more_o particular_o and_o effectual_o than_o pastor_n do_v or_o may_v by_o their_o doctrine_n such_o labyrinth_n they_o leap_v into_o when_o they_o seek_v for_o those_o thing_n in_o y_z e_z sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v never_o intend_v but_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o this_o point_n indifferent_a which_o for_o aught_o i_o yet_o see_v be_v very_o resolute_a against_o they_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o alantiquitie_n that_o never_o so_o expound_v s._n paul_n word_n nor_o ever_o mention_v any_o lie_v presbyter_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v to_o i_o a_o strong_a rampire_n against_o all_o these_o new_a devise_n i_o like_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o that_o discipline_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o have_v lie_v so_o long_o bury_v in_o silence_n which_o no_o father_n ever_o witness_v no_o council_n ever_o favour_v no_o church_n ever_o follow_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n till_o this_o our_o age_n i_o can_v be_v forward_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o not_o so_o 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declare_v in_o a_o special_a discourse_n i_o will_v not_o here_o repeat_v it_o only_o this_o i_o say_v if_o any_o of_o they_o affirm_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a or_o apostolic_a church_n lay_v presbyter_n do_v govern_v ecclesiastical_a affair_n i_o be_o content_a to_o recall_v all_o that_o i_o have_v write_v of_o this_o present_a matter_n if_o not_o it_o be_v no_o great_a praise_n nor_o good_a policy_n for_o they_o to_o abuse_v the_o name_n and_o word_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a father_n to_o the_o utter_a discredit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o cause_n in_o the_o end_n since_o then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o lay_v presbyter_n as_o this_o new_a discipline_n pretend_v it_o rest_v that_o we_o declare_v by_o who_o both_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o the_o primitive_a after_o that_o be_v direct_v &_o rule_v which_o i_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o perform_v in_o many_o chapter_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v warrant_n and_o the_o undoubted_a story_n of_o christ_n church_n do_v lead_v in_o the_o apostle_n i_o observe_v four_o thing_n needful_a for_o the_o first_o sound_v and_o erect_v of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o for_o the_o preserve_n and_o mainten_v thereof_o and_o four_o other_o point_n that_o must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o four_o extraordinary_a privilege_n of_o the_o apostolic_a function_n be_v their_o vocation_n immediate_a from_o christ_n not_o from_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n their_o commission_n extend_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n not_o limit_v to_o any_o place_n their_o direction_n infallible_a the_o holy_a ghost_n guide_v they_o whether_o they_o write_v or_o speak_v and_o their_o operation_n wonderful_a as_o well_o to_o convert_v and_o confirm_v believer_n as_o to_o chastise_v and_o revenge_v disobeyer_n without_o these_o thing_n the_o church_n can_v not_o begin_v as_o be_v easy_o perceive_v but_o it_o may_v well_o 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the_o apostolic_a delegation_n which_o must_v have_v their_o permanence_n and_o perpetuity_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o dispence_a the_o word_n administer_a the_o sacrament_n impose_v of_o hand_n and_o guide_v the_o key_n to_o shut_v or_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o two_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v each_o man_n salvation_n must_v be_v general_a to_o all_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o christ_n church_n the_o other_o two_o by_o which_o meet_a man_n be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o obstinate_a person_n not_o only_o repel_v from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o saint_n but_o also_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n respect_v rather_o the_o cleanse_n and_o govern_v of_o christ_n church_n and_o therefore_o no_o cause_n they_o shall_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o power_n of_o every_o presbyter_n as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v for_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o order_n but_o confusion_n in_o a_o common_a wealth_n where_o every_o man_n rule_v so_o will_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n but_o a_o pestilent_a perturbation_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o every_o preshyter_n may_v impose_v hand_n and_o use_v the_o key_n at_o his_o pleasure_n how_o the_o apostle_n impose_v hand_n and_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n and_o who_o join_v with_o they_o in_o those_o action_n i_o have_v handle_v in_o place_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n whereby_o we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o though_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n have_v charge_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n yet_o may_v they_o not_o impose_v hand_n nor_o use_v the_o key_n without_o the_o apostle_n or_o such_o as_o the_o apostle_n depart_v or_o die_v leave_v to_o be_v their_o substitute_n and_o successor_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v at_o samaria_n philip_n 12._o preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o albeit_o he_o dispense_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o impose_v hand_n on_o they_o but_o peter_n and_o john_n come_v from_o jerusalem_n and_o 17._o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o so_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o church_n of_o 21_o lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n be_v plant_v before_o yet_o be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n at_o their_o return_n force_v to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o each_o of_o those_o place_n by_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v with_o all_o greek_a divine_n and_o story_n as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v and_o not_o to_o ordain_v by_o election_n of_o the_o people_n as_o some_o man_n of_o late_a have_v new_o frame_v the_o text._n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n be_v erect_v by_o paul_n &_o have_v their_o presbytery_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o create_v other_o but_o timothy_n and_o tite_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o 5._o impose_v hand_n and_o 1._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o occasion_v require_v herein_o who_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n whether_o all_o presbyter_n equal_o or_o certain_a chief_a and_o choose_a man_n one_o in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n trust_v with_o the_o government_n both_o of_o people_n and_o presbyter_n i_o have_v large_o debate_v and_o make_v it_o plain_a as_o well_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o by_o other_o ancient_a writer_n past_o all_o exception_n that_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o first_o nicene_n council_n and_o so_o along_o to_o this_o our_o age_n there_o have_v always_o be_v select_v some_o of_o great_a gift_n than_o the_o residue_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostle_n place_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v both_o to_o moderate_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n and_o to_o take_v the_o
place_n and_o office_n distinguish_v or_o digest_v they_o take_v a_o other_o order_n then_o at_o beginning_n and_o why_o the_o first_o regard_n the_o apostle_n have_v be_v to_o gain_v unbeliever_n to_o christ_n the_o second_o to_o govern_v such_o as_o be_v gain_v and_o these_o two_o respect_n may_v best_o be_v perform_v by_o two_o contrary_a course_n to_o increase_v the_o church_n the_o more_o workman_n the_o better_a for_o when_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a if_o 10._o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o the_o room_n can_v not_o be_v fill_v to_o guide_v the_o church_n the_o few_o the_o better_a except_o it_o be_v with_o counsel_n to_o advise_v for_o diverse_a man_n have_v diverse_a mind_n and_o diverse_a meaning_n and_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o governor_n emulation_n and_o dissension_n be_v no_o rare_a spring_n wherefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o apostle_n take_v beside_o themselves_o as_o many_o helper_n as_o they_o can_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n unto_o christ_n and_o yet_o take_v not_o unto_o themselves_o as_o many_o ruler_n as_o they_o can_v in_o every_o place_n to_o govern_v the_o believer_n by_o order_n of_o nature_n man_n must_v be_v get_v together_o afore_o they_o need_v be_v govern_v and_o so_o in_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n the_o number_n of_o preacher_n at_o the_o first_o be_v more_o requisite_a than_o the_o choice_n of_o governor_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n epiphanius_n second_o position_n be_v very_o true_a that_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n the_o one_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n the_o other_o to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o attend_v to_o divine_a service_n be_v every_o where_o appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o begin_v the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v fit_a to_o increase_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o in_o many_o place_n the_o apostle_n leave_v none_o other_o but_o these_o if_o you_o ask_v who_o then_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o those_o beginning_n i_o answer_v the_o flock_n be_v both_o augment_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o presbyter_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n the_o chief_a government_n to_o impose_v hand_n and_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n rest_v yet_o in_o the_o apostle_n who_o often_o 14._o visit_v the_o church_n which_o they_o plant_v and_o ordain_v presbyter_n as_o they_o pass_v to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o every_o church_n the_o three_o point_n in_o epiphanius_n report_n be_v this_o that_o although_o it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o apostle_n writing_n that_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o come_v at_o first_o they_o leave_v bishop_n yet_o the_o scripture_n do_v witness_v that_o paul_n furnish_v some_o place_n with_o bishop_n as_o ephesus_z and_o crete_n with_o timothy_n and_o tite_n thus_o far_o i_o see_v not_o what_o you_o can_v refel_v in_o epiphanius_n perchance_o you_o will_v deride_v epiphanius_n simplicity_n that_o can_v not_o discern_v betwixt_o a_o evangelist_n and_o a_o bishop_n for_o as_o you_o maintain_v timothy_n and_o tite_n be_v evangelist_n and_o not_o bishop_n and_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o no_o ordinary_a call_n you_o can_v not_o charge_n epiphanius_n with_o ignorance_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o you_o must_v do_v the_o like_a to_o the_o elder_a and_o best_a learned_a father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o eusebius_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n jerome_n oecumenius_n primasius_n and_o other_o which_o affirm_v as_o epiphanius_n do_v that_o timothy_n be_v a_o bishop_n ordain_v by_o s._n paul_n but_o thereof_o anon_o as_o also_o whether_o a_o evangelist_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o no_o which_o conclusion_n of_o you_o though_o they_o be_v most_o feeble_a and_o unsure_a yet_o they_o be_v late_o take_v up_o for_o oracle_n that_o which_o may_v be_v doubt_v in_o epiphanius_n be_v this_o the_o cause_n why_o bishop_n want_v in_o some_o place_n be_v say_v he_o the_o lack_n of_o fit_a man_n to_o bear_v the_o office_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o amongst_o so_o many_o prophet_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o be_v in_o most_o of_o those_o church_n which_o paul_n plant_v not_o a_o fit_a man_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o episcopal_a function_n and_o yet_o afterward_o meet_v man_n be_v find_v for_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o that_o which_o epiphanius_n say_v may_v be_v some_o cause_n of_o want_v bishop_n at_o the_o first_o so_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v there_o be_v other_o cause_n that_o move_v the_o apostle_n not_o straight_o way_n to_o place_n bishop_n in_o every_o church_n where_o they_o preach_v which_o i_o will_v specify_v when_o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n and_o jerome_n be_v thorough_o peruse_v ambrose_n at_o first_o sight_n seem_v somewhat_o to_o dissent_v from_o epiphanius_n in_o that_o he_o think_v the_o church_n have_v both_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n leave_v they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o presbyter_n be_v place_v in_o a_o order_n according_a to_o the_o desert_n and_o worthiness_n of_o each_o man_n by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o that_o found_v the_o church_n and_o this_o rule_n deliver_v that_o as_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a presbyter_n who_o be_v bishop_n in_o name_n and_o superior_a in_o call_v to_o the_o rest_n fail_v so_o the_o next_o shall_v succeed_v in_o his_o room_n and_o enjoy_v the_o episcopal_a chair_n and_o power_n after_o his_o departure_n and_o when_o some_o presbyter_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o expectation_n which_o be_v have_v of_o they_o but_o scandalize_v the_o church_n that_o course_n of_o stand_v in_o order_n to_o succeed_v be_v change_v and_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o judgement_n and_o like_n of_o many_o priest_n to_o cut_v off_o unworthy_a and_o offensive_a man_n from_o the_o place_n i_o can_v admit_v this_o report_n of_o ambrose_n but_o that_o he_o express_v not_o when_o and_o by_o who_o this_o change_n begin_v he_o say_v prospiciente_fw-la concilio_n a_o council_n before_o see_v or_o provide_v that_o not_o order_n but_o merit_n shall_v create_v a_o bishop_n but_o what_o council_n if_o he_o mean_v a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o express_v but_o may_v well_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o word_n stand_v indifferent_a to_o any_o council_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v weighty_a for_o bishop_n then_o this_o of_o ambrose_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o if_o he_o mean_v other_o after_o the_o apostle_n death_n what_o authority_n have_v they_o to_o change_v the_o apostolic_a government_n or_o by_o their_o decree_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o this_o i_o reserve_v till_o jeromes_n witness_n be_v repeat_v and_o examine_v jerom_n in_o his_o word_n 215._o before_o cite_v avouch_v three_z special_a thing_n first_o that_o till_o dissension_n spring_v in_o the_o church_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o presbyter_n among_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v next_o that_o to_o root_v out_o schism_n rise_v very_o fast_o through_o the_o preacher_n and_o presbyter_n faction_n by_o a_o decree_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v choose_v in_o every_o church_n and_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o he_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ever_o after_o appertain_v three_o that_o this_o subjection_n of_o the_o presbyter_n under_o the_o bishop_n and_o maioritie_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n grow_v rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n for_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a these_o word_n of_o jerome_n may_v be_v either_o very_a true_a according_a to_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v refer_v unto_o or_o very_o false_a if_o you_o so_o construe_v jerome_n that_o all_o the_o while_n the_o apostle_n live_v bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n and_o have_v no_o more_o charge_n nor_o power_n in_o the_o church_n than_o presbyter_n you_o make_v jerome_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n himself_o &_o the_o whole_a array_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o everwere_n since_o christ_n time_n for_o all_o these_o affirm_v and_o prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o if_o you_o so_o expound_v jerom_n that_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o time_n suffer_v the_o presbyter_n to_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o care_n in_o guide_v the_o church_n themselves_n always_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a and_o hold_v the_o helve_z while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n till_o by_o the_o faction_n and_o division_n of_o so_o many_o governor_n the_o church_n be_v almost_o rend_v in_o piece_n and_o thereupon_o the_o apostle_n force_v do_v set_v a_o other_o order_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v at_o first_o and_o with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o all_o the_o
so_o though_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n from_o christ_n in_o write_v for_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n yet_o the_o perpetual_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n proove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n 24._o another_o sense_n of_o jeromes_n word_n may_v be_v this_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n the_o presbyter_n with_o common_a advice_n and_o equal_a care_n guide_v the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n titum_fw-la paulatim_fw-la verò_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnem_fw-la sollicitudâ—nem_fw-la esse_fw-la delatam_fw-la but_o after_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v the_o whole_a care_n thereof_o be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o derive_v unto_o one_o and_o so_o at_o length_n by_o custom_n presbyter_n be_v utter_o exclude_v from_o all_o advice_n and_o counsel_n whereof_o ambrose_n complain_v and_o bishop_n only_o intermedle_v with_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n this_o manner_n of_o subjection_n in_o presbyter_n &_o prelation_n in_o bishop_n grow_v only_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n &_o not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n at_o first_o y_fw-mi â—_o presbyter_n be_v leave_v as_o in_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o part_n of_o the_o dignity_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o right_a intent_n of_o jeroms_n speech_n by_o the_o word_n y_fw-fr â—_o follow_v for_o to_o revoke_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o divine_n ordinance_n he_o say_v noverint_fw-la 1._o in_fw-la communi_fw-la debere_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la regere_fw-la imitantes_fw-la mosem_fw-la qui_fw-la cum_fw-la haberet_fw-la in_o potestate_fw-la solus_fw-la praeesse_fw-la populo_fw-la israel_n septuagintaelegit_fw-la cum_fw-la quibus_fw-la populum_fw-la iudicaret_fw-la let_v the_o bishop_n know_v that_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n howsoever_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n now_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a with_o the_o presbyter_n after_o the_o example_n of_o moses_n who_o when_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o be_v ruler_n alone_o over_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o choose_v seventie_o to_o help_v he_o judge_v the_o people_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n now_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v as_o moses_n do_v what_o to_o have_v all_o governors_n equal_a no_o but_o when_o they_o may_v rule_v alone_o to_o join_v with_o they_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o their_o power_n and_o honour_n as_o moses_n do_v moses_n do_v not_o abrogate_v his_o superiority_n above_o other_o but_o take_v seventie_o elder_n into_o part_n of_o his_o charge_n this_o say_v jerome_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n although_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o then_o be_v which_o grow_v paulatim_fw-la not_o when_o bishop_n be_v first_o ordain_v but_o by_o degree_n in_o decurse_n of_o time_n they_o have_v the_o whole_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n without_o advise_v or_o confer_v with_o the_o presbyter_n for_o nepotianum_fw-la the_o presbyter_n may_v neither_o baptise_v without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n nor_o preach_v in_o the_o bishop_n presence_n which_o subjection_n jerome_n say_v be_v not_o after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n howsoever_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n have_v then_o strengthen_v it_o this_o to_o be_v jeromes_n true_a meaning_n in_o this_o place_n his_o own_o word_n elsewhere_o do_v full_o prove_v which_o be_v these_o euagnum_fw-la ut_fw-la sciamus_fw-la traditiones_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la sumptas_fw-la de_fw-la veteri_fw-la testamento_fw-la quod_fw-la aaron_n &_o filii_fw-la eius_fw-la at_o que_fw-fr levitae_n in_fw-la templo_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la hoc_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la &_o diaconi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o the_o apostolic_a tradition_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o let_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n the_o high_a priest_n i_o hope_v be_v superior_a to_o his_o son_n not_o only_o as_o a_o father_n but_o as_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n and_o office_n about_o the_o ark_n and_o after_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o as_o it_o be_v there_o so_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v say_v jerome_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v differ_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n scan_n this_o place_n a_o little_a i_o pray_v you_o and_o tell_v i_o whether_o jerome_n avouch_v that_o bishop_n shall_v be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n by_o the_o tradition_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o no_o if_o that_o point_n be_v clear_a add_v these_o word_n of_o master_n beza_n which_o be_v very_a sound_n to_o saint_n jeromes_n to_o make_v up_o the_o syllogism_n 23._o certain_o si_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la apostolis_n esset_fw-la profecta_fw-la haec_fw-la mutatio_fw-la non_fw-la vererer_fw-la illam_fw-la ut_fw-la caeteras_fw-la apostolic_a as_n ordinationes_fw-la divinae_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la dispositioni_fw-la tribuere_fw-la if_o this_o change_n to_o theregiment_n of_o bishop_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v thorough_o to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o divine_a disposition_n as_o i_o do_v other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o jerome_n express_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n ergo_fw-la without_o any_o stagger_a or_o doubt_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o you_o that_o it_o be_v god_n disposition_n thus_o much_o for_o jerome_n now_o for_o ambrose_n before_o we_o go_v to_o further_a proof_n because_o some_o strange_a fancy_n of_o this_o fresh_a discipline_n be_v fasten_v on_o he_o let_v we_o likewise_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v for_o either_o side_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o ambrose_n bare_o surmise_v but_o no_o way_n prove_v and_o that_o be_v eager_o catch_v up_o by_o the_o disciplinarian_o and_o make_v a_o shipman_n hose_n for_o their_o new_a devise_n there_o be_v four_o other_o point_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o have_v sure_a ground_n and_o more_o agreement_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n and_o those_o be_v positivelie_o repel_v as_o frivolous_a and_o false_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o pretend_a discipline_n ambrose_n imagine_v for_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v thereof_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o story_n that_o the_o first_o bishop_n be_v for_o a_o while_n make_v by_o order_n as_o they_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n so_o as_o the_o place_n fall_v void_a by_o the_o death_n or_o departure_n of_o the_o first_o the_o next_o succeed_v in_o his_o room_n this_o course_n be_v afterward_o change_v into_o election_n but_o when_o or_o by_o who_o he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v tell_v from_o this_o supposal_n these_o three_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v but_o all_o three_o far_o from_o ambrose_n speech_n or_o meaning_n first_o that_o this_o priority_n of_o place_n go_v round_o the_o presbytery_n every_o man_n take_v it_o in_o order_n for_o a_o season_n when_o his_o course_n come_v next_o that_o the_o prior_n or_o precedent_n for_o the_o time_n which_o they_o call_v a_o bishop_n or_o superuisour_n for_o his_o week_n differ_v not_o in_o degree_n from_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o this_o honour_n to_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n three_o that_o his_o office_n be_v to_o call_v the_o rest_n together_o and_o to_o guide_v their_o meeting_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v orderly_o and_o to_o propound_v matter_n for_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n to_o consult_v and_o conclude_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a number_n himself_o have_v but_o a_o voice_n as_o one_o of_o the_o rest_n neither_o negative_a nor_o affirmative_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o as_o the_o most_o part_n do_v resolve_v this_o be_v the_o bishop_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v we_o out_o of_o saint_n ambrose_n word_n and_o this_o bishop_n they_o be_v content_a shall_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o a_o city_n or_o bailiff_n and_o burgess_n of_o a_o lesser_a town_n with_o we_o in_o england_n but_o this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v before_o you_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v i_o say_v not_o all_o but_o any_o one_o of_o these_o assertion_n what_o scripture_n ever_o mention_v what_o father_n ever_o imagine_v any_o such_o bishop_n the_o father_n you_o will_v say_v be_v all_o infect_v with_o humane_a invention_n and_o god_n institution_n have_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v neglect_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o person_n in_o the_o world_n till_o of_o late_a i_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v and_o do_v i_o not_o read_v it_o with_o my_o eye_n i_o shall_v think_v they_o be_v deep_o asleep_a
comfortable_o in_o it_o she_o like_v wise_a put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o her_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n which_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v you_o challenge_v as_o unchristian_a and_o unlawful_a or_o what_o warrant_n have_v aerius_n to_o reprove_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n for_o so_o do_v just_o as_o much_o as_o you_o have_v now_o to_o defend_v he_o which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o he_o reproove_v pray_v and_o not_o thanks_o give_v for_o the_o dead_a he_o reproove_v the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o will_v needs_o know_v to_o what_o end_n they_o rehearse_v 75._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o who_o epiphanius_n answer_v ibidem_fw-la as_o for_o the_o repeat_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o dead_a what_o can_v be_v better_o or_o more_o opportune_a then_o that_o they_o which_o be_v yet_o behind_o in_o this_o world_n believe_v the_o decease_a live_v and_o be_v not_o extinguish_v but_o be_v and_o live_v with_o god_n and_o as_o the_o divine_a doctrine_n have_v teach_v that_o they_o which_o pray_v have_v hope_n of_o their_o brethren_n absent_a as_o in_o a_o long_a voyage_n from_o they_o we_o also_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o just_a as_o of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n martyr_n confessor_n bishop_n and_o of_o all_o sort_n to_o separate_v the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o order_n of_o man_n and_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_a honour_n and_o worship_n thus_o far_o epiphanius_n speak_v sound_o and_o give_v good_a reason_n why_o the_o church_n name_v her_o dead_a even_o her_o hope_n of_o their_o welfare_n and_o faith_n of_o their_o life_n with_o god_n and_o separation_n of_o all_o man_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n chrysostoms_n liturgy_n show_v what_o commemoration_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v use_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n chrysost_o we_o offer_v this_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v the_o eucharist_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n for_o all_o that_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o for_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n apostle_n evangelist_n bishop_n martyr_n confessor_n and_o every_o soul_n initiate_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o chief_o for_o the_o most_o holy_a undefiled_a and_o most_o bless_a virgin_n marie_n he_o that_o think_v all_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n martyr_n apostle_n and_o the_o virgin_n marie_n be_v in_o purgatory_n have_v need_n of_o purgation_n himself_o to_o be_v ease_v of_o his_o melancholy_n yet_o for_o these_o and_o special_o for_o the_o bless_a virgin_n the_o church_n offer_v her_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o evident_a y_fw-fr â—_o church_n mean_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n howsoever_o epiphan_n austen_n and_o some_o other_o to_o extend_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o christian_n depart_v doubtful_o suppose_v their_o damnation_n may_v be_v mitigate_v though_o their_o state_n can_v not_o be_v alter_v but_o these_o private_a speculation_n be_v neither_o comprise_v in_o you_o â—_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o confirm_v by_o they_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n aerius_n be_v just_o traduce_v as_o frantike_o impugn_v the_o religion_n and_o whole_a some_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a &_o catholic_a church_n of_o which_o saint_n austen_n say_v 118._o siquid_fw-la tota_fw-la hodie_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la frequent_a aâ—_n ecclesia_fw-la hoc_fw-la quin_fw-la ita_fw-la faciendum_fw-la sit_fw-la disputare_fw-la insolentissimae_fw-la insanâ—ae_fw-la est_fw-la if_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n observe_v any_o thing_n to_o reason_n for_o the_o reverse_v of_o it_o be_v most_o insolent_a madness_n if_o you_o think_v s._n austin_n censure_n too_o sharp_a for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o general_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n where_o be_v assemble_v 630._o bishop_n and_o mark_v what_o they_o determine_v of_o your_o assertion_n photius_n bishop_n of_o tyrus_n have_v ordain_v certain_a bishop_n within_o his_o province_n who_o eustathius_n his_o successor_n for_o some_o secret_a displeasure_n remove_v from_o that_o degree_n and_o will_v they_o to_o remain_v presbyter_n this_o case_n come_v before_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n the_o resolution_n of_o paschasinus_n and_o lucentius_n be_v this_o eustathiâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o bring_v back_o a_o bishop_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o a_o presbyter_n be_v sacrilege_n whereto_o the_o whole_a council_n answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o all_o say_v the_o same_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n be_v upright_o you_o may_v do_v well_o to_o make_v more_o account_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o father_n that_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n lest_o if_o you_o condemn_v all_o man_n beside_o yourselves_o posterity_n condemn_v you_o as_o void_a of_o all_o sincerity_n &_o sobriety_n for_o my_o part_n what_o i_o find_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o will_v see_v it_o strong_o refute_v before_o i_o will_v forsake_v it_o god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v think_v there_o be_v never_o church_n nor_o faith_n on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n before_o this_o miserable_a age_n wherein_o though_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o god_n restore_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n far_o above_o our_o desert_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o lament_v the_o dangerous_a faction_n eager_a dissension_n and_o heady_a contempt_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v almost_o rend_v in_o sunder_o while_o every_o man_n will_v have_v his_o devise_n take_v place_n and_o when_o they_o want_v proof_n they_o fall_v to_o reproach_n we_o make_v that_o account_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o caluin_n and_o other_o learned_a man_n before_o we_o have_v do_v you_o do_v not_o no_o learned_a man_n of_o any_o age_n have_v show_v themselves_o like_o to_o the_o spiteful_a &_o disdainful_a humour_n of_o our_o time_n and_o of_o all_o other_o you_o do_v caluin_n wrong_v who_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n he_o dissent_v from_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o expound_v some_o place_n that_o be_v allege_v for_o this_o new_a discipline_n yet_o grave_o &_o wise_o he_o give_v they_o that_o honour_n and_o witness_v which_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o his_o word_n treat_v of_o this_o very_a point_n be_v these_o 4._o it_o shall_v be_v profitable_a for_o we_o in_o these_o matter_n of_o discipline_n to_o review_v the_o form_n of_o the_o ancient_a or_o primitive_a church_n the_o which_o will_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a ordinance_n for_o though_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o time_n make_v many_o canon_n in_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o decree_v more_o than_o be_v express_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n yet_o with_o such_o wariness_n do_v they_o proportion_v their_o whole_a regiment_n to_o that_o only_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n that_o you_o may_v easy_o see_v they_o have_v almost_o nothing_o in_o their_o discipline_n different_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o such_o as_o seem_v to_o reverence_v so_o much_o his_o name_n will_v in_o this_o behalf_n follow_v his_o step_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o bear_v a_o right_a christian_a regard_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n before_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v worthy_a with_o all_o posterity_n to_o be_v have_v in_o like_o reverend_a account_n though_o he_o be_v deceive_v in_o some_o thing_n even_o as_o augustine_n and_o other_o father_n before_o he_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v have_v no_o man_n come_v near_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o no_o blemish_n to_o he_o that_o write_v so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v to_o be_v somewhat_o oversee_v in_o lay_v elder_n and_o other_o point_n of_o discipline_n be_v so_o busy_v as_o he_o be_v with_o weighty_a matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o interpret_n the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o have_v have_v better_a leisure_n to_o examine_v this_o matter_n since_o his_o death_n persist_v still_o in_o the_o same_o opinion_n that_o he_o do_v but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o moderation_n they_o will_v else_o not_o charge_v the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o invent_v and_o upbold_v a_o humane_a bishop_n this_o be_v devise_v by_o man_n and_o not_o allow_v by_o god_n whereas_o caluin_n grant_v the_o ancient_a regiment_n of_o bishop_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n 4._o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n itself_o he_o mean_v the_o government_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o ancient_a bishop_n never_o intend_v to_o frame_v any_o other_o form_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n then_o that_o which_o god_n in_o his_o word_n prescribe_v now_o what_o kind_n of_o government_n
of_o his_o labour_n they_o that_o beget_v we_o nourish_v we_o and_o continue_v we_o in_o christ_n deserve_v far_o great_a honour_n than_o they_o that_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v only_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o in_o our_o body_n so_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o member_n have_v a_o common_a care_n for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o principal_a part_n must_v direct_v and_o guide_v the_o rest_n namely_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n such_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v place_v to_o be_v the_o 13._o watchman_n &_o leader_n 5._o the_o light_n and_o salt_n of_o his_o church_n must_v not_o only_o warn_v and_o guide_v but_o also_o lighten_v and_o season_v in_o their_o measure_n the_o whole_a body_n for_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n sever_v &_o single_a in_o their_o proper_a charge_n the_o same_o they_o must_v needs_o retain_v assemble_v and_o join_v throughout_o their_o circuit_n yea_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o tender_v the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o brotherlie_a concord_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o they_o come_v together_o not_o to_o accomplish_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o detect_v error_n resist_v wolf_n maintain_v truth_n cure_v the_o sore_n and_o malady_n that_o pester_v and_o poison_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n celestinus_fw-la writing_n to_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n say_v ephesinum_fw-la the_o assembly_n of_o priest_n testify_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v write_v since_o the_o truth_n can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o word_n wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o this_o be_v so_o if_o so_o small_a a_o number_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v we_o not_o much_o more_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o where_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o holy_a man_n be_v assemble_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n apply_v the_o same_o word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 3._o we_o see_v say_v they_o as_o we_o think_v the_o heavenly_a spouse_n conversant_a among_o us._n for_o if_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n he_o have_v promise_v he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o what_o peculiar_a regard_n think_v we_o have_v he_o show_v towards_o those_o priest_n which_o have_v prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o confession_n before_o country_n and_o child_n so_o reccaredus_n king_n of_o spain_n that_o first_o abjure_v the_o arrian_n heresio_fw-la 589._o year_n after_o christ_n write_v to_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n 2._o i_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o your_o blessedness_n shall_v assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n give_v trust_n to_o the_o lord_n word_n when_o he_o say_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o i_o believe_v the_o godhead_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o bless_a trinity_n to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o sacred_a synod_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v present_v my_o faith_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n this_o course_n the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o follow_v by_o their_o example_n when_o about_o the_o question_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n 15._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o to_o verify_v their_o master_n word_n to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o whole_a assembly_n write_v thus_o in_o their_o letter_n 28._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o to_o us._n for_o if_o it_o be_v sure_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v 20._o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n and_o if_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v when_o he_o say_v 11._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o etc._n etc._n this_o must_v be_v verify_v as_o well_o of_o pastor_n assemble_v as_o single_v yea_o pastor_n gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n be_v rather_o assure_v of_o his_o direction_n and_o assistance_n then_o when_o they_o be_v sever_v celestinum_n unless_o there_o be_v any_o that_o think_v god_n inspire_v one_o particular_a person_n with_o righteousness_n and_o forsake_v a_o number_n of_o priest_n assemble_v in_o synod_n which_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n repute_v to_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o christ_n promise_n so_o long_o as_o they_o meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o not_o to_o deface_v his_o truth_n nor_o oppress_v their_o brethren_n this_o have_v in_o all_o age_n as_o well_o before_o as_o since_o the_o great_a council_n of_o nice_a be_v approve_a and_o practise_v as_o the_o lawfull_a and_o sure_a mean_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n to_o decide_v doubt_n end_v strife_n and_o redress_v wrong_n in_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a yea_o when_o there_o be_v no_o believe_v magistrate_n to_o assist_v the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o cleanse_v the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o the_o loathsome_a vessel_n of_o dishonour_n and_o after_o christian_a prince_n begin_v to_o profess_v and_o protect_v the_o truth_n they_o never_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o better_a or_o safe_a direction_n among_o man_n then_o by_o the_o synod_n of_o wise_a and_o godly_a pastor_n a_o synod_n at_o antioch_n about_o three_o score_n year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a condemn_v and_o depose_v paulus_n samosatonus_fw-la for_o heresy_n and_o when_o he_o will_v not_o yield_v the_o church_n but_o keep_v it_o by_o violence_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o aurelianus_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v a_o ethnic_n samosatenus_fw-la 30_o be_v with_o extreme_a shame_n drive_v from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o worldly_a prince_n three_o score_n and_o ten_o year_n before_o that_o many_o synod_n be_v assemble_v in_o diverse_a place_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n as_o in_o 24._o palestine_n under_o theophilus_n and_o narcissus_n in_o 24._o rome_n under_o victor_n in_o 24._o pontus_n under_o palinas_fw-la in_o 24._o france_n under_o irenaeus_n in_o 7._o asia_n under_o polycrates_n the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n of_o 43_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n of_o cypriano_n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o like_v no_o doubt_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o necessity_n force_v and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o time_n permit_v the_o great_a nicene_n council_n perceive_v and_o by_o their_o decree_n witness_v how_o needful_a the_o use_n of_o synod_n be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 5._o it_o seem_v unto_o we_o very_o requisite_a say_v they_o that_o in_o every_o province_n twice_o every_o year_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o synod_n that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o province_n meet_v together_o may_v in_o common_a examine_v such_o question_n as_o be_v occurrent_a in_o every_o place_n the_o council_n of_o antioch_n continue_v the_o same_o course_n 20._o for_o ecclesiastical_a business_n and_o the_o determine_n of_o matter_n in_o controversy_n we_o think_v it_o very_o fit_a that_o in_o every_o province_n synod_n of_o bishop_n shall_v be_v assemble_v twice_o every_o year_n so_o do_v the_o general_a council_n of_o constantinople_n 2._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o synod_n in_o every_o province_n must_v govern_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o province_n according_a as_o it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o great_a council_n of_o chalcedon_n reproove_v the_o slackness_n of_o bishop_n in_o omit_v the_o prescribe_a number_n of_o synod_n 19_o it_o be_v come_v to_o our_o ear_n that_o in_o some_z province_n the_o synod_n of_o bishop_n be_v not_o keep_v which_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o canon_n and_o thereby_o many_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n which_o need_v reformation_n be_v neglect_v this_o sacred_a council_n therefore_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o our_o godly_a father_n that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n shall_v twice_o every_o year_n assemble_v together_o at_o the_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o mother_n city_n that_o be_v the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v to_o amend_v all_o matter_n emergent_a within_o their_o province_n the_o tedious_a length_n of_o the_o journey_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o
place_n force_v the_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n so_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n determine_v for_o spain_n 18._o this_o holy_a &_o general_a council_n decree_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a canon_n stand_v good_a which_o command_v synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o length_n of_o the_o way_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n the_o bishop_n shall_v assemble_v once_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v the_o 2._o council_n of_o turon_n take_v the_o same_o order_n for_o france_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 1._o it_o have_v please_v this_o holy_a council_n that_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n shall_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n in_o synod_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a by_o his_o discretion_n shall_v choose_v or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o inevitable_a necessity_n then_o without_o all_o excuse_n of_o person_n and_o occasion_n of_o pretence_n once_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v every_o man_n make_v his_o repair_n and_o if_o any_o bishop_n fail_v so_o to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n let_v he_o stand_v excommunicate_a by_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o province_n until_o a_o great_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o province_n presume_v to_o communicate_v with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a realm_n nor_o age_n wherein_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n have_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a as_o well_o under_o believe_v magistrate_n for_o consultation_n and_o direction_n as_o under_o infidel_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o irreligious_a opinion_n withstand_v wicked_a enterprise_n and_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o council_n that_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o country_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o any_o matter_n of_o moment_n come_v in_o question_n which_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o nation_n and_o province_n do_v yearly_o celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n and_o chalcedon_n council_n which_o can_v not_o be_v number_v and_o be_v not_o record_v neither_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o provincial_a synod_n prescribe_v only_o by_o council_n the_o imperial_a law_n command_v the_o like_a 10._o that_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o sacred_a rule_n may_v with_o more_o diligence_n be_v observe_v we_o require_v say_v the_o emperor_n every_o archbishop_n patriarch_n &_o metropolitan_a to_o call_v unto_o he_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o year_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o in_o the_o same_o province_n and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o cause_n which_o bishop_n clerk_n or_o monk_n have_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o determine_v they_o so_o as_o what_o so_o ever_o be_v trespass_v by_o any_o person_n against_o the_o canon_n may_v be_v reform_v the_o law_n of_o charles_n allege_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o chalcedon_n 13._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n with_o their_o metropolitan_a shall_v assemble_v in_o council_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n command_v that_o course_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o 127._o twice_o every_o year_n synod_n to_o be_v assemble_v and_o unless_o you_o give_v the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o every_o parish_n full_a and_o free_a power_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o best_o like_v to_o offer_v what_o wrong_v they_o will_v to_o use_v what_o impiety_n and_o tyranny_n they_o themselves_o listen_v without_o any_o restraint_n or_o redress_n which_o be_v a_o heathenish_a if_o not_o a_o hellish_a confusion_n you_o must_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n magistrate_n as_o oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v none_o yield_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o humane_a society_n have_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a may_v guide_v each_o part_n and_o the_o great_a number_n over-rule_v the_o lesser_a which_o without_o assemble_v in_o synod_n can_v not_o be_v do_v we_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n or_o use_n of_o lawful_a synod_n we_o confess_v 159._o they_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n against_o all_o confusion_n but_o this_o we_o dislike_v that_o you_o give_v the_o power_n to_o call_v synod_n from_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a thereby_o maintain_v a_o needless_a difference_n among_o bishop_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o you_o term_v bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n whereas_o every_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o sit_v there_o and_o by_o consent_n and_o subscription_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o have_v what_o right_a we_o yield_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o call_v synod_n within_o their_o territory_n shall_v soon_o appear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v tell_v we_o who_o call_v synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o prince_n favour_v christian_a religion_n be_v it_o do_v by_o magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v infidel_n or_o by_o metropolitanes_n and_o when_o prince_n protect_v the_o truth_n do_v they_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n by_o their_o substitute_n or_o be_v that_o charge_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n in_o every_o province_n you_o challenge_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o read_v speak_v of_o your_o credit_n who_o call_v in_o ancient_a time_n provincial_a synod_n or_o at_o any_o time_n who_o moderate_v they_o beside_o metropolitanes_n if_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n must_v have_v a_o precedent_n to_o rule_v their_o action_n for_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n how_o can_v synod_n be_v call_v &_o govern_v without_o one_o to_o prescribe_v the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o pastor_n shall_v meet_v and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o guide_v and_o moderate_v their_o assembly_n perceive_v you_o not_o that_o man_n live_v in_o diverse_a city_n and_o country_n and_o assemble_v but_o seldom_o have_v more_o need_n of_o some_o chief_a to_o call_v they_o together_o than_o those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o place_n and_o every_o day_n meet_v and_o if_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o dangerous_a in_o synod_n wherefore_o you_o must_v either_o clean_o reject_v synod_n and_o so_o make_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o parish_n supreme_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o if_o you_o receive_v synod_n you_o must_v withal_o admit_v some_o both_o to_o convocate_v and_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n the_o magistrate_n may_v callthem_n together_o and_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v may_v choose_v 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you_o be_v not_o so_o far_o beside_o yourselves_o that_o you_o strive_v for_o this_o pestilent_a kind_n of_o anarchy_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n our_o age_n be_v giddy_a enough_o without_o this_o frenzy_n to_o put_v they_o forward_o howbeit_o we_o seek_v not_o what_o new_a course_n you_o can_v devise_v after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o what_o mean_v the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o prince_n embrace_v the_o truth_n to_o assemble_v synod_n and_o pacify_v controversy_n as_o well_o touch_v religion_n as_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n and_o if_o in_o the_o church_n story_n you_o find_v any_o other_o beside_o metropolicane_n that_o call_v and_o govern_v provincial_a council_n name_v the_o man_n and_o note_v the_o place_n and_o we_o yield_v you_o the_o prize_n metropolitanes_n be_v first_o establish_v if_o not_o devise_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a before_o that_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o any_o metropolitan_a
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possidonius_fw-la and_o other_o may_v neither_o luciferianos_fw-la baptize_v 88_o preach_v nor_o 9_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n especial_o in_o his_o presence_n which_o indeed_o grow_v rather_o by_o custom_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n then_o by_o any_o rule_n or_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o which_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v save_o impose_v of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v that_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n in_o the_o scripture_n betwixt_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n as_o euagr._fw-la jerome_n and_o timotheum_n chrysostome_n affirm_v other_o difference_n which_o the_o church_n keep_v many_o as_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o the_o baptize_v and_o convert_v to_o reconcile_v penitent_n and_o such_o like_a be_v rather_o peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o call_n then_o for_o any_o necessity_n of_o god_n law_n if_o any_o man_n urge_v further_o out_o of_o jerome_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n at_o all_o nor_o chief_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n of_o each_o place_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o answer_v he_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o their_o new_a discipline_n 23._o non_fw-la ita_fw-la desipuisse_fw-la existimandus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la somniaretneminem_fw-la illi_fw-la coetui_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la icrome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o dream_v the_o presbytery_n have_v no_o chief_a ruler_n or_o precedent_n m._n it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v govern_v each_o action_n or_o meeting_n and_o again_o 21._o tales_n episcopos_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la christi_fw-la voce_fw-la constitutos_fw-la absit_fw-la ut_fw-la unquam_fw-la simus_fw-la inficiati_fw-la that_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v pastor_n in_o every_o city_n and_o chief_a of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v appoint_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v ever_o deny_v this_o say_v he_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a discipline_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v urge_v any_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v pastor_n over_o their_o church_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n under_o they_o if_o we_o thus_o far_o agree_v what_o cause_n then_o have_v those_o turbulent_a head_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o all_o which_o to_o ease_v their_o stomach_n or_o to_o please_v their_o maintainer_n jest_v and_o rail_v rather_o like_v stage-player_n than_o divine_n on_o those_o who_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o if_o their_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o strong_a and_o weighty_a howsoever_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o fluary_n let_v they_o remember_v who_o say_v 10._o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o they_o will_v haply_o save_v themselves_o for_o that_o our_o bishop_n differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a bishop_n in_o many_o thing_n as_o namely_o they_o 156._o succeed_v in_o order_n we_o by_o election_n the_o dignity_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 156._o common_a to_o every_o presbyter_n in_o his_o course_n now_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o one_o with_o they_o it_o 156._o dure_v for_o a_o season_n as_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n with_o we_o for_o life_n except_o by_o just_a cause_n any_o deserve_v to_o be_v remoove_v last_o they_o have_v but_o 156._o priority_n of_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o moderate_v the_o meeting_n and_o consulting_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n over_o their_o fellow-presbyter_n these_o be_v precise_o the_o point_n wherein_o one_o of_o the_o best_a 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