i_o and_o consider_v every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o 1._o for_o rivet_v vedelius_fw-la and_o cook_n in_o censura_fw-la patrum_fw-la it_o be_v evident_a that_o their_o exception_n and_o censure_n belong_v to_o the_o former_a print_a copy_n of_o ignatius_n that_o especial_o which_o have_v be_v set_v out_o by_o mastraeus_fw-la a_o papist_n against_o who_o vedelius_fw-la his_o edition_n and_o exercitation_n be_v chief_o design_v but_o then_o vedelius_fw-la have_v call_v this_o volume_n to_o a_o very_a strict_a examination_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o copy_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o purge_v can_v be_v still_o liable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o like_a exception_n which_o before_o be_v make_v against_o the_o former_a copy_n as_o for_o salmasius_n and_o blondell_n their_o exception_n have_v as_o be_v here_o confess_v be_v already_o examine_v and_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o till_o those_o answer_n be_v some_o way_n attempt_v to_o be_v invalidate_v which_o here_o they_o be_v not_o but_o instead_o of_o it_o i_o be_o call_v to_o answer_v the_o archbishop_n of_o armagh_n his_o argument_n last_o therefore_o for_o the_o archbishop_n of_o armagh_n it_o be_v first_o somewhat_o unexpected_a that_o what_o he_o have_v say_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o make_v a_o new_a edition_n set_v out_o this_o very_a ancient_a copy_n and_o by_o it_o purge_a ignatius_n who_o have_v before_o be_v so_o corrupt_v in_o his_o opinion_n shall_v now_o be_v propose_v to_o i_o to_o be_v answer_v who_o use_v that_o very_a copy_n which_o that_o archbishop_n set_v out_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v former_o as_o corrupt_o set_v forth_o as_o he_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v be_v it_o not_o visible_a that_o the_o archbishops_n whole_a design_n in_o two_o impression_n of_o those_o epistle_n be_v to_o set_v they_o out_o free_a from_o all_o corruption_n and_o mixture_n and_o interpolation_n which_o they_o have_v before_o be_v under_o and_o that_o all_o his_o discourse_n in_o his_o prolegomena_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o former_a edition_n to_o have_v be_v corrupt_a and_o so_o that_o theâ—e_n be_v great_a need_n of_o seek_v out_o better_a copy_n and_o that_o he_o very_o think_v he_o have_v now_o find_v such_o and_o then_o what_o can_v be_v require_v of_o i_o to_o answer_v in_o his_o write_n who_o be_o direct_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o all_o the_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o for_o lesser_a doubt_n as_o whether_o that_o one_o to_o polycarpe_n be_v among_o the_o genuine_a or_o no_o though_o with_o eusebius_n and_o st._n hierome_n i_o believe_v it_o be_v and_o have_v give_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o opinion_n yet_o i_o need_v not_o controvert_v this_o with_o any_o because_o the_o other_o six_o will_v still_o serve_v my_o turn_n abundant_o and_o the_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o most_o purge_a geneva_n or_o amstelodam-editions_a of_o those_o six_o will_v sufficient_o vindicate_v episcopacy_n in_o our_o present_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o be_v then_o receive_v and_o of_o the_o apostle_n erect_v in_o the_o church_n a_o few_o of_o these_o testimony_n i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o reader_n may_v know_v the_o unquestionable_a opinion_n of_o ignatius_n and_o how_o far_o i_o be_o from_o necessity_n of_o use_v any_o corrupt_a copy_n of_o those_o epistle_n first_o then_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o smyrnaans_n we_o have_v the_o three_o order_n set_v down_o distinct_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o like_a in_o 3._o place_n to_o the_o ephesian_n in_o 3._o to_o the_o magnesian_o in_o 4._o to_o the_o philadelphian_o in_o 4._o to_o the_o trallian_n so_o second_o we_o have_v their_o particular_a bishop_n mention_v as_o such_o polycarpe_n of_o smyrna_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o magnesian_o onesimus_n of_o ephesus_n in_o his_o congratulation_n to_o the_o ephesian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o bishop_n add_v burrhus_n his_o deacon_n damas_n of_o the_o magnesian_o together_o with_o the_o name_n of_o two_o of_o their_o presbyter_n bassus_n and_o apollonius_n and_o sotion_n the_o deacon_n all_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o magnesian_o polybius_n of_o the_o trallian_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o they_o three_o we_o have_v his_o affirmation_n concern_v bishop_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o be_v constitute_v as_o or_o by_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n send_v by_o he_o as_o he_o by_o his_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o mind_n or_o by_o or_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o father_n send_v and_o commissionated_a by_o he_o to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o so_o the_o bishop_n constitute_v through_o the_o world_n be_v the_o mind_n or_o by_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n four_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o in_o the_o church_n particular_o presbyter_n must_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o follow_v the_o bishop_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o smyrnaean_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n you_o may_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o thing_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la eph._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o ought_v to_o pay_v all_o reverence_n to_o the_o bishop_n add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o have_v observe_v their_o pious_a presbyter_n to_o do_v though_o their_o bishop_n be_v young_a in_o ep._n ad_fw-la magnes_fw-la and_o again_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v heed_n to_o the_o bishop_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la philad_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o bishop_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d farewell_o you_o that_o obey_v the_o bishop_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la trall_n five_o he_o oft_o add_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n without_o licence_n of_o the_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v none_o without_o the_o bishop_n do_v any_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n instance_v in_o baptism_n and_o the_o other_o sacrament_n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la smyr_n and_o so_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o philadelâ—hians_n and_o trallian_n six_o that_o a_o convenient_a reverence_n and_o respect_n be_v also_o due_a to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o the_o deacon_n as_o be_v every_o where_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o he_o almost_o in_o every_o epistle_n and_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o we_o have_v in_o the_o copy_n which_o be_v now_o come_v most_o uncorrupt_a unto_o we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o these_o testimony_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o holy_a martyr_n for_o episcopacy_n but_o the_o una_fw-la litura_fw-la expunge_v or_o cast_v away_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o epistle_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v his_o whole_a design_n before_o his_o departure_n from_o the_o world_n be_v this_o one_o of_o divine_a charity_n to_o fortify_v the_o several_a stock_n to_o which_o he_o write_v against_o the_o poison_n of_o heretic_n the_o gnostic_n so_o early_o creep_v in_o and_o despise_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o have_v do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v by_o he_o know_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o the_o bishop_n in_o each_o church_n and_o have_v particular_a assurance_n of_o the_o sanctity_n and_o founâ—_n faith_n of_o the_o present_a governor_n of_o these_o church_n to_o which_o he_o write_v he_o think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o one_o most_o compendious_a course_n most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o his_o end_n to_o keep_v they_o all_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o bishop_n and_o officer_n under_o they_o and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_n as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o sure_a mark_n of_o heretic_n who_o they_o be_v to_o avoid_v and_o so_o this_o be_v it_o which_o have_v so_o fill_v all_o the_o epistle_n except_o that_o one_o to_o the_o roman_n with_o continual_a discourse_n of_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o that_o present_a conjuncture_n of_o affair_n nothing_o can_v with_o more_o reason_n and_o â—tnesse_n have_v be_v insist_v on_o mean_a while_n that_o i_o may_v return_v to_o the_o place_n from_o which_o i_o have_v a_o while_n divert_v it_o be_v so_o certain_a and_o evident_a of_o the_o learned_a archbishop_n of_o armagh_n that_o he_o never_o dispute_v against_o the_o validity_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o epistle_n thus_o purge_v that_o it_o can_v be_v unknown_a to_o they_o that_o thus_o dispute_v what_o argument_n he_o have_v urge_v for_o the_o
to_o the_o apostle_n not_o as_o to_o a_o common_a council_n of_o social_a ruler_n but_o as_o so_o many_o several_a planter_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n each_o have_v all_o power_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o no_o conjunction_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o apostle_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v large_o and_o clear_o deduce_v dissert_n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o and_o this_o power_n be_v by_o they_o derive_v to_o bishop_n in_o each_o city_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o use_v it_o themselves_o which_o be_v also_o far_o evidence_v and_o vindicate_v c._n 5._o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v deem_v a_o first_o competent_a proof_n of_o this_o matter_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o first_o bishop_n make_v by_o they_o be_v in_o the_o very_a scripture_n call_v apostle_n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n diss_n 4._o c._n 3._o 8._o a_o second_o principal_a proof_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v from_o the_o several_a mention_n of_o the_o so_o many_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o the_o so_o many_o angel_n assign_v to_o they_o one_o to_o each_o as_o a_o singular_a governor_n or_o bishop_n in_o the_o revelation_n and_o in_o discourse_n of_o these_o we_o have_v find_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o fact_n to_o authorise_v we_o to_o improve_v the_o conclusion_n a_o little_a high_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o main_a cause_n viz._n to_o affirm_v of_o these_o angel_n that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v a_o archbishop_n or_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v do_v so_o to_o discern_v upon_o undeniable_a ground_n that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o such_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n though_o not_o under_o that_o title_n as_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n metropolitan_a of_o all_o judea_n titus_n of_o all_o crete_n with_o a_o hundred_o city_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n 9_o and_o the_o way_n of_o according_a all_o other_o scripture_n with_o these_o have_v be_v brief_o these_o 1._o by_o observe_v this_o difference_n betwixt_o city_n and_o metropoles_fw-la as_o the_o true_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o mention_n of_o many_o bishop_n in_o not_o of_o one_o city_n mean_v thereby_o the_o bishop_n of_o all_o the_o city_n under_o that_o metropolis_n as_o phil._n 1._o 1._o act._n 20._o 17._o second_o by_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o word_n which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v use_v in_o scripture_n for_o bishop_n as_o beside_o apostle_n and_o angel_n foremention_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d precedent_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a and_o in_o the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_a priest_n and_o sacerdos_n priest_n each_o denote_v dignity_n and_o authority_n and_o all_o clear_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n applicable_a and_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o context_n to_o be_v actual_o apply_v to_o the_o singular_a governor_n in_o each_o city_n most_o of_o they_o constant_o so_o and_o that_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o not_o constant_o so_o yet_o very_o rare_o otherwise_o and_o this_o be_v do_v dissert_n 4._o c._n 7._o and_o so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o diss_n three_o by_o observe_v the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n in_o many_o city_n in_o the_o first_o plantation_n which_o make_v it_o unnecessary_a that_o there_o shall_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v any_o more_o than_o a_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n one_o or_o more_o in_o each_o city_n and_o that_o this_o be_v according_o do_v by_o they_o at_o the_o first_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o most_o undeniable_a ancient_a record_n such_o as_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o profound_a history_n out_o of_o which_o 3._o epiphanius_n make_v this_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o there_o want_v bishop_n and_o there_o be_v find_v person_n worthy_a of_o the_o office_n bishop_n be_v constitute_v but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o multitude_n there_o none_o be_v find_v among_o they_o to_o be_v constitute_v presbyter_n and_o they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o a_o bishop_n alone_o in_o a_o place_n only_o the_o bishop_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v without_o a_o deacon_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n take_v care_n that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v have_v his_o deacon_n to_o minister_v to_o he_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o cite_v by_o epiphanius_n out_o of_o those_o ancient_a record_n be_v find_v clear_o affirm_v by_o cor._n clemens_n romanus_n a_o apostolical_a person_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o apostle_n practice_n that_o they_o be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n as_o he_o by_o his_o father_n go_v out_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o proclaim_v it_o through_o region_n and_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o constitute_v their_o first_o fruit_n into_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v afterward_o believe_v to_o both_o which_o we_o shall_v again_o add_v what_o ephiphanius_n preface_v in_o that_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o the_o preach_n be_v new_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n write_v agreeable_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o affair_n we_o have_v here_o so_o clear_a a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_a subjoyn_v of_o deacon_n to_o bishop_n phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o 1_o tim._n 3._o viz._n because_o those_o be_v the_o only_a two_o order_n then_o constitute_v in_o every_o church_n that_o these_o two_o place_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o adversary_n against_o we_o be_v most_o punctual_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o their_o pretension_n 10._o as_o for_o the_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n the_o groundwork_n i_o have_v choose_v to_o lay_v in_o ignatius_n his_o epistle_n because_o the_o testimony_n thence_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o evident_a and_o the_o writer_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o holy_a man_n be_v martyr_a in_o the_o 10._o of_o trajan_n to_o who_o reign_n s._n john_n live_v and_o most_o of_o his_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o very_a church_n of_o asia_n plant_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o many_o of_o they_o name_v by_o he_o and_o of_o one_o bishop_n the_o presbyter_n under_o he_o that_o if_o that_o one_o author_n testimony_n be_v attend_v to_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a decision_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n on_o the_o prelatists_n side_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o have_v also_o vindicate_v these_o epistle_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v object_v to_o they_o in_o these_o late_a year_n and_o assert_v their_o authority_n by_o as_o ancient_a and_o authentic_a evidence_n as_o can_v be_v vouch_v for_o any_o ancient_a piece_n next_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o and_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o uncorrupted_a copy_n and_o edition_n of_o it_o 11._o in_o accord_n with_o these_o testimony_n i_o have_v also_o produce_v many_o other_o out_o of_o clemens_n romanus_n hegesippus_n polycarpe_n papias_n polycrates_n justin_n jrenaeus_fw-la clemens_n alexandrinus_n tâ—rtullian_n and_o as_o many_o of_o the_o first_o time_n as_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o find_v a_o full_a consent_n in_o all_o and_o in_o most_o irrefragable_a suffrage_n which_o conclude_v this_o whole_a controversy_n on_o the_o prelatists_n side_n to_o which_o i_o have_v also_o add_v some_o few_o observation_n of_o unquestionable_a truth_n as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o use_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_a to_o signify_v bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a sense_n among_o some_o of_o these_o most_o ancient_a church_n writer_n whereas_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o use_v by_o any_o but_o for_o a_o singular_a governor_n second_o that_o of_o the_o distinct_a congregation_n of_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a christian_n in_o the_o same_o city_n the_o ground_n of_o which_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o several_a governor_n or_o bishop_n over_o they_o which_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o remove_n some_o seem_a difficulty_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o rome_n antiâ—ch_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o other_o the_o like_a not_o for_o the_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o cause_n but_o as_o supernumerary_n and_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a head_n of_o probation_n we_o have_v build_v our_o plea_n descend_v also_o to_o a_o particular_a survey_n of_o saint_n hierom_n testimony_n which_o be_v by_o the_o adversary_n principal_o make_v use_n of_o against_o we_o and_o if_o what_o be_v thus_o copious_o deduce_v in_o the_o dissertation_n together_o
the_o region_n adjacent_a and_o pertain_v to_o that_o city_n and_o so_o as_o church_n and_o congregation_n be_v all_o one_o as_o in_o ordinary_a use_n in_o all_o language_n they_o be_v they_o be_v congregationall_a and_o diocesan_n also_o 12._o what_o follow_v of_o the_o paucity_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o great_a city_n and_o their_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n as_o also_o of_o a_o church_n and_o city_n be_v all_o one_o be_v willing_o grant_v by_o we_o and_o have_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o pretension_n or_o hurtful_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o make_v any_o the_o lest_o reply_v to_o it_o 13._o that_o which_o next_o follow_v though_o it_o concern_v we_o not_o to_o examine_v it_o our_o interest_n be_v equal_o secure_v be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a yet_o i_o can_v but_o take_v some_o notice_n of_o it_o in_o pass_v because_o it_o be_v a_o little_a extraordinary_a 14._o afterward_o say_v they_o we_o conceive_v that_o believer_n become_v so_o numerous_a in_o these_o great_a city_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 2._o 41._o and_o 4._o 4._o and_o 5._o 14._o and_o thus_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v in_o most_o of_o these_o asian_a church_n in_o st._n john_n time_n 15._o here_o certain_o the_o word_n afterward_o be_v relative_a and_o refer_v to_o the_o antecedent_n in_o the_o former_a paragraph_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n hereupon_o i_o demand_v what_o time_n be_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o that_o wherein_o christ_n continue_v on_o the_o earth_n if_o so_o they_o will_v easy_o believe_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n within_o that_o period_n if_o it_o be_v the_o time_n immediate_o follow_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v the_o faith_n then_o how_o come_v they_o to_o divide_v that_o time_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o act._n 2._o 41._o from_o that_o time_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n by_o this_o word_n afterwards_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a what_o be_v there_o story_a of_o the_o 3000._o convert_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o sermon_n preach_v by_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n immediate_o upon_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o and_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n the_o wonderment_n whereof_o bring_v those_o so_o many_o auditor_n together_o 16._o so_o second_o when_o they_o say_v of_o this_o point_n of_o time_n act._n 2._o 41._o the_o believer_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meâ—t_v in_o one_o place_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o text_n which_o say_v express_o five_o 44._o that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o last_o paragraph_n they_o interpret_v meet_v in_o â—ne_n and_o the_o same_o place_n the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o place_n act_n 4._o â—4_n and_o 5_o 14._o for_o certain_o as_o yet_o though_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o distribute_v into_o several_a congregation_n but_o this_o by_o the_o way_n be_v assure_v that_o this_o disquisition_n be_v perfect_o extrinsecall_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o because_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o ancient_n be_v clear_a in_o affirm_v that_o soon_o after_o christ_n ascension_n 〈◊〉_d peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n choose_v james_n the_o just_a the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o constitute_v he_o bishop_n or_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o need_v pretend_v to_o from_o the_o story_n of_o that_o church_n so_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o at_o what_o point_n of_o time_n that_o be_v do_v whether_o at_o the_o very_a beginning_n or_o afterward_o much_o less_o how_o soon_o it_o be_v that_o that_o church_n be_v distribute_v into_o several_a divide_a assembly_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o bishop_n not_o at_o all_o depend_v on_o that_o as_o have_v former_o be_v show_v 17._o hence_o will_v it_o appear_v to_o how_o very_o little_a purpose_n be_v those_o caution_n add_v and_o observation_n make_v in_o the_o remain_a part_n of_o this_o six_o chapter_n 18._o thus_o say_v they_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v i.e._n the_o believer_n be_v so_o numerous_a in_o great_a city_n that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n in_o most_o of_o these_o asian_a church_n in_o st._n john_n time_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o these_o meet_v place_n be_v frequent_v promiscuous_o and_o indistinct_o and_o that_o believer_n be_v not_o divide_v into_o set_n and_o fix_v church_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 19_o but_o first_o i_o demand_v be_v there_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o observation_n be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n a_o set_v and_o fix_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v perfect_o sever_v from_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n and_o ephesus_n be_v not_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o the_o one_o and_o not_o of_o the_o other_o 20._o second_o why_o be_v this_o for_o the_o presbyterian_o interest_n to_o be_v so_o diligent_o observe_v if_o one_o of_o these_o church_n be_v not_o thus_o divide_v and_o sever_v from_o other_o how_o can_v it_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o presbytery_n as_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v must_v it_o not_o be_v a_o determinate_a fix_a body_n that_o be_v govern_v by_o any_o whether_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n i_o profess_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v by_o my_o most_o diligent_a observation_n why_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v so_o diligent_o observe_v 21._o second_o say_v they_o it_o must_v be_v as_o diligent_o observe_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o different_a meeting_n place_n yet_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o city_n make_v but_o one_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v call_v a_o church_n not_o church_n act._n 8._o 1._o &_o 15._o 6._o &_o 22._o 16._o and_o so_o likewise_o it_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n not_o church_n etc._n etc._n 22._o this_o observation_n i_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v perfect_a truth_n in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v confutable_a in_o any_o part_n save_o only_a that_o the_o two_o latter_a text_n be_v certain_o misquote_v and_o not_o rectify_v in_o the_o errata_fw-la and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o reject_v i_o shall_v embrace_v it_o and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o incongruity_n in_o assign_v of_o one_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n and_o so_o one_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o it_o be_v a_o church_n not_o church_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o where_o there_o be_v more_o church_n there_o be_v more_o bishop_n and_o so_o likewise_o one_o angel_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o thyatira_n etc._n etc._n this_o i_o suppose_v be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o mean_v to_o infer_v from_o hence_o nor_o indeed_o do_v i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_o infer_v from_o only_a very_a agreeable_a to_o the_o oneness_n of_o each_o church_n without_o other_o argument_n to_o join_v with_o it_o but_o i_o be_o still_o to_o seek_v and_o emand_v what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o their_o cause_n or_o disadvantage_n to_o we_o by_o this_o observation_n 23._o but_o than_o three_o they_o add_v that_o this_o church_n in_o the_o city_n be_v govern_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n 24._o this_o indeed_o be_v worth_a their_o diligent_a observe_v if_o it_o can_v be_v descry_v and_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v they_o for_o the_o no-profit_n their_o two_o former_a observation_n bring_v they_o in_o if_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o their_o diligence_n but_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a thing_n in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o whether_o the_o church_n in_o each_o city_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n or_o by_o one_o single_a bishop_n call_v sometime_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n as_o that_o signify_v simple_o a_o governor_n not_o with_o restriction_n a_o member_n of_o a_o college_n of_o governor_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o only_a question_n in_o debate_n between_o we_o it_o must_v not_o be_v any_o far_o yield_v to_o they_o than_o their_o proof_n and_o evidence_n will_v enforce_v it_o and_o these_o of_o what_o virtue_n they_o be_v must_v now_o appear_v
again_o to_o make_v he_o testify_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o say_v lent_n be_v a_o apostolical_a tradition_n and_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n here_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v debate_n whether_o the_o observation_n of_o lent_n be_v apostolical_a or_o no_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v on_o be_v whether_o saint_n hierome_n that_o say_v it_o be_v such_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o his_o belief_n than_o he_o may_v be_v as_o well_o mistake_v in_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o passage_n which_o he_o interpret_v so_o as_o be_v useful_a to_o and_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o presbyterian_o as_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n act._n 20._o be_v the_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n phil._n 1._o be_v presbyter_n of_o that_o one_o church_n or_o city_n and_o the_o like_a for_o either_o of_o those_o be_v but_o his_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n too_o and_o the_o more_o fallible_a they_o find_v he_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o less_o weight_n they_o ought_v to_o lay_v on_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o and_o the_o less_o blame_n on_o we_o for_o depart_v from_o his_o opinion_n but_o have_v say_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o repel_v all_o force_n of_o their_o objection_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o other_o testimony_n out_o of_o saint_n hierome_n and_o after_o they_o one_o argument_n ad_fw-la homines_fw-la undeniable_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o and_o without_o question_n s._n hierome_n opinion_n that_o bishop_n in_o our_o modern_a notion_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1._o in_o his_o 54._o epistle_n he_o set_v down_o this_o difference_n among_o other_o between_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o montanist_a heretic_n apud_fw-la nos_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la locum_fw-la tenent_fw-la episcopi_fw-la apud_fw-la eos_fw-la episcopus_fw-la tertius_fw-la est_fw-la among_o the_o catholic_n the_o bishop_n such_o as_o be_v in_o s._n hierome_n time_n i._n e._n certain_o such_o as_o in_o we_o not_o mere_a presbyter_n hold_v the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n i._n e._n the_o uppermost_a place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o it_o and_o among_o those_o heretic_n the_o bishop_n be_v the_o three_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v one_o character_n of_o their_o be_v heretic_n and_o so_o a_o deviation_n from_o a_o apostolical_a truth_n 2._o in_o this_o book_n the_o script_n ecclâ—sâ—_n he_o say_v of_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o the_o lord_n jacobus_n ab_fw-la apostolis_n statim_fw-la post_fw-la ascensionem_fw-la domini_fw-la hierosylimorum_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la suscepit_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la hierosolyma_n timotheus_n à _fw-fr paulo_n ephesiorum_n episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la titus_n cretae_fw-la polycarpus_n à _fw-fr johanne_n smyrnae_fw-la episcopus_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la james_n present_o after_o christ_n ascension_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o undertake_v i._o e._n rule_v as_o to_o receive_v the_o congregation_n psal_n 75._o be_v to_o rule_v it_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n timothy_n be_v ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o ephesian_n by_o paul_n titus_n of_o crete_n polycarpe_n be_v by_o john_n ordain_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n where_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o by_o the_o presbyterian_o acknowledge_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v singular_a ruler_n which_o therefore_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o excuse_v by_o say_v they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n or_o evangelist_n and_o yet_o by_o he_o say_v to_o be_v bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o crete_n and_o so_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o james_n and_o polycarpe_n be_v by_o he_o deem_v singular_a ruler_n also_o and_o not_o colleague_n in_o a_o presbytery_n and_o those_o so_o constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n also_o and_o according_o of_o this_o james_n he_o say_v ad_fw-la gal._n 2._o jacobus_n primus_fw-la ei_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la praefuit_fw-la eciscopus_fw-la hierosolymorum_fw-la primus_fw-la fuit_fw-la james_n be_v the_o first_o that_o be_v set_v over_o that_o church_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o consequence_n thereto_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o isae_fw-la lib._n 5._o cap._n 17._o he_o call_v this_o james_n decimum_fw-la tertium_fw-la apostolum_n the_o thirteen_o apostle_n 3._o in_o like_a manner_n 85._o epist_n ad_fw-la euagrium_n speak_v of_o mark_n who_o die_v in_o the_o 8_o of_o nero_n what_o be_v do_v by_o he_o must_v be_v resolve_v to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o agreeable_a to_o then_o practice_n he_o say_v alexandâ—iae_fw-la à _fw-la maâ—co_fw-la evangâ—â—â—stâ_fw-la ad_fw-la heraclam_fw-la &_o dionysium_fw-la episcopos_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la semper_fw-la unum_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_o excelsiori_fw-la super_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la graduâ—_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la quomodo_fw-la si_fw-la exercitus_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la faceret_fw-la at_o alexandria_n from_o the_o time_n of_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n to_o the_o time_n of_o heraclas_n and_o dionysius_n bishop_n the_o presbyter_n always_o name_v one_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o and_o place_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n above_o presbyter_n their_o bishop_n as_o if_o a_o army_n shall_v choose_v their_o general_n that_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o presbyter_n choose_v their_o bishop_n belong_v not_o to_o presbyter_n impose_v hand_n on_o he_o be_v 10._o elsewhere_o large_o evidence_v and_o so_o by_o the_o way_n appear_v the_o falseness_n of_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o jerome_n appen_n p._n 142._o that_o in_o alexandria_n for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o presbyter_n ordain_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v say_v elect_v their_o bishop_n that_o which_o i_o here_o infer_v from_o the_o testimony_n be_v manifest_a viz._n that_o in_o saint_n mark_v time_n and_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o alexandria_n one_o bishop_n or_o singular_a ruler_n be_v constitute_v among_o they_o as_o that_o signify_v a_o high_a degree_n than_o that_o of_o presbyter_n 4._o more_o place_n there_o be_v in_o he_o which_o evidence_n his_o opinion_n that_o bishop_n as_o they_o differ_v from_o presbyter_n be_v successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o comment_n on_o psal_n 45._o nunc_fw-la quia_fw-la apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la mundo_fw-la recesserunt_fw-la habes_fw-la pro_fw-la his_fw-la episcopos_fw-la filios_fw-la sunt_fw-la &_o high_a patres_fw-la tui_fw-la quia_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la regeris_fw-la now_o inâ—_n hierome_n time_n because_o the_o apostle_n be_v part_v from_o the_o world_n you_o have_v in_o their_o stead_n bishop_n their_o son_n they_o also_o be_v thy_o father_n because_o thou_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o where_o the_o bishop_n that_o then_o rule_v those_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v single_a person_n not_o presbytery_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o opinion_n and_o ep._n 1._o ad_fw-la heliodorum_n of_o not_o undertake_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n non_fw-fr est_fw-fr facile_fw-la stare_n loco_fw-la pauli_n tenere_fw-la gradum_fw-la petri_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o stand_v in_o paul_n place_n to_o hold_v the_o degree_n of_o peter_n where_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o place_n and_o degree_n of_o those_o apostle_n and_o so_o ep._n 13._o ad_fw-la paulinum_n episcopi_fw-la &_o presbyteri_fw-la habeant_fw-la in_o exemplum_fw-la apostolos_n &_o apostolicos_fw-la vires_fw-la quorum_fw-la honorem_fw-la possidentes_fw-la habere_fw-la nitantur_fw-la &_o meritum_fw-la bishop_n and_o presbyter_n must_v have_v for_o their_o example_n the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n who_o honour_n they_o possess_v and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v their_o merit_n 5._o i_o shall_v add_v a_o cumulus_fw-la of_o other_o passage_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o the_o former_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o to_o give_v we_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o s._n hierome_n opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n ad_fw-la nepotian_n ep._n 2._o esto_fw-la subjectus_fw-la pontificituo_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la anima_fw-la parentem_fw-la suscipe_fw-la quod_fw-la aaroâ—_n &_o filios_fw-la ejus_fw-la hoc_fw-la episcopum_fw-la &_o presbyteros_fw-la esse_fw-la noverimus_fw-la be_v subject_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o parent_n of_o thy_o soul_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n be_v that_o we_o must_v know_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n to_o be_v and_o on_o tit._n 1._o speak_v of_o s._n paul_n direction_n for_o the_o make_v a_o bishop_n apostolus_fw-la say_v he_o ecclesiae_fw-la principem_fw-la formans_fw-la the_o apostle_n form_v the_o prince_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o again_o in_o the_o same_o word_n on_o psal_n 45._o decipher_v a_o single_a ruler_n by_o that_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n there_o mean_v to_o form_n so_o on_o that_o 45._o psal_n constituit_fw-la christus_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la finibus_fw-la mundi_fw-la principes_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la episcopos_fw-la christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n constitute_v prince_n of_o the_o church_n the_o bishop_n just_o
armagh_n some_o testimony_n out_o of_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o so_o inculcate_a obedience_n to_o bishop_n mr._n causabones_n testimony_n consider_v and_o the_o allegation_n from_o the_o archbishop_n of_o armagh_n three_o reason_n against_o these_o epistle_n answer_v no_o marriage_n without_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n after_o the_o first_o conversion_n p._n 143_o sect._n 4._o of_o salmasius_n conceit_n that_o these_o epistle_n be_v write_v at_o the_o time_n of_o episcopacy_n first_o enter_v the_o church_n p._n 163_o sect._n 5._o testimony_n of_o iraeneus_n the_o use_n of_o presbyteri_fw-la for_o bishop_n p._n 165_o sect._n 5._o testimony_n of_o tertullian_n seniores_fw-la &_o majores_fw-la natâ—_n for_o bishop_n so_o in_o firmilian_a p._n 169_o sect._n 6._o s._n jerom_n testimony_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n consuetudo_fw-la oppose_v to_o dominica_n dispositio_fw-la s._n jerom_n meaning_n evidence_v by_o many_o other_o testimony_n to_o be_v that_o bishop_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n so_o by_o panormâ—tan_n also_o the_o testimony_n of_o isidore_n etc._n etc._n the_o council_n of_o aquen_n and_o of_o leo_n vindicate_v of_o ischyras_n ordination_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o synod_n ad_fw-la zurrium_n and_o of_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n p._n 171_o sect._n 7._o the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n and_o austin_n consignare_fw-la use_v for_o consecrate_v the_o eucharist_n and_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n when_o present_a p._n 187_o sect._n 8._o of_o the_o châ—repiscopi_n p._n 189_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o dissertation_n concern_v episcopacy_n from_o the_o answer_n or_o exception_n offer_v against_o they_o by_o the_o london-minister_n in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la the_o introduction_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o work_n the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n the_o head_n of_o the_o prelatists_n plea_n from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n with_o some_o observation_n assistant_n to_o they_o the_o considerable_a concernement_n of_o the_o question_n be_v advertise_v from_o many_o hand_n that_o the_o book_n call_v jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la ministerii_fw-la evangelici_fw-la which_o be_v late_o publish_v by_o some_o who_o entitle_v themselves_o the_o provincial_n assembly_n of_o london_n have_v undertake_v to_o consider_v and_o confute_v many_o passage_n of_o the_o dissertation_n three_o year_n since_o publish_v in_o latin_a in_o defence_n of_o episcopacy_n against_o d._n blondell_n and_o other_o i_o have_v think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o examine_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n object_v by_o they_o in_o relation_n to_o those_o dissertation_n which_o may_v reasonable_o move_v i_o to_o retract_v what_o be_v there_o either_o with_o diffidence_n propose_v or_o more_o confident_o assert_v by_o i_o 2._o and_o have_v diligent_o survey_v the_o whole_a book_n that_o i_o may_v omit_v no_o passage_n wherein_o my_o interest_n may_v be_v in_o the_o least_o concern_v &_o be_v true_o able_a to_o affirm_v from_o that_o view_n that_o it_o have_v yield_v i_o no_o one_o syllable_n of_o useful_a exhortation_n no_o motive_n to_o retract_v any_o period_n or_o alter_v any_o expression_n in_o those_o dissertation_n but_o as_o far_o as_o i_o do_v persuade_v myself_o that_o this_o provincial_n synod_n contain_v in_o it_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o ability_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o convince_v gainsayers_a so_o far_o i_o be_o force_v to_o assume_v that_o what_o i_o have_v write_v be_v testify_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o by_o that_o privilege_n competent_o secure_v against_o all_o opposer_n i_o may_v herein_o reasonable_o acquiesce_v without_o far_a importune_v the_o reader_n or_o myself_o with_o impertinent_a vindication_n only_o trust_v and_o adventure_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o each_o intelligent_a reader_n who_o be_v oblige_v by_o all_o rule_n of_o justice_n to_o compare_v either_o by_o his_o memory_n or_o by_o his_o eye_n those_o passage_n in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o chapter_n in_o the_o dissertation_n to_o which_o they_o be_v confront_v 3._o but_o i_o be_o again_o tell_v that_o many_o who_o have_v read_v and_o be_v move_v by_o the_o argument_n and_o answer_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o provincial_n synod_n be_v yet_o disable_v to_o be_v so_o just_a as_o to_o examine_v they_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o latin_a dissertation_n and_o that_o we_o be_v fall_v upon_o those_o time_n wherein_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o answer_v be_v cry_v up_o as_o unanswerable_a a_o humour_n of_o which_o if_o i_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n i_o shall_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o complain_v there_o be_v so_o much_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o dissertation_n which_o be_v never_o attempt_v to_o be_v answer_v i_o continue_v still_o under_o some_o seem_a obligation_n to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n as_o it_o lie_v in_o contest_v between_o this_o provincial_n synod_n and_o those_o dissertation_n and_o i_o shall_v hasten_v to_o do_v it_o when_o i_o have_v first_o by_o way_n of_o necessary_a introduction_n premise_v these_o two_o thing_n 4._o first_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n as_o it_o general_o lie_v between_o we_o which_o be_v this_o whether_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o plant_v church_n in_o each_o city_n leave_v they_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o those_o many_o erect_v a_o equality_n or_o parity_n of_o several_a ruler_n in_o every_o city_n to_o who_o all_o other_o be_v subject_v and_o they_o to_o none_o or_o whether_o they_o place_v the_o superior_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o one_o and_o subject_v all_o other_o to_o he_o other_o consequent_a difference_n there_o be_v arise_v from_o hence_o and_o those_o of_o such_o weight_n and_o concernment_n to_o those_o with_o who_o i_o now_o dispute_v in_o case_n the_o truth_n be_v not_o on_o their_o side_n as_o will_v make_v this_o return_n to_o their_o objection_n no_o less_o than_o a_o duty_n of_o charity_n as_o to_o brethren_n if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v judge_v it_o reasonable_a to_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o one_o basis_n of_o all_o whether_o the_o apostle_n plant_v parity_n or_o imparity_n in_o the_o church_n many_o equal_a governor_n in_o one_o city_n or_o but_o one_o in_o each_o the_o former_a be_v the_o presbyterian_o interest_n to_o defend_v the_o latter_a the_o prelatist_n and_o so_o the_o controversy_n stand_v between_o they_o to_o be_v debate_v and_o evince_v by_o such_o evidence_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o right_n be_v by_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v to_o follow_v that_o fact_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v credit_v in_o this_o matter_n second_o the_o brief_a head_n of_o the_o plea_n by_o which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o maintain_v the_o prelatists_n assertion_n 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o first_o time_n the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v near_o the_o apostle_n and_o either_o affirm_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o how_o it_o stand_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o which_o be_v plant_v by_o they_o as_o for_o the_o three_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o the_o universal_a consent_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o church_n for_o about_o 1400._o year_n together_o i._n e._n from_o about_o the_o year_n 140._o till_o the_o reformation_n this_o i_o do_v not_o insist_v on_o as_o i_o may_v with_o all_o evidence_n because_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v by_o the_o adversary_n and_o all_o that_o be_v by_o they_o pretend_v be_v that_o parity_n and_o equality_n be_v prescribe_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n soon_o after_o their_o death_n and_o quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o platform_n prelacy_n be_v introduce_v into_o all_o church_n it_o be_v their_o desire_n and_o demand_v now_o a_o little_a different_a from_o what_o m._n calvin_n at_o first_o propose_v to_o the_o church_n of_o helvetia_n that_o all_o may_v be_v reform_v and_o reduce_v to_o the_o state_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n leave_v it_o 6._o in_o the_o manage_n the_o proof_n propose_v by_o i_o i_o have_v use_v this_o method_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o most_o convince_a 1._o to_o insist_v on_o some_o few_o testimony_n under_o each_o head_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v the_o matter_n on_o the_o prelatists_n side_n and_o then_o to_o propose_v some_o observation_n which_o may_v accord_v all_o other_o place_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o ancient_a writer_n with_o those_o testimony_n and_o that_o conclusion_n 7._o the_o special_a proof_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v first_o from_o the_o power_n derive_v as_o from_o god_n the_o father_n to_o christ_n so_o from_o christ_n