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the_o naked_a truth_n or_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o a_o humble_a moderator_n zach._n 8._o 19_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n gal._n 4._o 16._o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n print_a in_o the_o year_n 1675._o a_o humble_a petition_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n my_o lord_n and_o noble_a gentleman_n you_o have_v full_o express_v your_o zeal_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o make_v law_n for_o unity_n in_o faith_n and_o uniformity_n in_o discipline_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o can_v stand_v so_o the_o same_o may_v certain_o be_v say_v of_o a_o church_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o for_o both_o and_o i_o call_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n the_o god_n of_o life_n and_o death_n to_o witness_v that_o i_o will_v most_o ready_o yea_o most_o joyful_o sacrifice_v all_o i_o have_v 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labour_n to_o say_v more_o of_o it_o condescension_n may_v seem_v in_o some_o respect_v imprudent_a but_o whether_o in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o affair_n imprudent_a i_o beseech_v you_o again_o consider_v well_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v change_v their_o counsel_n and_o resolve_n upon_o second_o thought_n much_o more_o upon_o experience_n and_o approach_v evil_n not_o at_o first_o discover_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n with_o prince_n when_o they_o find_v their_o main_a enemy_n power_n increase_n much_o to_o make_v peace_n with_o lesser_a enemy_n on_o condition_n never_o before_o to_o be_v endure_v self-preservation_n be_v the_o prime_a principle_n in_o all_o creature_n rational_a and_o irrational_a spring_v from_o nature_n itself_o it_o shall_v in_o nature_n and_o reason_n overbalance_n any_o other_o consideration_n and_o whatever_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n if_o not_o sinful_o do_v must_v needs_o be_v wise_o do_v i_o most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o alwise_a god_n and_o sole_a giver_n of_o wisdom_n to_o pour_v down_o his_o holy_a and_o wise_a spirit_n upon_o you_o amen_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n so_o i_o term_v you_o hope_v you_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o desire_v it_o more_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n humility_n charity_n not_o to_o censure_v my_o error_n and_o inveigh_v against_o they_o but_o to_o pity_v and_o endeavour_v to_o rectify_v they_o if_o you_o find_v any_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o christian_a i_o shall_v be_v far_o more_o ready_a to_o recant_v than_o to_o vent_v a_o error_n if_o you_o be_v not_o thus_o christianly_o dispose_v i_o earnest_o beseech_v you_o read_v no_o furtner_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o will_v be_v displease_v with_o it_o and_o can_v you_o think_v it_o wisdom_n to_o run_v yourself_o into_o displeasure_n enjoy_v your_o present_a quiet_a and_o let_v i_o rest_v but_o if_o you_o be_v so_o christianly_o dispose_v as_o i_o mention_v than_o i_o as_o earnest_o hag_n of_o you_o to_o proceed_v to_o discover_v my_o error_n and_o amend_v they_o but_o perchance_o you_o will_v ask_v who_o i_o be_o why_o do_v i_o not_o tell_v you_o by_o put_v my_o name_n to_o this_o pamphlet_n i_o will_v ingenuous_o confess_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o a_o weak_a man_n of_o great_a passion_n not_o able_a to_o bear_v commendation_n or_o reproach_n my_o small_a ability_n put_v i_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o the_o first_o but_o in_o great_a fear_n of_o the_o late_a why_o then_o be_v i_o so_o forward_o to_o publish_v my_o weakness_n to_o have_v it_o cure_v yet_o true_o i_o have_v not_o be_v very_o forward_o for_o it_o be_v now_o above_o two_o year_n since_o i_o have_v these_o thought_n in_o which_o time_n i_o have_v read_v and_o confer_v all_o i_o can_v to_o discover_v if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o for_o all_o i_o yet_o can_v meet_v with_o do_v not_o find_v it_o so_o but_o hope_v all_o i_o say_v be_v truth_n and_o that_o it_o may_v he_o useful_a to_o the_o 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their_o judgement_n but_o receive_v their_o opinion_n as_o agree_v with_o their_o judgement_n this_o be_v evident_o true_a and_o clear_o rational_a and_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n as_o st._n cyprian_a and_o st._n austin_n two_o as_o general_o and_o as_o deserve_o reverence_v as_o any_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n st._n cyprian_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o very_a praepositus_fw-la which_o we_o call_v bishop_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v responsible_a only_o to_o god_n for_o his_o doctrine_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o submit_v to_o no_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o so_o learned_a ever_o so_o holy_a any_o further_a than_o he_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n or_o reason_n and_o desire_v none_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o by_o he_o this_o be_v plain_a and_o rational_a deal_n have_v the_o evangelical_n doctor_n take_v this_o course_n in_o the_o beginning_n they_o 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which_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o i_o show_v before_o but_o in_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o discipline_n if_o after_o diligent_a and_o humble_a search_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a then_o certain_o i_o will_v so_o much_o reverence_n antiquity_n as_o to_o embrace_v what_o i_o find_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o what_o i_o find_v general_o approve_v by_o they_o though_o my_o own_o judgement_n do_v much_o incline_v to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o i_o will_v receive_v it_o unless_o it_o appear_v to_o i_o flat_o opposite_a to_o scripture_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o it_o be_v damnation_n in_o i_o to_o forsake_v that_o and_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o father_n on_o earth_n or_o angel_n come_v from_o heaven_n till_o they_o can_v make_v i_o understand_v their_o word_n agree_v with_o god_n word_n i_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n in_o man_n or_o angel_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o make_v this_o assertion_n that_o the_o man_n who_o read_v scripture_n humble_o and_o attentive_o fast_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n earnest_o consult_v his_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n careful_o and_o modest_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o continue_v in_o some_o error_n by_o blind_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o scripture_n if_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v suffer_v by_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v soon_o be_v save_v than_o he_o who_o receive_v a_o true_a opinion_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n which_o he_o sober_o conceive_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o so_o all_o thing_n be_v unclean_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v they_o unclean_a so_o all_o thing_n be_v damnable_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v they_o damnable_a as_o he_o must_v do_v who_o believe_v they_o flat_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n let_v no_o man_n count_v i_o a_o libertine_n in_o faith_n because_o i_o will_v neither_o compel_v nor_o be_v compel_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o men._n i_o trust_v in_o god_n no_o man_n shall_v out-go_v i_o in_o zealous_a contend_v for_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n once_o for_o all_o never_o to_o receive_v any_o new_a doctrine_n any_o other_o gospel_n than_o that_o preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n herein_o i_o be_o no_o libertine_n by_o god_n gracious_a assistance_n neither_o man_n nor_o angel_n shall_v make_v i_o recede_v from_o one_o tittle_n of_o this_o nor_o to_o embrace_v with_o divine_a faith_n one_o tittle_n more_o than_o this_o for_o doubtless_o it_o be_v far_o great_a idolatry_n to_o believe_v in_o man_n than_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o man_n more_o to_o give_v he_o my_o heart_n than_o my_o hand_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o no_o man_n be_v forward_a than_o myself_o to_o receive_v from_o other_o humane_a doctrine_n as_o humane_a that_o be_v i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o probable_a also_o that_o another_o may_v have_v more_o natural_a understanding_n more_o acquire_v learning_n than_o myself_o and_o so_o may_v find_v out_o that_o in_o scripture_n or_o from_o scripture_n or_o by_o reason_n which_o i_o can_v do_v myself_o but_o yet_o i_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a assurance_n that_o the_o doctrine_n he_o deliver_v to_o i_o be_v absolute_o true_a because_o i_o have_v assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o err_v and_o then_o i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n but_o that_o he_o may_v err_v in_o that_o very_a doctrine_n he_o now_o deliver_v i_o there_o be_v no_o man_n i_o ever_o yet_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o to_o
and_o actual_o priest_n and_o bishop_n as_o for_o that_o answer_n that_o though_o but_o one_o order_n be_v confer_v viz._n episcopal_n yet_o that_o be_v superior_a to_o the_o priesthood_n contain_v this_o virtual_o in_o it_o first_o you_o be_v to_o prove_v bishop_n to_o be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n which_o i_o deny_v the_o apostle_n be_v peculiar_o call_v presbyter_n second_o that_o one_o contain_v the_o other_o i_o suppose_v be_v already_o confute_v and_o full_o declare_v that_o it_o can_v be_v and_o as_o i_o mention_v before_o you_o do_v in_o effect_n confess_v it_o yourselves_o by_o your_o practice_n for_o if_o the_o superior_a order_n so_o contain_v the_o inferior_a as_o to_o enable_v a_o man_n thereby_o to_o act_v all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o inferior_a it_o be_v a_o very_a impertinent_a thing_n to_o ordain_v a_o man_n as_o you_o do_v first_o a_o deacon_n than_o a_o priest_n than_o a_o bishop_n when_o you_o design_n to_o confer_v all_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o same_o day_n and_o hour_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o examine_v a_o little_a petavius_n his_o rare_a conceit_n which_o he_o conceive_v will_v satisfy_v all_o former_a objection_n and_o will_v meet_v with_o no_o news_n one_o he_o confess_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v all_o of_o one_o order_n viz._n bishop_n because_o the_o pastor_n of_o each_o congregation_n may_v perform_v those_o several_a act_n he_o mention_n which_o a_o bare_a presbyter_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o and_o why_o not_o capable_a of_o they_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v this_o he_o bring_v not_o one_o tittle_n of_o proof_n for_o this_o cut_n of_o scripture_n where_o there_o be_v good_a proof_n to_o the_o contrary_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n presbyter_n can_v do_v all_o these_o and_o more_o ergo_fw-la presbyter_n be_v capable_a of_o all_o but_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n also_o also_o be_v impertinent_a as_o signify_v somewhat_o else_o whereas_o i_o say_v and_o prove_v it_o 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the_o world_n that_o presbyter_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o i_o grant_v that_o for_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o that_o sense_n some_o thing_n may_v be_v reserve_v to_o some_o other_o thing_n to_o other_o to_o perform_v but_o that_o the_o order_n of_o priesthood_n be_v not_o capable_a be_v even_o ridiculous_a that_o the_o priesthood_n be_v capable_a to_o do_v the_o great_a thing_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o do_v the_o least_o he_o can_v consecrate_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n yet_o for_o sooth_n can_v consecrate_v their_o oil_n and_o their_o cup_n and_o their_o candlestick_o which_o we_o never_o hear_v the_o apostle_n do_v or_o dream_v of_o but_o be_v the_o fond_a dream_n of_o dote_a man_n just_a like_o the_o pharisee_n wash_v cup_n and_o platter_n after_o the_o doctrine_n of_o men._n really_n there_o need_v no_o better_a confutation_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o superiority_n of_o episcopal_a order_n than_o the_o mean_v ridiculous_a thing_n which_o they_o ascribe_v unto_o their_o bishop_n and_o debar_v presbyter_n of_o which_o my_o think_v a_o presbyter_n shall_v contemn_v be_v they_o offer_v he_o and_o therefore_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o small_a pain_n i_o have_v take_v about_o they_o i_o proceed_v to_o somewhat_o that_o seem_v a_o little_o better_a petavius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o number_n of_o christian_n increase_n and_o faction_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n at_o length_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o their_o time_n choose_v out_o of_o these_o presbyter-bishop_n some_o chief_a man_n and_o place_v they_o as_o governor_n over_o the_o rest_n and_o reserve_v unto_o these_o principal_a man_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v thus_o far_o i_o free_o consent_n the_o scripture_n declare_v it_o and_o it_o seem_v most_o rational_a and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v these_o governor_n and_o ordainer_n be_v man_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o moderation_n and_o probable_o have_v also_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o judge_v of_o man_n a_o gift_n mention_v in_o scripture_n among_o other_o that_o none_o may_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o priesthood_n but_o man_n of_o meek_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n but_o now_o i_o will_v ask_v petavius_n when_o these_o govern_n ordain_v bishop_n be_v set_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter-bishop_n when_o titus_n be_v first_o settle_v with_o this_o authority_n in_o crete_n and_o when_o timothy_n be_v thus_o place_v at_o ephesus_n where_o we_o find_v before_o be_v several_a presbyter-bishop_n what_o become_v of_o they_o be_v they_o unbishoped_a and_o make_v simple_a presbyter_n they_o must_v no_o more_o ordain_v nor_o govern_v but_o be_v subject_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v think_v no_o small_a punishment_n in_o future_a age_n when_o bishop_n be_v thus_o by_o decree_n of_o council_n abase_v and_o cast_v down_o unto_o the_o presbyter_n form_n and_o it_o be_v for_o some_o notorious_a crime_n i_o pray_v what_o crime_n be_v all_o these_o presbyter-bishop_n guilty_a of_o to_o be_v thus_o handle_v and_o tumble_v down_o into_o a_o low_a form_n true_o petavius_n deal_v hardly_o with_o they_o unless_o he_o can_v show_v we_o their_o crime_n or_o will_v he_o instead_o of_o accuse_v they_o excuse_v himself_o and_o say_v they_o be_v not_o un-bishopt_a nor_o abase_v but_o only_o restrain_v from_o exercise_v that_o power_n their_o order_n be_v capable_a of_o have_v they_o be_v commission_v thereto_o true_o i_o must_v commend_v petavius_n if_o he_o will_v thus_o ingenious_o confess_v the_o truth_n for_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o full_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v the_o diversity_n of_o commission_n and_o not_o of_o order_n that_o enable_v man_n to_o act_v diverse_o and_o that_o a_o bishop_n without_o commission_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o presbyter_n without_o commission_n and_o therefore_o i_o far_o beg_v of_o petavius_n that_o till_o he_o can_v prove_v the_o contrary_a he_o will_v confess_v they_o also_o to_o be_v all_o of_o one_o single_a order_n call_v only_o by_o divers_a name_n priest_n or_o bishop_n and_o one_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o number_n not_o the_o rest_n abase_v but_o he_o exalt_v with_o authority_n to_o govern._n this_o be_v the_o rational_a and_o common_a practice_n of_o all_o society_n corporation_n college_n monastery_n conclave_n of_o cardinal_n what_o not_o there_o be_v no_o new_a order_n suppose_v in_o any_o of_o these_o but_o only_o a_o new_a election_n and_o a_o new_a authority_n give_v according_a to_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o each_o society_n the_o pope_n himself_o with_o his_o triple_a crown_n and_o triple_a dominion_n over_o all_o patriarch_n arch-bishop_n bishop_n pretend_v to_o have_v no_o new_a order_n of_o popeship_n but_o only_o the_o new_a authority_n confer_v by_o his_o election_n why_o then_o may_v not_o presbyter_n choose_v to_o preside_v over_o the_o rest_n without_o any_o new_a order_n do_v the_o like_a and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n i_o conceive_v justin_n martyr_n use_v the_o name_n of_o precedent_n always_o for_o bishop_n and_o st._n cyprian_n also_o a_o bishop_n himself_o and_o most_o glorious_a martyr_n he_o call_v himself_o and_o other_o bishop_n general_o by_o the_o name_n of_o praepositus_fw-la as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o main_a distinction_n betwixt_o himself_o and_o his_o presbyter_n that_o he_o be_v praepositus_fw-la only_o one_o of_o they_o place_v with_o authority_n over_o they_o no_o more_o nor_o do_v the_o name_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o original_a greek_a signify_v any_o more_o than_o a_o overseer_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o as_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o heresy_n and_o faction_n they_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o settle_v some_o bishop_n of_o great_a soundness_n in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n of_o life_n with_o authority_n to_o
restrain_v and_o chastise_v disorderly_a pastor_n just_o so_o when_o whole_a nation_n be_v convert_v and_o not_o only_o the_o pastor_n but_o the_o bishop_n also_o who_o have_v oversight_n of_o the_o pastor_n increase_v in_o number_n then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v think_v fit_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o overseer_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o be_v call_v a_o archbishop_n when_o the_o arch_a bishop_n be_v multiply_v than_o another_o set_n over_o they_o and_o he_o call_v a_o patriarch_n and_o at_o last_o one_o over_o the_o patriarch_n and_o he_o call_v papa_n a_o pope_n catexochen_n though_o papa_n before_o be_v a_o name_n attrribute_v to_o other_o bishop_n now_o as_o pope_n patriarch_n archbishop_n bishop_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n papist_n themselves_o grant_v this_o so_o bishop_n elder_n presbyter_n priest_n all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o only_o one_o of_o these_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o now_o particular_o call_v episcopus_fw-la that_o be_v bishop_n catexochen_n because_o he_o oversee_v the_o overseer_n but_o this_o last_o constitution_n only_o be_v apostolical_a the_o other_o of_o archbishop_n patriarch_n pope_n be_v mere_a humane_a not_o at_o all_o mention_v in_o scripture_n but_o now_o another_o objection_n arise_v petavius_n grant_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n which_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v be_v bishop_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o apostle_n day_n they_o set_v some_o eminent_a among_o they_o over_o the_o rest_n to_o govern_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o these_o elder_n in_o every_o city_n be_v bishop_n and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n leave_v the_o church_n with_o bishop_n only_o and_o deacon_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o i_o bring_v before_o out_o of_o clemens_n who_o live_v after_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o mention_n only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v so_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v who_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n begin_v this_o new_a kind_n of_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n not_o bishop_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v none_o such_o who_o then_o and_o by_o what_o authority_n be_v this_o new_a order_n set_v up_o the_o scripture_n mention_n it_o not_o when_o and_o by_o who_o come_v it_o in_o a_o very_a bold_a undertake_n without_o scripture_n or_o apostolical_a practice_n i_o will_v not_o boast_v my_o conceit_n as_o petavius_n do_v he_o only_o i_o wish_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o practical_a most_o rational_a or_o rather_o most_o scriptural_a thereon_o i_o frame_v this_o will_v fabric_n as_o the_o rock_n and_o only_o sure_a foundation_n humane_a brain_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o erect_v and_o to_o support_v the_o fabric_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o the_o romanist_n have_v make_v a_o very_a babel_n with_o their_o humane_a invention_n and_o multiply_v character_n and_o order_n some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v nine_o several_a holy_a order_n in_o god_n church_n militant_a here_o on_o earth_n because_o there_o be_v nine_o several_a order_n of_o celestial_a spirit_n in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n this_o be_v a_o castle_n of_o their_o own_o build_n in_o the_o air_n a_o rare_a foundation_n for_o god_n church_n other_o will_v have_v seven_o several_a order_n and_o character_n as_o seven_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o but_o seven_o several_a gift_n to_o confer_v on_o man_n st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o count_n unto_o we_o nine_o not_o as_o if_o these_o be_v all_o but_o only_o for_o example_n sake_n to_o show_v we_o that_o many_o and_o divers_a gift_n be_v confer_v on_o we_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o mention_n eight_o these_o thing_n be_v utter_v accidental_o according_a to_o the_o occasion_n not_o as_o limit_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o any_o set_a number_n but_o if_o you_o will_v further_o 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acolouthi_o who_o be_v now_o ancient_o they_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n certain_a boy_n carry_v torch_n and_o attend_v on_o the_o bishop_n say_v mass_n these_o have_v their_o character_n also_o and_o their_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n signify_v no_o doubt_n on_o it_o by_o the_o light_n in_o their_o hand_n but_o understand_v no_o more_o of_o tongue_n than_o the_o stick_n of_o their_o torch_n i_o will_v not_o weary_v you_o with_o more_o of_o their_o absurdity_n our_o episcopal_a divine_n reject_v these_o chimerical_a fancy_n of_o order_n and_o character_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a faculty_n and_o power_n confer_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o ministerial_a duty_n and_o according_a to_o this_o purpose_n the_o superior_a order_n contain_v the_o inferior_a as_o the_o great_a power_n contain_v in_o it_o the_o less_o thus_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o superior_a order_n contain_v in_o it_o priesthood_n and_o deaconship_n these_o three_o be_v their_o suppose_a distinct_a order_n they_o may_v suppose_v this_o if_o they_o please_v and._n i_o may_v suppose_v the_o contrary_a but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v on_o what_o scripture_n they_o ground_n this_o discourse_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o still_o require_v and_o there_o we_o find_v no_o large_a faculty_n or_o power_n give_v to_o bishop_n but_o rather_o to_o presbyter_n as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o great_a power_n be_v style_v presbyter_n not_o bishop_n and_o when_o our_o bishop_n do_v ordain_v presbyter_n do_v not_o they_o use_v the_o very_a same_o form_n of_o word_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v when_o he_o ordain_v the_o apostle_n receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o sin_n you_o forgive_v they_o be_v forgive_v etc._n etc._n do_v they_o not_o then_o by_o the_o same_o word_n conser_fw-fr the_o same_o power_n for_o i_o hope_v they_o use_v no_o equivocation_n nor_o mental_a reservation_n if_o the_o power_n be_v the_o same_o the_o order_n be_v the_o same_o by_o their_o own_o rule_n again_o let_v we_o examine_v their_o own_o practice_n do_v they_o not_o require_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v ordain_v first_o deacon_n before_o he_o be_v ordain_v priest_n and_o priest_n before_o bishop_n what_o need_v this_o if_o the_o superior_a contain_v the_o inferior_a but_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v it_o otherwise_o timothy_n who_o long_o officiate_v under_o st._n paul_n as_o a_o presbyter_n when_o he_o be_v leave_v at_o ephesus_n and_o so_o when_o titus_n be_v leave_v at_o crect_n both_o to_o be_v bishop_n we_o find_v no_o new_a ordination_n be_v this_o requisite_a sure_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v give_v we_o at_o least_o some_o hint_n of_o it_o but_o not_o one_o tittle_n there_o but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v defective_a in_o expression_n you_o will_v supply_v it_o by_o the_o expression_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o first_o succeed_v age_n before_o you_o go_v on_o and_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o show_v i_o this_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o easy_o recede_v from_o scripture_n in_o fundamental_o either_o of_o faith_n or_o church-discipline_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a of_o themselves_o or_o in_o more_o weighty_a matter_n very_o doubtful_o express_a in_o scripture_n i_o shall_v always_o most_o ready_o submit_v to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o universal_a church_n i_o require_v both_o primitive_a and_o universal_a for_o i_o show_v before_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v some_o error_n very_o primitive_a yet_o not_o continue_v by_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o reject_v in_o succeed_a age_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o evangelical_n reformation_n by_o luther_n melancton_n calvin_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v show_v some_o error_n general_o receive_v in_o most_o if_o
unless_o the_o bishop_n receive_v a_o new_a commission_n to_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o a_o new_a ordination_n if_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v mere_a priest_n send_v forth_o to_o have_v inspection_n only_o over_o other_o priest_n then_o i_o pray_v observe_v that_o these_o chorepiscopi_fw-la be_v mere_a priest_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o ordain_v other_o priest_n which_o certain_o have_v be_v madness_n for_o they_o to_o do_v have_v they_o then_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o bishop_n as_o be_v now_o require_v they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v undertake_v to_o create_v star_n in_o the_o heaven_n for_o if_o bishop_n only_o have_v receive_v a_o divine_a power_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o ordain_v priest_n he_o that_o have_v not_o this_o divine_a power_n of_o ordination_n can_v no_o more_o ordain_v a_o priest_n than_o a_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o creation_n can_v create_v a_o star_n both_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n from_o whence_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o these_o country_n bishop_n be_v direct_o mad_a in_o undertake_v to_o ordain_v priest_n have_v receive_v no_o such_o divine_a power_n from_o christ_n his_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n but_o if_o we_o take_v these_o country_n bishop_n for_o sober_a godly_a person_n in_o their_o right_a wit_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v be_v select_v for_o that_o office_n they_o must_v needs_o believe_v that_o be_v priest_n alone_o they_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v other_o priest_n and_o also_o believe_v that_o the_o bishop_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o governor_n in_o their_o little_a circuit_n they_o have_v also_o receive_v thereby_o commission_n to_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v as_o little_a bishop_n under_o a_o archbishop_n for_o such_o real_o they_o be_v so_o that_o i_o can_v in_o charity_n censure_v they_o so_o much_o as_o of_o contumacy_n in_o take_v upon_o they_o more_o than_o they_o think_v at_o least_o they_o have_v commission_n to_o act_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o chief_a bishop_n will_v be_v wary_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v any_o contumacious_a person_n i_o conclude_v then_o first_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a mistake_n a_o easy_a and_o pardonable_a mistake_n of_o their_o commission_n second_o that_o in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v not_o think_v a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o bare_a priest_n no_o bishop_n to_o ordain_v other_o priest_n for_o then_o certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o i_o confess_v myself_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o can_v but_o so_o continue_v till_o i_o see_v more_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v see_v what_o weak_a proof_n be_v bring_v for_o this_o distinction_n and_o superiority_n of_o order_n no_o scripture_n no_o primitive_a general_n council_n no_o general_a consent_n of_o primitive_a doctor_n and_o father_n no_o not_o one_o primitive_a father_n of_o note_n speak_v particular_o and_o home_o to_o our_o purpose_n only_o a_o touch_n of_o epiphanius_n and_o st._n austin_n upon_o aerius_n the_o arrian_n heretic_n but_o not_o declare_v no_o not_o by_o they_o a_o heretic_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o episcopacy_n so_o that_o i_o myself_o declare_v more_o particular_o against_o he_o then_o these_o father_n do_v accuse_v he_o of_o heresy_n in_o part_n of_o his_o affirmation_n concern_v bishop_n though_o not_o in_o every_o part_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o business_n by_o give_v my_o poor_a judgement_n draw_v from_o the_o precede_a argument_n i_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o priesthood_n be_v a_o holy_a order_n into_o which_o no_o man_n be_v to_o thrust_v himself_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o deaconship_n have_v a_o inferior_a part_n in_o it_o or_o episcopacy_n above_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v complete_a and_o entire_a in_o itself_o and_o that_o it_o may_v involve_v many_o administrrtion_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n and_o sometime_o many_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n st._n john_n be_v a_o apostle_n a_o evangelist_n a_o prophet_n a_o pastor_n a_o teacher_n a_o ordainer_n which_o we_o call_v bishop_n all_o these_o gift_n he_o have_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o priesthood_n christ_n himself_o be_v of_o this_o order_n a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melcbisedek_n that_o be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n these_o be_v his_o office_n he_o be_v call_v also_o the_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v this_o in_o christ_n a_o distinct_a and_o superior_a office_n or_o order_n to_o his_o priesthood_n who_o will_v presume_v to_o affirm_v this_o and_o christ_n tell_v his_o apostle_n as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o christ_n therefore_o make_v they_o also_o king_n and_o priest_n as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o rev._n 1_o our_o saviour_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n no_o more_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n office_n of_o priest_n and_o bishop_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o so_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o ordain_v and_o send_v other_o as_o christ._n ordain_v and_o send_v they_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n or_o diversity_n of_o order_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o more_o be_v there_o in_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v and_o send_v by_o the_o apostle_n though_o there_o may_v be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n or_o administration_n all_o be_v not_o evangelist_n nor_o prophet_n some_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n some_o of_o prophecy_n some_o of_o miracle_n some_o of_o discern_a spirit_n and_o some_o such_o gift_n i_o conceive_v they_o may_v have_v who_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v superintendent_n overseer_n bishop_n over_o the_o rest_n endue_v especial_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o ordain_v of_o other_o for_o which_o there_o need_v no_o new_a order_n but_o the_o 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preserve_v this_o primitive_a way_n as_o any_o man_n yet_o i_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n consent_v to_o they_o who_o will_v have_v episcopacy_n to_o be_v a_o distinct_a order_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v nor_o can_v i_o think_v the_o ordination_n of_o a_o priest_n make_v by_o priest_n invalid_a for_o though_o it_o ought_v not_o be_v do_v but_o only_o of_o necessity_n yet_o be_v do_v it_o be_v valid_a and_o certain_o may_v without_o any_o crime_n be_v do_v by_o any_o priest_n by_z shipwrak_fw-mi or_o any_o such_o chance_n cast_v into_o a_o country_n where_o there_o be_v none_o commissionated_a to_o ordain_v in_o such_o a_o case_n he_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o ordain_v other_o fit_a person_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n for_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o substance_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o ceremony_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n approve_v of_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n out_o of_o envy_n rather_o than_o no_o preach_v so_o doubtless_o to_o ordain_v out_o of_o order_n be_v better_a than_o no_o ordination_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v deprive_v of_o preach_v pray_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o pastoral_n duty_n so_o great_a necessity_n may_v well_o excuse_v any_o irregularity_n yet_o where_o order_n can_v possible_o be_v observe_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n wherefore_o he_o that_o wilful_o transgress_v against_o order_n transgress_v against_o god_n and_o shall_v receive_v to_o himself_o damnation_n for_o if_o to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n only_o in_o humane_a and_o temporal_a thing_n be_v damnation_n much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o resist_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a concern_v deacon_n have_v thus_o state_v and_o unite_v the_o two_o pretend_a distinct_a
commit_v to_o their_o management_n and_o judicature_n the_o civil_a law_n be_v that_o whereby_o most_o of_o the_o civilise_a world_n be_v govern_v and_o if_o we_o will_v have_v commerce_n with_o they_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v have_v able_a civilian_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o which_o will_v never_o be_v unelss_o they_o have_v profitable_a and_o honourabl_a place_n to_o encourage_v they_o for_o it_o all_o that_o i_o beg_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o will_v contain_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o sphere_n of_o activity_n and_o not_o intrude_v into_o spiritual_a and_o sacred_a matter_n commit_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o priesthood_n and_o so_o i_o beg_v of_o priest_n that_o they_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o lay_v and_o temporol_n officer_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n when_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a affair_n be_v all_o intermingle_v and_o horrible_o confound_v as_o the_o pope_n take_v upon_o he_o secular_a and_o imperial_a authority_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n so_o the_o bishop_n and_o priest_n under_o he_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o secular_a affair_n and_o office_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n bishop_n be_v frequent_o lord_n keeper_n treasurer_n chief_a justice_n viceroy_n what_o not_o which_o be_v strange_o unapostolical_a and_o unlawful_a their_o vocation_n be_v whole_o spiritual_a as_o man_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o it_o than_o of_o mere_a necessity_n for_o food_n and_o raiment_n wherefore_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o any_o lay-office_n which_o must_v needs_o take_v they_o off_o much_o from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v doubtless_o very_o sinful_a for_o act_n 6._o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o these_o and_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o have_v these_o interrupt_v by_o that_o charitable_a office_n of_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a certain_o than_o they_o will_v have_v much_o less_o endure_v yea_o abominate_v to_o be_v take_v off_o by_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a office_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n let_v i_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o those_o of_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o study_v and_o practice_n physic_n for_o hire_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v likewise_o sinful_a as_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o spiritual_a employment_n have_v they_o study_v physic_n before_o they_o enter_v holy_a order_n and_o will_v after_o make_v use_n of_o their_o skill_n among_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n out_o of_o charity_n this_o be_v commendable_a but_o be_v enter_v on_o a_o spiritual_a and_o pastoral_a charge_n which_o require_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o more_o to_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o study_v not_o spiritual_a be_v contrary_a to_o their_o vocation_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a and_o to_o do_v it_o for_o gain_n be_v sordid_a and_o unworthy_a their_o high_a and_o holy_a call_v but_o necessitas_fw-la cogit_fw-la ad_fw-la turpia_fw-la the_o maintenance_n of_o many_o minister_n be_v so_o small_a as_o it_o force_v they_o even_o for_o food_n and_o raiment_n to_o seek_v it_o by_o other_o employment_n which_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n excuse_v they_o but_o mighty_o condemn_v those_o who_o shall_v provide_v better_o for_o they_o whether_o this_o belong_v not_o to_o king_n and_o parliament_n i_o must_v humble_o beseech_v they_o in_o christ_n name_n serious_o to_o consider_v i_o crave_v pardon_n for_o this_o i_o hope_v useful_a digression_n and_o return_v to_o the_o business_n of_o excommunication_n this_o sacred_a authority_n of_o excommunication_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n by_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n be_v use_v in_o weighty_a and_o very_a scandalous_a matter_n very_o few_o example_n of_o it_o in_o scripture_n the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a hymenus_fw-la and_o alexander_n scarce_o another_o clear_o express_v the_o apostle_n be_v full_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o all_o thing_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n single_o themselves_o but_o the_o succeed_a bishop_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o that_o full_a measure_n use_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o principal_a clergy_n in_o their_o diocese_n that_o the_o act_n may_v be_v more_o solemn_a and_o authentic_a the_o person_n excommunicate_v if_o he_o conceive_v the_o act_n injurious_a appeal_v to_o one_o or_o more_o neighbour_a bishop_n who_o assemble_v together_o and_o discuss_v the_o matter_n either_o confirm_v or_o reverse_v the_o act_n as_o they_o find_v cause_n and_o sometime_o the_o matter_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o cause_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a province_n but_o each_o bishop_n or_o praepositus_fw-la as_o st._n cyprian_n call_v he_o and_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v absolute_a in_o his_o own_o diocese_n to_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o none_o condemn_v for_o use_v it_o but_o only_o for_o abuse_v it_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o conscience_n there_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n they_o proceed_v by_o at_o first_o afterward_o when_o bishop_n on_o this_o or_o other_o occasion_n meet_v in_o assembly_n provincial_a or_o general_n they_o make_v it_o divers_a canon_n which_o pass_v for_o rule_n and_o law_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o which_o doubtless_o be_v very_o good_a help_n to_o bridle_v the_o extravagant_a passion_n of_o particular_a man_n very_o apt_a in_o this_o corrupt_a age_n to_o prevaricate_v yet_o i_o can_v conceive_v they_o so_o far_o oblige_v but_o new_a emergent_a circumstance_n may_v just_o cause_v new_a and_o different_a decree_n yet_o so_o as_o every_o particular_a bishop_n be_v oblige_v for_o peace_n sake_n to_o submit_v to_o or_o at_o least_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o general_n decree_n of_o that_o nation_n where_o he_o live_v i_o say_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v entire_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o former_a council_n either_o provincial_a or_o general_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o all_o their_o decree_n be_v humane_a not_o divine_a and_o all_o humane_a ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v alterable_a according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n by_o other_o general_a council_n as_o to_o the_o bound_n of_o each_o bishop_n diocese_n they_o be_v occasion_v several_a way_n the_o apostle_n for_o the_o better_a spread_v of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v it_o first_o in_o the_o principal_a city_n which_o general_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o the_o adjacent_a part_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o call_v they_o thither_o and_o in_o these_o city_n they_o settle_v the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o pastor_n in_o other_o lesser_a city_n and_o town_n round_o about_o as_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a increase_v and_o all_o those_o church_n that_o be_v erect_v and_o pastor_n establish_v in_o they_o by_o these_o apostolic_a man_n in_o the_o chief_a city_n i_o humble_o conceive_v in_o reverence_n of_o their_o worth_n and_o apostolic_a authority_n be_v free_o observant_a and_o subject_a to_o they_o which_o afterward_o out_o of_o custom_n grow_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o right_n challenge_v by_o their_o successor_n sometime_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o a_o city_n be_v enlarge_v according_a to_o the_o temporal_a authority_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o this_o or_o that_o country_n for_o so_o we_o find_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o other_o council_n the_o chief_a and_o large_a authority_n give_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o old_a rome_n because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o imperial_a city_n to_o constantinople_n as_o the_o second_o imperial_a city_n to_o alexandria_n as_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o that_o part_n of_o africa_n to_o antioch_n jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n phillipi_n etc._n etc._n where_o you_o see_v that_o though_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o first_o city_n from_o whence_o the_o gospel_n issue_v forth_o antioch_n the_o second_o city_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v plant_v and_o where_o the_o faithful_a be_v first_o call_v christian_n yet_o rome_n constantinople_n and_o alexandria_n be_v prefer_v before_o they_o and_o have_v far_o large_a jurisdiction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a temporal_a matter_n and_o man_n have_v no_o far_o obligation_n to_o it_o in_o conscience_n than_o for_o peace_n sake_n and_o order_n which_o in_o like_a manner_n oblige_v every_o man_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o magistrate_n within_o their_o respective_a jurisdiction_n there_o be_v yet_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o business_n first_o where_o the_o apostle_n first_o plant_v the_o gospel_n in_o city_n with_o authority_n over_o the_o adjacent_a part_n it_o be_v in_o rich_a populous_a country_n where_o city_n be_v much_o near_o together_o than_o in_o these_o northern_a part_n and_o the_o circuit_n of_o each_o city_n be_v much_o less_o in_o compass_n so_o that_o the_o bishop_n may_v well_o have_v the_o inspection_n