the_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o yet_o these_o man_n have_v make_v no_o schism_n they_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o tabernacle_n nor_o raise_v another_o altar_n etc._n etc._n which_o now_o the_o schismatic_n do_v mean_v the_o novatian_o who_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o rebel_a against_o christ_n peace_n and_o unity_n be_v bold_a to_o constitute_v a_o episcopal_n chair_n and_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o primacy_n a_o episcopal_a authority_n and_o a_o power_n of_o baptise_v and_o offer_v that_o be_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a eucharist_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o it_o be_v here_o that_o no_o sacrament_n can_v be_v administer_v but_o in_o dependence_n on_o the_o bishop_n 184._o indeed_o 3._o consider_v that_o as_o i_o have_v full_o prove_v a_o bishop_n be_v then_o the_o principle_n of_o unity_n to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o be_v chief_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v not_o but_o belong_v to_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o be_v the_o visible_a head_n of_o that_o visible_a society_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o such_o to_o take_v care_n that_o society_n may_v suffer_v no_o detriment_n consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o neither_o may_v be_v dispense_v without_o he_o what_o can_v be_v more_o detrimental_a to_o a_o society_n especial_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o christian_a church_n than_o admit_v unworthy_a person_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o or_o allow_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o or_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o society_n after_o they_o have_v be_v just_o thrust_v from_o it_o without_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v give_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o serious_a reformation_n and_o who_o so_o proper_a to_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n as_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o society_n and_o now_o have_v thus_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o a_o bishop_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o other_o church-officer_n within_o his_o district_n in_o the_o grand_a concern_v of_o dispense_v both_o sacrament_n and_o that_o neither_o can_v be_v administer_v without_o he_o or_o against_o his_o authority_n i_o may_v fair_o supersede_n the_o trouble_n of_o make_v either_o a_o minute_n or_o a_o laborious_a demonstration_n of_o his_o sovereign_a interest_n in_o the_o act_n of_o excommunication_n or_o enjoin_v penance_n or_o reconcile_a penitent_n or_o make_v or_o rescind_v or_o dispense_n with_o ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o canon_n in_o a_o word_n in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n all_o these_o act_n depend_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n his_o negative_a therefore_o about_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o have_v not_o have_v a_o negative_a likewise_o about_o all_o these_o acts._n beside_o you_o will_v not_o ready_o say_v i_o think_v that_o he_o can_v have_v have_v a_o great_a trust_n by_o have_v a_o negative_a in_o any_o other_o matter_n than_o in_o the_o dispense_v of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v that_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o be_v entrust_v with_o a_o negative_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n either_o of_o equal_a if_o any_o such_o can_v be_v imagine_v or_o lesser_o importance_n on_o which_o the_o order_n the_o subsistence_n the_o unity_n the_o peace_n the_o purity_n the_o prosperity_n or_o whatsoever_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n can_v any_o way_n depend_v yet_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n i_o shall_v proceed_v a_o little_a further_o and_o give_v you_o by_o way_n of_o historical_a deduction_n such_o a_o account_n of_o power_n lodge_v e._n g._n in_o st._n cyprian_n person_n as_o you_o may_v fair_o judge_v thereby_o concern_v the_o preeminence_n of_o bishop_n in_o his_o time_n the_o most_o current_a account_n we_o have_v about_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o christianity_n at_o least_o not_o baptise_a till_o the_o year_n 246._o that_o he_o be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n anno_fw-la 247_o and_o bishop_n of_o carthage_n anno_fw-la 248._o chronologist_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o this_o last_o step_n of_o his_o preferment_n now_o as_o we_o learn_v both_o from_o himself_o and_o from_o pontius_n his_o deacon_n some_o of_o the_o carthaginian_a clergy_n be_v mighty_a enemy_n to_o his_o promotion_n 〈◊〉_d belike_o they_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o he_o so_o late_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n so_o late_o make_v a_o presbyter_n shall_v have_v be_v prefer_v to_o themselves_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v as_o i_o say_v that_o they_o appear_v against_o he_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o main_a but_o the_o people_n be_v so_o general_o and_o so_o zealous_o for_o he_o to_o have_v he_o their_o bishop_n that_o these_o his_o enemy_n be_v overpower_v make_a bishop_n he_o be_v and_o he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o well_o qualify_v so_o eminent_a in_o every_o virtue_n and_o withal_o so_o strict_a and_o cautious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o government_n after_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a for_o the_o mutineer_n to_o wreck_v their_o malice_n on_o he_o but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o soften_a they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o imbitter_v they_o the_o more_o and_o make_v they_o the_o more_o watchful_a of_o all_o opportunity_n to_o breed_v he_o trouble_n and_o disturb_v his_o government_n at_o last_o they_o catch_v hold_v of_o one_o and_o that_o a_o very_a dangerous_a one_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o decian_a persecution_n this_o persecution_n beginning_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 249_o and_o last_v for_o a_o full_a year_n come_v on_o the_o church_n after_o a_o loâ—g_a peace_n with_o a_o surprise_v violence_n have_v very_o sad_a effect_n vast_a number_n turn_v apostate_n renounce_v the_o holy_a faith_n and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o heathen_a idol_n and_o cyprian_n himself_o command_v by_o god_n have_v retire_v from_o carthage_n till_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o relentment_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o persecution_n here_o i_o say_v his_o subtle_a enemy_n find_v their_o so_o long_o wish_v opportunity_n for_o the_o lapse_v so_o soon_o as_o the_o hazard_n be_v over_o resume_v their_o christian_a profession_n and_o turn_v mighty_a forward_o if_o not_o furious_a to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n '_o tho'_o they_o know_v full_a well_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o canon_n to_o have_v continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n yet_o they_o think_v their_o number_n and_o perhaps_o their_o quality_n may_v overpower_v the_o canon_n and_o claim_v indulgence_n and_o dispensation_n with_o they_o strike_v in_o those_o clergyman_n who_o have_v still_o retain_v the_o old_a grudge_n against_o st._n cyprian_n promotion_n encourage_v their_o presumption_n they_o know_v he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o principle_n and_o have_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o real_a interest_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o will_v stand_v resolute_o by_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lapse_v shall_v perfect_v their_o term_n of_o penance_n they_o see_v the_o eagerness_n of_o the_o lapse_v to_o be_v soon_o reconcile_v than_o the_o canon_n allow_v they_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o think_v that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v effectual_o put_v a_o thorn_n in_o his_o foot_n they_o shall_v inflame_v the_o lapse_v and_o their_o relation_n perchance_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o people_n against_o he_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o themselves_o to_o encourage_v the_o lapse_v in_o their_o petulancy_n the_o bishop_n prelation_n over_o presbyter_n be_v then_o so_o notorious_a that_o as_o malicious_a as_o they_o be_v they_o have_v not_o impudence_n enough_o to_o set_v up_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o reconcile_v the_o lapse_v to_o the_o church_n mere_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o own_o credit_n against_o his_o will_n and_o order_n and_o therefore_o they_o fall_v upon_o another_o project_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o other_o to_o stand_v up_o against_o the_o bishop_n authority_n it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n these_o for_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n their_o fervent_a zeal_n and_o fragrant_a grace_n their_o glorious_a courage_n and_o good_a example_n that_o they_o may_v persevere_v themselves_o and_o other_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o follow_v their_o pattern_n be_v hold_v in_o mighty_a reputation_n they_o be_v repute_v as_o
can_v refer_v it_o to_o our_o author_n himself_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n bore_v no_o high_a character_n than_o that_o of_o a_o single_a presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyterian_a moderator_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o head_n of_o argument_n which_o shall_v be_v four_o to_o give_v you_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a detail_n some_o of_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v enough_o for_o my_o purpose_n if_o i_o shall_v prove_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n ii_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v a_o negative_a over_o all_o the_o other_o church-governor_n within_o his_o district_n and_o iii_o that_o all_o the_o other_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o discipline_n and_o jurisdiction_n i._o i_o say_v there_o be_v several_a considerable_a act_n of_o power_n relate_v to_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v sole_o to_o the_o bishop_n several_a power_n lodge_v in_o his_o person_n which_o he_o can_v manage_v by_o himself_o and_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-governour_n take_v these_o for_o a_o sample_n and_o first_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o confirmation_n of_o impose_v hand_n on_o christian_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n after_o baptism_n for_o this_o we_o have_v st._n cyprian_n most_o express_v testimony_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o jubaianus_n where_o he_o tell_v it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o offer_v such_o as_o be_v baptise_a to_o the_o bishop_n that_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy-ghost_n and_o be_v consummate_v by_o the_o sign_n of_o our_o lord_n i._n e._n by_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o i_o take_v it_o and_o he_o express_o find_v this_o practice_n on_o the_o paterm_fw-la of_o st._n pater_fw-la and_o st._n john_n mention_v act_n 8._o 14._o etc._n etc._n 202._o firmilian_a be_v as_o express_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o cyprian_a say_v in_o plain_a lanugage_n that_o the_o bishop_n who_o govern_v the_o church_n possess_v the_o power_n of_o baptism_n confirmation_n and_o ordination_n 221._o it_o be_v true_a he_o call_v they_o majores_fw-la natu_fw-la elder_a but_o that_o he_o mean_v bishop_n as_o distinguish_v from_o presbyter_n can_v be_v call_v into_o question_n by_o any_o man_n who_o read_v the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o consider_v his_o style_n all_o along_o and_o withal_o consider_v what_o a_o peculiar_a interest_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o time_n the_o bishop_n have_v in_o these_o three_o act_n he_o name_v but_o whatever_o groundless_a altercation_n there_o may_v be_v about_o his_o testimony_n as_o there_o can_v be_v none_o about_o st._n cprian's_n so_o neither_o can_v there_o by_o any_o shadow_n of_o pretext_n for_o any_o about_o cornelius_n who_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o fabius_n so_o often_o mention_v before_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o novatianus_n his_o incapacity_n of_o be_v a_o bishop_n that_o tho'_o he_o be_v baptise_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n 43._o second_o he_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n and_o that_o of_o whatsoever_o clergyman_n within_o his_o district_n ordination_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o he_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v they_o regular_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o other_o church-officer_n this_o have_v be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o full_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v much_o on_o it_o forbear_v therefore_o to_o adduce_v the_o testimony_n of_o such_o as_o live_v after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n such_o as_o ambrose_n jerom_n chrysostom_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o st._n cyprian_n and_o his_o contemporary_n toi_fw-fr begin_v with_o st._n cyprian_n it_o be_v true_a so_o humble_a and_o condescend_v he_o be_v that_o when_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v nothing_o by_o himself_o concern_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o consult_v not_o only_a his_o clergy_n but_o his_o people_n 33._o i_o call_v this_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a condescension_n it_o wa_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v by_o any_o divine_a prescript_n or_o any_o apostolical_a tradition_n or_o any_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n his_o very_a word_n import_v so_o much_o which_o you_o may_v see_v on_o the_o margin_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o find_v he_o not_o only_o in_o extraordinary_a juncture_n ordain_v without_o ask_v the_o consent_n of_o his_o clergy_n or_o people_n but_o still_o insist_v on_o it_o as_o the_o right_n of_o all_o bishop_n and_o particular_o his_o own_o to_o promote_v and_o ordain_v clergyman_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n by_o himself_o and_o without_o any_o concurrence_n thus_o in_o his_o 38th_o epistle_n have_v ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la he_o acquaint_v his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n with_o it_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n now_o consider_v how_o he_o begin_v his_o letter_n in_o all_o clerical_a ordination_n most_o dear_a brethren_n say_v he_o i_o use_v to_o consult_v you_o beforehand_o and_o to_o examine_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o with_o common_a advice_n 74._o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o that_o notwithstanding_o that_o be_v his_o ordinary_a method_n a_o rule_n he_o have_v observe_v for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o for_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o in_o that_o instance_n in_o which_o testimony_n we_o have_v these_o thing_n evident_a 1._o that_o his_o power_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o all_o ordination_n whether_o of_o presbyter_n or_o other_o for_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o indefinite_o in_o clericis_fw-la ordinationibus_fw-la 2._o that_o he_o use_v only_o to_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o his_o clergy_n about_o the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n he_o be_v to_o ordain_v but_o not_o their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n not_o one_o word_n of_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o use_v not_o to_o concur_v fair_o import_v in_o the_o very_a instance_n of_o aurelius_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v entire_o of_o his_o own_o easiness_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o consult_v they_o in_o the_o matter_n he_o use_v to_o do_v it_o but_o need_v not_o have_v do_v it_o he_o do_v it_o not_o in_o that_o very_a same_o case_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o his_o resolution_n which_o he_o have_v make_v when_o he_o enter_v to_o his_o bishopric_n be_v from_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o absolute_o free_a and_o voluntary_a we_o have_v another_o remarkable_a testimony_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o his_o 41st_o epistle_n where_o he_o tell_v that_o because_o of_o his_o absence_n from_o carthage_n he_o have_v give_v a_o deputation_n to_o â—aldnius_n and_o herculanus_n two_o bishop_n and_o to_o râ—gatianâ—s_n and_o numidicus_n two_o of_o his_o presbyter_n to_o examine_v the_o age_n qualification_n and_o mâ—its_n of_o some_o in_o carthage_n that_o he_o who_o province_n it_o be_v to_o promote_v man_n to_o ecclesiastical_a office_n may_v be_v well_o inform_v about_o they_o and_o promote_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v meek_n humble_a and_o worthy_a 79._o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o most_o remarkable_a testimony_n for_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o he_o not_o only_o speak_v indefinite_o of_o all_o rank_n or_o order_n without_o make_v exception_n but_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o promote_a they_o and_o he_o find_v that_o power_n and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o upon_o his_o have_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o government_n commit_v to_o he_o we_o have_v a_o three_o testimony_n as_o pregnant_a as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a in_o his_o 72d_o epistle_n write_v to_o stephen_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o represent_v to_o he_o what_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o african_a bishop_n be_v concern_v such_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o shall_v return_v from_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o discourse_v thus_o by_o common_a consent_n and_o authority_n dear_a brother_n we_o tell_v you_o further_o that_o if_o any_o presbyter_n or_o deacon_n who_o
dear_a to_o god_n and_o in_o a_o close_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o near_a approximation_n to_o he_o than_o christian_n of_o the_o common_a size_n and_o their_o intercession_n have_v be_v in_o use_n of_o be_v much_o regard_v in_o former_a persecution_n these_o therefore_o as_o the_o only_a person_n who_o credit_n can_v be_v feasible_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o bishop_n authority_n the_o holy_a man_n supplanter_n instigate_v to_o espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o lapse_v to_o become_v their_o patron_n for_o have_v themselves_o absolve_v against_o the_o bishop_n resolution_n and_o true_o some_o of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o turn_v zealous_a for_o it_o and_o arm_v with_o their_o authority_n these_o discontent_a presbyter_n adventure_v to_o absolve_v and_o lapse_v and_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o the_o bishop_n allowance_n now_o consider_v what_o follow_v and_o speak_v your_o conscience_n and_o tell_v i_o if_o st._n cyprian_n be_v not_o more_o than_o either_o single_a presbyter_n or_o presbyterian_a moderator_n tho'_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mild_a and_o most_o humble_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v yet_o so_o soon_o as_o this_o be_v tell_v he_o where_o he_o be_v in_o his_o retirement_n he_o be_v not_o a_o little_a alarm_v the_o practice_n be_v surprise_v and_o the_o presumption_n new_a as_o well_o as_o bold_a the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o in_o any_o christian_a church_n and_o such_o preposterous_a method_n clear_o tend_v to_o shake_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o order_n and_o good_a discipline_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o high_a time_n for_o he_o if_o he_o can_v to_o give_v the_o check_n to_o such_o irregular_a and_o unexampled_a method_n in_o short_a he_o draw_v his_o pen_n and_o write_v three_o notable_a epistle_n one_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n another_o to_o his_o clergy_n and_o a_o three_o to_o his_o people_n insist_v in_o each_o of_o they_o upon_o the_o novelty_n and_o unwarrantableness_n of_o the_o course_n be_v take_v the_o dishonour_v and_o indignity_n be_v do_v himself_o by_o it_o and_o the_o great_a mischief_n and_o fatal_a consequence_n may_v nay_o woo_a unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o forbear_v more_o particular_o in_o that_o to_o the_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o his_o episcopal_a care_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n compel_v he_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o as_o they_o have_v devout_o and_o courageous_o keep_v the_o faith_n so_o they_o ought_v suitable_o to_o be_v observant_a of_o christ_n holy_a law_n and_o discipline_n that_o as_o it_o become_v all_o christ_n soldier_n to_o obey_v their_o general_n be_v command_v so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o be_v example_n to_o other_o that_o he_o have_v think_v the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n who_o be_v with_o they_o may_v have_v teach_v they_o so_o much_o but_o that_o now_o to_o his_o extreme_a grief_n he_o understand_v they_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v that_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a some_o of_o they_o especial_o some_o presbyter_n neither_o mind_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o bishop_n have_v industrious_o mislead_v they_o he_o complain_v mighty_o of_o the_o presumption_n of_o such_o presbyter_n that_o against_o all_o law_n and_o reason_n they_o shall_v have_v dare_v to_o reconcile_v the_o lapse_v without_o his_o consent_n that_o herein_o they_o be_v more_o criminal_a than_o the_o lapser_n themselves_o that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o excusable_a in_o the_o lapse_v to_o be_v earnest_a for_o a_o absolution_n consider_v the_o uncomfortable_a state_n they_o be_v in_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v deny_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v nothing_o rash_o lest_o in_o stead_n of_o pastor_n they_o shall_v prove_v worrier_n of_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o tell_v these_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n how_o far_o their_o privilege_n reach_v all_o they_o can_v do_v be_v by_o way_n of_o humble_a supplication_n to_o petition_v the_o bishop_n for_o a_o relaxation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n but_o they_o have_v neither_o power_n to_o command_v he_o nor_o grant_v indulgence_n without_o he_o 34._o indeed_o this_o he_o tell_v they_o frequent_o and_o that_o they_o go_v beyond_o their_o line_n if_o they_o venture_v any_o further_a 70._o in_o that_o to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n he_o write_v in_o a_o yet_o more_o resent_v strain_n he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v long_o keep_v his_o patience_n and_o hold_v his_o peace_n but_o their_o immoderate_a presumption_n and_o temerity_n will_v suffer_v he_o no_o long_o to_o be_v silent_a for_o what_o a_o dreadful_a prospect_n say_v he_o must_v we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n when_o some_o presbyter_n neither_o mindful_a of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o their_o own_o station_n nor_o regard_v the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o bishop_n who_o for_o the_o time_n be_v set_v over_o they_o dare_v attempt_n what_o be_v never_o attempt_v before_o under_o any_o of_o my_o predecessor_n namely_o so_o to_o affront_v and_o contemâ—â—_n their_o bishop_n as_o to_o assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o tell_v they_o how_o he_o can_v overlook_v and_o bear_v with_o the_o indignity_n do_v to_o his_o episcopal_a authority_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o but_o the_o course_n they_o follow_v be_v so_o wicked_a they_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o lapse_v who_o they_o presume_v to_o reconcile_v so_o uncaononical_o their_o pride_n and_o popularity_n be_v so_o apparent_a in_o their_o method_n it_o be_v such_o a_o crime_n so_o to_o expose_v the_o martyr_n to_o envy_n and_o set_v they_o at_o variance_n with_o their_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o can_v stifle_v it_o no_o long_o in_o short_a all_o over_o the_o epistle_n he_o write_v like_o a_o bishop_n and_o conclude_v it_o with_o a_o peremptory_a threaten_v of_o a_o present_a suspension_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n and_o then_o a_o infliction_n of_o further_a censure_n when_o he_o shall_v return_v from_o his_o retirement_n if_o they_o shall_v persevere_v in_o such_o a_o lawless_a course_n epist._n in_o that_o to_o his_o people_n he_o proceed_v on_o the_o â—ame_n principle_n condemn_v these_o presbyter_n who_o have_v act_v so_o disorderly_a not_o reserve_v to_o the_o bishop_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o chair_n and_o priesthood_n tell_v they_o that_o those_o presbyter_n ought_v to_o have_v teach_v the_o people_n otherwise_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n the_o affectation_n of_o popularity_n and_o require_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o have_v not_o fall_v to_o take_v pain_n upon_o the_o lapse_v to_o try_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o hearken_v to_o his_o counsel_n and_o wait_v his_o return_n etc._n etc._n 39_o here_o be_v three_o epistle_n write_v i_o think_v in_o plain_a prelatic_a style_n sure_a neither_o in_o the_o style_n of_o single_a presbyter_n nor_o presbyterian_a moderator_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o very_a next_o write_v to_o his_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n still_o he_o have_v write_v to_o they_o several_a time_n before_o from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o retirement_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o answer_n from_o they_o now_o consider_v how_o he_o resent_v this_o and_o resent_v it_o assert_n his_o own_o episcopal_a authority_n his_o own_o sovereign_a power_n in_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n for_o thus_o he_o begin_v i_o wonder_v dear_a brethren_n that_o you_o have_v return_v no_o answer_n to_o the_o many_o letter_n i_o have_v send_v you_o especial_o consider_v that_o now_o in_o my_o retirement_n you_o ought_v to_o inform_v i_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v that_o so_o i_o may_v advise_o and_o deliberate_o give_v order_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n 40._o let_v any_o man_n lie_v these_o four_o letter_n together_o and_o weigh_v they_o impartial_o and_o then_o let_v he_o judge_v if_o st._n cyprian_n write_v in_o the_o style_n of_o parity_n if_o he_o claim_v not_o a_o sovereign_a power_n a_o negative_a to_o himself_o over_o all_o the_o christian_n presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o other_o live_v within_o his_o district_n but_o do_v not_o cyprian_n show_v too_o much_o zeal_n in_o this_o cause_n possible_o he_o attempt_v to_o stretch_v his_o power_n a_o little_a too_o far_o as_o afterward_o many_o do_v he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o meek_a man_n but_o such_o may_v be_v a_o little_a too_o high_a so_o i_o read_v indeed_o in_o a_o late_a book_n 179._o but_o it_o seem_v the_o author_n have_v find_v himself_o very_o sore_o put_v to_o it_o when_o he_o say_v so_o for_o how_o can_v one_o not_o be_v fore_o put_v to_o
have_v either_o be_v ordain_v before_o in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v afterward_o turn_v perfsidious_a and_o rebellious_a against_o the_o church_n or_o have_v be_v promoted_n by_o a_o profane_a ordination_n in_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n by_o false_a bishop_n and_o anti-christs_n against_o our_o lord_n institution_n that_o such_o if_o they_o shall_v return_v shall_v only_o be_v admit_v to_o lay-communion_n etc._n etc._n 197._o by_o which_o testimony_n you_o may_v clear_o see_v 1._o that_o all_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o deacon_n be_v perform_v by_o bishop_n by_o true_a bishoâ—â—_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o by_o false_a bishop_n in_o a_o state_n of_o schism_n 2._o that_o to_o ordain_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o bishop_n work_n and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o that_o herein_o even_o schismatic_n themselves_o oberve_v the_o common_a rule_n they_o find_v their_o ordination_n be_v indispensible_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o bishop_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o charge_n of_o invalidity_n so_o clear_a and_o full_o be_v st._n cyprian_n on_o this_o head_n and_o not_o only_o he_o but_o firmilian_a as_o i_o have_v cite_v he_o already_o nay_o further_a yet_o our_o martyr_n practice_n be_v always_o suitable_a and_o correspondent_a to_o these_o principle_n he_o not_o only_o ordain_v aurelius_n a_o lector_fw-la as_o i_o have_v show_v without_o either_o the_o consent_n or_o concurrence_n of_o his_o clergy_n but_o also_o satyrus_n a_o lector_fw-la and_o optatus_n a_o sub-deacon_n epst._n 29._o and_o celerinus_n a_o lector_fw-la ep._n 39_o in_o which_o we_o have_v also_o a_o most_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o bishop_n power_n in_o ordination_n in_o st._n cyprian_n discourse_v concern_v aurelius_n and_o celerinus_n for_o there_o he_o tell_v his_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o his_o people_n and_o tell_v they_o in_o a_o authoritative_a style_n in_o the_o style_n by_o which_o superior_n use_v to_o signify_v their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o their_o subject_n with_o a_o be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o he_o tell_v they_o i_o say_v that_o though_o he_o have_v only_o ordain_v these_o two_o lector_n for_o the_o time_n because_o they_o be_v but_o young_a yet_o he_o have_v design_v they_o for_o the_o presbyterate_a and_o to_o sit_v with_o he_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o year_n will_v allow_v of_o it_o 78._o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o pat_o to_o this_o purpose_n than_o that_o uncontrollable_a account_n we_o have_v of_o novatianus_n his_o promotion_n to_o the_o presbyterate_a which_o we_o have_v in_o that_o so_o often_o mention_v epistle_n write_v by_o cornelius_n to_o fabius_n of_o aâ—tioch_n there_o he_o tell_v how_o novatianus_n be_v ordain_v a_o presbyter_n mere_o by_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o then_o bishop_n of_o rome_n that_o all_o the_o clergy_n and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n oppose_v it_o as_o be_v unlawful_a consider_v that_o he_o have_v be_v baptise_a while_n on_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n and_o that_o after_o much_o work_n the_o bishop_n prevail_v and_o ordain_v he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o make_v a_o precedent_n of_o it_o i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v transcribe_v faithful_o on_o the_o margin_n consider_v it_o and_o tell_v i_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o bishop_n then_o have_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n 43._o neither_o do_v we_o read_v in_o all_o st._n cyprian_n work_n or_o in_o any_o monument_n of_o those_o time_n of_o any_o concurrence_n of_o presbyter_n with_o bishop_n in_o any_o ordination_n and_o far_o less_o that_o ever_o presbyter_n ordain_v without_o a_o bishop_n it_o be_v true_a we_o read_v in_o st._n cyprian_n 52d_o epistle_n that_o novatus_n make_v felicissimus_n a_o deacon_n and_o i_o read_v that_o several_a learned_a man_n understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o 21._o and_o bloâ—del_n particular_o because_o novatus_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o presbyter_n conclude_v that_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o presbyter_n in_o ordination_n but_o when_o one_o read_v the_o whole_a passage_n as_o st._n cyprian_n have_v it_o and_o ponder_v all_o thing_n due_o he_o can_v but_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o ever_o that_o fancy_n shall_v have_v be_v entertain_v for_o all_o that_o st._n cyprian_n say_v amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o novatus_n turn_v a_o schismatic_a in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o thereby_o become_v another_o persecution_n to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o have_v thus_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n he_o by_o his_o faction_n and_o ambition_n get_v felicissimus_n make_v a_o deacon_n without_o either_o st._n cyprian_n '_o s_o knowledge_n or_o allowance_n 97._o sy_n cyprian_n word_n i_o say_v do_v not_o import_v that_o novatus_n ordain_v felicissimus_n they_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o novatus_n his_o ambition_n and_o faction_n prevail_v to_o get_v felicissimus_n ordain_v a_o deacon_n tho'_o himself_o do_v not_o ordain_v he_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o be_v ordain_v by_o some_o neighbour_a bishop_n st._n cyprian_n be_v then_o in_o his_o secession_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v that_o st._n cyprian_n design_v they_o for_o no_o more_o for_o he_o go_v on_o and_o tell_v in_o that_o same_o breath_n that_o novatus_n have_v do_v so_o and_o so_o at_o carthage_n go_v next_o to_o rome_n and_o attempt_v just_a the_o like_a thing_n there_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o as_o rome_n by_o itâ—s_n greatness_n have_v the_o precedency_n of_o carthage_n so_o he_o attempt_v great_a wickedness_n at_o rome_n than_o at_o carthage_n for_o he_o say_v cyprian_n who_o have_v make_v a_o deacon_n at_o carthage_n against_o the_o church_n make_v a_o bishop_n at_o rome_n meaning_n novatianus_n 97._o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o not_o novatus_n but_o three_o bishop_n ordain_v novatianus_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o st._n cyprian_n never_o mean_v that_o novatus_n ordain_v felicissiâ—us_o this_o be_v irrefragable_a but_o then_o suppose_v the_o worst_a suppose_v novatus_n have_v real_o ordain_v felicissimus_n what_o stress_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o the_o example_n of_o a_o schismatic_a especial_o when_o what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v schismatical_o antonianus_n ask_v of_o st._n cyprian_n what_o be_v novatianus_n his_o heresy_n and_o cyprian_a answer_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o he_o teach_v see_v he_o teach_v in_o schism_n 112._o and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o novatus_n do_v see_v what_o he_o do_v be_v do_v in_o schism_n one_o thing_n indeed_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v another_o argument_n of_o the_o bishop_n peculiar_a interest_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o ordination_n for_o st._n cyprian_n most_o plain_o impute_v it_o to_o schism_n that_o without_o his_o allowance_n novatus_n shall_v have_v presume_v to_o have_v get_v felicissimus_n ordain_v a_o deacon_n one_o word_n more_o the_o bishop_n be_v thus_o possess_v of_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n in_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o his_o practise_v suitable_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o second_o of_o the_o canon_n common_o call_v of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v let_v a_o presbyter_n be_v ordain_v by_o one_o bishop_n as_o likewise_o a_o deacon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o clergy_n 〈◊〉_d a_o canon_n without_o doubt_n universal_o receive_v then_o as_o beveregius_n have_v full_o prove_v and_o a_o canon_n high_o agreeable_a with_o the_o then_o current_a principle_n which_o i_o have_v insist_v on_o already_o viz._n that_o a_o bishop_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o unity_n and_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a magistrate_n within_o his_o district_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o or_o rather_o more_o necessary_a by_o all_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o society_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a power_n wherever_o it_o be_v lodge_v to_o promote_v and_o give_v commission_n to_o all_o inferior_a officer_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o right_n of_o majesty_n and_o one_o as_o intrinsic_a and_o unalienable_a or_o incommunicable_a as_o any_o it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a many_o year_n after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n it_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o presbyter_n shall_v concur_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n but_o then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v many_o year_n after_o st._n cyprian_n time_n and_o it_o be_v for_o new_a emergent_a reason_n that_o ordination_n may_v be_v perform_v more_o deliberate_o or_o with_o the_o great_a solemnity_n or_o so_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o of_o the_o substantial_a validity_n of_o the_o order_n be_v to_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o much_o at_o