of_o his_o labour_n they_o that_o beget_v we_o nourish_v we_o and_o continue_v we_o in_o christ_n deserve_v far_o great_a honour_n than_o they_o that_o bring_v we_o into_o this_o world_n and_o provide_v only_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n again_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n as_o in_o our_o body_n so_o in_o he_o not_o only_o the_o member_n have_v a_o common_a care_n for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o principal_a part_n must_v direct_v and_o guide_v the_o rest_n namely_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o ear_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o mouth_n to_o speak_v for_o the_o whole_a body_n such_o therefore_o as_o christ_n have_v place_v to_o be_v the_o 13._o watchman_n &_o leader_n 5._o the_o light_n and_o salt_n of_o his_o church_n must_v not_o only_o warn_v and_o guide_v but_o also_o lighten_v and_o season_v in_o their_o measure_n the_o whole_a body_n for_o what_o commission_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n sever_v &_o single_a in_o their_o proper_a charge_n the_o same_o they_o must_v needs_o retain_v assemble_v and_o join_v throughout_o their_o circuit_n yea_o the_o lord_n so_o much_o tender_v the_o fatherly_a care_n and_o brotherlie_a concord_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o church_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n and_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o they_o come_v together_o not_o to_o accomplish_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v his_o name_n by_o detect_v error_n resist_v wolf_n maintain_v truth_n cure_v the_o sore_n and_o malady_n that_o pester_v and_o poison_v the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n celestinus_fw-la writing_n to_o the_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n say_v ephesinum_fw-la the_o assembly_n of_o priest_n testify_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v write_v since_o the_o truth_n can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o word_n wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o 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not_o yield_v the_o church_n but_o keep_v it_o by_o violence_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o aurelianus_n the_o emperor_n though_o he_o be_v a_o ethnic_n samosatenus_fw-la 30_o be_v with_o extreme_a shame_n drive_v from_o the_o church_n by_o the_o worldly_a prince_n three_o score_n and_o ten_o year_n before_o that_o many_o synod_n be_v assemble_v in_o diverse_a place_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o easter_n as_o in_o 24._o palestine_n under_o theophilus_n and_o narcissus_n in_o 24._o rome_n under_o victor_n in_o 24._o pontus_n under_o palinas_fw-la in_o 24._o france_n under_o irenaeus_n in_o 7._o asia_n under_o polycrates_n the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o day_n of_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n of_o 43_o cornelius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n of_o cypriano_n cyprian_a bishop_n of_o carthage_n and_o the_o like_v no_o doubt_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n even_o from_o the_o beginning_n as_o necessity_n force_v and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o time_n permit_v 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place_n and_o office_n distinguish_v or_o digest_v they_o take_v a_o other_o order_n then_o at_o beginning_n and_o why_o the_o first_o regard_n the_o apostle_n have_v be_v to_o gain_v unbeliever_n to_o christ_n the_o second_o to_o govern_v such_o as_o be_v gain_v and_o these_o two_o respect_n may_v best_o be_v perform_v by_o two_o contrary_a course_n to_o increase_v the_o church_n the_o more_o workman_n the_o better_a for_o when_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a if_o 10._o the_o labourer_n be_v few_o the_o room_n can_v not_o be_v fill_v to_o guide_v the_o church_n the_o few_o the_o better_a except_o it_o be_v with_o counsel_n to_o advise_v for_o diverse_a man_n have_v diverse_a mind_n and_o diverse_a meaning_n and_o in_o a_o multitude_n of_o governor_n emulation_n and_o dissension_n be_v no_o rare_a spring_n wherefore_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o apostle_n take_v beside_o themselves_o as_o many_o helper_n as_o they_o can_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n unto_o christ_n and_o yet_o take_v 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order_n but_o merit_n shall_v create_v a_o bishop_n but_o what_o council_n if_o he_o mean_v a_o council_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o express_v but_o may_v well_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o word_n stand_v indifferent_a to_o any_o council_n no_o testimony_n can_v be_v weighty_a for_o bishop_n then_o this_o of_o ambrose_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o they_o if_o he_o mean_v other_o after_o the_o apostle_n death_n what_o authority_n have_v they_o to_o change_v the_o apostolic_a government_n or_o by_o their_o decree_n to_o bind_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o this_o i_o reserve_v till_o jeromes_n witness_n be_v repeat_v and_o examine_v jerom_n in_o his_o word_n 215._o before_o cite_v avouch_v three_z special_a thing_n first_o that_o till_o dissension_n spring_v in_o the_o church_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n of_o presbyter_n among_o who_o the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v equal_o divide_v next_o that_o to_o root_v out_o schism_n rise_v very_o fast_o through_o the_o preacher_n and_o presbyter_n faction_n by_o a_o decree_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n one_o of_o the_o presbyter_n be_v choose_v in_o every_o church_n and_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o he_o the_o whole_a care_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ever_o after_o appertain_v three_o that_o this_o subjection_n of_o the_o presbyter_n under_o the_o bishop_n and_o maioritie_n of_o bishop_n above_o presbyter_n grow_v rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n for_o they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a these_o word_n of_o jerome_n may_v be_v either_o very_a true_a according_a to_o the_o time_n that_o they_o be_v refer_v unto_o or_o very_o false_a if_o you_o so_o construe_v jerome_n that_o all_o the_o while_n the_o apostle_n live_v bishop_n be_v all_o one_o with_o presbyter_n and_o have_v no_o more_o charge_n nor_o power_n in_o the_o church_n than_o presbyter_n you_o make_v jerome_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n himself_o &_o the_o whole_a array_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o apostolic_a church_n that_o everwere_n since_o christ_n time_n for_o all_o these_o affirm_v and_o prove_v the_o contrary_n but_o if_o you_o so_o expound_v jerom_n that_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o time_n suffer_v the_o presbyter_n to_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o care_n in_o guide_v the_o church_n themselves_n always_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a and_o hold_v the_o helve_z while_o they_o be_v present_a in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n till_o by_o the_o faction_n and_o division_n of_o so_o many_o governor_n the_o church_n be_v almost_o rend_v in_o piece_n and_o thereupon_o the_o apostle_n force_v do_v set_v a_o other_o order_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v at_o first_o and_o with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o all_o the_o
so_o though_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n from_o christ_n in_o write_v for_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n yet_o the_o perpetual_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n proove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n 24._o another_o sense_n of_o jeromes_n word_n may_v be_v this_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n the_o presbyter_n with_o common_a advice_n and_o equal_a care_n guide_v the_o church_n under_o the_o apostle_n titum_fw-la paulatim_fw-la verò_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnem_fw-la sollicitudâ—nem_fw-la esse_fw-la delatam_fw-la but_o after_o bishop_n be_v appoint_v the_o whole_a care_n thereof_o be_v by_o little_a and_o little_o derive_v unto_o one_o and_o so_o at_o length_n by_o custom_n presbyter_n be_v utter_o exclude_v from_o all_o advice_n and_o counsel_n whereof_o ambrose_n complain_v and_o bishop_n only_o intermedle_v with_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n this_o manner_n of_o subjection_n in_o presbyter_n &_o prelation_n in_o bishop_n grow_v only_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n &_o not_o by_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n at_o first_o y_fw-mi â—_o presbyter_n be_v leave_v as_o in_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o part_n of_o the_o dignity_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o right_a intent_n of_o jeroms_n speech_n by_o the_o word_n y_fw-fr â—_o follow_v for_o to_o revoke_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o y_fw-es â—_o divine_n ordinance_n he_o say_v noverint_fw-la 1._o in_fw-la communi_fw-la debere_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la regere_fw-la imitantes_fw-la mosem_fw-la qui_fw-la cum_fw-la haberet_fw-la in_o potestate_fw-la solus_fw-la praeesse_fw-la populo_fw-la israel_n septuagintaelegit_fw-la cum_fw-la quibus_fw-la populum_fw-la iudicaret_fw-la let_v the_o bishop_n know_v that_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n howsoever_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n now_o be_v to_o the_o contrary_a they_o shall_v rule_v the_o church_n in_o common_a with_o the_o presbyter_n after_o the_o example_n of_o moses_n who_o when_o it_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o be_v ruler_n alone_o over_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n he_o choose_v seventie_o to_o help_v he_o judge_v the_o people_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v that_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n now_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v as_o moses_n do_v what_o to_o have_v all_o governors_n equal_a no_o but_o when_o they_o may_v rule_v alone_o to_o join_v with_o they_o other_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o their_o power_n and_o honour_n as_o moses_n do_v moses_n do_v not_o abrogate_v his_o superiority_n above_o other_o but_o take_v seventie_o elder_n into_o part_n of_o his_o charge_n this_o say_v jerome_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n although_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o then_o be_v which_o grow_v paulatim_fw-la not_o when_o bishop_n be_v first_o ordain_v but_o by_o degree_n in_o decurse_n of_o time_n they_o have_v the_o whole_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n without_o advise_v or_o confer_v with_o the_o presbyter_n for_o nepotianum_fw-la the_o presbyter_n may_v neither_o baptise_v without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n nor_o preach_v in_o the_o bishop_n presence_n which_o subjection_n jerome_n say_v be_v not_o after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n howsoever_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n have_v then_o strengthen_v it_o this_o to_o be_v jeromes_n true_a meaning_n in_o this_o place_n his_o own_o word_n elsewhere_o do_v full_o prove_v which_o be_v these_o euagnum_fw-la ut_fw-la sciamus_fw-la traditiones_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la sumptas_fw-la de_fw-la veteri_fw-la testamento_fw-la quod_fw-la aaron_n &_o filii_fw-la eius_fw-la at_o que_fw-fr levitae_n in_fw-la templo_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la hoc_fw-la sibi_fw-la episcopi_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la &_o diaconi_fw-la vendicent_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o the_o apostolic_a tradition_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n what_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o the_o levite_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o let_v the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n challenge_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n the_o high_a priest_n i_o hope_v be_v superior_a to_o his_o son_n not_o only_o as_o a_o father_n but_o as_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n and_o office_n about_o the_o ark_n and_o after_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o as_o it_o be_v there_o so_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v say_v jerome_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v differ_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n scan_n this_o place_n a_o little_a i_o pray_v you_o and_o tell_v i_o whether_o jerome_n avouch_v that_o bishop_n shall_v be_v superior_a to_o presbyter_n by_o the_o tradition_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o no_o if_o that_o point_n be_v clear_a add_v these_o word_n of_o master_n beza_n which_o be_v very_a sound_n to_o saint_n jeromes_n to_o make_v up_o the_o syllogism_n 23._o certain_o si_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la apostolis_n esset_fw-la profecta_fw-la haec_fw-la mutatio_fw-la non_fw-la vererer_fw-la illam_fw-la ut_fw-la caeteras_fw-la apostolic_a as_n ordinationes_fw-la divinae_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la dispositioni_fw-la tribuere_fw-la if_o this_o change_n to_o theregiment_n of_o bishop_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n i_o will_v not_o doubt_v thorough_o to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o divine_a disposition_n as_o i_o do_v other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o jerome_n express_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o apostolic_a ordinance_n ergo_fw-la without_o any_o stagger_a or_o doubt_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o you_o that_o it_o be_v god_n disposition_n thus_o much_o for_o jerome_n now_o for_o ambrose_n before_o we_o go_v to_o further_a proof_n because_o some_o strange_a fancy_n of_o this_o fresh_a discipline_n be_v fasten_v on_o he_o let_v we_o likewise_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v for_o either_o side_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n in_o ambrose_n bare_o surmise_v but_o no_o way_n prove_v and_o that_o be_v eager_o catch_v up_o by_o the_o disciplinarian_o and_o make_v a_o shipman_n hose_n for_o their_o new_a devise_n there_o be_v four_o other_o point_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o have_v sure_a ground_n and_o more_o agreement_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o father_n and_o those_o be_v positivelie_o repel_v as_o frivolous_a and_o false_a by_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o pretend_a discipline_n ambrose_n imagine_v for_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v thereof_o either_o by_o scripture_n or_o story_n that_o the_o first_o bishop_n be_v for_o a_o while_n make_v by_o order_n as_o they_o sit_v in_o the_o church_n so_o as_o the_o place_n fall_v void_a by_o the_o death_n or_o departure_n of_o the_o first_o the_o next_o succeed_v in_o his_o room_n this_o course_n be_v afterward_o change_v into_o election_n but_o when_o or_o by_o who_o he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v tell_v from_o this_o supposal_n these_o three_o conclusion_n be_v draw_v but_o all_o three_o far_o from_o ambrose_n speech_n or_o meaning_n first_o that_o this_o priority_n of_o place_n go_v round_o the_o presbytery_n every_o man_n take_v it_o in_o order_n for_o a_o season_n when_o his_o course_n come_v next_o that_o the_o prior_n or_o precedent_n for_o the_o time_n which_o they_o call_v a_o bishop_n or_o superuisour_n for_o his_o week_n differ_v not_o in_o degree_n from_o the_o rest_n but_o only_o in_o this_o honour_n to_o have_v the_o chief_a place_n three_o that_o his_o office_n be_v to_o call_v the_o rest_n together_o and_o to_o guide_v their_o meeting_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v orderly_o and_o to_o propound_v matter_n for_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n to_o consult_v and_o conclude_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o great_a number_n himself_o have_v but_o a_o voice_n as_o one_o of_o the_o rest_n neither_o negative_a nor_o affirmative_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o as_o the_o most_o part_n do_v resolve_v this_o be_v the_o bishop_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v we_o out_o of_o saint_n ambrose_n word_n and_o this_o bishop_n they_o be_v content_a shall_v be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n this_o be_v the_o right_a description_n of_o the_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o a_o city_n or_o bailiff_n and_o burgess_n of_o a_o lesser_a town_n with_o we_o in_o england_n but_o this_o be_v no_o description_n of_o a_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v before_o you_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v i_o say_v not_o all_o but_o any_o one_o of_o these_o assertion_n what_o scripture_n ever_o mention_v what_o father_n ever_o imagine_v any_o such_o bishop_n the_o father_n you_o will_v say_v be_v all_o infect_v with_o humane_a invention_n and_o god_n institution_n have_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v neglect_v in_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o person_n in_o the_o world_n till_o of_o late_a i_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v and_o do_v i_o not_o read_v it_o with_o my_o eye_n i_o shall_v think_v they_o be_v deep_o asleep_a
any_o rash_o presume_v to_o invade_v that_o honour_n per_fw-la ordinationem_fw-la regiam_fw-la as_o ordain_v by_o the_o king_n &_o not_o by_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o his_o comprovincials_n no_o man_n may_v accept_v he_o or_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o a_o bishop_n neither_o have_v the_o ancient_a canon_n any_o other_o sense_n which_o say_v 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n if_o any_o bishop_n rest_v on_o worldly_a governor_n by_o their_o help_n get_v any_o church_n let_v he_o be_v depose_v &_o excommunicate_v &_o all_o that_o join_v with_o he_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v prince_n from_o name_v &_o elect_v of_o bishop_n no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v the_o people_n only_o they_o reject_v violence_n forsomuch_o as_o a_o bishop_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v thorough_o examine_v &_o peaceable_o ordain_v by_o such_o as_o shall_v impose_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o not_o peremptory_o intrude_v or_o impose_v by_o any_o earthly_a force_n or_o power_n chap._n xvi_o the_o meeting_n of_o bishop_n in_o synod_n and_o who_o do_v call_v and_o moderate_v those_o assembly_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o necessity_n and_o authority_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o question_n betwixt_o we_o as_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v assemble_v and_o moderate_v those_o meeting_n the_o disciplinarian_n themselves_o if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v be_v far_o from_o make_v their_o pastor_n or_o presbytery_n in_o every_o parish_n supreme_a judge_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n without_o all_o exception_n or_o revocation_n and_o we_o be_v further_o for_o what_o if_o the_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n of_o any_o place_n maintain_v heresy_n or_o offer_v injury_n which_o be_v case_n not_o rare_o incident_a but_o every_o where_o occurrent_a even_o in_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n shall_v impiety_n and_o injustice_n so_o reign_v and_o prevail_v in_o the_o church_n that_o none_o may_v withstand_v it_o or_o redress_v it_o that_o be_v to_o make_v the_o house_n of_o god_n worse_a than_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n for_o thief_n fear_v the_o detect_n and_o fly_v the_o punish_n of_o their_o offence_n which_o many_o presbyter_n will_v not_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o restrain_v and_o over_o rule_v their_o pestilent_a and_o wicked_a purpose_n wherefore_o as_o in_o civil_a affair_n there_o be_v law_n and_o power_n to_o uphold_v justice_n and_o prohibit_v violence_n without_o the_o which_o humane_a society_n can_v not_o consist_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o must_v be_v some_o external_a and_o judicial_a mean_n to_o discern_v error_n and_o redress_v wrong_a in_o case_n any_o particular_a person_n or_o church_n be_v infect_v or_o oppress_v otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n for_o truth_n and_o equity_n to_o harbour_v long_o among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n the_o remedy_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v and_o use_v against_o heresy_n and_o injury_n she_o derive_v as_o well_o from_o the_o promise_n make_v by_o christ_n own_a word_n as_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o like_a case_n christ_n will_v such_o of_o his_o disciple_n as_o be_v grieve_v by_o their_o brethren_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n to_o toll_v it_o to_o the_o church_n add_v for_o the_o direction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o all_o religious_a assembly_n and_o conference_n 18._o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v in_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n whether_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o place_n he_o take_v for_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n and_o ruler_n under_o moses_n law_n or_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o i_o it_o be_v indifferent_a this_o be_v evident_o the_o order_n which_o our_o saviour_n will_v to_o be_v observe_v from_o private_a admonition_n to_o go_v to_o witness_n and_o from_o witness_n to_o assembly_n so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v most_o plain_o signify_v and_o so_o the_o promise_n annex_v do_v clearelie_o import_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o be_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o neither_o can_v any_o other_o course_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o a_o end_n of_o controversy_n must_v be_v have_v among_o man_n least_o perpetual_a contention_n bring_v final_a confusion_n and_o pluck_v up_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o charity_n and_o equity_n from_o among_o man_n when_o neither_o private_a persuasion_n nor_o friendly_a mediation_n can_v appease_v the_o party_n contend_v what_o other_o order_n can_v be_v prescribe_v but_o a_o judicial_a hear_n and_o determine_v of_o thing_n in_o question_n now_o judge_n must_v needs_o be_v either_o single_a or_o assemble_v and_o single_a judge_n of_o force_n must_v either_o be_v sovereign_n and_o supreme_a judge_n or_o else_o under_o superior_n appoint_v by_o the_o same_o warrant_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n claim_v a_o single_a and_o sole_a commission_n to_o hear_v and_o conclude_v all_o cause_n concern_v either_o faith_n or_o right_n and_o be_v his_o proof_n as_o good_a as_o his_o challenge_n be_v proud_a it_o be_v worth_a the_o discuss_n but_o the_o more_o he_o claim_v the_o more_o he_o sin_v by_o reason_n he_o take_v unto_o himself_o without_o commission_n a_o infallible_a and_o inevitable_a judgement_n over_o all_o man_n and_o matter_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o any_o way_n touch_v the_o truth_n or_o the_o church_n prince_n be_v single_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o earthly_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o believe_v the_o defence_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o faith_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o commit_v to_o their_o power_n and_o care_n but_o christ_n do_v not_o settle_v the_o sword_n to_o be_v the_o general_a and_o perpetual_a rule_n to_o govern_v his_o church_n for_o then_o without_o a_o prince_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n and_o consequent_o neither_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o have_v christ_n any_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n since_o none_o of_o the_o roman_a prince_n that_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o world_n public_o maintain_v the_o christian_a faith_n before_o constantine_n since_o we_o find_v no_o single_a nor_o supreme_a judge_n on_o who_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v always_o depend_v for_o the_o debate_n and_o end_v of_o ecclesiastical_a strife_n and_o contention_n of_o necessity_n there_o must_v either_o be_v none_o which_o be_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o order_n among_o the_o faithful_a where_o there_o want_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n or_o else_o the_o pastor_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o who_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n thereof_o be_v commit_v must_v assemble_v together_o and_o with_o mutual_a conference_n and_o consent_n perform_v those_o duty_n to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a which_o otherwise_o they_o do_v to_o each_o particular_a place_n and_o person_n for_o though_o pastor_n be_v affix_v to_o their_o place_n and_o charge_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o common_a care_n they_o shall_v have_v of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o therefore_o when_o need_n so_o require_v they_o must_v as_o well_o employ_v their_o travel_n abroad_o as_o bestow_v pain_n at_o home_n to_o direct_v or_o pacify_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n this_o brotherlie_a kind_n of_o succour_v and_o assist_v each_o other_o in_o trouble_n and_o danger_n be_v sometime_o perform_v by_o letter_n but_o never_o so_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o as_o by_o meeting_n and_o assemble_v together_o when_o with_o deliberate_a and_o full_a advice_n they_o may_v hear_v and_o determine_v what_o they_o think_v meet_a for_o the_o safety_n and_o quietness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n their_o warrant_n so_o to_o do_v be_v build_v on_o the_o main_a ground_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o humane_a society_n strengthen_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o assure_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n by_o god_n law_n what_o obedience_n and_o reverence_n the_o father_n may_v expect_v from_o his_o child_n the_o same_o or_o great_a must_v all_o believer_n yield_v to_o the_o father_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o same_o name_n and_o in_o the_o same_o commandment_n with_o the_o father_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v the_o same_o honour_n and_o if_o the_o fullness_n of_o each_o man_n reward_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o excellency_n
place_n force_v the_o bishop_n to_o assemble_v but_o once_o in_o the_o year_n so_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n determine_v for_o spain_n 18._o this_o holy_a &_o general_a council_n decree_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a canon_n stand_v good_a which_o command_v synod_n to_o be_v keep_v twice_o in_o the_o year_n in_o respect_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o length_n of_o the_o way_n and_o poverty_n of_o the_o church_n of_o spain_n the_o bishop_n shall_v assemble_v once_o in_o the_o year_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a shall_v appoint_v the_o 2._o council_n of_o turon_n take_v the_o same_o order_n for_o france_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 1._o it_o have_v please_v this_o holy_a council_n that_o the_o metropolitan_a &_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o province_n shall_v meet_v twice_o every_o year_n in_o synod_n at_o the_o place_n which_o the_o metropolitan_a by_o his_o discretion_n shall_v choose_v or_o if_o there_o be_v a_o inevitable_a necessity_n then_o without_o all_o excuse_n of_o person_n and_o occasion_n of_o pretence_n once_o in_o the_o year_n shall_v every_o man_n make_v his_o repair_n and_o if_o any_o bishop_n fail_v so_o to_o come_v to_o the_o synod_n let_v he_o stand_v excommunicate_a by_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o province_n until_o a_o great_a synod_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o bishop_n of_o a_o other_o province_n presume_v to_o communicate_v with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a realm_n nor_o age_n wherein_o the_o use_n of_o synod_n have_v not_o be_v think_v needful_a as_o well_o under_o believe_v magistrate_n for_o consultation_n and_o direction_n as_o under_o infidel_n for_o the_o stop_n of_o irreligious_a opinion_n withstand_v wicked_a enterprise_n and_o procure_v the_o peace_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o council_n that_o have_v be_v keep_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o country_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o any_o matter_n of_o moment_n come_v in_o question_n which_o be_v extant_a to_o this_o day_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o synod_n that_o every_o nation_n and_o province_n do_v yearly_o celebrate_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o great_a nicene_n and_o chalcedon_n council_n which_o can_v not_o be_v number_v and_o be_v not_o record_v neither_o be_v the_o continuance_n of_o provincial_a synod_n prescribe_v only_o by_o council_n the_o imperial_a law_n command_v the_o like_a 10._o that_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o sacred_a rule_n may_v with_o more_o diligence_n be_v observe_v we_o require_v say_v the_o emperor_n every_o archbishop_n patriarch_n &_o metropolitan_a to_o call_v unto_o he_o once_o or_o twice_o every_o year_n the_o bishop_n that_o be_v under_o he_o in_o the_o same_o province_n and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v all_o the_o cause_n which_o bishop_n clerk_n or_o monk_n have_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o determine_v they_o so_o as_o what_o so_o ever_o be_v trespass_v by_o any_o person_n against_o the_o canon_n may_v be_v reform_v the_o law_n of_o charles_n allege_v the_o council_n of_o antioch_n and_o chalcedon_n 13._o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o every_o province_n with_o their_o metropolitan_a shall_v assemble_v in_o council_n twice_o in_o the_o year_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n command_v that_o course_n to_o be_v continue_v and_o 127._o twice_o every_o year_n synod_n to_o be_v assemble_v and_o unless_o you_o give_v the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n of_o every_o parish_n full_a and_o free_a power_n to_o profess_v what_o religion_n they_o best_o like_v to_o offer_v what_o wrong_v they_o will_v to_o use_v what_o impiety_n and_o tyranny_n they_o themselves_o listen_v without_o any_o restraint_n or_o redress_n which_o be_v a_o heathenish_a if_o not_o a_o hellish_a confusion_n you_o must_v where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n magistrate_n as_o oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v none_o yield_v that_o liberty_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o humane_a society_n have_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o whole_a may_v guide_v each_o part_n and_o the_o great_a number_n over-rule_v the_o lesser_a which_o without_o assemble_v in_o synod_n can_v not_o be_v do_v we_o never_o mean_v to_o deny_v the_o authority_n or_o use_n of_o lawful_a synod_n we_o confess_v 159._o they_o be_v a_o sure_a remedy_n against_o all_o confusion_n but_o this_o we_o dislike_v that_o you_o give_v the_o power_n to_o call_v synod_n from_o the_o magistrate_n to_o the_o metropolitan_a thereby_o maintain_v a_o needless_a difference_n among_o bishop_n and_o suffer_v none_o but_o such_o as_o you_o term_v bishop_n to_o have_v voice_n in_o council_n whereas_o every_o pastor_n and_o preacher_n have_v as_o good_a right_n to_o sit_v there_o and_o by_o consent_n and_o subscription_n to_o determine_v as_o they_o have_v what_o right_a we_o yield_v to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o call_v synod_n within_o their_o territory_n shall_v soon_o appear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o must_v tell_v we_o who_o call_v synod_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o prince_n favour_v christian_a religion_n be_v it_o do_v by_o magistrate_n who_o then_o be_v infidel_n or_o by_o metropolitanes_n and_o when_o prince_n protect_v the_o truth_n do_v they_o moderate_v provincial_a council_n by_o their_o substitute_n or_o be_v that_o charge_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o mother_n church_n and_o city_n in_o every_o province_n you_o challenge_v to_o be_v man_n of_o learning_n and_o read_v speak_v of_o your_o credit_n who_o call_v in_o ancient_a time_n provincial_a synod_n or_o at_o any_o time_n who_o moderate_v they_o beside_o metropolitanes_n if_o your_o presbytery_n by_o god_n essential_a and_o perpetual_a ordinance_n must_v have_v a_o precedent_n to_o rule_v their_o action_n for_o avoid_v of_o confusion_n how_o can_v synod_n be_v call_v &_o govern_v without_o one_o to_o prescribe_v the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o the_o pastor_n shall_v meet_v and_o when_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o guide_v and_o moderate_v their_o assembly_n perceive_v you_o not_o that_o man_n live_v in_o diverse_a city_n and_o country_n and_o assemble_v but_o seldom_o have_v more_o need_n of_o some_o chief_a to_o call_v they_o together_o than_o those_o that_o live_v in_o one_o place_n and_o every_o day_n meet_v and_o if_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o presbytery_n be_v pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o dangerous_a in_o synod_n wherefore_o you_o must_v either_o clean_o reject_v synod_n and_o so_o make_v the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o parish_n supreme_a and_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o if_o you_o receive_v synod_n you_o must_v withal_o admit_v some_o both_o to_o convocate_v and_o moderate_v their_o meeting_n the_o magistrate_n may_v callthem_n together_o and_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v may_v choose_v a_o director_n &_o guider_n of_o their_o action_n but_o when_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o regard_n but_o rather_o afflict_v the_o church_n as_o in_o time_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n who_o shall_v then_o assemble_v the_o pastor_n of_o any_o province_n to_o deliverate_a and_o determine_v matter_n of_o doubt_n or_o danger_n shall_v error_n and_o injury_n overwhelm_v the_o church_n of_o god_n without_o any_o public_a remonstrance_n or_o refusance_n in_o question_n of_o faith_n case_n of_o doubt_n matter_n of_o faction_n offer_v of_o wrong_n breach_n of_o all_o order_n and_o equity_n shall_v each_o place_n and_o presbytery_n be_v free_a to_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o depend_v on_o or_o so_o much_o as_o confer_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n call_v you_o that_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n church_n and_o not_o rather_o the_o dissolution_n of_o all_o peace_n and_o subversion_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o think_v you_o be_v not_o so_o far_o beside_o yourselves_o that_o you_o strive_v for_o this_o pestilent_a kind_n of_o anarchy_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n our_o age_n be_v giddy_a enough_o without_o this_o frenzy_n to_o put_v they_o forward_o howbeit_o we_o seek_v not_o what_o new_a course_n you_o can_v devise_v after_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o what_o mean_v the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n have_v before_o prince_n embrace_v the_o truth_n to_o assemble_v synod_n and_o pacify_v controversy_n as_o well_o touch_v religion_n as_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n and_o if_o in_o the_o church_n story_n you_o find_v any_o other_o beside_o metropolicane_n that_o call_v and_o govern_v provincial_a council_n name_v the_o man_n and_o note_v the_o place_n and_o we_o yield_v you_o the_o prize_n metropolitanes_n be_v first_o establish_v if_o not_o devise_v by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a before_o that_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o any_o metropolitan_a
special_a charge_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o their_o singularity_n in_o succeed_v and_o superiority_n in_o ordain_v have_v be_v observe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o the_o peculiar_a and_o substantial_a mark_n of_o episcopal_a power_n and_o calling_n i_o know_v some_o late_a writer_n vehement_o spurn_v at_o this_o and_o hardly_o endure_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o custom_n and_o consent_n of_o man_n but_o in_o no_o case_n by_o any_o order_n or_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o opinion_n together_o with_o the_o authority_n on_o which_o they_o build_v i_o have_v according_a to_o my_o small_a skill_n examine_v and_o find_v they_o no_o way_n able_a to_o rebate_v the_o full_a and_o sound_a evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o contrary_n for_o what_o more_o pregnant_a probation_n can_v be_v require_v then_o that_o the_o same_o power_n and_o precept_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n when_o he_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o ephesus_n remain_v in_o all_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n to_o certain_a special_a and_o try_a person_n authorize_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o they_o derive_v to_o their_o after-commer_n by_o a_o general_a and_o perpetual_a succession_n in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n without_o conference_n to_o enlarge_v it_o or_o council_n to_o decree_v it_o the_o continue_v where_o of_o for_o three_o descent_n the_o apostle_n see_v with_o their_o eye_n confirm_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o saint_n john_n among_o other_o witness_v with_o his_o pen_n as_o a_o order_n of_o rule_v the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o express_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o the_o original_n proceed_v from_o the_o apostle_n mouth_n and_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o famous_a place_n and_o church_n of_o christendom_n where_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o while_o they_o live_v can_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o that_o course_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v apostolic_a for_o my_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o be_o neither_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o overreach_v it_o with_o policy_n nor_o so_o wayward_a as_o to_o withstand_v it_o with_o obstinacy_n against_o so_o main_a and_o clear_a proof_n as_o i_o dare_v undertake_v will_v content_v even_o a_o contentious_a mind_n when_o he_o read_v they_o be_v pretend_v two_o poor_a place_n the_o one_o of_o ambrose_n the_o other_o of_o jerome_n the_o first_o avouch_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n the_o episcopal_a prerogative_n go_v by_o 4._o order_n before_o it_o come_v by_o way_n of_o election_n unto_o desert_n the_o other_o resolve_v that_o bishop_n be_v titum_fw-la great_a than_o presbyter_n rather_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n disposition_n both_o these_o authority_n i_o have_v thorough_o discuss_v and_o lay_v forth_o the_o right_a intent_n of_o those_o father_n not_o only_o by_o comparison_n of_o other_o writer_n but_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v i_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o foreign_a sense_n beside_o their_o true_a meaning_n for_o when_o jerome_n and_o austen_n allege_v the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o distinction_n betwixt_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o name_n and_o obtinuit_fw-la title_n of_o honour_n which_o at_o first_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o after_o divide_v by_o the_o obtinuit_fw-la use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o austen_n express_v we_o can_v absolute_o grant_v the_o place_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o cause_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o their_o power_n and_o function_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o jerome_n say_v presbyter_n be_v subject_a in_o such_o fort_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n observe_v rather_o by_o custom_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o presbyter_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n jerome_n possidonius_fw-la and_o other_o may_v neither_o luciferianos_fw-la baptize_v 88_o preach_v nor_o 9_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o the_o bishop_n leave_n especial_o in_o his_o presence_n which_o indeed_o grow_v rather_o by_o custom_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n then_o by_o any_o rule_n or_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o bishop_n do_v nothing_o which_o a_o presbyter_n may_v not_o do_v save_o impose_v of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v that_o be_v the_o only_a distinction_n in_o the_o scripture_n betwixt_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o presbyter_n as_o euagr._fw-la jerome_n and_o timotheum_n chrysostome_n affirm_v other_o difference_n which_o the_o church_n keep_v many_o as_o to_o impose_v hand_n on_o the_o baptize_v and_o convert_v to_o reconcile_v penitent_n and_o such_o like_a be_v rather_o peculiar_a to_o the_o bishop_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o call_n then_o for_o any_o necessity_n of_o god_n law_n if_o any_o man_n urge_v further_o out_o of_o jerome_n that_o there_o be_v no_o bishop_n at_o all_o nor_o chief_a ruler_n over_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n of_o each_o place_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n i_o answer_v he_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a patroness_n of_o their_o new_a discipline_n 23._o non_fw-la ita_fw-la desipuisse_fw-la existimandus_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la somniaretneminem_fw-la illi_fw-la coetui_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la icrome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v so_o unwise_a as_o to_o dream_v the_o presbytery_n have_v no_o chief_a ruler_n or_o precedent_n m._n it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n ordinance_n that_o in_o the_o presbytery_n one_o chief_a in_o place_n and_o dignity_n shall_v govern_v each_o action_n or_o meeting_n and_o again_o 21._o tales_n episcopos_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la &_o quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la christi_fw-la voce_fw-la constitutos_fw-la absit_fw-la ut_fw-la unquam_fw-la simus_fw-la inficiati_fw-la that_o such_o bishop_n as_o be_v pastor_n in_o every_o city_n and_o chief_a of_o their_o presbytery_n be_v appoint_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v ever_o deny_v this_o say_v he_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a discipline_n on_o the_o other_o side_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v i_o shall_v urge_v any_o other_o but_o such_o as_o be_v pastor_n over_o their_o church_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n under_o they_o if_o we_o thus_o far_o agree_v what_o cause_n then_o have_v those_o turbulent_a head_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o they_o all_o which_o to_o ease_v their_o stomach_n or_o to_o please_v their_o maintainer_n jest_v and_o rail_v rather_o like_v stage-player_n than_o divine_n on_o those_o who_o the_o wise_a sort_n among_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o appoint_v by_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n himself_o if_o their_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o strong_a and_o weighty_a howsoever_o they_o flatter_v themselves_o in_o fluary_n let_v they_o remember_v who_o say_v 10._o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o they_o will_v haply_o save_v themselves_o for_o that_o our_o bishop_n differ_v from_o the_o apostolic_a bishop_n in_o many_o thing_n as_o namely_o they_o 156._o succeed_v in_o order_n we_o by_o election_n the_o dignity_n be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n 156._o common_a to_o every_o presbyter_n in_o his_o course_n now_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o one_o with_o they_o it_o 156._o dure_v for_o a_o season_n as_o a_o week_n or_o a_o month_n with_o we_o for_o life_n except_o by_o just_a cause_n any_o deserve_v to_o be_v remoove_v last_o they_o have_v but_o 156._o priority_n of_o place_n and_o authority_n to_o moderate_v the_o meeting_n and_o consulting_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o empire_n over_o their_o fellow-presbyter_n these_o be_v precise_o the_o point_n wherein_o one_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a of_o that_o side_n contend_v the_o ancient_a and_o apostolic_a institution_n of_o bishop_n be_v change_v by_o process_n of_o time_n into_o a_o other_o form_n establish_v by_o custom_n and_o confirm_v by_o consent_n of_o man_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o have_v not_o alter_v or_o invert_v the_o sense_n or_o sentence_n if_o any_o of_o these_o difference_n be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o no_o cause_n to_o discredit_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o elect_v her_o bishop_n to_o hold_v their_o place_n so_o long_o as_o they_o govern_v well_o for_o the_o same_o writer_n pronounce_v of_o these_o very_a thing_n set_v the_o last_o aside_o supra_fw-la neque_fw-la in_fw-la istis_fw-la quicquam_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la reprehendi_fw-la possit_fw-la neither_o in_o these_o thing_n be_v there_o aught_o that_o can_v be_v mislike_v but_o in_o deed_n there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o these_o diversity_n that_o can_v be_v just_o prove_v either_o by_o scripture_n
or_o father_n they_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o some_o late_a writer_n that_o as_o touch_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n will_v fain_o find_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o the_o next_o age_n ensue_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v to_o have_v reject_v the_o universal_a order_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o good_a and_o sufficient_a warrant_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o age_n and_o church_n be_v so_o strong_a against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v hard_o drive_v to_o hunt_v after_o every_o syllable_n that_o sound_v any_o thing_n that_o way_n &_o yet_o can_v they_o light_v on_o no_o sure_a ground_n to_o build_v their_o late_a devise_n on_o or_o to_o weaken_v the_o general_a and_o perpetual_a course_n which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v in_o all_o place_n keep_v inviolable_a even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n a_o few_o word_n of_o ambrose_n be_v set_v down_o to_o bear_v all_o this_o burden_n but_o they_o be_v so_o insufficient_a and_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o bewray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o new_a frame_n for_o ambrose_n speak_v not_o one_o word_n either_o of_o go_v by_o course_n or_o of_o change_v after_o a_o time_n only_o he_o say_v bishop_n at_o first_o be_v place_v by_o order_n and_o not_o by_o election_n that_o be_v the_o elder_a or_o worthy_a have_v the_o place_n while_o he_o live_v and_o after_o he_o the_o next_o in_o order_n without_o any_o further_a choice_n for_o that_o order_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o if_o any_o such_o be_v proceed_v from_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o go_v either_o by_o senioritie_n of_o time_n or_o priority_n of_o place_n allot_v every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o we_o may_v free_o grant_v without_o any_o repugnance_n or_o annoyance_n to_o the_o vocation_n or_o function_n of_o bishop_n let_v the_o disciplinist_n confess_v there_o be_v a_o superior_a and_o distinct_a charge_n of_o the_o precedent_n or_o chief_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbyter_n as_o well_o in_o guide_v the_o key_n as_o impose_v hand_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v take_v to_o the_o office_n by_o election_n or_o by_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v all_o one_o i_o hope_v the_o place_n of_o the_o presbyter_n in_o order_n according_a to_o their_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o apostle_n oversight_n and_o direction_n and_o so_o long_o whether_o they_o set_v such_o in_o order_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o place_n or_o whether_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o discretion_n and_o election_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o great_o force_v not_o howbeit_o the_o word_n of_o jerome_n be_v so_o express_v that_o bishop_n be_v make_v by_o election_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n that_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v with_o their_o collection_n out_o of_o ambrose_n euagrium_n alexandria_n à _fw-fr marco_n euangelista_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la unum_fw-la semper_fw-la ex_fw-la se_fw-la electum_fw-la in_fw-la celsiore_fw-la gradu_fw-la collocatum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la nominabant_fw-la at_o alexandria_n even_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n the_o presbyter_n always_o choose_v one_o of_o themselves_o and_o place_v he_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n call_v he_o a_o bishop_n mark_v die_v six_o year_n before_o peter_n and_o paul_n as_o the_o ecclesiastical_a story_n witness_v &_o consequent_o the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n be_v elect_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n yea_o that_o church_n as_o jerome_n say_v do_v always_o elect_v there_o never_o succeed_v any_o by_o order_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o succeed_n whether_o by_o order_n or_o by_o choice_n i_o make_v not_o so_o great_a account_n as_o for_o their_o continuance_n the_o patroness_n of_o the_o late_a discipline_n will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o episcopal_a dignity_n or_o regiment_n of_o the_o presbytery_n go_v round_o by_o course_n to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n and_o dure_v a_o week_n or_o some_o such_o time_n for_o ghess_n must_v serve_v they_o when_o other_o proof_n fail_v they_o which_o assertion_n of_o they_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o proceed_v of_o too_o much_o ignorance_n or_o too_o little_a conscience_n if_o the_o man_n be_v not_o well_o learned_a i_o shall_v suspect_v ignorance_n if_o the_o case_n be_v not_o more_o than_o clear_a i_o will_v not_o challenge_v their_o conscience_n but_o be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o the_o case_n so_o clear_a that_o in_o my_o simple_a read_n i_o never_o see_v clear_a nor_o plain_o except_v always_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n let_v the_o christian_a reader_n judge_n for_o i_o dare_v not_o pronounce_v with_o what_o intent_n a_o manifest_a truth_n be_v not_o only_o dissemble_v but_o stout_o contradict_v and_o a_o evident_a falsehood_n avouch_v and_o advance_v to_o the_o height_n of_o a_o apostolic_a and_o divine_a ordinance_n by_o the_o chief_a pillar_n of_o these_o new_a find_v consistory_n it_o be_v late_o deliver_v as_o a_o oracle_n that_o under_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n who_o they_o and_o we_o call_v bishop_n but_o such_o as_o dure_v for_o a_o short_a time_n and_o change_v round_o by_o course_n and_o this_o be_v call_v the_o apostolic_a and_o divine_a institution_n how_o palpale_v a_o untruth_n this_o be_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o mean_a scholar_n to_o discern_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o alexandria_n after_o mark_n be_v anianus_n make_v the_o 24._o eightyeere_n of_o nero_n reign_n and_o he_o continue_v 13._o two_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o abilius_n succeed_v he_o abilius_n sit_v 21._o thirteen_o year_n and_o die_v leave_v the_o place_n to_o cerdo_v these_o three_o succeed_v one_o a_o other_o saint_n john_n yet_o live_v neither_o have_v alexandria_n any_o more_o than_o two_o bishop_n in_o 35._o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o mark_n 45._o euodius_n make_v bishop_n of_o antioch_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o death_n of_o peter_n and_o paul_n suruive_v they_o one_o year_n and_o after_o he_o succeed_v 71_o ignatius_n who_o outlive_v saint_n john_n and_o die_v in_o the_o 111._o eleven_o year_n of_o traiane_n leave_v the_o place_n to_o heron_n after_o he_o have_v keep_v it_o forty_o year_n so_o that_o in_o 66._o year_n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v but_o two_o bishop_n at_o jerusalem_n 63._o jame_v call_v the_o lord_n brother_n sit_v bishop_n thirty_o year_n and_o 111._o simeon_n that_o succeed_v he_o keep_v the_o place_n eight_o and_o thirty_o year_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o threescore_o and_o eight_o year_n but_o two_o bishop_n at_o rome_n while_o saint_n john_n live_v there_o be_v but_o three_o bishop_n linus_n anacletus_fw-la and_o clemens_n which_o three_o continue_v two_o and_o thirty_o year_n if_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a let_v they_o take_v the_o example_n of_o polycarpe_n make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o continue_v a_o long_a time_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n and_o 3_o depart_v this_o life_n a_o very_a age_a man_n with_o a_o most_o glorious_a and_o most_o noble_a kind_n of_o martyrdom_n the_o space_n he_o sit_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n if_o it_o be_v not_o 15._o fourscore_o and_o six_o year_n for_o so_o long_o he_o have_v serve_v christ_n as_o his_o answer_n show_v to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o asia_n yet_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v above_o threescore_o and_o ten_o year_n for_o he_o live_v so_o many_o year_n after_o saint_n john_n who_o scholar_n he_o be_v and_o by_o who_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n and_o die_v as_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n in_o their_o letter_n entitle_v he_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n at_o smyrna_n this_o one_o instance_n be_v able_a to_o mar_v the_o whole_a plot_n of_o their_o suppose_a apostolical_a &_o changeable_a regency_n for_o no_o part_n of_o this_o story_n can_v be_v doubt_v be_v he_o not_o make_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o the_o apostle_n polycarpo_fw-es jerom_n 35._o eusebius_n heretic_n tertullian_n and_o 3._o irenaeus_n that_o live_v with_o he_o and_o learned_a so_o much_o of_o he_o affirm_v it_o live_v he_o not_o bishop_n of_o smyrna_n so_o long_a time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o smyrna_n give_v he_o that_o title_n at_o his_o death_n their_o letter_n be_v yet_o extant_a in_o eusebius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o he_o die_v be_v 1â—_n marcus_n antoninus_n and_o lucius_n aurelius_n commodus_n as_o eusebius_n and_o jerome_n do_v witness_n who_o begin_v their_o reign_n 164._o 64._o after_o the_o death_n of_o saint_n john_n polycarpe_n suffer_v the_o
timothy_n in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o power_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n have_v the_o like_a order_n as_o appeareth_z by_o their_o succession_n of_o bishop_n fetch_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n of_o timothy_n successor_n if_o any_o man_n doubt_v the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n will_v tell_v he_o the_o number_n of_o they_o 11._o a_o sancto_fw-la timotheo_n usque_fw-la nunc_fw-la 27._o episcopi_fw-la facti_fw-la omnes_fw-la in_o epheso_fw-la sunt_fw-la ordinati_fw-la from_o bless_a timothy_n unto_o this_o present_a the_o 27._o bishop_n that_o have_v be_v make_v have_v be_v all_o ordain_v at_o ephesus_n other_o haretic_n apostolic_a church_n as_o tertullian_n say_v have_v the_o like_a order_n of_o bishop_n so_o derive_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o first_o bishop_n have_v for_o his_o author_n and_o antecessor_n one_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o some_o apostolic_a man_n which_o have_v continue_v with_o the_o apostle_n so_o the_o bishop_n of_o cyprus_n in_o the_o three_o general_a council_n of_o ephesus_n do_v witness_v for_o their_o island_n cypr_n troilus_n say_v they_o sabinus_n epiphanius_n and_o the_o most_o holy_a bishop_n that_o be_v before_o they_o and_o all_o that_o have_v be_v even_o from_o the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v by_o such_o as_o be_v of_o cyprus_n if_o timothy_n commission_n dip_v too_o deep_a for_o the_o presbyter_n store_n howbeital_n the_o ancient_a father_n with_o one_o consent_n make_v that_o epistle_n a_o very_a pattern_n for_o the_o episcopal_a power_n and_o calling_n yet_o the_o authority_n which_o so_o many_o thousand_o learned_a and_o godly_a bishop_n have_v have_v and_o use_v with_o the_o like_n and_o allowance_n of_o all_o church_n council_n and_o father_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n shall_v to_o no_o reasonable_a man_n seem_v intolerable_a or_o unlawful_a except_o we_o think_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n from_o her_o first_o plant_n till_o this_o our_o age_n lack_v not_o only_a religion_n but_o also_o understand_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o pastoral_a moderation_n &_o tyrannical_a domination_n to_o which_o humour_n if_o any_o man_n incline_v i_o must_v rather_o detest_v his_o arrogancy_n then_o stand_v to_o refute_v so_o gross_a a_o absurdity_n i_o will_v therefore_o set_v down_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o power_n which_o bishop_n have_v have_v above_o presbyter_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n if_o the_o disciplinarian_o think_v it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v glad_o hear_v not_o their_o opinion_n and_o assertion_n which_o i_o have_v often_o read_v and_o never_o believe_v but_o some_o quick_a and_o sure_a probation_n out_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o those_o shall_v quiet_v the_o strife_n betwixt_o us._n the_o canon_n call_v apostolic_a allege_v by_o themselves_o as_o ancient_a say_v thus_o 38_o the_o presbyter_n and_o deacon_n let_v they_o do_v nothing_o without_o the_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n of_o the_o bishop_n he_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v trust_v with_o the_o lord_n people_n and_o that_o shall_v render_v account_n for_o their_o soul_n ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n almost_o thirty_o year_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n agree_v full_o with_o that_o canon_n and_o say_v magnesios_n do_v you_o nothing_o neither_o presbyter_n deacon_n nor_o lay_v man_n without_o the_o bishop_n neither_o let_v any_o thing_n seem_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orderly_o or_o reasonable_a without_o his_o like_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o displeasant_a to_o god_n angelo_fw-mi again_o smyrnaeos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o the_o bishop_n let_v no_o man_n do_v anything_o that_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n the_o ancient_a council_n of_o 13._o ancyra_n 56_o laodicea_n 19_o arle_n 20_o toledo_n and_o other_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o be_v christian_a and_o lawful_a yea_o no_o council_n or_o father_n do_v ever_o attribute_v any_o such_o power_n to_o the_o presbyter_n as_o by_o number_n of_o voice_n to_o over-rule_v the_o bishop_n in_o every_o thing_n as_o our_o late_a reformer_n have_v devise_v rather_o to_o retrieve_v the_o world_n to_o their_o pleasure_n then_o to_o imitate_v any_o former_a example_n of_o christ_n church_n or_o to_o reverence_v the_o rule_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o holy_a writ_n if_o then_o we_o seek_v for_o right_a apostolic_a bishop_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v leave_v or_o send_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o every_o city_n that_o believe_v so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o in_o their_o stead_n as_o their_o successor_n to_o receive_v charge_n of_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o guide_v the_o key_n with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o such_o as_o labour_v with_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n these_o part_n if_o i_o be_v not_o deceive_v be_v full_o prove_v in_o their_o convenient_a place_n thither_o i_o remit_v the_o reader_n that_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v more_o it_o suffice_v i_o for_o this_o present_a that_o no_o part_n of_o this_o power_n can_v be_v just_o challenge_v as_o tyrannical_a or_o intolerable_a by_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a or_o humane_a law_n and_o therefore_o the_o object_v of_o domination_n be_v a_o superfluous_a if_o not_o a_o envious_a quarrel_n of_o they_o declare_v they_o either_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o understand_v the_o matter_n for_o which_o we_o chief_o contend_v touch_v synodall_n decree_n and_o prince_n law_n for_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n since_o they_o must_v of_o force_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o conscience_n of_o some_o that_o shall_v execute_v they_o i_o have_v examine_v who_o be_v the_o meet_a man_n to_o be_v put_v in_o trust_n with_o those_o matter_n in_o who_o there_o can_v be_v just_o no_o suspicion_n nor_o occasion_n 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upon_o urgent_a necessity_n i_o have_v finish_v in_o the_o like_a case_n write_v to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o whole_a people_n of_o carthage_n he_o say_v of_o caelerinus_n that_o open_o profess_a christ_n and_o valiant_o endure_v the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o heathen_a persecuter_n 5._o exult_v and_o rejoice_v with_o we_o at_o the_o read_n of_o our_o letter_n by_o which_o i_o and_o my_o colleague_n which_o be_v present_a signify_v unto_o you_o that_o caelerinus_n our_o brother_n be_v receive_v into_o our_o clergy_n not_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o man_n but_o by_o god_n acceptance_n because_o it_o be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o seemly_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o ecclesiastical_a honour_n who_o the_o lord_n so_o honour_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o heavenly_a glory_n he_o and_o aurelius_n be_v appoint_v for_o a_o time_n to_o be_v reader_n but_o now_o know_v you_o that_o we_o have_v assign_v unto_o they_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o presbytery_n &_o to_o 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each_o place_n be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a have_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o chief_a pastor_n or_o bishop_n elect_v to_o succeed_v in_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o chair_n above_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v his_o brethren_n in_o office_n child_n in_o honour_n helper_n in_o labour_n and_o assessor_n in_o counsel_n and_o judgement_n the_o three_o use_n be_v the_o trapn_v up_o and_o try_v of_o man_n that_o be_v meet_v to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o soul_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n repose_v on_o they_o at_o first_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n supply_v all_o want_n and_o defect_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n so_o that_o by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n man_n afore_o unfit_a be_v make_v meet_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o always_o to_o continue_v or_o not_o in_o so_o plentiful_a manner_n as_o at_o the_o prime_a tide_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o 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