a_o vindication_n of_o the_o dissertation_n concern_v episcopacy_n from_o the_o answer_n or_o exception_n offer_v against_o they_o by_o the_o london_n minister_n in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la by_o h._n hammond_n d.d._n london_n print_v by_o j._n g._n for_o richard_n royston_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o ivy-lane_n 1654._o to_o the_o reader_n in_o erasmus_n distribution_n of_o his_o own_o write_n into_o tome_n the_o 8_o we_o find_v thus_o inscribe_v by_o he_o octavum_fw-la occupent_fw-la apologiae_fw-la i_o miserum_fw-la et_fw-la hae_fw-la justum_fw-la volumen_fw-la efficient_a it_o be_v his_o great_a infelicity_n that_o the_o apology_n and_o answer_n to_o exception_n and_o calumny_n which_o he_o be_v constrain_v to_o write_v make_v up_o a_o entire_a large_a volume_n in_o folio_n now_o though_o i_o have_v that_o pleasure_n in_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o person_n which_o give_v i_o security_n by_o the_o romanist_n proverb_n never_o to_o be_v deem_v one_o of_o their_o good_a catholic_n and_o so_o may_v probable_o partake_v of_o some_o part_n of_o his_o fate_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a insolence_n in_o i_o who_o have_v not_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o a_o ten_o proportion_n to_o that_o be_v with_o he_o have_v favour_v it_o to_o expect_v the_o tithe_n of_o that_o consideration_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v one_o capable_a of_o that_o degree_n of_o infelicity_n which_o lie_v a_o full_a load_n on_o he_o nevertheless_o these_o few_o last_o month_n have_v give_v i_o a_o taste_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o i_o be_o to_o expect_v for_o beside_o the_o reproach_n of_o one_o learned_a gentleman_n to_o which_o be_v bare_o such_o i_o have_v no_o one_o word_n to_o retribute_v but_o that_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o christ_n direct_v i_o to_o i_o have_v far_o meet_v with_o some_o variety_n many_o exception_n though_o little_a of_o contumely_n from_o these_o assembly_n more_o and_o in_o a_o very_a distant_a character_n from_o a_o large_a preface_n of_o animadversion_n on_o the_o dissertation_n send_v i_o late_o from_o oxford_n other_o also_o there_o be_v which_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v leisure_n to_o weigh_v but_o soon_o purpose_n and_o hope_v to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o either_o i_o discern_v myself_o or_o find_v it_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o that_o what_o be_v already_o say_v in_o the_o tract_n which_o they_o oppose_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v the_o scruple_n propose_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v willing_o dedicate_v some_o time_n of_o vacancy_n to_o that_o employment_n at_o the_o present_a the_o exception_n of_o the_o london_n minister_n have_v challenge_v the_o precedence_n and_o here_o be_v offer_v to_o consideration_n and_o because_o the_o praeface_n from_o oxford_n fall_v on_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o matter_n episcopacy_n and_o ignatius_n epistle_n as_o they_o be_v defend_v in_o the_o dissertation_n i_o purpose_v god-willing_o that_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o shall_v now_o follow_v assoon_o as_o the_o printer_n can_v dispatch_v it_o and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o reader_n by_o way_n of_o praeface_n the_o table_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n page_n 9_o section_n 1._o the_o ground_n of_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v bishop_n ibid._n sect._n 2._o of_o timothy_n of_o onesimus_n of_o policarpe_a p._n 15._o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o negative_a argument_n from_o s._n john_n not_o use_v the_o word_n bishop_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o revelation_n p._n 19_o sect._n 4._o of_o s._n john_n write_n again_o of_o diotrephes_n p._n 25_o sect._n 5._o of_o s._n john_n be_v bishop_n of_o asia_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v bishop_n p._n 29_o sect._n 6._o of_o the_o word_n angel_n and_o star_n pretend_v to_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n the_o singularity_n of_o the_o word_n angel_n p._n 35_o sect._n 7._o of_o their_o exception_n to_o our_o argue_v from_o symbol_n of_o bishop_n and_o elder_a be_v the_o same_o p._n 38_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o singularity_n of_o each_o angel_n the_o objection_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o plural_a number_n p._n 41_o sect._n 9_o of_o the_o elder_n at_o ephesus_n act._n 20._o p._n 45_o sect._n 10._o of_o express_v a_o number_n by_o singular_n a_o church_n by_o a_o candlestick_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n rev._n 8._o p._n 47_o sect._n 11._o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v send_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n not_o to_o the_o bishop_n only_o of_o timothy_n onesimus_n and_o polycarp_n be_v bishop_n of_o some_o of_o the_o asian_a church_n without_o any_o charge_n of_o apostasy_n fall_v on_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n p._n 50_o sect._n 12._o of_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n that_o it_o hinder_v not_o his_o be_v a_o bishop_n p._n 55_o sect._n 13._o of_o the_o bishop_n at_o ephesus_n of_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o angel_n of_o smyrna_n p._n 56_o sect._n 14._o of_o beza_n interpretation_n of_o the_o president_n p._n 57_o sect._n 15._o of_o dr._n reynolds_n interpretation_n of_o the_o bishop_n in_o cyprian_n of_o ordination_n by_o bishop_n not_o without_o presbyter_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a and_o fermilian_a p._n 51_o sect._n 16._o of_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v metropolitical_a of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n p._n 54_o sect._n 16._o of_o model_a church_n according_a to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n of_o exemplar_n of_o metropolitan_o among_o the_o jew_n testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n institute_v metropolitan_n p._n 67_o sect._n 17._o of_o the_o objection_n against_o metropoles_fw-la from_o the_o seven_o star_n in_o seven_o church_n p._n 71_o sect._n 18._o of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n for_o archbishop_n in_o tertullian_n of_o angel_n in_o christ_n epistle_n p._n 64_o sect._n 19_o of_o division_n into_o parish_n and_o union_n into_o diocese_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14._o elder_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20._o that_o place_n vindicate_v from_o exception_n p._n 75_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o equivalence_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 92_o sect._n 1._o four_o sort_n of_o equivalence_n of_o these_o word_n propose_v ibid._n sect._n 2_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 95_o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n p._n 100_o sect._n 4._o of_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o praelatists_n disagreement_n among_o themselves_o 102._o sect._n 5._o inconvenience_n object_v and_o answer_v of_o more_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n no_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o no_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n p._n 105_o sect_n 6._o a_o first_o confession_n object_v and_o vindicate_v of_o the_o ephesine_n presbyter_n be_v all_o the_o praelate_n of_o asia_n elder_n aldermanni_n p._n 108_o sect._n 7._o a_o second_o confession_n of_o the_o bishop_n phil._n 1._o 1._o be_v bishop_n of_o that_o whole_a province_n philippi_n a_o metropolis_n and_o a_o colony_n p._n 110_o sect._n 8._o a_o three_o confession_n of_o timothy_n be_v a_o archbishop_n of_o the_o qualification_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 2_o belong_v to_o bishop_n of_o the_o bishop_n be_v worthy_a of_o double-honour_n though_o he_o never_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4_o of_o rebuke_v and_o receive_v accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a p._n 112_o sect._n 9_o a_o four_o confession_n of_o titus_n be_v archbishop_n of_o crect_n p._n 116_o sect._n 10._o a_o five_o charge_n of_o contrariety_n to_o scripture_n answer_v of_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a belong_v to_o elder_n james_n 5._o p._n 118_o sect._n 11._o a_o last_o objection_n from_o act._n 21._o 18._o and._n 14._o 3._o and_o 11._o 30._o answer_v elder_n for_o ruler_n or_o bishop_n p._n 122_o chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o opinion_n of_o antiquity_n in_o this_o question_n page_n 129._o sect._n 1_o the_o testimony_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n the_o only_a office_n at_o the_o first_o corinth_n metropolis_n of_o achaia_n what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o apostle_n care_v to_o prevent_v contention_n about_o episcopacy_n hegesippus_n testimony_n of_o the_o contention_n at_o corinth_n clement_n a_o bishop_n p._n 129._o sect._n 2._o the_o testimony_n of_o policarpe_a that_o he_o be_v himself_o a_o bishop_n his_o mention_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n fit_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o be_v so_o confirm_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o series_n of_o the_o ancient_n p._n 139_o sect._n 3_o a_o vindication_n of_o ignatius_n epistle_n vossius_n edition_n of_o they_o and_o the_o archbishop_n of_o
be_v communicate_v to_o the_o colossian_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act._n 16._o 4._o and_o then_o all_o that_o the_o immediate_a subjoyn_v of_o the_o deacon_n in_o that_o place_n will_v conclude_v be_v only_o this_o which_o be_v far_o from_o yield_v the_o presbyterian_o any_o profit_n that_o as_o aër_fw-la epiphanius_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n be_v but_o new_o plant_v there_o be_v not_o presbyter_n as_o yet_o constitute_v among_o they_o only_o a_o bishop_n with_o one_o deacon_n or_o more_o in_o each_o city_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o it_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o where_o after_o james_n assumption_n to_o the_o bishopric_n which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v soon_o institute_v no_o presbyter_n be_v create_v in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o the_o bishop_n and_o they_o that_o either_o scripture_n or_o ancient_a record_n inform_v we_o of_o and_o corinth_n clemens_n st._n paul_n fellow_n labourer_n mention_n it_o as_o the_o general_a practice_n that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v through_o region_n and_o city_n constitute_v their_o first_o fruit_n into_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v come_v in_o to_o the_o faith_n thus_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v a_o force_a interpretation_n be_v perfect_o regular_a and_o conformable_a to_o what_o we_o read_v of_o those_o time_n out_o of_o the_o best_a and_o ancient_a record_n of_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o circumstance_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o mistake_v yet_o for_o the_o main_a the_o reader_n will_v hardly_o think_v it_o possible_a when_o he_o remember_v this_o very_a church_n of_o the_o philippian_n to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o express_o name_v by_o tertullian_n among_o who_o in_o his_o time_n apostolorum_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la suis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidebantur_fw-la the_o chair_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o extant_a praeside_v in_o their_o due_a place_n which_o conclude_v some_o bishop_n or_o singular_a praefect_n to_o have_v succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o church_n as_o in_o those_o other_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o theodoret_n who_o authority_n be_v most_o use_v against_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v presbyter_n here_o epaphroditus_n be_v express_o affirm_v to_o be_v that_o bishop_n the_o next_o place_n be_v that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o if_o any_o man_n desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o covet_v a_o good_a work_n a_o bishop_n therefore_o must_v be_v blameless_a where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n of_o doubt_v but_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o singular_a praefect_n or_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o only_a appearance_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v again_o as_o in_o that_o to_o the_o philippian_n the_o immediate_a subjoyn_v of_o deacon_n and_o their_o qualification_n v_o 8._o that_o present_o vanish_v if_o again_o we_o remember_v the_o observation_n of_o epiphanius_n which_o he_o have_v out_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n and_o be_v find_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o express_a word_n of_o clemens_n romanus_n the_o contemporary_a of_o the_o apostle_n that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o the_o government_n be_v complete_a in_o all_o the_o office_n the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a person_n place_v in_o the_o church_n by_o they_o such_o as_o timothy_n to_o who_o here_o he_o give_v the_o direction_n create_v no_o more_o but_o a_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n one_o or_o more_o in_o each_o church_n the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n neither_o require_v nor_o be_v well_o capable_a of_o any_o more_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o christian_n to_o be_v govern_v or_o instruct_v and_o of_o those_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v presbyter_n and_o although_o theodoret_n again_o with_o some_o few_o other_o interpret_v the_o place_n of_o presbyter_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a he_o do_v it_o not_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o bishop_n add_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o bishop_n especial_o shall_v observe_v these_o law_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o those_o which_o have_v attein_v to_o a_o great_a honour_n meanwhile_o s._n chrysostome_n interpret_v it_o distinct_o of_o 〈◊〉_d bishop_n as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o in_o that_o notion_n of_o bishop_n which_o sever_v they_o from_o presbyter_n such_o as_o govern_v in_o each_o city_n and_o add_v the_o qualification_n to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v agree_v to_o presbyter_n also_o and_o according_o theophylact_v interpret_v it_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o precedent_n and_o ruler_n without_o any_o mention_n of_o presbyter_n there_o remain_v but_o one_o place_n and_o that_o of_o the_o very_a same_o nature_n with_o this_o last_o and_o must_v certain_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o tit._n 1._o 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n answerable_a to_o that_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o ruler_n set_v over_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o kin._n 11._o 18._o i_o e._n the_o steward_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n be_v commit_v isa_n 22._o 22._o that_o this_o be_v the_o singular_a bishop_n in_o every_o city_n signify_v before_o v_o 5._o by_o the_o elder_n which_o titus_n be_v leave_v in_o crete_n to_o constitute_v be_v the_o joint_a affirmation_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n theophylact_v and_o oecumenius_n on_o those_o word_n of_o v_o 5._o elder_n in_o every_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o elder_n he_o there_o mean_v bishop_n as_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v constitute_v in_o every_o â—ity_n for_o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o whole_a island_n administer_v by_o one_o but_o that_o every_o â—ity_n shall_v have_v its_o proper_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n that_o so_o the_o labour_n may_v be_v the_o light_a and_o the_o care_n more_o exact_a in_o crete_n there_o be_v certain_o many_o city_n eusebius_n mention_n a_o hundred_o of_o all_o which_o 4._o say_v he_o titus_n be_v make_v bishop_n by_o st._n paul_n that_o under_o he_o say_v 1._o theodoret_n he_o may_v ordain_v bishop_n to_o which_o ep._n chrysostome_n and_o theophylact_fw-mi add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o may_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v or_o censure_v those_o bishop_n as_o a_o metropolitan_a and_o primaâ—e_a over_o they_o there_o be_v now_o no_o other_o place_n wherein_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v use_v and_o by_o this_o brief_a view_n of_o these_o i_o hope_v the_o first_o proposition_n be_v competent_o rescue_v from_o merit_v the_o censure_n of_o paradox_n whether_o that_o signify_v novel_a or_o strange_a this_o be_v so_o conformable_a both_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o each_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v use_v that_o bishop_n shall_v signify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o singular_a pastor_n or_o governor_n in_o each_o city_n or_o church_n section_n iii_o of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n now_o to_o the_o second_o proposition_n which_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o positivenesse_n but_o be_v set_v down_o in_o a_o great_a latitude_n of_o define_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o constant_o signify_v a_o bishop_n also_o or_o else_o common_o a_o bishop_n though_o sometime_o but_o most_o rare_o a_o presbyter_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o need_v to_o praemise_v but_o these_o few_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d common_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v denote_v most_o proper_o and_o signify_v most_o constant_o as_o in_o all_o language_n the_o word_n be_v find_v vulgar_o to_o do_v a_o ruler_n or_o governor_n this_o be_v so_o large_o deduce_v and_o demonstrate_v in_o the_o annotation_n on_o act._n 11._o 30._o that_o i_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v far_o to_o manifest_v it_o second_o that_o as_o in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o word_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o bishop_n so_o in_o every_o other_o place_n it_o be_v very_o fit_o capable_a of_o that_o interpretation_n this_o be_v again_o so_o particular_o evidence_v to_o the_o latin_a reader_n diss_n 4._o c._n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o and_o to_o the_o english_a reader_n annot._n on_o act._n 11._o b._n and_o 14._o a._n that_o i_o can_v deem_v it_o reasonable_a to_o tire_v myself_o far_a with_o
to_o the_o apostle_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a council_n of_o social_a ruler_n but_o as_o so_o many_o several_a planter_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n each_o have_v all_o power_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o no_o conjunction_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o apostle_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v large_o and_o clear_o deduce_v dissert_n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o and_o this_o power_n be_v by_o they_o derive_v to_o bishop_n in_o each_o city_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o use_v it_o themselves_o which_o be_v also_o far_o evidence_v and_o vindicate_v c._n 5._o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v deem_v a_o first_o competent_a proof_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o first_o bishop_n make_v by_o they_o be_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n call_v apostle_n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n diss_n 4._o c._n 3._o 8._o a_o second_o principal_a proof_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v from_o the_o several_a mention_n of_o the_o so_o many_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o the_o so_o many_o angel_n assign_v to_o they_o one_o to_o each_o as_o a_o singular_a governor_n or_o bishop_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o in_o discourse_n of_o these_o we_o have_v find_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o authorise_v we_o to_o improve_v the_o conclusion_n a_o little_a high_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n viz._n to_o affirm_v of_o these_o angel_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v a_o archbishop_n or_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v do_v so_o to_o discern_v upon_o undeniable_a ground_n that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o such_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o not_o under_o that_o title_n as_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n metropolitan_a of_o all_o judea_n titus_n of_o all_o crete_n with_o a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n 9_o and_o the_o way_n of_o according_a all_o other_o scripture_n with_o these_o have_v be_v brief_o these_o 1._o by_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o city_n and_o metropoles_fw-la as_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o mention_n of_o many_o bishop_n in_o not_o of_o one_o city_n mean_v thereby_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o the_o city_n under_o that_o metropolis_n as_o phil._n 1._o 1._o act._n 20._o 17._o second_o by_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n for_o bishop_n as_o beside_o apostle_n and_o angel_n foremention_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a and_o in_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_a priest_n and_o sacerdos_n priest_n each_o denote_v dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o all_o clear_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n applicable_a and_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o context_n to_o be_v actual_o apply_v to_o the_o singular_a governor_n in_o each_o city_n most_o of_o they_o constant_o so_o and_o that_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o not_o constant_o so_o yet_o very_o rare_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v do_v dissert_n 4._o c._n 7._o and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o diss_n three_o by_o observe_v the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n in_o many_o city_n in_o the_o first_o plantation_n which_o make_v it_o unnecessary_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v any_o more_o than_o a_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n one_o or_o more_o in_o each_o city_n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_o do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o first_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o most_o undeniable_a ancient_a record_n such_o as_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o profound_a history_n out_o of_o which_o 3._o epiphanius_n make_v this_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o there_o want_v bishop_n and_o there_o be_v find_v person_n worthy_a of_o the_o office_n bishop_n be_v constitute_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o multitude_n there_o none_o be_v find_v among_o they_o to_o be_v constitute_v presbyter_n and_o they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o bishop_n alone_o in_o a_o place_n only_o the_o bishop_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v without_o a_o deacon_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n take_v care_n that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v have_v his_o deacon_n to_o minister_v to_o he_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o cite_v by_o epiphanius_n out_o of_o those_o ancient_a record_n be_v find_v clear_o affirm_v by_o cor._n clemens_n romanus_n a_o apostolical_a person_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o apostle_n practice_n that_o they_o be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n as_o he_o by_o his_o father_n go_v out_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o proclaim_v it_o through_o region_n and_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o constitute_v their_o first_o fruit_n into_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v to_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v again_o add_v what_o ephiphanius_n preface_v in_o that_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o the_o preach_n be_v new_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n write_v agreeable_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n we_o have_v here_o so_o clear_a a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_a subjoyn_v of_o deacon_n to_o bishop_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o 1_o tim._n 3._o viz._n because_o those_o be_v the_o only_a two_o order_n then_o constitute_v in_o every_o church_n that_o these_o two_o place_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o adversary_n against_o we_o be_v most_o punctual_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o their_o pretension_n 10._o as_o for_o the_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n the_o groundwork_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o lay_v in_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n because_o the_o testimony_n thence_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o evident_a and_o the_o writer_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o holy_a man_n be_v martyr_a in_o the_o 10._o of_o trajan_n to_o who_o reign_n s._n john_n live_v and_o most_o of_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o very_a church_n of_o asia_n plant_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o many_o of_o they_o name_v by_o he_o and_o of_o one_o bishop_n the_o presbyter_n under_o he_o that_o if_o that_o one_o author_n testimony_n be_v attend_v to_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a decision_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n on_o the_o prelatists_n side_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o have_v also_o vindicate_v these_o epistle_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v object_v to_o they_o in_o these_o late_a year_n and_o assert_v their_o authority_n by_o as_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a evidence_n as_o can_v be_v vouch_v for_o any_o ancient_a piece_n next_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a copy_n and_o edition_n of_o it_o 11._o in_o accord_n with_o these_o testimony_n i_o have_v also_o produce_v many_o other_o out_o of_o clemens_n romanus_n hegesippus_n polycarpe_n papias_n polycrates_n justin_n jrenaeus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n tâ—rtullian_n and_o as_o many_o of_o the_o first_o time_n as_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o find_v a_o full_a consent_n in_o all_o and_o in_o most_o irrefragable_a suffrage_n which_o conclude_v this_o whole_a controversy_n on_o the_o prelatists_n side_n to_o which_o i_o have_v also_o add_v some_o few_o observation_n of_o unquestionable_a truth_n as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o use_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a to_o signify_v bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a sense_n among_o some_o of_o these_o most_o ancient_a church_n writer_n whereas_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o use_v by_o any_o but_o for_o a_o singular_a governor_n second_o that_o of_o the_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n in_o the_o same_o city_n the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o several_a governor_n or_o bishop_n over_o they_o which_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o remove_n some_o seem_a difficulty_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n antiâ—ch_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o other_o the_o like_a not_o for_o the_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o cause_n but_o as_o supernumerary_n and_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a head_n of_o probation_n we_o have_v build_v our_o plea_n descend_v also_o to_o a_o particular_a survey_n of_o saint_n hierom_n testimony_n which_o be_v by_o the_o adversary_n principal_o make_v use_n of_o against_o we_o and_o if_o what_o be_v thus_o copious_o deduce_v in_o the_o dissertation_n together_o
be_v only_o to_o state_n the_o question_n betwixt_o we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o while_n no_o more_o but_o this_o whether_o tertullian_n and_o irenaeus_n that_o call_v polycarpe_n and_o onesymus_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o ephesus_n mean_v bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n or_o in_o a_o general_a phrase_n as_o all_o presbyter_n be_v call_v bishop_n and_o this_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o only_a question_n between_o we_o and_o if_o bishop_n do_v signify_v bishop_n i_o can_v doubt_v but_o the_o cause_n be_v by_o they_o adjudge_v on_o our_o side_n and_o why_o it_o shall_v not_o they_o have_v to_o conclude_v only_o this_o offer_n of_o argument_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n have_v all_o one_o name_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o long_o after_o in_o irenaeus_n time_n 55._o i_o be_o true_o weary_a of_o the_o length_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o can_v but_o by_o consent_n have_v some_o compassion_n on_o the_o reader_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o this_o short_a issue_n this_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v no_o reason_n unless_o the_o word_n bishop_n both_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o long_a after_o irenaeus_n time_n signify_v a_o presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n for_o if_o both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o elder_n signify_v bishop_n in_o our_o notion_n this_o again_o give_v the_o cause_n to_o we_o from_o they_o and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o be_o content_a to_o leave_v it_o if_o ever_o they_o find_v in_o irenaeus_n that_o episcopus_fw-la signify_v a_o presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n i_o will_v confess_v they_o conqueror_n but_o this_o they_o have_v not_o offer_v here_o to_o do_v and_o i_o have_v some_o moderate_a assurance_n they_o never_o will_n and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o chapter_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o equivalence_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n section_n i._n four_o sort_n of_o equivalence_n of_o these_o word_n propose_v the_o next_o place_n where_o i_o find_v myself_o call_v forth_o be_v about_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o seven_o chapter_n towards_o the_o bottom_n of_o pag._n 92._o only_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n etc._n etc._n for_o although_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o chapter_n they_o undertake_v to_o vindicate_v their_o chief_a proof_n of_o scripture_n act._n 20._o 17_o 28._o phil._n 1._o 1._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o to_o make_v reply_n to_o the_o answer_v give_v to_o they_o and_o although_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o in_o the_o dissertation_n every_o of_o those_o place_n be_v answer_v and_o show_v to_o be_v full_o reconcileable_a with_o our_o praetension_n for_o praelacy_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o please_v to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v there_o say_v which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v i_o may_v without_o insolence_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o have_v prevent_v all_o appearance_n of_o force_n in_o any_o of_o their_o reply_v and_o therefore_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n perfect_o free_v from_o all_o obligation_n to_o view_v any_o paragraph_n of_o that_o former_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o have_v already_o say_v somewhat_o to_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o place_n act._n 20._o and_o foreseeing_a a_o fit_a opportunity_n for_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v for_o my_o own_o and_o the_o reader_n ease_v punctual_o expect_v and_o obey_v the_o summons_n appear_v when_o i_o be_o call_v before_o they_o but_o no_o soon_o avert_v their_o charge_n and_o not_o multiply_v debate_n above_o what_o be_v necessary_a thus_o than_o they_o begin_v that_o there_o be_v a_o doctor_n a_o high_a praelatist_n etc._n etc._n that_o in_o a_o late_a book_n of_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o great_a paradox_n 1._o that_o wheresoever_o the_o word_n bishop_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o praelaticall_a sense_n 2._o that_o wheresoever_o the_o word_n presbyter_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o of_o a_o mere_a presbyter_n but_o of_o a_o bishop_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o whereas_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture-bishop_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o presbyter_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n distinct_a from_o presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n this_o author_n on_o the_o contrary_n say_v that_o the_o scripture-presbyter_n be_v a_o true_a bishop_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o single_a and_o mere_a presbyter_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o take_v a_o particular_a survey_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o justification_n of_o these_o paradox_n only_o we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o dissertation_n set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o the_o author_n here_o charge_v for_o these_o two_o paradox_n that_o they_o be_v so_o style_v by_o those_o who_o be_v contrary_a mind_v and_o who_o have_v assume_v a_o power_n which_o if_o either_o of_o these_o proposition_n be_v true_a they_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o part_v with_o i_o can_v think_v strange_a and_o if_o i_o shall_v style_v their_o assertion_n as_o perfect_o paradox_n i.e._n as_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o ancients_n sense_n or_o doctrine_n in_o this_o matter_n when_o they_o say_v that_o the_o scripture-bishop_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o presbyter_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v certain_o a_o introduction_n fit_a to_o be_v confront_v to_o they_o as_o be_v equal_o argumentative_a but_o because_o this_o verbal_a eloquence_n have_v little_a of_o efficacy_n in_o it_o and_o will_v never_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o pretension_n by_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a to_o be_v error_n or_o paradox_n and_o because_o what_o be_v affix_v to_o i_o be_v not_o entire_o my_o sense_n though_o it_o recite_v it_o in_o some_o part_n and_o approach_v near_o to_o it_o i_o shall_v here_o begin_v with_o a_o brief_a relation_n of_o what_o be_v affirm_v by_o the_o dissertation_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o then_o inquire_v what_o be_v here_o produce_v to_o invalidate_v it_o dissert_n 4._o c._n 6._o the_o method_n lead_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o word_n bishop_n and_o elder_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o thing_n take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o equivalence_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o to_o which_o purpose_n theodoret_n chrysostome_n oecumenius_n and_o st_n hierome_n be_v cite_v as_o favourer_n of_o this_o opinion_n but_o this_o with_o some_o difference_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o distinct_a state_v of_o the_o question_n four_o sense_n be_v set_v down_o wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o this_o equivalence_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v 1._o that_o both_o bishop_n and_o elder_n shall_v signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o viz._n a_o bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n 2._o that_o both_o shall_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n viz._n a_o presbyter_n 3._o that_o both_o of_o they_o shall_v signify_v promiscuous_o sometime_o a_o bishop_n sometime_o a_o presbyter_n i._n e._n that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v sometime_o signify_v a_o bishop_n sometime_o a_o presbyter_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v sometime_o a_o bishop_n sometime_o a_o presbyter_n 4._o that_o the_o word_n bishop_n shall_v always_o signify_v a_o singular_a bishop_n and_o the_o word_n elder_a sometime_o a_o bishop_n and_o sometime_o a_o presbyter_n of_o these_o four_o sense_n of_o the_o equivalence_n of_o these_o word_n it_o be_v sure_o no_o error_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o they_o true_a each_o be_v exclusive_a of_o the_o other_o three_o and_o although_o some_o of_o the_o ancients_n may_v be_v bring_v in_o favour_n to_o one_o more_o than_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o this_o be_v eminent_o observable_a that_o those_o that_o favour_v that_o species_n which_o be_v most_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o interest_n to_o be_v accept_v do_v yet_o assert_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o prelatist_n as_o confident_o as_o any_o so_o theodoret_n who_o seem_v most_o to_o assert_v the_o second_o species_n do_v yet_o propugne_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o superior_a dignity_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n and_o affirm_v 1._o those_o who_o be_v in_o his_o time_n call_v bishop_n the_o singular_a praefect_n of_o city_n to_o have_v be_v style_v apostle_n in_o the_o scripture-time_n and_o that_o epaphroditus_n be_v call_v so_o by_o st._n paul_n as_o be_v bishop_n of_o the_o philippian_n and_o so_o say_v he_o
last_o charge_n be_v more_o severe_a than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a that_o these_o paradox_n as_o they_o style_v they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a in_o our_o argument_n against_o the_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la of_o episcopacy_n and_o will_v far_o manifest_v it_o if_o we_o think_v it_o necessary_a this_o i_o confess_v of_o contrariety_n to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n right_o understand_v i_o look_v upon_o as_o so_o high_a a_o charge_n that_o i_o very_o expect_v somewhat_o extraordinary_a to_o bind_v it_o on_o i_o and_o i_o sudden_o resolve_v as_o i_o read_v the_o first_o word_n of_o that_o section_n to_o examine_v those_o scripture_n that_o shall_v now_o be_v produce_v ponder_o and_o exact_o and_o either_o confess_v my_o own_o conviction_n or_o give_v competent_a reason_n why_o i_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o they_o but_o i_o soon_o find_v my_o expectation_n frustrate_v for_o as_o here_o be_v no_o one_o such_o scripture_n mention_v so_o for_o their_o argument_n against_o the_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la of_o episcopacy_n i_o know_v not_o where_o to_o seek_v they_o and_o never_o hear_v and_o very_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v former_o write_v any_o such_o book_n against_o bishop_n wherein_o the_o dissertation_n or_o any_o assertion_n of_o i_o therein_o be_v so_o much_o as_o arraign_v by_o they_o much_o less_o evidence_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o i_o have_v i_o assure_v they_o i_o shall_v then_o have_v be_v as_o ready_a to_o have_v make_v my_o reply_n as_o now_o i_o have_v be_v to_o attend_v they_o thus_o far_o and_o for_o their_o evidence_v this_o in_o any_o tract_n publish_v by_o they_o before_o the_o dissertation_n be_v write_v by_o which_o notwithstanding_o the_o dissertation_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o to_o be_v their_o meaning_n because_o these_o assertion_n of_o i_o be_v by_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v paradox_n contrary_a to_o all_o that_o have_v ever_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o episcopacy_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o divination_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o prevent_v by_o they_o after_o they_o have_v express_v their_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o they_o far_o to_o manifest_v the_o contrariety_n of_o my_o paradox_n to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o yet_o far_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v james_n 5._o 14._o be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v there_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o elder_n be_v bishop_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o bishop_n be_v take_v in_o in_o our_o day_n be_v this_o the_o prope_a work_n of_o bishop_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o beside_o if_o the_o apostle_n by_o elder_n have_v mean_v bishop_n in_o that_o sense_n he_o will_v have_v say_v let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o church_n unless_o our_o brethren_n will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a bishop_n in_o every_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o sick_a person_n what_o the_o for_o in_o the_o front_n here_o signify_v i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o conjecture_v the_o antecedent_n will_v incline_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o pretend_v to_o introduce_v a_o reason_n which_o may_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o my_o assertion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o sure_a it_o do_v not_o any_o way_n attempt_n or_o appear_v to_o do_v unless_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v suppose_v here_o to_o signify_v presbyter_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n but_o then_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o matter_n of_o question_n betwixt_o we_o all_o this_o while_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v not_o suppose_v or_o presume_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o bate_v they_o this_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o satisfy_v their_o wonderment_n that_o i_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v any_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n in_o this_o place_n of_o saint_n james_n be_v bishop_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o we_o now_o understand_v and_o use_v the_o word_n and_o 1._o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o avow_v that_o for_o all_o that_o space_n that_o in_o any_o church_n there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n ordain_v but_o only_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v resolve_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o bishop_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a that_o there_o be_v at_o the_o first_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v but_o thin_a plant_v such_o a_o time_n have_v already_o be_v evidence_v out_o of_o clemens_n romanus_n and_o the_o profound_a antequity_n that_o epiphanius_n can_v meet_v with_o and_o that_o then_o this_o office_n must_v either_o be_v neglect_v or_o perform_v by_o either_o bishop_n or_o deacon_n will_v not_o need_v any_o far_a proof_n as_o for_o the_o the_o deacon_n in_o their_o institution_n we_o find_v not_o that_o to_o be_v any_o part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o indeed_o the_o suitablenesse_n of_o absolution_n to_o that_o state_n of_o dangerous_a sickness_n and_o the_o mention_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o have_v commit_v sin_n and_o the_o command_n of_o give_v it_o in_o case_n he_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d absolvetur_fw-la ei_fw-la absolution_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o do_v render_v the_o deacon_n incompetent_a for_o that_o work_n and_o so_o where_o there_o be_v no_o presbyter_n must_v needs_o divolve_v it_o on_o the_o bishop_n and_o this_o account_n have_v more_o than_o probability_n no_o less_o than_o perfect_a evidence_n in_o it_o if_o we_o only_o suppose_v what_o have_v be_v so_o oft_o clear_v from_o the_o ancient_n to_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v small_a and_o none_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n there_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v no_o more_o but_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o deacon_n in_o each_o city_n for_o whilst_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o city_n i_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n sick_a and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o s._n james_n exhortation_n desirous_a of_o absolution_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v there_o supposeable_a in_o that_o city_n to_o give_v it_o he_o but_o the_o bishop_n and_o who_o else_o can_v he_o call_v to_o he_o for_o this_o purpose_n and_o than_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o this_o be_v the_o work_n in_o itself_o very_o agreeable_a and_o in_o this_o suppose_a case_n peculiar_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o bishop_n so_o that_o unless_o this_o supposition_n be_v false_a nay_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a i_o may_v safe_o say_v this_o be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o bishop_n work_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v by_o the_o bishop_n when_o other_o part_n of_o his_o office_n become_v his_o full_a employment_n commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n for_o 1._o he_o can_v not_o commit_v this_o to_o other_o if_o he_o first_o have_v it_o not_o in_o himself_o and_o second_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o ordain_v inferior_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o part_n of_o the_o bishop_n task_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o when_o the_o whole_a burden_n which_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o moses_n be_v distribute_v among_o other_o man_n which_o in_o this_o particular_a can_v not_o be_v if_o before_o this_o assignation_n of_o assistant_n it_o be_v not_o original_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d work_n or_o proper_a task_n of_o the_o bishop_n to_o this_o may_v be_v far_o add_v the_o real_a dignity_n because_o necessary_a charity_n of_o this_o performance_n of_o visit_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n and_o this_o arise_v both_o from_o the_o intimation_n of_o god_n own_o finger_n pointing_z out_o this_o a_o most_o agreeable_a season_n for_o all_o spiritual_a admonition_n and_o comfort_n a_o molle_fw-la tempus_fw-la fandi_fw-la wherein_o a_o word_n seasonable_o speak_v may_v most_o probable_o find_v the_o due_a reception_n and_o wherein_o the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o most_o apostolical_a person_n or_o the_o most_o high_o and_o just_o dignify_v in_o the_o church_n &_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n may_v come_v in_o most_o opportune_o &_o in_o this_o respect_n we_o see_v in_o that_o place_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o great_a prophet_n elias_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o s._n james_n to_o exemplify_v