the_o bishop_n thereof_o to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty_o seven_o have_v be_v ordain_v in_o the_o city_n itself_o but_o that_o it_o seem_v prove_v a_o false_a allegation_n he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v he_o in_o his_o tradition_n a_o inference_n much_o like_o this_o that_o suppose_v two_o person_n to_o contend_v for_o their_o right_n and_o the_o advocate_n of_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v in_o his_o plea_n allege_v a_o false_a prescription_n his_o adversary_n shall_v thence_o conclude_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o his_o client_n for_o this_o be_v the_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o dispute_n be_v where_o the_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n ought_v to_o be_v ordain_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n at_o ephesus_n say_v leontius_n by_o constant_a prescription_n no_o say_v the_o council_n for_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v ordain_v at_o constantinople_n now_o be_v it_o not_o awkerd_a to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o council_n deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o succession_n itself_o when_o as_o the_o debate_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o sidesa_n a_o thing_n undoubted_a that_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o bishop_n at_o ephesus_n and_o the_o controversy_n be_v only_o about_o the_o accustom_a place_n of_o their_o consecration_n now_o from_o the_o variety_n of_o that_o to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o bishop_n at_o all_o be_v such_o a_o force_a argument_n as_o prove_v nothing_o but_o that_o we_o have_v a_o very_a great_a mind_n to_o our_o conclusion_n i_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o succession_n in_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v certain_a record_n but_o i_o will_v not_o engage_v myself_o in_o too_o many_o particular_a historical_a dispute_n where_o i_o know_v it_o be_v easy_a if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v ingenuous_a to_o perplex_v any_o matter_n with_o little_a critical_a scruple_n and_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v cast_v the_o whole_a of_o this_o controversy_n upon_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o though_o the_o record_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o defective_a as_o be_v pretend_v yet_o see_v all_o that_o be_v preserve_v make_v only_o for_o episcopacy_n and_o that_o our_o adversary_n be_v notable_a to_o trace_v out_o one_o against_o it_o that_o be_v evidence_n more_o than_o enough_o of_o its_o universal_a practice_n and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o trouble_v ourselves_o on_o either_o side_n with_o any_o proof_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n for_o if_o upon_o that_o account_n we_o have_v not_o any_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a either_o for_o they_o or_o we_o to_o have_v it_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o controversy_n whatsoever_o three_o the_o succession_n so_o much_o plead_v for_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v not_o a_o succession_n of_o person_n in_o apostolical_a power_n but_o a_o succession_n in_o apostolical_a doctrine_n whether_o any_o person_n succeed_v in_o apostolical_a power_n have_v be_v already_o consider_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v here_o requisite_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v by_o what_o person_n the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v convey_v and_o if_o it_o be_v plead_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o bishop_n as_o the_o apostle_n successor_n that_o prove_v the_o succession_n of_o person_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n but_o see_v this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v as_o our_o adversary_n instruct_v we_o by_o a_o view_n of_o the_o place_n produce_v to_o that_o purpose_n let_v we_o view_v they_o too_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o irenaeus_n quoniam_fw-la valdè_fw-la longum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la tali_fw-la volumine_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la enumerare_fw-la successiones_fw-la maximae_fw-la &_o antiquissimae_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la cognitae_fw-la à _fw-la gloriosissimis_fw-la duobus_fw-la apostolis_n petro_n &_o paulo_n romae_fw-la fundatae_fw-la &_o constitutae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la eam_fw-la quam_fw-la habet_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n traditionem_fw-la &_o annunciatam_fw-la hominibus_fw-la fidem_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la pervenientes_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la indicantes_fw-la confundimus_fw-la omnes_fw-la eos_fw-la etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v that_o whatever_o the_o argument_n of_o irenaeus_n be_v his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v convey_v down_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v successor_n to_o they_o in_o their_o several_a see_v so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o design_v to_o prove_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n by_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o doctor_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v it_o he_o do_v more_o he_o suppose_v it_o and_o by_o the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o oversee_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n have_v convey_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n down_o to_o we_o by_o their_o successor_n and_o what_o full_a testimony_n can_v there_o be_v of_o a_o personal_a succession_n of_o bishop_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o yet_o irenaeus_n do_v more_o than_o this_o he_o derive_v the_o personal_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n and_o they_o all_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n as_o they_o succeed_v one_o another_o and_o as_o linus_n be_v their_o successor_n so_o be_v eleutherius_fw-la who_o sit_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o irenaeus_n write_v and_o therefore_o if_o linus_n be_v successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n so_o be_v eleutherius_fw-la and_o if_o eleutherius_fw-la be_v bishop_n of_o rome_n so_o be_v linus_n so_o that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o bishopric_n and_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v the_o passage_n of_o tertullian_n edant_fw-la origines_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la suarum_fw-la evolvant_fw-la ordinem_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la suorum_fw-la ita_fw-la per_fw-la successiones_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la decurrentem_fw-la ut_fw-la primus_fw-la ille_fw-la episcopus_fw-la aliquem_fw-la ex_fw-la apostolis_n aut_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la viris_fw-la habuerit_fw-la authorem_fw-la &_o antecessorem_fw-la hoc_fw-la modo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la apostolicae_fw-la census_fw-la suos_fw-la deferunt_fw-la sicut_fw-la smyrnaeorum_n ecclesia_fw-la habens_fw-la polycarpum_fw-la à _fw-la joanne_n conlocatum_fw-la refert_fw-la sicut_fw-la romanorum_fw-la clementem_fw-la à _fw-la petro_n ordinatum_fw-la edit_fw-la proinde_fw-la utique_fw-la &_o â—aeterae_fw-la exhibent_fw-la quos_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n in_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la constitutos_fw-la apostolici_fw-la seminis_fw-la traduce_v habeant_fw-la the_o whole_a design_n of_o which_o passage_n be_v to_o prescribe_v against_o the_o heretic_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostolical_a successor_n and_o that_o be_v express_o appropriate_v to_o single_a bishop_n i_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o now_o dispute_v whether_o they_o succeed_v they_o only_o in_o degree_n and_o not_o order_n or_o in_o order_n only_o and_o not_o jurisdiction_n all_o that_o i_o desire_v from_o this_o testimony_n be_v that_o they_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o several_a church_n for_o though_o he_o instance_n only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n yet_o he_o declare_v himself_o able_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v the_o same_o account_n of_o all_o other_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o warrant_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n than_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v understand_v what_o more_o can_v be_v desire_v to_o justify_v their_o succession_n in_o the_o apostolical_a authority_n especial_o from_o tertullian_n who_o be_v neither_o thomist_n nor_o scotist_n and_o so_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o those_o fine_a distinction_n of_o degree_n order_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o speak_v like_o a_o plain_a and_o a_o blunt_a african_a when_o he_o call_v the_o bishop_n in_o their_o several_a diocese_n the_o apostle_n successor_n and_o so_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o same_o age_n understand_v by_o a_o bishop_n one_o superior_a to_o subject_a presbyter_n for_o whatever_o be_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v now_o determine_v to_o this_o order_n and_o so_o use_v in_o vulgar_a speech_n so_o that_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o their_o write_n we_o must_v understand_v it_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o bishop_n we_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o thing_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o and_o a_o bishop_n in_o their_o time_n be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v superior_a to_o the_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o succession_n from_o first_o to_o last_o continue_v in_o superiority_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o now_o when_o this_o succession_n be_v
say_n which_o be_v so_o triumphant_o insist_v on_o to_o blast_v the_o 4._o whole_a credit_n of_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v out_o who_o be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o word_n that_o the_o difficulty_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o deficiency_n but_o from_o the_o too_o great_a plenty_n of_o successor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o helper_n or_o as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o call_v they_o fellow-soldier_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a to_o assign_v who_o he_o appoint_v to_o preside_v over_o the_o church_n that_o he_o convert_v be_v because_o he_o have_v such_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o follower_n that_o who_o he_o set_v over_o what_o church_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o define_v than_o as_o himself_o have_v happen_v to_o name_v particular_a person_n as_o timothy_n titus_n crescens_n clemens_n epaphroditus_n etc._n etc._n which_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o apostle_n care_v to_o settle_v successor_n in_o the_o great_a church_n however_o this_o passage_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o blast_v the_o credit_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n because_o it_o concern_v not_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o form_n of_o government_n but_o only_o of_o the_o person_n who_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostolical_a form_n in_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o alone_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o the_o three_o defect_n as_o to_o person_n viz._n that_o grant_v the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n to_o be_v defective_a that_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o episcopal_a government_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o can_v find_v the_o bishop_n we_o can_v find_v some_o other_o form_n of_o government_n nay_o further_o those_o particular_n that_o we_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o the_o general_a truth_n that_o we_o assert_v in_o that_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o record_n that_o be_v remain_v and_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a or_o impartial_a man_n especial_o when_o in_o the_o great_a and_o more_o know_v church_n we_o have_v as_o certain_a a_o account_n of_o the_o succession_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o england_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o henry_n the_o viii_o to_o charles_n the_o ii_o but_o that_o concern_v the_o argument_n of_o personal_a succession_n which_o though_o i_o have_v prevent_v i_o may_v consider_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n at_o present_a in_o order_n to_o the_o confute_v of_o this_o objection_n from_o the_o defect_n of_o time_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o the_o most_o curious_a and_o diffident_a enquirer_n can_v demand_v for_o his_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o first_o what_o can_v be_v more_o ancient_a or_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o testimony_n of_o clement_n of_o rome_n in_o his_o famous_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o exhort_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n in_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n one_o chief_a way_n that_o he_o propound_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n keep_v his_o order_n and_o station_n where_o beside_o the_o laity_n he_o reckon_v up_o three_o distinct_a order_n of_o the_o christian_a clergy_n which_o he_o express_v by_o a_o allusion_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o apostolical_a writer_n to_o the_o jewish_a hierarchy_n viz._n the_o office_n of_o high_a priest_n priest_n and_o levite_n the_o passage_n be_v very_o full_a and_o pregnant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o high_a priest_n have_v his_o peculiar_a office_n assign_v he_o and_o the_o priest_n have_v his_o station_n bound_v and_o the_o levite_n have_v their_o proper_a ministry_n determine_v and_o the_o layman_n be_v oblige_v to_o his_o lay-office_n my_o brethren_n let_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n and_o order_n worship_n god_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n not_o transgress_v the_o settle_a canon_n of_o his_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n where_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o describe_v the_o several_a ministry_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n by_o allude_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n for_o why_o else_o shall_v he_o conclude_v with_o this_o exhortation_n and_o therefore_o my_o brethren_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o keep_v his_o own_o order_n unless_o this_o distinction_n of_o officer_n concern_v the_o corinthian_a christian_n so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v express_v by_o allude_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o old_a jewish_a institution_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n among_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o exhort_v they_o to_o keep_v those_o station_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o among_o they_o but_o the_o great_a witness_n in_o this_o cause_n be_v that_o brave_a martyr_n st._n ignatius_n pupil_n to_o st._n john_n and_o by_o he_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n and_o chief_a bishop_n of_o asia_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o his_o way_n to_o his_o martyrdom_n be_v send_v from_o antioch_n to_o rome_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n in_o his_o journey_n write_v several_a epistle_n to_o several_a church_n in_o which_o he_o give_v such_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n in_o his_o time_n by_o the_o order_n of_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o plain_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n and_o this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o avoid_v the_o testimony_n but_o by_o flat_o deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o our_o adversary_n will_v upon_o no_o term_n allow_v these_o epistle_n to_o be_v genuine_a and_o take_v infinite_a pain_n to_o prove_v they_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a supposititious_a so_o that_o this_o be_v become_v the_o great_a point_n in_o this_o controversy_n and_o have_v be_v eager_o dispute_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n on_o both_o side_n the_o two_o last_o that_o engage_v in_o it_o be_v a_o learned_a prelate_n of_o our_o own_o and_o the_o famous_a monsieur_fw-fr daillé_fw-fr in_o who_o book_n the_o whole_a cause_n be_v not_o only_o contain_v but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v decide_v for_o though_o daillé_n be_v a_o person_n of_o more_o judgement_n temper_n and_o learning_n than_o most_o of_o his_o brethren_n yet_o they_o be_v strange_o overbear_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o look_v into_o he_o that_o he_o be_v first_o resolve_v upon_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o right_a or_o wrong_n to_o make_v it_o good_a and_o because_o he_o be_v well_o aware_a that_o these_o epistle_n alone_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o apostolical_a antiquity_n of_o the_o episcopal_a order_n that_o they_o plain_o prevent_v all_o attempt_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o he_o therefore_o set_v himself_o with_o all_o vehemence_n and_o make_v it_o the_o business_n of_o his_o life_n to_o destroy_v their_o credit_n and_o with_o infinite_a pain_n sift_v all_o the_o rubbish_n of_o antiquity_n to_o find_v out_o every_o shred_n and_o atom_n of_o a_o criticism_n that_o may_v any_o way_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o impair_v their_o reputation_n yet_o after_o all_o this_o drudgery_n be_v his_o exception_n so_o plain_o disingenuous_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o they_o will_v fall_v as_o well_o upon_o any_o other_o ancient_a record_n whatsoever_o not_o only_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v but_o that_o ever_o can_v have_v be_v though_o upon_o no_o other_o score_n than_o pure_o that_o of_o its_o antiquity_n but_o this_o cause_n have_v breathe_v its_o last_o in_o this_o man_n and_o this_o advantage_n we_o have_v gain_v by_o his_o zeal_n to_o maintain_v and_o his_o ability_n to_o manage_v it_o that_o it_o have_v put_v a_o utter_a end_n to_o this_o controversy_n in_o that_o all_o his_o force_n have_v be_v rebuke_v and_o overthrow_v with_o such_o a_o irresistible_a strength_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o may_v rest_v secure_a that_o never_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n or_o ordinary_a learning_n or_o any_o modesty_n will_v dare_v to_o appear_v in_o such_o a_o helpless_a and_o baffle_v cause_n for_o the_o particular_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o learned_a author_n themselves_o but_o as_o to_o the_o general_a argument_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a and_o distinct_a account_n of_o it_o and_o then_o leave_v it_o
sure_a there_o be_v as_o little_a modesty_n as_o reason_n in_o salmasius_n his_o argument_n when_o he_o oppose_v the_o single_a authority_n of_o nicephorus_n to_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n but_o much_o less_o in_o daillès_fw-fr defence_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o state_n and_o confidence_n he_o usher_v it_o in_o ecce_fw-la auctores_fw-la habemus_fw-la &_o multis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la seculis_fw-la denatos_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la omni_fw-la contra_fw-la hierarchiam_fw-la suspicion_n semotos_fw-la qui_fw-la omne_fw-la ignatii_n scripta_fw-la rotunde_v ac_fw-la sine_fw-la ullâ_fw-la haesitatione_n ad_fw-la apocrypha_fw-la relegarunt_fw-la in_o stichometriâ_fw-la georgio_n sincello_n in_o libro_fw-la antiquissimo_fw-la praefixâ_fw-la for_o what_o confidence_n can_v be_v more_o enormous_a than_o that_o when_o these_o epistle_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n ter_n to_o pretend_v to_o destroy_v their_o authority_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o writer_n and_o yet_o produce_v but_o one_o and_o he_o at_o the_o distance_n of_o seven_o hundred_o year_n but_o the_o last_o aggravation_n of_o his_o confidence_n be_v when_o he_o profess_v that_o he_o produce_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o stichometria_fw-la not_o to_o prove_v his_o own_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o remove_v the_o prejudice_n of_o its_o novelty_n and_o yet_o cite_v no_o other_o author_n in_o its_o behalf_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o proof_n be_v draw_v from_o negative_a authority_n in_o which_o he_o be_v no_o more_o happy_a than_o in_o his_o many_o one_o positive_a testimony_n for_o when_o he_o argue_v that_o these_o epistle_n be_v unknown_a to_o every_o writer_n that_o do_v not_o quote_v they_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a condition_n that_o he_o impose_v upon_o all_o author_n to_o cite_v all_o the_o book_n that_o they_o read_v but_o say_v he_o because_o of_o that_o great_a authority_n that_o ignatius_n 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heathen_n or_o heretic_n but_o scarce_o ever_o mention_n any_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n and_o when_o he_o do_v it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v or_o confute_v any_o doctrine_n by_o their_o authority_n and_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v the_o case_n of_o epiphanius_n who_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n that_o live_v before_o he_o and_o when_o he_o do_v it_o in_o his_o book_n of_o heresy_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o historical_a way_n either_o to_o spare_v his_o own_o pain_n or_o to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o relation_n out_o of_o other_o history_n but_o never_o as_o daillé_n require_v of_o he_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o opinion_n i_o mention_v no_o more_o of_o his_o negative_a man_n who_o make_v a_o great_a show_n in_o the_o content_n of_o his_o chapter_n in_o that_o they_o be_v allege_v altogether_o impertinent_o to_o his_o purpose_n because_o all_o those_o passage_n which_o he_o imagine_v they_o be_v 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truth_n set_v aside_o all_o testimony_n the_o argument_n and_o spirit_n of_o they_o be_v no_o small_a proof_n of_o their_o genuine_a antiquity_n be_v compose_v of_o two_o argument_n peculiar_a to_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o vehement_a zeal_n for_o unity_n and_o a_o passionate_a sense_n of_o immortality_n they_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o serious_a belief_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n and_o therefore_o they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n pure_o in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o how_o earnest_o the_o author_n of_o these_o epistle_n thirst_v after_o it_o no_o good_a christian_n can_v read_v without_o great_a pleasure_n and_o be_v affect_v with_o some_o work_n of_o the_o same_o passion_n and_o as_o for_o his_o way_n of_o secure_v peace_n and_o unity_n in_o all_o church_n by_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o under_o they_o to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n for_o his_o fundamental_a rule_n be_v that_o 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the_o bishop_n guide_n and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o ignatius_n and_o his_o adversary_n their_o objection_n will_v not_o reflect_v upon_o his_o discretion_n but_o our_o saviour_n integrity_n and_o when_o the_o cause_n be_v bring_v to_o that_o ignatius_n be_v secure_a and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v please_v to_o raise_v any_o further_a controversy_n it_o be_v only_o between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o leviathan_n and_o there_o i_o be_o content_a to_o leave_v it_o the_o next_o proof_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a practice_n of_o episcopacy_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o among_o the_o ancient_n be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n i._n e._n a_o collection_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n between_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o improper_o be_v style_v the_o code_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o now_o concern_v they_o the_o case_n of_o 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they_o as_o
superiority_n of_o order_n be_v make_v equivalent_a to_o a_o superiority_n of_o power_n for_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n be_v grant_v they_o by_o our_o adversary_n though_o it_o be_v deny_v their_o successor_n thus_o we_o enlarge_v or_o abate_v or_o evacuate_v that_o commission_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v they_o at_o our_o own_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n if_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o our_o cause_n to_o assert_v in_o one_o place_n that_o they_o be_v vest_v with_o no_o superiority_n of_o power_n they_o shall_v be_v put_v off_o with_o a_o empty_a superiority_n of_o order_n separate_v from_o power_n if_o in_o another_o that_o assertion_n seem_v not_o so_o convenient_a to_o our_o purpose_n they_o shall_v be_v present_o advance_v to_o a_o absolute_a supremacy_n over_o the_o other_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o then_o that_o must_v last_v only_o during_o their_o life_n and_o as_o for_o their_o successor_n we_o be_v please_v to_o 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particular_a pastor_n discharge_v their_o duty_n such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o church-censure_n and_o make_v rule_n for_o decency_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o we_o call_v the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n now_o this_o latter_a power_n though_o it_o belong_v habitual_o and_o in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la to_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o be_v about_o matter_n of_o public_a and_o common_a concernment_n some_o further_a authority_n in_o a_o church_n constitute_v be_v necessary_a beside_o the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o when_o this_o power_n either_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o both_o be_v devolve_v to_o some_o particular_a person_n though_o quoad_fw-la aptitudinem_fw-la the_o power_n remain_v in_o every_o presbyter_n yet_o quoad_fw-la executionem_fw-la it_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o appoint_v whatever_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o this_o the_o assertion_n be_v plain_a that_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v but_o one_o order_n in_o the_o clergy_n and_o that_o the_o difference_n which_o have_v since_o be_v make_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o jurisdiction_n and_o this_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o former_a assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o lxx_o beside_o distinction_n of_o order_n when_o now_o there_o be_v no_o more_o by_o divine_a appointment_n than_o one_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o their_o flutter_v between_o order_n and_o power_n degree_n and_o order_n power_n of_o order_n and_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n all_o superiority_n of_o order_n so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v be_v so_o much_o superiority_n of_o power_n thus_o to_o take_v their_o own_o instance_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o athens_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o precedent_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v so_o far_o superior_a over_o his_o colleague_n in_o power_n as_o he_o be_v in_o order_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v peculiar_a to_o his_o office_n give_v he_o some_o more_o advantage_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n than_o they_o have_v for_o the_o very_a power_n of_o call_v and_o adjourn_v assembly_n preside_v and_o moderate_v in_o they_o be_v no_o small_a degree_n of_o power_n in_o a_o republican_n government_n but_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o superiority_n of_o order_n and_o power_n be_v think_v to_o be_v make_v out_o best_o by_o these_o parallel_a instance_n of_o commonwealth_n let_v we_o run_v the_o parallel_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o lxx_o for_o if_o to_o be_v superior_a only_o in_o order_n be_v to_o be_v precedent_n in_o a_o assembly_n or_o prolocutor_n in_o a_o convocation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o office_n peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n then_o when_o our_o saviour_n appoint_v seventy_o disciple_n and_o twelve_o apostle_n he_o make_v twelve_o prolocutor_n over_o a_o convocation_n of_o seventy_o see_v therefore_o that_o be_v too_o great_a a_o number_n of_o speaker_n for_o so_o small_a a_o assembly_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o when_o he_o separate_v they_o for_o a_o distinct_a office_n he_o intend_v something_o more_o by_o a_o apostle_n than_o mere_o a_o chairman_n in_o a_o presbytery_n and_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v either_o a_o high_a power_n than_o other_o have_v or_o it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o second_o this_o succession_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a and_o convince_v in_o all_o place_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o thing_n intend_v for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v a_o list_n of_o some_o person_n in_o the_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n antioch_n rome_n and_o alexandria_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v at_o philippi_n corinth_n and_o caesarea_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o perceive_v to_o be_v our_o adversary_n darling_a objection_n be_v the_o only_a matter_n make_v use_v of_o to_o shift_v off_o several_a head_n of_o argument_n this_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n as_o to_o place_n and_o be_v now_o here_o the_o only_a evidence_n of_o its_o ambiguity_n and_o by_o and_o by_o will_v be_v call_v in_o as_o the_o only_a instance_n of_o its_o repugnancy_n but_o certain_o their_o fondness_n to_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o great_a virtue_n that_o they_o see_v in_o it_o but_o they_o be_v only_o force_v for_o want_n of_o more_o material_a argument_n to_o lay_v a_o mighty_a stress_n upon_o such_o poor_a pretence_n as_o in_o any_o other_o dispute_n they_o will_v be_v a_o shame_v to_o own_o for_o first_o suppose_v the_o succession_n can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o church_n be_v that_o any_o proof_n against_o the_o succession_n that_o can_v and_o suppose_v i_o can_v produce_v a_o list_n of_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n corinth_n and_o caesarea_n shall_v i_o thence_o conclude_v against_o the_o succession_n 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to_o put_v a_o abuse_n upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n as_o to_o say_v in_o this_o case_n that_o there_o once_o be_v such_o a_o season_n in_o which_o all_o the_o world_n agree_v though_o no_o body_n know_v when_o or_o where_o to_o make_v a_o universal_a and_o perpetual_a alteration_n of_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n but_o to_o conclude_v grant_v these_o man_n all_o that_o they_o contend_v for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a advantage_n any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v either_o to_o make_v good_a the_o title_n or_o to_o enhance_v the_o excellency_n of_o episcopal_a government_n than_o st._n hierom_n and_o blondel_n give_v we_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o that_o upon_o their_o decease_n their_o authority_n devolve_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o presbyter_n which_o form_n of_o government_n be_v every_o where_o find_v so_o incompetent_a and_o inconvenient_a that_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o five_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o retrieve_v the_o old_a apostolical_a inequality_n as_o they_o ever_o intend_v to_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v pretty_a well_o and_o advantage_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o modest_a or_o reasonable_a man_n and_o therefore_o with_o it_o i_o shall_v rest_v content_v only_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n the_o strange_a partiality_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o this_o cause_n not_o only_o to_o set_v up_o this_o absurd_a suggestion_n of_o st._n jerom_n concern_v the_o unknown_a time_n of_o a_o universal_a alteration_n of_o church-government_n and_o that_o not_o only_o without_o the_o testimony_n of_o any_o record_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o then_o it_o have_v not_o be_v unknown_a but_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o history_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n than_o the_o succession_n of_o single_a person_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o his_o own_o age_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a church_n such_o as_o rome_n jerusalem_n antiochia_n and_o alexandria_n so_o that_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o universal_a change_n as_o st._n jerom_n dream_v of_o when_o in_o these_o great_a church_n episcopacy_n be_v establish_v antecedent_o to_o any_o such_o suppose_a alteration_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o oppose_v the_o custom_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o attest_v only_o by_o one_o author_n to_o the_o know_a practice_n not_o only_o of_o all_o other_o church_n but_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n itself_o thus_o because_o the_o same_o st._n jerom_n say_v with_o the_o same_o haste_n and_o inconsideration_n that_o there_o be_v a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n from_o st._n mark_v down_o to_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n for_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n in_o the_o vacancy_n of_o the_o see_v to_o choose_v one_o out_o of_o their_o own_o number_n and_o from_o thenceforward_a call_v he_o their_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o when_o a_o army_n make_v their_o own_o general_n or_o the_o deacon_n may_v choose_v one_o out_o of_o themselves_o and_o constitute_v he_o their_o archdeacon_n now_o i_o say_v suppose_v this_o story_n to_o be_v true_a be_v it_o not_o very_o severe_a by_o the_o singular_a practice_n of_o one_o church_n to_o overthrow_v the_o constitution_n of_o all_o other_o church_n for_o what_o if_o at_o alexandria_n they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a or_o a_o corrupt_a custom_n do_v that_o impair_n or_o destroy_v the_o catholic_n practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v possible_a not_o only_o for_o one_o particular_a church_n to_o deviate_v in_o some_o circumstance_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o a_o certain_a right_n yes_o but_o say_v they_o this_o custom_n be_v derive_v from_o st._n mark_v himself_o but_o that_o will_v require_v some_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o st._n jerom_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o preposterous_a practice_n in_o aftertime_n which_o he_o to_o give_v the_o more_o authority_n to_o it_o may_v in_o his_o lavish_a heat_n ascribe_v to_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o but_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n what_o be_v this_o custom_n be_v it_o for_o presbyter_n to_o ordain_v their_o bishop_n st._n jerom_n seem_v willing_a to_o say_v so_o but_o dare_v not_o and_o therefore_o express_v himself_o in_o odd_a ambiguous_a and_o general_a term_n unum_n ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_o excelsiori_fw-la gradu_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la which_o signify_v nothing_o certain_a but_o that_o he_o intend_v not_o ordination_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n that_o immediate_o follow_v quid_fw-la enim_fw-la facit_fw-la exceptâ_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la episcopus_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la faciat_fw-la which_o word_n upon_o whatsoever_o account_n they_o be_v add_v come_v in_o here_o very_o impertinent_o if_o he_o have_v by_o the_o story_n speak_v of_o ordination_n at_o least_o out_o of_o these_o general_a word_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v collect_v than_o their_o right_n or_o custom_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o bishop_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o cathedral_n church_n afterward_o nay_o that_o too_o be_v more_o than_o be_v true_a or_o can_v be_v prove_v for_o st._n jerom_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o presbyter_n but_o out_o of_o the_o presbyter_n so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o so_o much_o as_o the_o right_n of_o election_n but_o only_a appropriate_n to_o they_o the_o capacity_n of_o be_v elect_v and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n that_o they_o alone_o be_v qualify_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o see_v and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v from_o hence_o infer_v as_o mr._n selden_n be_v please_v to_o do_v 27._o their_o power_n not_o only_o of_o election_n but_o ordination_n he_o may_v thank_v himself_o and_o not_o st._n jerom_n for_o his_o conclusion_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o the_o inference_n beside_o the_o learned_a gentleman_n resolution_n to_o have_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o several_a both_o divine_n and_o lawyer_n that_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o this_o passage_n than_o mere_o capitular_a election_n he_o confute_v they_o with_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o only_o by_o say_v positive_o that_o they_o be_v ip_v hieronymo_n adversissimi_fw-la but_o alas_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o quit_v their_o own_o opinion_n only_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o confidence_n of_o other_o man_n assertion_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v either_o to_o have_v prove_v more_o or_o to_o have_v say_v nothing_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o have_v any_o power_n of_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v not_o that_o of_o election_n when_o it_o be_v so_o very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o patriarch_n of_o alexandria_n be_v of_o old_a time_n choose_v not_o by_o the_o presbyter_n but_o by_o the_o people_n so_o that_o to_o ascribe_v their_o election_n to_o the_o presbyter_n be_v plain_o to_o contradict_v the_o know_a custom_n of_o that_o church_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v too_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a as_o mr._n selden_n 6._o himself_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v the_o least_o footstep_n of_o this_o alexandrian_a custom_n in_o any_o legitimate_a ancient_a author_n but_o only_a st._n jerom._n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o custom_n in_o this_o church_n of_o which_o we_o have_v as_o good_a and_o as_o many_o record_n as_o of_o any_o other_o church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a but_o that_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o some_o writer_n shall_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o so_o universal_a a_o silence_n can_v but_o bring_v a_o very_a great_a suspicion_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o st._n jeroms_n relation_n at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a upon_o the_o single_a report_n of_o one_o hasty_a man_n concern_v the_o peculiar_a custom_n of_o one_o church_n to_o renounce_v as_o our_o adversary_n do_v the_o know_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o to_o avoid_v this_o heavy_a objection_n of_o singularity_n our_o learned_a adversary_n have_v take_v vast_a pain_n to_o find_v out_o a_o second_o witness_n and_o then_o two_o witness_n we_o know_v according_a to_o our_o law_n can_v prove_v any_o thing_n and_o at_o length_n he_o have_v discover_v a_o arabian_a author_n and_o with_o more_o than_o ordinary_a joy_n and_o transport_v immediate_o publish_v the_o particular_a story_n by_o itself_o with_o large_a and_o learned_a note_n upon_o it_o but_o
the_o opposition_n of_o the_o time_n the_o worse_a they_o be_v the_o more_o they_o require_v our_o zeal_n to_o oppose_v and_o to_o reform_v they_o and_o it_o be_v never_o more_o seasonable_a to_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o when_o they_o be_v most_o disow_v let_v we_o but_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o god_n will_v do_v his_o work_n and_o let_v we_o not_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o trick_n and_o shift_n upon_o any_o pretence_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v of_o loss_n or_o danger_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n subsist_v upon_o no_o other_o politic_n than_o courage_n and_o integrity_n let_v we_o then_o be_v true_a to_o those_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v undertake_v for_o the_o event_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n much_o less_o rome_n or_o geneva_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o postscript_n i_o have_v thus_o far_o adventure_v to_o state_n the_o case_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n thereby_o to_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o contend_v for_o in_o our_o dispute_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o recusant_n and_o dissenter_n for_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o material_a what_o we_o oppose_v but_o what_o we_o assert_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o harm_n in_o error_n be_v it_o not_o for_o its_o contrariety_n to_o truth_n so_o that_o before_o we_o defend_v the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o define_v the_o true_a state_n of_o its_o cause_n otherwise_o we_o contend_v about_o we_o know_v not_o what_o for_o as_o for_o the_o general_a term_n of_o protestancy_n it_o be_v a_o indefinite_a thing_n so_o that_o if_o all_o the_o man_n in_o england_n that_o be_v enemy_n or_o no_o friend_n to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n may_v be_v list_v under_o that_o name_n we_o have_v some_o protestant_n that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o some_o that_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o some_o that_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o saviour_n and_o a_o soul_n to_o save_v and_o some_o that_o laugh_v at_o both_o there_o be_v hobbian_a protestant_n muggletonian_a protestant_n socinian_n protestant_n quaker_n protestant_n rebel_n protestant_n protestant_n of_o 41_o and_o protestant_n of_o 48._o all_o or_o most_o of_o which_o be_v as_o different_a as_o popery_n itself_o from_o the_o true_a protestancy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o stick_v close_o to_o that_o both_o as_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n for_o unless_o we_o limit_v it_o to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n we_o may_v in_o time_n have_v a_o church_n consist_v of_o nothing_o but_o protestant_n dissent_v from_o the_o establish_a religion_n that_o be_v a_o church_n not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o itself_o and_o unless_o we_o derive_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o be_v by_o law_n establish_v from_o the_o antecedent_n law_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v quick_o be_v as_o we_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o be_v a_o reform_a church_n of_o protestant_a atheist_n that_o be_v a_o church_n without_o religion_n and_o therefore_o all_o must_v be_v build_v upon_o this_o one_o boâ—â—om_n that_o the_o church_n own_v by_o the_o law_n of_o england_n be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n for_o unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n be_v original_o settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n with_o divine_a authority_n we_o deny_v his_o supremacy_n over_o his_o own_o church_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o supreme_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n have_v power_n to_o abett_v and_o ratify_v our_o saviour_n establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n we_o deny_v his_o majesty_n supremacy_n over_o his_o christian_a subject_n and_o therefore_o both_o together_o must_v be_v take_v in_o to_o the_o right_a state_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o that_o do_v what_o we_o can_v will_v involve_v the_o leader_n of_o our_o present_a separation_n in_o the_o guilt_n both_o of_o schism_n and_o sedition_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n in_o that_o they_o withdraw_v themselves_o and_o their_o obedience_n from_o those_o who_o be_v vest_v with_o a_o power_n to_o command_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n of_o sedition_n in_o the_o state_n in_o that_o they_o needless_o and_o without_o any_o justifiable_a pretence_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v their_o dissension_n be_v somewhat_o worse_o for_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_a sedition_n but_o rebellion_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o disobey_v the_o law_n but_o disavow_v their_o obligation_n stand_v resolute_o upon_o that_o one_o principle_n that_o no_o magistrate_n whatsoever_o have_v any_o power_n of_o establish_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o act_n of_o uniformity_n be_v not_o so_o much_o faulty_a for_o the_o particular_a matter_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o for_o the_o unlawful_a and_o usurp_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o when_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n enjoin_v the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o church_n they_o challenge_v a_o power_n to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o right_n and_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o separation_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o the_o chief_a ringleader_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a renunciation_n of_o their_o allegiance_n as_o well_o as_o conformity_n i_o can_v with_o all_o the_o streining_n of_o charity_n make_v no_o better_o of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v hearty_o glad_a if_o i_o can_v see_v they_o without_o shuffle_n and_o prevarication_n clear_v themselves_o of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o principle_n to_o conclude_v methinks_v religion_n have_v be_v long_o enough_o trifle_v with_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o sad_a experience_n of_o our_o folly_n it_o be_v time_n to_o return_v to_o some_o sense_n of_o discretion_n and_o sobriety_n before_o the_o late_a barbarous_a war_n we_o have_v the_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o presbytery_n to_o advance_v but_o now_o after_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o man_n that_o cause_o have_v prove_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o that_o it_o be_v grow_v ashamed_a of_o itself_o however_o the_o pretence_n be_v great_a and_o solemn_a but_o at_o this_o time_n the_o people_n be_v drive_v into_o the_o same_o excess_n against_o the_o church_n no_o body_n know_v for_o what_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o some_o man_n among_o we_o be_v too_o proud_a or_o too_o peevish_a to_o recant_v their_o folly_n and_o therefore_o i_o conjure_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o without_o passion_n serious_o to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v for_o which_o they_o renounce_v the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n tear_n and_o rend_v it_o into_o numberless_a piece_n and_o faction_n scare_v multitude_n of_o silly_a and_o well-meaning_a people_n out_o of_o it_o as_o they_o tender_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n into_o perpetual_a tumult_n and_o combustion_n about_o religion_n and_o when_o they_o have_v consider_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o bind_v it_o upon_o their_o conscience_n so_o to_o answer_v it_o to_o themselves_o now_o as_o they_o hope_v to_o answer_v it_o to_o their_o saviour_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o for_o the_o foreign_a reform_a church_n i_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o argument_n which_o be_v confine_v within_o the_o four_o sea_n and_o concern_v only_o those_o that_o either_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n any_o other_o church_n deviate_v from_o the_o primitive_a institution_n they_o must_v stand_v and_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n and_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o un-church_n they_o or_o renounce_v brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o or_o to_o think_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n shall_v withdraw_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o protection_n from_o they_o for_o if_o every_o defect_n from_o his_o institution_n shall_v forfeit_v the_o right_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n there_o never_o be_v as_o we_o may_v find_v by_o the_o apostle_n account_v of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n nor_o ever_o will_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o thing_n
shall_v be_v absolute_o perfect_a the_o very_a nature_n of_o christianity_n suppose_v imperfection_n and_o accept_v of_o integrity_n and_o as_o long_o as_o with_o sincere_a affection_n man_n adhere_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o be_v within_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n neither_o beside_o this_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o in_o the_o least_o refuse_v communion_n with_o the_o episcopal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o main_a charge_n against_o our_o separatist_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v too_o evident_a that_o they_o unanimous_o condemn_v our_o dissenter_n for_o their_o schismatical_a departure_n from_o it_o but_o be_v it_o seem_v accidental_o cast_v into_o another_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o state-tumult_n they_o continue_v in_o it_o either_o first_o through_o the_o power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n which_o be_v strong_a thing_n and_o more_o or_o less_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o all_o man_n or_o second_o for_o want_v of_o opportunity_n to_o new-mould_v themselves_o after_o the_o platform_n of_o the_o episcopal_a church_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v attempt_v in_o popish_a country_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v with_o what_o fury_n it_o will_v be_v oppose_v or_o else_o three_o for_o want_v of_o due_a information_n of_o the_o primitive_a institution_n suppose_v that_o as_o our_o saviour_n have_v found_v the_o society_n of_o his_o church_n upon_o divine_a right_n so_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o model_n itself_o as_o it_o shall_v judge_v most_o convenient_a to_o its_o own_o circumstance_n or_o last_o out_o of_o that_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n unfortunate_o happen_v to_o mistake_v the_o true_a form_n of_o the_o primitive_a government_n or_o for_o whatever_o other_o reason_n it_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o episcopacy_n or_o if_o they_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o will_v not_o refuse_v it_o and_o then_o as_o long_o as_o their_o mistake_n proceed_v from_o want_n of_o information_n it_o be_v a_o unchristian_a thing_n to_o deny_v they_o our_o charity_n much_o more_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o though_o his_o law_n be_v perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a yet_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o they_o he_o condescend_v to_o the_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o lamentable_a way_n of_o argue_v against_o any_o divine_a institution_n because_o such_o and_o such_o church_n have_v depart_v from_o it_o this_o be_v to_o set_v up_o their_o authority_n not_o only_o above_o but_o against_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o however_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o may_v come_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o thing_n for_o the_o controversy_n about_o it_o have_v not_o be_v till_o very_o late_o thorough_o sift_v in_o the_o latin_a tongue_n but_o now_o it_o be_v determine_v with_o that_o strange_a weight_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v but_o discern_v when_o they_o come_v impartial_o as_o in_o time_n they_o will_v to_o examine_v it_o on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n stand_v i_o pray_v god_n to_o assist_v and_o direct_v they_o and_o we_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o part_n of_o his_o holy_a catholic_n church_n may_v daily_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o into_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o more_o and_o more_o conform_v their_o holy_a discipline_n to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a institution_n amen_n finis_fw-la phys._n c._n 26._o leviatiâ—_n c._n 12._o leviath_n c._n 23._o 14_o c._n 26._o c._n 35._o c._n 42._o ib._n p._n 311._o ibid._n ibid._n c._n 43._o c._n 32._o c._n 35._o c._n 42._o ibid._n c._n 3â—_n c._n 42._o cap._n 11._o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la nat_n &_o gent._n l._n 2._o 2._o comment_fw-fr in_o eutych_n p._n 54._o v._o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temp_n 1â—_n psal._n 1._o 1._o ps._n 26._o 4._o p._n 12â—_n p._n 237._o epilogue_n b._n 1._o c._n 12._o mat._n 4._o 17._o lib._n 16._o tit._n 2._o l._n 45._o nou._n 6._o c._n 1._o nou._n 131._o c._n 1._o praefat._n in_o eutych_n diff._n 1._o cap._n 1._o lib._n 3._o cap._n 18._o l._n 3._o c._n 4._o part._n 1._o cap._n 2._o walo_n messal_n p._n 252._o diss._n 2._o c._n 1._o §_o 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 4._o animad_fw-la in_o eâ—â—o_o chron._n n._n mmcxl_o ep._n l._n 3._o chap._n 18._o apol._n p._n 23._o v._o vales._n annot._n in_o euseb._n hist._n l._n 5._o prooem_n &_o cap._n 4._o comment_fw-fr in_o eutych_n p._n 27._o prefat_n in_o eutych_n p._n 6._o dissert_n 3._o cap._n 10._o vindic._n l._n 1._o c._n 10._o pag._n 38._o
so_o express_o derive_v down_o by_o single_a person_n and_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v vouch_v by_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o succession_n it_o be_v a_o very_a cold_a answer_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o father_n talk_v only_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o doctrine_n and_o not_o of_o person_n four_o this_o personal_a succession_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o be_v sometime_o attribute_v to_o presbyter_n even_o after_o the_o distinction_n come_v in_o use_n between_o bishop_n and_o they_o i_o pray_v by_o who_o why_o by_o irenaeus_n but_o do_v irenaeus_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n of_o his_o own_o time_n confound_v their_o name_n and_o office_n or_o any_o other_o author_n of_o the_o same_o age_n nay_o do_v they_o not_o careful_o distinguish_v they_o from_o each_o other_o though_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o thing_n as_o do_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o may_v speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n the_o name_n therefore_o of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v not_o then_o distinguish_v it_o be_v but_o proper_a for_o they_o to_o express_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v then_o express_v so_o that_o though_o irenaeus_n never_o will_v style_v a_o bishop_n of_o his_o own_o time_n by_o the_o name_n of_o presbyter_n but_o ever_o careful_o distinguish_v the_o two_o order_n yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o first_o time_n it_o be_v neither_o wonder_n nor_o impropriety_n if_o he_o call_v they_o presbyter_n for_o i_o will_v yield_v so_o far_o to_o our_o adversary_n that_o they_o be_v so_o call_v till_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o succeed_v into_o their_o power_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v distinguish_v by_o some_o proper_a name_n from_o the_o inferior_a clergy_n and_o there_o lie_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n pretence_n that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n to_o have_v be_v bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o name_n which_o if_o we_o will_v not_o grant_v they_o as_o without_o a_o manifest_a affront_n to_o the_o apostle_n we_o can_v their_o whole_a cause_n sink_v to_o nothing_o for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a proof_n allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o sententia_fw-la hieronymi_n that_o the_o office_n be_v not_o distinguish_v before_o the_o name_n but_o of_o that_o in_o its_o due_a place_n already_o at_o present_a i_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v any_o one_o author_n that_o treat_v of_o thing_n after_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v make_v ever_o call_v a_o bishop_n a_o presbyter_n or_o a_o presbyter_n a_o bishop_n and_o in_o that_o i_o be_o very_o much_o their_o friend_n for_o if_o they_o can_v it_o utter_o overthrow_v their_o main_a argument_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n from_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o their_o name_n in_o that_o we_o find_v they_o promiscuous_o use_v after_o the_o distinction_n but_o that_o by_o the_o word_n presbyteri_fw-la irenaeus_n do_v not_o mean_v a_o simple_a presbyter_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n themselves_o in_o which_o he_o prescribe_v against_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heretic_n by_o the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n which_o he_o say_v be_v convey_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o the_o ancient_n who_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o episcopacy_n so_o that_o by_o his_o presbyteri_fw-la he_o mean_v as_o he_o explain_v himself_o such_o of_o the_o ancient_n qui_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la successionem_fw-la habent_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n i._n e._n the_o ancient_a bishop_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o meet_v with_o material_a upon_o this_o head_n for_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o ignatius_n himself_o that_o episcopacy_n be_v not_o a_o divine_a but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n they_o be_v to_o be_v give_v up_o for_o pleasant_a man_n that_o will_v attempt_v any_o paradox_n in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o it_o exceed_v even_o the_o rashness_n of_o blondel_n himself_o who_o that_o as_o he_o speak_v his_o st._n jerom_n may_v not_o stand_v alone_o like_o a_o sparrow_n upon_o the_o house_n top_n have_v after_o his_o rate_n of_o infer_v fetch_v in_o all_o the_o father_n to_o bear_v he_o company_n except_o only_a ignatius_n who_o it_o seem_v he_o despair_v of_o make_v ever_o to_o chirp_v pro_fw-la sententiâ_fw-la hieronymi_n but_o now_o it_o seem_v at_o last_o that_o the_o holy_a martyr_n himself_o may_v not_o be_v make_v the_o solitary_a sparrow_n by_o be_v desert_v by_o all_o the_o father_n he_o be_v bring_v over_o to_o the_o party_n but_o with_o such_o manifest_a force_n to_o himself_o as_o plain_o show_v he_o to_o be_v no_o volunteer_n in_o the_o cause_n thus_o when_o he_o commend_v the_o deacon_n sotion_n for_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n ut_fw-la gratiae_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o to_o the_o presbytery_n ut_fw-la legi_fw-la jesus_n christi_fw-la by_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v teach_v to_o understand_v divine_a institution_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o humane_a prudence_n though_o that_o too_o be_v direct_v to_o it_o by_o the_o special_a favour_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o preserve_a peace_n and_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v it_o so_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n no_o doubt_n be_v as_o firm_a a_o ground_n of_o divine_a institution_n as_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o if_o episcopacy_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n special_a favour_n we_o be_v as_o well_o content_a with_o it_o as_o if_o it_o have_v come_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ._n neither_o do_v this_o interpretation_n derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o episcopal_a order_n but_o very_o much_o from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wisdom_n viz._n that_o when_o he_o have_v establish_v presbytery_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o that_o establishment_n be_v find_v so_o ineffectual_a for_o its_o end_n that_o almighty_a god_n be_v afterward_o constrain_v for_o prevent_v of_o schism_n and_o preserve_v of_o unity_n in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o inspire_v the_o governor_n of_o it_o in_o after-age_n to_o set_v up_o the_o form_n of_o episcopal_a government_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v no_o less_o disparagement_n to_o himself_o than_o his_o son_n for_o see_v what_o our_o saviour_n do_v in_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o church_n he_o do_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o father_n if_o its_o institution_n prove_v defective_a for_o its_o end_n it_o be_v a_o equal_a oversight_n of_o both_o and_o the_o aftergame_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v only_o to_o supply_v a_o defect_n that_o they_o do_v not_o foresee_v but_o be_v teach_v by_o experience_n a_o very_a honourable_a representation_n this_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n however_o take_v it_o which_o way_n we_o will_v we_o can_v desire_v a_o plain_a acknowledgement_n of_o divine_a institution_n for_o so_o it_o come_v from_o god_n it_o matter_n not_o which_o way_n he_o be_v please_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o we_o and_o now_o have_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o wonder_v when_o we_o see_v man_n attempt_v to_o bring_v this_o holy_a martyr_n off_o with_o such_o slight_n so_o express_o against_o his_o own_o declare_a opinion_n who_o every_o where_o ground_n his_o exhortation_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o add_v even_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v the_o forecited_a passage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o yet_o not_o to_o he_o but_o to_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o we_o all_o and_o therefore_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o he_o that_o require_v it_o it_o be_v our_o bind_a duty_n to_o be_v obedient_a without_o hypocrisy_n what_o can_v be_v plain_a than_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o bishop_n stand_v whole_o upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n so_o again_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v we_o take_v care_n not_o to_o oppose_v the_o bishop_n as_o we_o will_v be_v obedient_a to_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n observe_v the_o silence_n of_o his_o bishop_n let_v he_o reverence_v he_o so_o much_o the_o more_o for_o every_o one_o that_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n put_v into_o the_o stewardship_n we_o ought_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o master_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v the_o bishop_n as_o we_o will_v our_o lord_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a oversight_n to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o testimony_n in_o all_o ignatius_n epistle_n that_o prove_v the_o least_o semblance_n of_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o episcopacy_n when_o