upon_o urgent_a necessity_n i_o have_v finish_v in_o the_o like_a case_n write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o whole_a people_n of_o carthage_n he_o say_v of_o caelerinus_n that_o open_o profess_a christ_n and_o valiant_o endure_v the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecuter_n 5._o exult_v and_o rejoice_v with_o we_o at_o the_o read_n of_o our_o letter_n by_o which_o i_o and_o my_o colleague_n which_o be_v present_a signify_v unto_o you_o that_o caelerinus_n our_o brother_n be_v receive_v into_o our_o clergy_n not_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n but_o by_o god_n acceptance_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o seemly_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o ecclesiastical_a honour_n who_o the_o lord_n so_o honour_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o and_o aurelius_n be_v appoint_v for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v reader_n but_o now_o know_v you_o that_o we_o have_v assign_v unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o 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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 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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
yet_o he_o do_v carry_v about_o with_o he_o epiphanius_n 75._o the_o divine_a speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v who_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o who_o a_o presbyter_n in_o say_v to_o timothy_n a_o bishop_n rebuke_v not_o a_o presbyter_n but_o exhort_v he_o as_o a_o father_n how_o can_v a_o bishop_n rebuke_v a_o presbyter_n if_o he_o have_v no_o power_n over_o a_o presbyter_n as_o also_o receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n against_o a_o presbyter_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n theodoret._n titum_fw-la titus_n be_v a_o notable_a disciple_n of_o paul_n &_o ordain_v by_o paul_n bishop_n of_o crete_n and_o authorize_v to_o make_v the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n write_v upon_o some_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v haereses_fw-la o_o timothy_n that_o be_v o_o priest_n o_o teacher_n if_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v make_v thou_o meet_v for_o wit_n exercise_n and_o learning_n be_v thou_o beseleel_n that_o be_v a_o most_o skilful_a workman_n of_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n augustine_n instruct_v all_o pastor_n by_o paul_n word_n to_o tite_n add_v 4._o be_v it_o say_v in_o vain_a to_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n now_o eminent_a among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o chief_a pastor_n show_v thyself_o a_o example_n of_o good_a work_n to_o all_o gregory_n 11._o paul_n admonish_v his_o scholar_n timothy_n now_o prelate_n of_o a_o flock_n say_v attend_v to_o read_v till_o i_o come_v primasius_n 4._o timothy_n have_v the_o grace_n of_o prophecy_n cum_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la together_o with_o the_o order_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o that_o grace_n be_v 1._o the_o blessing_n which_o timothy_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o make_a bishop_n receive_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o paul_n hand_n oecumenius_n interlace_v the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o 4._o that_o be_v either_o doctrine_n or_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o be_v young_a he_o deserve_v to_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n for_o by_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bishop_n be_v make_v and_o not_o at_o all_o adventure_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n by_o presbyter_n he_o mean_v bishop_n for_o presbyter_n do_v not_o ordain_v he_o be_v a_o bishop_n yea_o which_o of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v not_o with_o tertullian_n confess_v that_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n 5._o be_v make_v concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n or_o do_v not_o with_o chrysostome_n ambrose_n and_o oecumenius_n apply_v the_o word_n &_o precept_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o as_o 5._o speak_v to_o all_o bishop_n you_o say_v evangelist_n can_v be_v no_o bishop_n y_z e_z whole_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o resolution_n say_v they_o be_v bishop_n &_o whatsoever_o paul_n speak_v to_o they_o pertain_v to_o all_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o of_o all_o other_o jeromes_n confession_n be_v most_o clear_a in_o that_o behalf_n how_o then_o can_v jerom_o doubt_v but_o the_o vocation_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n and_o consequent_o confirm_v and_o allow_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o his_o apostle_n saint_n john_n in_o his_o revelation_n will_v assure_v you_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v he_o to_o write_v to_o the_o 3_o seven_o star_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n that_o be_v to_o the_o seven_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o those_o seven_o place_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_o the_o apostle_n be_v live_v when_o one_o superior_a govern_v the_o church_n but_o the_o lord_n himself_o with_o his_o own_o voice_n confirm_v that_o kind_n of_o regiment_n i_o do_v not_o fear_v lest_o with_o origen_n you_o will_v wrest_v the_o place_n to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n &_o say_v that_o lucam_n in_o every_o church_n there_o be_v two_o bishop_n one_o visible_a another_o invisible_a s._n augustine_n have_v learned_o quench_v that_o error_n 162._o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v have_v those_o word_n understand_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o not_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o have_v afterward_o add_v but_o i_o have_v some_o what_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v this_o can_v not_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o heavenly_a angel_n who_o always_o retain_v their_o love_n whence_o they_o that_o fall_v be_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a voice_n under_o the_o name_n of_o a_o angel_n the_o ruler_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v praise_v and_o again_o apocal._n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v any_o but_o the_o bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n if_o john_n in_o his_o time_n see_v those_o seven_o church_n govern_v by_o seven_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n then_o be_v the_o common_a and_o equal_a government_n of_o presbyter_n before_o that_o time_n change_v if_o christ_n call_v they_o star_n and_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v no_o humane_a invention_n after_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o bury_v you_o see_v jerome_n say_v the_o regiment_n of_o bishop_n come_v not_o into_o the_o church_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n you_o do_v not_o allege_v jerom_n because_o you_o admit_v or_o regard_v what_o he_o say_v you_o only_o snatch_v at_o some_o word_n in_o he_o which_o seem_v to_o serve_v your_o humour_n otherwise_o you_o receive_v no_o part_n of_o his_o report_n in_o the_o place_n which_o you_o bring_v against_o bishop_n jerome_n say_v that_o at_o the_o first_o when_o presbyter_n govern_v tit._n ecclesiae_fw-la cura_fw-la aequaliter_fw-la inter_fw-la plures_fw-la dividebatur_fw-la the_o charge_n or_o care_v of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o many_o you_o say_v no_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o time_n it_o be_v lack_v of_o wisdom_n so_o to_o think_v your_o word_n be_v 23._o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la ille_fw-la quum_fw-la diceret_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la initio_fw-la fuisse_fw-la communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la gubernatas_fw-la ita_fw-la desipuisse_fw-la existimandus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la somniaret_fw-la neminem_fw-la ex_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la illi_fw-la coetui_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la jerome_n when_o he_o say_v the_o church_n be_v at_o the_o first_o govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o the_o presbyter_n may_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o dream_v that_o none_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v chief_a of_o that_o assembly_n jerome_n say_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o they_o you_o say_v it_o be_v a_o dream_n and_o a_o folly_n so_o to_o suppose_v and_o thus_o be_v jerome_n reward_v for_o bear_v witness_n to_o your_o presbyterall_a regiment_n again_o jerome_n say_v that_o upon_o the_o primarie_a dissentious_a of_o presbyter_n it_o be_v decree_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n 1._o ut_fw-la omnis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cura_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la pertineret_fw-la that_o the_o whole_a care_n or_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v pertain_v to_o one_o this_o you_o can_v digest_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a your_o lie_v elder_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o church_n matter_n since_o bishop_n begin_v jeromes_n whole_a tale_n therefore_o yourselves_o reject_v as_o untrue_a only_o you_o hold_v fast_o the_o latter_a end_n which_o you_o understand_v not_o and_o thence_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n be_v man_n invention_n contrary_a to_o god_n institution_n in_o all_o reason_n when_o you_o impugn_v the_o two_o part_n of_o your_o own_o witness_n deposition_n we_o may_v refuse_v the_o three_o but_o we_o will_v not_o presume_v that_o jerome_n will_v not_o so_o gross_o contradict_v himself_o as_o to_o say_v the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n be_v and_o be_v not_o a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n jeromes_n word_n then_o that_o the_o bishop_n maioritie_n above_o presbyter_n come_v tuum_fw-la 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 may_v be_v two_o way_n construe_v first_o that_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n he_o mean_v a_o precept_n from_o christ_n mouth_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n he_o understand_v a_o continuation_n of_o that_o regiment_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n for_o heretic_n veritas_fw-la be_v often_o take_v with_o the_o ancient_a father_n for_o a_o truth_n write_v in_o the_o scripture_n &_o heretic_n consuetudo_fw-la for_o a_o thing_n deliver_v by_o hand_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o otherwise_o thep_v call_v a_o tradition_n and_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
that_o be_v you_o shall_v hear_v his_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o thereby_o perceive_v that_o many_o of_o the_o point_n which_o i_o have_v before_o prove_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o sure_a that_o no_o man_n learned_a can_v with_o any_o truth_n resist_v they_o 2_o habebant_fw-la ergo_fw-la singulae_fw-la civitates_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la collegium_fw-la qui_fw-la pastor_n erant_fw-la ac_fw-la doctores_fw-la no_o &_o apud_fw-la populum_fw-la munus_fw-la docendi_fw-la exhortandi_fw-la &_o corrigendi_fw-la quod_fw-la paulus_n episcopis_fw-la iniungit_fw-la omnes_fw-la obibant_fw-la quibus_fw-la docendi_fw-la munus_fw-la iniunctum_fw-la erat_fw-la eos_fw-la omnes_fw-la nominabant_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la illi_fw-la ex_fw-la svo_fw-la numero_fw-la in_o singulis_fw-la civitatibus_fw-la unum_fw-la eligebant_fw-la cvi_fw-la specialiter_fw-la dabant_fw-la titulum_fw-la episcopi_fw-la ne_fw-la ex_fw-la aequalitate_fw-la ut_fw-la fieri_fw-la solet_fw-la dissidia_fw-la nascerentur_fw-la unicuique_fw-la civitati_fw-la attributa_fw-la erat_fw-la regio_fw-la quae_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la inde_fw-la sumeret_fw-la &_o veluâ—_fw-la corpori_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la illius_fw-la accenseretur_fw-la every_o city_n have_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n which_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o they_o all_o have_v the_o function_n of_o teach_v exhort_v and_o reprove_v in_o the_o congregation_n which_o paul_n enjoin_v unto_o bishop_n to_o who_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v allot_v they_o be_v all_o call_v presbyter_n these_o in_o every_o city_n choose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o special_a title_n of_o a_o bishop_n lest_o by_o a_o equality_n as_o be_v usual_o find_v division_n shall_v arise_v to_o every_o city_n be_v appoint_v a_o certain_a region_n which_o take_v their_o presbyter_n from_o the_o city_n and_o be_v count_v part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o that_o church_n first_o then_o presbytery_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o 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in_o many_o 3._o other_o place_n as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n write_v i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n forsake_v so_o many_o ancient_a and_o assure_a witness_n whereof_o some_o live_v with_o polycarpe_n and_o be_v his_o scholar_n to_o follow_v the_o mistake_n of_o a_o few_o word_n in_o jerome_n by_o whosoever_o yea_o caluin_n himself_o say_v 7._o nec_fw-la humanum_fw-la est_fw-la inventum_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la ipsius_fw-la institutum_fw-la quod_fw-la singulis_fw-la svas_fw-la assignamus_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la paulus_n ipse_fw-la archippum_fw-la colossensium_fw-la episcopum_fw-la commemorate_fw-la it_o be_v not_o man_n devise_n but_o the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o we_o assign_v to_o every_o man_n his_o church_n paul_n himself_o mention_v archippus_n bishop_n of_o colossus_n that_o be_v pastor_n of_o colossus_n and_o so_o we_o grant_v each_o church_n ought_v by_o god_n law_n to_o have_v a_o pastor_n we_o must_v ask_v further_a whether_o by_o god_n law_n each_o church_n must_v have_v one_o or_o many_o if_o one_o we_o have_v our_o desire_n if_o many_o there_o must_v yet_o be_v one_o chief_a to_o avoid_v confusion_n 4._o equality_n as_o caluin_n note_v breed_v faction_n jerome_n say_v euagrium_n to_o suppress_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n one_o be_v set_v above_o the_o rest_n otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v luciferianos_fw-la as_o many_o schism_n as_o there_o be_v priest_n beza_n make_v it_o a_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n to_o have_v one_o chief_a in_o each_o presbytery_n his_o word_n be_v 153._o essentiale_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o eo_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la hic_fw-la agimus_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la perpetua_fw-la necesse_fw-la fuit_fw-la est_fw-la &_o erit_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o presbyterio_n quispiam_fw-la &_o loco_fw-la &_o dignitate_fw-la primus_fw-la actioni_fw-la gubernandae_fw-la praesit_fw-la cum_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsidivinitus_fw-la attributum_fw-la est_fw-la jure_fw-la this_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o matter_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n which_o must_v always_o endure_v it_o have_v be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v needful_a that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v moderate_v and_o rule_v every_o action_n with_o that_o right_n which_o be_v allow_v he_o by_o god_n law_n and_o in_o this_o he_o say_v right_a for_o a_o multitude_n ungoverned_a must_v needs_o be_v confuse_v which_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o government_n there_o can_v be_v none_o where_o all_o be_v equal_a when_o the_o shepehearde_n lead_v into_o diverse_a pasture_n who_o shall_v the_o sheep_n follow_v when_o sundry_a lord_n make_v sundry_a law_n which_o shall_v the_o subject_n obey_v sure_o if_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n no_o church_n can_v endure_v two_o pastor_n while_o they_o consent_v they_o have_v but_o one_o mind_n though_o many_o man_n when_o they_o dissent_v which_o in_o all_o person_n be_v casual_a and_o in_o all_o place_n usual_a then_o will_v there_o be_v as_o many_o side_n as_o there_o be_v leader_n you_o be_v as_o good_a set_v two_o head_n on_o one_o body_n as_o two_o chief_a ruler_n over_o one_o company_n if_o you_o confess_v there_o must_v by_o god_n law_n be_v one_o chief_a pastor_n in_o one_o church_n then_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o each_o city_n be_v the_o bishop_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o and_o he_o by_o your_o own_o position_n be_v authorize_v as_o pastor_n of_o the_o place_n by_o god_n ordinance_n this_o you_o shall_v never_o avoid_v do_v what_o you_o can_v each_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v many_o presbyter_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o witness_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 15._o v._n 6._o and_o 23_o of_o antioch_n act._n 13._o v._n 1_o of_o ephesus_z act._n 20._o v._n 17._o and_o 28_o of_o rome_n rom._n 16_o of_o corinth_n 1._o corinth_n 14._o v._n 29_o of_o philippi_n philip._n 1._o v._n 1_o of_o thessalonica_n 1._o thess._n 5._o v._n 12_o of_o other_o church_n the_o like_a be_v affirm_v hebr._n 13._o v._o 17_o jame_v 5._o v._o 14_o 1._o pet._n 5._o v._n 1._o now_o by_o god_n essential_a and_o
power_n which_o you_o give_v to_o your_o presbyter_n but_o because_o you_o turn_v they_o all_o over_o the_o bar_n as_o taint_v with_o humane_a pollitie_n and_o neglecter_n of_o god_n ordinance_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v say_v more_o for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n by_o the_o scripture_n than_o you_o have_v do_v for_o your_o presbyterial_a censure_n which_o in_o my_o judgement_n be_v very_o flenderlie_o and_o weak_o prove_v all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v for_o the_o power_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o s._n paul_n have_v give_v the_o bishop_n of_o each_o place_n authority_n to_o ordain_v such_o as_o be_v worthy_a to_o examine_v such_o as_o be_v faulty_a and_o reprove_v and_o discharge_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a either_o of_o unsound_a teach_n or_o offensive_a live_n thus_o much_o he_o say_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n and_o in_o they_o to_o their_o successor_n and_o to_o all_o other_o bishop_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o ever_o the_o place_n be_v plain_a and_o need_v no_o long_a discourse_v till_o we_o hear_v your_o answer_n of_o admit_v presbyter_n paul_n say_v to_o timothy_n 5._o lay_v hand_n hasty_o on_o no_o man_n neither_o be_v partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o to_o tite_n 1._o for_o this_o cause_n i_o leave_v thou_o in_o crete_n that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n such_o as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o of_o convent_v they_o he_o say_v 5._o receive_v no_o accusation_n against_o a_o presbyter_n but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n those_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v open_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v of_o dismiss_v they_o he_o say_v 1._o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o abide_v at_o ephesus_n to_o command_v certain_a that_o they_o teach_v no_o strange_a doctrine_n 1._o their_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v that_o teach_v thing_n they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n 5._o the_o presbyter_n that_o do_v their_o duty_n let_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 3._o stay_v foolish_a question_n and_o contention_n 3._o a_o heretic_n after_o one_o or_o two_o warning_n reject_v 2._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n see_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o 5._o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o elect_a angel_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o carry_v any_o prejudice_n or_o incline_v to_o either_o part_n the_o word_n be_v singular_a the_o charge_n be_v vehement_a the_o party_n be_v bishop_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v the_o case_n therefore_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o bishop_n power_n over_o presbyter_n in_o these_o pointeâ—_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n you_o be_v mighty_o deceive_v this_o power_n belong_v to_o evangelist_n not_o to_o bishop_n and_o therefore_o it_o dure_v but_o for_o their_o time_n and_o exceed_v not_o their_o person_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n â—rate_a see_v you_o how_o easy_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o your_o prelacy_n be_v shake_v and_o over_o throw_v if_o your_o reply_n be_v sound_a you_o say_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a absurd_a repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a text_n and_o refute_v by_o your_o own_o position_n then_o take_v you_o heed_n what_o answer_v you_o will_v make_v to_o god_n for_o disturb_v his_o church_n despise_v his_o ordinance_n and_o deride_v his_o messenger_n that_o himself_o have_v place_v and_o authorize_v with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o here_o i_o must_v pray_v the_o christian_a reader_n advisedlie_o to_o mark_v what_o be_v say_v and_o answer_v on_o either_o side_n this_o in_o deed_n be_v the_o main_a erection_n of_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o function_n if_o our_o proof_n stand_v or_o subversion_n if_o your_o answer_n be_v good_a for_o if_o this_o fail_v well_o may_v bishop_n claim_v their_o authority_n by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n by_o any_o divine_a precept_n express_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o can_v but_o if_o these_o rule_n be_v deltuer_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o bishop_n as_o we_o say_v they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o euangelship_n as_o the_o presbyterist_n affirm_v then_o can_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o this_o new_a discipline_n be_v a_o very_a dream_n and_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n hold_v the_o right_a and_o apostolical_a form_n of_o govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n of_o his_o word_n out_o rejoinder_n therefore_o be_v as_o follow_v no_o power_n proper_a to_o evangelist_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n their_o call_n be_v both_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a but_o power_n to_o ordain_v fit_a minister_n to_o convent_n and_o discharge_v unfit_a be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n this_o therefore_o be_v no_o power_n proper_a to_o evangelist_n which_o s._n paul_n in_o these_o place_n prescribe_v unto_o tite_n and_o timothy_n again_o your_o presbyter_n may_v not_o claim_v euangelisticall_a power_n since_o your_o presbyter_n be_v no_o evangelist_n but_o your_o presbytery_n claim_v this_o power_n which_o paul_n here_o commit_v to_o timothy_n and_o tite_n even_o to_o ordain_v examine_v censure_n and_o deprive_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ergo_fw-la this_o power_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o evangelist_n let_v all_o this_o be_v nothing_o if_o saint_n paul_n in_o express_a word_n say_v not_o as_o much_o 6._o i_o charge_v thou_o say_v he_o to_o timothy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o before_o jesus_n christ_n that_o thou_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n and_o unrebukeable_a until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n for_o timothy_n to_o observe_v these_o thing_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n be_v utter_o unpossible_a he_o be_v to_o die_v long_o before_o these_o precept_n therefore_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o and_o those_o that_o shall_v succeed_v in_o his_o place_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n ergo_fw-la timothy_n power_n and_o function_n in_o this_o behalf_n must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o not_o fail_v before_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 6._o with_o great_a vigilancy_n and_o providence_n say_v ambrose_n upon_o this_o place_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v percept_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o in_o his_o person_n do_v the_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v he_o be_v not_o so_o circumspect_a as_o fear_v timothy_n care_n but_o for_o his_o successor_n that_o after_o timothy_n example_n they_o shall_v observe_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n now_o let_v the_o christian_a reader_n judge_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o temporary_a function_n in_o timothy_n that_o die_v with_o his_o person_n or_o a_o perpetual_a charge_n to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o sure_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v no_o bishop_n you_o say_v he_o be_v no_o bishop_n 233._o eusebius_n jerome_n ambrose_n chrysostome_n theodoretus_n epiphanius_n oecumenius_n primasius_n affirm_v he_o be_v a_o bishop_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n s._n paul_n by_o this_o epistle_n direct_v he_o and_o all_o other_o bishop_n in_o he_o how_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o presbyter_n and_o receive_v accusation_n against_o they_o yea_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n without_o exception_n have_v so_o construe_v and_o observe_v the_o apostle_n word_n in_o suffer_v none_o but_o bishop_n either_o to_o ordain_v or_o degrade_v presbyter_n yet_o all_o this_o with_o you_o be_v nothing_o your_o bare_a fancy_n must_v over_o bear_v both_o father_n be_v they_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o church_n be_v they_o never_o so_o ancient_a and_o though_o you_o avouch_v this_o power_n must_v not_o exceed_v their_o two_o person_n to_o who_o s._n paul_n write_v yet_o you_o be_v so_o liberal_a and_o beneficial_a to_o your_o presbytery_n that_o against_o all_o truth_n and_o authority_n you_o make_v they_o succeed_v timothy_n and_o tite_n in_o their_o euangelisticall_a power_n and_o so_o according_a to_o your_o manner_n you_o will_v have_v this_o power_n to_o be_v proper_a and_o yet_o common_a to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o yet_o usual_a to_o cease_v with_o their_o person_n and_o yet_o to_o dure_v for_o ever_o with_o your_o presbytery_n fire_n will_v better_o agree_v with_o water_n than_o you_o with_o yourselves_o except_o you_o leave_v this_o roll_a too_o and_o fro_o at_o your_o pleasure_n we_o say_v the_o evangelist_n have_v this_o power_n for_o a_o time_n the_o presbytery_n for_o eâ—er_n what_o you_o say_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v regard_v unless_o you_o make_v better_a proof_n than_o i_o yet_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 a_o director_n &_o guider_n of_o their_o action_n but_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o regard_n but_o rather_o afflict_v the_o church_n as_o in_o time_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n who_o shall_v then_o assemble_v the_o pastor_n of_o any_o province_n to_o deliverate_a and_o determine_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o danger_n shall_v error_n and_o injury_n overwhelm_v the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o any_o public_a remonstrance_n or_o refusance_n in_o question_n of_o faith_n case_n of_o doubt_n matter_n of_o faction_n offer_v of_o wrong_n breach_n of_o all_o order_n and_o equity_n shall_v each_o place_n and_o presbytery_n be_v free_a to_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o depend_v on_o or_o so_o much_o as_o confer_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n call_v you_o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o not_o rather_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o subversion_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o think_v 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
of_o constantinople_n and_o chalcedon_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o bishop_n as_o their_o legate_n and_o substitute_n which_o in_o the_o chalesdonensis_fw-la council_n of_o chalcedon_n be_v more_o full_o express_v but_o what_o need_v we_o rip_v up_o these_o thing_n at_o large_a which_o pertain_v not_o so_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n we_o seek_v now_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o those_o we_o find_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o four_o first_o general_a council_n but_o confess_v by_o they_o to_o have_v ancient_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o sure_o if_o you_o grant_v provincial_a synod_n to_o be_v ancient_a and_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o you_o can_v deny_v metropolitanes_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o ancient_a and_o requisite_a without_o who_o the_o synod_n of_o each_o province_n can_v neither_o be_v convocate_v nor_o moderate_v if_o to_o avoid_v metropolitanes_n you_o will_v have_v the_o prerogative_n of_o call_v and_o guide_v synod_n to_o run_v round_o by_o course_n which_o order_n you_o fancy_v before_o in_o bishop_n our_o answer_n be_v easy_a we_o look_v not_o what_o you_o can_v invent_v after_o 1500._o year_n to_o please_v your_o own_o humour_n but_o what_o manner_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n establish_v and_o continue_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o we_o prove_v be_v not_o only_o in_o every_o church_n and_o diocese_n to_o have_v a_o bishop_n chief_a over_o the_o presbyter_n but_o in_o every_o province_n to_o appoint_v a_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n and_o the_o bishop_n thereof_o to_o have_v this_o honour_n and_o dignity_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v by_o letter_n consult_v or_o call_v together_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n for_o any_o question_n or_o cause_n that_o touch_v the_o faith_n or_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o only_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n but_o execute_v their_o decree_n and_o see_v they_o perform_v throughout_o his_o province_n this_o be_v the_o ancient_a and_o original_a use_n of_o christ_n church_n long_o before_o any_o prince_n profess_v the_o truth_n and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o use_v their_o sword_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o do_v synod_n serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o metropolitanes_n have_v the_o execution_n as_o well_o of_o prince_n law_n as_o synodall_n decree_v commit_v to_o their_o power_n and_o care_n throughout_o their_o province_n this_o course_n if_o you_o disdain_v or_o dislike_n you_o condemn_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o first_o increase_n and_o spread_v thereof_o on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o this_o present_a age_n and_o prefer_v your_o own_o wisdom_n if_o it_o be_v worthy_a that_o name_n and_o not_o rather_o to_o be_v account_v self_n love_n and_o singularity_n before_o all_o the_o martyr_n confessor_n father_n prince_n and_o bishop_n that_o have_v live_v govern_v and_o decease_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o apostle_n death_n how_o well_o the_o height_n of_o your_o conceit_n can_v endure_v to_o blemish_v and_o reproach_n so_o many_o religious_a and_o famous_a light_n of_o christendom_n i_o know_v not_o for_o my_o part_n i_o wish_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o day_n may_v have_v the_o grace_n for_o piety_n and_o prudencie_n to_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o not_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n before_o our_o time_n favour_v and_o further_v the_o pride_n of_o antichrist_n till_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o faith_n and_o love_n of_o most_o man_n be_v quench_v or_o decay_a we_o come_v to_o restore_v the_o church_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o discipline_n which_o the_o apostle_n never_o mention_v the_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n never_o remember_v the_o universal_a church_n of_o christ_n before_o we_o never_o conceive_v nor_o imagine_v we_o want_v not_o the_o witness_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o story_n that_o reproove_v the_o ambitious_a and_o tyrannous_a dominion_n of_o metropolitanes_n and_o archbishop_n socrates_n say_v 11._o the_o bishopric_n of_o rome_n as_o likewise_o that_o of_o alexandria_n be_v long_o before_o his_o time_n grow_v from_o the_o bond_n of_o priesthood_n unto_o worldly_a dominion_n nazianzene_n not_o only_o lament_v the_o mischief_n which_o follow_v these_o diversity_n of_o degree_n but_o hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o man_n may_v be_v discern_v only_o by_o their_o virtue_n his_o word_n be_v worth_a the_o hear_n reditum_fw-la for_o this_o presidencie_n of_o bishop_n all_o our_o estatetotter_v &_o shake_v for_o this_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v in_o a_o jealousy_n and_o tumult_n both_o 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episcopal_a function_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o power_n &_o dominion_n the_o fault_n he_o find_v in_o that_o place_n with_o celestinus_fw-la bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v for_o 11_o take_v from_o the_o novatians_n their_o church_n and_o compel_v their_o bishop_n to_o live_v at_o home_n like_o a_o private_a man_n but_o herein_o socrates_n lean_v a_o little_a too_o much_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o novatians_n to_o mislike_v more_o than_o he_o show_v cause_n why_o will_v god_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n have_v never_o worse_o offend_v then_o in_o so_o do_v he_o touch_v 7._o cyrillus_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n with_o like_a word_n for_o the_o same_o cause_n how_o just_o let_v the_o wise_a judge_n if_o otherwise_o either_o of_o they_o aspire_v above_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o call_n i_o be_o far_o from_o defend_v any_o pride_n in_o they_o or_o in_o whosoever_o nazianzene_n light_v on_o very_o tempestuous_a &_o troublesome_a time_n heresy_n so_o rage_v on_o the_o one_o side_n &_o discord_n afflict_v the_o church_n on_o the_o other_o that_o he_o think_v best_a to_o leave_v all_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o quiet_a &_o solitary_a kind_n of_o contemplation_n of_o the_o council_n in_o his_o time_n he_o say_v procopâ—um_fw-la i_o be_o mind_v if_o i_o must_v write_v you_o the_o truth_n to_o shun_v all_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n because_o inever_n see_v a_o good_a event_n of_o any_o council_n that_o do_v not_o rather_o increase_v then_o diminish_v our_o evil_n their_o contention_n and_o ambition_n pass_v my_o speech_n not_o that_o he_o condemn_v all_o council_n for_o what_o folly_n have_v that_o be_v in_o so_o wise_a a_o man_n but_o he_o note_v the_o disease_n of_o his_o time_n the_o church_n be_v so_o rend_v in_o piece_n under_o valens_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v restore_v nor_o reform_v in_o many_o year_n after_o even_o so_o in_o the_o word_n which_o you_o allege_v he_o traduce_v not_o the_o vocation_n or_o
special_a charge_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o their_o singularity_n in_o succeed_v and_o superiority_n in_o ordain_v have_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o the_o peculiar_a and_o substantial_a mark_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o calling_n i_o know_v some_o late_a writer_n vehement_o spurn_v at_o this_o and_o hardly_o endure_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o custom_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o in_o no_o case_n by_o any_o order_n or_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o opinion_n together_o with_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o build_v i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o small_a skill_n examine_v and_o find_v they_o no_o way_n able_a to_o rebate_v the_o full_a and_o sound_a evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o contrary_n for_o what_o more_o pregnant_a probation_n can_v be_v require_v then_o that_o the_o same_o power_n and_o precept_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o he_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o ephesus_n remain_v in_o all_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n to_o certain_a special_a and_o try_a person_n authorize_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o they_o derive_v to_o their_o after-commer_n by_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a succession_n in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n without_o conference_n to_o enlarge_v it_o or_o council_n to_o decree_v it_o the_o continue_v where_o of_o for_o three_o descent_n the_o apostle_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n confirm_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o saint_n john_n among_o other_o witness_v with_o his_o pen_n as_o a_o order_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o express_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o original_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n mouth_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o famous_a place_n and_o church_n of_o christendom_n where_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o while_o they_o live_v can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o that_o course_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v apostolic_a for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o neither_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o overreach_v it_o with_o policy_n nor_o so_o wayward_a as_o to_o withstand_v it_o with_o obstinacy_n against_o so_o main_a and_o clear_a proof_n as_o i_o dare_v undertake_v will_v content_v even_o a_o contentious_a mind_n when_o he_o read_v they_o be_v pretend_v two_o poor_a place_n the_o one_o of_o ambrose_n the_o other_o of_o jerome_n the_o first_o avouch_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n go_v by_o 4._o order_n before_o it_o come_v by_o way_n of_o election_n unto_o desert_n the_o other_o resolve_v that_o bishop_n be_v titum_fw-la great_a than_o presbyter_n 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 both_o these_o authority_n i_o have_v thorough_o discuss_v and_o lay_v forth_o the_o right_a intent_n of_o those_o father_n not_o only_o by_o comparison_n of_o other_o writer_n but_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v i_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o foreign_a sense_n beside_o their_o true_a meaning_n for_o when_o jerome_n and_o austen_n allege_v the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o name_n and_o obtinuit_fw-la title_n of_o honour_n which_o at_o first_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o after_o divide_v by_o the_o obtinuit_fw-la use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o austen_n express_v we_o can_v absolute_o grant_v the_o place_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o power_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o jerome_n say_v presbyter_n be_v subject_a in_o such_o fort_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n observe_v rather_o by_o custom_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n jerome_n 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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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 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