_a concernment_n for_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n censure_n appeal_v admission_n abstention_n excommunication_n absolution_n synodal_n convention_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o great_a a_o harmony_n honour_n and_o happiness_n will_v hence_o arise_v to_o the_o infinite_a content_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o unspeakable_a quiet_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o poor_a soul_n who_o be_v now_o agitate_a with_o infinite_a scruple_n fear_n anger_n be_v jealousy_n and_o despite_n in_o religion_n according_a as_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o exasperate_v in_o their_o first_o entrance_n or_o beginning_n all_o these_o will_v peaceable_o and_o comfortable_o apply_v by_o god_n help_n and_o minister_n harmony_n to_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o truth_n and_o love_n to_o lead_v holy_a and_o orderly_a life_n to_o hear_v with_o diligence_n and_o reverence_n to_o receive_v with_o frequency_n and_o charity_n to_o pray_v with_o understanding_n and_o fervency_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n with_o meekness_n and_o wisdom_n last_o to_o die_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o bless_a hope_n of_o further_a enjoy_n that_o christian_a and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o god_n with_o christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a servant_n saint_n and_o angel_n in_o a_o other_o life_n of_o which_o he_o have_v have_v so_o bless_v experience_n and_o please_v a_o fore-taste_a even_o in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o only_a heaven_n a_o good_a christian_a can_v have_v consist_v in_o the_o happy_a communion_n he_o have_v with_o god_n and_o good_a christian_n without_o which_o all_o society_n be_v but_o solitude_n or_o worse_a a_o harmony_n no_o better_o than_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o hell_n which_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n in_o sin_n and_o conjunction_n in_o misery_n this_o holy_a communion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o divine_a and_o joyful_a even_o in_o this_o world_n by_o how_o much_o it_o enlarge_v itself_o to_o great_a number_n and_o extention_n true_a christian_a love_n be_v loath_a to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n than_o the_o christian_a and_o catholic_n faith_n be_v but_o covet_v as_o light_n and_o heat_n most_o ample_a dilatation_n and_o catholic_n diffusion_n seek_v if_o possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o it_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n and_o cheerful_o with_o all_o that_o be_v of_o christ_n family_n or_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a peaceful_a method_n of_o prudence_n and_o love_n of_o moderation_n and_o mutual_a condescension_n among_o minister_n without_o further_a dispute_v or_o urge_v any_o of_o their_o former_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o differ_v much_o less_o cast_v any_o further_a reproach_n upon_o each_o other_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o they_o may_v all_o meet_v in_o a_o happy_a union_n and_o accord_n in_o church-government_n according_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o religion_n of_o piety_n and_o polity_n of_o scripture-canon_n and_o catholic_n custom_n in_o which_o all_o sober_a minister_n must_v necessary_o agree_v as_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n the_o sure_a method_n of_o holy_a order_n and_o the_o firm_a bond_n of_o christian_a communion_n to_o which_o main_a end_n as_o all_o good_a christian_n shall_v chief_o bend_v all_o their_o counsel_n prayer_n and_o endeavour_n so_o i_o do_v not_o conceive_v they_o be_v so_o strict_o confine_v and_o limit_v by_o any_o precise_a rule_n or_o form_n of_o any_o extern_a polity_n and_o order_n but_o they_o may_v as_o occasion_n require_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o edification_n of_o christian_n in_o love_n use_v such_o a_o liberty_n in_o their_o mutual_a condescending_n and_o compliance_n as_o shall_v no_o way_n offend_v the_o bless_a god_n of_o truth_n order_n and_o peace_n nor_o violate_v any_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n while_o they_o bear_v such_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o other_o man_n as_o they_o
pity_n be_v tender_o severe_a and_o most_o compassionate_o cruel_a when_o it_o be_v compel_v to_o exert_v the_o sharp_a authority_n do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o word_n example_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n not_o to_o the_o destruction_n but_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o truth_n and_o faith_n in_o charity_n and_o unity_n to_o these_o presbyter_n bishop_n and_o christian_a people_n be_v deacon_n subordinate_a and_o seruient_fw-fr in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o decency_n conveniency_n charity_n and_o carry_v on_o of_o the_o church_n authority_n both_o in_o private_a congregation_n and_o more_o ample_a convention_n part_n of_o whole_a office_n we_o see_v time_n and_o custom_n have_v devolve_v upon_o our_o churchwarden_n and_o overseer_n for_o the_o poor_a these_o end_n and_o mean_n this_o order_n and_o proportion_n this_o constitution_n and_o execution_n of_o church-government_n by_o episcopacy_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conform_v to_o catholic_n antiquity_n and_o settle_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n and_o nation_n by_o its_o synod_n and_o parliament_n i_o do_v in_o no_o sort_n conceive_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a precarious_a or_o mutable_a as_o to_o the_o main_a however_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v and_o reform_v in_o its_o deviation_n except_o in_o case_n of_o invincible_a necessity_n which_o may_v dispense_v with_o sabbath_n sacrament_n and_o all_o public_a external_a duty_n of_o polity_n yea_o of_o piety_n so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o judge_v it_o any_o part_n of_o prudent_a piety_n or_o true_a reformation_n for_o man_n rude_o to_o baffle_v and_o despise_v whole_o to_o abrogate_v and_o extirpate_v it_o because_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o scriptuall_n and_o apostolic_a sacred_a and_o bind_v christian_n conscience_n to_o due_a approbation_n obedience_n and_o subjection_n to_o it_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n who_o undoubted_o intend_v the_o right_a constitution_n and_o constant_a regulation_n of_o his_o church_n with_o order_n and_o honour_n no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o state_n and_o commonweal_n for_o who_o peaceable_a polity_n the_o gospel_n have_v set_v so_o many_o bound_n and_o bond_n of_o subjection_n sure_o neither_o church_n nor_o state_n can_v be_v honest_o or_o handsome_o govern_v in_o any_o way_n of_o parity_n or_o popularity_n where_o every_o one_o think_v himself_o fit_a to_o command_v and_o so_o disdain_v to_o obey_v according_a to_o those_o innate_a passion_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o oft_o in_o good_a man_n and_o in_o good_a minister_n too_o 4._o who_o be_v many_o be_v as_o prone_a to_o run_v into_o many_o distemper_n and_o dangerous_a exorbitance_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o as_o mariner_n be_v without_o a_o pilot_n or_o sheep_n without_o a_o shepherd_n or_o soldier_n without_o a_o commander_n or_o people_n without_o a_o prince_n even_o so_o be_v christian_n without_o ordain_v minister_n and_o minister_n without_o authoritative_a bishop_n expose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o schism_n disorder_n faction_n and_o insolence_n which_o must_v necessary_o follow_v where_o the_o clergy_n be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o govern_v by_o any_o grave_a and_o worthy_a ecclesiastical_a person_n or_o by_o such_o minister_n as_o have_v none_o but_o a_o popular_a and_o precarious_a authority_n or_o where_o minister_n be_v only_o curb_v and_o crush_v by_o the_o imperiousness_n and_o impertinency_n of_o mere_a layman_n yea_o and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v judge_n or_o ruler_n in_o the_o least_o civil_a affair_n much_o less_o over_o learned_a man_n who_o place_n office_n and_o concern_v be_v proper_o religious_a as_o they_o stand_v relate_v to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v the_o clergy_n be_v in_o much_o better_a case_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o democratick_n or_o level_v spirit_n cast_v into_o such_o spontaneous_a association_n and_o confederacy_n as_o give_v to_o no_o minister_n that_o orderly_a and_o eminent_a power_n respect_n and_o due_a authority_n which_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o yet_o teach_v common_a people_n that_o modesty_n and_o submission_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o be_v well_o and_o worthy_o govern_v when_o all_o be_v say_v and_o try_v that_o can_v be_v in_o point_n of_o church-government_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v find_v true_a as_o beza_n express_v it_o in_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o england_n 3_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v singularis_fw-la dei_fw-la beneficientia_fw-la god_n singular_a bounty_n and_o blessing_n to_o this_o and_o any_o church_n which_o he_o pray_v it_o may_v always_o enjoy_v where_o it_o may_v be_v right_o enjoy_v and_o religious_o use_v eccles_n which_o the_o augustane_n confession_n and_o all_o reform_a church_n with_o their_o most_o eminent_a professor_n do_v desire_v to_o submit_v unto_o as_o a_o most_o special_a mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n unity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o discipline_n which_o as_o a_o great_a river_n grow_v weak_a and_o shallow_a when_o it_o be_v draw_v into_o many_o small_a channel_n and_o rivulet_n how_o suitable_a and_o almost_o necessary_a a_o right_n and_o primitive_a episcopacy_n be_v for_o the_o temper_n of_o england_n i_o shall_v afterward_o more_o full_o express_v at_o present_v it_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v how_o easy_a the_o restauration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v if_o all_o side_n will_v sincere_o look_v to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n of_o church-government_n first_o if_o the_o diocese_n commit_v to_o the_o presidential_a inspection_n of_o one_o worthy_a bishop_n be_v of_o so_o moderate_a a_o extent_n as_o may_v fall_v under_o one_o man_n care_n and_o visitation_n and_o be_v most_o convenient_a both_o for_o the_o private_a address_n and_o dispatch_n &_o also_o for_o the_o general_a meeting_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o some_o principal_a place_n of_o it_o it_o will_v much_o remedy_n the_o great_a grievance_n of_o long_a journey_n tedious_a expectation_n and_o many_o tim_n frustraneous_a attendance_n at_o westminister_n to_o which_o all_o minister_n be_v now_o compel_v to_o their_o great_a charge_n and_o trouble_v many_o time_n for_o a_o small_a live_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o mere_a repulse_n such_o county_n as_o norfolk_n suffolk_z essex_n kent_z middlesex_n with_o london_n may_v seem_v proportionable_a to_o make_v each_o of_o they_o one_o episcopal_a distribution_n great_a county_n may_v be_v divide_v and_o lesser_a unite_v second_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n or_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o each_o diocese_n may_v choose_v some_o few_o prime_a man_n of_o their_o company_n to_o be_v the_o constant_a elector_n chief_a counsellor_n correspondent_n and_o assistant_n with_o the_o bishop_n to_o avoid_v multitudinous_a tedious_a and_o confuse_a managing_n of_o election_n ordination_n and_o other_o public_a affair_n three_o if_o in_o case_n of_o episcopal_a vacancy_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o clergy_n meet_v together_o may_v present_v the_o name_n of_o three_o or_o four_o or_o more_o prime_a man_n out_o of_o which_o number_n the_o elector_n shall_v choose_v one_o who_o election_n shall_v stand_v if_o approve_v by_o the_o prince_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n if_o not_o they_o shall_v choose_v some_o other_o of_o the_o nominate_v four_o the_o person_n thus_o choose_v and_o approve_v on_o all_o side_n shall_v be_v solemn_o and_o public_o consecrate_v by_o other_o bishop_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o the_o diocese_n by_o these_o mean_n as_o there_o will_v be_v no_o crowd_n or_o enterfering_n among_o the_o clergy_n so_o there_o will_v be_v great_a satisfaction_n to_o prince_n and_o people_n without_o any_o clash_n between_o the_o civil_a and_o spiritual_a power_n which_o must_v be_v avoid_v consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church-power_n must_v depend_v on_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o prince_n in_o his_o dominion_n but_o also_o the_o honorary_a settle_a maintenance_n of_o the_o bishop_n as_o of_o all_o the_o clergy_n be_v but_o eleemosynary_a in_o the_o original_n from_o the_o pious_a concession_n and_o munificence_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o state_n who_o as_o they_o will_v not_o in_o conscience_n or_o honour_n deny_v competent_a allowance_n to_o all_o worthy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o no_o doubt_n they_o will_v not_o grudge_v to_o add_v such_o honorary_a support_n to_o every_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n as_o may_v decent_o maintain_v that_o authority_n charity_n and_o hospitality_n which_o become_v his_o place_n worth_a and_o merit_n for_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o good_a or_o deserve_v better_o of_o their_o nation_n and_o country_n than_o excellent_a bishop_n may_v do_v as_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o example_n so_o by_o their_o wise_a and_o holy_a way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n with_o such_o honour_n and_o authority_n as_o become_v they_o which_o can_v
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
directory_n of_o ecclesiastical_a prudence_n and_o practice_n 8._o what_o if_o the_o great_a god_n of_o order_n peace_n and_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o so_o many_o learned_a and_o godly_a man_n so_o many_o famous_a and_o flourish_a church_n in_o all_o age_n shall_v by_o beat_v or_o scare_v man_n from_o their_o popular_a prejudices_fw-la pitiful_a subterfuge_n and_o sinister_a design_n thus_o mighty_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o true_a episcopacy_n against_o all_o those_o who_o have_v speak_v and_o do_v so_o many_o perverse_a thing_n against_o that_o excellent_a government_n what_o if_o he_o shall_v by_o some_o powerful_a mean_n rebuke_v their_o confidence_n as_o he_o do_v job_n just_o demand_v of_o these_o destroyer_n where_o be_v that_o wisdom_n that_o modesty_n that_o gentleness_n that_o charity_n that_o moderation_n that_o humility_n that_o gravity_n and_o christian_a caution_n which_o become_v godly_a man_n to_o their_o better_n to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o to_o such_o worthy_a bishop_n as_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o under_o god_n and_o the_o king_n can_v you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o learning_n grace_n virtue_n merit_n and_o worth_n which_o be_v in_o bishop_n suitable_a to_o their_o lawful_a authority_n do_v you_o not_o know_v and_o with_o some_o repine_a see_v how_o just_o they_o be_v prefer_v before_o presbyter_n and_o people_n as_o every_o way_n fit_a to_o be_v over_o and_o above_o they_o be_v these_o immoderation_n and_o injury_n the_o way_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o reformation_n can_v there_o be_v true_a piety_n without_o charity_n yea_o without_o equity_n or_o pity_n if_o evil_a man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v injure_v much_o less_o good_a man_n good_a minister_n and_o least_o of_o all_o good_a bishop_n which_o be_v not_o want_v among_o you_o may_v not_o thus_o the_o lightning_n of_o god_n rebuke_n be_v clear_o see_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o his_o thunder_n be_v just_o hear_v and_o the_o blast_n of_o his_o displeasure_n be_v feel_v by_o all_o the_o unjust_a tumultuary_a malicious_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o venerable_a episcopacy_n methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o divine_a majesty_n thus_o utter_v his_o glorious_a voice_n against_o they_o 32.6_o o_o foolish_a people_n o_o unthankful_a nation_n o_o degenerous_a christian_n or_o deform_a church_n not_o worthy_a to_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n or_o happy_o govern_v by_o wise_a man_n do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n and_o thus_o despise_v all_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o forsake_v yea_o reject_v your_o own_o mercy_n and_o happiness_n be_v it_o a_o small_a thing_n that_o you_o have_v break_v through_o all_o law_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o man_n civil_a authority_n but_o will_v you_o also_o contend_v against_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n who_o outstretch_v arm_n in_o the_o way_n of_o episcopacy_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n a_o defence_n and_o refuge_n to_o his_o church_n shall_v you_o beyond_o the_o boldness_n of_o balaam_n dare_v to_o curse_v what_o god_n have_v not_o curse_v or_o to_o defy_v what_o god_n have_v not_o defy_v but_o signal_o own_v with_o his_o blessing_n in_o all_o age_n and_o church_n in_o see_v do_v you_o not_o see_v and_o in_o read_v do_v you_o not_o understand_v the_o constant_a method_n of_o god_n guide_v and_o govern_v both_o this_o and_o all_o other_o christian_a church_n how_o have_v a_o novel_a zeal_n but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n blind_v your_o mind_n who_o call_v the_o first_o apostle_n to_o be_v chief_a bishop_n over_o all_o church_n 1._o who_o supply_v the_o apostasy_n of_o judas_n by_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n to_o his_o episcopacy_n upon_o who_o do_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n first_o come_v who_o place_v bishop_n immediate_o after_o they_o in_o all_o complete_v church_n through_o the_o world_n what_o plant_v preserve_v unite_a and_o reform_v they_o but_o that_o apostolical_a that_o be_v the_o episcopal_a authority_n assist_v by_o such_o presbyter_n who_o they_o ordain_v to_o part_v of_o the_o office_n labour_n honour_n and_o ministry_n who_o be_v the_o chief_a champion_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o venerable_a bishop_n in_o all_o age_n who_o be_v the_o most_o resolute_a confessor_n holy_a bishop_n who_o the_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n excellent_a bishop_n who_o be_v the_o most_o learned_a and_o valiant_a asserter_n of_o the_o orthodox_n faith_n primitive_a purity_n sanctity_n order_n and_o harmony_n become_v christian_n church_n but_o admirable_a bishop_n who_o be_v count_v the_o prime_a star_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n ult_n who_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminency_n angel_n by_o he_o but_o the_o chief_a precedent_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n to_o who_o be_v divine_a power_n first_o give_v and_o after_o derive_v not_o only_o to_o teach_v and_o feed_v but_o to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n also_o to_o rebuke_v rule_n and_o govern_v both_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o people_n as_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v but_o to_o holy_a bishop_n in_o the_o person_n and_o pattern_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n archippus_n and_o other_o who_o authority_n as_o such_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despise_v 2.15_o who_o be_v they_o that_o wound_a and_o destroy_v the_o great_a behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n of_o prodigious_a error_n and_o spread_a heresy_n in_o the_o four_o first_o century_n but_o incomparable_a bishop_n such_o as_o be_v irenaeus_n athanasius_n epiphanius_n augustine_n ambrose_n hilary_n prosper_n both_o the_o cyril_n the_o basil_n the_o gregory_n and_o other_o who_o quench_v the_o wildfire_n of_o schism_n and_o faction_n among_o christian_a people_n and_o minister_n but_o excellent_a bishop_n such_o as_o clemens_n ignatius_n cyprian_n both_o the_o dionysiu's_fw-mi austin_n optatus_n fulgentius_n and_o other_o by_o who_o sweat_n and_o blood_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o plantation_n and_o necessary_a reformation_n of_o church_n water_v and_o weed_v but_o by_o the_o vigilancy_n and_o industry_n of_o worthy_a bishop_n both_o in_o their_o single_a capacity_n and_o in_o their_o joint_a synod_n or_o council_n wherein_o bishop_n as_o the_o representative_n or_o chief_a father_n of_o all_o church_n as_o the_o family_n of_o christ_n may_v orderly_o meet_v due_o deliberate_a and_o autoritative_o determine_v what_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o for_o the_o church_n purity_n and_o peace_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n precept_n and_o catholic_n practice_n who_o be_v those_o renown_a pastor_n and_o preacher_n of_o old_a that_o mitigate_v the_o spirit_n of_o great_a prince_n that_o convert_v many_o nation_n that_o baptize_v mighty_a king_n and_o emperor_n that_o advance_v the_o gospel_n beyond_o their_o empire_n and_o set_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n above_o their_o crown_n not_o in_o sovereignty_n or_o civil_a power_n but_o in_o the_o divine_a empire_n of_o verity_n sanctity_n and_o charity_n who_o moderate_v the_o spirit_n and_o passion_n of_o persecutor_n who_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n resolve_v their_o scruple_n who_o condemn_v their_o sin_n who_o terrify_v their_o conscience_n and_o who_o either_o raise_v or_o restore_v they_o through_o repentance_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n but_o heroic_a wise_a and_o invincible_a bishop_n who_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a luminary_n in_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n of_o israel_n the_o prime_a pillar_n of_o piety_n and_o peace_n of_o hospitality_n and_o honour_n of_o order_n and_o good_a government_n but_o wise_a and_o renown_a bishop_n who_o furnish_v all_o church_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n devout_a liturgy_n convenient_a catechises_n learned_a homily_n practical_a sermon_n accurate_a commentary_n and_o excellent_a epistle_n with_o sound_a decision_n of_o controversy_n and_o case_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n or_o any_o private_a conscience_n who_o make_v up_o with_o charitable_a composure_n all_o uncomfortable_a breach_n and_o unkind_a difference_n among_o christian_n but_o pious_a and_o prudent_a bishop_n who_o authority_n be_v ever_o esteem_v as_o sacred_a be_v experience_v in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v sanative_n and_o sovereign_a to_o religion_n and_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v freedom_n and_o encouragement_n to_o act_v as_o become_v the_o chief_a pastor_n counsellor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o ecclesiastic_a concernment_n sure_o if_o god_n will_v have_v they_o utter_o destroy_v he_o will_v not_o so_o long_o have_v accept_v such_o sacrifice_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o bishop_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a nor_o thus_o mighty_o have_v plead_v the_o cause_n of_o episcopacy_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o this_o both_o as_o to_o god_n wisdom_n in_o and_o his_o blessing_n upon_o that_o way_n of_o church-government_n and_o governor_n obj._n but_o possible_o our_o late_a bishop_n especial_o in_o england_n who_o cause_n be_v here_o chief_o plead_v be_v such_o
who_o be_v all_o consent_n to_o the_o law_n and_o concern_v that_o justice_n be_v due_o execute_v on_o some_o evil_a member_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a so_o that_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o subordination_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o christ_n 6._o even_o long_o before_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n as_o there_o be_v express_v among_o churchman_n and_o bishop_n against_o which_o some_o have_v make_v so_o loud_a and_o ridiculous_a clamour_n be_v chief_o for_o this_o end_n as_o mr._n calvin_n and_o other_o have_v as_o ingenuous_o as_o true_o observe_v that_o the_o holy_a correspondency_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o all_o church_n in_o one_o faith_n and_o truth_n in_o one_o spirit_n and_o power_n may_v not_o only_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o the_o world_n but_o most_o apt_o carry_v on_o and_o preserve_v against_o all_o faction_n variation_n and_o division_n that_o they_o may_v by_o these_o mean_n be_v know_v to_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o step_n that_o what_o one_o condemn_v all_o might_n in_o the_o same_o spirit_n condemn_v what_o one_o forgive_v all_o may_v forgive_v that_o none_o may_v upon_o any_o private_a passion_n either_o excommunicate_a other_o by_o injurious_a abscission_n or_o themselves_o by_o voluntary_a separation_n or_o make_v new_a confederacy_n and_o association_n with_o those_o who_o be_v either_o deserter_n of_o the_o catholic_n communion_n or_o just_o excommunicate_v from_o it_o which_o distemper_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impatience_n and_o imprudence_n among_o christian_n have_v bring_v as_o we_o see_v this_o great_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o this_o exercise_n of_o christian_a discipline_n so_o far_o into_o contempt_n that_o no_o man_n almost_o regard_v it_o from_o any_o hand_n every_o one_o dare_v to_o make_v what_o retortion_n they_o please_v and_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o one_o or_o more_o yea_o and_o whole_a church_n that_o do_v excommunicate_v they_o for_o any_o the_o most_o notorious_a error_n and_o insolence_n thus_o as_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n heretofore_o so_o the_o people_n now_o in_o many_o place_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o this_o power_n against_o their_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n yea_o against_o their_o preacher_n and_o bishop_n against_o the_o father_n that_o beget_v they_o and_o the_o mother_n church_n which_o do_v bear_v they_o so_o that_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o cause_n of_o terror_n as_o of_o pity_n in_o most_o excommunication_n as_o they_o be_v now_o manage_v by_o private_a and_o unauthoritative_a spirit_n o_o what_o sorrow_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o see_v so_o sacred_a so_o solemn_a so_o divine_a so_o dreadful_a a_o institution_n vilify_v and_o nullify_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o health_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o just_a and_o necessary_a severity_n when_o it_o be_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v sober_o apply_v by_o wise_a holy_a and_o impartial_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n &_o in_o the_o catholic_n spirit_n or_o consent_n of_o all_o orthodox_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o people_n which_o be_v able_a to_o shake_v heaven_n and_o hell_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o everlasting_a door_n of_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n according_a as_o the_o penitency_n or_o impenitency_n of_o offender_n do_v appear_v to_o see_v this_o flame_a sword_n which_o be_v put_v by_o christ_n into_o the_o cherubims_n hand_n those_o that_o be_v the_o angel_n of_o his_o church_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o see_v this_o make_v the_o scarecrow_n and_o scorn_n of_o vile_a man_n the_o sport_n of_o petulant_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n who_o neither_o fear_n to_o inflict_v excommunication_n upon_o who_o they_o list_v as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o their_o impotent_a malice_n nor_o yet_o to_o suffer_v it_o from_o the_o most_o just_a impartial_a and_o authoritative_a hand_n in_o the_o world_n from_o who_o be_v once_o proud_o separate_v they_o fancy_v they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o the_o reach_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o just_a terror_n and_o the_o other_o true_a authority_n as_o lawful_a bishop_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o heavy_a sentence_n if_o i_o shall_v incur_v so_o far_o that_o any_o one_o true_a bishop_n with_o his_o clergy_n shall_v pass_v it_o against_o i_o upon_o just_a ground_n of_o my_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a sin_v against_o god_n and_o his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o ancient_a rightful_a and_o lawful_a way_n of_o such_o proceed_n in_o the_o name_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o all_o the_o world_n do_v submit_v and_o assent_v i_o confess_v i_o shall_v much_o more_o fear_n live_v and_o die_v to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o censure_n and_o sentence_n than_o to_o be_v condemn_v in_o my_o estate_n liberty_n or_o life_n by_o any_o court_n of_o humane_a justice_n which_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o soul_n eternal_a estate_n as_o excommunication_n right_o manage_v do_v it_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o who_o sin_n the_o apostle_n and_o their_o lawful_a successor_n as_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v bind_v on_o earth_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n who_o their_o lawful_a and_o authoritative_a successor_n have_v be_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o have_v any_o fear_n of_o god_n or_o reverence_n of_o his_o catholic_n church_n testimony_n this_o be_v certain_a as_o excommunication_n carry_v with_o it_o the_o joint_a spirit_n and_o suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o true_a member_n of_o it_o either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o so_o the_o regular_a and_o authoritative_a manage_n of_o it_o be_v ever_o from_o the_o respective_a bishop_n authority_n and_o order_n as_o chief_a pastor_n in_o every_o church_n to_o who_o fatherly_a care_n and_o inspection_n with_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o presbyter_n the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v especial_o as_o to_o the_o discreet_a use_n of_o such_o discipline_n as_o high_o concern_v the_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n the_o hope_n or_o despair_n the_o bind_n or_o lose_v the_o abscission_n or_o restauration_n of_o any_o part_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v determine_v and_o execute_v by_o every_o private_a spirit_n of_o minister_n or_o people_n but_o by_o such_o venerable_a bishop_n and_o their_o presbyter_n as_o have_v the_o authentic_a transmission_n of_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_a govern_v power_n deliver_v to_o they_o as_o from_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o like_o the_o judge_n in_o commission_n for_o life_n and_o death_n though_o the_o sentence_n be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o power_n the_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o the_o transaction_n or_o publication_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o county_n to_o which_o all_o the_o bench_n of_o justice_n the_o jury_n and_o other_o honest_a man_n do_v tacit_o give_v their_o vote_n and_o assent_n yet_o be_v the_o cognizance_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o judicial_a solemn_a declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n commit_v special_o to_o the_o judge_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o learned_a ability_n and_o know_a integrity_n also_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o order_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v in_o proceed_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n as_o be_v matter_n of_o life_n and_o death_n such_o be_v the_o power_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o procedure_n of_o all_o due_a excommunication_n such_o they_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o primitive_a time_n when_o all_o christian_n all_o congregation_n all_o presbyter_n all_o bishop_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o unite_v that_o as_o many_o spoke_n make_v but_o one_o wheel_n and_o many_o stone_n one_o building_n and_o many_o member_n one_o body_n so_o these_o make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o baptism_n the_o same_o ministry_n the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o order_n the_o same_o power_n the_o same_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n from_o which_o bless_a harmony_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n if_o any_o christian_a or_o any_o particular_a congregation_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o of_o the_o donatistick_a party_n and_o the_o novatian_o in_o africa_n with_o other_o either_o proud_o passionate_o and_o peevish_o do_v separate_v themselves_o or_o be_v deserve_o separate_v by_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o thenceforth_o fall_v to_o mangle_v of_o all_o by_o mutual_a excommunication_n so_o as_o to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o lawful_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n or_o else_o turn_v their_o back_n on_o they_o